Initiative Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) Puts A Damper On Many Travel Plans

How many of you already know, especially if you have any future plans to travel to a neighboring country like Mexico or Canada, travel plans just might be in danger. "Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act, or 2004 requires the Department of Homeland Security and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to develop and implement a plan to require all travelers, U.S. citizens and foreign ones to present a passport or other document or combination of documents that express their identity and citizenship when entering the United States. Congress to amend the law in 2006. Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative is the Administration has proposed a plan to implement this mandate. "What does this mean? Well, first of all, if you travel to Mexico, Canada, Bermuda and the Caribbean, it is time to get a passport traveled outside the United States.

Can not long ago, travel to Canada or Mexico, as easily as trips to visit his parents five states away. Neither. The federal government's objective to "strengthen border security and facilitate entry into the United States for U.S. citizens and legitimate foreign visitors" now requires that all passengers on the bottom "check-in" by obtaining a passport for identification and proof of citizenship. It is an absolute necessity to protect our borders against unauthorized access, hoping above all to prevent terrorist acts by individuals abroad. Unfortunately, policy and enforcement in border security have an impact on travelers entering and Canadian travelers abroad. In January 2007, traveling to Mexico, Canada, Bermuda and the Caribbean is now regarded as "abroad", where once they could travel to these countries, with little or no documentation at all.

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Indonesian Sculptures Make Unusual Gifts

In South Asia, is a group of islands, numbering 17,508 known as Indonesia. Only about 6,000 of these islands are inhabited, in fact, but there are more than 222 million people who live here. The five main islands consist of Java, Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi and New Guinea. This Muslim country is particularly known for hand-carvings, which represents many beliefs they lived in the past and still do today. This unique petroglyphs, which are part of the history of Indonesia is coveted for what they represent and unusual gifts that they do.

Buddha

Among the unusual and unique sculptures in Bali one of the most carved Buddha. Religion in this area is predominantly Hindu, Buddha, but is recognized in this area as a reincarnation of the Hindu god, Vishnu. The temples of this island has many Buddha statues, sculptures and these produce some of the finest in the world. A specially cut in the wood of trees in the rain. Serenity of the Buddha when he ponders raising his left hand to ward off evil and the right to show it really is in meditation is one of the most popular. This Buddha is seated on a lotus flower with a lotus flower on her right side and left. One of the most original gifts, this is a favorite for many.

Dakon Game

Another element that would make a wonderful conversation piece started Dakon. This feature that stands out in this wooden sculpture of a spirit horse, which is 35 inches long and 11 cm in length. Item from the area of ​​Sumatra, this is a popular strategy game, which can be compared to chess. This product is hand-carved teak and colorful. Even if you do not learn to play the game, this wonderful piece of history, Indonesia has a wonderful sculpture of them.

Par Hampatong

This sculpture can be made either from wood or bone, an inch and six feet tall. Engraved on the island of Borneo, the Dayak people, this couple is to be placed in the mouth at home to ward off evil spirits. They can be carved to look like a family member who has passed. Hampatongs is carved from Ironwood and a temporary home for the souls of the dead.

Dragon

Carved from the tree of rain, a hard wood with grain lock, it continues to crack dragon shows the influence of Chinese merchants were on the Indonesian people. This is a beautiful representation of a dragon that is 21 inches wide and 22 inches high.

Ganesha

sand sculpture restored to its original molten rock, is a Hindu elephant god of prosperity. Ganesha is a favorite of many. Son of Shiva and Durga, worship Ganesha before undertaking activities such as education is believed to bring good luck. This sculpture is flat-backed securities to be hung on a wall or placed on a shelf.

Queen - Tribal Wood Stick Puppet

Queen, wife of the head is a puppet of alien, which was based on the Dayak civilization on the island of Kalimantan, formerly known as Borneo. A doll reversible buffalo hide, Wayang Kulit carved and painted on each side. Wayang Kulit shadow puppet average and was probably used for puppet theater in Borneo. The puppet is not only a source of diversion of fun for people of Java and Bali, but a source of education. By learning the ancient classics Ramayana and Mahabharata as Hindus, two from India two more epic poems about the war between the Pandavas and Kauravas families and the incarnation of the god Vishnu, teaches the history of puppet people who lived there several years ago.

Kirin China - Hand Sculpted Terra Cotta

The Kirin is a Chinese animal that is a hybrid genre of a dragon, a horse and a dog. The body is covered with scales and Kirin have a smile - all teeth - as if it was not really a chubby, a marginal scale covered. This animal was carved out of clay pottery in the village in Central Java Kasongan. Used in gardens, terraces and other places in the house is about 15 inches high.

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Attractive Spicy Cuisine Of Indonesia

Ethan Ong

There's nothing like going to some traditional Indonesian food. Once you've filled out your week with local food and fast enough, or if you have a month to eat and European fairs in the world among the many restaurants located throughout the island, it is time to visit the One of Indonesian traditional food authentic restaurants in Singapore. I think the word I would use to describe the food would be "taste".

It 's just exploding, and the explosion of salty flavor that I feel every time you bite into a well-prepared meal in Indonesia. I just can not say no to a meal well prepared "rendang", there's nothing like a coconut sauce heavy and almost melts in your mouth pieces of meat that has accompanied a perfect complement to a bowl of fragrant rice accompanies it. The meat is tender and the dose has always been known for being very generous. Are no slouch when it comes to their chicken, or roasted or grilled, they released their forms taste a variety of spices and peppers, which is doing an excellent dining experience. The meat just melts in bone, and spices and chilli, which they use are simply wonderful, every bite tastes of the outbreak. Then how can we forget the "telur Tahu, one of the signature dishes of traditional cuisine of Indonesia.

A skyscraper with deep fired tofu with egg batter, decorated with vegetables and spices and served with sweet sauce. There is also "Garang Asam, which is a seafood soup traditionally made with a collection of spices such as lemongrass, chills and spices like ginger and a variety of selected spices. See "Land Bebek Bumbu and Babi in essence, the Indonesian version of the popular" satay "is everywhere in Paris. I do not think there is enough room in this article for me to list all the great food of Indonesia, you can try everything on a single day.

From appetizers, entrees and even desserts like "Kue Pepe" and "Lapis Surabaya, there are so many options you choose. And the best thing is that in all the restaurants I visited Indonesia, the service was impeccable, the staff friendly and friendly and have had bad experiences what so ever. If you are looking for a good Indonesian restaurant for lunch or dinner, and want to experience a crash course in the culture of Indonesia and some of their food taste great, I recommend going to places City and areas like Clarke Quay and the River Walk - you will find many traditional restaurants in Indonesia, where you can start enjoying almost immediately specialties.

Price range from $ 20 per person and can go much higher, but not always get value for money. Their rich spices, rich, and a variety of food, it is never "satisfied", while eating a traditional Indonesian food.

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Travel Secrets That Travel Agents Do Not Want You To Know

Many travelers are smart in trying to learn the secrets that travel agents do not want them to know. They learn to save 50% - 75% on hotel stays a discount of up to 55% on airline tickets, free upgrades to first class, deeply discounted rental cars, half-fare Theme Park admission, cruises for $ 45 per day or less, show tickets and free meals in some cases.

You can also get those savings with a global travel map. These are just some of the niceties you'll find extended to you when you travel as a travel agent license. But they do even better.

travel suppliers - airlines, hotels, tour operators, car rentals, cruises, etc. recognize the benefits of officials familiar with the products they sell. For this reason, in addition to special rates and discounts, these same vendors also offer free familiarization trips or vacation destinations almost free, free meals, free programs, and free cocktail hours to get more information about the product providers.

Imagine a few weeks after receiving this valuable information you receive an invitation for you and a guest to spend a week at a resort all inclusive, all free. Normally, it would experience cost you at least $ 3000. And that's not all, the station owner wants to take care of yourself and create an experience of a lifetime, then you also a travel agency, refer your clients to return to the station.

If you want to earn some money selling travel to friends, family, business associates and customers can even do it.

Besides the additional income, there are many great benefits of being in business. One of these important benefits is the tax benefit. In most states, you can deduct almost all of your business expenses. In fact, working part time can make you a great income second, but it is not necessary when you become a travel agency world. Travel vendor is not required to enter all the advantages described above travel.

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Bon Voyage Travel Or A Scam? How To Tell The Difference

Congratulations! You have been selected to win a luxury holiday .......

Where have you heard this before? Although there are many genuine travel offers, there are also many travel scams that defraud innocent travelers of millions of dollars each month. Travel is an expensive product and most people save money and even free travel. Unfortunately, it opens the door to some unscrupulous individuals and companies seeking to capitalize on this.

Travel packages are very different from that originally offered or what the "winner" expected. Sometimes, the company takes the money and runs! So if you receive a call or e-mail offering free or very cheap for the holidays, keep these tips in mind:

The most common travel scams

- Mail e-mails, phone calls, or mail reports that you have been selected to "win" free vacations, free airline tickets or hotel stay, especially when you do not entered anything.

- Classified ads great travel deals or discounts on the condition that you agree to a timeshare presentation. You will be subject to a sales pitch at high pressure that is not really worth your time - unless of course you're really interested in buying a timeshare!

- Travel Associations charge a fee for great discounts and offers. This is, of course, may legitimate travel clubs, but it is one of many who are not. Do your research and make sure it's worth it.

- Contests which do not send or issue regulations or requirements, or even information about the company running it. Competition law to issue orders to the participants and, if not, it's probably just a ploy to get information about yourself.

How to identify warning signs

- Is this the price seems too good to be true? If so, it probably is.

- Are you pressured to make a decision on the spot?

- Did you call after hours. Legitimate businesses normally operate between regular business hours .- Do they require you to pay before you receive any details about the trip, or ask you to pay for more information .- Are you told that you can not leave for two months? This should be cause for concern because the deadline for disputing a credit card charge is 60 days. - The supplier is identified simply as "a major airline," or "popular hotel" without going into details?

- If you won a free holiday, you should not have to pay hundreds of dollars to "claim" your prize.

How to protect against travel scams

- Determine the size of the rate in dollars, including all service charges, taxes, charges, fees, etc.

- Pay by credit card, if you get what you paid, you may be able to dispute payment with credit card.

- Do not be forced to buy something, even legitimate companies will not push you to make a purchase.

- Ask for a written receipt. If you book online, print the itinerary and receipt.

- Discover the exact names of hotels, airports, airlines and restaurants, in the box, if you say "big chain hotel" or "major airline" ask for details

- Always ask for a copy of the cancellation and refund .- If you are told you have won a free vacation, ask if you need to pay money for it.

- Be aware of what "access" can not get accommodation you want, whenever you want.

- Keep in mind that if you have been "specially selected to receive the offer Super Duper Travel Deal" does not mean that I get for free, this means you will be offered the option of paying for a travel contract!

And last but not least, is skeptical. Read or listen carefully to what is said, not what you want to hear. We would all like to win all expenses paid dream vacation to Hawaii, but like everything else, you get what you pay if you do not pay attention at first.

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Wood Carvings From Indonesia For A Room With A Difference

Realism of Indonesian wood carvings has to be seen to be believed. This piece of wood could be revived by a spirit is so incredible, and these Komodo dragons look too darn real. One can imagine that they are flat out of you with these ferocious jaws. There is no doubt that Indonesian craftsmen are the most talented in the world.

These beautiful and elegant carvings of people and animals throughout the house, and the wonderful deep colors of ancient forests comprise an ideal medium for the representation of traditional patterns and carvings that have been passed along the centuries. They are made with love by people who have an affinity with the creatures they represent and the feelings and traditions that are still in it.

There can be no better conversation piece for you and your guests with these beautiful pieces that have been carved from pride of fathers who taught their sons their craft, and explained their history and traditions behind each individual and design. Each piece is individual and unique, and it seems more natural for the real thing.

The wooden puppets are traditional flat pieces Indonesia carvings that have been transmitted over the centuries. Traditional models of this type have a deep history that only the carvers know, and the child is not revealed until they are ready to continue the tradition. All these are individually carved, and if you buy them, are only for your home. No one else, only him. There will be a unique piece that can show your guests, and they deserve that you should know the history of your piece so you can connect to your guests.

Most Indonesian wood carving depict Indonesian history. Throughout its history Indonesia has been influenced by Chinese, Japanese, Western Christians, Arab Muslims and Indian Hindus and Buddhists. All this is described in their wood carvings of deities such as Vishnu, prophets such as Buddha and art forms such as Chinese and Japanese masks that Indonesia are famous for, and carvings of ferocious winged dragons. These are indeed useful to have on your dining table.

Komodo dragons are so realistic that pull them as imaging moving in the changing light. The colors are rich and deep and the evolution of the changing sunlight. The carpets and textiles from Indonesia are colorful and would make a beautiful adornment to any sofa or even as a unique wall covering.

There is no doubt that Indonesia's art and wood carving would be an adornment to any home of someone who wanted to be different, and provide their customers with unique talking points. If you like this, it would be a good idea to teach you something about the merits of each piece that has so you can entertain your guests with tales of mythology and fabulous creatures, and mysterious oriental market their products and offer their dragons to a country composed of thousands of islands, each with its own history, art and traditions.

Do not think about it: acquire a few pieces of Indonesian wood carving and elementary discover that you will never look back. Visitors flock to your door demanding invitations to view these wonderful works of art.

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Advice For Carefree Travel With Your Pet

United States alone, more than 60 million households have one or more pets. The owners of 15 million of those households travel with their pets, and most stay in accommodation for pets. Fortunately, pets, hotels and vacation rentals exist. If you travel with your pet, here are some tips to remember for pet travel safe and hassle free.

1 - When making your reservation, that pets are allowed. An important advantage of reserving online is that you can see - in writing - or do not allow pets and any restrictions. Online, you can print your reservation receipt that includes the "pets allowed" information. Verbal reservations leave more room for misunderstanding and miscommunication. If you book by phone, ask the reservation person to send you a receipt that includes the "pets allowed" information.

2 - Is your pet an experienced traveler? If not, you should start your pet more accustomed to travel. Start by making your car a fun place for your pet. Get in the car with them, play with them, give them a treatment - have them enjoy being there with you. Then take a short drive with them. Gradually increase the length of time and distance you have with them. Before making a long trip with your pet, the idea to make them comfortable in the car for longer.

3 - Remember that securing your pet while traveling in the car is paramount to their safety and yours. Consider purchasing a dog safety harness for your pet to use when traveling in the car. If you have a wagon or SUV, you can purchase a vehicle barrier that keeps your pet confined to the rear area. They are usually sold in pet stores or online.

4 - Make sure your pet has an identification tag and the door during the trip. The label must include the name of your pet, your name and phone number. If possible, use your cell phone number, house number and the number where you will stay.

5 - Carry a photograph of your pet with you on your journey. If your pet should never be lost, you will be able to show others what your pet looks like instead of relying solely on a verbal description.

6 - Ask your vet for recommended vaccinations appropriate for your trip - exposure to ticks while hiking, exposure to other dogs while boarding or prevention of heartworm if your dog is going to be exposed to mosquitoes are examples of important prevention measures to be taken before your trip. If your pet is a dog, have a refresh tag fashion dog collar. If you decide to take your dog day during the holidays, may be required to prove the paperwork of vaccination against rabies.

7 - When it comes to pet-friendly presentation, inform the inspection personally, you have a pet. You can ask if the restricted areas where the dog should not be taken. staff accommodations that accept pets must be very accustomed to answering these questions and appreciate your understanding.

8 - in a hotel room, apartment, holiday cottage or holiday home - do not let your pet use the furniture or beds to sit, or to sleep if you have covered the furniture or the bed cover. Put your pet's food and water containers on a carpet or newspaper, a bathroom, where cleaning is easier. When you stay in pet friendly accommodations, you can enter your pet outdoors.

9 - If you leave your pet alone in the room rental or vacation, make sure the agent knows or rent receipt. Be sure to leave your pet secured in their travel container or box if the cleaning staff will come in the room at any time to clean. By the way, do not want a housekeeper to enter and be surprised, even attacked by your pet! An animal may also lack the room to clean between them are not guaranteed.

10 - Be very careful in warm or hot to leave your pet in the car. Even when the temperature is outside in the 70 or 80, inside a car can reach 100 degrees or more, especially when parked in the sun. It does not take long at these temperatures can cause serious harm or death for your pet.

Travelling with pets and staying in a pet-friendly can be fun - after all, your pet is part of the family too. Using only common sense and planning ahead will make a pleasant and without surprises

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