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Deciding Whether Studying Abroad is Right For You

Written by: Omar Amanat

Summary: Abroad programs are an exciting way to learn everything there is to know about a foreign country and it’s identity.

One of the greatest learning experiences that you can partake in is studying abroad. Now, it takes an extremely decisive person to study abroad. There are thousands of abroad programs in hundreds of countries all over the world. So, how can you possible decide which program is right for you? Do you know which country you prefer to travel to? What universities have your major and will your credit be transferrable?

Start Preparing Early

The number of students that are willing to take the plunge and study abroad increases about 4% per year, and has become the new norm for American students. This means, you need to plan early in order to obtain the right program and prepare all the necessary documents to get the ball rolling. Talk to your university advisor and discuss whether or not studying abroad fits in with your schedule. This conversation needs to occur early on – possibly even in your first year. Remember, the earlier the better.

Get Everything in Order

First off, you’ll want to speak with your parents/guardians. Are they willing to financially support this trip? Will they be okay sending you off for half a year or so? Be prepared to show them everything about the program so they feel like they’re in the loop. Parents, needless to say, want to know every ounce of detail so they can feel confident knowing that you’re enrolling in an accredited program that will keep you safe. You’ll also want to be confident in the program of your choice. Once you begin your adventure, there’s no turning back! It may be difficult parting your home for an extended period of time, but it’s also an opportunity to broaden your horizons (as cliché as that sounds). You’ll learn a new language, meet new people, and discover an exotic and foreign culture!

Vacationing in Napa Valley

If you’re heading to California, no matter what time of year, Napa Valley is an incredible place to lose yourself. Napa is colloquially known as California wine country, and it’s where many popular wine brands (both in the supermarket and specialty brands for restaurants and wine stores) are made there. There are many wineries to tour, and the Napa Valley Wine Train is an excellent way to get there.

Take the Train

The Napa Valley Wine Train isn’t just a train, it’s a restaurant that provides a memorable tour through the countryside. It offers a multi-course meal and 25 miles of track that snake through the heart of Napa. The Pullman rail cars have been lovingly restored for an incredible and modern experience. The site for the wine train also has some advice on how to get to Napa Valley without using a car. You can do the entire trip without renting or owning a car.

Booking Wineries

Most wineries entertain fairly large groups, so they’ll expect you to book your trip in advance. Some will have waiting lists, others just want the advance notice so they know what to provide. Call the wineries you plan to see before you leave for the trip, and make sure your appointments are booked. If you fail to book a winery appointment, don’t fret. There are still some wineries that will take walk ins, and most wineries will accept walk ins if they aren’t very busy that day.


When Archbishop James Provence retired from Church service, he moved to Vacaville. There, James Provence became a volunteer docent for the California Railway Museum in Sacramento.

How to Deal With Car Rental Agencies And Their Agreements

Don’t overlook the agreement form, scan it carefully before you sign on the dotted line.

car-rental-agreementCar rentals in Jordan are common for travelers looking to tour the beautiful landscape on their time without having to deal with the hassle of hailing down a taxi or a bus. There are certain factors that you should consider when dealing with a car rental company in Jordan. Here are some tips that will help you get through this process as smoothly as possible.

Check the Insurance Policies

Although it’s not mandatory to obtain insurance on a rental car, it’s important that you have a solid understanding of what the company’s insurance policy is before you make any decision. Insurance policies tend to differ from one agency to another. Ask about the age limit, comprehensive insurance, and the driving license limitations beforehand so you know what’s covered and what’s not. Note that some agencies will look to convince you into buying insurance just to make extra money.

Reading the Agreement About Security Deposits

A long term car rental in Amman Jordan comes with an agreement that you’ll have to sign prior to obtaining the rental car. Read this thoroughly and carefully. When it comes to the section about security deposits, learn about what affects the security deposit, the prices, and the return date. For instance, if there is a specific time that the agency will want the car back, jot it down or obtain a copy of the agreement so you won’t end up losing the deposit over a 5 minute delay. One of the best ways to go about handling a security deposit, if you want to be safe, is to pay in cash. This way, you won’t allow the company to have access to your credit card. This isn’t to say that all agencies will steal from you, it’s just what many tourists like to do to make sure that they’re safe from fraud.


For the finest car hire in Amman Airport, visit Monte Carlo Rent A Car, LLC online today!

Four expert tips for beginner sea kayakers

crystalseas1Written by Crystal Seas

Kayaking is an adventure sport that can take a kayaker from serene to extreme in a matter of minutes. If you’re planning on a relaxing tour kayaking with orcas, you should still be prepared for not so calm weather. Here are four expert tips for beginners.

Take a lesson – Look at scheduling lessons with experienced trainers, who will give you the fundamental skills needed to stay out of trouble. You should start with a relatively simple lesson and progress on to more intensive courses if you are serious about your hobby.

Know the basics – Here are some standard basic skills you should master.

Hold the paddle with a light grip. – This helps for flexibility and reduces muscle straining.

Stay in a rhythmic motion when paddling.

Sweep strokes – Should be wider than your forward strokes.

Stick to your own style, pace, and range

Keep your upper body at a balanced and the center of gravity

Practice the basics – practice your basics on the ground and then move on to the water. When you move on to water, make sure you are in shallow, calm waters with a group. You should then progress on to open waters to gain more experience.

Pick your route and check the weather – Before you attempt your sea kayaking tour, you should be familiar with the area you are paddling in. Remember to check the marine weather forecast before you get into the water.

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Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime. Go killer whale kayaking for an experience like no other. Crystal Seas can give you everything you need—including training—and guide you through some amazing waters.

Why Public Transportation Can be a Tourist’s Worst Nightmare

abu-dhabi-busIf you are looking to visit Abu Dhabi, consider renting a car.

Abu Dhabi has long been known as one of the most captivating and storied tourist destinations in the entire world. In other words, it’s a traveler’s dream come true. However, one thing that could be a nightmare for incoming visitors is the transportation system. While it may be worth the adventure to try out the bus or taxi system, it could also backfire on you. This why a short term or monthly car rental in Abu Dhabi is one of the most efficient ways to maximize your vacation.

The Cons of Public Transportation

Just like any large populated city, public transportation can be a nuisance. You have pushy residents, irregular schedules, and the always worrisome pickpockets. The only positive thing that you can take out of taking the bus is that you’re getting from one destination to the other. It could become quite difficult for you to enjoy the scenic view when you have a crowded bus with barely enough room to breathe. Well, that was pure exaggeration but you get the gist.

The Bottom Line

All in all, it might be well worth your money to try and go for a long term car rental in Abu Dhabi if you’re planning a visit. And always be sure that you are looking carefully into the car rental company that you are planning to use. Be sure that they are a trustworthy business so you don’t end up having random fees show up on your next statement.


Monte Carlo Rent A Car, LLC is your home for car rentals in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and the UAE. For more information or for bookings, visit them online today.

3 Top Islands That Attracts Visitors Throughout the Year

Article written by Photo Packager, interesting photos from around the globe

Year after year, travelers vote for the most exotic beaches as their favorite destination even if it is miles away and even remote too. There are a number of nature-related activities that lure these visitors for the holiday of a lifetime too.

Of course, if the experience is unusual that makes the desire to visit these locations even more likely.

Here are 3 top islands that attracts the most visitors all year round: Read More

Incredible Botanical Gardens across the US

Article written by Hotel Traveller Reviews

botanic-gardens

During the middle and late 1800s, cities became the hotspots for opportunity. They also created a longing for the outdoors, much as they still do today. With great foresight, many city planners created parks and botanical gardens to preserve native plants and provide a space of respite from the hustle of city life.

The US has several gorgeous gardens across the land, and many of them can trace their origins back to American industrialization. Here are three of our favorites. Read More

Poconos: A Great Destination for Family Vacations

Article written by Tokyo Travel Guide

Put simply, family vacations are never an easy thing to organize. That doesn’t mean they can’t be fun. It doesn’t mean you don’t love your family. It just means these are a difficult thing to put together, as you have to consider each member and what they enjoy.

That’s why Pocono Family Vacations are so popular. They really do it all. First of all, as soon as you see the Pocono Mountains and their surroundings, you’ll swear you’re in a brand new world. But you’re not! You’re actually in one of the most majestic parts of the country located within Pennsylvania. Read More

Plan a Vacation at Washington State

When you think of a great vacation, what comes to mind? For a lot of people, they picture sandy beaches with a lounge chair getting tropical drinks delivered by a waiter. This is all well and good and there’s no doubt that, from time to time, we could all do with a little relaxation by the beach, but is that really ideal?

Once the vacation is over, a lot of people who spend their time off this way tend to come back to reality wishing they had done more. Lying around all day doesn’t do much for creating memories. Read More

Tips to protect your identity while traveling

When you are away from home on vacation, you take much more valuable personal information with you. Your credit and debit cards, your passport, your driver’s license, your smartphone, medical insurance card, your laptop computer are all contain much valuable information about you. Since they are essential for travel, you have to find ways to protect them from thieves, hackers and many others. Here are few ideas how protect your valuables while traveling. Read More