Here are some other  tips to reduce stress during travel.

• Get away long enough time to let go of your daily grind.  A week is recommended.
• Watch your time zones – too many time zones actually increase your stress on your body’s natural rhythms.
• Don’t over schedule your trip – Make sure you have quiet time each day.
• Be social – making new acquaintances has a restorative power.
• Enjoy physical activity – moderate exercise like swimming and walking are great energy boosters.

How sad that a third or us do not use all our vacation days!  Hopefully this will inspire you to take some time to better your health with travel.

Ready to research a trip?

Here is our network of travel destination sites for travel planning made easy!

Africa Tours | Alaska Tours | Antarctica Tours | Asia Tours | Atlas Cruises & Tours | Australia Tours | Canada Tours | Christmas Market Tours | England Tours | Escorted Family Vacations | Fall Foliage Tours | France Tours | Greece Tours | Hawaii Tours | Ireland Tours | Italy Tours | Luxury Tour | National Parks Tours | Oberammergau | River Cruise | Russia Tours | Scandinavia Tours | South America Tours | Spain Tours

English is a widely spoken and understood as a second or third language amongst many Western Europeans, particularly those of the younger generations.

Western European Language Basics

English	French	Spanish	Italian	German	Greek	Dutch
Good Morning	Bonjour	Buenos Dias	Buongiorno	Guten Morgen	Kalimera	Goedemorgen
Good Bye	Au revoir	Adios	Arrivederci	Auf Wiedersehen	Yasou	Tot ziens
Please	S’il vous plait	Por favor	Perfavore	Bitte	Parakalo	Alstublieft
Thank You	Merci	Gracias	Grazie	Danke Schon	Effaristo	Dank u
Yes	Oui	Si	Si	Ja	Ne	Ya
No	Non	No	No	Nein	Oki	Nee
Where is?	Ou est?	Donde ésta?	Dové	Wo ist?	Poo eeneh?	Waar is?
The toilet	Les toilettes	El lavabo	Il gabinetto	Die toilette	To oahlehtes	De toilet
The bank	La banque	Banco	Banca	Die bank	Trapeze	Bank
Post office	La poste	Correos	Ufficio postale	Die post	Takedromeo	Postkantoor
How much?	Combine?	Cunato?	Quanto?	Wieviel?	Posso?	hoeveel?
The bill	L’addition	La cuenta	Il conto	Die rechnung	To loghariazmo	rekening
Ladies	Dames	Enoras	Donne	Damen	Yinekon	Dames
Gents	Messieurs	Senores	Uomini	Herren	Anthron	Heren
Stamp	Timbre	Sello	Francobollo	Briefmarke	Grammatesimo	Stamp
One/two	Un/deux	Uno/due	Uno/due	Eins/zwei	Ena/thio	Een/twee
Three/four	Trios/quatre	Tres/cuarto	Tre/Quattro	Drei/vier	Tria/tesera	Drie/vier
Five/six	Cinq/six	Cinco/seis	Cinque/sei	Funf/sechs	Pende/eksi	Vijf/zes
Seven/eight	Sept/huit	Siete/ocho	Sette/otto	Sieben/acht	Epta/okta	Zeven/acht
Nine/ten	Neuf/dix	Nueve/diez	Nove/dieci	Neun/zehn	Enea/theka	Negen/tien
Open	Overt	Abierto	Aperto	Geoffnet	Anikton	Open
Closed	Fermé	Cerrado	Chiuso	Geschlossen	Kilson	Gesloten
Hot	Chaud	Caliente	Caldo	Heiss	Zesto	Hete
Cold	Froid	Frio	Freddo	Kalt	Krio	Koude
Water	Eau	Agua	Acqua	Wasser	Nero	Water
Tea	Thé	Té	Té	Tee	Chai	Thee
Coffee	Café	Café	Caffé	Kaffee	Kafe	Koffie
Beer	Biére	Cerveza	Birra	Bier	Bira	Bier
Wine	Vin	Vino	Vino	Wein	Krasi	Wijn
Excuse me (sorry)	Excusez-moi	Perdon	Scusi	Entschuldigung	Sygnomi	Sorry
Cheers	Santé	Salut	Saluté	Prost	Yamus	Proost

These Languages are of use in….

French – France, Southern Belgium (including Brussels) parts of Switzerland

Spanish – Spain (Spanish will be understood in most parts of Spain, however Catalan and Basque are spoken in Barcelona and the North of the country)

Italian – Italy, parts of Switzerland, Albania

German – Varying dialects throughout Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein

Greek – Greece

Dutch – Dialects throughout the Netherlands and Northern Belgium

Here is our network of Europe travel destination sites:

England Tours | Escorted Family Vacations | France Tours | Greece Tours| Ireland Tours | Italy Tours |  River Cruise | Russia Tours | Scandinavia Tours | Spain Tours

We also have specialty European Tour Operators sites:

Contiki Tours | Cosmos Tours |Gate 1 |General Tours | Globus Tours | Insight Tours | Tauck Tours | Trafalgar Tours

The images many of us invoke of Kenya is that of safaris replete with wild animal sightings and golden African sunsets. The truth is, one can never truly appreciate the grandeur of the Kenyan experience and discover its offerings until they visit. On the first day of your visit, whether navigating the bustling streets of Nairobi, or traversing the Maasai Mara Game Reserve in a well-suited 4x4 vehicle, you will understand that you’re in for an enriching, moving, and eye-opening journey.

Wildlife is but one of Kenya’s magical attributes. Kenya is an immensely diverse country – with mountains, lakes, golden savannah, rolling hills, aged volcanoes, white sand beaches, and lush grasslands. Its awe-inspiring views leave you speechless, and feeling a range of different emotions – happiness for the amazing beauty you are lucky to see, and excitement for the wealth of activities and experiences you can cover in your first and successive visits.

A safari in Kenya, the cradle of humanity and true home of the safari, is beyond expectations. Visitors may choose from a hot-air balloon experience replete with a champagne bush breakfast, a leisurely bike through verdant savanna, a 4x4 expedition over rugged hills in quest of wildlife, or a traditional dhow sailing experience on the Indian Ocean. Perhaps you’ll opt for a guided walk with a Maasai warrior or saddle up for a horseback expedition along side a family of giraffes. A definite must-see is a nighttime safari utilizing night-vision goggles to spot nocturnal wildlife on the prowl. Kenya offers an array of incredible and stylish ways to enhance your wildlife-viewing experiences.

Lodging and dining options in Kenya are as varied as activities. Imagine a five-star luxury lodge atop an escarpment overlooking the breathtaking Lakipia Plateau, or sleeping on a star bed beneath the undisturbed Kenya night sky at a working ranch. Let grunting hippos sing you into slumber in the comfort of a luxuriously appointed tent in the Maasai Mara. You’ll want to try the Kenyan version of a juicy rib eye steak on a sizzling hot plate along the Talek River, or a velouté of pumpkin to warm you on cool evenings in Mount Kenya National Park, or head to the coast to savor a spicy seafood stew paired with a local Tusker beer. Be sure to indulge in endless servings of local delicacies at the world-famous Carnivore restaurant in Nairobi.

Through these varied culinary experiences and accommodations, you will get a taste of Kenya’s warm and engaging culture. Everyone always remembers the storytelling of Maasai guides who will share their culture and stories of nomadic life amongst the wildlife. Try a run with the Kalenjin, famed for their endurance, or a dance with the colorful Samburu. And be sure not to miss exploring the history of Swahili culture in Lamu Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, while staying at a charming ocean-front cottage with the waves of the Indian Ocean lapping at your door.

Through your safari or “journey,” you will discover a country with a rich heart filled with history, warmth, kindness, beauty and wonder. Above all, your journey through magical Kenya will touch you deeply and beckon you to return again and again.

The British began construction of the first dam in 1899. Construction lasted until 1902. It was opened in December 10, 1902. The initial design was soon found to be inadequate and the height of the dam was raised in two phases, 1907–1912 and 1929–1933.  The High Dam, as-Sad al-’Aali, was completed on July 21, 1970, with the first stage finished in 1964. The reservoir began filling in 1964 while the dam was still under construction and first reached capacity in 1976. The reservoir raised concerns from archaeologists and a rescue operation was begun in 1960 under UNESCO.   Sites were surveyed and excavated and 24 major monuments were moved to safer locations (see Abu Simbel) or granted to countries that helped with the works (such as the Debod temple in Madrid and the Temple of Dendur in New York).

For more on Egypt river cruises, click here

In August, one of the world's greatest spectacles can be witnessed, the wildebeest and zebra migrations on the Masai Mara national reserve in Kenya. While on an African safari, you can also see lions, giraffes, rhinos, cheetahs, antelopes and gazelles. There are some very unique places to stay in Kenya, including lodges, safari clubs and luxury tented camps.  

If you don't mind crowds, you can visit Scotland in August to attend the world's largest art festival, in Edinburgh, or the Edinburgh Military Tattoo. It is the rainy season, so make sure and pack an umbrella or raincoat. Accommodations are hard to come by due to these festivals, so it may be best to book with a tour operator who already had rooms blocked off a year in advance, so you are not overpaying. 

Yellowstone national park is located in Wyoming.  August is a great time to see wildlife, including bears, wolves, eagles, elk and bison. The weather is warm during the day, but can get chilly at higher elevations in the evenings. You can hike, take guided fishing and boating trips, photo safaris and more. You can spend several days in Yellowstone, or combine it with travel to other U.S. national parks. Chances are that most national park tours are sold out for this August, but you can now book early for 2012 national park tours and save up to 10%. 

In August, the salmon spawn in Alaska, which attracts bears to feed along the shorelines. Bald eagles also feed on the salmon, so this is a great time for bird watching and to see Alaskan wildlife. Species of birds include ducks, hawks, puffin and loons. If cruising in Alaska, you may also see whales and sea otters. There are still some last minute cruise deals for Alaska cruises if you are interested.

An avid animal spotter? Employ infra-red night vision goggles on an evening game drive to spot elusive nocturnal species. Kenya overflows with exciting opportunities to see its teeming wildlife and unparalleled culture. Indelible moments include anything from guided walks into the savannah with a Maasai warrior or saddling up for a horseback expedition alongside a family of giraffe. Ride a camel in Samburu National Park and discover endemic species such as the grevvy’s zebra and reticulated giraffe. Fly-fish on Lake Rutundu, where Prince William proposed to Kate Middleton last fall, and savor your catch of the day.
 
If you’re truly seeking to be “blown away,” soar over Kenya’s magnificent landscape in a hot air balloon and see herds of animals from a bird’s eye view. Most balloon experiences leave at dawn and conclude with a fully cooked breakfast replete with champagne – a perfect time to exchange your animal spotting details with your balloon partners. You can also fly over the Mau forest and the famed green tea plantations of Kericho, located in the Great Rift Valley and where the best tea in Kenya is sourced, to the quiet and secluded Mfangano Island in Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest lake.

Stay in a luxury tented camp along the water and salute the grunting hippos and hungry crocodiles in Mzima Springs, while sipping on a warm mug of Kenyan coffee or locally grown tea. Kenya being the greatest country in Africa for bird watching, patiently scour the horizon to spot several of the 1,000 recorded feathered species.

Visit your Maasai guide’s village and befriend the locals; learn about their customs and partake in their colorful and upbeat dances. Perhaps you will even pick up on the Maasai women’s excellent beading skills or how to prepare ugali, a staple dish of cornmeal flour and water cooked into a porridge-like consistency.

If you’re looking to relax in between safari expeditions, revel in pampering spa treatments at your lodge. A not-miss tradition is to take part in the safari sundowner where you can watch the golden African sun set over Loita Hills, while sipping on a refreshing local Tusker brew. Kenya offers an array of unforgettable experiences for everyone.

A journey into Kenya is enriching in more ways than one. While the wildlife is spectacular, the cultural visits to any of the forty distinct ethnic communities are truly unforgettable. Only in Kenya can one unearth a rich heart filled with history, warmth, kindness, and splendor.

Start planning an Africa tour today.

World Customs & Cultures – This FREE app includes customs, cultural information and facts on over 165 countries.

Kenya Travel Guide – Official Kenya travel guide (.99 cents)

My South African Cooking App:  Lots of easy to follow recipes.  ($2.99)

ebags Coupon Code: On safari you could be taking different modes of transportation such as jeeps, boats and smaller airplanes depending on your itinerary.  Suitcases with wheels don't work well in this area as they are usually scuffed or damaged. Save up to 50% on ebags for daypacks and duffle bags like the one pictured here, which would be perfect for your African safari.

There are many reasons to take a family vacation: to encounter different destinations or cultures, to give the kids a personal interaction with places and sights they learn about in school, and to simply reconnect and spend some uninterrupted time together away from the stresses and schedules of everyday life. Getaways with the family are recognized as so important that nearly half of all leisure travelers took a family vacation last year.*

Whatever inspires you to travel as a family, Globus offers the best vacations in the industry. From a private boat tour along the Venetian canals and a visit through King Ludwig’s fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle to a high-speed Eurostar train ride and a chuck wagon cookout in the American Wild West, Globus’ special Family Travel itineraries have been refined over decades—and include more fun, hands-on experiences for parents, grandparents, and kids alike.

Planning your next family vacation? Check out these great Globus packages:

From the Colosseum to the Eiffel Tower – 10 days
(Rome, Tuscany, Venice, Lake Maggiore, Montreux, Paris)

London to Munich – 12 days
(London, Paris, Lucerne, Innsbruck, Salzburg, Munich)

Ciao, Italia! – 7 days
(Rome, Tuscany, Venice)

London & Paris: A Tale of Two Cities – 7 days
(London, Paris)

Canyon Country Family Adventure – 7 days
(Scottsdale, Grand Canyon, Lake Powell, Bryce Canyon, Las Vegas)

Wild, Wild West – 8 days
(Jackson, Yellowstone, Cody, Sheridan, Mount Rushmore, Rapid City)

Click for more information on Globus family tours.

(For families interested in packaged travel without the tour experience, Monograms, part of the Globus family of brands, offers getaways in Europe, the U.S., South America, Asia, and Africa, as well as On The Road driving vacations in North America and the South Pacific. Go http://www.independentvacations.org/ for more information.)

*Ypartnership/Harris Family Travel Study

Egypt’s Valley of the Kings has hosted the world’s most spectacular pyramids for 5 millennia, while the country around them has transformed into a modern center for entertainment, activities and culture. Choose from land tours or those that include a journey along the Nile.

Israel is a popular tourist destination in the Mediterranean for its multitude of religious and historical sites, its many luxurious resorts, the modern culture and nightlife of Tel Aviv, the healing spas of the Dead Sea and Eilat, and unique natural surroundings throughout.

Nearby Jordan offers a variety of attractions for travelers seeking something slightly different — an unspoiled land of desert beauty dotted with cities both modern and ancient.

Dubai is a modern city that rises out of the desert like an oasis of glass and steel and total luxury. As one of the world’s fastest growing cities, Dubai has emerged as a premier luxury travel destination, drawing visitors from all over the globe. Its dry and sunny weather, incredible shopping experiences, and unique tourist attractions have helped to turn it into a bona fide hot spot where ancient and modern cultures come together. Tour operators have just started offering vacations to Dubai, but the cruise lines all realized early on that Dubai is a thriving city and have added it as a port of call on several itineraries. Royal Caribbean took things one step further, and from January to April 2010, the Brilliance of the Seas will sail out of Dubai with an overnight stay allowing passengers to to enjoy the city. Ports of call will include Muscat, Oman, Fujairah, Abu Dhabi and Mina Sulman, Bahrain.

The Eastern Mediterranean region offers a wealth of sites and cities of interest unmatched anywhere in the world. Explore the past and the present on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to this mystical place.

When traveling in the region make sure to wear light colors and fabrics such as linens to reflect sunlight and keep cool. During the days the desert climate can be very warm and dry, while nights are often cool and breezy.

http://www.escortedafricatours.com

If you prefer staying in one place, we urge you to consider ‘all-inclusive’ resort stays. You can have all of the features of a resort, great food, delectable drinks and unlimited activities, all included in the price. That gives the entire family the freedom to experience an amazing array of activities without stress or hassle. We love Club Med’s “Most Inclusive” family plan programs at resorts like the Cancun Yucatan, Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic and the recently renovated Sandpiper Resort in Florida. These are places that really know how to manage the diverse needs of family groups, from tots to teens to adults of all ages.

Q: I want to take my two older sons on a ‘sporty’ vacation (and not just golf!). Any suggestions?

A: There’s really nothing like fishing and hiking in the Canadian Rockies. The scenery is spectacular and the angling is world-class. We recommend the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and the Fairmont Banff Springs. But caution: this trip can be very habit-forming! Hiking and river rafting in the National Parks is another great vacation.

We already mentioned Royal Caribbean cruise line with a number of sports activities onboard, but they aren't the only cruise line.  Consider Norwegian Cruise Line, specifically their new ship, the Norwegian Epic.  Here they'll find a sports deck with a repelling wall, extreme rock climbing wall, bowling alley, full size basketball court, volleyball, soccer, dodge ball, a batting cage, bungee trampoline, rope adventure course and a 24 ft. tall enclosed climbing cage called the spider web.  Then they can cool off in the first ever Aqua Park that offers 3 waterslides. The Epic Plunge, the only tube slide at sea, has a thrilling drop through a 200 ft. long tube. How that for a variety of "sport activities?"

Q: We’re having a tough time deciding which U.S. National Park to visit this year. Any clues?

A: Yellowstone is great for kids, with all the animals and geysers. Yosemite is good for older kids and adults, who can climb Half Dome and appreciate the waterfalls and wildflowers. For a little more adventure, how about hiking the Appalachian Trail or camping in Maine’s stunningly beautiful Acadia National Park?

Q: We’re planning a big family reunion getaway. Do you have any suggestions?

A: We keep getting rave reviews from large reunion groups that cruise together. There’s loads to do, both aboard and on shore, great accommodations for group activities and staff that really know how to entertain and satisfy the needs of several generations in one party. Depending on your time and interests, consider a family cruise to Alaska or the Mediterranean.

Q: We want to start planning our next great family adventure. What are the hottest “long-haul” destinations right now?

A: Australia and South Africa are at the top of our list of favorites. We can take you to both places, from azure oceans to cosmopolitan cities to the wild outback. Take a fabulous safari to South Africa and travel to Cape Town and the Kapame Game Reserve. Discover Down Under with a grand journey to the Great Barrier Reef, Ayers Rock and Sydney. Whether you want an experienced guide to help you navigate the new terrain or would rather venture on your own, we’ll help you choose a guided vacation or craft a tailor-made independent journey just for you.

Q: My husband and my kids and my parents want to go to Hawaii. Help!

A: Hawaii is the perfect multi-generation family destination. From lounging at the pool to hiking, surfing, shopping, golf, spa treatments, etc., there’s truly something for everyone. Consider Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa, where children 18 and younger stay free. Or how about the new Aulani Disney Resort & Spa on Oahu? It’s the first Disney resort not attached to a theme park…and sure to be a big hit!

Q: Any last-minute packing tips for traveling with families?
A: Limit each person to one wheeled suitcase and one carry-on backpack or shoulder bag (keep one hand free to hold onto your child). Make a packing checklist for each person and let older kids be responsible for their packing. Pack several days before you leave so you have time to remember those last-minute items. Pack each day’s clothing together in outfits. Choose washable clothes that can be mixed and matched and dressed up with a jacket or shawl, and make sure shoes are comfortable and broken in before your trip! Visit our Travel Advice section on our blog for more travel tips. If you are looking for a new luggage set or carry on bag, take advantage of this ebags coupon code. 

Q: Any recommendations for a family getaway at the end of the year?

A: For a really ‘magical’ holiday, the dazzling Christmas markets in Europe will please all the family. Or, for an off-the-beaten-path holiday and an escape into warm weather, take a Paul Gauguin Cruise to Tahiti or enjoy a relaxed resort experience on Fiji. But plan ahead! Resorts sell out in the summer for the holidays and family suites tend to sell out first.

Q: We’d like to take our kids on a guided vacation as a graduation gift for our daughter. What do you suggest that would appeal to both the young people and the adults?

A: For starters, here are two very different suggestions: Costa Rica and Italy tours. Both of these remarkable places are packed with scenery, colorful culture, fantastic food and warm, welcoming people. There are plenty of other options across the globe, so give us a a call and we’ll help you craft the experience that fits your preferences and your budget.

Q: I’m worried about what will happen if someone gets sick when we’re on our trip.

A: Being sick on a trip is never fun, but you can protect yourself against some of the anxiety and inconvenience with travel insurance. There are many options and we’d be happy to talk with you and help you choose the best plan for your family.

What a Stress Free, Hassle Free way to travel to Europe? 

Leave all of the travel details to a tour operator. They provide you with comfortable transportation, several meals, a rich sightseeing program and much more.

Traveling can be stressful, especially if you are traveling to a country where English is not their first language. Something amazing happens when you feel comfortable.  Your senses have the luxury to stray from the detail and worry, finding in their place anticipation and wonder.  You'll feel comfortable staying in first class hotels located in clean, safe areas.

Save time and money. Spending hours in line to get into major attractions such as the Louvre or Vatican Museums can take all day. Groups have a separate entrance, and get to go in with little or no wait so that you have more time to enjoy the sites, and more free time in the city.

Nothing introduces you to the true flavors of your destination like fine local cuisine.  Included three course dinners are carefully planned to avoid the repetition of entrees.  From the tapas bars of Spain to the vineyards of Italy and France, the tour operator will include on your trip optional specialty dinners and plenty of free time to venture out on your own. For the evenings when dinners are not included, your tour director will have a number of suggestions for favorite nearby restaurants. After all, one of the best ways to learn about a foreign culture is to eat like the local do!

The tour buses are air conditioned are are equipped with emergency washrooms.  The bus normally accommodates 53 seats, but they install fewer seats (44) for extra leg room.

If buses are not for you, tour operators have many other options including city stays, rail packages and river cruises through Europe.

There are hundreds of tour operators you can choose from, however some have been in the business for over 50 years and have proven over time that they offer consumers the best value and service. Check with a travel agent if you need assistance finding a reputable operator.

Here is our network of Europe travel destination sites:

| England Tours | France Tours | Greece Tours| Ireland Tours | Italy Tours | River Cruise | Russia Tours | Scandinavia Tours | Spain Tours

We also have specialty European Tour Operators sites:

Contiki Tours | Cosmos Tours | General Tours| Gate 1| Globus Tours | Insight Tours | Tauck Tours | Trafalgar Tours

Experiencing nature's most demanding landscapes can reveal exactly who you are, testing your physical, psychological and maybe even spiritual selves. Extreme adventures cover a breadth of activities ranging from mildly demanding to profoundly challenging. These adventures can take you from the world's highest peaks to its most remote terrains, from the polar ice caps to the sun-bleached deserts of Africa and all points in between.

Brave the planet's harshest environments, come face to face with its most exotic wildlife and blaze paths where humans rarely venture. Return from your journey a different person from when you embarked into the power of nature and your ability to overcome it.

In man versus machine, you can experience the rush of speed from the driver's seat of a Formula One racer to the cockpit of a supersonic fighter jet. Go to the edge of the earth visiting the North or South poles. Reach the South Pole on skis or find the polar bear in its Arctic habitat on rugged polar adventures. Land within 50 feet of the emperor penguin nesting areas in Antarctica to see as many as 3,000 Emperor Penguin chicks. Take an extreme safari. See Africa's wildlife by canoe, on foot, on camelback or even from a helicopter. Reach Mount Everest Base Camp or the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, two of the world's most challenging mountain treks. Dive into the waters off Belize for up-close encounters with its extraordinary sea life, including the elusive whale shark. Explore the rainforests via ATV, riverboat or by foot. Track the elusive puma and jaguars. Experience life in the unforgiving desert following the path of Lawrence of Arabia in Jordan or exploring Egypt's White Desert.

Luxury tour operator, Abercrombie and Kent is banking not only that people will want to go to the extremes, but that they are willing to pay big bucks for the right experience. Prices start at around $5,000 up to $15,000 per person, double occupancy depending on the length of the trip and the destination.

Whatever extreme adventure you choose, just make sure you book with a reputable and knowledgeable tour operator, so that you are ensured the best experience for your money.