The whole reason for buying a tablet device is to ensure that we can keep our computing interests right at hand, no matter where we go.

What happens however when you get there, can be a notoriously costly experience if you’re looking to keep browsing the web, carry out your social networking chores or catch up with emails.

Traditionally, anyone going overseas has had to face the fact that using mobile networks abroad can be costly. Voice calls aren’t so bad, but as soon as you want to use data, which is essentially what the internet and email is all about, then you can be looking at potentially big charges and major bills being accrued. Now though, things have become slightly better, within the European Union – Europe – with a maximum pricing scale being implemented. This means that roaming bills have a cap there of 50 Euros, although you should check individual providers to be sure how they interpret these new rules and regulations.

On the cheap

If you’re headed over there and really want to stay on the right side of scary overheads, look into buying a SIM card when you arrive. Most phones these days can accept a different kind of card, although if you’re going for a protracted stay it may even pay to buy yourself a cheap handset locally too. Similarly, a multi-SIM dongle can be a good idea if you want to use a laptop as well as your tablet. But if you’re just looking to stay connected with the tablet itself then explore the local SIM options for that too.

Of course, one of the best ways to skirt round all of the costs involved with going mobile with your tablet while abroad can be to use wireless. Europe now has fantastic networks of wireless hotspots, and there is also free Wi-Fi in a lot of places such as traditional pubs, bars and restaurants. You may have to buy a drink or a light snack in exchange for the password in some cases, but you’ll soon be connected to a faster and more reliable network than the mobile one.

Safe and secure?

Granted, many of these wireless networks aren’t secure, but the best way around that is to avoid doing anything sensitive such as checking banks accounts when you’re in the public domain. Locations such as hotels and airports usually have wireless too, but many of these places actually charge. You can find out about free wireless locations before you go, which will save time and money when you get there.

The same goes for avoiding too many downloads, so stock up on your tablet content before you go and that way, if you’re only focusing on light emailing, a bit of social networking and browsing the odd web page or two then you’ll be spending a lot less instantly. Then, when you come into contact with another Wi-Fi outlet it’s possible to do all of your bigger file management and online chores without the need to worry about the cost implications.

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About the Author: This post was contributed by Rob Clymo, who writes for Broadband Genie, the online consumer portal where you can click for information on the best tablet PC and compare the latest mobile broadband devices to keep you connected on your travels.
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Reykjavik, Iceland

Iceland is one of those countries that (even though there are only a few hours of daylight) comes alive in the winter. I can’t say that I know what Iceland is like in January…because I traveled there in March, but I can tell you that traveling to Reykjavik during the winter months was an experience I will never forget.

Perhaps the most striking thing about Iceland during the winter is the landscape itself. When I traveled there, we took a day and rented a car, and just traveled around the Icelandic countryside, visiting various landmarks and just having our own mini-road trip experience. The landscape was quite stark, but very beautiful – the black volcanic rock against the white snow and ice is made for taking photographs.

If you’re someone looking for an escape in the more traditional sense of pampering and relaxation, the Blue Lagoon was probably made just for you. One of Iceland’s more popular geothermal pools, the water is usually between 95 and 100 degrees F, with eddies of warmer and cooler water. The contrast of the hot water and the cool air is a sensation that makes the outdoor geothermal pool that much more gratifying…and amazing.

I’m not usually a pampering person, but I think we stayed in the lagoon a good 5 hours. Our wrinkles had wrinkles, but it was well worth it.

If you are someone who prefers “party” to “pamper” Reykjavik could be your perfect spot as well – but make sure that you have a Friday and Saturday in your travel plans! Because alcohol is relatively expensive in Iceland, many choose not to imbibe during the week and instead splurge on the weekends. There is even a name for the drink-till-the-sun-rises experience in the city – runtur. Why not try your luck and see if you can keep up with the hardy Icelanders?

Aside from the landscape, the pampering and the parties, the most compelling reason to go to Iceland in the winter is another one of nature’s landscapes – that is, the Northern Lights, the Aurora Borealis. Check the weather forecast before you go, though, I was unfortunately unable to see this show because of a few clouds in the night sky when I went!

That didn’t stop me from fully enjoying my winter experience in Iceland, though, and I suggest that everyone look beyond the expected and find the extraordinary in your winter travels.

Budapest, Hungary

Imagine your favorite fairytale; that is Budapest in winter. Hungary has a people and a culture that are no stranger to harsh winter, but you wouldn’t know that walking around the city in January or February with snow falling softly on medieval buildings or the banks of the Danube.

Winter is typically the off-season for Europe, so if you go in the winter you will enjoy a bit more quiet and serenity – plus you’ll get to take advantage of the city’s famous hot baths or indulge in tea and a pastry at one of their amazing cafes.

Trans Siberian Railway

Want to enjoy the Russian winter landscape without the Russian winter? Then a ride on the Trans-Siberian rail is just your ticket. Russia is another one of those countries that (albeit stereotypically) comes alive in the winter months, with everything covered in a layer of white, from the onion domes of St. Petersburg to the squares of Moscow. Enjoy the landscapes and vistas of Russia in the comfort and warmth of the Trans Siberian Railway.

And for those that want to frolic in St. Petersburg, you’re welcome to do that too! The Trans Siberian Railway is one of those seminal travel experiences, and I wouldn’t be able to pass it up, especially not in the winter.

Park City, Utah

If you want to stay a bit closer to home, but still find your perfect winter-weather getaway, try Park City, Utah. It’s a ski town, but one of the lesser known ones – at least compared to places in Colorado like Vail.

If you’re a movie buff, Park City is probably familiar to you, though for other reasons – Park City is the location of the Sundance Film Festival – this year Sundance takes place at the very end of January. The winter retreat of Hollywood, Park City is a chill skiing location that you (and a few stars of the silver screen) can make a winter getaway.

These are just a few travel locations for the more winter-weather inclined of us – do you have any suggestions?

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About The Author:  Amber Daniels loves to travel, but likes to explore close to home as well – especially around Broadway – most recently she has tried to buy tickets to Spiderman: Turn off the Dark tickets – but hasn’t had the chance to go see it yet. Of all places, New York City is one of her all-time favorite winter locations, nothing beats it.
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Photo Credits: #1 Amber Daniels, #2 Amber Daniels, #3 Flickr-Alex E. Proimos, #4 Flickr-Boccaccio1, #5 Flickr-Wickenden

The backpackers you choose to stay at in Australia will have a big effect on the amount of partying and surfing you manage to fit in.

The surfer’s choice hostel in Brisbane is Sleeping Inn Surfers Paradise. There’s always something happening at Sleeping Inn Surfers Paradise, with a range of seasonal activities catering to all tastes and skill sets. The hostel is located just minutes walk from the Surfers Paradise famous beaches, and offers free boogie board hire for aspiring surfers looking to hit those summer waves. Make the most of free activities including dive-in movies, BBQ and limousine pick-up. Private and dorm rooms from €19.50pppn.

Backpackers in Sydney should head down to the Cronulla Beach YHA. Home to famous reef breaks such as Cronulla Point and Shark Island, Cronulla Beach is the perennial surfing locale south of Sydney city. Cronulla Beach YHA is a modern budget backpackers’ accommodation located only a few minutes’ walk from the sandy shore. Grab one of the hostels free bodyboards and attempt to catch a wave! Surfing lessons are available from local companies and can be booked through the hotel reception. Shared rooms are available from €24.20pppn.

Far from your typical Byron Bay backpackers hostel, Evans Head Surf Shack is the perfect mix of budget accommodation and adventure experience. A hidden treasure, the hostel offers 3-day package deals consisting of transport to Byron, meals, surf equipment, daily surf lessons, surfboard factory tours, sea kayaking, dolphin watching, yoga sessions and more. Package prices are from €72.74pppn.

Finally, San Simeon Beachfront Apartments is the ideal place for backpackers in the Gold Coast to those looking to ride some waves. Right on the surf beach at Tugun you’ll find the San Simeon Beachfront Apartments with superb 1 and 2 bedroom accommodation. Every apartment has a balcony with Pacific views as well as a full kitchen and laundry facilities. There’s also a swimming pool on site and a rooftop spa and steamy sauna, for adults only. You can also enjoy Wi-Fi, tennis courts and a games room with video games and a pool table. Prices start from €9.53pppn

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About The Author:  Shing Mon Chung | Online Marketing Executive | HostelBookers.com Ltd  e: ShingMon.Chung@Hostelbookers.com | t:+44 (0)20 7406 1800 | f:+44 (0)20 7406 1801
a: 52-54 High Holborn, London, WC1V 6RL
Registered Number: 2841908 England
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Aulani Resort, Oahu, Hawaii
Disney Does Hawaii – The much anticipated Aulani Resort on the island of Oahu opened this past fall.  The expansive resort executed in subtle earth tones (not the usual Disney primary colors) takes center stage along a calm half-moon bay in Ko Olina, a quiet community approximately 1/2 hour from Waikiki. Highrise towers offering impressive views and comfortable accommodations sit on either side of Waikolohe Valley, the heart of the resort.

Waikolohe Valley has a rambling water park with pools, shallows, and water slides. Float through the resort in the Waikolohe Stream, and snorkel in Rainbow Reef a mini aquarium filled with tropical fish.  Keep a keen eye open for Aunty and Uncle, Disney characters that have been developed exclusively for this resort.  Aunty’s Beach House is where kids gather to learn Hawaiian culture, hear stories of the islands and learn local crafts.  This is a five-star resort designed for adults with children in mind.

Inn At The Presidio, San Francisco, California
It’s not often that a US National Park gets a new hotel, but 2012 will see Inn At The Presidio in San Francisco become the first and only hotel within the Presidio, an urban National Park at the base of the Golden Gate Bridge.  The 1,492 acres that make up the Presidio were established in 1776 by Spain as their furthest outpost in North America.  The Presidio is the site of the oldest military post in the United States.   Pershing Hall, the former officer’s quarters, are being converted to a grand inn set to open on April 1, 2012.

The 22 room inn will feature historic memorabilia and amenities appropriate for “top brass”.  The grounds within the national park will serve as a hidden getaway for guests with miles of walking trails and magnificent views of San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge.  Sit for a bit in a front porch rocking chair, enjoy a blazing fire by the fire pit, or play a round of golf.  Inn At The Presidio is within walking distance of the San Francisco marina district and other popular downtown attractions.

The Fishing Lodge, Cap Cana, Dominican Republic
While most Dominican Republic resorts vie for plane-loads of mid-market vacationers,  The Fishing Lodge, at Cap Cana attracts guests seeking a more secluded and pampered vacation experience.  The recently opened ultra-luxe 5 star resort features 298 Mediterranean-styled villas circling the largest inland marina in the Caribbean.  Low-rise docks and private infinity swimming pools are unique highlights to many of the villas, as well as beautifully crafted Dominican inspired furnishings.

Villas at The Fishing Lodge can be reserved on an a la carte or all-inclusive basis and vary in size from executive to 3 bedroom.  The resort which enjoys a dramatic waterfront setting, has amenities including a rustic Dominican stone chapel, secluded beach reached by water craft, boutique shopping along Maine Street and nearby famed Jack Nichlaus Punta Espada Golf Club.   Spring and summer brings a number of celebrated sports fishing tournaments attracted by the local world renowned Billfishing waters.  This is a resort where bathing beauties and sportsmen will feel right at home.

Magdalena Grand Beach Resort, Tobago
The island of Tobago located deep in the Caribbean is emerging as a destination to be discovered by adventurous tropical vacationers.  Recently the island saw the opening its first new hotel project in a decade.  The colonial style Magdalena Grand Beach Resort boasting 178 all ocean-front rooms and suites, is set on a sprawling former sugar plantation. Large terraces and balconies overlook a secluded  beach 2 1/2 mile beach.  The resort features 3 pools, 5 dining options, an English pub and piano bar, dive center and acres of nature trails.  Tobago itself has the oldest forest preserve in the Hemisphere, and is lush with virgin rain forests, waterfalls, pristine beaches, picturesque boating grounds and offers many opportunities for eco-adventuring.

Emakoko Lodge, Nairobi
Africa luxury camps and lodge specialists, Bush and Beyond, are introducing a new Safari Lodge that sits at the border of Nairobi National Park in Kenya.  The Emakoko Lodge sits on the banks of the picturesque Mbagathi River amidst 15 acres at the edge of Nairobi National park.  It has long been a problem for vacationers arriving by plane in Kenya to access prime safari territory without enduring harrowing transfers through Nairobi.  Emakoko Lodge solves the problem with it’s location just 20 minutes from the Nairobi airport, with the river creating a natural divide between city and park. Visitors to the Nairobi National Park can expect to see lions, zebra, hippos, rhinos, and giraffe, as the region has become home to a huge number of wildlife species.

Photo Credits: #1-TheDisneyBlog.com, #2- Artwork by Art Zendarski, #3 – Grand Resorts at Cap Cana, #4 – Magdalena Grand Beach Resort, #5 – Emakoko Lodge

I’ve just ordered an update of my British Airways Visa card issued by Chase Bank that will come equipped with Chip and Pin technology.   In additional to Chase, Wells Fargo and U.S. Bank have introductory programs for Chip and Pin cards as well.  I particularly like the British Airways card because it has no foreign exchange fee, earns mileage points on British Airways, and now will be accepted by merchants and automatic machines all over the world.

If you’re not familiar with the Chip and Pin dilemma for US travelers, let me explain.   Several years ago much of the world adopted Chip and Pin technology where a microchip is embedded into the credit card.  Rather than swipe and sign like US credit cards, the Chip and Pin cards require users to insert their card and then enter a four digit pin number of approve the sale.  No more forged signatures, no more cloned magnetic strips, no more letting your credit card out of your sight!  According to reports in Wikipedia, France has reported an 80% drop in fraudulent credit card activity thanks to the microchip technology.

With the adoption of Chip and Pin technology across the globe, US travelers found themselves at a disadvantage while traveling abroad.  The older style magnetic strip cards where not accepted by all merchants and did not work at all in automatic machines at toll booths, at train ticket kiosks, or at petrol stations.  This has been a frustrating experience for quite some time now and has resulted in a ground swell of American travelers asking, “Why can’t we have Chip and Pin cards?”

Thank goodness we now have the opportunity to secure a Chip and Pin card for international travel.  As the new cards roll out, I can only expect that more large banks will jump on the band wagon and offer microchip cards of their own.

There’s a new hotel booking site that’s worth your attention.   The next time you’re looking for a good hotel rate, give GetARoom.com a try. 

GetARoom.com delivers room rates with a three pronged approach.
#1  Each day flash sales are displayed on the homepage offering deeply discounted room rates in major cities.  These sales are available for a limited time booking window.  Today for instance, the luxury Henry VIII hotel in London can be booked for as low as $64.28 per night!

#2  Search for hotel rooms by specific city and dates.  The rates you will see displayed are extremely competitive and on average are discounted 10-20% off standard room rates.

#3 This is the real winner!  Find the hotel you wish to stay at and then phone GetARoom to book your reservation (800-468-3578 <800-hotels-8>).  The reservation agent will make your reservation and will then query the hotel for an even better (unpublished) rate.  These ‘phone only’ rates often reflect a further discount of 10-20% off published room rates – and at times can reach discounts up to 50% off.  So unlike Priceline and Hotwire where you don’t know the name or exact location of the hotel,  with GetARoom you select the exact hotel you wish to stay in and then get the deeply discounted unpublished room rate!  Pretty great stuff.

I also appreciate being able to speak with a human being (refreshing change) and having someone to pose my questions to.  Also refreshing is the fact that you don’t have to sign up for anything or register to receive rate quotes.

Reservations can be cancelled or changed with no penalty fee for published room rates.  For unpublished rates there is a $25 administrative cancellation fee, unless the rate has otherwise been identified as a non-refundable rate.  Generally speaking, the best room rates can be obtained by calling 14 to 21 days in advance of your stay.  In most cases hotel points programs are honored for your stay.  And GetARoom employes a number of unique accommodations including condos, managed apartment buildings and luxury suites in addition to standard hotels.

All in all, this is a great leap forward in the hotel reservation game.  Give them a try the next time you’re in the market for a great room rate.

How to Win at Slots:
First of all, realize that your odds of winning are typically lower with slots than other casino games.  The odds of a jackpot typically range from anywhere between 1 in 46,656 and 1 in 8,107,500 (and that’s not even counting progressive jackpot machines, which have odds in the tens of millions).

Slots are a great way for casinos to make money, but are not the best way for a player to make money. Playing the casino tables will usually let your money go further, and you get the fun of human interaction as well. Now, that said, you may love playing the slots, and the following tips will help you play longer.

Tip 1: Play the cheapest machines
While the high stakes slot machines at a casino may advertise a higher payout, lower denomination slots will let your money go further. The difference in savings to you can be as much as $15 an hour, generally with a payback more often.

Tip 2: Play the machines with the lowest jackpot
Winning a huge jackpot, such as at the progressive machines, may be very enticing, but you stand to win more often playing machines with small jackpots. While you may not walk away rich, you may have enough to keep playing each day of your vacation without having lost much or any money at the end.

Tip 3: Play specific casinos
While slot machines with “patterns” don’t exist, and payouts from casinos can be inconsistent, some casinos are less stingy than others. While it may take some research to find out which casinos these are, in the long run you’ll stand to lose less money by finding the casinos with a higher average payout. To find out the average win percentages of Las Vegas casinos, check out these reports posted by the Nevada gaming commission. If you want to investigate a particular casino, you can also try contacting them directly.

Tip 4: Get yourself a slot card
A common misconception is that playing with a slot card will inhibit your chances at winning a pot. The real affect it has on your chances? None at all. Though the actual “cashback” rewards of a slot card won’t save you much, the discount mailers and such that casinos send you will.

Tip 5: If it’s not specific, skip it
A common casino trick is to advertise “loose” machines, or use general, vague language like “Up to 97% payout.” As a smart player, you’re much better off seeking out the machines that advertise a specific payout. While a majority of casinos will not label their machines at all, some do, and when you stumble on it, you’ll want to stick to these machines.

While you may not necessarily be able to win more money using these tips, they will enable you to play at casinos longer, and have more fun. Don’t trust any website purporting a special “system” for beating slot machines, especially the ones that charge a substantial sum to tell you. If they’re winning so much from the slots, why do they need to charge you for the trick?

The best advice? Just go, don’t sweat the small stuff, and have a good time.

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Casey “Slim” Andrews is a casino slot games reviewer and writer at Real Casino Slots. Visit their website for reviews and more tips on playing…and winning!

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Image: flickr:ragingwire

To celebrate the one-year anniversary of their joint transatlantic partnership, British Airways, American Airlines and Iberia Airlines have launched a terrific winter sale. 

Don’t you just cringe when you see that little * asterisk sign?  It means whatever the ad is saying they are about to introduce so many term, conditions, and fees that you won’t recognize the original offer!  Well this sale while it is a step in the right direction does indeed come with a whole host of restrictions and additional government taxes.    Your final ticket price will likely be hundreds of dollars more by the time all the taxes and fees are added in.  The British Airways sale uses the Fare Basis OKXNAJB.  A travel agent can easily help you identify days that this fare would be available and what the final ticket price will be.

Tickets for the Europe sales must be purchased by November 15, 2011 for travel between November 8th and May 21, 2012.  All travel must be completed by June 15, 2012.  The least expensive days for travel to Continental  Europe are Sunday through Thursday, and Monday to Wednesday are the least expensive travel days to the UK.

Once your tickets are secured, you will no doubt want to look into finding a cheap car hire and good hotel deal.  If you’re like me, it’s been way too long since you’ve roamed cobbled stone streets and sipped an espresso at a chic sidewalk cafe.

photo credit – flickr: Trodel

Try bunking down in a cave as the Turkish nomads once did, get out on the water with a floating hotel or climb to the forest canopy to sleep in a treehouse. Now where is that adventurous spirit of yours? For your next vacation try staying…

In a treehouse…Turkey

Every kid dreamed of sleeping in a treehouse and in the enchanting valley of Olympos in Turkey, such dreams can come true! Kadir’s Tree House has something for everyone. Thrill seekers can enjoy a host of watersports and hiking, others might prefer lounging on the stunning beach complete with turquoise and clear water, also a spot where the loggerhead turtles come to breed so it is also fantastic for nature lovers. There is an onsite bar and pizza restaurant and breakfast is included in the price.

On a jumbo jet…Sweden

No chance of travel sickness on this one. Jumbo Stay STF/HI is a converted Boeing 747-200 Jumbo Jet parked at Arlanda Airport outside Stockholm. So, if you have an early flight to catch in the morning, this hotel is ideally situated just 10 minutes ‘walk from the airport check-in .You can even stay in the exclusive cockpit suite, the most luxurious space to be converted in to sleeping quarters.

On a river…Serbia

Floating idly on the river Danube Arkabarka Floating Hotel is a multi-storey houseboat accessible from a small jetty. Out on the water it offers spectacular views across to the Kalemegdan fortress and Ratno Ostrvo (War Island) which you can enjoy from many of the bedrooms as well as the bar and communal balcony. It is moored at the edge of Usce Park, a charming leafy location for your stay in Belgrade and guests can make the most of the free cycle hire.

In a castle…Italy

Now, everyone want to feel like the bees knees by staying in a castle at least one in their life. And the 14th century Castello di Galeazza in Bologna will help you with that fantasy. Only 45 minutes from the city centre, the castle is something of a rural retreat, the perfect place to catch up on some reading – there are plenty of nooks and crannies where you can disappear with a good book or lounge in a hammock in the surrounding

In circles…China

You won’t have seen anything like them before in your life. The Yude-style building, which is the Zhangzhou Wei Qun Lou Inn, was built in 1802 in the Fujian province of China. It suffered fire damage started by a warlord and in 1972 was rebuilt to house six families. The complex of round houses can be seen from the hills and some say they appear to represent a ‘beautiful apron of girls’. The architectural space is particularly stunning at night in the glow of red Chinese lanterns which hang from every floor. The building is now listed as World Cultural Heritage for its representation of Hakka culture.

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About the Author:  This article was contributed by HostelBookers.com, a terrific site for finding budget lodging across the globe.
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Twenty Six CLIA (Cruise Line International Association) associated cruise lines and member travel professionals are sponsoring special cruise events this week to entice you to book a bargain holiday.  Check your favorite cruise line’s website for all of their one week sale specials.  Here are a few samples of the promotions being offered during National Cruise Vacation Week:

AMA Waterways
Up to Double Savings plus 1 category upgrade & transfers

Azamara Club Cruises
Up to $500 onboard spending credit per stateroom

Celebrity Cruises
Up to $400 per stateroom shipboard credit

Oceania Cruises
2 for 1 cruise fares with free aifare plus up to $5,000 Bonus Savings

Princess Cruises
Onboard discounts worth up to $325 & reduced deposit of $100, per person

You can find a CLIA member travel agency close to you who will have access to all the current promotions by using the Travel Agency Finder.

Happy cruising!