Competition sites are growing at an amazing rate, until recently I didn’t realise such a thing existed; but a whole world of web sites are out there hosting the details of many thousand on-line competitions. If you don’t know about them yet here’s a really good guide to the best sites and how to become a winner online in a few easy steps.
Competition sites act as a directory or link hosting space if you will of current online competitions. They compile as many differing competitions as they can find and give you the details of what you might win and from whom.
If you are like me and often think “why do I never win anything?” I have to tell my self well I didn’t bother to enter in fact I never bother to enter. This is where people like you and me have been going wrong for such a long time. There’s no secret to it, the winners out there aren’t being given luxury cars, holidays, buckets of cold hard cash or the latest ‘must have’ gadgets for being immensely clever. Oh no let me inform you that often the competitions online don’t even have questions to answer. They have become winners by taking the time and bothering to enter them selves into the draw.
There’s nothing stopping us from becoming winners too! Here are some of the best sites to check out and a few of the features they offer.
UK Competitions is a vast site who lists the competitions they advertise under various categories this is a convenient way of seeing some of the latest categories but also applying for competitions which would appeal to you. UK competitions brings thousands of online competitions into one location. If you’re serious about entering loads of competitions to increase your chances this is the site for you
Alternatively check out MY Offers they list competitions galore but also quizzes which take a bit more skill to enter. Remember though the harder or more complex the entry is the more likely you are to win. This is because the vast majority of people will be put of by a lengthier application process. This could be the key to your competition success if less people are in the draw, you will have a much better chance of being one of the winners.
The Prize Finder is a similar site with tons of content the add hundreds of new competitions on a daily basis if you want to win some serious prizes you should have a look at the Prize Finder. Prize finder also run a lot of their own competitions and but be wary because you could end up spending your own cash to play them.
Competitors Companion are a good site which clearly distinguish between having to pay to enter and the free competitions. They also gather together some of the biggest prizes offered and keep them together in one place. The site has it’s own blog where members keep in touch and tell each other of any wins they have had. Winners at this web site help each other out with hints and tips of playing multiple competitions.
Have a look for yourself it doesn’t take long to have a look through your search engine and decide on the best competition sites to use. Have a go… and Good luck!
Submitted By: Michael J Lee
Thursday, 4 December 2008
Sunday, 9 November 2008
Friday, 29 August 2008
5 Tips For Finding Cheap Holiday Airplane Tickets Submitted By: Jessica Nielson
When you are looking for cheap holiday airplane tickets, the first thing you need to know is flexibility is the best way to find cheap airfare. The more flexibility you have the better your chances are for finding affordable airfare. If you can leave for your trip any time, then you will find some deals on airfare and hotel accommodations. There is many times that looking for airfare that is the lowest. You will find that airlines sometimes reduce prices of airfare so they can get more people on one plane that is leaving almost empty. This is the best tip for traveling and finding low airfare prices.
Know the price of airfare for every airline. If you know what the price of a ticket or even of accommodations is normally, you will see that checking travel sites will produce many reduced prices at different times. Know the price of the ticket normally and look every day or every week to see when the airlines discount tickets to attract more travels. This is done fairly regularly by the airlines. The best time to find discounted tickets is during the off seasons for traveling. Many locations are beautiful to visit when there is little tourism.
Travel when the time is right for you. Plan your travel plans around the cheapest times and days of the year. This means that if you want a vacation and have flexibility, weekdays and certain times of the year are great for finding cheap holiday destinations. You could travel to Gran Canaria during the week of October and more than likely find a cheaper cost than what you would have during the summer on a weekend. It is all about timing when you are looking for the best travel arrangements with cheaper prices. The best time to depart is at night when most people are sleeping.
Buying tickets and booking accommodations in advance can provide some discounts and savings to the traveler. If you watch the prices and buy tickets in advance, you will save some money. This is true of hotels. Many hotels have slow times of the year and will lower the rates. As the hotel starts booking more rooms, they will raise the prices. Booking a trip in advance will allow for a savings more so than booking the day before a trip unless the airlines is trying to fill the plane.
Always use a travel site that updates prices of airfare, hotels and packages daily. This is a great way to find the cheapest prices for your travel plans. If you can have email alerts from the site, that will give you advantage for knowing when something you are looking for as been discounted. Cheap holidays to destinations all over the world can be had for discount prices if you follow these five tips. All you need to do is be flexible and have some time to wait out the prices or the season. Travel when others are staying home because of school or other family responsibilities.
Know the price of airfare for every airline. If you know what the price of a ticket or even of accommodations is normally, you will see that checking travel sites will produce many reduced prices at different times. Know the price of the ticket normally and look every day or every week to see when the airlines discount tickets to attract more travels. This is done fairly regularly by the airlines. The best time to find discounted tickets is during the off seasons for traveling. Many locations are beautiful to visit when there is little tourism.
Travel when the time is right for you. Plan your travel plans around the cheapest times and days of the year. This means that if you want a vacation and have flexibility, weekdays and certain times of the year are great for finding cheap holiday destinations. You could travel to Gran Canaria during the week of October and more than likely find a cheaper cost than what you would have during the summer on a weekend. It is all about timing when you are looking for the best travel arrangements with cheaper prices. The best time to depart is at night when most people are sleeping.
Buying tickets and booking accommodations in advance can provide some discounts and savings to the traveler. If you watch the prices and buy tickets in advance, you will save some money. This is true of hotels. Many hotels have slow times of the year and will lower the rates. As the hotel starts booking more rooms, they will raise the prices. Booking a trip in advance will allow for a savings more so than booking the day before a trip unless the airlines is trying to fill the plane.
Always use a travel site that updates prices of airfare, hotels and packages daily. This is a great way to find the cheapest prices for your travel plans. If you can have email alerts from the site, that will give you advantage for knowing when something you are looking for as been discounted. Cheap holidays to destinations all over the world can be had for discount prices if you follow these five tips. All you need to do is be flexible and have some time to wait out the prices or the season. Travel when others are staying home because of school or other family responsibilities.
Saturday, 23 August 2008
16 Tips to Prevent Passport Problems
Carelessness is the number one reason for a passport application being rejected or delayed or for a passport being lost, stolen, or damaged.
What steps are necessary to prevent these things from happening? How can you take care of your passport? Below are 16 practical tips you can follow to acquire your passport, keep it in your possession, and preserve it in good condition.
Before You Leave On Your Trip
1. Check to see if you even need a passport.
Countries can, and often do, change foreign entry requirements. If you arrive at the airport without the required documents, you'll be denied boarding privileges. And, of course, This isn't covered by travel insurance.
Currently, more than 80% of the world's countries require a valid passport for entrance. It's important to verify the foreign entry requirements for the country you plan to visit as early as possible.
2. Apply for your passport early.
You should apply for a new passport at least 90 days before your departure date. For a renewal, begin the process 8 to 11 months before your passport expires. Why so early? Many countries require that your passport have six to eight months of validity remaining before they will issue a visa.
3. Fill out the correct form correctly.
Each type of passport service has specific criteria that must be met. Make sure you get the right application form, and then fill it in carefully. Double-check each entry. Ask a friend or relative to verify it as well. Errors made on the application form can lead to delays, or even rejection of your passport request.
4. Follow the specifications for the required documents exactly.
When applying for a new passport, the most frequently used documents are a certified birth certificate for proof of citizenship along with a valid driver's license for proof of your identity.
Your birth certificate must be a certified copy with a registrar's raised, embossed, impressed, or multicolored seal, registrar's signature, and the date the certificate was filed with the registrar's office, which must be within 1 year of your birth. No photocopies are accepted. Your driver's license must be more than six months old.
For a passport renewal, your previous passport serves as both proof of citizenship and proof of identity. To be valid, it cannot be mutilated, altered, or damaged in any way.
You must send two identical passport photos taken within the last 6 months. These passport photos must be 2 x2 with a plain white or off-white background. They have to be a full-face view with the head being from 1 to 1 3/8 inches from the chin to the top of the head. The photos can be either color or black and white.
5. Sign both the passport application form and your check.
Surprisingly, many people forget to sign either the passport application form or their check to Passport Services. Once again, check everything twice, or even three times.
6. Request additional pages.
Are you a frequent flyer? Request a 48-page passport (at no additional cost). It will allow you to travel longer before having to replace it.
7. Sign your passport and fill out the emergency information.
When your passport arrives, check to see that all the information contained in it is correct. If it is, sign it and fill in your current address and the name of a person to contact in case of emergency. If not, return it to the State Department for correction.
8. Make two copies of your passport and photos.
Give one copy of your passport to a friend or relative who can be easily contacted in case of an emergency. Take the other copy and the extra photos with you on your trip. If you use an online document storage service, you can scan your passport and upload a copy. That way, you can access it from almost anywhere in the world.
While You're Away
9. Always keep your passport in a safe place!
Never leave your passport in your baggage, backpack, purse, car, hotel room, or anywhere else! When you must carry your passport, keep it in a money belt or inside coat pocket. Upon arrival at the hotel, put your passport in the hotel safe.
10. Never lay your passport down anywhere.
Passports placed on a counter, phone booth or table can be easily forgotten or stolen. Practice the habit of immediately putting your passport away after using it.
11. If you travel as a family or as part of a group, don't let one person carry all the passports.
The odds are much greater for one person carrying all the passports to lose them or have them stolen than for all the passports to be stolen or lost if each individual owner carries them.
12. Never let anyone leave your presence with your passport.
When you're checking in at the airport, passing through customs, exchanging currency, or doing anything else that requires you to show your passport, never allow the person examining your passport to leave your presence. If the person starts to leave, call their attention and request to accompany them.
Law enforcement records show that U.S. passports are sometimes used for unlawful entry into the United States or by criminals abroad seeking to establish another identity. You would be pretty embarrassed if your name were associated with illegal activities.
13. Immediately report the loss of your passport.
If you are careful and follow the tips above, you shouldn't have any problem with the loss of your passport.
If it does occur though, immediately notify the local police and then proceed to the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Take the copy of your passport and extra photos with you. You will be issued a temporary passport that you can replace upon returning to the United States.
After You Return
14. Schedule your passport renewal.
Check the expiration date and make a reminder to renew your passport at the proper time. Remember, you should begin the process 8 to 11 months prior to the expiration date. Put the reminder somewhere where it won't be forgotten.
15. Check the number of blank pages remaining.
Some countries require a blank page for their visa. If you plan a future trip on which you will visit various countries, you might need the same number of pages as countries to be visited.
If you do not have an adequate number of pages but your passport is not due for renewal, you can request additional pages.
16. Store your passport in a safe place.
If you have a safe in your home, keep your passport there. If not, consider a safety deposit box at your local bank.
Follow the practical tips above and you can easily avoid passport problems and more fully enjoy your international travels.
About The Author
William Manor is the owner of U.S. Passport Service Guide, a very useful and com prehensive resource for U.S. citizens who travel internationally.
http://www.us-passport-service-guide.com
By William Manor
What steps are necessary to prevent these things from happening? How can you take care of your passport? Below are 16 practical tips you can follow to acquire your passport, keep it in your possession, and preserve it in good condition.
Before You Leave On Your Trip
1. Check to see if you even need a passport.
Countries can, and often do, change foreign entry requirements. If you arrive at the airport without the required documents, you'll be denied boarding privileges. And, of course, This isn't covered by travel insurance.
Currently, more than 80% of the world's countries require a valid passport for entrance. It's important to verify the foreign entry requirements for the country you plan to visit as early as possible.
2. Apply for your passport early.
You should apply for a new passport at least 90 days before your departure date. For a renewal, begin the process 8 to 11 months before your passport expires. Why so early? Many countries require that your passport have six to eight months of validity remaining before they will issue a visa.
3. Fill out the correct form correctly.
Each type of passport service has specific criteria that must be met. Make sure you get the right application form, and then fill it in carefully. Double-check each entry. Ask a friend or relative to verify it as well. Errors made on the application form can lead to delays, or even rejection of your passport request.
4. Follow the specifications for the required documents exactly.
When applying for a new passport, the most frequently used documents are a certified birth certificate for proof of citizenship along with a valid driver's license for proof of your identity.
Your birth certificate must be a certified copy with a registrar's raised, embossed, impressed, or multicolored seal, registrar's signature, and the date the certificate was filed with the registrar's office, which must be within 1 year of your birth. No photocopies are accepted. Your driver's license must be more than six months old.
For a passport renewal, your previous passport serves as both proof of citizenship and proof of identity. To be valid, it cannot be mutilated, altered, or damaged in any way.
You must send two identical passport photos taken within the last 6 months. These passport photos must be 2 x2 with a plain white or off-white background. They have to be a full-face view with the head being from 1 to 1 3/8 inches from the chin to the top of the head. The photos can be either color or black and white.
5. Sign both the passport application form and your check.
Surprisingly, many people forget to sign either the passport application form or their check to Passport Services. Once again, check everything twice, or even three times.
6. Request additional pages.
Are you a frequent flyer? Request a 48-page passport (at no additional cost). It will allow you to travel longer before having to replace it.
7. Sign your passport and fill out the emergency information.
When your passport arrives, check to see that all the information contained in it is correct. If it is, sign it and fill in your current address and the name of a person to contact in case of emergency. If not, return it to the State Department for correction.
8. Make two copies of your passport and photos.
Give one copy of your passport to a friend or relative who can be easily contacted in case of an emergency. Take the other copy and the extra photos with you on your trip. If you use an online document storage service, you can scan your passport and upload a copy. That way, you can access it from almost anywhere in the world.
While You're Away
9. Always keep your passport in a safe place!
Never leave your passport in your baggage, backpack, purse, car, hotel room, or anywhere else! When you must carry your passport, keep it in a money belt or inside coat pocket. Upon arrival at the hotel, put your passport in the hotel safe.
10. Never lay your passport down anywhere.
Passports placed on a counter, phone booth or table can be easily forgotten or stolen. Practice the habit of immediately putting your passport away after using it.
11. If you travel as a family or as part of a group, don't let one person carry all the passports.
The odds are much greater for one person carrying all the passports to lose them or have them stolen than for all the passports to be stolen or lost if each individual owner carries them.
12. Never let anyone leave your presence with your passport.
When you're checking in at the airport, passing through customs, exchanging currency, or doing anything else that requires you to show your passport, never allow the person examining your passport to leave your presence. If the person starts to leave, call their attention and request to accompany them.
Law enforcement records show that U.S. passports are sometimes used for unlawful entry into the United States or by criminals abroad seeking to establish another identity. You would be pretty embarrassed if your name were associated with illegal activities.
13. Immediately report the loss of your passport.
If you are careful and follow the tips above, you shouldn't have any problem with the loss of your passport.
If it does occur though, immediately notify the local police and then proceed to the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Take the copy of your passport and extra photos with you. You will be issued a temporary passport that you can replace upon returning to the United States.
After You Return
14. Schedule your passport renewal.
Check the expiration date and make a reminder to renew your passport at the proper time. Remember, you should begin the process 8 to 11 months prior to the expiration date. Put the reminder somewhere where it won't be forgotten.
15. Check the number of blank pages remaining.
Some countries require a blank page for their visa. If you plan a future trip on which you will visit various countries, you might need the same number of pages as countries to be visited.
If you do not have an adequate number of pages but your passport is not due for renewal, you can request additional pages.
16. Store your passport in a safe place.
If you have a safe in your home, keep your passport there. If not, consider a safety deposit box at your local bank.
Follow the practical tips above and you can easily avoid passport problems and more fully enjoy your international travels.
About The Author
William Manor is the owner of U.S. Passport Service Guide, a very useful and com prehensive resource for U.S. citizens who travel internationally.
http://www.us-passport-service-guide.com
By William Manor
Malaysia - Essential Visits By Mij Gnow
Located in South East Asia, bordering Thailand in the north and Singapore in the south, Malaysia achieved its independence from British rule on the 31st of August 1957. With a population of approximately 23.5 million (58% Malays, 24% Chinese, 8% Indians and 10% others), Malaysia is rich in differing cultures and traditions. The uniqueness of Malaysia is that all these differing religions live alongside each other in harmony and peace.
You may be asking "What's there to do in Malaysia?". Malaysia offers natural beauties in tropical rainforest, scuba diving; Shopping haven in all major cities; Friendly citizens across the country. Whatever you want to do, ranging from being a potatoe couch at the hotel to extreme adventures, Malaysia has it all.
Having said that, I will now point out to you the essential visits that you should take part in order to make your trip whole (in no particular order):
Petronas Twin Towers
Towering at a height of 452 metres (1483 feet), the Petronas Twin Towers is the highest twin towers in the world. Built to 88 storeys and 32000 windows, the towers are connected via a skybridge. You must book your time to access the skybridge for an excellent birds-eye view of the Kuala Lumpur city. The towers were featured in the movie Entrapment starring Sean Connery and Caterine Zeta Jones. When visiting the towers, take a stroll at the KLCC park (20 hectares or 50 acres) located adjacent to the towers and indulge yourself in shopping at the Suria KLCC located inside the towers.
Pulau Pinang (Penang Island)
Affectionately known as Pearl of the Orient, Penang is famous for its natural beauty and exotic heritage. Located at the northern part of Malaysia, Penang, a bustling island, has a large variety of culture, people and food within the 285 square kilometres enclave. So diversed, you will be able to find churches, Chinese temples, Indian temples and Muslim mosques all within a five minutes walk. Colonial buildings still exist and are constantly being restored to its former glory. When you are at the Pearl of the Orient, you must sample the hawker food found at abundance, take a ferry ride (especially at night) and stroll along the beaches of Batu Ferringi.
Sipadan Island
Located on the north-eastern part of Borneo Island, Sipadan is one of the world's best dive spots. White sandy beaches borders this 12ha island. The island was formed from a undersea volcano and is raised 650meters from the sea floor. Sipadan is famous for its reef wall, rare reef creatures and the regular appearance of sea turtles. If you are a diver, this is one place that you would not want to miss.
East Coast Islands
On the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, an abundance of idyllic white sandy beaches. To escape the hustle and bustle of the city, hop over to the east coast, put on a sarong, grab yourself a coconut, relax and enjoy the pounding of the waves. Out in the sea, islands such as Perhentian, Tioman and Redang are famous for their dive spots and family getaway.
Cameron Highlands
This 1800 meters above sea level region is a popular getaway from the tropical heat for Malaysians and tourist alike. Cameron Highlands was discovered by a British surveyor named William Cameron in 1885. This highlands resembles England as old English inns, chalets and bungalows still exists today. Attraction in Cameron Highlands includes mountain and jungle hikings, tea plantations, fruits and vegetable farms, flower nurseries and its people. Cameron Highlands has two golf courses if you are game.
Proboscis Monkeys
Living exclusively in Borneo island, proboscis monkeys have the largest nose amongst all primates. Reaching up to 17.5cm long, the reason for the elongated nose is unknown. Another distinctive feature of this unique creature is its pot belly. The proboscis monkey is an endangered species and is listed under the IUCN Red List. Visiting these creatures in its natural habitat is well worth the journey.
About The Author
Mij Gnow is an avid traveller who is infected with the travel bug throughout the year. Weighed down by the corporate world to earn a living, Mij continues to write articles in preparation for his future travels.
Mij is also the creator and administrator of Travel Corridor, http://www.travelcorridor.com ; a site containing essential visits around the world
You may be asking "What's there to do in Malaysia?". Malaysia offers natural beauties in tropical rainforest, scuba diving; Shopping haven in all major cities; Friendly citizens across the country. Whatever you want to do, ranging from being a potatoe couch at the hotel to extreme adventures, Malaysia has it all.
Having said that, I will now point out to you the essential visits that you should take part in order to make your trip whole (in no particular order):
Petronas Twin Towers
Towering at a height of 452 metres (1483 feet), the Petronas Twin Towers is the highest twin towers in the world. Built to 88 storeys and 32000 windows, the towers are connected via a skybridge. You must book your time to access the skybridge for an excellent birds-eye view of the Kuala Lumpur city. The towers were featured in the movie Entrapment starring Sean Connery and Caterine Zeta Jones. When visiting the towers, take a stroll at the KLCC park (20 hectares or 50 acres) located adjacent to the towers and indulge yourself in shopping at the Suria KLCC located inside the towers.
Pulau Pinang (Penang Island)
Affectionately known as Pearl of the Orient, Penang is famous for its natural beauty and exotic heritage. Located at the northern part of Malaysia, Penang, a bustling island, has a large variety of culture, people and food within the 285 square kilometres enclave. So diversed, you will be able to find churches, Chinese temples, Indian temples and Muslim mosques all within a five minutes walk. Colonial buildings still exist and are constantly being restored to its former glory. When you are at the Pearl of the Orient, you must sample the hawker food found at abundance, take a ferry ride (especially at night) and stroll along the beaches of Batu Ferringi.
Sipadan Island
Located on the north-eastern part of Borneo Island, Sipadan is one of the world's best dive spots. White sandy beaches borders this 12ha island. The island was formed from a undersea volcano and is raised 650meters from the sea floor. Sipadan is famous for its reef wall, rare reef creatures and the regular appearance of sea turtles. If you are a diver, this is one place that you would not want to miss.
East Coast Islands
On the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, an abundance of idyllic white sandy beaches. To escape the hustle and bustle of the city, hop over to the east coast, put on a sarong, grab yourself a coconut, relax and enjoy the pounding of the waves. Out in the sea, islands such as Perhentian, Tioman and Redang are famous for their dive spots and family getaway.
Cameron Highlands
This 1800 meters above sea level region is a popular getaway from the tropical heat for Malaysians and tourist alike. Cameron Highlands was discovered by a British surveyor named William Cameron in 1885. This highlands resembles England as old English inns, chalets and bungalows still exists today. Attraction in Cameron Highlands includes mountain and jungle hikings, tea plantations, fruits and vegetable farms, flower nurseries and its people. Cameron Highlands has two golf courses if you are game.
Proboscis Monkeys
Living exclusively in Borneo island, proboscis monkeys have the largest nose amongst all primates. Reaching up to 17.5cm long, the reason for the elongated nose is unknown. Another distinctive feature of this unique creature is its pot belly. The proboscis monkey is an endangered species and is listed under the IUCN Red List. Visiting these creatures in its natural habitat is well worth the journey.
About The Author
Mij Gnow is an avid traveller who is infected with the travel bug throughout the year. Weighed down by the corporate world to earn a living, Mij continues to write articles in preparation for his future travels.
Mij is also the creator and administrator of Travel Corridor, http://www.travelcorridor.com ; a site containing essential visits around the world
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