Travel Ideas

by: Figi Lesole

The Fiji Islands, are one of the most desirable destinations in South Pacific area. They are known for their climate, beauty, and culture and hundreds of thousands travel there every year to sample just a few days of paradise. With thousands of miles of unspoiled white sandy beaches, coral reefs, and emerald lagoons, the Fiji Islands fulfill everyone’s idea of the perfect tropical paradise. Add to that dream a few waterfalls, a rainforest, and deep, lush valleys and the Fiji islands soar are simply insurmountable as a tourism destination.

the Fiji Islands are a unique setting with some of the friendlist people in the world as its residents. You will experience the unique blend of old and new not found in other locales. Here you can relax and enjoy what you will surely call your own paradise.

Whatever your interest may be, there is something on the Fiji Islands for everybody. Many visitors take the time to experience local markets and villages while others merely like to lie on the beach and read a book. Most sporting activities are geared for daylight hours, but the larger cities have evening movies and some have independent restaurants and nightclubs. Dances and festivals may be held on weekends, holidays or other special occasions.

The Fiji Islands are unparalleled in their range of water and outdoors activities and for the water lover, the Fiji Islands are shjeer heaven. Scuba diving and snorkeling are available year round to allow people to explore the safe but exotic marine life. Wind and body surfing, sailing of all types, kayaking and water skiing are just a few of the many other activities for visitors to enjoy the warm tropical waters.
For those less inclined to have fun on the water, land lovers may prefer to explore the rainforest, caves or archeological sites. In addition, back-packing, biking, golf, tennis, horse back riding and bird watching are other activities that are readily available.

The Fiji Islands offer all of the customary lodgings, but the small intimate resorts with their unique bungalow style accommodations are an experience not to be missed. These bungalows otherwise known as bure can be simple or world class, depending on your budget. You will find them to be the perfect place for your dream wedding or honeymoon, family vacation, and even that lengthy business trip. These resorts usually offer all inclusive packages, providing rooms, meals, activities and entertainment.

About The Author

Figi Lesole is the owner of Fiji which is a premier resource for fiji information. For more information, go to http://www.fijicom.com.

by: Jakob Jelling

Langeais is famous by its interesting Chateau and the history existing within its walls. This Chateau constantly attracts visitors from all points of the world, who approach willing to observe its architectural structure, its artistic ornaments, and learn about its history while walking by around its rooms.
The Chateau of Langeais, built during the XV century, is one of the oldest of its kind within the entire region of Loire Valley. This way, it is a must for those tourists who enjoy meeting antique constructions due not only to its age but also to the great shape in which it is conserved to the date. Besides the construction itself, this Chateau also allows tourists to observe several art related elements from the Renaissance and other antique ?poques as well as other elements such as, for example, furniture pieces.
The Langeais castle shows an appearance of strength and militarily designed structure mixed with a few delicate ornaments. It has a draw bridge typical from the ?poque in which was built, and the overall external appearance is of simplicity rather than counting with much ornaments or being over charged any other elements.
Within its interior, Langeais Chateau shows a different style than its exterior does. Within the interior of this castle, there are many structural elements and ornaments typical from the Renaissance as well as many furniture pieces dating from as long ago as the XVI century as well. This way, meeting this castle’s interior and walking around its rooms can be very interesting and allows tourists to almost feel like being back into the ?poque in which these objects where created.
Among the different elements and objects visitors can see while being in Langeais Chateu, some of the most interesting ones are its paintings and tapestries. Most of the paintings available for tourists to observe were created by Luini, and show some typical elements of the style predominant at the ?poque when they were created. The tapestries are exhibited within the walls in such a way the castle visitors could even touch them if they wanted, allowing them to observe them from very close.

About The Author

Jakob Jelling is the founder of Eurotomic.com. Please visit http://www.eurotomic.com/france.php if you’re planning a trip to France.

by: Jakob Jelling

Chinon is an old French town located in the area of Val de Loire. This town is surrounded by two rivers, the Vienne and the Loire, as well as by an important extension of country land. Besides its geographical attributes, and strongly related to them, this area produces excellent wine which causes it to be world wide famous.
The surrounding country lands are one of Chinon’s main attractions due not only to their natural beauty but to the antique buildings located within them as well. This way, it is a must to visit these country land spots and learn where the main different constructions are in order to make sure of heading towards them as well.
Chinon started gaining importance within the region of Loire Valley in the middle Ages while Henry II was king of England. During this period of time, this castle was re arranged and often inhabited by king Henry II since it had become one of his favorite residences. This way, within the next years since first discovered by Henry II, Chinon castle and the entire region received a constant attention and was always looking as beautiful as possible due to the king?s orders.
At beginnings of the 13th century, the town of Chinon became part of the Royal Estates which belonged to the French crown. Then, during the hundred years? war, the town of Chinon gained importance again due to the fact that Charles VII started visiting this town very often and even inhabit in it for important periods of time.
Charles VII and his court made this area very famous within the region and the entire France as well, attracting people to it in a constant basis. Towards the last years of the 1420’s, Joan of Arc could also be seen among the visitors of this area since she would come to see Charles VII along with other people.
During the 16th century, the town of Chinon lost its last royal inhabitants. After that, during the 17th century, Chinon became part of Duke Richelieu estates, and due to the lack of attention the main Castle received in that period, it started loosing the charm and importance it had made it famous during the precedent centuries.

About The Author

Jakob Jelling is the founder of Eurotomic.com. Please visit http://www.eurotomic.com/france.php if you’re planning a trip to France.

by: Janet James

~Take My Breath Away!~
You’ve already know about AA, AAA, ABC, ADT and so on. If you’re going to the mountains, you might want to add AMS. It stands for Acute Mountain Sickness or more commonly, Altitude Sickness.You say, why are you bringing up sickness when I’m going on the trip of a lifetime - isn’t that just bad karma? Think of it as a vaccination - sort of like a trip into the Amazon jungles. You wouldn’t think of going there without, say… thirty or more shots, would you? So if you’re going to the high altitudes, why not prevent sickness!
~What Causes Altitude Sickness?~
Mountain scenes are indeed breathtaking. As you reach higher altitudes, barometric pressure decreases so every breath you take contains fewer molecules of oxygen causing you to take more breaths to get the oxygen you need. Of course this happens when you exert yourself walking up any hill, but at low altitudes, the shortness of breath usually resolves itself soon after you rest. Not so in a high altitude.
As the amount of oxygen in your lungs decreases, the blood becomes less and less efficient at acquiring and transporting oxygen, so no matter how many breaths you take, you are unlikely to attain a normal blood level of oxygen. It takes your brain a few days to figure out it has to breathe more.
Although everyone reacts differently, anybody can get AMS, even those who are physically fit, with lots of high altitude experience, young or old, male or female.
~The Easiest Way to Prevent Altitude Sickness~
The most common reason for getting AMS is directly related to how quickly you ascend, so if you plan to go high, your best guarantee is to go slow. If that’s not possible, at least know the symptoms and what to do, and you should be able to feel better quickly and avoid the severe, life-threatening forms. Drink lots of liquids, exercise moderately, eat small meals high in carbohydrates and low in fat and take a few herbs.
Other important steps to take include avoiding alcohol, sleeping pills and narcotic pain medications in more than modest doses.
~Medical Definitions of Altitude~
High Altitude:

5000 - 11500 ft

Very High Altitude:

11500 - 18000 ft

Extreme Altitude:

Above 18,000 ft.

~Signals that your brain hasn’t caught on yet that you’re not at sea level~
Nausea

Dizziness

Insomnia

Headaches

Bloody nose

Fatigue or weakness

Loss of appetite

Confusion

Staggering

~How to decrease the effects of AMS~
Ascend slowly and let yourself acclimate to each altitude.

Drink plenty of fluids - water and juice.

Avoid alcohol.

Minimize caffeine intake.

Decrease salt.

Eat a low fat, high carbohydrate diet.

DESCEND! (But only if its really bad).

~What the Doctor Says~
According to Dr. Lynne Drakos, acupuncturist and doctor of Oriental Medicine, a must for altitude adjustment is Siberian Ginseng. She also suggests eating foods high in iron, including molasses, green leafy vegetables, beets and red meat for the moisturizing value they give the body.
We have found taking doses of antioxidants seems to help also.

About The Author

Janet James
For more fun, informative and useful articles on what to wear, how to prepare for the weather, high altitude cooking, and feature stories on Colorado, visit http://www.funtripslive.com/co_ski_country/get_ready/get_ready.htm

by: Dave Kitt

When visiting Las Vegas for the first time it can be quite overwhelming. The following tips can help you enjoy your vacation and relieve unwanted stress.
Before You Leave - Book As Much As You Can Online
Las Vegas is an extremely busy place. The last thing you want is to plan your dream vacation only to find out everything is sold-out when you get there. Las Vegas Hotels, Las Vegas Shows and Las Vegas Tours are the reason people go to Las Vegas.
TIP: Book ahead and you will be guaranteed to enjoy your stay.
Choosing Your Las Vegas Hotel
The main Las Vegas strip is approx. 5 miles from end to end and the most economical way of getting around is to walk. You can take the new monorail or a taxi but these can add up and take away from your fun money. Also, if you are there to sight-see the vast hotel properties you will miss out by taking alternate transportation.
TIP: Book a hotel in the middle of the Las Vegas strip. These hotels vary from very economical (Imperial Palace) to very posh (Caesar?s Palace).
Flying Into Las Vegas McCarran Airport
You finally made it. Your hotel is booked, your shows are booked and your tours are booked. Now you just want to get to your hotel and relax for a bit. Simple, right? Wrong. Depending on when you get in you will be faced with a wait for a taxi cab and if it is during the day in the summer the heat will almost kill you and if it is late at night the cold will also get to you.
TIP: If your travel plans do not include hotel transfers and you are traveling with a partner or a group, send someone outside to stand in line for a taxi cab while the others wait to pick up the luggage. At peak times, waits can be as long as an hour for a taxi cab. Also, do not be afraid to ask the attendant if there are any hotel shuttles you may take, as a lot of times these shuttles leave with many empty seats available.
Getting to Your Hotel by Taxi Cab
TIP: Do not ask your driver to take the strip. It will cost you as you sit in long lines of traffic that seem to move backwards. Taking the #15 will reduce your cab ride substantially as it bypasses the strip and has many exits that will get you to your hotel much faster. Why waste your money?
Checking Into Your Hotel
When checking in to your hotel, don?t be afraid to ask the Front Desk if there are any free upgrades available. Depending on the time of the year some hotels are not always booked to capacity and will gladly give you perks when asked politely. Why stay in a standard room if a deluxe room is available at no extra cost. You will appreciate a Jacuzzi tub after walking the strip all day.
TIP: Unless your room has a view, try to stay in the lower floors where you can access the main floor by taking the stairs. At peak times you can wait 5 - 10 minutes every time you want to catch an elevator. It can wear on your patience after awhile.
2005 © ikrave entertainment group inc., All rights reserved.

About The Author

Dave Kitt is a frequent traveler to Las Vegas and from experience has compiled these tips to make your trip more enjoyable.
To book all your Las Vegas needs please visit:

www.lasvegas-hotels.ca

www.lasvegas-shows.ca

www.lasvegas-tours.ca
dkitt@ikrave.com

Tours in Myanmar - Asia’s Best Kept Secret

by: Tony Jones

Of the Southeast Asian nations, Myanmar attracts fewer tourists than the more ?trendy? spots such as Thailand, Malaysia and recently Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. But a country that is known by two names evokes its own cloud of mystery and is sure to pique the interest of adventure seekers and the more intrepid traveler.
Burma was a British colony until independence was granted in 1948. In 1990 the country?s name was changed to Myanmar (which means all national races) to better reflect all the diversity of ethnic groups. It has affectionately been called the ?Land of Ten Thousand Pagodas? and the ?Golden Land?: both names are apt. In some cities temples can be found on nearly every corner and ? while this may not differ from nearby countries ? many of these highlight the extraordinary relationship that the Burmese have between their beliefs and the land.
Myanmar has approximately 45 million people who are divided into over 165 recognised ethnic groups. It shares its borders with Bangladesh, Laos, China, Thailand and the Bay of Bengal. The country is rich in natural resources ? it has lovely pearls, rubies and gems ? and its landscape includes pristine beaches, lowland plains and snow ?capped mountains.
Unlike other neighboring nations, Myanmar has had little foreign investment: it is one of a handful of countries that remain unscarred by globalised food chains. As a result, traveling in this land induces images of ancient Asia and provides an opportunity for complete immersion in a culture untainted by westernisation.
No trip to Myanmar is complete without visiting some of the following: Mt Popa, the Pindaya Caves, Kyaiktiyo, Bagan, The Thanbode Temple, Mandalay, Inle Lake and the capital Yangon.
Mt Popa in the eastern part of the country is an amazing geographical and man-made spectacle. The mountain is an extinct volcano that because of its sheer-sidedness resembles an inverted bowl; however, it is the Monastery built on the plateau that catches the eye. At 1518 metres it can be seen from all directions and its white walls and golden trimmings resemble a fairytale castle.
Nearby the Pindaya Caves are another example of a remarkable union between nature and mankind. Situated behind the main attraction (the Shweu {Golden Cave} pagoda) tunnel-like limestone caves snake into the mountain. Within this maze, 6000 Buddha images flicker in the candlelight creating a surreal effect that will be sure to leave the visitor more enlightened.
Not to be outdone by these two attractions is the remarkable Kyaikhtiyo pagoda. It sits upon a golden rock that balances atop Mt Kyaiktiyo. The large golden boulder can actually be rocked back and forth and is said to balance because of a precisely placed Buddha hair. The legend is that 2500 years ago a hermit was given a hair by the Buddha and sought an appropriate place for such a sacred object. He found a rock that resembled the Buddha?s head and secured the hair in a pagoda on top. Many villagers make the pilgrimage to the 1100 metre high site, which, having survived several earthquakes, is truly one of the world?s wonders.
Also in the eastern mountains at 700 metres above seas level is Inle Lake, a gentle body of water bound by reeds and canals. Two hundred villages surround the lake and many houses rise out of the water on stilts. The lake is an important resource of the 150,000 people of the Shan state, providing for their main activities: fishing and weaving. It also serves as a marketplace where canoes are used as stalls and people paddle through the flotilla browsing and buying all types of wares.
The Ayeyarwady River splits Myanmar down the middle, running from China to the Bay of Bengal through Mandalay and alongside the capital Yangon. Both these cities are dotted with temples and pagodas, most notable are; the Kuthodaw pagoda in Mandalay, famous for its marble writings from the Buddha cannon; and the pristine, 2500 year old Shwedagon in Yangon with a spire that towers 100 metres.
The Mandalay region was the last Kingdom of the Myanmar dynasty before the English took control. Now the city remains the cultural center of Myanmar and offers tourists a trip back in time??.. by the river water buffalo teams can still be seen bringing in logs! A boat trip up the Ayeyarwady also reveals an insightful look into village life and an opportunity to mix with the hardworking and friendly locals. If you are still interested in pagodas, they line the banks!
Myanmar is also home to two of the largest abandoned cities in the world: Bagan and Mrak U. An ancient capital between 1044 and 1287 AD, Bagan is thought to be the birthplace of the Myanmar civilization. Today it?s a very popular tourist destination; the city is clean and spacious and provides a base to visit the 2000 or so temples built on the 16 square kilometer site. In contrast, Mrak U is only accessible by a five-hour boat ride out of the small village of Sittwe and at present many of its temples are being restored.
The giant temple of Thanbode is one temple that must be visited. Situated just outside of Monywa it was built between 1939 and 1952 and is home to 582,257 Buddha images: possibly the largest single collection of Buddha statues in the world. Two white elephants, that symbolize fertility and knowledge, guard the collection.
The Burmese people are very friendly and almost tribal in nature. Their family and friends are extremely important in their life and they extend this friendship to foreigners: often seeking them out and initiating conversations. With such a fusion of cultures this makes for an exceptional travel experience unlikely to be replicated elsewhere.
In 1898 Rudyard Kipling wrote, ?this is Burma, and it will be quite unlike any land you will know.? This statement rings true today as Myanmar remains a rare gem; the people, culture and scenery combining to make it a unique experience in an ever-shrinking world.

About The Author

Tony Jones
Explore-Myanmar is one of the premier tour companies operating in Myanmar, guaranteeing all our customers a truly wonderful holiday experience. For more info please check out our web site. http://www.explore-myanmar.com
info@explore-myanmar.com

by: Christine M. Corbin

I was 37 years old before ever getting to the wonderful world of Walt Disney World. It has always been a dream for me to see the largest theme park in Florida. I was 9 years old when my family went to California to Disney Land where I was in “awe” over the creations and technology of the rides. My favorite ride would have to be at that time was the Haunted Mansion. I had never seen anything like it before. Back then in the 70’s you would never had thought there would be anything better!
After I began my family I also wanted my children to experience WDW like there was no better place to vacation. At 37 years old I finally got to drive with my husband and children to Walt Disney World in Florida. I actually think my husband and I enjoyed it more than my children. Although they had come down with a terrible cold we suffered through it. My legs felt like they would fall off by the end of the day but nothing was going to stop me from seeing as much as I could. We only had two week to see all four parks. At this time Animal Kingdom was the newest park. We still weren’t able to see all that WDW had to offer.
We stayed at the Pop Century Resort. At that time I thought “WOW” we don’t even have to drive to the parks due to the special transportation that they had to provide. We took every advantage of using them! I still remember walking down main street USA and I have to say the Walt Disney Magic Kingdom is my favorite. I notice that things where much different than I could remember from when I was 9 years old at Disney Land and the parks seemed so much bigger. It was then my goal to see Mickey, Minnie and friends. My daughter at my side we began our excursion. I have to laugh because ever time we saw a character we ran to try to get in line first. Boy, that’s a real chore.
My second favorite I would have to say would be Epcot. “O My God”! what great food! The countries are just fabulous and once again I could not find enough time to see all that I wanted to see. I remember watching Illumination The Reflections Of Earth at Epcot and could not ever remember seeing something so beautiful in my life (exceptions of my children’s birth). I could have stayed at that time for ever! The sky just lit up with fireworks and the world that revolves in the water is nothing I’d ever seen before.
When your at Walt Disney World you are able to forget about everything you have back home. Isn’t that life! You become a child again and the feelings of laughter and smiles on everyone’s face. What could be better?
After getting home from our visit in February my husband and I decided to return in May 2005 for our 15 year anniversary. We went without the children this time. We stayed at the Contemporary resort which was just fantastic as you were able to ride the monorail to the parks take the boats or even walk. We were able to walk to the Magic Kingdom in 5 minutes and also could walk to MGM and Epcot if we wanted to. We took the time to visit as many resorts as we could to try to figure out which resort would be our next return. Wow! that is a hard task to figure out. They all have such a unique style to them and so beautiful with different themes for each resort. I then told my husband that we will start researching for deals, discounts, cheap flights, codes and the history of WDW. My husband has become Mr. Disney as we call him at home. He spends most of his time on weekends and after work looking for special deals. This has become a special event for both of us and a hobby. We plan to return to WDW ever year and then some if possible. Plans are to return soon this winter.
Copyright 2005
Author Christine Corbin
For more information on Walt Disney World visit us at www.disneydiscounts.net

About The Author

Christine M. Corbin
I was 37 years old before ever getting to the wonderful world of Walt Disney World. It has always been a dream for me to see the largest theme park in Florida.
dinseydiscounts.net@gmail.com

by: Jakob Jelling

Le Havre is famous, not only within the region of Normandy but through France and the rest of Europe as well due to the fact that it has one of the largest and most important sea ports of France. This way, it is easy to imagine the importance of fishing related activities for this town and the way in which its people and their traditions have a strong bond with the sea.
The town of Le Havre is located at about 130 miles from Paris, 40 miles from Rouen and 40 miles from Caen, in the French Department of Seine Maritime. It can be found towards the right side of the Seine River and facing the coast of the English Channel in such a way that the landscapes it offers are one of the main attractions of the area.
During the XVI century, Le Havre went through some important changes and historical events. Around the year 1516, a port was built in Le Havre under the orders of the French royalty. After that, during the Religious Wars within first years of the decade of 1560, the town went through critical moments and became under the control of the English, although the town’s people and the architecture weren’t hardly damaged and a year after it the French gained the control over this town back.
The port was partially re constructed during the XVII century under the orders of the main minister of Louis XIII, Richelieu. After that, and within the XIX century, some of the port areas were re constructed again under the orders of Napoleon, but it always kept its main characteristics unchanged and nowadays visitors can observe most of its features as they were when it originally was.
Besides this port, there also are several other interesting spots and constructions to meet in Le Havre. One of these constructions is the Church of Notre dame de Bonsecours. This church was built during the XVI century, after what, during the XVII century it also received a few changes and new ornaments. Among a few others, this building is one of the constructions which visitors should not miss while being in Le Havre.

About The Author

Jakob Jelling is the founder of Eurotomic.com. Please visit http://www.eurotomic.com/france.php if you’re planning a trip to France.

by: John Carson

Ever thought of being a kibbutz volunteer in Israel?
My name is John Carson, I’m an English backpacker and I was a kibbutz volunteer for over two years — and had a fantastic time! This free guide will offer tips, hints and information on being a kibbutz volunteer, what Israel is like and what you can get up to over there.
Let me just state that I am not an agency of any kind so can’t organize a place on a kibbutz for you. I get no money for this guide or my Web site from an official kibbutz volunteer office; it’s just a passion of mine that I produce for the fun of it.
Kibbutz Life
A kibbutz is a commune in Israel where the members all work and contribute to the running of the kibbutz. In return, their basic living necessities such as food and accommodation are provided free.
If people do have jobs away from the kibbutz in the cities then they submit their wages. Lately this ideal has been changing as more members fight to keep more of the money they earn, but the majority of kibbutzim follow this pattern of sharing resources.
The good part of all this is that most kibbutzim need volunteers from around the world to work with them. Volunteers work for a very small wage — it?s probably closer to pocket money — but get free accommodation, food and use of the amenities. Sometimes these can include a swimming pool, tennis courts, gym and the pub.
I have been a kibbutz volunteer four times on three different kibbutzim in the Negev Desert region and by the Dead Sea. Having lived in Israel for just over two years, I can attest to this being the best experience of my life. It gave me a lot of confidence in myself, and I had the opportunity to meet some fantastic travellers from around the world… some of whom I still keep in touch with 15 years later.
Even though I personally enjoyed the kibbutz volunteer experience, it is definitely not for everyone?s taste. You work hard (sometimes in very dirty jobs!), live in very basic rooms, earn a pittance and have no privacy at all. The kibbutz life is a melting pot of different cultures, gossip and communal living.
Having said all that, the majority of volunteers I have spoken to always say that memories of those days are some of the best of their lives, and they fondly recall being a kibbutz volunteer.
Of course it?s not all work! Volunteers have lots of parties, go on trips around Israel, spend a lot of time in the kibbutz pub and generally let their hair down during the times when they are not working.
There are romances too between volunteers, and also with the kibbutz members on some occasions. I had some of both!
I can guarantee one thing: kibbutz life is unlike anything you would experience at home, and you will remember those days for ever. It is up to you whether it?s a good or bad experience. Go with an open mind and see what happens.
Going To A Kibbutz
There are basically three ways to get on a kibbutz:
1) Just turn up at the gates. Not recommended!
2) Apply at an agency in Israel. Bit risky, if you have paid to travel all that way and don?t get accepted.
3) Apply at an agency in your home country. This is the safest way in my opinion, as you can check out the facts before flying over.
All the agencies I know of will take a fee for arranging a place on a kibbutz for you. For example, the Kibbutz Program Center in New York charges $150 for registration and $80 for insurance.
This sounds high, but if you factor that into the overall cost of your trip then you also have peace of mind knowing that a kibbutz place has been arranged for you. You also have to take into account that a kibbutz won?t accept you without some kind of insurance, so bear that in mind when saving up for your trip.
I have included the actual application form on my Web site at http://www.kibbutzvolunteer.com so you can see some of the questions you will be asked. Again, I must stress that I have no affiliation with the agencies mentioned here — the information is provided purely for your research and knowledge.
Let?s not lie about it?the main reason kibbutzim want volunteers is to work! And work hard!
Depending on the job, the day starts between 6-7 a.m. (earlier if in the cowsheds or fields) and finishes between noon and 4 p.m. (again, varies depending on the job you do).
And it is a six-day working week = Sunday to Friday.
Jobs include: dishwasher, fields, gardening, cowsheds, chickens, factory, picking dates and bananas, dining room, garage, supplying the nurseries with supplies, laundry, looking after children (normally only the female volunteers do this work), swimming pool maintenance (lucky to be assigned this one!) and general duties as required.
It?s not unusual to be given one particular job on one day, and another the next… but generally the volunteers are kept in the same jobs for at least a month. Newcomers usually start on the dishwasher or in the dining room, and move on ?up the chain? when other volunteers join the kibbutz. So don?t feel disheartened at starting on a crappy job; you will have a chance to change eventually.
In my two years on kibbutzim I worked in most of the jobs mentioned above, my favourite being a gardener. I could basically set my own hours within reason, and the boss just let me get on with it. Had my own tractor and moped too… it was great!
All the jobs have coffee and lunch breaks, and sometimes you can earn extra time off for working overtime or putting in extra effort. That is negotiable between you and your boss, so don?t be afraid to ask. Members have an uncanny knack of spotting the volunteers willing to make an extra effort and those who are along for an easy ride. (You won?t last long if you are in the latter category.)
Don?t worry about spoiling your designer jeans either; kibbutz work clothes and boots are provided for you, and also coats in the winter.
Yes, kibbutzim need volunteers 365 days a year, but obviously the summer months are most popular and competition for places is higher. Don?t be turned off going in winter?Israeli winters are not that cold, mainly rainy, although Jerusalem gets a bit chilly during the winter months. Eilat is nice all year round.
Useful Reading
Allow me a small plug for my book. It is called Beer And Bagels For Breakfast and is a diary of my time as a kibbutz volunteer.
I had such a great time I decided to commit my memories to paper. Not for financial gain (I get peanuts a copy!) but just because I wanted my future kids to see what their dad got up to as a young lad
A lot of friends and family also asked me about my experiences, so I decided to get it published for other potential volunteers to read and learn from. Be warned: it is a ?warts and all? account of my adventures and observations, so there?s accounts of the good times, the not-so-good times, the parties, the volunteer trips, mishaps, kibbutz characters that you meet… and a lot more than I can describe here.
Feel free to read testimonials on my Web site or at Amazon.
Just to show there?s room for more kibbutz volunteer research, I am also going to plug a ?rival? book… although I see it as a complimentary one to mine, not competition.
It has been around a long time and is simply called Kibbutz Volunteer. I actually read one of the first editions of this book and can recommend it as a useful ?how-to? type of book on being a kibbutz volunteer.
This one is more about the aspects of arranging a place, what to expect etc… whereas mine is more about the stuff you don?t normally hear about in the straightforward guides!
Anyway, feel free to check them out and make your own mind up.
Israel Facts
To help you more with research, here are some basic facts about Israel.
Israel
Israel is a small country founded in 1948 in the Middle East between the eastern shores of the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River. Israel was established on May 14, 1948, as a Jewish state. Israel is located at the land bridge between Asia and Africa and has had a full share of history. But Israel is not all ancient and religious sites, for Israel is also a thriving and modern nation packed full of attractions. From the sanctity of the old city of Jerusalem to the chaos of Tel Aviv discotheques to the dazzling corals of the Red Sea, Israel has something for everybody.
Israel — The Holy Land
Israel is considered the Holy Land for Christians, Jews, and Muslims holding many holy sites from the biblical era. Many tourists and pilgrims come to Israel for Holy land tours. The diversity of sacred sites invites all religions and denominations: Christian holy land tours, Catholic holy land tours, as well as Jewish and Muslim Holy land tours to places held sacred such as: Jerusalem, the holy city for Christianity, Judaism and Islam, “Sea of Galilee” where Jesus walked on water according to Christian tradition, Nazareth, the birth place of Jesus, and many more.
People In Israel
Israel is home to a diverse population from many ethnic, religious, cultural and social backgrounds. Of its more than 5.5 million population, we can find Jews, Arabs, Druze Bedouins, Circassian and many other minorities. After Israel was founded as a national home for the Jewish people, many Jews from around the world have immigrated there, creating a melting pot of different cultures and languages. The wealth of different ethnic groups creates a beautiful mosaic of traditions, as can be seen in the language, music and food of the people in Israel.
Languages
The official languages of Israel are Hebrew and Arabic. English is widely used as a second language, and recently Russian has become commonplace.
Religion
Freedom of religion and the inviolability of the holy places and centres of worship for all religions are guaranteed by law. The main practiced religions are Judaism 80.1%, Islam 14.6%, Christians 2.1% and others 3.2%. All three of the major western religions have special places of worship in Israel, many of the located in Israel’s capital, Jerusalem.
Climate In Israel
Israel, despite being a small country, has a very diverse climate. Mediterranean in the north and arid in the south. In summer the cloudless skies and no precipitation are the norm. In winter, the southern half of the country remains under the subtropical high keeping it dry, but weather in the northern half is influenced by depressions that pass over the Mediterranean, bringing moderate rainfall. Precipitation in the north averages 700 mm (28 in), falling primarily from October to March. Rainfall amounts diminish rapidly to the south making the southern end of Israel, the Negev, an arid desert area. Average summer temperatures range from 18 degrees to 32 degrees C (65 degrees to 90 degrees F) over most of the country. Winters are quite mild, with temperatures averaging 14 degrees C (57 degrees F) along the coast and 9 degrees C (48 degrees F) in the mountains.
When To Visit
The mild climate in Israel makes it comfortable all year round. In the winter, Eilat and the Dead Sea in the south of Israel offer warm sunny beaches and clear blue skies even in the height of winter. Five hours away by car, one can ski on the slopes of Mount Hermon. Spring and fall offer the splendor of Israel’s natural beauty at its best. Hike in the serene beauty of Israel’s deserts or settle down and relax in among the blossoming flowers of the Galilee. The summer heats things up making the sandy Mediterranean beaches more attractive than ever. Don’t forget to check out the night life in Tel Aviv which is always hotter than the weather.
Flights To Israel: Airlines And Destinations
Flights to Israel leave daily from many worldwide destinations. Many airline companies offer routine and chartered flights from European destinations. Ninety percent of international flights land at Ben-Gurion (airport code TLV or BGN), formerly known as Lod. Some international flights from Europe, Cyprus and Jordan also arrive at Eilat Airport, Ouvda Airport (40 miles north of Eilat) and at Haifa. Flights from Europe take between three and six hours depending on port of departure. Flights from India (New-Delhi) take around seven hours, and North American flights take between twelve and sixteen hours to arrive in Israel.
Travel Documents
Every visitor to Israel must hold a valid passport. Visitors are allowed to remain in Israel for up to three months from their date of arrival, subject to the terms of the visa issued. Visitors who intend to work in Israel must apply to the Ministry of the Interior for a special visa.
Visitor’s Visas: Citizens of the following countries will be issued visitors’ visas free of charge at every port of entry into Israel:
Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, Germany (Persons born after 1.1.28), Gibraltar, Great Britain, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.
Asia & Oceania: Australia, Fiji Islands, Japan, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Philippines, South Korea
Africa: Central African Republic, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, South Africa, Swaziland.
The Americas: Argentina, Barbados, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Ecuador, Guatemala, Haiti, Jamaica, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, St. Kitts, & Nevis, Surinam, Trinidad, & Tobago, The Bahamas, The Dominican Republic, Uruguay, USA.
Transit Visas: Visitors interested in stopping over in Israel en route to other destinations may request five-day transit visas that may be extended for a further ten days on arrival in Israel. Cruise ship passengers visiting Israel will be issued Landing Cards allowing them to remain in the country as long as their ship is in port. No visa applications are required. Extending your visa: Visas can be extended (for a small fee) at offices in the major cities.
Security Issues
For obvious reasons security measures are especially stringent on flights to Israel. For this reason it is advised to arrive well before your flight as your luggage must be checked through airline security. You may be questioned as to your luggage, destination and purpose of visit to Israel. It is recommended as on all international flights not to bring sharp or weapon-like items as these aren’t allowed aboard the plane, other than in the checked luggage. Security measures taken by Israeli airlines have made them recognized as the safest airlines in the world.
Customs
Some goods may be brought in duty and tax free if accompanying you at the time of entry:
Clothing, footwear, and personal toiletries - of the type and quantities that would normally be brought in a person’s hand luggage.
Alcohol/spirits and wine — for each entrant age 17 and above, 1 litre of alcohol/spirits and 2 litres of wine.
Alcoholic perfumes?for each entrant, up to 1⁄4 litre.
Cigarettes and other tobacco products?for each entrant age 17 and above, up to 250 grams of tobacco products.
Other items not detailed above may be brought in as long as they are for your own personal use or intended as a gift for another person. The total value of such items should not exceed US$200. Included within this amount, each entrant may bring in up to 3 kg. of foodstuff, provided that the weight of each kind of foodstuff does not exceed 1 kg (source: Israeli Customs).
What Are You Waiting For?
Well, that is about it. I have explained as clearly as I can what it takes to become a kibbutz volunteer. The only way to really know for certain is to give it a go.
It goes without saying that Israel can be a dangerous country to be in sometimes… but, it has been like that for a long time and people still travel there to work on kibbutzim. It would not stop me if I ever decided to go back.
I lived there for two years — including 1991 during the first Gulf War — and never felt in danger. You just have to be observant, use common sense and ask the kibbutz members for help and advice when travelling around the country. In my opinion, there?s danger everywhere in the world these days, but it?s up to you whether Israel is for you or not. I can?t advise you one way or the other, just simply offer information from my own experience so you can make your own decision.
So, if you want a disclaimer, it?s up to you whether you decide to spend time and money being a kibbutz volunteer, and I can?t be held responsible. That?s all I can say really!
In summary… the experience is not for everyone, but I had the best time of my life and will always remember those days with affection, excitement and fondness.
There is more information, including forums and photos, on my Web site at http://www.kibbutzvolunteer.com.
Best of luck, and safe travelling!

About The Author

John Carson lived as a kibbutz volunteer in Israel for over two years, and had such a great time he set up http://www.kibbutzvolunteer.com to encourage others to try the experience.

by: Cara Goldsbury

So you?ve finally decided to head to Walt Disney World. With so much to see and do, it?s important to come prepared. Here are some excellent tips to make your trip one that will be remembered for a lifetime.

Plan ahead. Decide ahead of time what your priorities are and make a plan of action.
Get to the parks early! It?s amazing, particularly in busy season, how many of the popular rides you can knock off before half the ?World? gets out of bed.
Take the time to rest in the middle of the day. Stay at one of the Magic Kingdom or Epcot resorts, allowing a return in the middle of the day for a nap or dip in the pool.
Call exactly 90 days prior at 7 AM Orlando time for priority seating if breakfast at Cinderella?s Royal Table in the Magic Kingdom is tops on your child?s list. The only way you might get away with sleeping in and booking a bit later for this highly coveted character breakfast is if you are traveling in extremely slow season.
Come prepared for an afternoon shower during the rainy summer months even if the sky looks perfectly clear in the morning. Rent a locker to store your raingear and circle back if skies start to look threatening. However, if you?re caught unprepared, just about every store in the parks sells inexpensive rain ponchos.
Use Fastpass, Disney?s free, nifty timesaving device. It?s offered at all four theme parks and is a great way to save hours of waiting in line. Just insert your park pass in one of the machines located at each individual Fastpass attraction and receive a ticket printed with a designated one-hour window in which you may return and enter a special line with little or no waiting.
Pre-arrange priority seating, Disney?s answer to dining reservations, by calling 407-WDW-DINE. On arrival you?ll receive the next table available for your party size, thus saving hours of frustration and waiting.
Allow plenty of time to reach the theme parks each morning. It?s easy to miss your breakfast priority seating is you don?t allocate enough time.
Be spontaneous. If something catches your eye, even if it?s not on your daily list of things to do, stop and explore. If not, you could miss something wonderful.
Realize the limitations of your children. If they?re tired, take a break. If their feet hurt, get them a stroller (forget that they outgrew one years ago). If a ride scares them don?t force the issue. Such precautions will make your day and the day of other park visitors a lot less stressful.
Bring pagers, 2-way radios, or cell phones. If your party plans on splitting up, they are a perfect way to keep in touch.
Wear broken-in, comfortable footwear. Better yet, bring two pairs and rotate them. Nothing is worse than blisters on your first day and then nursing them for the remainder of your vacation.
Most importantly, slow down and enjoy the magic. Resist the urge to see everything at breakneck speed. You can?t possibly cover it all, so think of this as your first trip to Disney, not your last. There will be time to pick up all the things you missed on the next go-round.

About The Author

Cara Goldsbury is the author of The Luxury Guide to Walt Disney World: How to Get the Most Out of the Best Disney Has to Offer available at 800-247-6553, www.luxurydisneyguide.com, Amazon.com, or your local bookstore. Visit her at www.luxurydisneyguide.com.

info@luxurydisneyguide.com