1. aites know your travel itinerary to those around you - leave a copy or your neighbors or members of your family ... and always keep someone know if you change your plans!
2. Check your passport, your visa and your vaccination records to make sure they are up to date. Refer all duplicate your passport, driving license, credit cards and other important documents with your family in case of theft).
3. During your absence, organize yourself so that your home has air inhabited. Arrange for there to be a parked car in your driveway, for someone pick up your mail and shovel your sidewalk. Do not be the burglars thank you: plan!
4. You are going to an exotic place ?! Plan your travel budget and be informed on the local currency. A good travel guide to the country visited will explain how much is the Canadian dollar, or you can visit a currency exchange on currency before you leave.
5. Do a search on your destination before leaving. What are the eligibility requirements? Do they need proof of citizenship? ID cards with photo? Should you have received certain vaccines? Some countries may require an "International Certificate of Vaccination" against certain infectious diseases before letting you enter the country. Check with your travel agent, your doctor or embassy of the country you plan to visit.
6. Have you won your prescription drugs in sufficient quantities in your suitcase? If this is not the case, make sure to refuel before departure. It's also a good idea to contact the nearest consulate to inform you about the right to health of the country concerned regarding controlled drugs. You may need to get a written doctor's prescription for your medication.
7. Take out travel insurance. If you plan to drive after your arrival, determine the type of insurance you need.
8. Identification luggage is important. Identify your luggage by entering your name, current address and phone number. Write this information inside and outside of your luggage. Remove any luggage tag that withdrawal might confuse handlers. Tie a ribbon or scarf with a light color on your suitcase to help you easily distinguish your luggage from those like them in the baggage claim area.
9. Take a package of basic first aid in your luggage for minor emergencies. Bring items such as an antibiotic ointment, tablets against high bacterial diarrhea, tablets to relieve diarrhea, an antifungal cream, antiseptic ointment, aspirin, bandages, lotion for treating insect bites, of electrolyte replacement tablets to replace body salts removed by sweating or diarrhea, insect repellent, safety pins, scissors (not allowed on board), soap, sunscreen, thermometer and eyebrow tweezers.
10. Inform your bank of your destination and duration of your visit. As there will be no concern on the part of the bank when you shop in another place.
11. Check the website of the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority to www.catsa-acsta.gc.ca to get the latest information for air travelers, including the latest security measures .
12. No matter where you go, always make sure to be safe - enjoy the holidays and remember to celebrate safely while keeping an eye on your health and well-being!

We wish you a happy merry Christmas season!

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If Rome was not built in a day, it is likely to offer you a variety of accommodation to the extent of its reputation, with luxury hotels, historic settlements or gourmet hotels in the key.

Best Romantic hotel: The Inn at the Spanish Steps

Treat your sweetheart an unforgettable stay in this exceptional property ideally located in the heart of the city. Luxurious rooms with warm colors, rich draperies and marble characterize the interior of this historic building with Italian elegance. Taste the sweetness of a morning breakfast took head-to-head on the roof terrace in the sun, where you can admire the most famous monuments of the capital.

The best historic hotel: Hotel Fontana

Boasting a unique position on the Trevi Fountain, this former monastery plunges you into the heart of the history of Rome. The hotel combines with past happiness and present with modern amenities such as access to Wi-Fi, and its close proximity with many iconic locations. In the evening, let yourself be lulled by the sweet song of the fountain. That is, if it is close!
  
The best design hotel: Hotel Indigo Rome

This eclectic stylized hotel offers rooms with classic or unexpected themes, which are being honored paintings of Caravaggio as well as the Fiat 500, iconic car of the country. After a day of pounding the streets of the capital, treat yourself to a relaxation session at the St. George spa, where you will experience the Roman baths in mineral setting, conducive to relaxation. The hotel also houses two restaurants and a wine bar that will delight gourmets.
  
The best family hotel: Novotel Rome Eur


With its bold architecture, Novotel Roma Eur is not likely to go unnoticed. Equipped with all the modern comfort with bright colors offers easy access to the sights and attractions of the city. Stay free in your room, your children will rush on the video game room of the hotel while you leisurely sip a cocktail at the Eurekabar. And Sunday delay your departure until 17 pm to enjoy these family vacation!

The best gourmet hotel: the Mecenate Palace, Rome

Luxury delightfully quaint, proximity to the Colosseum and the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, high-quality services ... not surprising that the Mecenate Palace takes its place among the greatest. But what sets this establishment, it is above all its magnificent rooftop terrace which not only offer a panoramic view of the capital, is also a renowned restaurant that satisfies the most demanding palates.
  
The best business hotel: Park Hotel dei Massimi

Business travelers visiting Rome find comfort and services they need at the Park Hotel dei Massimi, a few steps from the Vatican City. Surrounded by a beautiful park, this 4-star has several fully equipped meeting rooms and Wi-Fi access throughout the hotel. And to combine work and pleasure, book your tickets to a football match at the Olympic Stadium nearby.
  
The best luxury hotel Villa Spalletti Trivelli

Majestically standing on the highest hill of Rome, Villa Spalletti Trivelli flourishes in lush Italian gardens. Hangings, wood and furniture collection, everything is refinement and sobriety. The wellness center of the property is a haven of luxury and tranquility which alone can keep you away the appeal of the Trevi Fountain and nearby shopping streets, a few minutes walk.
  
The best spa hotel Jumeirah Grand Hotel Via Veneto

Close to the National Gallery of Ancient Art and the Villa Borghese, Jumeirah Grand Hotel Via Veneto is in the heart of two luxuriously appointed historic buildings. After a hectic day, a visit to the famous Aqua City Spa of the establishment will emerge as obvious. Marble basins, light therapy, body treatments and hydro massage, the hassles of everyday life you suddenly seem very far ...
  
The best hotel where pets are allowed: Angolo Romano Bed & Breakfast

This charming B & B offers four simple but pretty rooms in the historic district of Prati, a few hundred meters from St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museum. The warm welcome of the owners extends your pets, in however warn reserve the property in advance. Breakfast is included in the price.
  
Top tip: Infinity Hotel Roma


Just steps from the Spanish Steps, let yourself be seduced by this boutique hotel where the charm and elegance is matched as the friendly staff. In a setting with cream and dark red tones, you will enjoy a prime location for strolling in the capital over its monuments, its restaurants and shops. Quality bedding and free breakfast await you, all at very affordable prices. read more →

Move Into a new dimension ... 

Tunisia Travel is one of the largest travel agencies in Tunisia. It ensures receptive about 450,000 tourists (on average) each year. 
With a qualified and trained new and diversified fleet and many branches in different tourist areas of Tabarka in Tozeur, via Hammamet, Sousse and Djerba, Tunisia travel you will discover and enjoy the tourist attractions of the staff Tunisia. 
Tunisia travel, which has been awarded several times for the quality of its services (Jasmines 3 gold, 2 trophies Jet tours in 2002, the Gold Trophy Thomson, etc.) continues to attach great importance to customer satisfaction that trust him. 
All shares in Tunisie Voyages are moving towards the satisfaction of its large customer base. It strives to ensure that its customers remain loyal and recommend to others. His methods focus on customer requirements. This requires each of its managers maximum flexibility and adaptability to change. The main goal is to turn every prospect into a customer and each customer Tunisian Ambassador Travel. 



fleet 

- 73 bus (Mercedes, Volvo and Man). 
- 31 minibus (Mercedes, Toyota and Iveco). 
- 18 Microbus Toyota. 
- 36 4x4 Toyota. read more →

Preparing a world tour is already part of the trip. It allows us to imagine, to dream, to take an interest in geography, politics, climate, history, bureaucracy ... 

While traveling style '' backpack '' leaves much to improvisation, it can also demonstrate a minimum of organization before departure. Several months are required to inform, prepare, plan, budget ...

Why leave? 

Everyone has their reasons, but if you read this, it's already that you want to travel, is not it? 

There are plenty of reasons to leave, and certainly many others to stay home. I like the words of Montaigne: 'I know what I am, not what I want'. Fleeing from the ordinary to the Discovery of the World. If fair share to escape their problems, no doubt they will still be there when he returned. 
Leaving is often more difficult than the trip itself. From means end up out of balance, leaving the sense of security provided by all that surrounds us. To leave is to expose to the world and itself. 

The engine is the motivation. Some go around the world with a purpose or theme: humanitarian, ecological, deserts, volcanoes, honeymoon, archeological sites, people, world music, mountains, trains, islands, spots surfing or diving. 
The mode of travel can also be a goal in itself (by boat, on foot, by bicycle, motorcycle ...). 
Just make your own program. 

My goal was to see a little piece of the world to live and experience something different in my life everyday. It is more comfortable to stay at home to continue his life as before but the taste of the trip is grown. On each of my previous 'small' travels, I often said it was too short, that's when we begin to speak the language, understand the customs of the country need already returned. So I made the choice to spend time in each country, without me imposing completely frozen initially course, sometimes with just a few ideas on things to do in the countries visited. From a year around the world, it is also a challenge, an adventure that leaves traces and memories for a long time. 

Adventuring: what is it? Cross the Nepal clinging to the roof of a bus eat dirt? Down a river on a canoe frail? Eating fried scorpion? The adventure of some is not often that sharing a parcel of everyday life for others. 

How to prepare for a world tour? 

Although we basically need is a passport and a credit card. It is wise to ask a few questions before leaving. That's the whole purpose of this page. The potential difficulty of preparation is that all the questions are closely related to each other (the course, budget, schedule, travel, the activities, the weather, politics). It's hard to know where to start. I do not pretend to be exhaustive in the questions (or answers in the matter). My goal is simply to share with you my personal experience of preparing a world tour through the information I could gather, meet with fellow travelers and your comments. 

The key word is ANTICIPATE. 
Anticipate all future needs that will meet on site (money, security, route). If you want to be methodical, it is best to make a list of tasks to accomplish placing milestones: a deadline for each action and stick to it. In other words: make a schedule! 

Vaccines: how long before? How many injections? at what intervals? 
Unlocking my location: how much notice? 
Being own my home, can I rent it for a predetermined period of time? 
Can I extend the deadlines of my credit? 
Ask my sabbatical or put my dem what is the law, how much notice? 
Visas: whom should I ask before going any validity, ask which way? How embassy? How much are they? Are there special requirements for obtaining? 
Budget: How much money do I have? What will my expenses? 
Purchases before departure: What, when, how, where? (tickets to the backpack) 
What will I do in return: me money he will return to me? 
I will it be possible to change their minds at the last moment, or go back to mid-term? 
Etc ... etc ... 

In short, think of everything but trying to sort out for not going into totally unnecessary details (like the fare of a hypothetical taxi or bus timetable between Bombay and Goa, but where will I sleep in 6 month, arriving in Santiago) 

All preparatory work can be spread over three months, but this may be a bit of a race against time, especially if you are working. I think six months is more reasonable for someone who has never undertaken such travel plans. I also met someone who was determined and prepared in just 2 weeks. Everything is possible! 

Finally, the preparation of a long journey is a pleasure, it's already starting a little ... Why not give time to enjoy it?


Which route? 

'The true traveler does not know where it goes' (Chinese proverb) 

Destinations. 
The choice is not obvious because the list of interesting places is endless. What will the climate, season? Provide a trek in Nepal in July is perhaps not a great option, unless you like particularly slush and leeches. Travel guides will give you a general idea of the country, an overview of the customs, attractions, prizes, transportation. There are probably as many trips as passengers. My best memories of travel are not printed in the guides, they are dating, impressions, unexpected, galleys also ... 

Some destinations are easier than others, because there is no big problem of language or because the lifestyle and culture are similar to those we know. Some countries, particularly in the third world can be more difficult to transport, food, accommodation, cleanliness, or human contact (rarely all at once though!). The 'culture shock' can be great, and this can become painful in the long run to be constantly destabilized. In this case, it may be a pause in his journey by staying in a quiet and pleasant time to recharge. To reduce the phenomenon we can try to alternate countries "comfortable" and the other, while having one eye on the budget (comfort is paid of course). 

Air travel often requires a lot of stresses at the dates, forcing travelers to book a place for days or even weeks in advance. Have "open" ticket (= no date set at the time of purchase) can help solve part of the problem on popular destinations, depending on the period. 

East vs. West? 
Which way to turn around the world, east or west? Most Europeans began towards Asia. This is actually the climate and the departure date that will guide you in this choice. The goal is usually to avoid the monsoon, winter and hot weather. Please note, some countries have very different climates throughout the other (Australia, India, Indonesia, etc.) and anything can change completely if you go into the mountains. Even if you can not find a lot of info on the net, purchase the book 'Seasons and Climates' Jean Noël Dartle I think is a good investment for the preparation of his career. 

There are not that round the world, it is also trying to get to walk by China, to go from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego, to travel the Silk Road or Zindes of off the North Cape in Cape Town, to go around the Mediterranean ...


When to go? 

The choice in date: the killjoy will tell you that this is not the time, because of the conditions, the risk ... The question I asked myself is simply 'why wait for retirement to go I need regular. '

There is no better time than now to take advantage of such a journey. 

Another aspect of things, valid at least for the French and perhaps for other nationalities also: if you pay taxes on income and you expect from one year, it may be better to make her suitcase in the middle of year to reduce its tax over two years instead of one sheet. 

The choice in date: the killjoy will tell you that this is not the time, because of the conditions, the risk ... The question I asked myself is simply 'why wait for retirement to go I need regular. '

There is no better time than now to take advantage of such a journey. 

Another aspect of things, valid at least for the French and perhaps for other nationalities also: if you pay taxes on income and you expect from one year, it may be better to make her suitcase in the middle of year to reduce its tax over two years instead of one sheet. 

  How long? 

Everything depends of course on your budget, your preferences, your availability ... 

Rich and pressed can turn around the planet in 24 days in a private jet and 5-star hotel, while others cycled for ten years, enjoying the hospitality of the people and sending signales an article from time to time to round for the difficult months. Between these two extremes all possible. 

The ideal length is probably no. One year, it is already good, but we must be aware that it requires to make many compromises on the choice of the countries visited or even the total impasse on one or two continents and visit only partially others. One year, it is also the limit of normal validity of most of plane tickets ... 

Speed. 

Tortoise or hare? Travel slowly allows for increased contact and see things more deeply, differently travel optimized for maximum thing in minimal time. On the other hand one can also choose to increase the destinations to enjoy the variety of the world. 

Personally, I did a bit of both. Enjoying long country I had chosen as "my main goals," and going faster, even extremely quickly to other places. At the beginning of the preparation, I did not go around the world but the idea has become a little cheaper than the other options considered, such as the trip to 'star'. I did my route based forecast of the places I really wanted to go and stops (cheap or even free) offered by the airlines. No question completely freeze my route, I had provided, for example in Nepal two months and one month in India for various reasons, I did the opposite. We have often been asked the question: why did not go to Australia when it was so close? I just felt they did not have enough time to "good" visit this vast country as a continent. 1 year is a long time, but it is both very fast past. 

Ideally, of course, have no big time constraint and stay in one place as necessary. If travel time-limited (as is often the case!) Stay longer in one country will necessarily leave less time to devote to the other ... not necessarily less interesting. Visas induce additional time constraint. In Thailand, for example, the "trick" is to leave the country (to Malaysia) to return immediately, armed with a new one-month visa. 

Going 2 years for a world tour? (Lucky boy!) Why not make two trips around the world instead of one! one by the southern hemisphere, by a northern hemisphere, all with a little break in the middle to to kiss his mother who longs to see you again? This is not necessarily more expensive at the airline as expensive cross paths is avoided. A study. 

If you plan to return one day (!), Also know that the more we share, the longer rehabilitation life 'normal' can be problematic. How to find the subway and routine after all these adventures?

What budget? 

This is a fundamental question that will determine his background and activities. 

A buget too tight can ruin the trip: It's still nice to be able to afford a decent room at least occasionally, to enjoy a good meal but also to do some activities to better discover people , animals, nature ... If resources are not sufficient, may be it is better from nine months instead of 12, or modify its original line to stay longer in the countries 'cheap' and avoid hanging out in countries 'expensive'. 

Already, you should know how much money you can have because you can not spend more than what we have (stating the obvious would not have said better). After that, it's like everywhere, we can expect to living large or living in the economy, and often we do a bit of both. Depending on the country and what we are doing. For example, not to mention some European countries frightfully expensive northern Asia can be very cheap, while Australia can be ruinous if we do not pay attention to what we do. Know for example that my short trip to the Galapagos cost me as much as three months' budget in Nepal and India combined. It's funny to see that you can spend half an hour to negotiate the price of a taxi ride to the nearest euro cents in one country and pay 100 times more unflinchingly in another. 

The budget is 'self-adaptive'. In countries rather cheap, we will gladly taxi, rickshaw, tuk-tuk ... In the most expensive places we walk on foot, take the bus and metro. 

Predict its budget, it is basically make a table with a column and a revenue expenditure and of course to see if it can work column. 

RECIPES: 

1) Economies of departure, a personal loan from a bank or a relative. 

2) secure income or expected (if you rent your home, if you are receiving benefits, if you are the annuitant, if you plan to work on the way, if you have a sponsor or patron ...) 

SPENDING: 

Before departure: 

- Equipment: Backpack, clothes ... 

- Visas 

- Airline tickets 

- Assistance Insurance 

- Vaccines 

Traveling: 

Transportation, housing, food, miscellaneous purchases, activities. 

We can determine an average daily budget by studying topics guidebooks often offer several evaluations based on the destination and mode of travel (backpacking broke - a little more comfortable - comfortable). On the Internet, we see little country sheets of ABM, of Lonely Planet, the Backpacker or Footprint (in English) 

This daily budget version "backpacker" typically ranges from less than 15 € 30-35 € per day depending on the destination exeptionnelle above 100 €, it can happen but it's not really backpacker! 

Then identify activities that can or wants to do in the country. -Walking is generally free but not scuba diving, or tour in a helicopter safari. This part of the expenses is the most adaptable. It's easy to add or remove an activity based on changes in its budget. By cons, stop eating and sleeping, it's more difficult. 

At home: 

Insurance (home, car ...), taxes, etc. 

We can reduce the bill by getting rid (selling) which costs money and who does not relate, like a car, for example, especially if it is new and it will lose value. 

EXAMPLE: 

To give an idea, here are some thoughts about my budget ... We can do with a lot less money than that by choosing other steps as mine. 

Before leaving, it was 9 years I was working and I was saving for future projects still vague. This has allowed me to go with pretty comfortable budget of 17,000 €. I spent € 16,500 all inclusive: travel, accommodation, food, souvenir shopping. Of course, my predictions were more or less just between countries, but the offsetting + - everything is miraculously balanced. 

The key points of the budget of my journey: 

 

plane: 

The forms 'round the world' pre-established by the airlines often try to confine the traveler on one side of the hemisphere but are surprisingly cheap. With € 1800 we can already make a deep run with many stops. 

For me, the air is much higher budget (€ 4,550 tickets!) Because I made my own journey, not necessarily the ideal economic perspective. However, I kindly pay full price for my round the world to me through places I'd actually chosen, such as the very expensive stop on Easter Island or return Madagascar. 

Nepal and India: 

Life can be incredibly cheap. Less than 6 € / day during my trek in the Annapurna, nothing to buy, just to walk and enjoy the most beautiful mountains in the world! 

Galapagos: 

€ 1,500 cheerfully spent 12 days: it is a fact! 

Lifestyle in New Zealand: 

A friend joined me three weeks. Car rental, bed and breakfast, good restaurants ... for a bill of more than € 76 / day. Very comfortable and relaxing after India. After the departure of my friend, the budget is again reasonable by my own mess in the hostels and moving in stop and bus (20 € / day). A fine example of adaptivity of the budget! 

Expensive sports: 

I did a lot of scuba diving (Madagascar, Fiji, Cook Islands, Galapagos). Some paragliding, rafting, a freefall. About 1,500 €. 

revelry: 

I appreciate the good things and I never tire of discovering the culinary world. I am often tempted to let a good restaurant and a nice bottle of red to share with friends. A force that eventually weigh in the budget, but when you love ... 

hotels :

Conversely, I have my accommodation rather tight budget, rarely sleeping in rooms on top, not forsaking the dorms on occasion.

A plane ticket to go around the world? 

A plane CT (or rather a bunch of airline tickets) ticket is the most common form. To design the course and buy a ticket TDM, it seems essential to go through an agency that specializes in this type of travel. At the rate: it is much cheaper than tickets purchased separately. 

These agencies have their catalog a series of trips that use a small number of airlines that are partners in the same alliance: There are three: One World, SkyTeam and Star Alliance. 

Economic formulas (between 1500 and 2000 Euros) follow the most popular airline routes: Europe, Asia, Australia NZ, North America. With a little over budget, we can add South America or South Africa or additional stops. More and more expensive if you want to spend outside of traditional air routes such as in West Africa or Central in the islands of the Indian Ocean or Alaska. 

Namely tickets TDM also possible to combine flights and land paths like the classic Singapore - Bali or Santiago - Quito to name a few. 

An idea that we do not always think when an Air TDM were prepared: it is the use of certain stages of low-cost airlines that explore a country or continent. The idea is to combine an air TDM and enjoy cheap rates "low cost" to increase the number of calls or circumvent some limitations of style: not travel westward if the CT turns east . 

Most low-cost airlines are in Europe, Asia, and North America. They are rarer elsewhere. As a personal example: I used several times AirAsia to get around Asia cheap and quite a few others in Europe. 

  How to find a sponsor and travel for free? 

The dream: getting paid to travel. Find a job with a publisher of guide !!! 

Sponsors usually require a serious and well-mounted project. People must be motivated and tenacious and suggest a theme - original? - The whole trip (humanitarian, education, heritage, ecology, history, writing or picture / video reports), some media coverage, etc ... 

Who to contact? 

www.fondations.org already offers some ideas ... 

Scholarships Youth Challenge 62, rue Saint-Lazare 75009 PARIS Tel. : 01 40 82 97 97 Fax: 01 40 82 97 98 

On the same site, other ways to find funding 

Not bad address as the site of the Nicolas Hulot Foundation 

(Thanks to Geffroy for the pipes) 

   Choosing insurance contract - assistance around the world? 

Most of the time, insurance and assistance are combined in a single contract. Guarantees covered vary from one insurance company to another, exclusions too. 

- Civil liability (still limited) 

- Repatriation, visit a family member, early return, transporting the body of coffin (yours!) 

- Legal Assistance 

- Cash advances, advance bail. 

- Costs of search and rescue, sometimes 'unlimited' 

- Medical expenses hospitalization (Disease - Accident). Desirable Ceiling: € 150,000, but twice: it's better! (hospitalization costs can be exorbitant in North America / Japan / Singapore). Appendicitis is Real! See the list of excluded by the contract diseases: AIDS, malaria ... 

- Dental (usually little or no coverage at all) 

- Sending drugs 

- Cancellation: Refund of flight / room for illness, accident, death of a loved one, dismissal (economic only) tickets. 

- Disability, death, disfigurement, in these cases a capital can be paid to you or to your heirs. 

- Baggage and Personal Effects: Loss, theft, delay, damage. Repayment is often symbolic. Look at the conditions for the cameras, eyeglasses, bicycles, sports equipment ... 

- Compensation Flight Delay 

- Transmission of urgent messages 

We can compare contracts based on the asking price and guarantees (caps, deductibles, exclusions). Usually all "risky" activities are excluded from cover: motorcycle, car, diving, mountain climbing, air sports, backcountry skiing, bungee jumping, competitions of any kind. It's up to you to take out additional insurance to cover you. The insurance does not cover you either if the acts are intentional, if you are under the influence of drugs or drunk, in case of attempted suicide, the states of pregnancy ... Also excluded: wars , terrorism, nuclear weapons, the cataclysms ... 

Geographic coverage: some countries may be excluded including yours. Regarding the search operations, rescue, repatriation: are often excluded areas highland / mountain, the sea searches Within the EEC, the agreements allow to be reimbursed by the French Social Security. accident or sudden illness (E111). 

From whom? 

AVA 

AVI International 

Elvia 

Europ Assistance 

Inter mutual support 

Connoisseurs of travel 

Mondial Assistance 

Backpacker support 

For certain sports ... 

At Old Camper 

French Alpine Club 

See also on the websites of your federations (sailing, paragliding, diving, etc.) 

Owners of credit card are automatically covered by insurance / travel assistance. If the benefits are very limited for the cards 'standard', they are correct for the cards "high end" as the first visa or mastercard gold. The benefits are highest for six months of consecutive trip. A check. 

Visa 

Eurocard Mastercard 

American Express 

  What will happen to the house while I was away? 

The ideal is to have someone you trust at home that can take care of some administrative and financial problems for you. The tax office will he forget me as I will forget? 

Make proxies to the bank, post office to receive recommended. What to do with bills, insurance, mutual ... (we will of course take care to calculate everything in his budget). Direct debit is very Internet allows for more transactions (banking, administrative procedures, and may soon be as visa applications). 

  What reactions expected from the environment? 

The people I know have had contrasting reactions to the news of my project. It goes: "This is great, I've always wanted" to "you're completely wacko" through "you are brave to do that." 

A friend even told me "your path is bad, you'll miss a lot of things" (sic). 'No, really, it takes at least through Angkor and Chichen Itza, it's a shame not to go! 'Listening to him, it would be in the plane every week to jump from one site to another. 

Joking aside. His determination to be great to take the leap from the dream to the project and the project to its completion. You may feel misunderstood and hampered by his relatives. They are surprised and concerned to see you go so far and so long. But why you leave, you're not right here?

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      A trip to Malaysia is to discover a land of many faces. Consists of a peninsular and north of the island of Borneo, most of its cities were built in the middle of a vast tropical forest. Kuala Lumpur and its huge buildings give way to an exotic jungle, disturbing, but so attractive. The place is ideal for lovers of activities such as trekking or rafting. The Petronas Towers in the capital is a superb spectacle at night. Temples and mosques in the country bear witness to the Muslim and Buddhist cohabitation. Its beautiful beaches have nothing to envy the best shots. During a trip to Malaysia, we should not skimp on relaxation and diving.

CONSULTING EDITOR.

Less crowded than its neighbor Indonesia, Malaysia is yet offered by tour operators beach holidays or as accompanied or individual circuits. The two main circuits typically travel or Peninsular Malaysia or Borneo (Sabah and Sarawak). You'll be asked to make a choice between the traditional course (Peninsular Malaysia, easy to access, with many interests close to each other), or wild journey (Borneo, with conditions less comfortable journey but off the beaten path). 

If you do not opt ​​for a package tour and we organize its circuit itself, it is best to take some precautions, especially for trekking in the mountains or jungle. It is advisable to plan in advance, accommodation and hiking in itself. The means of accommodation are not very numerous and treks, even with guides, sometimes require permits, issued by the Directorate of National Parks. 

Malays are Muslim and very observant. The least we can do, not shocking, is not wearing indecent dress in town, on the beach or near places of worship. However, their religious practice is more tolerant than in the East. Women are veiled certainly, but many are working. The sale or consumption of alcohol is not prohibited, but you will find little, except in shops or Chinese restaurants where you can eat mostly beer. However, in Kelantan and Terengganu to is strictly prohibited. 
Needless to haggle with the Malays, the prices are fair and you might upset them. No hesitation in contrast with the Chinese: this practice is very common and often turns the game. 

TRADITION 

Do not be surprised if you see a young child offering a pinch of salt to a guest at a meal. A traditional Malay meal starts with this gesture, to refresh the mouth, placing the salt at the end of the tongue. 
Animist beliefs persist in Malaysia. The people are frightened by the Hantu witch who is everywhere and can go after everyone. Dropping or failure can be attributed to him and the person affected by the evil eye immediately consult a shaman. 

KITCHEN 

Malaysian cuisine is influenced rubs and Chinese cuisines, Thai, Indian and Indonesian. The dishes consist of rice (nasi goreng) or noodles (mee goreng), cooked with meat (chicken, beef, lamb) or fish, all washed down with coconut milk and flavored with spices such as saffron, ginger, cinnamon, coriander, garlic and lemongrass. The national dish is satay, skewers of grilled meat, having marinated in a spicy preparation made ​​from peanuts. The Chinese eat with chopsticks while the Malays only with their right hand. For dessert, do not be put off by the stench that emanates from a cut durian and enjoy this tropical fruit with juicy flesh. Malaysians eat it all! 

REMEMBRANCE AND CRAFTS 


Local crafts offers beautiful original products such as batik, simple fabrics or printed clothing and sarongs, pareos sort of, to wear around the waist. They are everywhere, but especially on the East Coast. If you are not afraid to leave crowded, go for the beautiful kites that are in the area of Kota Bharu. The Malay kris, a kind of large knife wavy blade is brand new or ancient, in antique shops or boutiques. Many pewter, figurines and vases are offered in Perak, where the main deposits. Shops are open Monday through Saturday from 9 am to 18 pm.

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Which, since childhood, has never dreamed of doing World Tour? 

Heading East or Go West: cruel dilemma! Escape a month, a year. 

Boarding the early morning to the large loop, exploring the unknown country so mysterious names if unusual; go and meet these people can be so strange language; From adventures across continents; cross oceans, crossing Good Hope, Leeuwin and Horn; discover a soul of Robinson Crusoe in Kiribati; back in time to the 'Highlands' along tribal Papuans; cross country and down on trains with such legendary names: Orient Express, Trans-Siberian Zephyr, Canadian; strolling at the top of the volcano 'Yasur' still active in Vanuatu; sleep under the stars, right in the middle of nowhere to 'Rabbit Flat', in the Australian Outback; relive Highway 66 driving a Cadillac 'vintage'; imagine 'gaucho' overlapping the Argentine pampas; remember its geography lesson by checking what waterfall is the largest, highest and most powerful: would it Iguassu or Victoria or Niagara or Angel Falls? Discover icebergs aboard an icebreaker; remember 'the Gods are Crazy', surrounded by Bushman in Botswana; fly in the early morning, the 4,000 pagodas of Bagan in Burma. And other beauties to discover ... 

Come and dream your world tour, come to realize with The Connoisseurs of travel, a team of passionate World Tour since 1998.

In our blog you will find the best destination that you dreaming to get the plane (,ship) to. read more →

Members of our team are familiar with the various facets of India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Maldives. Some were born or lived there. We want you to discover and share the culture, traditions and rich vibrant Asia. We offer a wide range of packages and customized tours. You can achieve as a group or individually. We intend to give your trip a perfume wonder. Discover the exceptional diversity of the Indian mosaic and wider Asia. 

Today, interest in travel in the countries of the Indian subcontinent, especially in India, is undeniable. This southern Asia is fascinating. It amazes all travelers. Over the last fifteen years, these travel destinations have evolved. They now offers quality infrastructure and true diversity. In terms of hospitality, transport and services they are at the level of Western standards.

Travel in India: the rapture of the senses. 

This country of the Arabian Nights is one of the most captivating destinations. Here is a world of sensations like no other. A unique and unforgettable journey. He enrolled as an experience that remains etched in our memories. 

View. The light in other latitudes. Shimmering gold saris worn by the women of Benares lampooned. The burst of color caps turbaned farmers in Rajasthan. The shimmering of a sunset over the Himalayas. 

Listen. The rumor of a chant rising from a Hindu shrine at the time of the service. The voice powerfully stamped bards singing the panegyrics of their princely masters in a fortress-garden of Rajasthan. The wind rushing through the arches of an old abandoned vegetable quoted in Hampi, Mandu or Burhanpur. 

Feel: The scent of spices, evocative of those flourishing shores of southern India and Sri Lanka. The strings of jasmine, freshly picked in the morning. Women are tied in the hair. They deposit the offering on the altar of the gods. 

Taste: Fruits: apricots, apples, grapes. They grow in orchards altitude Ladakh and Himalayan foothills in northern India. The juice of a freshly squeezed mango. Miles and sapidités teas from Assam, Darjeeling and Nilgiri. They are as rich and subtle than those spices. 

Touch: The softness of silk. The smooth and refreshing marble religious and secular buildings touch. Rough, ridged skin of an elephant. And like a sixth sense: the spirituality that goes everywhere the traveler on the roads of South Asia. It raises its sensitivity to the secret of a great civilization.

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When and where you travel? What is the best season to visit a country or spend your vacation? Mackoo informs you and gives you the best chance for a successful trip, country by country, region by region, month by month. 

The main criterion: from the dry season, or without great heat, cyclones, monsoons that complicate life a little of the tourist. 

In this time of global warming, ocean or current El Nino that is changing, it may be that unpredictable climatic changes occur. Nobody can do anything, at least in the short term. 

Here is a picture of the most suitable destinations seasonally. 
Seasons indicated are those of the northern hemisphere. 

What is the best season to visit a country, or a vacation.

Choose the right season for holidays in palistine, Jordan, Turkey, Uzbekistan and the Middle East

The best months for holidays in Africa: Egypt (as of April, it's too hot to visit the temples of Karnak and Luxor area, for against the stations along the Red Sea are frequentable in summer), Tunisia, Morocco , the Canary Islands, Azores, Madeira enjoy a relatively mild climate; Senegal and Mali (Africa and the western region) is very humid during our summer months. Kenya, Tanzania have quite disturbed weather in recent years, with a drought quite noticeable. South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe seasons reversed from our hemisphere, their winter is dry and better for safaris.

North America shares the same seasons that we, the United States and Canada, with a special mention for Florida and Louisiana, the southern states of the United States that have a climate Caribbean: heavy rain (but often short) in August-September with risk of hurricanes.

Central America (Mexico, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Belize, and the Caribbean: Caribbean, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Bahamas, Bermuda, ... experiencing more or less strong tropical storms every year The risk is strong enough. from mid August to early October.

The seasons in South America, Brazil, Argentina, Venezuela, Guyana, Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru, Chile; are reversed from ours, but the size of the territory that there is no generality to go: to see case by case.

The islands of the Indian Ocean: Meetings, Mauritius, Maldives, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Seychelles, promote more holidays in the summer, except for Sri Lanka and the Maldives, south of India.

Starting in Asia prefer winter - spring for Cambodia, Vietnam, India, southern China, Thailand, Nepal, Japan, and was for Indonesia (including Bali and Lombok).

The Pacific Islands (Hawaii, Polynesia Tahiti, Fiji, Samoa ...), New Caledonia and Australia, visiting all year, with some exceptions (see the table). New Zealand, far south is cold enough in summer (their winter).

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     The climate of the peninsula varies from north to south on the one hand, and between the lowlands and mountainous areas on the other. Winter is long and rigorous in the Alps, where snow begins to fall in November. The northern regions are characterized by cold winters and hot summers. Temperatures become milder as we descend towards the South, which is in general Mediterranean climate. The sirocco, a dry wind and very hot from the Sahara, blows from the south of Rome. It causes two or three weeks of summer heat read more →

fabulous food 

Pleasant hills, fertile valleys and terraced hillsides form a terroir Italians are proud of. The Slow Food movement was born in Bra (Piedmont), protects and promotes local products and traditional producers, marked with the symbol of a snail. 

Bologna Nicely nicknamed grassa ("fat"), Bologna serves as a link between the northern cuisine, where butter dominates, and Southern cuisine, with its tomato honored. 

Truffles in Piedmont, Tuscany and Umbria. 

Seafood so fresh that they are eaten raw in Venice and Puglia. 

Parmesan cheese Parma is the most famous. Also taste the burrata (a mixture of mozzarella and cream) and taleggio. 

Il Frantoio His menus to eight dishes will make you discover the Slow Food in all its glory. 

Pizza in Naples or Rome ... Where Are the tastiest? 

Medieval towns in the hills 

There is no simpler pleasure than to walk down the streets of Italian medieval villages, climbing cobblestone paths that wind up in the hills of beautiful fountains and admire the houses closed the shutters lunch and laundry drying in the sun. 

Asolo Perched on a mountainside, Asolo is nicknamed "the city of 100 views." 

Umbria Its hills are full of medieval villages do not miss Spello, Spoleto and Macerata. 

The Montalcino wine bars in this town invite to taste the famous Brunello wines. 

This Maratea Borgo (medieval village) of the thirteenth century has small squares, winding streets and a stunning panorama of the Gulf of Policastro. 

Puglia De Valle ITRIA mountains of Salento, Puglia hills are crowned with medieval villages. 

Wine tasting 

Refined white Cinque Terre Barolo, a red-bodied Piedmont, the variety of Italian wines is a reflection of the diversity of its regions. Check it out in the wine cellars, during a long meal, or during a tasting tour. 

Wine Routes Over a pleasant route, you will learn that particular Chianti is not a simple table wine cheap. 

Festa del Vino e dell'Uva early October, the town of Bardolino is stormed by the stands of food and wine. 

VinItaly Taste fine wines rarely exported, at the largest annual wine fair in Italy. 

Museo del Vino, Barolo All about wine in this new museum that showcases its history and culture. 

Al Sorriso One of the best in Italy, where food and wine blend delightfully restaurants. 

Valpolicella and Soave wine tastings in these two regions of Veneto are free and fabulous. 

Wine Cellars Throughout the country, wineries open on the last Sunday of May. 

modern Art 

With an artistic and architectural heritage of such wealth, Italy sometimes seems to have forgotten modern art. This is false: there too, it boasts fascinating works. The trick is knowing where to look. 

Biennale Venice Biennale, sometimes devoted to art, sometimes to the architecture, hosts exhibitions vanguard of world renown. 

The new MAXXI art and architecture of the twenty-first century Rome museum was designed by Zaha Hadid. 

Museo del Novecento Museum Milan top flight dedicated to the art of the twentieth century. 

Palazzo Grassi The outstanding contemporary art collection of Francois Pinault is shown in a Tadao Ando building redesigned by. 

MADRE famous collection of contemporary art in Naples. 

At Museion Bolzano, the Museum of Contemporary Art highlights the exchanges between Trentino, Austria and Germany. 

Arte Povera The Castello di Rivoli hosts exhibitions on artistic protest movement that animated Turin in the 1960s. 

Villas and Palaces 

The residences of the Roman emperors, the homes of the Renaissance princes and aristocrats villas rival luxury and prestige. 

Rome Do not miss the Galleria Doria Pamphili e Palazzo, Palazzo Farnese and Palazzo della Civilta del Lavoro. 

Palazzi dei Rolli A set of 42 palaces World Heritage by UNESCO.

Caserta The Royal Palace is one of the most outstanding examples of Italian baroque architecture. 

Doges Palace Palazzo Ducale in Venice contains a staircase decorated with gold and a particularly remarkable décor. 

Villa di Maser Palladio and Veronese are the source of most sumptuous villa in the Veneto. 

It Vittoriale The glitzy field of Gabriele D'Annunzio would have made more jealous of a Roman emperor. 

markets 

Art galleries again, halls signed by leading architects and bazaars, there's something for everyone. Arrive early and do not hesitate to elbow. 

Milan Italian City shopping par excellence, Milan hosts many internationally renowned markets and a "Golden Square" which includes fabulous designers. 

Porta Nolana To enjoy the Neapolitan atmosphere, fight your way through the fishmongers, bakers and gardeners of the turbulent market of Porta Nolana, where you can find everything - tomatoes, sardines, CD ... 

Pescaria The fish market in Venice, 600 years old, you will discover the specialties of the lagoon. 

Porta Portese The Sunday flea market in Rome stretches for 1.5 km. Here we see a modern version of the commedia dell'arte, with dealers and customers hungry for bargains. 

Arezzo The first weekend of the month, Arezzo hosts the oldest and largest antique market in Italy. 

Porta Palazzo's largest outdoor food market in Europe. 

Islands and beaches 

Including all offshore islands and the most indented coast sections, the Italian coast stretches for 7,600 km in length, towering cliffs of the Cinque Terre resort razzle-l'oeil Rimini through the small islands of the Bay of Naples and the sandy shores of Apulia. 

Puglia There are the most beautiful beaches in the country, including the beautiful Baia dei Turchi and strikes backed by cliffs of the Gargano. 

A chic Lido beach, just 15 minutes by vaporetto in Venice. 

Procida An authentic fishing village with pastel shades. 

Rimini Swap cultural visits against an evening at a popular club in Rimini! 

The Elba Island is located in the heart of Parco Nazionale Arcipelago Toscano, the largest marine park in Europe. 

frescoes 

Used since ancient times, the technique of buon fresco, or the "true" fresco, is the application of pigment on a layer of mortar. The works of the great Italian masters reveal a striking theatricality rarely equaled. 

Sistine Chapel frescoes For Michelangelo. 

Pompeii Dionysian Friesland, in the dining room of the Villa dei Misteri, is one of the largest ancient frescoes in the world. 

Giotto His greatest masterpieces adorn the Scrovegni Chapel in Padua and the Basilica di San Francesco in Assisi. 

Matera The rock churches (VIII-XIII century), as the Cripta del Peccato original, feature scenes from the Old Testament. 

Chiesa di San Giovanni Evangelista The Mannerist dome Correggio has the beauty of a heavenly vision. 

Mantua The frescoes in the Camera degli Sposi and the Camera dei Giganti are the work of Mantegna. 

Pinturicchio Spello Perugia and contain the works of this Umbrian artist. 

gardens 

In Italy the popularity of "outdoor rooms" date of the Roman Empire, when emperors began landscaping their resort villas. The princes of the Renaissance became more refined practice, the aristocrats of the nineteenth century généralisèrent. 

Reggia di Venaria Reale Enjoy a botanical tour, cultural or gastronomic explore 10 acres of gardens of Venaria. 

They are the Italian lakes lined with fabulous gardens, like those of the Isola Madre, the Villa Balbianello and Villa Taranto. 

Villa d'Este At Tivoli, the beautiful garden of the High Renaissance has beautiful fountains and paths lined with cypress trees. 

Enjoy Ravello Amalfi Coast from the viewpoint of the Infinite and listen to classical music in the romantic gardens of the nineteenth century. 

Mortella A tropical paradise inspired by the gardens of the Alhambra in Granada. 

Giardini Pubblici Principal Park Venice, they greet pavilions vanguard of the famous Biennale.  read more →

Top tourist destination in the world, France's strength lies in its cultural diversity and a unique historical heritage. The 22 regions of France are home to diverse landscapes, each with its own traditions and culture. France is also renowned worldwide for the quality of its cuisine. 

ID card 
- Capital: Paris is the capital of France 
- Currency: The currency of France is the Euro. 
- Feast: July 14, France celebrates the storming of the Bastille (1789) 
- Official Language: The official language of France is French 
- Major cities: Lyon, Marseille, Lille, Toulouse, Strasbourg, Rennes
- Religion: Catholics are in the majority in France. The main religious minorities in France are Muslims, Protestants and Jews. 

population 

- Population: 64 500 000 With 2 children per woman, France is one of the most fertile countries in Europe. people 

climate 

The climate in France is temperate. 
In the north-western France, humid weather and the often strong winds. In the north-east and central France, the weather is more continental (hot summers and cold winters). Finally, in the south of France and Corsica, a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers. 

geography 

France is Europe's third largest country. In the north, France borders the English Channel and the North Sea, on the west by the Atlantic Ocean and to the south by the Mediterranean. The Pyrenees separating France from Spain, while the Alps in the south-east, form the border between France and Italy. 

AREA 
The France covers 551,500 square kilometers 

ACME 
The highlight of France's Mont Blanc (4807 m). 

LENGTH OF COASTS 
The coasts of France extends over 3 427 km 

TYPES OF LANDSCAPE 
Landscapes of France are numerous. The Paris Basin, crossed by the Seine and the Loire, occupies a large part of France. With over a quarter of its territory is covered by forests, France is the fourth most forested country in Europe. France also has many mountainous regions: ancient massifs (Jura, Vosges, Ardennes) or mountain ranges known as the Pyrenees and the Alps. Finally, the coasts of France extends over 3000 km from the sandy beaches of the Atlantic to those pebble in the Mediterranean. read more →