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This is where Hollywood is. If you are in LA, you must see the Autry Museum of Western Heritage to find out about Native Americans of the Wild Wild West.

You can learn about life in Ice Age and even watch fossil bones being cleaned and repaired at the La Brea Tar Pits. If you want some Hollywood action, take a tour to Universal Studios or head to Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament where a medieval jousting tournament is recreated for your viewing pleasure. Photo opportunities abound at the star of your favourite celeb at the Hollywood Walk Of Fame.

Head down to Venice Beach for a myriad of beachside activities, including watching bodybuilders on Muscle Beach and the boardwalk for unique sale items. Don't forget to visit the happiest place on earth, Disneyland!

For food and boarding, head to Pink's (www.pinkshollywood.com) on La Brea for chili or veggie dogs (price start at RM10) and stay at the Comfort Inn in downtown LA for RM120/night (you can book at www.wotif.com).

Fly to LAX for about RM3,883 including taxes with Malaysia Airlines (www.malaysiaairlines.com).

About The Author:
Zurien Onn

Technorati Tags: Los Angeles , Travel Spot , USA

Start consuming yoghurt regularly a few weeks before a trip, especially if you'll be visiting a country where tourists are prone to food poisoning. This will strengthen your digestive system, decreasing your chances of stomach and bowel problem while on vacation.

By Zurien Onn

Technorati Tags: Travel Tip , Travel , Tip

Fancy doing some time in a prison on your next vacation? Try these prison-turned-hotels:

• Malmaison Oxford (http://www.malmaison-oxford.com/)
• Four Seasons Istanbul, Turkey (www.fourseasons.com/istanbul)
• Breakwater Lodge, Cape Town, South Africa (http://www.breakwaterlodge.co.za/)
• Lloyd Hotel & Cultural Embassy, The Netherlands (http://www.lloydhotel.com/)

Technorati Tags: Prison Break - Experience it Yourself! , Prison Break , Vacation Spot , Travel

Claim to fame: Austin is known as the "Live Music Capital of the World" and it's also the birthplace of cyclist Lance Armstrong and country legend Willie Nelson.

Must-see: Start your tour in downtown Austin at the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum to learn about the history of Texas. Then head for the Austin Museum of Art to see its exhibitions on life in the wild west and the Mexic-Arte Museum to enjoy traditional Mexican art. For a sample of Austin's famed music performances, drop by One World Theater in West Austin. Do a spot of shopping in the boutiques and galleries at SoCo on Congress Avenue or get gifts at the Old Bakery and Emporium. At Neiman Marcus Last Call, off the Capital of Texas Highway, haute couture finds are available at marked down prices!

Food & board: Sample typical Austin fare like chicken-fried steak at Arturo's Bakery and Cafe for about US$15 and stay in comfy room at the Holiday Inn Austin for US$90 per night for two pax.

Getting there: Fly to Austin with Delta Airlines at around RM3,250 pre-tax. For more info, call Delta Airlines at 03-2691 5490.

About The Author:
Zurien Onn

Technorati Tags: Travel , Hot Spots , Austin , Texas , USA

In your rush to get out of the house or office, you may forget to pack everything you need in your laptop bag. As a quick checklist, be sure to bring along the following:

1. Power cord/adapter

Having your power cord and adapter is a must. You never know if an appointment will go longer than expected, you may have extra time to sit and work on your laptop, or the opportunity to charge the battery may just present itself. If you find yourself to be very forgetful, buy a second power cord and adapter and leave it in your bag – that way you cannot forget it.

2. Mouse

Even though your laptop comes with a pointing device built in (either a touchpad, track point, or other device); sometimes you may require the precision of a regular mouse. Also, if you are working for an extended period of time, a mouse can reduce the amount of strain put on your hand. Usually, a USB mouse is probably the easiest to pack as most laptops have a free USB port that you can use. Should you decide to bring a wireless mouse, be sure to pack the receiver and an extra set of batteries.

3. Office supplies

You should always have some basic office supplies in your notebook bag such as pens, paper, paperclips, stapler, etc. Bring those items based on what you would or could use in an average day. Be sure to bring at least one paperclip, just in case your DVD or CD drive won’t open – you can use the paperclip to open it in a jiffy.

4. Spare battery

If you have a spare battery; be sure to bring it with you. Just make sure that you charge the battery before you go out on the road – it won’t be much good to you if it is not charged up.

5. Removable Media

You never know when you might have to burn a CD or DVD, make a backup for a client, or create a “hard” copy of something on your hard drive. Bring some CDs and DVDs (provided your laptop has a CD or DVD burner) along just in case you might need them. Also consider bringing along a USB flash drive with you, as it makes it easy to transfer information from your computer to another.

6. Computer cables

Be sure to bring all the cables you might need. Ethernet, USB printer cables, phone cable (should you use dial-up or need faxing capability), FireWire, power cable, etc. If you bring along a digital camera, don’t forget about bringing the USB cable to hook it up to your computer.

7. Headphones and headset

Be sure to bring some comfortable headphones. Not only do they give you some privacy (if you are listening to music or a book on tape), but it is also courteous to others around you.

Bring a headset as well. Since the introduction of voice-over-ip (VoIP) telephone service, as long as you have an internet connection, your computer can be used as a telephone. It is also handy when you are chatting or using voice-recognition software (for example Dragon Naturally Speaking.) You can get both wired and wireless (via Bluetooth) depending on your notebooks’ capability.

8. Travel surge protector

At home, most people would plug their notebook into a surge protector. On the road most people do not take the time to do so. Bring along and use a travel surge protector – for five to twenty dollars it will protect your investment.

9. Laptop lock or alarm

Bring along an anti-theft device for your notebook. Get a lock or an alarm that sounds when your laptop is moved - it will protect you machine from being stolen.

This is not a complete list but rather a sample of what you should bring. Depending on your situation you may bring a printer, USB hub, external disk drives, etc. Just be sure that when you do leave home, the above items are in your laptop bag. You will need them.

Article written by Marc Norris.

Technorati Tags: Travel , Tips , Laptop

Learning how to pack for a backpacking trip is the key to a rewarding and enjoyable hike.

Over pack and you risk fatigue setting in as your energy and enjoyment of the hike drains out; under pack and you may find yourself without essential items. Although experience is going to serve as your best teacher, here are a few things to consider when preparing your pack.

How you pack your pack is always going to depend on 4 factors - the length of your trip, the weather, the location of your hike, and your own personal preferences.

The best way to pack for a backpacking trip is to make a list, check it twice and then check it again before ever putting anything into your pack.

Section the list into things you “will need” and things you “may need”.

When purchasing and packing, keep in mind each item’s weight, and always choose gear that provides a dependable balance of durability, flexibility and weight.

How to Pack for a Backpacking Trip: Clothing

Clothing is always going to depend on the climate and your personal preferences. All experts recommend that you stay away from cottons when possible, break in your boots before the hike begins, and buy heavy wool or synthetic socks to protect your feet. Aside from the clothes on your back, we recommend that you also pack a waterproof windbreaker to keep you dry when it rains and a bandanna, great to block the sun and for emergencies.

How to Pack for a Backpacking Trip: Food

Freeze dried meals provide the nutrients and energy your body needs, without the weight and clumsiness of other types of packaging like cans. Pack enough for your planned trip, and then add a meal or two in case an emergency arises. For cooking, take along utensils and one titanium or aluminum pot that have a non-stick surface, a handle and that is large enough to prepare your meal.

How to Pack for a Backpacking Trip: Water

By having sufficient water for your backpacking trip you can prevent unnecessary dehydration during your hike. Plan your water supply according to the mapped locations of the natural and man made water sources found along the trail. And don’t forget water purification tablets for natural water no matter how clear it may appear.

How to Pack for a Backpacking Trip: Gear

Essential gear for your backpacking trip should include a hand-held flashlight, as well as one that does not require holding (use your head instead), fire starters and tinder, a sleeping bag, tent, map, compass, a knife, and a few plastic bags for wet clothing and garbage. Emergency gear should include a whistle, signal mirror, insect repellent, a cell phone and a first-aid kit.

Useful things to remember when packing for a backpacking trip:

When packing, it’s best to use a backpack that is up to the task of your trip. It should have straps for your poles and a place for your tent equipment. Place heavy gear, such as your cooking supplies, and less needed items toward the bottom of the bag, and keep frequently used smaller items (like your compass) inside your pockets.

Always plan ahead before venturing out on your backpacking trip, no matter how long you plan to be out. The time spent making sure that your pack is light and yet ready for any situation will set the foundation for an enjoyable backpacking experience.

Author: DAVID CAMP

About the Author: David Camp is a staff writer for Northwest Backpack Specialties. They specialize in camping and hiking equipment for the outdoor enthusiast, featuring all the major brand names. As members of the Better Business Bureau, they offer reasonable shipping charges and 100% satisfaction guarantee an all of your camping and backpacking needs.

Technorati Tags: Travel , Guide , Tips