Best Western Kings Inn & Conference Center

And now, here's something for...

by Krystynn

And now, here's something for the BUDGET CONSCIOUS traveler.... I picked up this tip when I was staying at the YMCA in Yangon (formerly known as Rangoon).

How To Get Rid of Bed Bugs...

Do you know that bed bugs HATE lavender oil? In Yangon some years ago, I was so afraid of being bitten by bed bugs at the local YMCA hostel, I tried using a few drops of lavender oil on the mattresses of our beds to scatter the bed bugs. It seems the little biters hate the smell and will flee!! It prevents bites... and lulled me to sleep. So, if you are staying in a hostel, dorm etc, try to bring a little bottle of lavender oil. I always get mine from The Body Shop costing not more than US$3.

You must be wondering why I brought this up. Well, many years ago, I stayed at a supposedly good five-star hotel in SanFran. They had bed bugs and God-knows what other insects on their bed - hidden to the naked eye! I suffered from itchy rashes for almost 2 years and saw tons of dermatologists trying to get healed. It was a very scary experience and I have since learnt to be well-armed and very prepared for ALL sorts of emergencies!

Sleep well and sweet dreams, ladies....

Photo Below: Santa Monica!

The Exciting NORTH AMERICAN Continent!

by Krystynn

"America Has The BEST National Parks In The World!"

The world's most beautiful national parks can be found right here in the United States.... beginning with the Yosemite National Park in California.

You are most welcome to browse through the travelogues that I've written so far.

And if you want an even broader perspective, you may also wish to check out the travelogues written by other VT members on North America. Have fun!

P.S. In case you're wondering, I'm also sloooowly updating the rest of my (remaining) pages... So, please hang in there OK?

I've also drawn up a list of tips under the "CULTURAL TIPS" section which you may find useful.

The topics include:

* How To Fight Jet Lag

* Internet Cafes

* Know Your Body!

* Getting Rid of BED BUGS (Not kidding)

* Reading Emails from your own ISP from EmailAnywhere.com or Mail2Web.com. You can start by clicking to these links:

EmailAnywhere.com
Mail2Web.com

* How To Look Radiant Even After A Looong Flight

* ATMs - The Dos and Don'ts

* Money and CREDIT CARDS - Dos and Don'ts

* Quick Access For Cash Whilst You're On The Road

* Bring Along A TRI-BAND Cellphone

* Tip, Tip, TIP!

* SHOPPING Tips (America is THE place to shop for American products! They are cheap, cheap, cheap - compared to the same product if you were to buy it in your own country).

HORSE DRAWN TOURS @ STANLEY PARK

by balhannah

I was very disappointed that we ran out of time to take the Horse Drawn tour of Stanley park.
The cost of this tour was included in our Vancouver card, which we had purchased for sightseeing in Vancouver.

We saw it, and passed it in Stanley park, what a great way to get around and to see the sites, clip, clop, clip, clop, a nice slow pace, and ideal for taking many photo's without any glare, as it is open air.

A guide fully narrates the tour which passes byDeadman's Island, Vancouver's Harbour, Lions Gate Bridge, a Coastal Red Cedar Forest, and includes stops at the Totem Poles, the Girl in a Wet Suit Statue, the S.S. Empress of Japan Figurehead, and the Rose Garden.

Tickets available only at the Horse-Drawn Tour Kiosk in Stanley Park.

Only seating for 20 people.
Departs every 30mins.
Cost in 2010......$28.99 Adults....$15.99 .....children [3-12yr old] http://www.stanleyparktours.com/

Explore Nature

by duanestorey

Stanley park, located near downtown Vancouver, is a great plcae to spend the day relaxing. If you like biking, rollerblading, or just walking through nature, then head down to Stanley Park. Hanging out with some friends in Stanley Park.

Stanley Park is the wooded area to the left in the picture. If you look closely, you can see the Lion's Gate suspension bridge as well.

Industrious Vancouver Island?

by Amareyui

I was on my way back to Vancouver from Alaska, and the ship sailed by Vancouver Island on the final day. I was suprised to find out how developed, relative speaking, the northern part of Vancouver Island was. I always imagined that area was nothing but trees and mountains, but the truth was many small islands were inhibited, and factories could be found in other bigger islands.