Interline Travel Tips & Gear Recommendations for Gorilla Tracking

Are you aninterliner looking to go see Gorillas? Then you want to head for Rwanada. This country is the center of the universe for Gorilla viewing. Airline employees heading for Rwanda need to pack differently from most other adventure trips.

Even if your trip takes place during the ?ry?season, there may be occasional rains. Due to the dense vegetation and humid conditions, little evaporative drying occurs. You must be prepared for muddy wet conditions. Such items as listed below will make your tracking more comfortable.

It is best to layer. In the morning when you start out it will be in around 50. If it is an overcast day, it might not get much warmer than this. If the sun comes out, the temperature will be in the mid 70?. Thus layering is important.

• Waterproof rain gear such as rain pants or rain suit. This can be carried in your daypack.
• Your feet might get wet thus hiking boots that are waterproof or rubber boots are recommended. Again, in the dry season, hiking boots should be sufficient.
• Long trousers. You will need to tuck these inside your socks to keep the ants from crawling up your legs. Slacks should be thick enough so briars won? penetrate and prick you. Many people wear blue jeans however in the rainy season, they do not dry quickly.
• Sunscreen.
• Lightweight yet thick moisture wicking socks. Thorlo makes good hiking socks.
• Long-sleeved shirt/Short sleeved T-shirt. (for layering)
• Polypropylene or light wool sweater. A fleece top will work since they dry quickly.
• Small frameless waterproof back/day pack. You will need to carry water, high protein candy bars or other snacks, binoculars, and camera equipment. You need a place for your rain gear or any garments you need to shed should it get warm.
• Gloves. Leather or heavy canvas gloves. They can be garden gloves and are needed too push the often-thorny vegetation aside.
• Walking sticks if you have one. Otherwise the guides will make one for you.

Remember that no flash photography is allowed although video cameras are. You should have fast film for your camera; either 400ASA or 800ASA if it is of fine grain. If you are using a digital camera, learn how to set it for higher ASA?.

These tips are from Dr. Tara Stoinski, Director of Research and Education Partnerships for the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International.

If you are wanting to take a trip to Rwanada contact InterlineTravel.com at 800 766-2911 or in the DFW Area or outside of the USA call 817 481-8631.

Interline Travel Guide to the Best Beaches in Vietman

If you have not been to Vietnam you are missing a treasure unlike probably any destination you have visited before. The people are wonderful and land is beautiful. But most folks overlook the incredible beaches that this country offers interliners. While most American? have heard of China Beach, they know little about it or other options. Many fine resorts are being built in the resort locations of Vietnam and now is the time to go visit them.

Here is an overview of your beach options in Vietnam:

Starting in the Far North, bordering China is Tra Co, not a beautiful beach by anyone? standards what with its muddy flats at low tide; but it? a pleasant place to stay if you?e on your way into our out of China, before heading to Halong Bay.

Bai Chay beach is the nearest to Hanoi, so it draws a huge crowd of people on the weekends and in summer. It too doesn? live up to the beauty of the southern beaches, but does serve up some good seafood harvested from nearby Halong Bay. It certainly isn? a place to come in winter as temperatures can drop to the 15 degree C mark.

Halong Bay offers plenty of small beaches, most of them on islands in the middle of the Bay (though the majority of islands are too steep and rocky to have beaches).These are best visited by kayak because large touring boats don? have the shallow depth to approach the rocky shore.

The North Central Coast of Vietnam stretches all the way down to the Hai Van Pass, and is almost a continuous stretch of golden sand pounded by huge waves churned by the frequent typhoons. Its an area rarely visited by travelers, because most either fly or take the train straight between Hue and Hanoi, but if you?e got time they are beautifully deserted and make excellent places to go for long walks. Locals will regard you with great curiosity, and may even follow you to practice their English.

Though the facilities are scarce here, (you won? find restaurants selling to tourists just yet) it is a rewarding break from the long drive on Highway 1. Take note however, that its not a wise idea to walk any of the beaches near the DMZ and Dong Ha, because of mines, unexploded ordinances can still be found in this area.

The Central and South Central Coast of Vietnam offers the countries best beaches: from Hue to Nha Trang, the miles of coast is populated with coconut palms and dotted with fishing villages with lots of facilities and choices to make your vacation comfortable.

My Khe beach to Vietnamese, or China Beach to foreigners, looks out at Monkey Mountain east of Danang Bay. It? by no means deserted, because locals use the beach as a place to play football, do morning exercises and just chat away with friends. It has some of Vietnam? best surf beaches and in November waves can reach two meters.

Its here where 5 star resorts like the Furama and the Lang Co resort (north of the Hai Van Pass) are situated and offer the best services in the country including al fresco dining, water sports and day tours.

The beach is also incorrectly linked with the first landing of American Marines in 1963. In fact, it was Red Beach, around the point in Danang Bay, where this took place. My Khe was the spot where numerous attacks took place in the American war and it was a center of fierce fighting in the late 1960?.

From Danang, the lazy coastline stretches all the way down to Nha Trang. Dozens of beaches, many of them just a few meters from Highway I can be visited as you drive south. Facilities are mushrooming up to meet the demand of the numerous tour buses that now ply these routes. Seafood restaurants, guesthouses and other businesses are making this area easier to visit.

Nha Trang is the epicenter of the beach travel industry in Vietnam, and if you?e looking for a secluded beach, you won? find it here. But if you want to enjoy a day trip out to the islands in Nha Trang Bay, where you can snorkel and swim, then Nha Trang is the place for you. One of the best things in the city is its marvelous seafood, which includes abalone, prawns, scallops and crabs.

Doc Let is 40 kilometers north of Nha Trang, and its here where you?l find solitude and long deserted beaches; the shallow bay in front is perfect for a swim and the place is famous for its boiled crabs.

Even further south is Phan Thiet and Mui Ne, close enough to Saigon to be a popular weekend outing destination for residents there. Its got a laid back feels, and includes 4 star hotels like the Nototel Corallia, so roughing it isn? required here.

Even closer to Saigon is Vung Tau, and serves much the same function as Bai Chay near Hanoi; it? the closest and cheapest destination for Saigonese to escape the crowded city streets. Again, if you””re looking for solitude, this isn? the place, because on Sundays the beaches are packed.

Phu Quoc has the whitest sand beaches in the country, and if you want to watch the sun set (it? the only place in Vietnam where you can do this) this is the place to come. Geologically, it”’’s totally different to the other beaches in Vietnam, because it”’’s in the Gulf of Thailand, and Phu Quoc closely resembles Koh Chang or Koh Samet near Bangkok. Just an hour flight from Saigon and you?l be enjoying the sun, sea and seafood of Vietnam? most southern beach.

Travel to the South Pacific From Your Desk!

Interliners love to travel. Unfortunately for many airline employees, they must also work to pay for their travel addiction. Well here might be something to tide you over until your next trip.

From your desk or home you probably listen to the radio. The local radio provides you with local news, local weather, local traffic. The internet makes it possible to enjoy listening to radio stations throughout the South Pacific islands. Many of these sites play pretty much the same music you might listen to locally but offer the flair of their location. The commercials and commentary will have the local news, local traffic (how bad can the traffic be at rush hour in Fiji?), local advertisers and local commentary. Mentally you can easily place yourself there and almost feel the brush of tropical breezes on your neck. All you need is a Pina Colada and we all know that will help make the workday better.

Here are some links you might want to check out and have playing over your computer speakers. It’’s easy, just click and listen and let the sound take you to the South Pacific.

If you like this idea you can try it with pretty much any destination you long to travel to. Whether that be Paris, Cancun, Egypt, China or even Nashville or New York City!

American Samoa
Radio WVUV-FM – Local music and news
Radio 93KHJ-FM – 24-hour hit music station

Cook Islands
Radio Cook Islands – Heard pretty much anywhere on Rarotonga

Fiji
Radio 1 – easy listening
Legend FM – Music from the 70?, 80? and 90?.
Navtarang – Indian Music with a Fiji Touch
Viti FM – Fijian Music
Radio Sargam – Indian Music

Guam
Radio K-57 – Local Talk Radio with some syndicated shows

Samoa
Radio Samoa – Based in Auckland, this is a Samoan-language station>/p>

Solomon Islands
Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation

Tahiti & French Polynesia
Radio 1 – Tahitian station plays French and Anglo-American music
RFO Polynesie – Public Radio and Television in French Polynesia

Tonga
Tonga Radio A3V – Pop Station in Tongatapu

Oceania Cruise Sale

Oceania Cruises has a special sale that opens on Jan. 7th and runs thru Mar. 30, 2009 but the better deals will vanish long before then. This sale is open to anyone, interline or not. If any of these sailings appeal to you then contact InterlineTravel.com at 800 766-2911 or in the DFW or outside of the USA call 817 481-8631. While interline rates might show up later on some of these sailings, these prices are discounted so deeply that in many cases it is unlikely interline rates would open up on many of these sailings. If they do they might not even be that much lower than these sale prices anyway.

If you are unfamiliar with Oceania Cruises, here is a brief overview of this wonderful cruise experience.

Oceania has extraordinary ships where an expertly trained European staff will cater to your every whim. You””ll savor the finest cuisine at sea and sail to the most intriguing ports of call. You””ll revel in the most stimulating enrichment programs and marvel at the world-class entertainment. Oceania Cruises has all the amenities you expect, all the luxuries you dream of – available at fares that are surprisingly affordable. The romance of Europe becomes more intriguing. More breathtaking. From the ancient cradles of civilization to the unbridled majesty of past empires, to the natural wonders of the great fjords, to its art, culture, history and people, Oceania Cruises captures it all and brings it to you. Oceania Cruises has gone to great lengths to create a lifestyle designed to forever transform these special moments into unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime. Oceania Cruises. Your World, Your Way.

Oceania Cruises”” three mid-size ships afford incomparable luxury, including cuisine that is simply the finest at sea. With only 684 guests to pamper, the 400 staff members cater to your every whim, with highly personalized service. There”’’s a sense of warmth and intimacy throughout, so the ambiance resembles that of a private country club – casual, yet elegant.

With so many entertainment and enrichment options, there is never a shortage of things to do on an Oceania Cruises vacation. If you prefer to plan the day in advance you might take part in numerous scheduled activities, such as wine tasting of rare vintage wines or stimulating lectures. If you””d rather create your own diversions, consider the ship your playground. No matter what you choose, you””re sure to enjoy every moment you spend aboard these ships.

Now for that incredible sale on Oceania Cruises – Up to 72% OFF! AND this offer is valid for your extended family & friends!!! (they can go with or without you!)

2009 Europe Sailings – $2,200 Price Reduction from the 2 for 1 Cruise Fare with Free Airfare – Also 3rd & 4th Guests are 50% off and Single Supplements are only 25%

APR 4, 2009 – Regatta – 14 BARCELONA to ISTANBUL ?Gems of Antiquity from $2,499
MAY 31, 2009 – Insignia – 12 ROME to ISTANBUL ?Classical Empires from $2,299
JUN 5, 2009 – Nautica – 12 ATHENS to ROME ?Enchanted Escapade from $2,699
JUL 23, 2009 – Nautica – 12 ATHENS to ISTANBUL ?Aegean Adventures from $2,499
JUL 26, 2009 – Insignia – 14 VENICE to BARCELONA ?Mediterranean Tapestry from $3,499
AUG 4, 2009 – Nautica – 12 ISTANBUL to ROME ?Classical Empires from $2,499
AUG 16, 2009 – Nautica – 12 ROME to ATHENS ?Enchanted Escapade from $2,499
AUG 23, 2009 – Insignia – 12 ISTANBUL to ATHENS ?Aegean Adventures from $2,699
SEP 4, 2009 – Insignia – 12 ATHENS to ROME ?Enchanted Escapade from $2,699
SEP 9, 2009 – Nautica – 12 ISTANBUL to ATHENS ?Aegean Adventures from $2,699
SEP 28, 2009 – Insignia – 14 VENICE to BARCELONA ?Mediterranean Tapestry from $3,499
OCT 12, 2009 – Insignia – 10 BARCELONA to ATHENS ?Historic Reflections from $1,799
OCT 17, 2009 – Regatta – 14 VENICE to ISTANBUL ?Whispers of Antiquity from $2,999
OCT 17, 2009 – Nautica – 12 VENICE to ATHENS ?Radiant Legacies from $2,499
OCT 22, 2009 – Insignia – 12 ATHENS to VENICE ?Radiant Legacies from $2,499
OCT 29, 2009 – Nautica – 12 ATHENS to ISTANBUL ?Aegean Adventures from $2,499
NOV 3, 2009 – Insignia – 12 VENICE to ROME ?Mythical Medley from $1,999
NOV 15, 2009 – Insignia – 10 ROME to BARCELONA ?Mediterranean Classics from $1,299

*Offer expires March 31, 2009. Discounts are per stateroom based on double occupancy and apply to stateroom categories G through A1 only. Indicated discounts for 3rd and 4th guests and single supplement savings are off applicable rates. Fares listed are cruise only in U.S. dollars, per person, based on double occupancy and include Non-Commissionable Fares. Government Fees and Taxes of up to $8 per guest per day are additional. Cruise Ship Fuel Surcharge may apply. All fares and offers are subject to availability, may not be combinable with other offers, are capacity controlled and may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice. 2 for 1 fares are based on published Full Brochure Fares; all fares are cruise only, and do not include Prepaid Charges, Optional Facilities and Services Fees, and personal charges, as defined in the Terms and Conditions of the Guest Ticket Contract which may be viewed at www.OceaniaCruises.com. Full Brochure Fares may not have resulted in actual sales in all cabin categories and may not have been in effect during the last 90 days. Promotional fares may remain in effect after the expiration date. Air promotion applies to economy, round-trip flights only from select Oceania Cruises U.S. & Canadian gateways and does not include ground transfers, air taxes and air fuel surcharges. Air ticketing fee will apply. Free Airfare is available only from the following Oceania Cruises Primary Air Gateways: ATL, BOS, ORD, DFW, DEN, IAH, LAX, MIA, JFK, EWR, MCO, PHL, PHX, SAN, SFO, SEA, TPA, YYZ, YVR, IAD. Airfare is available from all other U.S. & Canadian gateways at an additional charge (usually $199). Oceania Cruises reserves the right to correct errors or omissions and to change any and all fares, fees, and surcharges at any time. The Cruise Ship Fuel Surcharge is additional revenue to Oceania Cruises. Additional terms and conditions may apply. Complete terms and conditions may be found in the Guest Ticket Contract. Ships?Registry: Marshall Islands. PRO25925

2009-2010 Winter Collection – Up to $1,500 Price Reduction off of the 2 for 1 Cruise Fairs with Free Airfare PLUS (per stateroom) Free Pre-Paid Gratuities PLUS $500 Shipboard Credit and 3rd & 4th Guest are 50% off and Single Supplements are 25%!

NOV 10, 2009 – Nautica 40 ISTANBUL to SINGAPORE ?Route of the Ancient Traders $18,998 $9,499 $8,749
NOV 28, 2009 – Regatta 25 MIAMI to MIAMI ?Amazon Adventure from $4,049
DEC 10, 2009 – Insignia 12 RIO DE JANEIRO to BUENOS AIRES ?Samba Rhythms from $2,299
DEC 20, 2009 – Nautica 18 SINGAPORE to SYDNEY ?Southern Cross Holiday from $4,999
DEC 22, 2009 – Insignia 12 BUENOS AIRES to RIO DE JANEIRO ?Samba Rhythms from $2,799
DEC 23, 2009 – Regatta 12 MIAMI to MIAMI ?Caribbean Pearls from $2,299
JAN 3, 2010 – Insignia 19 RIO DE JANEIRO to VALPARAISO ?South American Splendors from $4,299
JAN 4, 2010 – Regatta 10 MIAMI to MIAMI ?Islands in the Sun from $1,249
JAN 7, 2010 – Nautica 16 SYDNEY to AUCKLAND ?Splendors of Down Under from $4,799
JAN 14, 2010 – Regatta 16 MIAMI to LOS ANGELES ?Passage to Panama from $2,799
JAN 22, 2010 – Insignia 19 VALPARAISO to RIO DE JANEIRO ?South American Splendors from $4,299
JAN 23, 2010 – Nautica 16 AUCKLAND to SYDNEY ?Splendors of Down Under from $4,799
FEB 8, 2010 – Nautica 21 SYDNEY to BANGKOK ?Coral Seas and Asian Jewels from $5,499
FEB 9, 2010 – Regatta 16 LOS ANGELES to MIAMI ?Passage to Panama from $2,799
FEB 10, 2010 – Insignia 12 RIO DE JANEIRO to BUENOS AIRES ?Samba Rhythms from $2,799
FEB 22, 2010 – Insignia 40 BUENOS AIRES to RIO DE JANEIRO ?Grand Circle of South America from $9,249
FEB 25, 2010 – Regatta 12 MIAMI to MIAMI ?Caribbean Pearls from $1,499
MAR 1, 2010 – Nautica 24 BANGKOK to BEIJING ?Exquisite Empires from $6,499
MAR 9, 2010 – Regatta 12 MIAMI to MIAMI ?Caribbean Pearls from $1,499
MAR 21, 2010 – Regatta 14 MIAMI to BARCELONA ?Journey to Iberia from $1,299
MAR 25, 2010 – Nautica 15 BEIJING to HONG KONG ?Imperial Explorations from $4,299
APR 3, 2010 – Insignia 15 RIO DE JANEIRO to BARCELONA ?Vintage Crossing from $1,799
APR 9, 2010 – Nautica 35 HONG KONG to ATHENS ?Connoisseur? Collection from $7,549

*Offer expires March 31, 2009 and excludes Regatta 1/30/10. Discounts are per stateroom based on double occupancy and apply to stateroom categories G through PH1 only. Indicated discounts for 3rd and 4th guests and single supplement savings are off applicable rates. Fares listed are cruise only in U.S. dollars, per person, based on double occupancy and include Non-Commissionable Fares. Government Fees and Taxes of up to $8 per guest per day are additional. Cruise Ship Fuel Surcharge may apply. All fares and offers are subject to availability, may not be combinable with other offers, are capacity controlled and may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice. 2 for 1 fares are based on published Full Brochure Fares; all fares are cruise only, and do not include Prepaid Charges, Optional Facilities and Services Fees, and personal charges, as defined in the Terms and Conditions of the Guest Ticket Contract which may be viewed at www.OceaniaCruises.com. Full Brochure Fares may not have resulted in actual sales in all cabin categories and may not have been in effect during the last 90 days. Promotional fares may remain in effect after the expiration date. Air promotion applies to economy, round-trip flights only from select Oceania Cruises U.S. & Canadian gateways and does not include ground transfers, air taxes and air fuel surcharges. Air ticketing fee will apply. Free Airfare is available only from the following Oceania Cruises Primary Air Gateways: ATL, BOS, ORD, DFW, DEN, IAH, LAX, MIA, JFK, EWR, MCO, PHL, PHX, SAN, SFO, SEA, TPA, YYZ, YVR, IAD. Airfare is available from all other U.S. & Canadian gateways at an additional charge (usually $199). Oceania Cruises reserves the right to correct errors or omissions and to change any and all fares, fees, and surcharges at any time. The Cruise Ship Fuel Surcharge is additional revenue to Oceania Cruises. Additional terms and conditions may apply. Complete terms and conditions may be found in the Guest Ticket Contract. Ships?Registry: Marshall Islands. PRO25925