Revista Ambiente - Travel & Entertainment Blog

Road Trip Destinations for College Students

June 18, 2013 ·

Weekends are a chance for college students to escape the collegiate black hole of exams, classroom monotony and cramped dormitories. Distancing yourself from the campus even for just a couple days will do any student a world of good. Hitting the open road with your friends might be just the adventurous escape you’re looking for.

Road Trip Tips

Why soar over the beautiful country when you can soak in the sights and save money too? Remember, a road trip is all about the journey, not the destination. As a student, it’s not likely that you’ll be riding as comfortably as you would with three to four other people in an RV and traveling cross country, so whomever is driving must make the proper automotive preparations for a cross country trek. Get an oil change and replace the air filter first. In case of a running into a storm on your travels, make sure you’ve replaced the wipers too. Check the tires using the old penny trick. Turn a penny upside down and run it vertically in the tread. If you can see the top of Abe’s head, the tread is not deep enough and you should pick up something like discount Michelin tires on your meager student budget.

New Orleans

Pensive Girl Looking out of Car Window Head down to the city of the fleur-de-lis for an immensely entertaining and culturally stimulating time. The birthplace of jazz, as you’d expect, has no shortage of music venues and concerts, not to mention street performers. Foodies will have a field day with the world famous Creole and Cajun cuisine — jambalaya, gumbo and boiled crawfish deliver the city’s unique brand of flavor. If there are any architecture admirers among you, mark the famed French Quarter on your itinerary to explore its array of historical landmarks. Hit Bourbon Street in the evening for a slew of bars and various nightlife attractions; it just wouldn’t be vacation without a little inebriation.

Vegas

The neon city of gambling and debauchery is sure to take your mind far, far away from the stresses of student living. There are an immense number of shows to attend from stand-up comedy to the Blue Man Group and Cirque du Soleil. Hit the Strip and Fremont Street for casinos and bars galore. We recommend you set aside a limited amount of money for gambling at the slot machines and low roller tables. What you spend in Sin City, stays in Sin City. Don’t return to school more broke than you already are.

Denver

If your idea of a weekend adventure isn’t full of sandy beaches and sunshine, a road trip to Denver may be the journey for you. Go hiking in the Rockies or take a gold mining tour. Colorado at large is also one of the best locations in the country for ski resorts. Beer aficionados in your group? Visit the Denver Beer Triangle. Between Denver, Boulder and Fort Collins there are an astonishing number of breweries. Visit New Belgium Brewery of Fat Tire fame, Odell Brewing Co., Anheuser-Busch Brewing Co. and the largest single brewery in the world, Coors Brewery.

Filed Under: Denver, Las Vegas, New Orleans, Road Trip, Travel Tagged With: college, Denver, Las Vegas, New Orleans, road trip, travel

The Greatness in Corporate Housing Services for Business Travelers

May 20, 2013 ·

living room in corporate housing in vancouver

Traveling to Vancouver should be fun at all times even when it is related to work. This will not be the case if you do not find an apartment from a Vancouver corporate housing company that meets your needs. Spending your leisure time at home is what you love most. You can still feel at home with the right corporate housing condos, houses or furnished apartments. Extended business visits can eat from your pocket if you opt for a hotel or a lodging that is not well organized, unsafe or inaccessible.

Search online to find corporate housing

If you are a business traveler you can either opt for local or international executive apartment renting companies. You do not need to know the place because with the use of the internet you can easily locate the companies online. Search engines such as Google will help you find results if you type keywords such as “vancouver executive housing” or “vancouver corporate housing”. The furnished apartments are thoroughly cleaned after the exit of one guest in preparation of receiving another guest. National companies offer services to more than one city. If the business nature calls for services in more than one city, this is the best option since they have the expertise to manage corporate contracts that have occupants in different cities. Such occupants may be military personnel, federal workers and government contractors among others.

In some cities such as New York, there is a requirement that states that the occupants must stay at the apartment for a minimum period of thirty consecutive nights. The requirements may be different in other cities around the world. It is true that the housing industry has undergone tremendous growth. It now employs a lot of professionalism through highly trained personnel who ensure that the clients receive services of very high standards. To measure the standards, the Corporate Housing Provider Association has designated an accreditation known as Certified Corporate Housing Professional purposed to test the knowledge of a potential employee about the housing industry.

Do your research when choosing executive accommodations

view from vancouver executive accommodations Whichever corporate apartment you choose, it should allow you to enjoy your stay in Vancouver BC. As much as you trust the company, it is always wise to do a background check and ensure that the place is safe at any time of day or night. Security precautions such as enough light in the parking area and placement of security guards should be put in place. You should also choose a fully furnished apartment that allows you to work comfortably when not at the work place. Lastly, remember to consider the accessibility issue. The apartment should be somewhere near the work place in order to avoid using a lot of time and resources traveling to and from work.

Be sure to compare various providers before calling to make a reservation at Vancouver Extended Stay. As discussed earlier, the internet is one great resource for finding these rentals but you can also browse through newspaper advertisements or watch local television advertisements. You will surely find a safe, comfortable, accessible and affordable temporary housing that is way beyond a bare hotel room. Relocated executives can now express a sigh of relief with greatly enhanced corporate housing industry.

Filed Under: Corporate Housing, Furnished Apartments, Travel, Vancouver

Heading to Edmonton? Limo it!

May 11, 2013 ·

An Edmonton limo should be your choice on your next flight in. When there is a large party of people travelling to or from the Edmonton airport, then limo hire makes sense. It really is the old saying of “the more, the merrier”. Limousine operators offer a competitive edge over taxi charges. In fact, a party limousine can actually work out cheaper than taxi fares. So long as everyone who is sharing the limo splits the cost, then the amount could be much cheaper. Furthermore, the taxi driver is likely to take passengers the longer route to get more fare.

An Affordable Limo Makes a Great Trip

Cheap limousine costs should not conjure up pictures of an over glorified taxi ride. The term, “cheap limo hire” simply means the reduced price, with all a person would expect from high quality, limousine hire service. If a person goes online and does some research, they will find solid, reputable and reliable affordable limousine services per passenger, for the evening. Things that make a difference to the price include; number of passengers, time of rental and location. When looking at big metropolitan areas, these offer the best costs because they have more competitive limousine operators. Limousine operators compete against each other to offer the lowest prices. They know that people often compare companies and they have done their research to give them the competitive edge. Nowadays, a limousine can be hired much cheaper than a cab. The luxuries of a limousine chauffeur, far outweigh the services that a taxi driver can offer. In fact, free drinks might also be included with limousine hire.

You Choose – Taxi, Or Limousine?

Limo at the Airport In cases where limousine rental requirements work out the same price as a taxi – do a comparison of the two vehicles. It might be more pleasant to hire a limousine chauffeur, rather than someone who does not provide the same high standards of service. Consider the two interiors – state of the art luxurious comforts, compared to a car that does not provide the same benefits. When a person goes on holiday, they want to enjoy a bit of luxury. Furthermore, most people carry a lot of luggage with them and taxi fares increase with each item of luggage. A taxi driver will also have the meter running whilst they put the bags in the boot and will then charge an extra cost, per person. However, with a limousine, all of this is included in the overall price.

For the Luxury and Price, Pick a Limo!

On your next trip to the Edmonton International Airport, consider the cost, the luxury, and the pure enjoyment that a great limo can bring to you. You’re sure to make the best choice, and contact MJ Limos for a great visit in the Edmonton area.

Filed Under: Alberta, Edmonton

Why RV Camping in BC Can’t be Beat

May 6, 2013 ·

RV camping in BC can be one of the best ways that you can enjoy and explore everything that the province has to offer. There are many benefits to RV camping along the way rather than travelling between hotels or traditional tent camping in campgrounds. British Columbia is full of all kinds of different campgrounds that you can visit on your trip throughout the Province. There are plenty of great things to do for leisurely fun when you visit BC for those who own RVs. Learn more in this article on why RVing around BC is so much fun.

Why RV camping is better than traditional camping

Move around quicker without setting up anything

Your vacation time should be spent enjoying it! RV’s are great for being able to arrive at your destination and be setup ready to enjoy the surroundings. You do not have to spend time trying to setup your tents or anything similar. Just park in your RV campsite, and simply enjoy. And when you’re ready for your trip to end, there’s no tricky poles to pack away, allowing you to start the engine and move.

Home away from home

rv motorhome by lake Vacationing in your RV is sort of like travelling in your home away from home. You can be driving on the highway while your family plays cards or watches some movies in the back. It is the perfect way to interact with each other and just enjoy the traveling experience as you enjoy your surroundings.

RV Resorts

When you travel around BC in an RV, there are some really wonderful places to stop. These resorts often provide direct hookups for your sewage and electricity, and are often much more affordable than traditional Hotel/Motel accommodations around the province. Their locations are also closer to nature generally, allowing you to hop into the lake if you like waterspouts, or perhaps unload your recreational vehicles and ATV or Dirtbike.

Beat the elements

Let’s face it. The weather in BC can be unpredictable! Nothing says comfort like staying warm and dry on a wet night.

What to do throughout BC

Depending on the time of year that you are planning on travelling, you can find lots of things to do throughout the Summer months in your RV. Visit the http://www.hellobc.com/ website for up to date Tourism information or visit Eagle Island Resort for a great place for RV camping in BC.

Filed Under: British Columbia, Camping Tagged With: British Columbia, rv camping in bc, RV Resort

Rules of the Game for Expatriates

March 28, 2013 ·

world travels When an individual from another country enters the United States to live for any given period of time, they’re called immigrants. However, when Americans decide to live abroad, we’re referred to as expatriates. Though a fine line separates these two very similar situations, expatriates are generally afforded a certain level of social acceptance and statutory protection that “immigrants” aren’t. But the potential pitfalls for Americans can be just as challenging and detrimental if the proper steps aren’t taken to ensure the smoothest protection possible.

Protect Your Identity!

Living abroad inevitably entails showing people your passport and other identifying documents constantly just to get established in your place of residence, to open a bank account, etc. This frequent exposure of personal information leaves expatriates vulnerable to unscrupulous individuals looking to steal their identities. A service such as Lifelock is an inexpensive, yet powerful tool that offers peace of mind and real-time monitoring of all your credit and bank accounts. Americans should get into the habit of shredding any documents containing identifying information before throwing them away. One of the simplest ways identity thieves obtain information is rummaging through garbage. If a shredder is not available, manually tear the documents into little pieces and throw it away in a few different receptacles.

The Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA)

Expatriates who work or do business in their host country need to be aware of the provisions of FATCA. The legislation, which goes into effect in 2013, requires foreign financial institutions to report to the IRS any and all bank accounts that have a U.S. citizen listed as a signor or co-signor. The intent of the legislation was to close tax loopholes for foreign investors, but it also created several obstacles for expatriates simply wanting to live abroad. Some employers refuse to hire Americans, and banks are reluctant to open accounts for Americans living overseas because of the burdens the IRS places on them. Living abroad means paying taxes to your host country while still being obligated to Uncle Sam as well, which creates a double-dip for governments at your expense. Some expatriates have gone as far as renouncing U.S. citizenship to avoid being double-taxed. But those who aren’t willing to go to this extreme simply need to become familiar with IRS Form 8938 or consult a tax professional.

General Housekeeping

The excitement of living abroad makes it easy to overlook some important steps that should be taken before departure. It’s best to sell your car if you’re going to be gone longer than six months. A car sitting stationary through a cold winter or hot summer will depreciate at an accelerated rate and will likely not start upon your return. The money you receive from the sale can be used to buy a similar vehicle when you get back to the states.

Expatriates should learn the differences between banking institutions of the U.S. and their host country. Some countries require a six-digit PIN number at ATM machines. The four-digit numbers Americans are accustomed to will not work in these places. The PIN should be changed before departure to avoid potential complications once you’re already in your new country.

Filed Under: Expatriates, Travel

Experience the natural beauty of the Maldives

March 11, 2013 ·

Maldives is made up of 1200 tiny coral islands in the Indian Ocean. It is one of the most low lying countries in the World. In average the islands are about 1 metre above sea level and there is no high ground. The islands are so small that you can conveniently walk to any place. You don’t need trains, busses or cars. Everything place is in close proximity and you reach shore from every side of the islands, just need a few minutes of walk in one direction. All these islands have soft white sand beaches and clear water lagoons. Unlike other countries if you visit Maldives you will definitely get to experience the natural beauty.

Blue Surgeon Fish Before you book you can visit the website of Maldives best and ask them the questions you have. They are a group of local experts giving information for tourists. I found their recommendation very good and felt lucky to have talked. It is a free service and you don’t have to pay. Have a chat with them and your will have a clear idea about your Maldives holiday even before you go there.

Many countries have white beaches and islands but you have visit that particular place. In Maldives the whole country is like that every single tourist can experience it. That’s a good reason to visit Maldives, even though it is far from Europe. Taking a long haul flight of more than 10 hours travel is worth when you reach your destination. No news, no shoes, holidays in Maldives makes you forget the hustle and bustle of city life. It is the quiet side of life. You can enjoy an exotic fruit breakfast on the balcony of your water villa, throw a piece to the water and fish would gather to eat it. You can take a beach towel and sleep under a coconut tree. No body will disturb you and you hear nothing. In the natural breeze its like you never want to wake up. If you have kids they will find something interest to get involved. You don’t need to be with them all the time. They could find a hermit crab beside the villa and play with it. Or collect shells on the beach and many many more. You don’t need to bother too much in Maldives holidays.

Filed Under: Maldives, Travel

Outdoor Safety For Travelers

March 5, 2013 ·

Hiker in the Sierra Nevada of California

Remote locations, few people, adventurous activities? Does this sound like a recipe for your ideal vacation? If so, it’s a good idea to take safety into consideration. Many hikers, mountain bikers, kayakers, rafters and the like get into trouble each year. This can be especially problematic when travelling in a country with limited communications or medical care. Read on for some more ideas on how to avoid getting into trouble and what to do if the worst-case scenario does occur.

If you’re looking for more than this article provides you can learn about outdoor safety for travelers and outdoor professionals on the Outdoor Safety Institute website.

Know Before You Go

Many activities and locales have unique hazards. Do your research online or in guidebooks to get general safety advice. It is a good idea to seek out local knowledge as well—this may be your best source for up-to-date information. For more technical activities like rock climbing, kayaking, and backcountry skiing, seek out good instruction.

Skip Going Solo

Even if you are travelling alone, its often easy (and fun) to find others to join you on a day-long outing. You never know what variety of unexpected accident may occur in the wild. A companion can help prevent accidents, and it likely to be your best resource if something bad happens in a remote location.

Email Home (or Phone)

If you don’t return from your adventure, will anyone come looking for you? Let a minimum of one highly reliable individual know where you are headed. A scanned or photographed map with your route sketched on it can easily be emailed. This will give local authorities a starting point if you don’t return when expected.

Get Geared Up

Make sure you have the correct gear and clothing to take care of the activity as well as the route you have chosen and the expected weather conditions. Spare food and water, adequate clothing, sun protection, and a first aid kit may all be essentials. A small headlamp or flashlight is always advisable as is a knife or multi-tool. More adventurous activities may require a lot more gear—be sure that you know how to use all the stuff you’re schlepping around.

Carry a Cell Phone?

If you get in trouble, the ability to summon help can be a lifesaver (literally). Never rely on being able to call for help (and know it may not come promptly), but its wise to prepare for the worst. Check in advance to determine if there is cell coverage in the area you’re visiting. Coverage isn’t great in many remote regions and signals are easily blocked in rugged terrain. Consider a personal locator beacon or a satellite phone for risky activities way in the backcountry. Learn more about outdoor emergency communications options.

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

You’re 70% water. If you’re exercising more than you are used to or out in unaccustomed heat, you can begin to lose some of what water. Bring lots of clean water (a minimum of 2 liters for a day and a good deal more if it is hot) and consume water if you are thirsty. Being dehydrated can throw off your decision making abilities, sap your energy, and leave you far more susceptible to both heat and cold.

Watch the Water

Too little drinking water is a problem, but drowning is one of the principal causes of accidental loss of life world-wide, especially for children. Use properly fitted lifejackets (PFD’s), which greatly cut down on the risk of drowning. Limit your consumption of alcohol when engaged in swimming or boating (better yet, skip it altogether).

Go Easy!

Make sure your planned adventures fit with you skills and physical fitness. Sometimes it is more fun if things aren’t pushing your ability limits. Consider hiring a guide or instructor for pushing the limits and learning new skills.

This is just of few of many potential safety guidelines. Always do your homework and learn about the area you’re visiting and the activities you’ll be participating in. If you have doubts about your safety consider hiring a reputable guide or outdoor instructor. Have fun!

Filed Under: Safety Tips

Live or travel in Australia and still get hulu

February 28, 2013 ·

Man with remote watching hulu outside of the US

Do you live in Australia or travel there frequently and want to get hulu? We have a solution which is by far the easiest way to keep up with your favorite American programming whether it be Grey’s Anatomy, Family Guy, Modern Family, The Office, The Bachelor, or How I Met Your Mother. Now you can watch hulu (and yes, even Netflix) from down under using a VPN. We recommend checking out VPN Authority for it’s speed, ease of use and server. The customer support is also spectacular and available 24 hours a day for 7 days a week. Best of all, you only need to have an internet connection which means you can keep up to date no matter where you are.

The other benefits of VPN Authority include safe online surfing when you are reading the internet in public portals, and you can also watch other US websites such as MTV, NBC, ABC and even Netflix.

Couple watching hulu in Australia Don’t miss out and delay on the opportunity to watch hulu in Australia. Getting hulu outside the US has never been easier. I went 3 years without getting my hulu programming in Sydney, but now I can keep up to date with my US programs down under. Start using VPN Authority and watch your favorite American programming now.

Join the millions today getting hulu and enjoy American programming from your home now. I pity the fool that doesn’t get hulu in Australia. It’s an unbelievably easy process and your friends will be jealous as you watch all the up to date shows and they are about ten seasons behind. Only takes thirty seconds to setup and you won’t be disappointed. That’s a guarantee. Don’t forget to check out Netflix, spotify, Pandora, and last.fm as you try out the VPN. Getting hulu is always a good thing.

Filed Under: Australia, Entertainment, Television

What To Read When You Travel To Burma

February 25, 2013 ·

Those who choose to travel to Burma will find a fascinating country filled with history and culture, and may find themselves with many questions regarding the sights they see as they travel. One of the best ways to learn more is by reading Burmese literature, which has long had an important role in society, and reflects many different facets of the country’s past and present. Here is an introduction to this great literary heritage.

Literature in Modern Burma

Most people who are planning to travel to Burma will take some time before they go to read up on the country and its customs, and it is also worth reading up on its literary scene. As well as an ancient literary tradition, Burma has a flourishing contemporary culture of reading and writing, with the yearly Sape Beikman Prize for writing, and a new annual literature festival. Looking up the recent winners of the prize or speakers of the festival can be a good way to see which authors are particularly relevant at the moment, and could furnish travellers with some interesting reading material for their trip.

Burma’s Literary History

Another way for those who travel to Burma to gain insight into the country around them is to delve into the rich treasure trove of classic Burmese literature. From the earliest surviving works – primarily religious, as it was Buddhist monks who were responsible for the dissemination of knowledge and ideas – to the courtly poetry of the royal dynasties, to the abundance of literature that flourished in the turbulent nineteenth and twentieth centuries, there is plenty to discover, all of it fascinating and enlightening. Perhaps the most influential work of all is the Yama Zatdaw, the Burmese equivalent of India’s Ramayana and Thailand’s Ramakian, an epic poem of gods and demons. Colonial literature is also well worth exploring, as it was this era in which reading and writing became much more widespread as a means for people of all social classes to express their ideals and experiences – as a starting point, two interesting writers from this period are Dagon Khin Khin Lay, and Thein Pe Myint.

Other Literary Perpectives on Burma

As in modern times, those who have had the chance to travel to Burma in past times have found inspiration there, and this is reflected in the wealth of literature by non-Burmese writers who have visited the country in earlier epochs, as well as those who do so today. Perhaps the most well-known example is Orwell’s Burmese Days, a novel that criticises the role of the British Raj. For a gentler piece of reading there is Rudyard Kipling’s poetry about the country, the imagery of which will feel familiar to anyone who has seen the beauty of Burmese landscape.

Filed Under: Burma, Travel

What Are Dog Sledding Holidays Like?

February 19, 2013 ·

For those who are seeking a travel experience that’s out of the ordinary, dog sledding holidays are the perfect option. The sublime beauty of the Arctic is enough of a wonderful sight in its own right, but to see it while gliding through the snow on a dog-drawn sled increases the sense of wonder that participants feel tenfold. What can you expect on such a trip, and how should you prepare? Read on to find out.

Before You Go

Before setting off on your dog sledding holidays, it is a good idea to prepare, both by reading up on what the experience is like, and making sure you have everything you need. The most important thing to be prepared for is the climate, which can get extremely cold. Many travel companies will be able provide the necessary gear for those who do not have their own, but it is a good idea to pack enough warm clothing to see you through the holiday, and to make sure that it is the right sort of clothing – cottons, while providing breathability, does not dry quickly, and can make you feel colder, while synthetics often provide better insulation. Don’t forget that the sun can get very bright, so be sure to bring sun block and sunglasses.

Dog Sledding

At the heart of everything you’ll do on dog sledding holidays is, of course, the experience of dog sledding. It may be the dogs that are pulling the sled, but that does not mean that the human passengers play no active role in the process, and learning about the history and significance of this ancient mode of transport, as well as about how to work with the dogs, is one of the most interesting aspects of the journey. There is a range of different breeds that are trained to pull sleds, including the Alaskan Malamute, the Mahikan, and the Siberian Husky. Each has its own unique characteristics, just as each individual dog will have its personality, and getting to know them before setting off is an important part of the process. Learning the basics of dog care strengthens the bond you will feel with them while making the journey, which in turn will deepen your appreciation for the experience.

The Destinations

While the specific characteristics of the environment you travel through will vary according to your destination, the landscapes that you can visit on dog sledding holidays all have in common an astounding beauty. Popular with many is the Yukon, with its glacial lakes and snow-covered coastal mountains, and its incredible wildlife – including bald eagles, moose, caribou and bears – while across the world, Lapland entices with its forests and tundra, ancient Sami culture, and icy wilderness.

Filed Under: Arctic, Dog Sledding Holidays