Weird laws overseas

Just because you can do something in the India doesn't mean it's OK in another country.

• Many countries, from Egypt to Cuba, forbid taking photographs, or using binoculars near military or government installations. Penalties can include jail sentences.
• In Turkey it is an offence to insult the Turkish nation or the national flag, or to deface or tear up the national currency.
• In Thailand, images of Buddha are sacred.
• It is illegal to make rude gestures or swear in public in Bahrain, the UAE (United Arab Emirates) and Kenya. You could face a severe fine.
• Topless sunbathing is illegal on most beaches in Florida.
• In Singapore smoking in public buildings, littering, jaywalking, spitting, feeding birds in public places, chewing gum on the local transport system, and failing to flush public lavatories are civic crimes and attract instant fines.
• In the UAE it is a criminal offence to eat, drink or smoke in public during Ramadan from sunrise to sunset.
• The penalty for entering or bathing in a fountain in Italy is a heavy fine.
• It is illegal to import pork products into Yemen, with a maximum punishment of death.
• The plant Quat (Khat) is illegal in the USA. Visitors attempting to take this plant into the USA could be arrested and face imprisonment.

Underwater post office

Vanuatu Post has created the world’s only Underwater Post Office. Situated within a marine sanctuary, off Hideaway Island near Port Vila in Vanuatu, the Post Office can receive mail delivered in person if you are a visiting diver or snorkeller or sent via the Main Post Office to ensure all mail items receive the special cancellation from this unique underwater paradise.

Okhil babu's letter

Okhil Chandra Sen wrote this letter to the Sahibganj Divisional Railway Office in 1909. It is on display at the Railway Museum in New Delhi.

"I am arrive by passenger train Ahmedpur station and my belly is much swelling with jackfruit. I am therefore went to privy. Just I doing the nuisance that guard making whistle blow for train to go off and I am running with lotah in one hand and dhoti in the next when I am fall over and expose all my shocking to man and female women on platform.
I am got leaved at Ahmedpur station. This too much bad, if passenger go to make dung that dam guard not wait train five minutes for him. I am therefore pray your honour to make big fine on that guard for public sake. Otherwise I making big report in papers."

Any guesses why this Okhil babu's letter was of historic value?

It apparently led to the introduction of toilets in our trains.

Architecture of Taj Mahal

Google Map of TravelPort's head office

Tarvelport's head office, Mumbai city.

Click on WikiMapia for bigger views.

Boston's most unique tours

Whether you're planning your first trip to Boston or you want to see the city in a whole new way, here the most unique tours of this diverse and infinitely interesting New England city.

1) Boston Duck Tours

What's a Duck Tour? Good question! You'll tour Boston's roads and waters in a "duck," a World War II-era amphibious vehicle. Your tour guide will probably tell a few jokes that will quack you up, too.

2) Boston North End Market Tours

Michele Topor leads Boston visitors on culinary adventures in the city's Italian North End. If you consider yourself a foodie, don't leave Boston without booking a spot on this gourmet stroll and behind-the-scenes tour of the North End's markets and eateries.

3) New England Ghost Tours

The Boston Spirits Walking Tour offered by New England Ghost Tours is an opportunity to see the city at night and to delve into its dark and mysterious crevasses. If you like tales of ghosts and want to visit cemeteries and learn who haunts Boston, this is the tour for you.

4) Talking Street Cell Phone Tour of Boston

Aerosmith lead singer and Massachusetts native Steven Tyler is at your call to show you around town. At your cell phone call, that is. The Talking Street cell phone tour of Boston costs just $5.95 (not including your cell phone air time) and features the voice of one of the city's best-known rockers.

Read more.

Commuters travel twice around world

The average commuter will travel two and a half times around the globe over the course of their working careers according to new figures released today by the RAC Foundation on Work Wise Transport Day.

Twenty-five million people in the UK commute to and from a fixed place of work and 72% travel by car, which leaves 18 million people fighting with daily frustration of congestion on the road network.

Over the past ten years there has been a trend for fewer, but longer commuting journeys, suggesting that people are adjusting their living arrangements to deal with the frustrations of the commute.

Four million people now work from home or act as 'mobile workers' and as congestion increases and reliability on the road network becomes less certain this trend is likely to continue.

The RAC Foundations fact file on commuting finds that;

* 19% of all distance traveled is for commuting purposes

* The average daily commute is 8.7 miles a 6% increase since 1995/97

* The average commuter makes 161 commuting trips and travels 1391 miles over a year

* 16% of all trips in the UK are made for commuting reasons

* When business travel is taken into account workers travel an additional one and a half times around the globe

Viagra for jet lag?

The little blue pill known for making time in the bed more enjoyable may also help weary jet travelers roll out of it in the morning.

New research shows Viagra may be the solution for travelers who suddenly find themselves needing to rise hours earlier as they cross time zones, at least if those travelers are hamsters.

A study at the Universidad Nacional de Quilmes in Buenos Aires showed that male hamsters who received an injection of sildenafil along with a 15-minute stimulation of light were able to adjust their internal clocks by six hours in roughly half the time that hamsters who did not receive the treatment took.

How to travel now

The best advice is lots of advice
Clip any newspaper and magazine articles. E-mail friends, friends of friends, and even like-minded strangers (via message boards) for advice. Ask for tips from bloggers who specialize in destinations. Check out user-review websites like TripAdvisor. Don't rely on any single source, even Budget Travel; look for a consensus.

Flexibility pays off
When it comes to booking a flight, being flexible with dates used to mean doing a lot of data entry. Flexible-date searches at Travelocity, Kayak, and many airline sites now make it a snap to see how much you'll save by changing your dates.

hink outside the hotel-room box
Renting a house, condo, or apartment--or swapping homes--may be better, especially for groups. The Internet has made locating such non-hotel options a million times easier. Three vacation-rental websites: VRBO.com, HomeAway.com, VillasIntl.com. Three home-swapping websites: HomeExchange.com, HomeLink.org, Intervac.com.

Someone has to pay the tennis pro's salary
When you stay at a hotel, you're essentially paying for all the services offered--gym, water sports, concierge, tennis courts--even if you never use them. So figure out what's important to you, and what you can do without.

Pick the right guidebook
Browse to check that the research isn't stale and that you trust the writer's sensibility. Time Out is reliable for big cities, and Lonely Planet is still best for off-the-grid trips.

Call a travel agent when you're...
Planning a complicated trip, traveling with a large group, going on a cruise, hoping for advice on the destination. Always ask: Has the agent been there?

Scout from above
Use Google Earth's cool satellite images to gauge the exact distance between the hotel you're considering and the beach, a highway, the Eiffel Tower, the subway, Chernobyl....

The best price is out there somewhere
And there's no one simple way to track it down. Start with meta-search engines like Kayak and SideStep, which scour multiple sites for flights, hotels, cruises, and car rentals. Orbitz, Travelocity, and Expedia are good for getting a feel for what's out there--though they often don't search all airlines, and they tack on service fees.

Keep hunting
Think like a bloodhound: Prices for car rentals and hotels fluctuate, so never give up sniffing out a better deal. When you locate one, snap it up--and cancel the old reservation. Just make sure the cancellation policy won't bite you in the rear.

Call hotels directly
Certain special rates are only sold over the phone; others are only sold online. Note: Cancellation policies for these can be strict.

Know thy neighbors
For cruises, tours, and other group experiences, ask who'll be joining you--how mature they are or aren't, whether everyone will already know each other, and so on. For hotels and resorts, make sure there's not a wedding or a convention during your dates. For cruises, check out CruiseCritic.com.

Why packages can be major bargains
To fill rooms and seats, hotels and airlines will resort to rock-bottom prices. For obvious reasons, they don't like to publicize these rates, so they sell a certain number of rooms or seats to companies that bundle them in packages. That way, no one knows exactly what the airfare or hotel alone costs. Here are a few things to bear in mind before you buy a package:

. The only way to know if it's a deal is to see what it costs to book separately.

2. Don't trust the packager's hotel description or star rating; research the hotel on your own. If you don't like the hotel being offered, you can usually upgrade.

3. Ask about the flight's times, connections, airline, and change and cancellation policies.

4. Extra nights are often available at a ridiculously low rate.

Buy drugs
Get and fill prescriptions for sleeping pills and medicine for traveler's diarrhea. At some point in your travels, you'll be extremely relieved that you did.

Silverjet! Eurofly! Zoom!
It seems like there's a new airline every day, and because they don't show up in booking engines, figuring out who flies where is a headache. Bookmark DoHop.com--it lists which carriers serve an area.

Third-party bookers often get second-class treatment
Wrong as it is, hotels are nicer to guests who seek them out than to those who come via a third-party booking engine. Whenever possible, book directly. If you see a low rate elsewhere, ask the hotel to match it. Hotels will almost always undercut any middleman--which isn't all that difficult, when you consider that booking engines tack on fees

In case of emergency
Old rule: Bring a photocopy of your passport with you. New rule: Scan your passport and e-mail it (and your itinerary) to yourself and to someone you trust back home.

So much for Tuesday after midnight
For years, many "travel experts" have theorized that some or other weeknight was when airlines released fantastic deals, but that's hogwash.

"Garden-view" equals parking lot
Words can lose their meaning (if they ever had much of one in the first place), and you can't assume your definition is the same as someone else's. A few words and phrases you should cast a gimlet eye on: boutique (when describing hotels), centrally located, charming, chic, garden-view, low-fare (for airlines), luxury, quaint, recently renovated, romantic, stylish, suite, villa, walking distance. Plus: Hotel rating systems aren't worth a whole lot. What makes a hotel four-star versus three-star can be something as silly as a phone in the bathroom.

The proof is in the picture
If a hotel or condo doesn't post photos on its site, ask for images to be e-mailed. But don't assume photos are entirely trustworthy. Images shot with fish-eye lenses make rooms seem bigger than they are; or the hotel may send a photo of a room that's better than the one you reserved.

Read more.

45 milion vote for new seven wonders

More than 45 million people have voted so far in an Internet campaign to choose the seven "new" wonders of the world out of 21 shortlisted historical buildings or monuments, the organisers said Monday.

The contest, aimed at raising global awareness about the world's shared cultural heritage, was set up by a Swiss filmmaker, curator and traveller Bernard Weber, following the destruction of Afghanistan's giant Buddha statues at Bamyan by the Taliban in 2001.

In the most recent count published on May 7, the top 10 were the Acropolis in Greece, the ancient Mayan city of Chichen Itza in Mexico, the Coliseum in Rome, the Eiffel tower in Paris, the Great Wall of China, the Incan ruins of Machu Picchu, Petra in Jordan, the statues on Easter Island, Britain's Stonehenge and the Taj Mahal in India.

The organisers say they are trying to get ordinary people to follow the spirit behind the ancient seven wonders selected by intellectuals in the Mediterranean and Middle East around 200 BC. Only one of them, the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt, still survives.

You can get the Taj Mahal into the final seven by voting here: http://www.votefortaj.com

Podcast: New York for first timers

A guide to the 10 things you have to do if it your first trip to New York.

Malaria hot spots

To call attention to the malaria plight many Britons face as they travel abroad, created this video that shows the importance of properly fighting off mosquitoes and points viewers to a site called Malaria Hot Spots providing malaria-related travel tips.
Mosquito Style - It Only Takes One Bite - Click here for more free videos

Top 10 day trips from Prague

There is plenty to do in the Czech capital city of Prague, but you will want to pencil into your itinerary one or two day trips from Prague that will round out your Czech travel experience. Many of these day trips are available from tour agencies, but you'll also be able to take some of these day trips simply by arranging for transportation to and from your destination - check with your hotel in Prague to see what day trips will fit into your schedule.

1) Karlstein Castle - Day Trip to Southwest of Prague

Karlstein Castle is a popular day trip from Prague. Guided tours leave every hour and take visitors through various halls, chapels, and the former castle prison. Also visit the souvenir shop and the wax displays of Czech historical figures.

Karlstein/Karlstejn Castle Website: www.htradkarlstejn.cz

2) Plzen Brewery Museum - Beer Museum in Pilsen

Visit the town famous for the original pilsner beer. The town itself is small and charming, but the Plzen Brewery Museum will give visitors a firsthand look at how this Czech beer has been made over the centuries.

3) Kutna Hora - World Heritage Site Day Trip from Prague

Kutna Hora is one of Czech Republic's UNESCO World Heritage sites. Once the site of silver mines and the seat of Czech royalty, Kutna Hora is home to several examples of Gothic church architecture that later influenced architecture throughout Europe.

Kutna Hora Website: www.kutnahora.cz

4) Cesky Krumlov - World Heritage Site Day Trip from Prague

A Cesky Krumlov day trip is a Prague visitor favorite. An UNESCO World Heritage site, Cesky Krumlov has an historic old town complete with castle and baroque theater. Cesky Krumlov is also a cultural center with lots of activities and events to entertain tourists.

Cesky Krumlov Website: www.ckrumlov.info

5) Karlovy Vary - Spa Day Trip from Prague

Karlovy Vary is a Bohemian spa town with a picturesque layout. Karlovy Vary's rich history means there is plenty to see, especially for those who enjoy photography. This Czech town also hosts a film festival and has served as a set for more than one Hollywood film.

Karlovy Vary Website: www.karlovyvary.cz

Read more.

10 free Melbourne attractions

There are a number of free attractions available in Melbourne, Victoria. Here's a selection of Melbourne attractions which shouldn't cost any money.

1) City Circle Tram

More a means to travel free to a number of central Melbourne's sightseeing attractions, the City Circle Tram provides a "hop on, hop off" service to such places as Federation Square, Old Treasury Building, Parliament House and Princess Theatre. There's a running commentary, too, as you pass, or stop at, a place of historical, cultural or architectural significance. The free City Circle Tram has now been joined by the Melbourne City Tourist Shuttle, a free hop on, hop off shuttle bus service on another Melbourne city circuit.

2) Flinders St Station

Flinders St Station is a major landmark in central Melbourne and is also a popular place to meet. With Victorian architecture and striking, large clock faces, Melbourne's Flinders Street Station was built in the late 19th century.

3) Federation Square

Right along the route of the free Melbourne City Circle Tram lies Federation Square across the street from Flinders St Station. Both Flinders St Station and Federation Square have distinctive, if contrasting, architectural styles. Particularly at Federation Square, browse through the shops and galleries, which lead us to...

4) The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia

This is the home of the National Gallery of Victoria's Australian art collection, which is said to be the largest in the world. Admission to the permanent collection is free but fees may apply to special exhibitions. Located in Federation Square.

5) Australian Centre for the Moving Image

While at Federation Square, visit the Australian Centre for the Moving Image with its Screen Gallery and large collection of exhibits pertaining to Australian screen-based art, including film, video, television, interactive installations, and computer animation. Entry to the Screen Gallery, open Monday to Friday from 10am to 5pm and Saturday, Sunday and public holidays from 10am to 6pm, is free.

Read more.

Getting the best out of your travel deals

The greatest secret to getting an affordable airfare or best travel discounts is to know your budget and what do you really want. Additionally, you should shop and compare deals until you run out of options and choose the best among them.

And importantly, always plan ahead. Nothing is too early when it comes to vacation planning. This will give you ample time to search and choose.

Whether you're a business traveler or planning a family vacation, here are some travel tips to save you money and choose the best deal:

1. Buy your ticket directly. Travel agents usually charge between $15 and $35 per ticket.

2. Buy your ticket all at the same time instead of buying one at a time. Booking fee may be discounted.

3. Booking for a package tour could be a wise choice for some destinations.

4. When planning a more complex trip, a travel agent can save you more time and money.

5. Compare prices online for the best deal. There are websites that help travelers to shop and compare. Some also provide travel tips and guidelines.

6. Play the seasons. Some travel destinations are cheapest at certain times or season of the year. Booking for an off-peak season also would give you the best deal. 7. Be flexible with travel dates and times. Some airlines and hotels offer substantial discounts if you book one or two days earlier.

8. Smaller airlines often have lesser fees. Additionally, small airlines don't necessarily mean smaller airplanes.

9. Alternative airport also could provide you with substantial discounts. Ask your travel agent about it.

10. Plan ahead. The earlier you book, the better deal you will have.

11. Buy trip insurance. Insurance will not only save your life but also could save you money. If you end up being sick in foreign country, your insurance back home might not cover it. Thus you might end up using your vacation budget on hospitalization.

12. Sign up for hotel and airline awards programs. Chain hotels usually have award programs; take advantage of it especially if you are a frequent business traveler. Finally, never stop bargaining, always explore the possibility of lower airfare, lower hotel rates. However, it is important to weigh and compare all options since not all cheap travel deals will give you the travel value you deserved. Travel will be more enjoyable if you get the most of your hard earn vacation budget.

About the Author James Yee enjoys photography and travel. Thanks to SBI, James now owns his Travel website. Get Your Free Weekly Travel Deals ($47 value). Click Here!

Airline food

Traveler Buzz breaks downs the art of airline cuisine.