Marriott International Launches New Mobile App

Marriott International has launched a free travel app in an attempt to make it easier than ever to plan and book a hotel stay. Designed for iPhone, Blackberry, and Android devices, this newly-launched mobile tool enable time-crunched travelers to quickly find nearby hotels, book a room, check reservation status, get details about the hotel, including photos.

“More than half of Marriott hotel reservations made using mobile devices are for same day stays which shows how rushed mobile travelers are, speed and choice are critical” said Marriott Manila general manager Richard Saul. “Our target market is basically professionally successful, but also personally engaging and well-rounded people. This app is something useful and practical for discerning business travelers, and speaks well of the “where the driven go” worldwide advertising campaign of Marriott Hotels and Resorts”, adds Richard.

eMarketer predicts that 29 million consumers will plan travel on the mobile internet in 2012, a more than 50 percent increase over 2011 levels. Marriott International is also forecasting travel booking on mobile devices will double 15 million by 2012. “With this app, travelers can also enroll in Marriott Rewards, check their point balance, and even find out what’s happening in the local area”, concludes Richard.

To download this newest travel companion, search Marriott Mobile on applicable smartphone device.

For inquiries and reservations, call 988-9999.

ABOUT MARRIOTT HOTEL MANILA:
An inviting beacon set in the world-class casino entertainment complex of Resorts World Manila, Marriott Hotel Manila is the place to work and play. Ideally located in Newport City across Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3, it is a convenient 15 minute drive from Makati Business District and Bonifacio Global City. Affording a splendid view of the adjoining 18-hole Villamor Golf Course, it boasts 342 exquisite guest accommodations that offers luxurious bedding, in-room safe, mini-bar, high-speed Internet, air conditioning, 40″ full high definition LCDs with IPTV, videos on demand and jack pack plug-and-play system. The hotel features excellent dining options such as Marriott Cafe, Cru Steakhouse, Java+ and Lobby Lounge. Leisure facilities include Quan Spa, Health Club, Salon and Newport Mall. With a Grand Ballroom and several meeting rooms, Marriott Hotel Manila is also the ultimate destination for meetings and events, from weddings to gala dinner celebrations.

How Much Should I Budget for a Backpacking Holiday?

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The question most commonly asked by young travellers about to make their maiden voyage on a backpacking holiday is ‘how much should I budget?’ The answer, of course, is something like ‘how long is a piece of string?’ Budgeting for a backpacking holiday, especially if you’re going to be visiting several countries, can be extremely complex, so it’s essential that you properly understand the costs, varying factors and times you’re dealing with. For example, a backpacking holiday to Australia is going to have a very different accommodation budget to a backpacking holiday in Thailand, as Sydney hostels are much more expensive than Bangkok ones! Here are a few tips about factors you should consider when making your budget plan.

Flights, Internal Travel and Distances

When it comes to budgeting for the actual practicalities of travelling to and around your destination, you’ll need to do a bit of research. Take into account not only the cost of getting there, but also the pricing of flights and travel once you’re there. For example, South America has relatively cheap internal bus travel, but internal flights are quite expensive. You need to decide whether it’s worth getting there quickly and saving money on accommodation and living costs, or taking it slow and saving on the travel.

Accommodation

Take into account both your accommodation preferences and the options available. While a backpacker hostel might be adequate accommodation in the UK or Australia, in countries like India and Thailand, you’re probably going to be happier with a hotel. You need to work out how long you’ll be staying in each place and work out your budget accordingly. As you travel from place to place, prices will of course vary, and this might have some bearing on the decision of where to go. When you’re working out your accommodation budget, factor in the dates you’ll be staying in each place. Be aware that high season and low season rates might apply, and that in places where a big event is being held while you’re there it’s likely you’ll have trouble just turning up with out a booking, and may have to pay extra.

Activities and Daily Living Costs

Budget for your day to day living costs as well as your extras such as tours, activities and sightseeing. Working out a budget that will not only allow you to do the things you have planned, but that will also allow you to take opportunities as they arise is the key.

Before You Go

Remember that part of your travel budget needs to take into account expenses before you even leave on the trip. Things like travel insurance, visas, immunizations and equipment will all have to be purchased, and you don’t want to have to start chipping into the accommodation fund!

Budgeting for a backpacking holiday takes a bit of research and can be a lot morecomplex than it first appears, but the more you know about the places you’re headed to, the easier it will be to create a realistic budget—and savings plan—before you go.

Nuffnang’s Blog Day 2011 – My 6 Interesting Blogs

Nuffnang is celebrating Blog Day 2011 and is inviting all bloggers to share their list of blogs that they find interesting.

Here’s my list.

daphne.ph – I check out this blog every day for inspiration. I love Daphne’s take on family, lifestyle, and everything else in between.

sportydad.com – What I find interesting in this blog is that it narrates sports stories in the raw. It’s a dad’s way of sharing to the world his love of sports.

http://www.live-travel-blog.com/ – I love traveling, and this blog is a dynamic account of places, food, and anything and everything you will experience while living and traveling.

http://frootsalad.blogspot.com/ – A relatively new blog, but I can already see that this will be a good and interesting blog about the land down under, Australia – my must see place!

http://www.ilovephotoblogs.com/ - Through this blog, I get to see interesting photography and photo blogs from around the world. Simply awesome!

Bali Highlights

Bali is a beautiful holiday destination, and has long been favoured by tourists the world over for its friendly locals, beautiful beaches, tropical gardens and idyllic temples. It is a mix of old and new, east and west, tradition and innovation. In recent decades, Bali hotels and resorts have taken on a more Western hospitality in order to cater to the growing number of luxury tourists, but whether you want to sip cocktails by the pool or trek into rice fields to explore the local scenery, there’s one thing that’s for certain: Bali will leave you wanting more. Here, we’ve put together a list of Bali’s highlights so that you can make sure not to miss out!

Ubud

Lush Ubud is a major attraction in Bali, and offers something a little different from the usual beachside chaos that you can encounter. Ubud is a place of deep tradition, of temples and spirituality, of myth and legend. The Hanging Gardens of Ubud are an Eden-like attraction offering steamy tropical vegetation and a feeling of peace and tranquility that is often hard to come by in tourist-ridden parts of Southeast Asia. While you’re in Ubud, be sure to check out the local history, with many of the palaces and temples having stood their ground for hundreds of years.

Kuta

If the surf is what you’re after, Kuta sure can deliver, with some of the most incredible waves you’re likely to see. What started as a hippie surf haven quickly became a hot international tourist destination, and the streets and sand of Kuta now buzz with life and the whine of mopeds zig-zagging in and out of the winding pathways.

Jimbaran

Also known as ‘Millionaire’s Row’ because of its high concentration of resorts and luxury accommodation, Jimbaran has been transformed in recent years from a sleepy fishing backwater to a world-class holiday destination. It’s still possible to catch a slice of the real Bali in Jimbaran, however, though you might have to search a little harder to see it through all the cocktails and poolside massages. The beaches of Jimbaran are lined with food stalls and bars, and tourists can choose their dinner while it’s still swimming around the tank, and have it grilled to perfection right in front of them. The steamy heat, the opulence of the Jimbaran hotels and resorts and the idyllic sunsets over the beach will have you wondering if you can move here permanently…

After being devastated by the 2005 Bali Bombings, in which two popular beachside restaurants were targeted by terrorist groups, Bali, and Indonesia as a whole, has suffered a great shock to its tourism industry. It has successfully rebuilt itself and is well and truly open for business once more, but the locals have not forgotten the tragedy that occurred, and a touching memorial remains at the site of the event. Bali is a rich spiritual and cultural land, with friendly locals and a bustling, busy holiday culture that epitomizes fun in the tropical sun. If you’re ready to have the holiday of a lifetime, head to Bali and see what it has to offer you.

4 Party Destinations in Australia

A trip away can be many things. It can be educational, enlightening, entertaining, exotic or relaxing. Or it can be an out and out party! If you’re planning a party trip with some friends, or just want a chance to cut loose and let your hair down, we’ve got four perfect Aussie locations to help you in your quest for FUN! From hiring a Surfer’s Paradise apartment so you can frolic in the surf and sun to booking a city-break in Sydney and letting the bright lights lead you to a wild night, here are our top picks for party destinations in Australia:

Sydney

For some of the country’s best restaurants, nightclubs and shopping, you can’t beat Sydney. Its beautiful harbour setting and plethora of stunning beaches make daytime a delight, while the range of exciting things to keep you occupied at night mean that you’ll be dancing until the sun comes up—and then doing it all over again the next day!

Melbourne

For a slightly more edgy break, Melbourne is Sydney’s trendier sister. It may not have the harbour setting or the beaches, but it makes up for it with one of the most vibrant live music scenes in the country, not to mention its stellar fashion and arts scene. Take in a show and then head out for cocktails in this oh-so-classy city.

Airlie Beach

The gateway to the Whitsundays and a hive of backpacker debauchery, there’s only one thing you come to Airlie beach to have, and that’s a good time. A tiny town populated mainly by pubs, clubs, diving schools and youth hostels, Airlie is one constant party—and one that you’ll want to get involved in! By day explore the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef and Whitsunday Islands, then return to explore the beauty of the Norwegian backpackers passing through.

Surfer’s Paradise

Surfer’s Paradise is so synonymous with partying that it has become the premier destination for school-leavers in the summertime who want to celebrate their newfound freedom. The mix of sun, surf, sand, nightclubs and restaurants make Surfer’s Paradise a pleasure haven by day or by night, and you won’t have to look very far to find something to keep you entertained. There’s a casino close by, some pulsing clubs that kick on until the break of dawn and a carnival-like atmosphere that makes every day feel like a holiday. Be sure to book your Surfer’s Paradise accommodation in advance, however, especially if you’re visiting during ‘Schoolies’ a period in November when it is overrun with the newly-graduated.

A Monorail System to be Tested at the UP Campus in Diliman

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I got this news over at Yahoo! that a monorail system, called Automated Guideway Transit (AGT), will soon be running on a two-kilometer test track at the UP Diliman campus. This is the first Filipino built AGT.

A memorandum of agreement was supposed to be signed between DOST and DOTC, and the UP administration yesterday, July 18th, which will be followed by a groundbreaking ceremony at the Emilio Jacinto corner Lakandula Streets.

The DOST’s Metals Industry Research and Development Center will develop the AGT prototype with two 60-passenger coaches running on electricity all in one track. Under the MOU, the DOST will take charge of the design and detailed engineering plan of the AGT, while UP gives technical assistance and implements community relations activities. Continue reading…

I say, it’s about that the country embarks on a good mass transit system. I pray the plans will push through smoothly.

7 Advantages of Taking A Day Tour When On Domestic Holiday

When we travel to exotic locations like Egypt, we would not think twice about booking tours for this and that, but when it comes to going on holiday in our own country we often neglect to think that there are many day tours that suit both domestic and international visitors. Why is it we assume that we can go visit somewhere and do it our self so often in our own country?

There are many advantages of going on a day tour, particularly in Australia, and the distances involved, for example, a blue mountains tour would just make more sense when visiting Sydney. Lets take a look at some of them.

• Driving. You may think that you are free and carefree because you are driving yourself, but there will be many things that you have to think of. It is not much fun when you are visiting wineries and you cannot partake in all those beautiful wines because you have to worry about drink driving.
• Cost. Remember that on a tour you are moving as a group, and that means that the tour operator can arrange entries and meals based on group buying discounts. You have better chance of getting what you want at a more affordable price.
• Company. If you are one of those people who thinks that moving around in a group thinks it is not fun, then you should think again. Going on a day tour is a great way to make new friends and acquaintances. Everyone is in the mood for a good time and in all of my experience travelling and on tours, they have been some of the best experiences.
• Safety. If something goes wrong and you are on your own, you will know it. On a tour you are being taken care of. You are insured against something going wrong, and if something does you have people who are trained at taking care and solving the situation.
• Information. One of the biggest plus points of any day tour, you are being escorted by those who know all the ins and outs of where you are visiting. Tour guides and drivers know their business and have often spent a lot of time researching all those little bits of information and history that can make visiting somewhere all that more interesting. How much are you missing out on when you go it alone?
• Timing. Day tours have a schedule. And they can stay on their schedule because they are skilled and very practised at what they do. You know you will be getting back at 4pm when the tour says so. Who wants to miss out on that night at the opera because they were caught in traffic or had a flat tire?
• Sit back. Ultimately you day is hassle free and someone else has made all the arrangements and will manage your day for you. All you need to do is spend your time enjoying yourself, eating, drinking, chatting and taking photos. The only way to behave on any holiday!

Summer Means RoadTrip

I love taking roadtrips. Who doesn’t? During roadtrips, you can do two things that you love doing at one time: travel and  eat.

A couple of weeks ago, my family and I went to Boracay via Kalibo. Naturally, from Kalibo we had to take a van to Caticlan. We were all excited about the roadtrip ahead. We already had food with us from chips to McDonald’s burgers, anyway.

These are a few of the shots I was able to take during the trip from Kalibo to Caticlan:

My nephew shared that when you cross a bridge, at the foot of the bridge, you hold your breath and make a wish. Then you breathe out at the end of the bridge. We passed by a couple of bridges after so we did just that.

We had fun during that roadtrip. You, too, can do the roadtrip this summer and make it more fun by bringing along your favorite McDonad’s fare.

Planning the Ultimate East Coast Road Trip

Planning a road trip is a great way to explore the country and the road trip along the east coast is one of the best and most traveled road trip pathways Australia has to offer. Here, we’ve listed our top tips for planning the ultimate east coast road trip. From choosing the best apartments Brisbane has to offer when enjoying your time in Queensland’s capital, to the best times to travel to make sure you have the best holiday possible.

• Plan ahead- This seems obvious, but really it is important to take the time out and find out what is going on in the places you are visiting along the coastline. There are festivals held in many coastal towns throughout the year some of which you may want to make sure you can attend. Other areas you may want to be informed about so you can avoid the traffic. Either way, make sure you have a plan with driving targets to reach each day to make sure you cover the right amount of ground in the allocated time.
• Caring for your vehicle-Make sure that your vehicle has been serviced before you leave and that your spare tire and car jack are both in working order. It may also be a good idea to carry some oil, loads of water and even jumper cables to keep your car driving smoothly and in case of any mishaps.
• Bring drinks and snacks that don’t need to be refrigerated- It’s a good idea to have a stash of snacks in the car that don’t need to be in the fridge. This means that you don’t have to stop frequently when your hungry and it also means that there’s no rush to eat them all in one day or throw out after a short amount of time.
• Accommodation in the right location- Because your holiday consists of quite a bit of driving, the last thing you will want to be doing when you stop for a few nights is drive around. For instance when you stay in some of the main areas make sure you can walk to the major places you want to visit. There are many serviced apartments Brisbane has to offer that are a short stroll to the cities major attractions, restaurants and bars. Driving is fun, but you don’t want to overdo it, so make sure you book in the right accommodation along the way.

Planning a road trip is a wonderful way to spend a holiday. Whether it’s a romantic getaway, a family holiday or a trip with friends the east coast has some wonderful places to explore perfect for every type of traveler.

I hope you’ve found our tips on how to get the most out of your east coast road trip useful, helping you to ensure that your road trip is not only a memorable experience, but a safe and hassle free one too.

Car Repairs Made Easy

Our 2004 Isuzu Dimax 4×2  pick-up vehicle was recently serviced for general check-up and repair. With the odometer reading now at 245,000 kms., regular check-ups should not be missed.

First major operation include change oil and oil filter, and replacement of fuel filter. A good oiling condition will always make the engine perform efficiently. Next was the check-up on oil leak which resulted to replacement of input and output oil seal at crankshaft. This confirmed my earlier suspicion  that there seemed to be some oil leaks observed at the bottom of the engine. The water pipe hose was likewise replaced because it was found to be already quite “soft” and could anytime malfunction and leak which would result to overheating. All belts were also replaced. These were, timing belt (engine), steering belt (steering wheel), alternator belt (battery charging system), and air-con belt (air conditioner). All of these already showed signs of deterioration after almost reaching their respective service lives. Miscellaneous jobs like check-up of brake and lighting system were finally done.

A minor glitch occurred when it was time to pay for all the repair and check-up jobs. The cost was way over our budget. Let’s just say, we were not able to estimate the cost correctly. If only we consulted a repair price estimator, we could have been more prepared.

It pays to have your cars regularly checked. And it won’t hurt if you also research on auto care tips. It saves you from more expensive repairs and parts acquisition in the future and from the added inconveniences of frequent car breakdowns on the road. More importantly, it may cost your lives.