It's summer and let's face it we all love to go out and have fun take a day trip or a weekend trip or even that long needed vacation. Many of us stress out when it comes to planning the trip and what to bring the weather, looking great and so much more. Many time with stressing out will leave us vulnerable and after our, what is supposed to be relaxing trip, we end up sick and miserable. Here are some great tips to prevent that this year. If you are traveling and hoping on an airplane sometimes the abuse you luggage takes on will leave you clothes will a lot of lint. If you forgot a lint brush and are going out to a nice dinner, don't panic. Use the Sticker the airport put on your luggage. Its supper sticky and removes list just as well as a lint brush.

One great way to prevent that after vacation sickness is to take an Airborne when you now you will be in a large crowd like a bus or airplane. This works great for amusement parks too. Also bring some hand sanitizer (and put the bottle is a small Ziploc baggy to prevent messy spills) and sanitize after using restroom before you and any time you feel you need to.
When packing you clothes consider what you will be taking. Don't take anything that wrinkles easily unless you want to spent 1/4th of you trip ironing. Many professional travels recommend pants with Lycra in them. This makes sure you pants won't wrinkle and helps them keep their shape. They are also great to wear a couple of days in a row and they won't look worn. This will help you pack light. ** Ann Taylor and express have a huge selection of clothes with Lycra in them

If you are traveling internationally it is highly recommended that you leave all your good jewelry at home. This included your wedding and engagement bands. If you wish to still wear a ring go to Wal-Mart and any cheap jewelry place and buy some fake bands for you and you hubby to wear. Many international destinations (like Latin America) don't understand the concept of engagement rings and by wearing one you may attract the attention from the wrong kind of person.

When you are visiting museums and historical sites sneak into the gift shop first and look at the post cards. This will show you what is in the area and then you can decided where to you want to focus you efforts instead of wasting time and energy on this you don't want to see.

Spend some time a few weeks before your trip simulating the airplane experience with your child! Start with just a few minutes at a time, having them sit in make-shift airplane seats (just line up a few kitchen chairs) reading and playing quietly. Increase this time daily, explaining that "when we go to Disney World (Grampa's house, Timbuktu, or wherever your destination), we will get to sit in special seats like these, where we can read and draw..." Explain that there will be lots of people on the airplane and teach them how to keep their feet off the seats in front of them. Then when it comes fly time, the "new rules" will actually be a familiar situation for them. Your fellow passengers will appreciate it, too!

Before you try to pack your whole world in that suitcase, check the airline's policies on weight regulation and number of bags you can check and carry on. It may seem like bringing all your child-caring ammenities will help you out, but in reality, the less you have to carry, the easier your traveling is going to be. Pack enough to get you to where you're going, and then purchase things like diapers, wipes, and formula at your destination. (Make sure to have a little extra in case of travel delays!) Many hotels will have cribs, high chairs, etc that you can request to have in your room. If you will be staying with family, have them ask around before your arrival to see if they have friends with small children. They might be able to borrow some of the items that you need for the extent of your stay!

To avoid high and rising costs of airport food (which isn't exactly a delectable treat anyway!) pack snacks and drinks in sippy cups or spill-proof kiddie cups with straws. (The sucking action will help prevent ear pain during take-off and landing.) Airports will allow you to take juice or milk with you through security, but water must be purchased after going through to your gate, for security reasons.

Departure time

Make sure to leave yourself extra time to get where you need to be. It takes an extra few minutes to fold up strollers and shift booster seats than it does for you to sprint through the airport by yourself.

When you get to the gate where you will be boarding, let your child expend some energy. After all, you're about to spend a fair amount of time cooped up in a small space! Many airports have play areas for children, so ask the gate attendant if they have one. If not, an empty gate area makes a great jungle gym... empty aisles, vacant rows of squishy chairs...

Almost all airlines offer preboarding for passengers requiring assistance or extra boarding time. This includes people with handicaps and small children. Some might argue that small children are a handicap of sorts! Do not take advantage of this opportunity. The longer you wait to get on the airplane, the less time you and your children have to sit still. If you're traveling with more than one adult, one of you can bring your carry-on bags and find a seat, and the other can follow with the kiddos.

Up we go!

Now's the time to bust out those sippy cups! Let your child sit next to the window and sip on their juice (or whatever you packed for them!) A very young child that is either nursing or bottle-feeding can be fed now to avoid the helplessness and frustration of a screaming baby with inner ear pain.

When the flight attendants come around with drink selections, ask him or her to refill your child's cup so that you can repeat this process at landing time. A binkie for an infant who isn't hungry will have essentially the same effect.

Depending on the age of your child, there are a variety of things you can do to keep your child busy. Books, crayons, and stuffies are obvious choices for babies with enough dexterity to scribble, but older toddlers might enjoy a trip to the cockpit. Ask your flight attendant if the captain that is flying your plane accepts visitors! By purchasing new toys and activities for your child, and not allowing them to be used until they are on the airplane, the novelty will be more exciting. You can even gift wrap these items for an added level of interest and to eat up a few more minutes!

Don't be afraid to ask for help. Yes, there are some people who do not appreciate how difficult it can be to travel with children. But the majority of the people around you will be sensitive, understanding, and more than willing to lend you a hand should you need it.

Lastly, try to cut yourself some slack. Give your child lots of love and attention and try not to get too frustrated, no matter how longingly you want to try your new book of sudoku puzzles. This is a memory in the making, and you want to be able to look back on your time together and smile.

If you are planning on going to Disneyland in Anaheim, California this summer here are some tips from a seasoned veteran about how to make the most out of your trip.

1. If you can afford to stay in one of the three Disneyland Hotels, you will have early admittance at 7AM to Disneyland, an hour before everyone else. Family packages include passes to both parks and you can skip the ticket booth before you enter and go right to the entrance line. In the morning you can catch the “Monorail” in Downtown Disney or the Disneyland Hotel and it will take you directly into “Tomorrowland” before the general public is admitted.
2. Get to the park as soon as it opens and hit as many rides first thing in the morning. Even with a fast pass, early is still best. When we visit Disneyland we hit all the rollercoaster rides first thing. We usually start with “Space Mountain” and hit that four times in about an hour, then “Indiana Jones” at least twice. “Splash Mountain” is one ride we usually take “Fast Passes” to ride and sometimes the line is moving well enough on “Thunder Mountain Railroad” that we get on that ride quickly. All the coasters are manageable before 11 AM. After that, I suggest that you get a “Fast Pass' for the coasters or be prepared to wait at least an hour or more to board them.
3. Always take some time to plan your trip and what you want to do and see. It will save you time at the park. Create an itinerary and map your route so you know where you are going.
4. There are parades twice a day at Disneyland in the summer. (Afternoon and Evening). If parades are important to you, you must camp out somewhere along the route over an hour ahead of time.
5. If you want to eat at the “Blue Bayou Restaurant” (inside the “Pirates of the Caribbean” ride), I suggest a reservation made weeks ahead. (phone: (714) 781-3463) Otherwise, stop by the restaurant in the French Quarter first thing in the morning to see what is available. Dinner for four adults is about $125-$150.
6. Once you notice the park filling up and the lines exceeding 30 minutes of wait time, definitely grab some “Fast Pass” tickets
7. The Fast Passes are set up at kiosks close to the rides. The next time available is posted. All you do is insert your park ticket and out pops a “Fast Pass” good for that specific time. You can only have a “Fast Pass” for one ride at a time per person. Once you exit that ride, go grab another “Fast Pass.”.
8. A “Fast Pass” allows you to come back at a designated time and bypass all the people waiting in line
9. If watching the parades is not important to you, this can be a good time to hit some rides without “Fast Passes” that normally might be really crowded, but be prepared to wait in line when the park is packed regardless
10. Pack some snacks to munch in line and bring some water. Food is pricy in the park and you can save money bringing in snacks and water although you will inevitably have to buy a meal. A fast food type lunch for a family of four runs about $35-$40!
11. The bathrooms along Main Street are usually less crowded and more hidden from the crowds. They are by the” Carnation Café” (behind it) on your left as you walk east down Main Street.
12. Bring sunscreen, hats and anything else you must have for a warm day at the park. Anything you buy in the park is expensive.
13. The Disney Characters enter and exit through one area off Main Street. It is located before the Plaza Inn Terrace restaurant if you are walking east. It is a hidden area and sometimes you can see a character emerge before the crowd mobs them. Also in this area is a “Baby Center” for parents, tots and babies; a “First Aid Station” and a “Lost and Found.” I have been to all of these handy places throughout my life as a child and a parent.
14. California Adventures opens at 10AM and closes around 8PM in the summer. It is a smaller park and not nearly as popular as Disneyland. It is less crowded even on the busiest days. You might want to try to catch this park in the late afternoon and then head back to Disneyland in the evening if you buy a Park Hopper Pass.
15. Always keep the Disneyland Website handy. 
16. Last summer, we waited 45 minutes at 7AM to ride the new “Nemo Submarine.” So be prepared for lines, masses of humanity and aggressive people pushing strollers. It can get crazy.
17. Hit the shops in a lull when you are tired of rides or the lines are too long. Don't waste your time in the shops during the morning hours when the ride lines are shortest. “Small World” is usually a laid back easy wait and good break between the outside madness in mid-afternoon., but it is closed until Fall, 2008.
18. The park hours in the summer are 8AM until midnight for visitors who are not staying in the Disneyland Resort Hotels
19. If someone in your party needs a wheelchair you will have a much faster way to get on the rides. You simple wheel up to the line with your party and everyone rides. I know people who rent a wheelchair for the day and take turns using it, just to get on the rides ahead of everyone else!
20. Sometimes it just makes more sense if you are traveling with a group of diverse ages to split up for half of the day. One adult can take the little ones into “Fantasyland” which is packed after noon and another adult can steer the older kids over to the more sophisticated rides. Note: “Fantasyland” rides do not have “Fast Passes” and the lines are very long in the middle of the day, so early again is best.
21. “Splash Mountain”, “Matterhorn” and “Big Thunder Railroad” do break down more frequently than the other rides. Try to ride them earlier in the day. You will get wet in “Splash Mountain.” If you want to get very wet, put your heavier people towards the front of the car.
22. Downtown Disney also has many shops and restaurants. But again you may want to book reservations if you can plan ahead as it is very crowded during the dinner hours and evening there also.
23. If you are staying at “Grand Californian Hotel” it is faster to walk than rely on the Matterhorn in early evening to take you into the park. The Matterhorn Station in Downtown Disney is a nightmare during the summer from late afternoon until evening.
24. Your purse/backpack will be searched as you enter the park, so be prepared. Security is on alert at Disneyland and they are very serious about keeping it a safe place for all.
25. There are photographers mulling around who will ask to take your photo. They will take the photo at no cost, but if you choose to purchase them that is another story. We have had some nice family pictures taken this way. You only pay for the pictures you want.
26. Summer is the park's busiest seasons. If you hate crowds hit the park from mid-Sept. to May.
27. Always go to Disneyland in the middle of the week whenever you go. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are less crowded than Friday and weekends.
28. Super Bowl Sunday is supposed to be the least crowded day. I know a family that goes every year on that day.
29. Realize that some rides will be closed during off-season for repair
30. Always check the website for last minute and up-to-date info
31. If you have young children, a two day trip affords you the luxury of going to the park in the morning, then heading back to the hotel in the heat of the day and returning again at night
32. If you only have one day and you don't have much time I would focus only on Disneyland and skip California Adventures
33. There are Disney employees walking around California Adventures incognito and giving away “Fast Passes” that can be used on any ride at any time in either park at around 10AM each morning. A friend scored free passes after getting off the “Mulholland Madness” ride. With these special passes you can just walk up and ride any of several popular rides. But these passes do have a limited use. I heard that Disney was handing out these special tickets in “California Adventures” to attract more visitors to that park. yet the tickets are for selected rides in both parks.
34. The newest ride this summer is “Toy Story Mania” in California Adventures
35. Fireworks happen every night over “Sleeping Beauty's Castle” in Disneyland at 9PM

I hope these tips allow you and your family to maximize your time and fun at “The Happiest Place on Earth!”

After disembarking the Konkan Express from Mumbai at Margao in South Goa, get a prepaid taxi from right outside the station and head for Margao Residency, a better than budget hostel/hotel in the centre of Margao. The hostel has a selection of dorm or private rooms and will cost you between 800 - 1200 rupees depending on the season. They provide a laundry, internet, shop, and restaurant within the hostel as well as restaurant within walking distance nearby. Margao is the unofficial capital of South Goa and is situated so that all major amenities are reachable in a very limited time.

Tip: South Goa is the quieter area of Goa and so good for families, older travellers, or people looking for a more relaxed atmosphere.

12pm

Head right across the road for a late breakfast at Longuino's. They have a great selection of food on their menu including Indian, Chinese, and European dishes and a number of dishes have a strong Portuguese flavour to them as the Portuguese were the first colonisers of this area. Your first Kingfisher of the day wouldn't go astray either as you have just come off a long overnight train journey.

1pm

Grab an auto-rickshaw and head 5mins out of town to Colva Beach where your first taste of sun, surf and sand can be experienced. Everything "beachy" is situated here including fantastically warm surf, lazy beach shack restaurants with menus to make your mouth water, and budget surf shops for your well deserved shopping fix.

Tip: As with most of the beaches in the state of Goa, if you are there in the quiet period of the year (July-August), the fisherman will have been out for their catch and any fish that are not wanted are just thrown over the side, making swimming a little unpleasant. You will also find that some of the beach restaurants will be closed until the busy season (November-January).

2pm

Grab a taxi and ask the driver to take you the spice plantation in the town of Savoi Verum which is 10km north of the City of Ponda and about a half hour taxi ride from Margao. Here you will experience a traditional Indian welcome, lunch, a tour of the plantation including explanations of the cashew fruit, vanilla, and other spices, and an Indian Elephant experience. You will be expected to pay a fee to tour the plantation which is around 500 rupees and they almost expect you to buy some sort of herbal remedy at the conclusion of the tour.

4pm

Using your same taxi and driver, head for Old Goa to experience the religious sector including visiting the numerous old churches and the body of St Francis Xavier whose remains are almost perfectly preserved for your viewing pleasure. Once you've paid your respects, head into the Old Goa Museum and experience the history of the Portuguese colonialists and the founding of the state of Goa.

Tip: Touts, beggars, pick-pockets and sellers are in abundance in Old Goa so if that's your cup of tea, bring lots of cash for plenty of souvenirs and make sure your personal belongings are secure.

7pm

Get your driver to drop you off at Bogmalo Beach in the north part of South Goa. This beach is very quiet and serene and a great place to just relax. Head for one of a number of beach restaurants and order Goan sausage with a Cashew Feni (strong cashew flavoured nip) to wash it down. Then cleanse your body in the tropical waters after dinner before making your way back to Margao.

Tip: Payment for your taxi driver for the afternoon may be a bit of trial and error. You will most likely find that he will ask you to name a price for him. Think about other trips you've taken in India and compare it with the distance you have been and then depending on your service, give him a decent tip also. Remember, he has given up other fares for the afternoon to guide you around the state. 1500 - 2000 rupees plus a tip would probably be sufficient.

9pm

Take your well deserved beauty sleep for the night at Margao Residency and prepare for another hectic day tomorrow.

Tip: If a night-cap is needed before hitting the hay, pick yourself up a bottle or two of the famous Goan Port (fortified wine). This can be found at one of a bunch of liquor stores in Margao and is well worth your while.

6am

After an early morning wake up call, head upstairs to Margao Residency's hotel restaurant Preethi Classic, which serves pretty decent coffee for India and great milky, sugary tea.

7am

Take your pick of one of many cabs right outside the hotel doors and make your way to the exciting, exhilarating North Goa beach of Anjuna. Here you will find arguably the best beach in the state of Goa. Again, beach restaurants and sun, surf and sand are in abundance and if you're looking for a pretty well designed henna tattoo, this is your place. Plenty of stalls have been erected for your shopping pleasure and be sure not to miss the world famous Anjuna Markets which run in the high season usually only on a Tuesday or Wednesday afternoon. Here you can find the real Indian shopping experience with fruits and vegetables, clothing, jewellery and all sorts of Goan treasures at your disposal.

Tip: On your trip up from Margao, keep a close eye out for elephants which can be seen from the roadside, usually with their owners, completing tasks as if you were living a century ago.

Tip: Accommodation in Anjuna is very easy to find with plenty of places on or in the vicinity of, the spectacular and relaxing beach.

Tip: The night life in and around Anjuna is fantastic with plenty of clubs, pubs and beach parties to satisfy your soul and arouse your senses.

There are plenty of other places to visit in the state of Goa which have not been mentioned because you wouldn't be able to fit it all into 24 hours which is what this article is based around. Some other things you might like to see or do on your trip could be:

• Hire a scooter and guide yourself around the state. These are pretty cheap to hire for a day, around 300 rupees, and can be organised at your hotel. However, fairly easily to get lost and the roads rules don't seem to apply in India at times remember.
• Visit Panjim, the capital city of the state of Goa. Here you can take an entertaining cruise on the river and it's a great place to replenish your cash money as it's one of the only places in Goa with a Thomas Cook money exchange.
• Visit Calangute Beach which is the other hot spot beach in Northern Goa. Like Anjuna, it's where a lot of the Goan action happens. Don't miss it.

For more information and experiences on Goa, have a fascinating read of Rask Balavoine's piece A Different Goa or Krish's piece Unforgettable Trip to Goa.

Peace.

Travel gear shops can be complicated by sales people trying to get you to buy equipment that isn't essential to your needs. These five sites provide you with the information you need to get what you want, but won't empty your wallet with a bunch of things you won't need.

REI 

Perhaps the best store for travel gear. They have equipment for every skill level traveler in any situation. From an expert mountaineer on the way up Everest to the Cub Scout enjoying his backyard on a rainy day, REI provides awesome gear at a great price. Plus, they have an “Expert Advice” section so you can get information on what you need without being hassled by an in store salesperson. REI members can earn up to 10% back in their “membership refund” which is then applicable to new stuff in the store. Spend a couple hundred bucks on that new winter jacket and get next year's garden gloves free!

Moosejaw 

Crafted as though it were your local outdoor gear shop, Moosejaw is a great online supplier of quality goods. Arcteryx, North Face, Marmot, and Mountain Hardwear can all be found here at very reasonable prices. With accurate descriptions and user ratings and explanations available for every item you'll know exactly what you're getting from real people who own the product. Moosejaw also has a killer rewards program for those who shop even just a little!

Backcountry

This website offers a huge volume of brands at very competitive prices by cutting out the middle man in retail. While the selection may be somewhat limited, that is because Backcountry provides deals on overproduced or late season goods (though no manufacturers defects), but presents these deals up to 50% off what other sites charge. That's a deal that you cannot afford to overlook!

Sierra Trading Post

Calling themselves “your in-home outlet mall,” STP gives shoppers great prices on many goods. Like Backcountry, STP availability can be somewhat limited as its selling point is providing heavily discounted goods and the latest jackets and such may not be immediately available for a great deal. This site is perfect for those who shop out of season (i.e. those who buy winter clothes in summer and vice-versa). If you're able to plan for your needs several months in advance, check out these prices!

Altrec

One of the most well-known and trusted names in outdoor gear, Altrec has a huge selection and decent prices to boot. They always provide the latest in gear to keep you in style and up on the latest, greatest, and safest gear for your trip. The immensity of their selection affords Altrec the opportunity to help with any of your travel or outdoor needs, whether it be crampons for your summit attempt in K2 or an extra bug free tent for that barbecue next weekend.

Nestled at the foot of the Alps between Eastern and Western Europe, Vienna reflects a turbulent past while boasting of a luminous future. The capital city of the once great Holy Roman Empire as well as the second capital of the notorious Nazi regime, Vienna is a city busting at the seams with history. Find below why Vienna is the place to go to enjoy history at its best.

Schönbrunn Palace 

If Queen Victoria of England was called the grandmother of Europe, then Holy Roman Empress Maria Theresia of Austria is the great-grandmother. Orchestrating marriage after marriage (including the marriage of her daughter, Marie Antoinette, to French King Louis XVI), Maria Theresia not only built the Habsburg dynasty to its greatest size, but also built it's greatest palace, Schloß Schönbrunn. It was initially inspired by Versailles, but ultimately surpassed it in size (and some say even beauty!).

Kunsthistorisches Museum 

Many great European cities have art museums and, in that regard, Vienna is no different. But the KHM, short for Kunsthistorisches Museum (English: Museum of Art History), part of the 21 museum complex “Museums Quartier,” houses some of the greatest works of art in the world. Staples of the collection include Breughel, Rembrandt, and Raphael, to name a few. Recent rotating collections have included the famous Arcimboldo, whose paintings often famously parodied Habsburg lifestyles.

Imperial Vaults 

Near the center of Vienna is the final resting place of nearly every Habsburg. These morbidly beautiful vaults contain the sarcophagi of fallen Holy Roman Emperors, their consorts, and issue. Famous Habsburgs not buried in the vaults include Marie Antoinette (beheaded in France and buried in mass grave) and the infamous Franz Ferdinand, barred from the vaults for marrying below his social class.

Arsenal 

This World War I/II museum is adjacent to Vienna's Südbahnhof, making it a little out of the way for most, but what it holds inside is well worth the trip. Along with authentic Nazi propaganda preserved from the World War II, Franz Ferdinand's car (complete with bullet holes) along with his clothing from the day he was shot are in the heart of this very Viennese museum. The trip to southern Vienna is worth it just to see these two pieces of history.

Stephansdom/St. Stephen's Cathedral 

At the very center of Vienna is this beautiful masterpiece. This church is the most famous in Vienna and contains important historical references concerning Catholicism throughout the Holy Roman Empire as well as secret meeting places for the Austrian resistance during World War II. A guided tour is an absolute must, but the right guide must be chosen or the best material will be missed.

Schatzkammer 

Located in a hidden part of the Hofburg Palace, the Schatzkammer holds the Holy Roman Empire's most sacred jewels. Among the collection are Charlemagne's original crown (he was the first Holy Roman Emperor), the Holy Lance, and the bed Napoleon's son was born in. Though not as visited as one might think due to its location, this is the absolute best historical destination in all of Vienna. It's also centrally located (within the Hofburg complex).

So whether you're in Vienna for business or pleasure, there's no excuse not learn about one of Europe's most important family dynasties as Vienna is Europe's Best Historical Destination.

First, there are the usual airline carriers. They are fast, safe, and reliable. But they are also pricey and may not always be an option. The second choice would be to go with a budget airline, but their reliability is often in question and in order to get the best deal you may have to fly on dates that do not cohere with your long anticipated travel plans. Fortunately, there are two other very good options to keep your plans afloat without sinking your wallet.

Trains

Fast, safe, and often less expensive than traditional airline carriers trains are how Europeans travel within Europe - and who better to learn from than Europeans themselves? Trains are a great option because not only do they provide an affordable way between almost all cities, but they run more frequently than planes and afford you the opportunity to see more of the countries you are visiting. In fact, an entire trip can revolve around a train trip. Perhaps you wish to retrace the path of the Orient Express. By train it's easy to get off at any stop and stay for a few hours, then hop on the next train to wherever you were going. Non-reserved tickets can be purchased for almost all trains giving the bearer an option of several months within which to travel. The flexibility and affordability are hard to beat!

So why chose anything other than trains for travel within Europe? Well, when trains are an option, you shouldn't! But sometimes towns are too small or too remote for train stations. In that case, take the bus!

Bus 

Often regarded as unsafe travel in Eastern European countries, busses - minibuses included - are safe ways to travel to areas where trains don't go. Busses are ultra affordable and occasionally good alternatives to trains when traveling on a really tight budget. Busses run very frequently and offer smooth traveling - most busses are well designed for comfort, even during extended trips. In fact, many conclude on the end of their bus journey that even Polish minibuses are superior to the Greyhound services available in the United States! The one drawback to busses is that bus drivers rarely speak English and stops are usually announced only in the native language so riding prepared is a must!

For great places to travel by train or bus within Europe check out this list of undiscovered travel destinations.

Whether by plane, train, or bus, happy travels!

Tagaytay is both for leisure and for a culinary experience. It is about an hour's drive from Makati, the Philippines top business district, and just about that much time from my home, too. The thing is that Tagaytay is located on a mountain, a cliff actually, that overlooks the Taal Lake. Much of its attractions feature the view of the lake which awes anyone, especially on a clear day when you can clearly see the crater.

It has a cool climate which can easily change from cool and windy to cold, rainy, and foggy during the wet season. Tourists are treated to a cool respite from Manila's heat.

There are several food choices. One of my favorites is the Bag of Beans along the highway which features fine brewed coffee and meat pies. Another is the halo-halo served at the Good Shepherd Convent. When we want organic food, we just head on to Sonya's Garden. If it's Native Dishes we want, Viewsite Restaurant is there to satify our craving.

There are many other places to see in Tagaytay. They have the Residence Inn, an inn with a zoo, and a number of resorts, but my family's favorite is Caleruega Church. It is a vast area mainly developed for holding religious activities. They have other amenities there for retreaters though, and visitors are welcome. They even have a campsite where we stayed one summer.

Quick Tips

For a first time visit, I'd recommend seeing the following:

1. Sonya's Garden. a restaurant that serves mostly organic food set in a beautiful and aromatic garden. There's a buffet for about Php$600 per person. Treat and pamper yourself at their spa.
2. Good Shepherd Convent. Get pasalubongs and eat halo-halo.
3. Caleruega. The church built on top of a hill. It is inside the Evercrest compound so technically it is part of Nasugbu, Batangas. However, because of its proximity to the boundary of Tagaytay and Batangas, it is also referred to as on of Tagaytay's attractions.
4. Taal Vista Lodge. Bring the children to go for a horseback ride or just simply to tumble down a sloping landscape while viewing the Taal Lake. By the way, this place has one of the most picturesque view of the world-famous lake within a lake.
5. Picnic Grove. A picnic site with a beautiful view of the Taal Lake.
6. Bag of Beans. Go for coffee, freshly baked bread and some meat pies at this quaint restaurant by the roadside.

If you intend to go for a day trip only, be sure to leave Tagaytay by 4pm during the months of late May to early February as it gets really foggy. Once we drove a friend there and just because my mom thought she was enjoying, we didn't go home by 4. When we left at 4:45, there was almost zero visibility and mom had to drive at about 10-20kph. The same thing happened when my family and I went another time and I wanted to stay for a longer time. It got so foggy that we had to stay overnight. It doesn't happen everyday, but you don't know when it will happen. When it does, I hope you're prepared to stay there. I make it a point to always bring some clothes when going to Tagaytay. You'll never know what can come up.

Best Way To Get Around

Tagaytay is more conveniently explored when you have your own car or vehicle as the locations are not so near each other. However, when you are on a budget, there is a bus in Manila that takes you to Tagaytay. Once there, you may take the local jeepneys that ply the main road. This may not be so comfy for you though because many of Tagaytay's attractions are in huge areas some few meters from the main road, others a hundred or more.

You can either book and excursion directly with the cruise line or you can check out private excursions for each island you plan to visit. A good hint: if opt for the private excursion, make sure they are familiar with your cruise line. A good excursionist will know exactly the ships schedule and what time to have you back prior the ship leaving dock. As well, do not pre-pay if they ask you to do so most will ask for payment at the end of the excursion. However, you can pre-pay if you are booking with the ships excursion.

Embarking: You will have to provide ID for each family member. As cruise lines are cashless, you will have to provide a credit card or a cash deposit before you embark. As well the gratuities are pre-paid so you will have to have enough cash or room on your credit card for purchases on the ship. Your room card is used for purchases and you can restrict or limit the cards for your children to any amount you want set.

Gratuities are based on the number of traveling with you. The going rate is about $70.00 per person per week. So for a family of four your will need to set aside $280.00 Trust me when I say that will be money well spent. The staff is trained to wait on their guests hand and foot and the treatment you will receive is second to none.

Don't worry about your luggage; it will be waiting outside your room upon arrival. If your luggage does not happen to be at the door, don't panic, it will get there.

Booking a late dinner time may be a good idea, if you are planning excursions every day.

You won't have to rush to change into your dinner clothes if you have an early dinner time

This way you can get back to the ship and relax on the deck prior to eating.

If you opt for the buffet everyday, then you have no worries. (Quick note: you will gain weight cruising, it's inevitable as there is an endless array of food everywhere)

As well, you can order more then one entrée at your evening meal if the mood strikes you. And be ready to loosen the belt a few notches afterwards.

Taking young kids and teens? Each cruise has kids and teen clubs designed to make it a memorable experience for them. It's a great way for them to meet other kids and it can give you and your spouse some much needed alone time.

Budget how much you want to spend per day and stick to it. It is easy to rack up a huge bill at the end of the cruise, and if you go over your limit or what you put in for deposit, you will have to pay when leaving. Good Hint: Each morning pay off what you spent the day before at the purser's desk.

The Island excursions can be a wonderful experience, however take give yourself some time in the morning to get ready. If you book an early excursion, make sure you have time breakfast as you don't want to be rushed and miss your booking time.

An excursion and also be very tiring as well as you are on time constraints and you want to see and do as much as possible in the time allotted.

Our last cruise took us to four islands, two of which we did an excursion and the other two we took for time to relax on the beach, do some island shopping and site seeing. Ask the cruise director for tips on the best beaches, shopping and restaurants, you will find their information very useful.

Remember most of all to take the time to have fun, enjoy yourself and make the most of everything the cruise ship has to offer you.