How to Book One Way Car Rental

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Booking a Car Rental:
Booking a one way car rental makes sense if you are taking a one way road trip and have other or no plans for a return journey. There are plenty of companies offering one way car rental. Nowadays researching online is the easiest and quickest way to find and book a one way car rental. Most rental companies have put online the detailed information regarding their rental policies and they can also be reached via email for more details.

Before contacting the rental agency, have a clear idea about -

• The destination you are headed for.
• The route you are planning on taking.
• If you are going to drive the entire way or if there will be another person taking turns at the driving.
• The number of passengers, if any, in the car.
• The type of car you want.
• Your rental budget.
• The details of your insurance policies, particularly the automobile and liability insurance policies and if these cover car rentals.

When searching for one way car rental companies, do the following -

• Find out if the company has offices and drop off places along the route you are taking or in the cities you will be visiting. Major car rental companies are more likely to have a high percentage of drop off places around the country. It also is reassuring to rent from a company with an established reputation. You stand a better chance of getting a quality car and less chances of being scammed or ripped off.
• Whether you book your vehicle online or at the car rental office, make sure you carefully read the rental agreement and restrictions and that you understand all the terms and conditions thoroughly. If you don't comprehend any of the terms, ask the agent to clarify them for you. You don't want to get into a legal bind for overlooking some detail.
• Find out if there is a penalty for no-shows.
• If there is going to be another driver that will be driving the car, make sure you have that down on the contract. You may have to pay additional charges for a second driver.
• Ask beforehand what the drop off charges will be. They can turn out to be quite high, so its good to have an idea beforehand.
• Ask about other charges like fees for insurance, airport fees, over mileage fees and taxes. You may have to buy collision damage insurance, personal effect insurance, personal accident insurance and liability insurance if your insurance policy does not cover rentals. Find out first what your insurance policy or credit card policy covers, so you don't end up buying extra.
• Ask the rental company if they will provide support services in case the rental car breaks down or is involved in an accident. It could be a major problem for you if they don't. If they offer such assistance, make sure you are provided with the road side assistance contact details.
• Ask if the company is offering any car rental discounts. Many car companies offer discounts on frequent flier programs, credit card programs, online bookings and so on. Check if there are any hidden costs involved.
• Negotiate the price. This may be possible, if it's a slow season and the company would rather rent you a car than have it sitting in the lot indefinitely.
• If you're getting a bargain, make your reservation quickly. Prices tend to fluctuate according to demand.
• You will have to make a down payment at the time of making the reservation, and pay the rest when you go to pick up the car at the rental lot. Make sure you understand all the charges correctly.
• Make sure you have the one way rental car's registration and insurance papers with you.
• Make sure you are familiar with the type of car you are renting. This may sound a tad obvious, but it's easy to get carried away, particularly when you are being offered a bargain. And it's really not a smart idea to experiment with a rental car.

Check the car thoroughly inside and outside in the lot, in the presence of the agent. If there are any dents or scratches or tears, point them out and make a note of them. You don't want to have to pay for 'damages' later that you didn't do.

South Asian Culture

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The South Asian culture is a mixed bowl of a number of different influencing societies, nationalities, ethnic traditions and cultural heritages. The sub-continent is a pot pourrie from the Western-centric perspective and is commonly divided into natural geographic and cultural regions. The region comprises North Asia, South Asia, East Asia, Central Asia, South West Asia, South East Asia and the Caucasus. Interestingly, and adding to the enigma of the region, Asia is not a distinct continent, geographically. It is distinctly home to commonalities in culture and there has been little or no unity within the natural framework.

South Asian culture comprises its art, cuisine, music, literature, philosophy, religions and the complex relationship between the common, traditional cultures. Home to Buddhism, Taoism, Hinduism, Islam, Confucianism and Christianity, South Asian culture is rich and varied. The nations of South Asia share an ethnic background and most of the territorial divisions have come up only in the recent past. These similar cultures were basically separated due to varying religious compositions. The culture springs from the rich early Indus Valley Civilization that saw the influx and mix of the Aryan and Dravidian races. The populace component of South Asia eventually mingled to form a unique common culture.

The major exodus from the northwest, near the borders of Afghanistan, saw a major influence on the religions of the sub continent, with the arrival of Islam. Though, in the traditional South Asian culture most divisions were based on religion, the commonalities are seen in common interests in sports, shared history, geographical conditions, occupations, lifestyles, food and dress. The temples and places of worship are architectural marvels and completely rebuilt, in the same style, every few years. The common material used in the building includes wood, thatch and stone.

The South Asian culture includes commonalities in celebrations and festivals. Dance is common to all the culture components as a form of announcing harvest, spring and the onset of winter. The people of South Asian culture dance to the beat of a drum, even as they sing and dance. In South Asia, dance is an integral part of the culture, with slight variations in style. There are courtly dances, dances of celebration and dance dramas. The stories handed down the ages also have a lot of similarity. They all talk of a terrible flood or years spent to control a deluge and help received from the heavens to 'fix the broken sky'!

The South Asian culture is also home to a number of magical animals and plants, like the extolled nekomatas or felines with two tails and magical powers, the Balinese child-eating rangdas, the pishachas or haunters of the cremation grounds etc. Story-telling and folklores are common to the cultures of the region and South Asia has given the world a collection of fables. South Asia displays great linguistic diversity, the components being a number of language families and isolates and regional dialects. Most of the South Asian countries have more than one language natively spoken.

South Asian philosophical traditions cover a large spectrum of thoughts and writings. They include antithesis like on one hand propagating non-material pursuits, whereas on the other preach the enjoyment of material world. The region is home to the universally accepted and applied Gandhian principles of non-violence and peaceful resistance. Interestingly, majority of people in the world who practice a religious faith, practice one originally from South Asia. The region celebrates a variety of festivals, which are also traditional holidays in many regions.

In South Asia, rice is the staple food. The region is not only a major consumer but the world's granary of rice. The use of exotic spices that grow on the land and extensive consumption of fish along the coastlines is another common feature. Years of colonization and interactions with other cultures and nations, the cuisine has also inherited flavors that are distinctly Latin and American. These are incorporated within the people's local blends.

Best Amusement Parks in America

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I completely agree with what Doug Coupland says in the above quote. Indeed, this compulsion of turning to relationships for entertainment was what kept relationships intact. You see, as is with most machines and body parts, relationships often lose their functionality when they are not regularly oiled with the lubricants of intimacy, concern, communication and rendezvous. Now, you must be wondering what does this lecture on relationships has to do with best amusement parks in America, right? Well, I see amusement and theme parks as a great machinery to reinforce emotional bonds and packs a family of any other closed social unit tighter. Don't get my point? Doesn't it feel great to laugh with people you love? Isn't it a great relief to share your grief with you family and close friends? Didn't it feel awesome to scream together on the roller coaster ride the last time you visited an amusement park with your family or gang of thick pals? Now do you get my point?

Amusement parks never lose their appeal to us, no matter what age we are. As kids, they fascinate us with their wide array of games, rides and various other entertainment booths and food stalls. As grown ups, they remind us of our juvenile years when we had so much fun visiting these amusement parks. The rides that had once scared us as kids thrill our adult senses and watching small children re`cting the same way we did to those giant wheels take us on a trip down memory lane. Amusement parks always make me sentimental and before I get carried away any more by nostalgia, let's take a trip to some of the best amusement parks in America.

America's Best Amusement Parks

Although America is a treasure trove o entertainment and abounds in enchanting amusement parks, following are some of the best that you can take a trip to, especially if you're a tourist or on a vacation to the Americas.

Cedar Point, Sandusky (Ohio)
A sprawling 364 acre premise boasting of 17 roller coasters, 75 other rides, 10 daily shows and a water park is a thing to be reckoned with. Undoubtedly one of the best amusement parks in the US, Cedar Point is a thrilling escape for those who seek an adrenaline rush as well as for those who need a quiet break from life's rat race. No doubt, this is one of the best theme parks in America.

Walt Disney World, Orlando (Florida)
If it's anything to do with Disney, it's gotta be magical! Besides the tremendous amount of recreational options available, Disney World offers a wealth of ocular gratification in the form of beautiful landscapes and iconic imagery. A total of four different Disney theme parks, several water parks, shopping areas, concert venues, restaurants and food joints make this amusement park more of an amazement park! This theme park is definitely worth a visit in a lifetime, I must say!

Universal's Islands of Adventure, Orlando (Florida)
If thrill is your stress buster and adrenaline rush is your amusement mantra, then this theme park is just the thing that would jazz up your extended weekend! Yes, extended weekend would be ideal for visiting this amusement park as the high amounts of heavy-duty stuff this park offers is sure to wear you off and you'll need the next day to sleep it off before resuming on your daily chores. This amusement park is composed of five theme venues or lands - Seuss Landing, Jurassic Park, The Lost Continent, Toon Lagoon and Marvel Super Hero Island. The major highlights are the four roller coasters that are sure to make your throats go sore by the end of the day (you know why, dontcha?)

These are the top three best amusement parks in America. Besides these, there are some other amusement parks in America that are excellent for lighthearted escapades on a short notice. Legoland (Carlsbad, California), Six Flags Great America (Gurnee, Illinois), Knoebels Amusement Resort (Elysburg, Pennsylvania), Universal Studios (Orlando, Florida), Busch Gardens Williamsburg (Williamsburg, Virginia), Disneyland Resort (Anaheim, California), Schlitterbahn (New Braunfels, Texas) and King's Island (Mason, Ohio) are some other good amusement parks in America at present. They definitely make for great destinations for next vacations and many more vacations to come!

What to Bring on a Road Trip

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The spontaneity and excitement of a road trip is unparalleled by any other. And with the vacation time round the corner, a few weeks of fun on the open, wide roads, can be an experience of a lifetime. Having said that, road trips can be a nightmare if not properly planned. You obviously do not want to be lost in some god forsaken place, in freezing temperatures, eating refried beans and cheese burritos. So, for all those who want to make their trip a fulfilling and fun experience, make a checklist for the road trip. This should include a checking of your vehicle, preparing for emergencies, stocking in on your entertainment needs and getting your navigational tools in place. Oh, and I forgot the most important part of the road trip planning process, i.e stocking up the food and the drinks for the trip. I know this may go against the spirit of a spontaneous road trip, but believe me it will save you lots of hassles on the road, not to mention a significant amount of money. One of the most important part of road trip preparation, is to determine what to bring on a road trip. The obvious thumb rule when packing for a road trip, is that 'less is more'. So instead of stockpiling a whole lot of things into your car, make a checklist of what you need on the trip. Making a checklist is the best travel tip possible, as it ensures that nothing is forgotten in a last minute hurry.

Things to Bring on a Road Trip

Luggage Sets: Select the smallest duffel bag or a backpack that you can find, and try to fit in the stuff that you need for the journey, into it. Leave behind the big suitcases, as there are very few things less pleasant than having to haul a giant suitcase around, when traveling. For a long journey pack your clean clothes into small plastic bags and throw in a large laundry bag, for the soon to be dirty clothes. Also make sure to pack a pair of comfortable sandals and a good pair of hiking shoes for the journey.

Music: What is a good road trip without great music so whether you are in a car, van, or an RV, stock up the CDs for a long journey. However sometimes the ready-made playlists and albums can get quite boring. A great idea is to use an iPod and just borrow songs from the people you visit. Please do not count on the radio, unless you want to be stuck with bad twangy pop and Christian radio.

Camera: This is a must have for all those people, who are not quite so eloquent with words. Describing the fun you had on your great adventure journey can be easy, if you have loads of pictures. Well, you do not have to be a pro to get the right shots. With a simple point and shoot digital camera, you can show them to your grandchildren, when you are really old.

A GPS Navigation System: Say goodbye to your travel maps. GPS navigation systems with built in maps, are an ideal way of making the chances of your getting lost from slim to nil. It not only shows you where you are on the map but also provides real-time updates of your location. In addition, they offer automatic route-planning and turn-by-turn directions, making it virtually impossible to get lost.

Cash or Credit: Well, if you are going to use it, you also have to pay for it. You can carry cash or if you are just wary of carrying a wad of dollars, just stick with the plastic money. Then there are the handy traveler's checks, that can be purchased at travel agencies, like AAA and through American Express.

Food: Believe me, life is much simpler without those greasy burgers and the gas station pretzels, so be wise and pack in your food. Keep a stock of healthy road trip snacks and other dry food, in a separate bag and use a large cooler for juice, soda and water. You can also keep meat, fruit and raw veggies in the cooler. Remember to get a garbage bag for all the trash.

First Aid Kit: A must have for all long journeys, first aid kits can be bought or made. Simply put your antiseptics, ointments, bandages and aspirins in a plastic bag. Personally, I like to carry a hand cleanser and a sunscreen too, along with it.

A Journal: Ok, this is not really indispensable, but carrying a journal allows you to pen down your thoughts. It is great for people wanting to memorize the little details of their journey.

In addition to this, you can find a list of things that you can also take along with you. A host of other stuff for your entertainment needs, like a portable DVD player, a supply of books and magazines, portable board games or a laptop, can be added trip accessories. The most important thing is to travel light, so that you can enjoy and have a relaxing, fun trip, without having to bother about the pile of stuff lying in your car.

Best Mini Vacations

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When one thinks of vacations, most of us look at traveling to a far off destination as a vacation. There is no doubt, that traveling to a far off destination is indeed a lot of fun. Mini vacations also have their own share of fun attached to them. They are like stress busters and can also be taken after a grueling week. More often than not, an extended vacation causes more stress than relieve it, as it also requires elaborate planning. The best mini vacations, according to me, are the ones, where you reap all the benefits of an elaborate vacation.

Best Mini Vacation Ideas

There is an advantage of taking mini vacation, namely saving a lot of money. You need not have to shell out a lot of money, so that you can relax and take a vacation. There are a number of ideas, which you can utilize for mini vacations on a budget.

One of the best mini vacations for families is to be a tourist in your own area. It is not always that we go exploring the city, we stay in, or the neighboring town as a tourist. If you are a history lover, then you can scrounge for places of historical importance in your area and visit all of them. If you are the kinds, who likes amusement parks, then you can spend a day at the amusement park in your area. Going to the zoo in the city and spending a day there, is also a great mini vacation idea. On such vacations, you will be able to save a lot of money as the real costs, which you will have to pay, are only going to be the admission fees.

If you want to have a weekend gateway, then you will have to look for a place for a conventional vacation. You may want to opt for a place, which is less than a couple of hours drive from your home. The best mini vacation spots are lakes, camping area, the beach, a national park or the mountains. Each family members may have their own idea about a family vacation, hence you will have to come to a consensus and decide on the vacation spot. You can also plan to combine two or more of these attractions. If there is a camping area close to a mountain, then you may want to go there the previous evening and spend the night camping and go trekking in the mountains the next day. If it's a full moon summer night, then you will be able to enjoy such a vacation much better. Beach vacation is always a lot of fun, where adults and children alike, enjoy themselves. You can just stay on the beach the whole day and relax. Going for hiking trails is also a great weekend getaway idea.

Fun vacation spots are water parks, amusement parks, zoos, state parks, etc. Disney vacations are fast catching up as mini vacations. They are great mini vacation destinations not only for kids, but for adults as well. In the summers a great mini vacation idea is to plan a barbecue day with your friends in a convenient area. You will not only enjoy a nice break, but you will also be able to catch up with your friends. One of the best mini vacations for families are cruises. You may want to give a one day or two day cruise a try. There are plenty of things, which can be done on a cruise.

There are the annual arts and crafts festivals, which may be of interest to you. They are great for people, who stay in urban areas. You will come across a lot of small towns and communities, who have annual festivals, more so in the fall. You will realize, that spending a weekend or a day and enjoying the beautiful and unique art work, might give you one of the best mini vacations experience.

The best mini vacations are ones, where you may not have to do elaborate planning; neither will these vacations need you to spend a fortune on them. It is best to keep the mini vacation plan simple and focused, so that you are able to enjoy the vacation much more. At the same time, you may not want to stuff in too much in the vacation, as it will leave you exhausted. And you may not want to get back into the routine after you are back from the vacation.

Best Honeymoon Destinations in Central America

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Honeymoon destinations are hard to find, always. The type of destination a couple would choose, depends solely on what their idea of a honeymoon is. Some want the adventure and some want to just dwell in the tranquility of nothingness. The best part about the best honeymoon destinations in Central America is that they'll offer you the best of both worlds. Central America vacation ideas include some breathtaking scenic wonders to some risky adrenaline adventures, so you will be offered everything you could ever ask for. Central America mostly has a tropical climate and lots of beaches for you to have some fun and enjoy each others company. Central American romantic getaways are famous tourist destinations globally, some of which are listed below. Take a look!

Some of the Best Honeymoon Destinations in Central America

Central America, called a subcontinent under some definitions, can be roughly described as the region between the two continents, namely North and South America. It includes the states of Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Belize, Panama, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic as well. All these destinations have in turn, multiple spots for you to visit. On the west of Central America lies the North Pacific Ocean, while on the east lies the Caribbean Sea, giving you some great options in respect to beaches.

Destinations in Costa Rica
Undoubtedly, you will find some of the best honeymoon destinations in Central America here, as the main industry of the Republic of Costa Rica is tourism, which also gives us an idea about the number of options we have here. The first thing you need to do, if you're on a long holiday, is to visit all the 7 natural wonders of Costa Rica, which are Cocos Island, Arenal Volcano (Alajuela), Chirripo Mountain, Light Blue River, Tortuguero Canals, Poás Volcano and the Monteverde Reserve. At the Poás Volcano, the main attraction is the crater. Other attractions that make Costa Rica one of the best honeymoon destinations are the coffee plantations at Orosi Valley, the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels, and Manuel Antonio National Park. The Cocos Island is an eco-tourism spot, nominated for the New 7 Wonders of Nature.

Destinations in El Salvador
El Salvador is the smallest country by area in Central America, but has some of the top honeymoon destinations in Central America. A country famous for its nightlife and numerous beaches, this should be your choice if you are looking for some absolute fun and nothing else. Every year, the country hosts a number of European and North American tourists. Some of the attractions you should visit together include the Coatepeque Lake, Laguna de Alegria and Moncagua (San Miguel). The beaches in El Salvador are renowned as Surfers Paradise, as they are among the top ten beaches globally, and have the best waves for surfing. Some of the best beaches here are La Libertad, Suchitoto, Playa Las Flores, Ruta Las Flores, Santa Ana, and La Palma. Also make sure you visit the village of Concepcion de Ataco and the San Diego Volcano.

Destinations in Belize
This is another nation were you will find some of the best honeymoon destinations in Central America. Although it is the northern most nation in Central America, Belize doesn't get too many tourists as compared to its neighbor nations. If you're looking for some peace and quiet, you should finalize coming down to this nation. It is the least populated country in all of Central America. Two major attractions here that you can't afford to miss are the Great Blue Hole (Ambergris Caye) and the Ruins of Xunantunich (San Ignacio Town). Other places worth a visit are Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary and Jaguar Reserve and Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Temple of the Masonry Altars, the highest temple pyramid of Altun Ha, is another wonderful tourist spot along with the archaeological site of Lamanai. While at Belize, don't forget the Placencia Peninsula in Stann Creek District.

Some Other Destinations in Central America

While the ones mentioned above are some of the most unique and best honeymoon destinations in Central America, there are a few more, that might just interest you. The other nations in Central America may not have such a huge number of destinations, but they're unique and globally renowned nonetheless. If you plan to visit Panama, do visit the numerous national parks it hosts, and of course, the Panama Canal, which is an example of exceptional engineering the world has ever seen. While in Guatemala, you can visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Anitgua and the famous Mayan Ruins in Tikal. The Mombacho Volcano in Nicaragua, and the beaches in Honduras such as Roatan and Utila, are also worth a visit or a stay. A visit to Corn Island in Nicaragua is also a must.

These were some of the best honeymoon destinations in Central America, which you can research about more and then zero in on one. These top vacation spots in Central America offer you lots of adventure, some great time on the beaches, unique natural formations, a great diversity in flora and fauna, a mystic culture, and some great food cooked in world famous spices. It is perhaps the only subcontinent that has abundance in every aspect you can think of. Plan well ahead of time to make the most out of your trip. Happy Journey!

Best Hiking Backpacks

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Mountaineering and outdoor gear companies manufacture backpacks by taking into consideration three important factors, namely the purpose, the weight that is to be carried, and the posture of the user. Believe it or not, all these factors are deeply pondered upon and appropriate research and development is done and enough thought is put in, to make your hike and camping trip an enjoyable one. The best hiking backpacks are not just stitched up sacks that you can use for packing for a hike. They are engineered as per your convenience and comforts. Choosing the best backpacks for hiking is not a difficult job, but here's what you can do...

Choosing the Best Backpack for Hiking

Selecting a good backpack for hiking is not simple and a visit to the camping gear store will put you into further confusion. Here are a few points that you can consider while buying a backpack. First consider the volume of outdoor gear that you will be able to carry comfortably, because you are not able to carry a lot of stuff, a big backpack will tend to be very very uncomfortable. For small one day hikes, you will find that smaller, compact backpacks that fit snugly on your back and shoulders are more comfortable, and will give you a certain ease in movement. Most of these bag packs have extension flaps or faster facilities, on which you shall be able to put up your sleeping bag or bed roll. These bags also have certain external pouches that you can attach in cases is you wish to carry additional gear. Remember a backpack that is unbearable and uncomfortable might injure your back. When you are going for longer hikes and treks, you can carry a small strapped side bag to carry the extra load. Make sure that the straps are a bit broad and the inside of the straps and the back of bag is cushioned.

The bigger hiking bags are meant for a longer hike of a few days. Some of these bags may also have a 'frame' at the back. Choosing the best hiking backpacks from this range is always difficult, as the size is large by default and the bag is like a big cube-on. There are two good leads that you can use while purchasing such a bag. First, let it be comfortable for your back and shoulders. Secondly, after you wear the bag on your shoulders, it should barely touch your hips. Anything longer and shorter will create back pain and shoulder pain. Your hips sustain some amount of weight in such a situation.

How to Pack a Backpack

When you purchase the best backpacks you will also have to know how to pack a backpack properly. The best trick is to equally distribute weight throughout the bag. Put water bottles and the medical kit in the outer pockets where you can reach for them quickly. The food and clothing shall go into the middle and bigger compartment. The outer fastening flap is reserved for your sleeping bag. After you are done packing the bag, make sure that you wear it a couple of times, and make adjustments to make it more comfortable. The weight of the bag should be symmetrical on a horizontal as well as vertical axis. Make sure that you do not strain any part of your body, especially your shoulders.

Another very important point, that I wish to emphasize upon, is that never ever go in for cheap and substandard packs as they are bound to harm your shoulders or back. Purchase some really well designed backpacks by manufacturers such as North Face, Black Diamond, Eagle Creek. In case, if you are unable to find the bags by these manufacturer, you can also go in for bags made by sports gear manufacturers like, Nike, Addidas or Reebok. An excellent option is purchasing a backpacks from the armed forces supply stores. These are the best hiking backpacks that you can get.