In the recent years, a number of new air travel rules have been implemented. One of those rules requires that all passengers remove their shoes. Your shoes, once removed, will be scanned by an x-ray machine, right along with the rest of your carryon luggage.

Previously, only random passengers were asked to remove their shoes, but now everyone is. For that reason, you will to wear simple shoes that you can easily remove and put back on.

Another air travel rule, recently implemented, is the ban of liquids. This means that adults are no longer allowed to bring a drink onboard, even bottle water. It also means that you are prohibited from placing liquid beauty supplies in your carry-all luggage. Good thing you can still bring your weight loss supplements on board – just make sure they are not liquid form. One concern, made by many women is the allowance of gel or water filled bras. Currently, you are allowed to wear these types of bras onboard an airplane. Honestly, unless you mention it to airport security, there is a good chance that they would never even know.

Eco living for the home has been made easy with today’s advanced technology breakthroughs. Whenever I get a chance to speak to mothers, there’ll be someone who will be sharing about her child’s allergies and sensitivities. In fact, more children are diagnosed with asthma and breathing problems and that’s why it is necessary to look into some simple steps in keeping your home environment eco natural and allergy free.

1) Hygiene is key so wash bedding regularly in hot water.

2) When buying pillows, avoid feather ones.

3) Put a dust mite cover on your child’s mattress and pillows.

4) Keep pets out of the bedroom and wash your furry pets often.

5) Replace heat and air-conditioning filters regularly.

6) Use an exhaust fan when cooking.

7) Keep curtains and blinds dust free by washing them regularly.

Get rid of dust and dangerous allergens with a quality filtration system vacuum cleaner.

9) Invest in a quality air filter for your home or bedroom.

It seems that many people would invest in expensive entertainment equipment for the home. Buying bigger LCD TV screens, getting a Slingbox, get a playstation..etc. All these are great to enhance family bonding but in the midst of your family enjoyment, don’t forget the vital attention to your health by following some of the above eco natural home principles.

I’ve been thinking of a short beach vacation in Koh Samui in the coming weeks and if possible, I’ll like to search for an eco friendly property. I have heard much about health spas and resorts in Koh Samui and some boutique properties have focused on eco nature as the theme of their accommodation. Some of these eco boutique resorts do come with a price tag!

This vacation would need to fit our family budget since the business has slowed down significantly in the last few months due to the economic downturn. I’m also searching for affordable term life insurance for the family while making sure we are keeping our expenses low. I’m glad that I can still shop natural with organic wholesalers to continue our eco living practices during these turbulent times. Some organic shops are bringing prices down and eco friendly household products are more affordable than before. That is definitely good news for those who want to continue with building their environmentally friendly homes.

I do hope that I can find the right eco friendly hotel in Koh Samui for our short beach getaway. That would be a great time of relaxation as we bask ourselves in eco nature and the vast ocean views.

Small luxury boutique hotels are becoming popular among discerning travelers these days. Usually boutique or hip hotels offer a more personalized service compared to large hotel chains.

Sometimes these luxury boutique hotels may not be appropriate if you are traveling with children. Though some are family friendly, most of them cater to business travelers and couples who are seeking for privacy, personalized service and little touches of uniqueness. For families, chain hotels or resorts such as the Westgate may be more appropriate.

Traveling anytime soon? Check and compare the lowest and best hotel rates at one go!

Eco travel is rising in popularity as more people begin to be more aware of how their travel choices can affect the environment. One of the coolest things about eco travel is that you can learn more about the destination and the memories can be lasting.

Perhaps the hoteliers who score big in eco travel are those who provide boutique accommodations or bed and breakfast stays. Normally you get to meet more locals compared to busy and large hotel establishments. If time is in your favor, choose local public transport and enjoy the destination in a slow and timely pace. I do hope that I can get an eco friendly bag or eco Samsonite luggage to accompany me in my next eco travel expedition.

I’ve been discussing with a friend about green travel and slow travel lately since the launch of my new hotel comparison site. Like me, she spends alot of time online researching, reading, blogging, connecting friends plus finding weight loss products before the new year starts.

Green travel is still pretty new in a sense. It basically calls for picking green accommodations, transport, eco tours and green dining options. Green can be expensive and time consuming so I personally think that it is not for everyone. But surely there are reason to convince us that green travel is good for the environment and for our future generation, here are a few others on why we should choose green travel (if we can):

1) You get to meet and connect with the locals. Catching public transport, walking, trekking, biking is a great way to know and see more!

2) You experience the extraordinary. Opposed to traditional travel, you will get the off the beaten track experience that leaves you memories that last! Just choose the right places!

3) It keeps you healthy! By moving around more by foot, your heart is happy and so is your waist line. Plus, we tend to eat more local produce, less chemical foods which means less ‘overeating’ too!

After four nights in Kyoto and Osaka area, we are finally back in Tokyo. I have to say that the culture and beauty of kyoto is more beautiful than I perceived. With many Japanese art and designs found in many cultural shops, I have learned to appreciate the lovely details of japanese art, especially so in their fabrics.

From woodwork to food to carpentry including modern bar stools, the japanese take pride in their creation and artwork. I only wish I have more time to visit the local designers and artists museums, spend more time visiting the ancient castles and sights, which are such great delights.

For now, it’s one more night in tokyo for us before heading to hong kong, the place for good food and shopping… I should look out for some cool artisan works in this busy city too.

If you are looking for a place to shop for artisan stuff, tokyo is one place you can’t go wrong. I know tokyo is mostly known for trendy and high fashion but truly, the artisans still live in this country!

We went to Asakusa yesterday and was impressed at the local snacks and delight made by artisans in the country. I only wished I had more time to check out more artisan works like wood carving, handicrafts and even Pinewood derby trophies but the crowd and my tired legs just made me wanna go home.

I hope to visit Asakusa again when we returned from Osaka but for now, I look forward to visit some artisan shops in Kyoto, the ancient Japan, that is.

In less than a week, we’ll be off to our long awaited family vacation. It’s been many months of waiting and planning and I’m so glad it’s taking place soon.

Unlike some travelers, I can be pretty fussy and detailed when it comes to planning for our family travel. I’m that sort who will get a las vegas strip map or detailed subway Tokyo map before the travel day itself. Then I’ll check out in details the hotel accommodation we are choosing and staying to prepare myself and the family.

If you are planning to visit Macau anytime, you should take a look at the beautiful and luxurious suites in The Venetian Macao. I cannot commend more on the artisan interiors of the hotel and the individual suites. From the photos, they are spectacular! I can’t wait to witness the artistic details on my own. If you don’t think that’s luxury travel, I don’t know what is.

I was searching for online car insurance and came across a popular trend in the travel industry, that is, travel with the environment in mind.

Sure enough, you love traveling. But isn’t it even nicer if your travel experience is fair, responsible and eco friendly? This would mean traveling with the environment in mind, respecting nature and Mother Earth, people and culture, doing things that will benefit the local community.

To being your eco friendly travel, pick travel itineraries that offer you the chance to explore a country in a fresh and new way. You can start by choosing greener transport options and staying in unusual places. Find out the lesser-known festivalsso that you can have an unique perspective on a country. There is a good range of eco friendly hotels to suit all travellers and most budgets. Located in some of the most beautiful and unusual corners of the world, these hotels are unique, filled with character and they all practice responsible tourism.