Bangkok Trip

How to plan a good vacation with a tight budget

Going on a vacation on your own is always an exciting adventure. Without the help of travel agents, planning a vacation itself is a fun journey. The following are some frugal tips for you.

1. Maps - Maps are essential to a successful trip. Don't lose your way and waste time. Get the airport maps, the train station maps, the subway maps, the city maps and the attractions maps. If the train station is a distance to your accommodation, make sure you get the directions correct. Maps are always handy for a self drive vacation. You really do not need to spend money to buy maps. You can simply download maps from the respective tourism boards or travel sites for free.

2. Suggested itineraries - Reading suggested itineraries is always a must. Almost all tourism boards have their own suggested itinerary for you. Some itineraries are thematic such as the shopping itinerary, arts itinerary, golf itinerary or the great food itinerary. There are also suggested itineraries for families. Sometimes, the suggested itinerary may include places to dine and shop and together with discount coupons. You can also get suggested itineraries from travelogues, travel forums and travel blogs.

3. Events Calendar - The events calendar of the city is extremely useful. Some cities will list their events thematically such as arts, exhibitions, tours, festivals, music, markets and sports events. Besides the day, time and venue, you can get to know the essential highlights of the events and the ticketing information if applicable. It is always interesting to know the history of the festival or the cultural event as well. Look out for events or entertainment which you can enjoy for free. This events are likely to be held in parks, open spaces or at the shopping malls.

4. Transportation - Booking your coach, train or ferry journey is always a must to secure a seat. Always note the alighting and boarding points of the coach and be there 15 minutes earlier to wait for the coach. All transportation have their own baggage allowances and rules. If you intend to bring along bigger items such as surf board, bicycles or baby stroller, make sure that they are acceptable and find out if a charge is posed. Always bring along a copy of your reservation request or confirmation number to avoid any unhappy dispute. Should you wish to book your transportation at the destination, remember to note the location, operating hours and contact details of the ticketing office. Sometimes, you may get early bird fares by booking your journey in advance. Another great deal is the esaver fare, exclusive for those who book on-line. There may be companion fares, weekends getaways, coach passes, child discounts or family discounts for you.

5. Accommodation - Never leave home without securing your accommodation. Reservations policies differ for each accommodation. Some accommodations simply require an email, others need a 10% deposit while the rest requires your credit card number to secure the booking. Usually, you will receive a confirmation number for your reservation. Always make a record of the number in case you need to make any changes to your reservation in the future. Always read the fine print regarding its cancellation policy as some unique accommodations such as farmstays and bed n breakfasts may require 14 days cancellation notice. Accommodations may also impose a minimum stay policy. Do your best to select an accommodation which is well-located; that will save you time and money.

6. Trip Planner - A trip planner gives you all the essential information such as total travel time, walking distance and transfer time of the transport. Some planners also include the option of searching for the fastest itinerary or the lowest fare itinerary. Always use a trip planner to find out the arrival and departure times of the train or coach so that you won't miss your transport. This is important if you need to inform your accommodation of your check-in time. If you need to make a transfer, get the timing of the trains, coach or ferry correct.

7. Freebies - Look out for freebies. There are many freebies that can save you money. For instance, free transport in the city, free airport pickups, free entries to attractions on certain days, kids stay free, kids eat free, 2 for 1 entry, free attraction shuttle, free guided tours in museums, zoos or aquariums and more. There are also discount coupons which you can print out from the website of the attractions.Now you can Get a Free Night at Holiday Inn hotels and resorts in the Caribbean.

8. Amenities and Facilities - Always note the amenities and facilities available at your accommodation, attractions, train, coach or ferry stations. For instance, you need not bring a hair dryer if your accommodation provides one; you may wish to have a picnic at some attractions such as zoos or farms which have a picnic area; otherwise lockers at train or ferry stations will be useful if your check out time is much earlier than your train schedule. You may also wish to note the available ATMs and credit card facilities. For families, family rooms, adjoining rooms, baby cribs, roll-away beds, kitchen or laundry facilities are important for a happy trip.

9. Sightseeing passes - There are many destinations which allow you to book your sightseeing passes on-line. Sightseeing passes offer freebies, free entries or discounted entries to a number of attractions as well as shopping and dining offers. Usually, it has a visitor guide book which contains maps, essential information on the train and ferry system, sample itineraries, shopping and dining guide and details of the attractions. Some sightseeing passes give you the option to include unlimited travel on different modes of transportation in a specific number of days. You may wish to find out if the city which you are visiting also operates a free city shuttle or has a transport pass before making a decision. Plan your itinerary wisely and make the most out of your sightseeing pass. However, do not be over ambitious and get yourself exhausted during the trip. Getting popular are combo packages which allow you to enter a few attractions at a discounted rate. However, do ask yourself if you are interested in all the attractions in the package ? Make a wise choice.

A Frugal Guide to Melbourne !

1. Take the Skybus - To get to Melbourne city, the Skybus offers a shuttle service to Melbourne CBD and city hotels. These buses are available every 10-15 minutes throughout the day and every 30-60 minutes overnight serving passengers 24 hours, 7 days. If you are leaving for the airport, Skybus Hotel Shuttle will be at your service from the city 0600-2200 Monday to Friday and 0730-1830 Saturday and Sunday. You can obtain Skybus Metcards at the MetShop on the corner of Little Collins and Swanston streets and from the Skybus ticket booths at Melbourne Airport and Southern Cross Station. Pricing : Adult one way tickets cost $16 / $26 return; family tickets are available as well to save you some money. You can also purchase and print your ticket online. The advantage of using skybus is that it has a free Hotel shuttle service to transfer you between the city terminal and your city hotel or motel. The service is available to all Skybus passengers using one-way or return tickets during hotel shuttle hours of operation (refer below) and subject to availability. No booking is required and the mini-buses are available during operating hours. However, on departure, you need to ask your concierge to call Skybus on 9600 1711 to reserve your seats. Web site :

www.Skybus.com.au.

2. Grab the Australia Coach and Rail Pass - Grab a rail pass to make traveling easier and hassle-free. Usually, rail companies will have discounted packages with admission to attractions or accommodation deals. For instance, you can take advantage of the Greyhound coach’s Aussie Kilometre Passes, Aussie Explorer Passes and Express Fares. While the RailAustralia offers Austrail Flexi Pass, Backtracker Pass, Rail Explorer Pass and The Wanderer Rail Pass. Traveltrain also has a number of packages that includes accommodation and sightseeing. It offers many fun and breathtaking trips around Australia. You can make your selection from the Sunlander, the Tilt Train, the Spirit of the Outback, the Westlander, the Inlander, Kuranda Scenic Railway, the Gulflander, the Savannahlander, the Indian Pacific, the Ghan and the Overland. It has four rail passes to meet your needs : the Wanderer, the East Coast Discovery Pass, the Austrail Flexipass and the Sunshine Rail Pass. Children under 16 years of age are entitled to concession fares while infants 3 years and under may travel free if sharing a seat or sleeping berth. Web sites :

www.greyhound.com.au, www.railaustralia.com.au and www.traveltrain.com.au

3. Take the Free City Circle Tram – Visitors to Melbourne can also make full use of the free city circle trams for sightseeing that bypass many tourist attractions. The Trams travel both in a clockwise and anticlockwise direction. You can board the tram in every twelve minutes from 10:00am and 6:00pm Sunday to Wednesday and extended hours, 10:00am - 9:00pm Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Web site : www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au

4. Enjoy the Melbourne Tourist Shuttle - The Melbourne Tourist Shuttle is a delight to all frugal travelers. Running between 9.30am and 4.30pm daily, you can enjoy approximately one hour of informative on-board commentary as you travel around Melbourne. Web site : www.thatsmelbourne.com.au The 11 stops are: 1. Arts Centre precinct on St Kilda Road 2. Federation Square at front of St. Paul’s cathedral 3. Exhibition Street north of Little Collins Street 4. Melbourne Museum and Carlton Gardens 5. Lygon Street south of Faraday Street 6. University of Melbourne on Grattan Street 7. Queen Victoria Market on Peel Street 8. William Street north of Bourke Street 9. Southbank south of Queen's Bridge 10. Sports and Entertainment Precinct on Olympic Blvd 11. The Shrine and Royal Botanic Gardens

5. Book Free Guided Tours at the Zoos - Take advantage of the free guided tours at the Melbourne Zoo and the Werribee Open Range Zoo. The Zoo’s volunteer guides offer free one-hour tours. You will be able to learn much from the guides who have undergone an extensive training course with Zoo staff and other experts. Bookings are essential. To book a guided tour for a group (minimum of seven days’ notice required): Tel: (03) 9731 9600, Fax: (03) 9731 9606. Web site : www.zoo.org.au

6. Enjoy Free Story-telling Sessions at the Library - If you are bringing your kids, you can enjoy free storytelling sessions at the Melbourne Libraries. Let your kids of two to five year olds indulge in approximately 40 to 50 minutes of storytelling, reciting rhymes, singing songs and fun activities. Storytime sessions are conducted weekly throughout the year, (except January). Web site : www.citylibrary.org.au

7. Reserve a Free Guided Tour at the Royal Park – Visitors who love nature and fiona, can consider joining a free guided tour at the Royal Park, which is Melbourne’s largest park. Located within the park is the Australian Native Garden, the Walmsley House, the Urban Camp, the native grassland trials and two remnant vegetation sites. Its free guided tour lasts approximately one and a half hours, every Wednesday at 1.30pm. You can meet at the small carpark adjacent to the Australian Native Garden. For bookings, call the City of Melbourne Hotline on 9658 9658 or by email: enquiries@melbourne.vic.gov.au

.........................there are many more frugal tips in our travel guide. .

Planning An Extraordinary Vacation to Melbourne !

Melbourne is a city for all ages to enjoy. A well-planned trip to Melbourne ought to include scenic pleasures, wildlife encounters, discovering history, enjoying a spectacular event or visit a truly Melbournian farm. The advantage of planning your own trip to Melbourne gives you much freedom to make a wise selection of activities and events that will make your trip a fulfilling and memorable one. The following are some secrets for a truly extraordinary trip to Melbourne.

Join a Foodies Tour at the Queen’s Victoria Market

Web site : http://www.qvm.com.au/

The Foodies' Tour is a gourmet tour proudly organized by the Queen’s Victoria Market. The market is organized into three main produce sections of the Market: the Meat and Fish Hall, the Fruit and Vegetable aisles, and the Dairy Hall. Walk along with a fully qualified Market Guide who will give you hints in selecting produce while sampling the goods. This two fun-filled hours of tour depart on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 10.00 am. Cost: $30 includes generous samplings, a coffee and an environmentally friendly shopping bag. Meeting Point: 69 Victoria Street (nearest Corner Elizabeth Street). Bookings are essential.

Sleepover at the Zoos

Web site : http://www.zoo.org.au/

Stay away from the hotel and sleep at the zoo instead. This award-winning Melbourne Zoo will provide you with tents and mattresses, dinner, supper, and breakfast and admission to the Zoo the following day. Don’t forget to bring a sleeping bag and a pillow ! Suitable for children 5 years and older. Bookings are essential. Pricing : Adults $180, Children (5–12 years) $130.

Have a Guided Chinatown Heritage Tour

Web site : http://www.chinesemuseum.com.au/
If you are interested to learn more about Melbourne's historic Chinatown, let the guided tours arranged by the Chinese Museum bring you for a Heritage Walk which commences with a guided tour of the Chinese Museum. The museum tour is followed by a walking tour of the area and some of the local retailers and you can learn more about the history of the precinct. A banquet lunch can be included in the tour. Pricing : Tour with lunch (duration 3 hours) Full price $34 Concession $31.

..................... there are many more activities in our travel guide.

Melbourne Important Maps

Maps
Maps are essential for a successful trip. Don't lose your way and waste time. Get the airport maps, the train station maps, the subway maps, the city maps and the attractions maps. Here are a few maps which you may wish to download
Melbourne City Map
Melbourne's tram network map
Tram network map (city centre)
Free tram service, City Circle
Yarra River Shuttle Service
Yarra River Visitor Guide
Docklands Visitor Map

Melbourne Events Calendar

Events Calendar
There are many interesting events in Melbourne throughout the year. You will be delighted to know that many of its events and entertainment are FREE and they are widely held across Melbourne’s famous parks, gardens, public spaces and waterfront.Some of the major events in Melbourne include:
AFL Grand Final;
Moomba Waterfest;
Melbourne Cup Carnival
Melbourne Queer Fim Festival
Melbourne Fringe Festival;
Australian Open Tennis; and
Australian Grand Prix

More events are listed in our travel guide.

Let's Visit Melbourne - Secrets to Discovering Melbourne on Your Own

Let’s Visit Melbourne

Melbourne, Australia is Victoria’s capital city and the business, administrative, cultural and recreational hub of the state.

It is my delight to share with you my insights of traveling in Melbourne. I have included in this travel guide a number of extraordinary activities for you. It is my desire that as you plan your trip to explore Melbourne on your own, this guide will be great in helping you to select wisely the activities which your time and budget allow. Take your time to include a farm visit, stay overnight at the zoo, join a ranger tour at Philip Island and drive along the Great Ocean Road. If you are traveling with your kids, Melbourne has lots of activities that will excite them !

Sections of my travel guide, as an ebook, include travelling essentials, how to plan an extraordinary vacation to Melbourne and how to plan a Melbourne vacation for kids. As a travel mum, I am happy to share some tips that will help you to plan a memorable vacation for your children.

Last but not least, rest assured that you do not need an overwhelming budget to enjoy this lovely city. There are a number of free activities and events that your family can do without compromising on the quality of your vacation. The final section of the book is a load frugal tips that will help you to save some money while in Melbourne.

I hope that you find this travel guide useful and beneficial in helping you to plan a wonderful trip to Melbourne, Australia.

Grab the travel guide now !

Renting a Vehicle for a Self-drive Holiday

A self-drive holiday is a great adventure for adults and children alike. However, before you make a commitment to rent a vehicle, make sure you understand the terms and conditions of the rental so as to avoid any unhappy disputes with the company. Make an effort to understand your responsibilities and liabilities before you make a commitment.Some thoughts for you :

1. What are types of vehicles available and their differences ?
2. How are the rental charges calculated ? Does the rate include unlimited kilometers ?
3. Does the rental company have branches and where are they located ?
4. What if repairs are required ?
5. What if I commit a traffic offence ?
6. Can I change my vehicle or downgrade my vehicle ?
7. Are animals permitted in the vehicles ?
8. How much is the cancellation fees, booking amendments and travel insurance ?
9. Is there a minimum rental duration ?
10. What kind of driver's licence is required and what is the minimum age required to drive the vehicle ?
11. Where can I collect and return the vehicle ? Not all rental companies allow you to return the vehicle at the airport.
12. How can I make a rental extension ?
13. Can I make a one way rental ?
14. Are maps and campground guides provided ?
15. Does the rental company provide driving tips and a vehicle consultation ?
16. Can I pre-book a baby seat or a booster seat and what is the rental fee ?
17. Does the rental company provide camping kits such as tent, built-in ground sheet, sleeping bags, sleeping mats, pillows, ice box, crockery, pots and pans ?
18. Can I make multiple rentals ?
19. What are some of the travel restrictions ? For instance, campervans can only be driven on sealed/bitumen or well-maintained roads.
20. What if there is a change of drop off destination ?

Planning a vacation for your kids

Planning a vacation for kids is always an awesome task. As the needs and demands of children are different from adults, bringing them for a vacation needs much more careful planning. If you are bringing your kids for a vacation, here are some planning tips and ideas :

Flight Planning

1. If you are travelling with a small child below the age of two, some airlines do not recommended infants flying within the first seven days after birth unless approved by a medical officer.

2. Airlines do specify what are the approved car seats onboard for your child. The seat must be safely secured onto the aircraft passenger seat by the aircraft safety belt and must conform to all applicable safety standards certified for use in aircraft.

3. A limited number of bassinets are available onboard on a first-come, first-served basis. Different airlines have different bassinets sizes supporting different maximum weight.

4. Children's meals are often provided. Requests for these meals should be made at the time of booking. Airlines may also provide other items such as disposable bibs, diapers, feeding bottles and baby wipes. Sometimes, baby food will be provided for an infant under two years.

Activities Planning

1. When you are planning a vacation, ask yourself what is the objective of this vacation ? Is the vacation meant for relaxation, for learning, for unique experiences or for fun ?

2. With the objective in mind, plan activities according to the interest of your kids.

3. Do not pack the day with many activities, which will exhaust the kids.

4. Expose your kids to new adventures, to learn new stuff or to acquire a new skill during the vacation.

5. As children tend to have shorter attention span, do not plan activities which are exceptionally long.

6. Ensure that the places which you are visiting are kids-friendly, as some attractions and activities may have age or height limitations.

7. Always find out what are the policies concerning children such as extra charges, half price or applicable child discounts.

8. If you are visiting attractions such as museums, consider if your child is able to understand the materials presented.

9. Always be flexible during your journey as children are likely to have different demands at different places.

10. Always visit the homepage of the attraction or activity-provider to find out if there are any family passes or discounts.

Accommodation Planning

1. Look for accommodation which is child-friendly. Usually, these accommodations will be able to provide baby cribs, roll away beds, adjoining rooms or baby sitting services.

2. If you are travelling on a budget, do consider family-friendly hostels. They provide great service as well. Otherwise, find hotels where kids stay free or hotels with free nights.

3. Do consider spending a night at the zoo. There are many zoos which offer zoo snooze programs. Their interesting activities may include night and morning tours of the zoo, live animal demonstrations, animal related activities and/or craft. Usually, snacks and breakfast will be provided.

3. Hotels with kid's club are excellent as they could keep your kids occupied with fun activities while you can have a break. Free KidSpree Activities and Kids Eat Free at Holiday Inn SunSpree Resorts. Reserve your summer vacation now.

Others

1. Encourage your children to write a journal for the trip or make a scrapbook to record their wonderful memories.

2. Don't forget to find out where are some of the child-friendly restaurants and have a happy meal with your kids.

Have a happy and blessed vacation.

Travelling in Melbourne

Travelling Essentials

Melbourne International Airport

Tullamarine Airport is the airport in Melbourne that serves international and interstate flights. Web site : www.melbourneairport.com.au

A luggage storage facility is Located in T2 Arrivals, through SmarteCarte. Rates are per 24 hours per piece: Hand luggage $10, Suitcase/Backpack/Golf bags $14 and Skis/Bicycles/surfboards $20. SmarteCarte operates from 5am to 12.30am, 7 days a week. Photo ID is required for storage. (If desk is unattended at any time, pick up phone located at the desk). Web site: www.smartecarte.com

From February 1, 2005, the duty free purchase allowances in Australia have increased. You can bring A$900 (for adult travellers, 18 years or over) or A$450 (for travellers under 18 years) worth of general goods (excluding alcohol and cigarettes). These goods can be obtained overseas or purchased in Australia on a duty/tax free basis before departure, or for which a refund of tax has been approved through the Tourist Refund Scheme. Note: Family members are permitted to pool their allowances. Web site: http://www.dutyfree.com.au/

Cash amounts of $A10,000 or more needs to be reported on arrival to Customs officers (excluding travellers cheques). It is important to remember that if you have any animal or plant item with you, or packed in your luggage, you must declare it on your Incoming Passenger Card. Please note that unaccompanied baggage may attract inspection charges. Web site: www.customs.gov.au and www.aqis.gov.au

Take the Skybus - To get to Melbourne city, the Skybus offers a shuttle service to Melbourne CBD and city hotels. These buses are available every 10-15 minutes throughout the day and every 30-60 minutes overnight serving passengers 24 hours, 7 days. If you are leaving for the airport, Skybus Hotel Shuttle will be at your service from the city 0600-2200 Monday to Friday and 0730-1830 Saturday and Sunday. You can obtain Skybus Metcards at the MetShop on the corner of Little Collins and Swanston streets and from the Skybus ticket booths at Melbourne Airport and Southern Cross Station. Pricing : Adult one way tickets cost $16 / $26 return; family tickets are available as well to save you some money. You can also purchase and print your ticket online. The advantage of using skybus is that it has a free Hotel shuttle service to transfer you between the city terminal and your city hotel or motel. The service is available to all Skybus passengers using one-way or return tickets during hotel shuttle hours of operation (refer below) and subject to availability. No booking is required and the mini-buses are available during operating hours. However, on departure, you need to ask your concierge to call Skybus on 9600 1711 to reserve your seats. Web site : http://www.skybus.com.au/.

Public Buses operate from the terminal, to various areas in Melbourne. Information on destinations and schedules can be obtained from the websites below :

Ballarat Area
www.airportshuttlebus.com.au
Bendigo Area
www.bendigoairportservice.com.au
Dandenong Area
www.airportbusdandenong.com.au
Frankston & Penninsula Bus Service
www.fapas.com.au
Geelong Area Gull Airport Services
www.gull.com.au

Before you leave the Airport, please visit the Travellers' Information Service is located on the ground floor of International Arrivals. Make good use of the centre to find out about the latest events, tours and must-see destinations in Victoria and Tasmania.

Submit Your Travel Articles

Should you have an article that is suitable for this website such as travelling in Australia, travel tips or family travel, you are most welcome to submit your article. The article must be yours. Do not submit articles written by others. You must be the copyright holder for any content you submit to TheFrugalTravelMum.blogspot.com. We are not a paying market. However, you can leave a resource box to link back to your site.

Look forward to hearing from you,

Travel Mum

iloveholidays@yahoo.com

Planning a Meaningful Zoo Trip for Kids

Going to the zoo can be an enriching experience for your kids. They can learn about how animals behave, where they come from, their eating habits and sounds they make. They can make comparisons between adult and baby animals and animals within the same family. Here are some tips to plan a meaningful zoo trip with your kids :

1. Before visiting the zoo, visit the zoo website with your kids to help create interest. Some zoos may feature on-line activities or printables for kids.
2. Learn about the history of the zoo, its mission, and the direction it is heading.
3. Check the calendar of events for the zoo.
4. Print out zoo newsletters, if any.
5. Print out pictures of the animals and have your kids identify them at the zoo.
6. At the zoo, get your kids to count the animals.
7. Bring along drawing papers and encourage your kids to draw the animals.
8. Learn about the programs which the zoo offers. Some zoos allow you to feed the animals at allocated times.
9. Take your kids for an animal show. Animal shows are always interesting and often include audience participation games, keeper chats and animal demonstrations.
10. Bring a camera to capture shots of animal movements.
11. Encourage your kids to make a scrapbook of the zoo trip.
12. Pick up any worksheets at the zoo, or design some worksheets yourself.
13. Learn about the zoo's conservation projects.
14. Visit the Kid's Zoo. Usually, the Kid's Zoo will have many interactive activities, animals, storyboards, and other opportunities for kids to be creative. Kids can experience touching, creativity, play and fun-filled learning.
15. Some zoos allow kids to be zoo-keepers for a day. This interesting program allows kids to have a close encounter with the animals.
16. Join a zoo camp. Campers can enjoy the tours, animal demonstrations, crafts and activities.
17. Stay overnight at the zoo with the zoo's Snooze Program. Zoo Snooze Programs usually include an up-close animal encounter, craft activities, night tours and games.
18. Compare zoos. Every zoo is different. Get your kids to discover their differences and similarities.
19. Observe zoo manners. Teach your kids what they must not do at the zoo (e.g. no littering, no smoking, do not climb over the fences, do not provoke the animals, etc.).
20. Learn about the zoo's adoption programs.
21. Write suggestions to the zoo on how to provide better facilities and services.
22. Be a zoo volunteer. Sometimes, zoo will advertise the kind of help that they need at different times. Zoo volunteers may assist in animal food preparation, educating visitors and school children during zoo camps, etc.
23. Teach your kids to support the zoo by making a donation. Some zoos have special programs which require funding. You can also help to sponsor an animal.
Have a nice trip at the zoo !

Planning a Meaningful Aquarium Trip for your Kids

Visiting the aquarium is definitely one of the most enriching experience for your kids. Capturing their hearts are highly interactive galleries with touch tanks, video presentations, wildlife tours and diving with the sharks, just to name a few. Bring your kids to the aquarium and learn about aquatic life through exploration and discovery and bring back fond memories of the aquarium.

1. Before visiting the aquarium, get your kids to visit the homepage of the aquarium. Sometimes, the aquarium may feature on-line activities or printables for kids. You may also get a chance to view the animals right at home through the many web cams facilities provided by the aquarium.

2. Find out the history of the aquarium, its mission, and its future tasks. Learn about the aquarium's adoption program.

3. Print out aquarium e-newsletters, if any.

4. Print out the pictures of the amazing underwater animals from the homepage and get your kids to identify them at the aquarium.

5. Check the calendar of events of the aquarium. Aquariums are likely to have some daily events and seasonal events. Do not miss their training sessions where you can watch aquarists feed and train the sea animals.

6. Find out the programs offer by the aquarium. Some aquariums allow you to feed the animals at allocated times.

7. Occasionally, aquariums do offer special programs such as swim with the dolphins or sharks. Such programs allow participants to get close to the mammals and learn about their behavior.

8. Interestingly, many aquariums are setting up their own clubs such as kids club, dive club and snorkeling club. Get your kids to experience a new adventure or acquire a new skill this season.

9. Enjoy a cruise with the aquarium. Some aquariums do organise whale-watching cruises.

10. Visit the touch tank of the aquarium and learn to be gentle with the animals.

11. Bring along drawing papers and encourage your kids to draw the sea animals.

12. Take your kids for an animal presentation, where you can see the natural behaviours of the underwater animals.

13. Bring your camera to capture shots of animal movements.

14. Encourage your kids to make a scrapbook of the aquarium trip.

15. Pick up any worksheets for kids. Or make worksheets yourself. Join the crafts sessions at the aquarium.

16. Learn about the aquarium conservation projects.

17. Some aquariums allow kids to be aquarium-keepers for a day.

18. Join the aquarium camp ! Campers may get to enjoy some of the exclusive behind-the-scenes activities, excursions, daily field trips to wildlife habitats, and an enjoyable overnight camp.

19. Join the aquarium's overnight program ! It is a rare chance to explore the aquarium after hours, and you can get to participate in a variety of activities organised by the staff. With an expert guide, you may get to visit the aquarium's behind-the-scenes areas and the food-preparation area to learn how the animals are cared for and fed.

20. Compare aquariums ! Every aquarium is different. Get your kids to find out their differences and similarities.

21. Be an aquarium volunteer. You can help to reach visitors and students, or work directly in the conservation research projects.

22. Write suggestions to the aquarium on how to improve their facilities and services.

23. Teach your kids how to support the aquarium by making a donation. Some aquariums have special programs which require funding.

24. Learn about 'Seafood Watch'. Some aquariums have this special program which provides regional seafood guides and teaches you how seafood can affect your health.

Have a nice trip to the aquarium !

Planning a Hot Air Balloon Adventure

There are many places where you can enjoy a memorable hot-air balloon flight in Australia. To have a successful flight, there is much work to be done and the experience of the pilot to understand the appropriate wind direction is extremely important. Besides maneuvering the balloon, he has to keep in close contact with the members of the hot air balloon crew, whose task is to collect the passengers and the equipment. During the flight, the pilot will look out for a possible landing site with sufficient space to lay out the balloon. If you are planning for a balloon adventure, the following are some considerations to note :

1. What are the regulations and safety precautions in place ? Balloons are required to be a fully registered aircraft with the country's civil aviation and safety authority and they must be subjected to regular airworthiness checks. Pilots need to have sufficient experience before they are allowed to fly with larger balloons. During the flight, the pilot will rely on the radios links to keep in contact with the chase crew as well as with Air Traffic Control and other aircraft flying in the vicinity. You will be given a passenger safety briefing prior to the flight and get a chance to prepare the balloon with the crew.
2. Are there any restrictions on children ? Different operators will have different age restrictions. Sometimes, children as young as 5 years are allowed to fly; while others only accept a minimum age of 12.
3. Are there any health restrictions ? You need to inform the operating company of your health problems such as knee, leg, hip or back pains. This is important as it may affect your safety during the flight. Women with more than 12 weeks of pregnancy may be ineligible to fly. You must be able to get in and out of the basket without much effort.
4. How many passengers are allowed for a flight ? The number of passengers permissible usually depends on the size of the balloon. Balloon operators can carry from two to 10 or more passengers at a time. There are compartments in the balloon baskets, and there will be a specific number in any one compartment.
5. How should I dress for the occasion ? You are advised to dress warmly and casually. Don't forget to bring a sweater or a jacket as it gets colder by about 3.5 degrees colder for each 1,000 feet of altitude. You should wear shoes with flat soles, and your top clothing should be made of cotton rather than man-made fibers. Tall passengers should wear a hat to protect themselves from the radiant heat from the burners.
6. What else must I bring ? You must bring your camera with lots of film. Do bring along a suitable soft case to stow the camera during the landing. 7. What if I am afraid of heights ? If you are afraid of heights, please inform the pilot prior to the flight so that he can stay low until you are comfortable. There should be no turbulence as the balloon moves with the wind.
8. Under what conditions will the flight be postponed ? A good flight is always worth the wait. Be prepared for the flight to be postponed if weather conditions are bad. You are always welcome to rebook another date. If a cancellation is likely, the operator may notify you either the evening before, or on the morning of the flight.
9. How long is the entire adventure ? Generally, the flight takes an hour to complete.
10. Other things to note : There are no toilet facilities aboard and please observe the non-smoking rule. Sometimes, the operator may be able to arrange breakfast, a champagne toast and refreshments on the balloon.

Planning A Budget Vacation

Going for a vacation is always a big expenditure. However, with careful planning, your vacation can be fun and enriching without compromising on its quality. If you are on a budget and planning for a vacation, here are some useful tips for you.

Flight Planning

1. Always compare flight deals. Look for lowest rates and understand what they are offering. Do note their cancellation policy before you make your reservation.

2. Look for a flight and hotel bundle which will save you money.

Transport Planning

1. Grab a rail pass to make travelling easier and hassle-free. Some countries offer family passes too. Usually, rail companies will have discounted packages with admission to attractions or accommodation deals.

2. Go for sightseeing buses to minimize transfers and maximise sightseeing. Sightseeing buses provide interesting commentary, unless you want to miss it.

3. Look for free airport transfer from hotels or free transport around the city. Some cities and attractions provide free city tourist shuttle.

4. Always look for sightseeing passes. There are a number which includes transportation. These passes can save you tons.

5. Get a local transport bus pass if you intend to adventure out on your own.

6. If you are planning a self-drive vacation, compare the terms and conditions of different car rental companies.

Activities and Attractions Planning

1. It always pays to look into local tour operators for activities and tours. They are often able to provide better or competitive deals than the rest.

2. Spend wisely and work on a budget by pre-booking your tours. Identify activities which are 'must do', attractions which are 'must visit' and those which are optional.

3. Visit the homepage of attractions to secure on-line specials, early bird specials or download coupons.

4. Look for combo packages. These packages allow you to enter a few attractions at a discounted rate.

5. Some attractions offer free entry on certain days or after certain hours; while others may have discounted entry after certain hour or during weekends.

6. Get coupons provided by tourism businesses or restaurants. Look for visitor cards with discounted admission to attractions or dining privileges.

Accommodation Planning

1. If you are working on a budget, hotels with free nights or hotels where kids stay free will be a good option. Do consider staying in a hostel. Many hostels offer freebies such as free breakfast and free airport pickups.

2. Always read hotel reviews before you book your accommodation. You know what it means to make a wrong choice.

Travel Ideas

1. Read travelogues or blogs to find out more about the destination. It's worth to find out how other travellers made it in each destination. Travellers are likely to comment on their experiences for each activity, tour and provide excellent travel tips.

2. Participate in travel forums. Usually there are experts for each destination to answer all your questions. So don't be shy to post your questions.

3. If you do not have an idea of where to go, you can begin with travel deals. Also, suggested itineraries from tourism boards offer excellent ideas. Check the events calendar for your desired destination would be helpful too.

Other budgeting tips

1. If you are planning a self-drive holiday, check the petrol prices of the destination.

2. To find out the cost of living of your desired destination, visit the homepages of its major supermarkets and fast food chains. You can have an accurate estimation of the cost of living and plan a budget for your meals.