Saturday, 9 October 2010

Rental Car Insurance - Should You Get It?

When planning to apply for rental car insurance a lot of questions come to mind. These questions confuse us as to whether to apply for it or not. Furthermore, one wants to know whether the auto insurance at present covers the rented cars or not. The insurance for a rented car will cover theft or a damaged rented car and you will not be held liable for it.

When you are to apply for rental car insurance you need to consider a few things. Firstly you should check with your own personal auto car insurance and see whether it will cover the rented car or not. You should also find the auto rental insurance type that is covering you with the help of your credit card company.

It is more likely that the auto car insurance will cover the rented car if you have rented it for the purpose of leisure and not for business. The existing auto insurance coverage and the deductibles will apply to the car rented. Remember if it is providing coverage then find out the type as well. Also, check for the offers by auto car insurance as they will be less expensive than getting it from a rental company.

It is advisable to apply for a rental through your credit card. This will give you a variety of insurances depending on the bank providing the credit card, card type etc. In general, the insurance will only cover for the damaged car and not the property, personal belongings or liabilities.

These are few things that you should consider and ensure that you get firsthand knowledge before you decide to get rental car cover.

Friday, 8 October 2010

Malaga Airport Taxi Transfers

A Taxi transfer from Malaga airport represents a cheap convenient way of reaching your holiday destination safely and quickly. By pre booking a Taxi transfer in the UK before your holiday you can be sure of a speedy, friendly and safe journey onwards. Pre booking will help to avoid any problems you might encounter if you try to book at the airport upon your arrival.

If you are a tourist looking for some summer sunshine or a business commuter, Malaga airport is a perfect gateway to the Costa del Sol. Malaga is Spain's fourth busiest airport it now accommodates over 12 million passengers every year. Currently it is undergoing the latest stage of developments adding a third terminal and a new second runway. Officials predict the airport will be able to cope with 9000 passengers an hour during peak season.

If you pre book a Taxi transfer before you leave you can be happy in the knowledge that when you arrive somebody will be waiting ready to pick you up. As you leave the arrivals lounge either a driver with a sign will be waiting for you, or you will have to meet a representative of the company to assign you to a taxi. Practically all drivers used speak English; you don't have to worry about any communication problems as your driver will already have your address details.

Malaga has fantastic road links meaning your taxi transfer will be quick and simple. Located only 8 kilometers west outside of the city center you can reach the A7 coastal road in no time. This road links quickly to the AP7 Autopisa del Sol motorway. The coastal road has some fantastic views of the local area and twisting golden beaches. Destinations such as Granada, Torremolinos, Fuengirola, Marbella or even Gibralta are all extremely accessible and can be reached quickly.

When you are booking your taxi you will undoubtedly come across several different fares; competition is high in most of Spain's airports so shop around or use comparison search engines to find the best prices. After all any money saved at this stage can be spent and enjoyed during your vacation.

Malaga airport offers really easy access for drivers and passengers alike, the taxis are allowed up to park in a very conveniently located bay at the front doors of the airport. You won't have to carry your suitcases over any great distance.

A pre booked taxi will wait for you if you are delayed or if seriously delay other drivers will be used. Both the transfer companies and drivers monitor incoming flights to check if you are delayed. Chances are they will know better than you what time to expect your arrival.

If you are carrying extra luggage or sport equipment like skis or golf clubs ensure have pre arranged this at the time of booking. They may incur a fee but more importantly the transfer company needs to know to ensure it will all fit in the car provided.

By booking on line through a reputable company it ensures you will receive a safe professional service. Drivers will be properly licensed with all the appropriate Taxi legislation in place. Their vehicles must comply with regular health and safety checks, this way you know you will be in safe hands.

If you're taking a holiday quite often you won't feel like driving your self. A holiday is an escape from everyday chores like driving and should be relaxing, by starting your holiday with a taxi transfer you can sit back, and relax whilst enjoying the views and let somebody else worry about the driving.

Thursday, 7 October 2010

Car Rental Types in Hawaii

Hawaii is a place of beauty and wonder, and with a climate most dream to experience everyday you bet there is a lot to see. Depending on who you're taking to Hawaii you are presented with a plethora of vehicle rental options that will each bring a different trip perspective. There's something for everyone in Hawaii weather it be for the kids or an afternoon drive along the coast with the whole entire family.

Everyone typically will rent a car when they travel to Hawaii and this for the most part is the best and most affordable option. With gas prices on a rise there are plenty of hybrid's for rent so that will put less of a strain on your travel costs. The island has dozens of scenic routes covering most of the cities both along the coast and through lush forests and mountains. People of all ages will enjoy all that Hawaii has to offer from the seat of a car.

If you're looking for adventure and wanting to go off-roading, then Hawaii is the perfect 4x4 destination in America. If you've always wanted to take a rental car to the extreme without worrying about getting in trouble then I suggest you rent a Jeep. Maui has a large 4x4ing scene and there are dozens of adventure trails perfect for exploring the sights most won't see on the open road. If you have teenagers coming with you then this is the perfect option.

A lot of weddings and groups travel to Hawaii so that usually means you need a lot of transportation. Forget renting a few cars and look into getting a Van. If you got a sports team or large family going a Van makes a much more affordable transport option because it makes sharing the rental and fuel charges sharable.

Before you choose any of these 3 options make sure to talk to your travel agent about driving restrictions as well as insurance options. Remember to drive safe and have fun!

Wednesday, 6 October 2010

Car Rental Transport - Things to Consider

Car rental in New Zealand is definitely the preferred transportation option when it comes to getting around the country. Although there are other means of transportation available, it is far more convenient and flexible to have your own vehicle hire. The roads in New Zealand are well maintained and well sign posted so tourists will have no problem navigating their way around the country. However, it is important that you carefully choose the vehicle hire company that you are going to use.

Naturally, you will want to ascertain that you are not only getting the best deal, but are also travelling in a rental vehicle that is well maintained and safe. Here are some tips that you might want to consider when picking the right car rental company for you.

A reputable firm should offer a range of car rental options including a selection of hatches, sedans, station wagons, people movers, minibuses and luggage trailers. Everyone has different needs when it comes to renting a vehicle. For example, if you are travelling with a group of people, you may want to rent a minivan that is big enough to accommodate everyone in your group. Also, if you are bringing a baby with you, the car rental company in New Zealand you choose should be able to provide you with a car seat for infants or kids.

They should also offer competitive rates. Given the number of competitors vying for the same clientele, you have a great deal of choice. Finding a car rental company in New Zealand that not only offers affordable rental rates, but inclusive insurance and tax in the full rental price helps you plan your holiday budget with much more precision. No one wants to book a vehicle for hire and then find out at the pickup depot that things like insurance and tax (things you assumed were inclusive), actually are not. This digs into your holiday budget and disrupts your spending plans.

Aside from the dependability of the vehicles provided by the car rental company in New Zealand, check for additional services such as free pick up from the airport, a range of drop off and pick locations across the country, road assistance, maps / GPS hire, travel guides, availability of tools and spare tires. It is important to know that you will be able to count on the vehicle hire company to extend a helping hand just in case you encounter a road accident or car troubles, wherever you are in the country. If you are travelling the whole of New Zealand, look for a car rental company in New Zealand that can arrange ferry tickets for you, again saving you time and helping to give you a better idea of your holiday budget.

As you begin your search online for vehicle hire in New Zealand, remember to look for a company that meets all the considerations mentioned above. It is important you feel safe and confident with the car rental company you decide to book with as part of your holiday.

Tuesday, 5 October 2010

Brother MFC 9840cdw Toner Cartridges - Using Compatibles Will Save Money

The Brother MFC 9840cdw is one of the best selling color laser multi-function devices on the market today. The popularity of these "all in one" work centers is fueled by a low purchase price and proven performance. The MFC 9840cdw is very popular among small business owners because the low purchase price (under $600) makes this device a great deal when compared to color laser multi-function devices from other manufacturers.

Brother MFC 9840cdw owners who were pleased with this units low purchase price are quickly finding out that this isn't the case when purchasing replacement toner cartridges. Replacing toner cartridges in the Brother MFC 9840cdw can be very costly. The device uses four toner cartridges: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black. Both, standard yield and high yield toner cartridges are available for use in this device. The standard yield cartridges (Brother Part numbers: TN110C, TN110M, TN110Y, TN110BK) are rated at 2,500 pages for the black and 1,500 pages for the cyan, magenta, and yellow. Replacing the four standard capacity cartridges (TN110) will cost approximately $300. ($78 each for colors, $67 each for black) The higher capacity cartridges (Brother Part numbers: TN115C, TN115M, TN115Y, TN115BK) offer a "better bang for the buck" and a lower overall cost of operation when used. These cartridges are rated at 5,000 pages for the black and 2,500 pages for the cyan, magenta, and yellow. Replacing the four high capacity cartridges (TN115) will cost approximately $510. ($138 each for colors, $96 each for black) In some cases, that is equal to cost of the printer itself!

Fortunately for owners of the Brother MFC 9840cdw, compatible toner cartridges are available and offer some relief in regards to cost. Many retailers, online and traditional, now carry compatible (non-OEM branded) toner cartridges that are designed to work in Brother MFC 9840cdw printers. Compatible cartridges offer a significant cost savings when compared to the OEM branded cartridges. The high capacity (TN115) compatible cartridges are usually priced around $68 for the colors (Cyan, Magenta, and Yellow) and $52 for Black. That is $256 for a complete set of four, which is approximately 50% less than the OEM retail prices.

Using compatible toner cartridges does not impact a printers warranty in any way and they will uphold the same level of performance as the OEM branded products when purchased from a reputable seller.

Conclusion

The Brother 9840cdw is a color laser multi-function device that has gained popularity with consumers due to the attractive low purchase price and dependable reputation. Owners of this device are encouraged to use compatible toner cartridges as a way to reduce their overall printing costs. These cartridges can save owners a lot of money and have no effect on the quality of the prints.

Monday, 4 October 2010

Chore Charts For Kids - Helpful For Kids and Parents

One of the biggest issues parents have getting their kids to do their chores is having to constantly remind them. Parents will often spend more time reminding kids of their chores than it takes to actually do the chore. For very young kids, this really is to be expected. A preschooler will require much more reminding and encouraging than a third grader, although some reminding and encouraging will always be needed for any child, even teens.

Having a chore chart for your kids can make things easier for you and them. A chore list with their daily and weekly chores is a helpful way to set their goals in front of them and check them off as they are accomplished. It also places more of the responsibility in the hands of the child, as the chore list becomes a separate entity from the parent. The parent merely has to say, "Check your chore chart." Reminding them becomes less of a daily chore for you, and your child becomes more empowered with their responsibilities.

There are chore charts for preschoolers who may still be learning to read, with pictures to help them identify the chores on the list. A chore chart for young kids may include basic tasks that need to become daily habits, like brushing their teeth and making the bed. A variety of printable chore charts can be found online that would be age appropriate for your kids.

One very important element to help remind and motivate your kids is an incentive. Kids don't often understand why these chores have to be done all the time, after all, the floor will be messy again tomorrow. Rewards are important for learning and experiencing a since of accomplishment since they don't feel or understand the benefit of the completed task the way the parent does. Rewards can vary by age, from playtime or a desired toy to a cash allowance. Whatever you decide is the best reward for your child, remember that your consistency with the rewards will help develop their consistency with the chores, and the responsibility chart can become a reward chart in the eyes of the child. You can even find chore charts with reward boxes below the list of chores for your child to check off once they have completed all of the tasks.

Sunday, 3 October 2010

Kanye West (Feat KiD CuDi Pusha T John Legend Lloyd Banks) - Christian Dior Denim Flow

Kanye West (Feat KiD CuDi Pusha T John Legend Lloyd Banks & Ryan Leslie) - Christian Dior Denim Flow Kanye West (Feat KiD CuDi Pusha T John Legend Lloyd Banks & Ryan Leslie) - Christian Dior Denim Flow Kanye West (Feat KiD CuDi Pusha T John Legend Lloyd Banks & Ryan Leslie) - Christian Dior Denim Flow



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ytup-2F6F8&hl=en

Saturday, 2 October 2010

4x4 Hire - Zambia & Zimbabwe

Zambia and Zimbabwe

I have the choice of three border posts between Zambia and Zimbabwe: Chirundu, Siavonga (Kariba) and Livingstone (Victoria Falls). I choose to cross the border at Livingstone in my cross border car rental, so I can judge for myself whether Victoria Falls are better viewed from the Zambian or the Zimbabwean side.

Mazabuku

As I head south out of Lusaka on the main T2, about 5 km outside the city, I stop at a supermarket to refuel. A little while later, after going through the town of Kafue, I cross over the Kafue Gorge bridge and keep a look out for the turning to Livingstone, which is not that clearly signposted. I spot it and turn left. Less than an hour later, I find myself driving through fields of sugarcane, as I approach Mazabuku. The town is tree-lined and seems well developed with plenty of shops and garages and even some eateries. I stop briefly to buy some supplies and then continue my journey south along a reasonably good tar road. A couple of hours later I arrive in Choma and pop into the Museum, which has some fascinating displays on Tonga culture and a craft centre. Then, I head north to the Nkanga River Conservation area, where I am going to be spending the night at one of the campsites. The area is a bird-watchers paradise with over 400 different species of birdlife - I fall asleep to the soft hoot of owls in the trees outside.

Livingstone

The next morning, after a couple of hours' drive, I arrive in Livingstone, after passing through the towns of Kalomo and Zimba. The main street of the town is lined with Victorian tin-roofed houses with wooden verandas that take me back in time. On the road to Victoria Falls, I stop at a thatched-covered gas station to fill up and check oil and water, before crossing into Zimbabwe. I drive over what must be one of the most spectacular border crossings in the world: the 111 meter bridge viaduct that spans the Zambezi.

Victoria Falls

As water thunders to my left, I understand why the Kokolo tribe called Victoria Falls "Mosi-oa-Tunya" (the smoke that thunders). A World Heritage Site, the Victoria Falls are one of the seven natural wonders of the world and twice as high and one and a half times as wide as the Niagara Falls. People are bungee jumping from the middle of the bridge (crazy!). Vic Falls is known as the adrenalin capital with an amazing choice of crazy adventure sports to try out, from microlighting to gorge swinging. I prefer my adventures from behind the wheel of my 4x4 hire!

When I arrive on the Zimbawean side, I find the view to be even more spectacular. I can see three times more of the Victoria falls from this side than from Zambia. Unfortunately I don't have time to walk along some of the walkways and get soaked with spray (like other tourists I see). I need to reach Hwange National Park before nightfall.

Hwange National Park

Travelling along a tarred road, the countryside is green and beautiful. About two hours after leaving Victoria Falls, I arrive in Hwange, the largest National Park in Zimbabwe, covering over 14 000 square kilometers. Driving through the Park I am grateful for my 4x4: the potholes on some of the roads seem to have potholes of their own! I arrive at a camp and after eating around the fire, climb into my roof tent to sleep. A while later, I hear a noise and, peeking out of my tent, see a hyena standing just 30 metres away. Am I glad to be on top of the 4x4, hired in South Africa! The next day I visit some waterholes and am lucky enough to see a massive elephant having a shower. I don't see any of the cat family but do get to see lots of antelope and, curiously, thousands of butterflies.

I had been planning to drive from Hwange to Kariba, but fellow travellers I meet tell me that the dirt road is very poor condition and that it's best to travel there on the Zambian side. So, I return to Victoria Falls, where I treat myself to a night in a luxury hotel. I am going to have a long day tomorrow. I leave as dawn is breaking and cross over into Zambia as soon as the border post opens up. It takes me over six hours driving along a potholed tar road to reach Kariba. The next morning, I cross over into Zimbabwe again through the Chirundu one-stop border post, one of Southern Africa's busiest inland border crossings. It takes a while, as I am in the same queue as a whole lot of truckers waiting to navigate the two countries' cross-border immigration and customs. Eventually I am through and drive up the hill past the Mana Pools entrance gate to Marongara, Mana Pools' headquarters where I get my permits.

Mana Pools

Then I drive back down the hill through the park gates and am in Mana Pools, Zimbabwe's second World Heritage Site, on the southern bank of the Zambezi River. It takes me two hours to get to the campsite. After settling in, I go for an unguided walk along the old river terraces and see antelope and elephants in the distance - it's like walking in a woodland park. At Mana Pools there are no fences to separate humans and animals, just the sounds of the wilderness all around: monkeys calling to each other, hippos grunting and elephants trumpeting. I feel a sense of tranquility and peace that is only highlighted by the surreal light filtering through the trees. After two days of relaxation and immersion in nature, I leave for Lake Kariba, just 100 km away.

Lake Kariba

Lake Kariba is a manmade lake that was constructed in the 1950s when the Kariba Dam was built along the Zambezi River. The Tonga people, who were displaced by the Dam, believe that the Nyaminyami god will take revenge on man's disruption of nature. But I see no sign of that - just a lake that is teeming with crocodiles and hippos. It is definitely not the place for a swim but wonderful for viewing wildlife! Before booking in at my accommodation, I take a 2-hour drive around the lake and see a multitude of wildlife: elephants, baboons, zebra, waterbuck, impala and even a tortoise. That night I sleep on board a houseboat from where I am able to experience a different view of the wildlife, watching as crocodiles slip from the banks into the river, hippos wallow in the mud and fish eagles perch on half-submerged tree trunks.

The next morning I leave Kariba for Mozambique. I had originally intended crossing from Zimbabwe into Mozambique at the Forbees-Machipanda border post just outside Mutare, but because of fuel shortages, prefer not to travel further than is necessary in Zimbabwe. I set off from Kariba to Makuti, where I turn left towards Chirundu and then right onto the road to Kanyemba. The road is not great but my 4x4 hire is able to cope with the potholes and a couple of hours later I reach the border crossing of Kanyemba.

Friday, 1 October 2010

Easy Healthy Snacks For Kids

After a long and active day at school, our children tend to come home hungry, hence the popularity of the afternoon snack. Most store bought or commercial snacks are rich in carbohydrates, sugar, sodium, and fats. Things like packaged cookies, pastries, and other quick fix snacks are low in nutrition, and are generally unhealthy.

While most of us don't have to the time to make elaborate snacks for our children, there are many easy healthy snacks that we can prepare the minute they ask for it or make in the morning and leave in the fridge for when our kids come home. These snacks should focus on fruit and dairy, the two food groups that seldom go into the other meals of the day. If you can supply your children with either a serving of fruit or dairy or both, then you are sure that they are getting the kind of nutrition they need.

Here are some snack ideas:

Fruit Juice Popsicles:

This is the easiest snack to prepare! Just get store bought Popsicle makers or containers and fill them with 100% fruit juice. Freeze these containers, and don't forget to stick a Popsicle stick in it if it doesn't have one already. They're really healthy, and you can make many at a time and in varying flavors. You can even make one flavor for every day of the school week, and then you'll be done with all the snacks for that week!

Low-Fat Yogurt or Pudding:

This is a great and healthy snack!! A cup of yogurt or pudding will fulfill one dairy serving for your child. You can buy these at almost any grocery store. Yogurt would be the healthier option. They even have yogurt cups that come with fruit mixed in it. For a child with a sweet tooth, pudding is good too. Be sure to look at the nutritional facts posted on the package of pudding. Things to look for are: low-fat and no trans-fat, these would be your best picks.

Home Made Oatmeal Cookies:

Make these during the weekend and your kids can have them anytime during the week for as long as supplies last! Oatmeal cookies are high in grains and fiber, and if you make them at home, you can control how much sugar you put in. Try using no sugar with your cookies, and putting a few bittersweet chocolate bits on top of each one before popping them into the oven. These will provide sweetness, and it's a good twist to an old recipe.

Fruit and Cheese:

One of the simplest and easiest healthy snacks. Your kids can even prepare these themselves. Just a few slices of cheese and some apples and grapes are already enough to fill one serving of dairy and one serving of fruit. You can also choose to serve some whole wheat crackers with the cheese in order to throw in a grain serving.

Fruit Men:

These are fun to make snacks. They can be as simple as a banana with raisin eyes and a cut out mouth. You can prepare fruit men ahead of time and place them in a Tupperware container then in the fridge. These snacks require a bit more time than most, but they're fun to eat, and can actually be a fun activity for you and your kids.

Easy healthy snacks are usually just hiding right under our noses. If you can't think of anything, poke around your fridge and kitchen. You will see thousands of healthy possibilities!