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Going for a vacation is always a big expenditure. However, with careful planning, your vacation can be fun and enriching without compromising on its quality. If you are on a budget and planning for a vacation, here are some useful tips for you.

Flight Planning

1. Always compare flight deals. Look for lowest rates and understand what they are offering. Do note their cancellation policy before you make your reservation.

2. Look for a flight and hotel bundle which will save you money.

Transport Planning

1. Grab a rail pass to make travelling easier and hassle-free. Some countries offer family passes too. Usually, rail companies will have discounted packages with admission to attractions or accommodation deals.

2. Go for sightseeing buses to minimize transfers and maximise sightseeing. Sightseeing buses provide interesting commentary, unless you want to miss it.

3. Look for free airport transfer from hotels or free transport around the city. Some cities and attractions provide free city tourist shuttle.

4. Always look for sightseeing passes. There are a number which includes transportation. These passes can save you tons.

5. Get a local transport bus pass if you intend to adventure out on your own.

6. If you are planning a self-drive vacation, compare the terms and conditions of different car rental companies.

Activities and Attractions Planning

1. It always pays to look into local tour operators for activities and tours. They are often able to provide better or competitive deals than the rest.

2. Spend wisely and work on a budget by pre-booking your tours. Identify activities which are ‘must do’, attractions which are ‘must visit’ and those which are optional.

3. Visit the homepage of attractions to secure on-line specials, early bird specials or download coupons.

4. Look for combo packages. These packages allow you to enter a few attractions at a discounted rate.

5. Some attractions offer free entry on certain days or after certain hours; while others may have discounted entry after certain hour or during weekends.

6. Get coupons provided by tourism businesses or restaurants. Look for visitor cards with discounted admission to attractions or dining privileges.

Accommodation Planning

1. If you are working on a budget, hotels with free nights or hotels where kids stay free will be a good option. Do consider staying in a hostel. Many hostels offer freebies such as free breakfast and free airport pickups.

2. Always read hotel reviews before you book your accommodation. You know what it means to make a wrong choice.

Travel Ideas

1. Read travelogues or blogs to find out more about the destination. It’s worth to find out how other travellers made it in each destination. Travellers are likely to comment on their experiences for each activity, tour and provide excellent travel tips.

2. Participate in travel forums. Usually there are experts for each destination to answer all your questions. So don’t be shy to post your questions.

3. If you do not have an idea of where to go, you can begin with travel deals. Also, suggested itineraries from tourism boards offer excellent ideas. Check the events calendar for your desired destination would be helpful too.

Other budgeting tips

1. If you are planning a self-drive holiday, check the petrol prices of the destination.

2. To find out the cost of living of your desired destination, visit the homepages of its major supermarkets and fast food chains. You can have an accurate estimation of the cost of living and plan a budget for your meals.

Visiting places is in our blood – we all enjoy it. Be it the next stop light tiny plaza or Eiffel Tower, the basic goal of having a good time amidst this hectic life is well served. I wonder when pre-humans or humans constantly traveled places in search of food and shelter, what surprises they must have met in daily lives. And surprises are plenty if one lands in India known for its rich culture and established traditions. And, if it is going to be India then Rajasthan, the land of colors and traditions, will be amongst the top choices on any tour of this country of rich culture and tradition.

Rajasthan is the place where you will experience the real historical beauty of India. You will just love the place and cherish the trip forever. It is India’s one of the very famous tourist destinations inviting people from all over the world. This beautiful place is famous for its historical tombs, magnificent palaces, unforgettable monuments and out-of-this-world deserts. Touring a place like Rajasthan would definitely give you a taste of travel which would be like no other – even among Indian travelers list, it finds itself among the toppers. What else do we want for the worth of our investment? The most famous place in Rajasthan is the capital city of Jaipur, also known as the Pink City. The other popular places of the state are Jodhpur, Jaiselmer, Udaipur, Mount Abu and Bikaner.

One of the major attractions of the state is the Hawa Mahal in Jaipur, built by Maharaja Jai Singh in the year 1799. The beauty of seeing it during the sunrise is very commendable. The architecture gives a feeling of “million windows”. The other major attractions are Mount Abu a beautiful hill station, Ajmer Sharif, Pushkar Fair, Jantar Mantar, Chittaurgarh, Jaiselmer fort, the Thar Desert and many more. Jaipur has come to the limelight for being the largest gem cutting centre in the world – ladies think jewelry. It is the best place to get precious stones such as diamonds, emeralds, and ruby etc. Tourists who visit Jaiselmer can’t afford to miss the camel safari which is situated in the heart of the Thar Desert. It is also famous for various temples, forts and ancient palaces. The architectural beauty of Rajasthan is grand and spectacular. The beauty of its monuments, palaces and forts is something which can never be forgotten. Another historical city Ajmer is well-known for the Ajmer Sharif and museums.

The adventurous journey in national parks and wildlife sanctuaries such as Ranthambore National Park which is a part of Project Tiger, Bharatpur Wildlife Sanctuaries and Sariska Wildlife sanctuaries are really enjoyable by the tourists. Parks such as Amrita Devi Park and Machia Safari Park are very popular. The colorful markets are also very attractive for the tourist where you can find handicraft items, gold jewelry and a special type of footwear called “Jootis” which will definitely draw your attention. It’s a land known for folk dance, music, and colors. The women dress up in colorful costumes embroidered with mirror, zari, and gota. They wear silver jewelry along with this costume. The men wear traditional achkan, pajama and colorful turban which look very beautiful. Without knowing the costumes and ornaments of Rajasthan one’s trip to Rajasthan is incomplete.

Rajasthan is the state of Rajputs or, translated literally means sons of kings, the descendants of warrior clans. Rajasthan, literally known as the land of Kings, was ruled by several kings for years and years. All the monuments, ‘havelis’ or huge residences, palaces, and temples etc were built during the reign of different kings and reflect the status of their affluence. Some of the majestic palaces have been converted into hotels for the tourists to experience what royals used to enjoy. In addition, there are other hotels bearing Rajasthan’s heritage like Taj Lake Palace, the Oberoi’s Rajvilas hotel, the Rambagh hotel, etc. How can we talk about Rajasthan and not mention its cuisine! Taste buds will miss the cuisines as you would leave the place. The king’s palace has dishes that imbibe the royal taste. It’s basically vegetarian food made up of pure ghee as Rajasthani’s are pure vegetarian. But this doesn’t bring a limitation to finding equally delicious non-vegetarian food in the land.

Natural beauty is plenty. Rajasthan is a desert treat for eyes, it’s blessed with several natural lakes. While talking about flora it has Northern Desert Thorn Forest, and fauna such as deer, tiger, blackbuck, Bengal fox, eagles, wolf etc. Although expensive, the Palace on Wheels train journey is designed to flaunt the sheer elegance of Rajasthan as you lose yourself in a cross-desert land ride to witness where heritage is of utmost honor. Book early a ticket on Palace on Wheels, if you are planning a trip because the rush hour is 24X7 for booking on Palace on Wheels.

The climate over there is extreme that is hotter days and colder nights but still people love to visit the place no matter what because at last the thing which matters is having an unforgettable experience at such a nice place. When are you planning your visit to the most beautiful historical place to rejuvenate yourself and take away the good memories with you? You better plan it with at least a month’s window at hand as the place has so much to offer and it won’t be surprising if you meet your couple of old family friends there.

Medical tourism is very popular throughout the world. The choices of healthcare destinations vary from patient to patient because a patient has to consider many things while choosing a destination. But some destination places are so much popular due to the quality of healthcare services, lower costs, availability of competent and experienced doctors and pleasant environment that most of the medical tourists go their for healthcare treatments. The healthcare facilities in US and UK are good but very costly so inhabitant of these countries also try to find those places which are equal in quality but charge lower prices. Mostly people travel to these healthcare places for plastic surgeries, cosmetic surgeries, and dentistry, cardiac and orthopedic surgeries. Some common good healthcare places include Canada, Costa Rica, Colombia, Brazil, Cuba, Germany and Philippines etc. The doctors use latest technologies and techniques in the hospitals to cure medical tourists.

Canada

Canada is one of the best medical tourism destinations which provide quality health care services at lower prices. In countries like US and UK patients have to wait for some kinds of procedures but in Canada they receive immediate treatment. The most of the medical tourists travel Canada belong to America; they receive excellent healthcare services at cheap prices. Medical tourists can save up to 30 to 60 percent in Canada as compare to America. The hospitals of Canada are equipped with latest machinery and its beautiful healthcare locations attract medical tourists to come here for healthcare services. The doctors are well trained, experienced and have latest knowledge of diseases and their treatments.

Cuba

Cuba is one of the oldest healthcare destinations in the world. The doctors, hospitals and technologies used in healthcare treatments are well reputed in the world. Healthcare centers of Cuba are near beaches so mostly patients choose it a healthcare destination. Patients from Europe and Latin America travel to Cuba to receive high quality medical service at lower prices. The hospitals and doctors of Cuba are popular for cancer treatment, addictions rehabilitation, eye surgery, joint replacement and cosmetic surgery. Costs of treatments in Cuba are 60 to 80 percent less than the costs of treatments in US. There are many well equipped hospitals in Cuba not only for local residents but for foreigners too. A documentary film “Sicko” increased the interest of foreigners in the healthcare services of Cuba. The government of Cuba has also taken some steps to attract medical tourists from all over the world to Cuba to increase income. The residents of UK, Bahamas, Canada, , Mexico, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic and US can travel to Cuba for healthcare purposes on a tourist visa. Due to the trade policy of America toward Cuba patients need approval from the government of US so they visit Cuba as private matter. Some hospitals of Cuba are worldly known for the quality of its services.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a new entry in the business of medical tourism. It is very popular medical tourism destination for dental implants and surgery etc. A patient can save up to 80 percent of healthcare costs in Costa Rica as compare to US. Costa Rica is popular for the procedures such as cosmetic surgery, dental surgery, weight-loss surgeries and orthopedic surgeries. The cost of knee replacement surgery is very low as compare to US. The hospitals of Costa Rica are cleaned and have all kinds of technologies and equipments. The doctors are trained in different hospitals of US and UK. The location of Costa Rica is close to Canada and United States so it has become a very popular medical tourism destination. The presence of English speaking persons also helps a lot in increasing its popularity as a medical tourism place.