Nothing beats that intuitive sense that says, “I know exactly where I’m going.” Unfortunately, we are simply not programmable, as robots are. We cannot just download directions into our brains to be stored forever, so we rely on maps. Over the years, mapping has become so much more than just street maps and road atlas functions. Today we use online maps to advise us on local businesses, news, weather, traffic and more.

Google Maps has become the template of choice for a number of local food maps. At Menurequest, you can plot restaurants on a map of your city, as well as read/write reviews, make reservations and get driving directions. In Philadelphia, Communitywalk is an amazing resource for local event organizers who want to ask a number of nearby restaurants to participate.

At Toeat, you will find a number of dining options in your neighborhood. In major cities like NY, Paris, Bangkok and Chicago, you will find baked goods at Yummybaguette. Or you may need to get your burrito fix at Burritophile. Drinkers can appreciate Wineandtimes, which helps plan a winery tour, as well as Drinktown, which lets you know all the local booze specials.

Google Maps is not the only “mashup maker” on the block, of course. A number of non-Google applications have popped up to serve a wide variety of functions. For instance, if you live on a fault line, then visit Lerdorf, as you may appreciate the “Real-Time Earthquake Map.” If you are looking for nearby bloggers, movie showtimes, gas prices or driving directions, then you can see “Atlas” (based on MSN’s Virtual Earth platform) at Atlas Freshlogicstudios.

One of the most popular mapping sites is Flickr, where amateur photographers can share their pictures and create maps of their favorite places, people and things. Readers have given rave reviews for Gutenkarte, where lit lovers can read full books (such as Jules Verne’s “Around the World in 80 Days”) chapter by chapter, while viewing a map of the locations discussed in the book. If you prefer news to fiction, don’t miss the world and local news at Mappedup or Poly9 Viavirtualearth (where MSNBC news is plotted out on a map!)

You can find directions on your computer, on your GPS device or even on your cell phone. The trend is that programmers are finding ways of bringing online maps to you, no matter where you are. For instance, if you find yourself lost somewhere with little time to recoup, never fear: Loki can track your location via satellite and send you a map to your next location on your mobile phone. A number of phones, from the iPhone to the Android G1, are making MapQuest, Google Maps and Yahoo Maps technology available to you when you are on-the-go.

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When you are planning to book an airline ticket, you may be confused as to which class to choose for. If you have only travelled in economy till date and you want to try business class, it is essential that you must know about business class very well. Many would have told you about their experience in traveling upper level class flights and you surely want to try it out. Most often you too find it very difficult to grab a business class seat too. So, is it worth taking all the pains to get an executive class ticket?

Basically business class also known as executive class refers to the quality services provided by certain flights for their passengers who are willing to spend some extra cost. Apart from this, services like first class, coach and coach plus are also provided by the airlines. The coach plus are the normal economy or the economy plus seats. The choice of selecting executive class largely depends on your personal preferences.

While considering the expense of business travel, it can be said that it comes to almost four times the fare of traveling in economy class. So if you think that the money is worth a few hours of luxury and comfort, then you can readily go for it. Moreover, the services and comforts in an executive class vary with each airline and each business class airlines offers different options and amenities for their passengers.

Most people go for executive class for the better seating that it offers. The seats are wider and a minimum of four inches of space is seen between the rows. This obviously provides more leg room. If you are tired of traveling in uncomfortable economy seats, the executive class would be a luxury without feeling cramped. Some flights may even provide seats that lie almost flat and also recline very much. However, the seats that completely lie flat is reserved for first class passengers.

While flying business class, you can enjoy the luxury of having quality food and beverages. The passengers are given chance to choose from an expanded menu. Sometimes, a limited variety of beverages are offered free during the flight. All these amenities are included in the airline fare itself. But if you go for some special dishes, you may need to pay some extra money.

Yet another advantage given to the passengers is the business class lounge at the airport. Services like access to computers and email are open to the travelers in the lounge. It may even have a nap area and provides drinks. If you are waiting for another flight for longer periods, such lounges are really a catch. If you are traveling in upper levels, you would be allowed to board the airline first. While the rest of the passengers would be boarding, the upper level travelers would be offered beverages. Such privileged ones can avoid the rest of the crowd as they can enter and exit the plane through some special doorways at times.

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Have you, at some point in your life, been designated planner of your family’s next vacation? As you began to research hotels, were you overwhelmed by the sheer volume of accommodations available? Metropolitan areas are, in some cases, home to as many as 500 hotels that vary tremendously in location and rate, offered amenities. An abundance of choices is nice to have as it allows you to be choosy and narrow your choice of hotels based on your selected criteria, including the rate and hotel supplies you want or need. It goes without saying that when you’re planning a family vacation, your desired amenities and hotel supplies will differ from those that’d be important were you traveling alone, or for work.

Some hotel chains, and independent hotels, market themselves as family hotels. The hotel supplies they offer often include microwaves, mini refrigerators and roll away beds. Many also feature separate sleeping areas for the kids. Non-slip bath mats, extra towels and durable ice buckets are also family-friendly amenities many hotels provide. Hotels in some areas of the country cater to kids of every age; they’re known to offer kid sized hotel supplies and amenities such as step stools and Disney accessories. Kiddie pools and family friendly bathtub/shower combinations are also common amenities in family-centric hotels.

Some hotel supplies and amenities may be of no importance when you’re traveling solo; however, when you’re traveling with your family, those same necessities and hotel supplies might be deal breakers. Hotels that offer continental breakfast as part of their room rates might save families more than $100 on food during an average vacation. Business travelers may have little or no interest in the hotel pool; however, if your family is like many others, one of your most important criteria is a swimming pool and amenities like extra towels. Newer hotels, and some hotels that are being renovated, are, adding new and innovative hotel supplies to their repertoire, many are aiming not for family-friendly or business-friendly but rather for people friendly.

Conversely, if you’re traveling for business, ergonomic work spaces and good lighting are critical hotel supplies that are probably unnecessary for family vacations. Hotel bars, as well as room service, are great amenities when you’re away on assignment for work or if you’re enjoying a couples weekend. However, they’re probably neither necessary nor cost-effective parts of a family trip. Hotels with large bathrooms that are stocked with extra towels, while not useful for people traveling for business, are universally loved by families. When hotels review the amenities and hotel supplies they offer guests, when they cater to a specific clientele, like families, they often gear what they offer to client’s common needs and wants.

Your choice of hotels will ultimately come down to matching available accommodations with your desired hotel supplies and amenities which, in turn, will vary depending upon your trip’s purpose. As you eliminate hotels from your final choices because they lack the hotel supplies or amenities you’re looking for, you’ll eventually be left with only one hotel. If you’re traveling with your family, you’ve done the prep work and made the reservations so now you’re free to enjoy it! You’ll likely be pleasantly surprised with the hotel supplies and amenities offered to you and the accommodations hotels are willing to make to earn your business. They want you to have a great time regardless of why you’re visiting them, with the hope that you’ll recommend them and be a repeat guest, too!

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Traveling is one of the most worthwhile activities anyone can have in an entire lifetime. Visiting various places, experiencing various cultures, getting to know fresh people- these are just some of the splendid things one gets to experience when travelling. And let’s face it, with the hustles and bustles of daily life, everyone needs a little time off to clear their heads and get away from it all.

Packing is one of the primary steps that people do, after organizing and deciding where to head at. And sometimes, this is the most difficult part of the preparation because vacationers are confused what to put inside their bags. Some over-pack due to pointless vanity bits and pieces, while some overlook the important things to bring because they are too languid to carry a hefty luggage.

But don’t worry, whether you’re heading to somewhere sandy, uphill, or contemporary, I’ve listed down 10 things you should bring for your retreat.

A durable, trendy wheeled bag/ backpack – Your bag will house everything that you’ll be bringing during your holiday. And just like any home, this one must be secure and able to contain everything that goes in it. When choosing a bag, always consider two things: One is the size and functionality, and the other is style. More often than not, these two things go hand in hand. Take into account the place where you’re going to and try to come up with a shortlist based on your travel destination. For example, if you’ll be heading for the mountains, make sure you get a good backpack with all the necessary attachments and places where you can hang your flashlight and water bottle. If you’ll be staying in a high-end hotel, make sure you bring along a polished traveling suitcase that’ll make you blend in. Wherever you choose to go, make sure you’ve got the suitable bag for the proper location.

A well-rounded daypack – Some of the most critical things come in a smaller package during the trip. Carrying an extra tote wouldn’t hurt especially if this contains maps, snacks, bottled water and other stuff that you want to clutch around your back or shoulder while checking out the area.

SECURED-BELT BAG AND POCKET MONEY: A well-planned trip entails a well-planned budget. Anyone who goes on a trip or vacation obviously needs money. You need pocket money to buy food and drinks, to pay cabs or rental cars, and, probably, to buy some take-home mementos from the place you visited. And to secure your money, it is suggested to carry them in a belt bag. Not only is it safer but also its light-weight so you can carry it anywhere without thinking where you left it off.

FIRST-AID KIT: We can’t prevent accidents from happening, so always bring a safety kit when travelling. Toiletries, medications, bandages, etc. are just few of the things you should to pack before you leave. Also, have with you the contact numbers of the local hospitals/ clinics as well as your insurance company in case any accidents take place. It’s better to be safe than be sorry.

Proper head-to-toe essentials – These are not only part of human’s principal needs, but also one’s fundamental travel necessity. Be it for swim wear or heavy coats, having ideal attires are a rule of thumb when traveling. Plus, taking some comfortable foot wear should also be on the list, no matter if your feet’s comfort is defined by a pair of furry boots or a pair of colorful flip-flops.

ESSENTIAL GADGETS: Along with your battery-operated stuff, also bring emergency equipment such as your mobile phone and laptop to still be able to get in touch with your loved ones. Most hotels or vacation residences have access to high-speed internet so while on that wonderful paradise, you can still update your friends and family on Facebook or Twitter. And in case you get bored, you may also want to bring along portable DVD and mp3 players; it might come in handy if your chosen room doesn’t have any television set.

EXTRA JUICE FOR YOUR ELECTRONICS: It’s essential to carry around gadgets when travelling such as flashlight for emergency, alarm clock, and cameras to take snapshots of magnificent views. However, some outlets are not compatible with your electronics’ voltage and might cause significant harm. To avert this I suggest you carry around battery-operated gadgets, since batteries are very affordable and readily accessible in any stores. In addition, pack along extra batteries in your carry-around tote bag in case you run out of power while on the road.

Research notes and maps – Mind-gears are always part of the travel-gear. Guidebooks, maps, and even notes that you jot down on your research before riding your way to a different place are significant. Make sure that you have all the information printed in case you forget them. Remember that buying maps is less costly than buying your way out of from being lost in a certain area.

WEATHER SHIELDS: If you’re heading for a sandy or hot-weathered location, never forget to apply sun block/sunscreen lotion to avoid getting too tan or getting a skin disease while travelling. With global warming heating up the world, never forget your sunglasses and umbrella to avoid getting a heat stroke. For tourists going to a cold and chilly spot, bring a hat or waterproof jacket to avoid getting damp in case it rains.

Back-up Documents – It is important to produce copies of your passport, tickets, insurance documents, credit cards, and IDs, and keep them in a protected place in your luggage. You can also leave some of the duplicates at home to ease the whole replacement process in case you lose them during your trip.

Travelling should be a lot of fun. And it will be if you’re well-packed and ready for anything. So pack those bags and along with it, that optimistic attitude and sense of adventure. Remember, you’re doing this to get away from all the strains of everyday living, so don’t let carelessness turn your escapade into another source of anxiety.

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People who have disabilities find their own ways of becoming comfortable in their homes. These days it is not difficult for such people to see the world if the wish to do so. Earlier, they would be expected to visit only places where their friends or relatives lived so that special arrangements could be made. However, this is not longer true because many hotels and transporters have separate arrangements for disabled people.

Just keep these tips in mind while planning your trip and you will travel in peace.

The most important thing that you should remember while traveling with someone with disabilities is the need to book the right rooms and arrange for the right kind of transportation. You must tell your travel agent about your requirements right in the beginning so that they can make appropriate arrangements. It is always a good idea to book well in advance because the number of rooms with special arrangements is often limited.

If there is a possibility that the person may require oxygen or any special type medication, it is important that you carry the contact details of the nearest medical facility centers of the places that you are going to visit.

It would also be a good idea for you to keep photocopies of the prescriptions of the medicines that the person consumes on a regular basis in the bag that you will carry with you on the plane. A photocopied set of the medical documents should also be kept at home where someone else may be able to access it if required. You should also learn the names of the medicines because people often come up with answers like ‘the small yellow pill’ when they are taken to emergency rooms!

Last but not the least; try to reach airports and other boarding points with at least an hour in hand. This is what everybody ought to do, but if you intend to travel with someone with disabilities this is a rule that you should never ignore.

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