Tell Me About Machu Picchu Tours

Machu Picchu is a location that gets a lot of hype. And it deserves it. Situated in misty mountain tops deep inside the Peruvian Andes, Machu Picchu is one of the few major Incan cities left untouched by the Spanish. The best way to fully appreciate the history and mystery of this site is by taking a Machu Picchu tour. However, since the ruins are such a major tourist destination, there is a plethora of companies to choose from. To make choosing one easier-and to insure your vacation lives up to your expectations-follow this guideline to first figure out what you want out of a visit to Machu Picchu.

Decide if you want a group tour, a private tour, or to go solo. Because just getting to Machu Picchu is rather difficult and expensive, it makes sense not to skimp once you finally get to the destination. Of course, if you want to walk around with your guidebook that is entirely doable, but most people tend to enjoy a guided tour with someone who is very familiar with the ruins. If you are traveling with a group of friends or with a family, you might want to take a private guide for your group. Otherwise, a group tour will typically suffice, although make sure you know the group size, anything more than 10-15 people will be uncomfortable.

Decide if you want to hike the Inca Trail. Although most people visit the ruins via a bus ride from the town of Aguas Calientes, ambitious travelers get there the way the Incas did, on foot. The standard Inca Trail trek lasts 4 days at ends in Machu Picchu on the final day. There is also a 2 day option (which requires one full day of trekking and one day at the ruins), as well as numerous alternate treks that still follow original Inca Trails, but are less utilized by tourists.

Bookings for the standard Inca Trail are limited to 500 a day (and many of these spots are taken up by support staff) and trail dates sell out months in advance, especially during the high season, so if hiking to Machu Picchu is something you're interested in, be sure to plan in advance!

Once you know what you want out of your tour, make sure you're comfortable the day of. Remember to pack for the weather (there is a rainy and dry season in that region), be sure to bring sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen because the sun is very strong, as well as water to keep you hydrated, and good shoes to give yourself support.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6573711

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Exploring the Many Airplane Pillow Options Available

Whether you are a casual traveler headed out on holiday, or a busy business professional who racks up thousands of air miles each year, spending long hours on a cramped airplane can be a miserable experience. From constantly rising fares, to uncomfortable seats and grouchy flight attendants, many have discovered that the friendly skies are often a real nightmare. Fortunately, there are several different airplane pillow options available that guarantee you will be whisked away to dream land in minutes, leaving the drama of the airplane behind.

Perhaps one of the most popular airplane pillows is the traditional travel pillow that wraps around the traveler's neck. These pillows are favored by many passengers because of their small form factor, and for the support they provide to the head and neck. Long gone are the days where passengers were forced to balance their heads on the side of the seat or the plane window, only to be jostled awake whenever another passenger passed by. Instead, these pillows make it easy to keep your head in place, making for a more peaceful and enjoyable period of rest.

The wrap around pillow is available in a variety of different fabrics. If your primary concern is an airplane pillow that will take up the least amount of room possible, you may wish to consider one of the inflatable options available to you. There are also several pillows that are stuffed with micro-beads for super soft cushioning.

In addition to airplane pillows that provide head and neck support, some travelers opt for cushions intended to provide back support during the long journey. These pillows come in a variety of different shapes and sizes, and are intended to alleviate back pain that many individuals suffer when remaining seated for extended periods of time. Both inflatable and stuffed options are available.

Beyond traditional pillows and cushions, there are several unique products that have hit the market in recent years. For example, some travelers now fly with an airplane pillow that rests on the seatback table, providing a space for one to rest their head during the journey. Cushions that cover the entire airplane seat are also becoming increasingly popular.

Regardless of what you are looking for in an airplane pillow, there is certain to be an option that will work well for you. Say goodbye to those miserable flights filled with long hours of tossing and turning. Purchasing a high quality pillow will not only make the journey more enjoyable, but also guarantee you arrive feeling refreshed and content

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6573756

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DC Passport - Applying for a New Passport in Washington DC

United States citizens and non-citizen nationals who live in or near the Washington DC area can avail themselves of three different means of applying for a new U.S. passport. First of all, applicants can submit application form DS-11 and all supporting documents at a local passport office. There are 15 such facilities located in the District of Columbia. One is located in the Notary Commissions & Authentications Office on 4th Street. The rest can be found in post offices. The addresses of a couple are provided here.

USPS Ben Franklin Post Office
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20004-9998
(202) 523-2386

USPS National Capitol Station
2 Massachusetts Avenue
Washington, DC 20002-9998
202-523-2368

Those who plan on submitting their passport applications at one of the facilities should call prior to going. Many require an appointment or have limited operating hours.

Applicants who apply at one of these offices can choose between routine and expedited services. Standard processing of applications is estimated to take up to six weeks while expedited service only takes up to three. Anyone who needs to get a passport in less time can use one of the methods below.

The Washington Passport Agency on 19th Street accepts applications from those who need to get a passport or submit one for a travel visa in 2 weeks or less. An appointment must be scheduled and evidence of urgent travel plans must be presented when submitting the application. Operating hours are from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm on Monday through Friday. The agency is closed on weekends and national holidays. Here is the complete address.

Washington Passport Agency
1111 19th Street, N.W.,
First Floor, Sidewalk Level
Washington, D.C. 20036

You can set up your visit by phoning the automated appointment system at 1-877-487-2778. It is often difficult to get through so you may have to call several times. When your appointment date arrives, you need to take the unsigned Form DS-11, one recent passport photo, evidence of citizenship, proof of identity, a copy of the identification document and payment for the fees. If your name has been legally changed, you also need to provide evidence of this.

Applicants who need to get passports quickly but are unable to personally submit their applications at the regional agency can employ the services of a registered passport expediting service. Due to the large number of foreign embassies in DC, there are numerous expediters that provide this service. Consult the yellow page for a listing

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6579937

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La Geria - Lanzarote's Wine-Growing Region

La Geria in Lanzarote is one of the island's most intriguing tourist attractions, with the unique agricultural landscape being used to grow wine.

When thinking about vineyards, most people will conjure up images of luscious fields and colourful foliage; however, the vineyards of La Geria utilise a cultivating technique that is used solely in Lanzarote.

During the 1730s, around one-third of the island was covered in ash following a series of volcanic eruptions that also destroyed most of the crops at the time, such as cereal.

This meant the farmers who stayed in Lanzarote instead of choosing to emigrate to America had to come up with a way of growing produce in the ash that was present on a large portion of the land.

Fortunately, this ashy substance had a number of features that enabled the workers to formulate a process for making wine that proved very successful.

The granules of volcanic rock, called picon, could be used as a porous mulch as it was able to absorb moisture from the surrounding air and distribute it in the ground.

This not only prevented evaporation, but also overcame a problem farmers in the region had suffered over the years with all crops - a lack of rainfall.

Known as 'enarenado', this form of dry cultivation is used solely in Lanzarote, making the landscape a fascinating stop on any tour of the island.

In order to protect the vines from strong winds, each one is planted individually, with a small semi-circular wall named a zoco built around them.

These walls are made from volcanic stone, forming an added layer of defence against adverse weather conditions.

Each vine is also planted at a depth of 1 to 1.5 metres in order to ensure they are fully grounded when winds are high.

This spectacular agricultural landscape is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Lanzarote and provides some excellent photo opportunities.

Due to the nature of this viniculture, it is fairly labour intensive, with each vine needing to be planted manually, while each grape is handpicked come harvest season.

Around three-quarters of the crop in La Geria is Malvasia grape, resulting in a sweet wine that was once a favoured tipple of European aristocracy. Nowadays, the island is still famous for its dessert wines.

The remaining 25 per cent of the vineyards cultivate Diego, Muscatel and Pedro Ximenez grapes.

If you are keen to actually taste some of the local wines, there are a number of bodegas - small grocery stores - that line the main bumpy road in La Geria.

Here, you can find a vast selection of red, white and rose variants, enabling you to plan your own mini sampling tour fairly easily.

Those keen to learn more about the history of wine-making in Lanzarote should visit the Canary Islands' oldest bodega, the El Grifo winery in Masdache.

Founded in 1775, it has a wine museum that extensively details the island's long tradition in vineyards and agricultural pursuits.

Tourists can view authentic old presses, alembics, laboratory instruments, bottling tools, pumps and filters, as well as other farming equipment used during the production process.

Looking for wine to take home with you? There is also a sales room in the museum where you can find a large choice of some of Lanzarote's best wines.

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Can You Really Get Work In Australia?

Does it sound too good to be true? They call Australia the 'Lucky Country' and indeed it is. The truth is: you can work in Australia and there is only one condition. You must of course obtain a visa first, but this is not as difficult as it may sound.

Australia is critically short of nurses, qualified trades people, and skilled workers. You can actually live and work in Australia for 4 years on a 457 Long Stay Visa. The only criteria is that you firstly arrange for a sponsor to employ you in your chosen career as soon as you arrive in Australia. You are also free to change employers within your chosen career, if you are not happy for any reason. If you fit into any of those categories, the chances are you are on your way to paradise downunder!

If you do not fit into these 3 high demand categories, do not despair. There is always a demand for workers in the Tourism and Hospitality Industries in Australia, and it is likely that if you are aged between 18 and 30 years, you will be able to apply for a working holiday visa which allows you to work for 6 months and stay for up to 12 months. You may also be able to apply for a second working holiday visa if you are able to work for a further 6 months with a previous employer.

The Hospitality and Tourism industries are always looking for employees, and the main areas of employment are:

· Cafes - Baristas and Wait-staff

· Restaurants - Chefs/Cooks/Kitchen hands/Wait-staff

· Resorts - Managers/Maintenance staff/Receptionists/Cleaning staff/Concierge/Bar staff/Entertainers

· Transport - Tour guides/Drivers

· Clubs-Entertainers/Bar staff/Baristas

· Catering Companies- Cooks/kitchen hands/Drinks Waiters/Bar staff/Buffet staff

Most of Australia's population live and work on the East Coast. Cities such as Cairns - in Far North Queensland; Brisbane - the capital of Queensland; Sydney - the capital of New South Wales; and Melbourne - the capital of the state of Victoria, are all major centres of employment and tourism. On the West Coast of Australia, you will find Perth - a large metropolitan city on the banks of the Swan River which also offers substantial work opportunities, as does Adelaide - the capital of South Australia, and of course Darwin - way up North in the 'Top End' of the Northern Territory.

The Outback of Australia is not a region or state, as many people think. It is in fact a general term used to describe the vast interior of the continent. Population is sparse in these areas, although there are significant towns and cities which service the remote communities and heavy industry such as mining. Tourism also plays a major role in the economy of the Outback and this provides many opportunities for work in the hospitality and guided tour industries.

A little known fact in regard to securing work in the Outback of Australia, is that there are also often work opportunities on huge outback stations (large farms or ranches). Some of these jobs include:

· general farm-hand

· cook

· fencing work

· cattle handling (jackaroo- the male version)

· cattle handling(jillaroo-the female version)

· nanny / governess

· sheep shearer

· diesel mechanic

· machinery operators (graders/dozers/front end loaders/harvesters/tractors, etc)

· truck drivers

Australia is unique and a wonderful place to enjoy a working holiday or to take up full time employment. With wide open spaces, a laid-back lifestyle, and a fantastic climate, you are sure to experience many wonderful adventures during your stay

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6564744

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Discovering Incredible Vacationing Opportunities Available With Peru Tours

Majority of the individuals are trying to reap the benefits of new and exceptional possibilities, when it comes to pursuing the resources of utilizing vacation time. Resources like the Internet have helped to inspire new innovative ideas with the possibilities of holidaying and resources such as global travel are not as impossible as travelers might have previously believed. If you're trying to make the most of unique opportunities that exist with browsing Latin America, one of the best resources you can invest into, is found with the incredible possibilities developed with Peru tours.

First Possibility: Variety of Saving Opportunities

When a lot of individuals deliberate on the unique possibilities which exist with global travel, they have a tendency to identify this as a very costly resource which is usually limited to very few experiences. You can make the most of the many possibilities that exist with a Peru vacation; you will be able to enjoy many unique vacationing experiences, while even recognizing resources of expenditure that fit within your specific budget. Whether you are looking for a low cost retreat which aids to inspire the imagination or an extravagant resource of extraordinary experiences, there are packages developed to fit your specific needs.

Second Possibility: Possibilities for Multiple Vacationing Destinations

One factor which can often affect the opportunities that exist with recognizing a vacation possibility which is within your budget is found with deciding the specific destinations you are looking to take advantage of. Peru tours offer a wide array of many different destinations people can travel to, that not only incorporate the several attractions of Peru and can even include the most popular attractions of neighboring countries. The unique opportunity of these tours allows you to decide the attractions that appeal to your interests and then choose a package that caters to those demands.

Third Possibility: Finding a Family Friendly Vacation Opportunity

Besides the opportunities which exist with savings possibilities and variety in destination from a Peru vacation, one more extraordinary chance is to reap the benefits of tours particularly designed to accommodate families. It's often difficult to go on holiday with your family, when many tours are mainly concentrated on the entertainment of adults and educational sites. When you can embrace a touring option which focuses on the family and the entertainment of children, it is possible for you to make the most of a complete vacationing experience, which appeals to every person in your family.

There are many incredible vacationing opportunities which a person or family can benefit from when it comes to touring the beautiful location of Latin America

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