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Useful Articles for Traveling

TRAVEL TIPS AND TRICKS

ALJC Home Based Travel and Tours takes pride in helping our clients with all of their travel booking needs. We understand that traveling to a place for the first time can be a bit unsettling. That’s why we not only provide exclusive offers and vouchers, but also resources and tips so you can stay safe and travel smart. Our free resources for travelers include news, promos, updates, and more.

Paris

BEST EUROPEAN CITIES TO VISIT IN WINTER

Why Go to Rome

#1 Rome, the city of seven hills, enjoyed a mythic beginning. Romulus and Remus — twin brothers who were nursed by a she-wolf and fathered by a war god — reportedly founded the Eternal City. And although historians are a little skeptical about this epic entry into the world, most travelers are absolutely certain that there is something magical about Rome. Whether it's the mystery of nearby Vatican City or the ghosts of the Colosseum, an afternoon caffè on Piazza Navona or a piled-high plate of pasta at a trattoria, Roma is sure to enchant.

Italy's capital city, Rome is also known for a history that dates back to the eras of Octavian, Julius Caesar and Hadrian, among others. Left behind are structures like the Pantheon, the Roman Forum and dozens of churches, among other historic gems. Art enthusiasts will relish the trove of art housed at the Vatican Museums, and foodies will enjoy the splendid Italian fare, not to mention the gelato. And though its momentous past is the focus for many vacationers, Rome is also a fast-paced, modern and relevant city, with gleaming designer storefronts, sleek hotels and cutting-edge restaurants.

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Paris

#2 in Best Winter Vacations in Europe

Why go: The charms of Paris are alive and well in winter. Warm up while sipping coffee in romantic cafes, and spend time visiting heated indoor museums like the Musée du Louvre, the Musée Rodin or the Musée d'Orsay, which are less crowded this time of the year.

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Prague

#3 in Best Winter Vacations in Europe

Why go: Prague's castles and underground restaurants are perfect spots to seek refuge from the city's harsh winters. For those willing to brave the cold, there are also festive options like Prague's beloved Christmas markets and outdoor ice skating rinks. 

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Venice

#4 in Best Winter Vacations in Europe

Why go: Winter is Venice, Italy's low season. Although you'll still find many visitors during this time of year, you can expect lines to be shorter and airfare and hotel rates to be cheaper. If you visit in January and February, you'll witness the exciting festivities of Carnevale.

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Amsterdam

#5 in Best Winter Vacations in Europe

Why go: Winters in Amsterdam can be chilly, but those willing to endure the cold will enjoy significantly discounted hotel rooms and flights. Most of Amsterdam's attractions are open year-round, and during the winter months, the city offers holiday festivities and many places to ice skate.

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Vienna

#6 in Best Winter Vacations in Europe

Why go: Vienna welcomes winter with advent markets, public ice skating rinks and plenty of lavish parties. Add wintry touches like snow-covered rooftops and nearby ski slopes into the mix and you'll find yourself in a European winter wonderland.

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Bordeaux

#7 in Best Winter Vacations in Europe

Why go: This French port city's winters may not be filled with snow, but its cool weather and popular Christmas market help set the scene for the holidays. And no visit would be complete without sampling some of the region's world-renowned vino at one of downtown's wine bars.

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Seville

#8 in Best Winter Vacations in Europe

Why go: In Spain's Andalucía province, summer temperatures can be hot to the point of unbearable. Reserve Seville for a winter escape to experience its Old World ambiance and charming seasonal traditions (think: nativity scenes and holiday markets) while enjoying cooler temperatures, fewer crowds and lower hotel rates.

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Salzburg

#9 in Best Winter Vacations in Europe

Why go: If you like the idea of beautiful castles, cathedrals and other Baroque architecture covered in snow, one look at Salzburg, Austria, might be enough to lure you in. Add in Christmas bazaars and nearby skiing destinations, and you'll likely be sold on vacationing in this charming city.


Berlin

#10 in Best Winter Vacations in Europe

Why go: You'll definitely need to don cold weather attire for a wintertime trip to Germany's trendiest city, but the snow-lined streets and rooftops are eye-catching. Not only will you save on lodging, but you'll have the chance to experience Berlin's lively open-air Christmas markets. 

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leather bag

10 TIPS TO PACK FOR A TRIP

Packing is pivotal. Forget an essential item and you're left disappointed and scrambling to find the nearest store in your destination. Pack too much and you end up disorganized, burdened with heavy bags, and hemorrhaging money to pay for pricey airline baggage fees. So we thought it best to revisit the most basic—and most useful—packing rules. Here are 10 fundamental packing strategies that every traveler should learn.

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1. Roll, don't fold your clothes

2. Make a packing list

3. Know your airline's baggage-fee policy

4. Follow the 3-1-1 rule

(Read more on that on The TSA Blog.)

5. Use your personal item wisely

6. Wash your clothes on the road

7. Pack dual-purpose garments

8. Layer

This advice is twofold: Wear layers and pack in layers.

9. Never check essential items

It's terribly important to keep your valuable and essential belongings in your carry-on bag, not in your checked luggage. Your passport, identification, money, credit cards, jewelry, electronics, and other valuables should always be brought onto the plane with you. We probably don't need to tell you why you need to keep your passport and wallet on your person. But if the airline loses your luggage (or if a TSA agent gets sticky fingers), you'll regret stowing your expensive watch in a checked bag.

10. Use packing aids

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Outdoor Wedding Shoot

HOW TO CHOOSE A HONEYMOON DESTINATION

There are many romantic places in the world. Every country has its own legendary or its well known. Just think what is the best perfectly fit for the two of you and we will help you arrange those beautiful places.

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