Costa Rica

The National parks of Costa Rica are a pleasurable sight and this adds to its fame.  The Government of Costa Rica has demarcated 30% of the country as a protected area.    This has helped in growing ecotourism.  The attractive natural scenic spots, microclimates and the rich flora life and fauna life have helped in attracting maximum number of tourists every year.   Nature lovers would love this place for the raw wilderness it has still managed to maintain.  There are other outdoor activities like whitewater rafting and surfing for adventure freaks.

Hotels & Restaurants

There are budget accommodations as well as lavish hotels, depending on the money you are ready to shell.  Most of the hotel owners speak English, because of the tourist population.  There are some very extravagant hotels which are situated very close to the airport.  Some simple lodges are also located near to the wilderness.  Cheap Cabinas as they are referred to are seen everywhere.  The bigger hotels have many facilities like swimming pool, pubs and entertainment clubs. 

Things worth seeing and places worth visiting

San Jose has many parks; some of them include Parque Morazan, Parque Central and Parque Nacional.    The Parque Nacional is a park which is well known for the famous national monument and many other famous statues.

Some very beautiful tropical birds can be seen in Costa Rica.  If you want to try out white water rafting, then the best rivers where you could try them out are the Pacuare and the Reventazon.  The months from May till November are the best period when you should try out white water rafting.

Lake Arenal is the place for Windsurfing and it can be enjoyed best during the months from April to December.

Adventure lovers and nature trek lovers can do a nature tour  in locations like National Park of Rincon De la Vieja .

You could get the best blend of both modern as well as traditional Spanish architectures at San Jose.  The Teatro Nacional, Cathedral Metropolitana are some other places worth visiting.

Cartago town was established in the year 1563.  The Basilica is worth visiting and it is the most attractive architectural gem.  The colonial church is the oldest church in Costa Rica.  There are also some very historic buildings in Cartago which were destroyed by earthquakes.

For Immigration to Costa Rica go to: http://www.immigrated.org/

Dominican Republic

If you are visiting the Dominican Republic, it is important that you carry US dollars which are the simplest and easily exchangeable Forex.  US dollar is a recognized currency and it is quite competitive as well.  The Canadian dollar and Euro are exchanged for a lesser rate as compared to the USD.  It is advised that you carry a mix of ATM cards, travelers check and credit cards, just to be on the safer side.

Tips to be followed

Travelers need to keep certain things while traveling to foreign countries.  It is not very safe to drink unboiled tap water.  You could use it for making teas and coffees.   If you have a sensitive stomach, you need to use boiled water, even for brushing your teeth.  Bottled water is available everywhere.  Most of the resorts have purified water arrangements.   Dominican Republic (DR) has a lesser crime rate as compared to many other countries.  Pick pocketing and petty theft may be common though.  It is always better to be safe than sorry.  Hence, avoid wearing heavy jewellery which could catch everyone’s attention.  Isolated places anyways need to be avoided while you are on a vacation.

Women are advised not to dress very provocatively, since you could invite trouble.   Be simple and use your common sense.  This would save you from a hell lot of problems.  Anyways you are on a vacation and your focus would be to enjoy every minute of the vacation.

Safety at Dominican beaches:

DR beaches are safe; there may be occasional strong waves, but stick to the seashore.    If you have had a heavy mail, do not venture out windsurfing or sail boating.  You might puke and also do not go swimming alone.  Carry less valuables and wear less of jewellery and do not leave anything on the beach and regret the same later.  There have been petty cases of theft and robbery where tourists have been robbed of their tickets and cameras.

DR is strict as regards as gambling and drinking.  The permitted age is 18 years.  There are many discos where you need to produce your age identity.  Many Casinos and discos have lately become very strict in that respect.

The right time to take a tour to DR is July and August.  The months from December to March are also ideal.   The rains hit DR on and off.  Occasionally, there might be a storm.

Language problem – If you know English, you could manage here.  Though it is not important to know Spanish, if you know the language it would be well and good. You could anyways learn few simple words like thank you, please and put that smile on your face.

If you are traveling with you infant, you need to carry some bottled water and powdered milk while going out for sight seeing. You also get pasteurized juice.  Do not forget to carry the pack of disposable diapers.  Hats and baby sunscreen are a must.

Ecuador

Ecuador lies in the Northwestern part of South America.  The coastline of the Pacific Ocean borders it.  To the northeast, you have Columbia and to the east and south lies Peru.

Following are the places worth visiting:

Quito – It is the capital of Ecuador.  It has been bestowed as the UNESCO World Heritage city.

Banos – This is the adventure capital of Ecuador.    The Volcano Tungurahua gives out small eruptions of lava and ash and you can find small hot springs here.

Cuenca – This is the third largest city.    It has been awarded as UNESCO World Heritage trust.

Guayaquil - the biggest city of Ecuador and it is also the largest port city.

You could cover all the abovementioned places either through bus or train or through a hired cab.  There are intercity buses which travel to every part of Ecuador.  The central bus terminal is organized and you need to buy tickets worth $1 to $2 per hour basis.  The frequency of the buses is also fantastic.  During the holiday season, there is slight rush.  All the buses have an inbuilt toilet facility for women.  The bus journey is really breathtaking and it goes through beautiful mountains.  Spanish is the local language but English is widely spoken in restaurants and hotels. 

Eat outs and Hotels

Depending on the location, there are lot of eat outs and restaurants.  Rice is served during lunch and dinner.  Potatoes are quite popular.  Soup constitutes a major part during meal times.  Breakfast comprises of bread toasts, juice, fruit and eggs.  Fruit shakes and Batidos are quite popular snack items for breakfast.

Simple meals are served in restaurants and you do not need to shell more than $ 2 daily.  A dinner comprises of meat main course, a simple soup and a desert and this would only be $1-$2.

Boarding and Lodging

Budge hotels are available where you have to pay as low as $6 for a night’s stay.  If you want to have additional amenities like an air conditioner, you need to pay an extra dollar per night.

IQUITOS

Iquitos is a paradise for lovers of eco-tourism.   There is rich flora and fauna and fearless and adventurous lovers of nature can take a guided tour to discover the richness of the Amazon forests.   Previously, wild tribes inherited the village of Iquitos. 

In the good olden days, Iquitos had very good communication with Europe.  Very close to the city is the zoological park which has rich fauna, resorts and spas.    The aborigine tribes are simple, noble and cheerful people who are full of life.    The native tribes make very find arts and artifacts and they are worth buying.  You can enjoy the simple cuisines of these tribes and relish the typical beverages and drinks. The aborigine tribes have faith in occult medicines and are staunch believers of folkloric medicine.  Rich herbal medicines are found in the land of Iquitos and most of the herbal medicines use these medicinal herbs and plants, which are procured from the forests.

Places of interest are the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve which has a rich reserve of forests and is home to 1000 varieties of plant and animal life.  There are many parks which have zoological and botanical species.  The native communities of Yaguas and Boras also reside here.

If you want to run away from the fast city life and want to experience some adventure, then Iquitos is the place.  You can rejuvenate here in the peaceful serenity amongst the nature.   If you are arriving at Iquitos from abroad, you could arrive either from Columbia or Manaos or also from Lima.  The geographical conditions do not favor terrestrial transportation. 

You can enjoy the attractive cruises and spend close to a week on the Amazonas River. Some other outdoor activities which you might enjoy are night expeditions, fishing sessions and jungle walking.  The medium crafts serve simple dinner and the rooms here are air-conditioned.

If you are taking guided tours around the jungle, you need to carry bottled water, some waterproof clothes if you intend staying overnight and a hat as well.    Carrying a repellent is important to stay protected against insect stings, especially mosquitoes. It is better to take the help of experienced guides who would help you out in the guided tours and not enter the jungle all by yourself.

Lima has a medical center where vaccination against yellow fever is a must, before proceeding to the forest area.  You could also get vaccination done at the airports of Puerto or Iquitos.   It is advised you consult a medical expert regarding the vaccinations against malaria, tetanus, hepatitis and typhoid.

Cusco

Cusco is located to the South of Peru and it is the archaeological capital of Americas.  It is well endowed with mountains and is referred as the “cradle of Inca civilization”.

It is a traditional city which has preserved the archaeological ruins of the traditional structure.  It is the hot spot tourist destination. Cusco offers an exclusive merge of arts and architecture of both the Incan and the Spanish cultures.  The people are traditional and they make it a point to celebrate their festivals and customs with great pomp and splendor.  The city is rich not only in its cultural but also historical heritage.  Citadel at MacchuPichu, a well known archaeological ruin is famous and is a cultural heritage site.

The Streets of Cusco are neatly carved and they are so beautiful that it leaves the tourists in awe.  Fine roads, museums, churches, old monuments, archaeological remains and ruins are some of the attractions of Cusco which are worth visiting.  Cusco provides easy accessibility.  Tourists flock in numbers to visit this city and then travel to all other cities of Peru.  There are flights which take off from the Cusco airport and there are daily arrivals and departures from Cusco to other cities of Peru like Lima, Puno and Arequipa. 

Things which you should not miss if you are in Cusco Peru are:

Machu Pichhu - It was built in 1430 AD by the Incas.   It is located above the Aguas Calientes.    It is regarded as a World Heritage site.

Inca Trail -   It is the oldest road system which goes up to Machu Pichu.  Lovers of trekking and hiking would love to hike the place and enjoy the outstanding view of some of the ancient ruins and of course the Andes. 

City Tour – The City tour is a guided tour which comprises of a muse see Main Square, the Inca ruins of Puca Pucara, Oenbko, Spanish Cathedral and the Sacsayhuaman which is made of huge stones. 

Sacred Valley Tour – This tour takes you through the unique markets and also the Inca ruins.  Ollantaytambo is a striking Inca ruin.

Lima

Lima, Peru’s capital is a beautiful city and it has a charm of its own in spite of its shapeless modern suburbs.  It still manages to maintain its elegance of the old colonial style.

Sightseeing in Lima is a pleasurable experience.  Palacio De Gobierno is the president’s residence.  There are some stunning cathedrals like the Cathedral de Lima.  Some interesting and motivating museums like the Inquisition Museum. The Italian Museum houses some very fine collections of European and Italian sculptures, prints and art.

If you are looking out for lodging and boarding then there are some very fine lavish hotels.  Some popular places of stay are Central Lima, Barranco and Miraflores.  The ruins of Wari and Pachacamac are worth seeing.  There are some exclusive and fine beaches where you could just laze around and rejuvenate.  You could catch these finer moments away from the crowded and bustling city.  The Cajamarquilla ruins are the largest archeological monuments.

Food is a delight in Lima and Miraflores is famous for its exquisite and lavish cuisines specially prepared by world renowned chefs.  There are many clubs and bars at Barranco.  There are music venues, night clubs where you could find tourists and locals chilling out.  Bars which serve cheap Peruvian refreshment are also found here.

The city has a well connected network of buses.  The bus prices are pretty cheap and you need to shell out only about 40 cents for a bus ride.  There are minibuses which run via Garcilaso de la Vega and also Arequipa.  Taxis in Lima run on meter basis and it is advised that you fix the rates before getting in the taxi.  The taxi would cost you approximately 8 USD from Miraflores to airport.  You could also hire shared taxis which work out to be cheaper and they start only when the seats are completely full.    Some shared taxis charge as less at 0.50 cents and you could get down anywhere on the way.  There are taxis which ply between Plaza San Martin to the airport and also from Paseo de la Republica to Chorrilos.

   Peru boasts of a lot of natural beauty as evidenced in its landscapes and forests.  It was the pride of Europe in the 16^th century and is home to the Incas. Peru retains its status as one of the top tourist destinations and offers a fantastic mix of nature and modern civilization to the tourist.

The population in Peru is distributed between 54% Indian, 32% Mestizo (a combination of European with Indian descent), a small Asian minority, 12% Spanish descent and a 2% Black presence.  The country has a democratically led government and some of its major industries deal in paper, coca leaves, chemicals, oil, cement, steel and ship building.

Moving within Peru

Since Peru is a huge country, tourists need to take flights internally within the country to move to locations of their choice.  With four big airline companies operating frequent flights besides some smaller airlines, a tourist is not inconvenienced at all.  There are many public buses which are inexpensive and ideal to cover long distances.  As a tourist, you need to ensure that you always carry your passport with you. When using cabs, you need to decide on the amount before hand as there is no meter.

Tourist season

The peak is between June to August and for those interested in hiking, the highlands present a wonderful opportunity being the dry season.  Peru’s peak tourist season is from June to August, which is the dry season in the highlands, and this is the best time to go if you’re interested in hiking.  Peru enjoys tourist attention through the year and some of the major festivals centered around tourism normally take place in the wettest months.  The beaches of Peru are also witness to huge tourist inflow and tourists take advantage of the period between January to April to soak in the sun at these beaches.

Clothing to bring along

The diversity that Peru offers to a tourist means that you need to bring a combination of  warm and light clothing that will stand you in good stead for the mountains as well as for the desert safaris you might wish to go for.  It is advisable to carry enough stock of medicines, sunscreen and if you are planning to go on a camping tour, you can take along some hiking boots, a sleeping bag, water purification tablets and a raincoat.

Medical examination

Students in particular need to ensure that they undergo a complete medical examination and also arrive equipped with the appropriate health insurance package.

Sunburn

Since Peru is in the tropics, the effect of the sun is very harsh and it is advisable to take adequate precautions in the form of a sunhat and sunscreen and you must make sure that you do not expose yourself to direct rays of the sun in the period between 11.00am and 14.00hrs.  You must remain hydrated by imbibing lot of fluids.

Other precautions to be taken include eating cooked food and avoiding tap water. 

West of Bathurst Street, Queen Street becomes more eclectic with shops of local up-and-coming and already there fashion designers, cool home accessories, and more restaurants and bars, including new kid on the block, Vdara, and vegetarian foodies’ hideout, Fresh. Head a few blocks west and end up at hipster heaven, The Drake Hotel (a misnomer, it’s really a collection of bars, cafes and lounges although there are a few guest rooms). A table on the rooftop patio where local artsy types hang is a must.

Summer Sounds at The Molson Amphitheatre

The Molson Amphitheatre is one of the best outdoor venues to enjoy a concert, resting on the shores of Lake Ontario and nestled into Ontario Place. Before taking in a top-billing artist, visitors can enjoy the facilities of Ontario Place such as the Cinesphere, or just kick back at a lakeside cafe with a cool drink and watch the boats go by from the National Yacht Club. Scheduled acts at the Amphitheatre this summer include Pearl Jam, Incubus, Beyonce, Rise Against, The Killers and The Offspring.

Toronto’s Cool Jazz Festivals

After an ear-splitting evening, visitors to Toronto can chill and groove to the smooth sounds emanating from Toronto’s two jazz festivals. The  main stage is at Toronto’s City Hall, Nathan Phillips Square while other acts are featured at various venues downtown. Running from June 26 to July 5, 2009, the festival includes big name acts such as Tony Bennett, Sony Rollins, Gary Burton Quartet with Pat Metheny, Branford Marsalis and Kool and the Gang.

For tourists visiting Toronto at the end of July, the Beaches International Jazz Festival runs from July 17-26, 2009 along the eastern lakeshore in the ‘hood known simply as ‘The Beaches’. Jazz acts play the main stage, which is situated in Kew Gardens next to the lake, and local bars and restaurants along Queen Street East. Most events are free.

For Information on Immigration to Canada go to: http://www.invitationletter.net/

Those who try to solicit business without a licence are not reputable.  You could very well be putting yourself at risk if you choose to use unlicensed taxis. Besides being unsafe, many women are often assaulted as a result of taking a ride in an unlicensed taxi.  Also it is good to know that black taxis are legally obligated to take on passengers who are travelling six miles or less if their yellow light is on.

When you arrive at Stansted Airport, there is only one taxi company located inside the terminal building.  This company, Stansted Cars, can be reached at +44 (0)1279 662444.  This is the official taxi company of the airport.  There are other taxi companies available but these are located outside of the terminal building or nearby.  Such companies include Checker Cars as well as Hertz and Essex Taxi.  While these taxi companies lack the convenience of Stansted Cars they can still be useful.  Due to promotions or other special rates using these companies may save you a little money.

On average, mini cabs or taxis are cheaper than black taxis.  Sometimes for long journeys this may not be the case though.  In order to shop around for the best available rate, most taxi companies can give you a quote online for your convenience.  If you would like to speak to a real person, quotes can also be given over the phone and the most popular routes often have a flat fee.  If you decide to fly into Stansted without making prior arrangements for a taxi, it is in your best interest to agree on a rate with the taxi company prior to getting into the car.  Otherwise you could open yourself up to paying a lot for your taxi ride.

It should be noted that most reservations that occur over the phone could incur a £2 fee.  In addition to this, if you choose to pay for your taxi by a credit card you may be accessed a fee of 10%-15%.  When making arrangements for your taxi whether over the phone or in person be sure to inquire about any other fees that you may incur such as congestion fees.

Tipping your driver can be confusing.  Typically you are not required to tip your driver; however, if you choose to do so tipping at a rate of 10% is acceptable.  When tipping most people round up to the nearest pound to make it easier.  However, it should be noted that while tipping is not required it might be expected.  In general, the rule of thumb is that if you enjoyed the service, then tip.  If you didn’t enjoy the service, then don’t.

Most of business travel quite well aware of the fact that they often have to appear to make two deals in a the shortest given time and they can’t waste their times in standing in long queues or put their efficiency on stake by traveling in some comfortably uncomfortable airline travel. Owners of most of business tycoons have their own private jets, but those who can’t afford to buy a private jet yet, private jet charter is a best option for them as it not only give a boost to their efficiency with immense comfort, but also seems to offer a real class and rakishness to their style.

It doesn’t end here, the best this sort of travel seems to offer in the form of time management and keeping you stress free in those conditions when stress become somewhat inevitable and things become even worse when to are tied only to move in some specific positions for unending time. Similarly, many get backache and take several days to get rid of it. While when you are on a private jet, you can move the way you want to and gain the same momentum just after stepping out of your private jet and thus you can make your coming days trouble free and without any stress and that’s the thing which really gives a boost to your overall performance that leads to a successful business deal.