Here are some tips for travelers who can't give up their luxury resorts but are afraid of flying:

Update your music playlist
The way Adele soothes your soul and eases your mind isn't just due to how much you love her sweet voice. New research completed by London-based psychologist Becky Spellman reveals that breathing in tune to these types of songs can actually minimize your anxiety. According to The Daily Traveler by Conde Nast, Adele's "Someone Like You" has a precise 67 beats per minute, which is just about the perfect pace to calm your nerves. Slow, sad songs aren't the only ones that can help you unwind – other calm beats include "Ignition," by R. Kelly, "Buffalo Soldier" by Bob Marley and pretty much any song by Jack Johnson.

Bring photos of your vacation spot
Instead of staring at the seat-back in front of you and thinking about how high you're soaring up in the air, bring a handful of scenic photos of your destination, your luxury hotel and any attractions you might be visiting. Focusing on a specific, physical image can bring your mind to a whole different place and make you feel safe, Captain Steve Allright of British Airways' Flying With Confidence program, told Budget Travel. Your special, safe place might even be somewhere more personal, like your mom's kitchen or your bedroom – whatever it is, visualize it, and don't stop thinking about it until your nerves have reached an even keel.

Talk to someone
OK, so not everyone wants to chit-chat on a plane, but when times are tough, try to buddy up to your neighbor. Most passengers will sympathize if you're feeling jittery or anxious about your flight taking off, so don't worry about starting a conversation with a stranger. If you're traveling with family, ask to sit next to someone who you know will console you and just hold on tight to their arm as they tell you a funny joke or story to get your mind off what's happening around you.

Write!
You don't have to be the next Walt Whitman, but writing on any piece of paper – even a napkin – can do wonders for your psyche, especially while on a plane. In the same sense that pictures can send your mind elsewhere, focusing on the words in front of you can get you out of your own head, and who knows, you might even write something that develops into your first short story or novel! J.K. Rowling has hinted that she used to write concepts for Harry Potter on napkins, so you never know…

Forget the booze
You might think that wine or a stiff cocktail is the perfect jitters remedy, but think again. Allright told the news source that alcohol – and caffeinated beverages – can make you feel more dehydrated during your flight, ultimately making it harder to adjust to the high altitudes. Stick with water and light snacks like apples and nuts, and you'll feel more comfortable during the flight and after. The water and healthy eats can help you avoid serious jet lag.

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The trip is set for any weekend in September. Participants must be 18 years or older to enter/win. The winner will be notified via email, announced on TravelBIG’s webpage and TravelBIG’s Facebook page as soon as the sweepstakes ends.  GOOD LUCK!

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A trip to the palace
When you arrive in Budapest, you'll likely notice the Royal Palace right away – it's set high on a hill overlooking the entire city. This is one spot that all tourists should visit, but there's no better way to make the trip up Castle Hill than in the iconic funicular. This motorized car has been bringing travelers up the steep incline to Castle Hill since it opened in 1870, and offers tourists an amazing panoramic view of all of Budapest, according to VisitBudapest. Once at the top, you can explore the palaces and other architectural wonders that help make the European city such an exciting vacation destination.

The ancient Metro
The easiest way to travel around Budapest is to take the Metro, the city's underground train system. This is the second-oldest subway in the world, and it shows – though it's very safe and comfortable, some of the cars are made of wood, and the stations still hold the ancient charm of yesteryear. New Yorkers may find some of these stations familiar – Hungarian subway stops were the inspiration for the Big Apple's metro system, reports ImagineHungary.com.

Delicious cuisine
You may not think of fine dining when you are considering Hungary, but the nation is known for some very intriguing dishes. Fresh paprika is the spice of choice for many Hungarian chefs, and the country is known for its sparkling wine.

Get your feet wet
What could be better after a long day of traveling than a visit to one of this city's historic spas? There are many bathhouses throughout Budapest, many of which are heated by natural warm springs. The Gellert Spa and Bath, which opened in 1918, is one of the most popular, because its large indoor and outdoor pools are adorned with elegant columns and marble fixtures, making for a spa experience like none other, according to GellertBath.com.

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You probably know Niagara Falls, but wine lovers are heading to one of Canada’s – and North America’s – most famous tourist destinations these days for the wine tours.

Watch this video to learn why it’s called ice wine, and just how expensive a bottle of this very exclusive wine can be!

Would you love to take a wine tour in Niagara Falls?  Check out www.niagarafallstourism.com/play/wineries/

Do you love wine tours? Check out these other Travel Big wine tour stories:

Rose Wine in Provence

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Rap stars and movie moguls aren’t the first ones to put bowling alleys and priceless novelties in their homes! See how Biltmore guests spent their leisure time on the estate, without video games or nightclubs!

This video tour of the famous Vanderbilt family’s Biltmore estate gives 21^st century tourists a glimpse into how America’s rich and famous lived and vacationed in the 19^th century… in case you didn’t guess it already, luxuriously!

For more information about Biltmore, visit www.biltmore.com/

And to help plan travel to North Carolina, visit www.visitnc.com/

Or check out other Travel Big stories about North Carolina:

Video: The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

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North Carolina’s Great Smoky Mountains Railroad takes you on a memorable journey along 53 miles of track, two tunnels and 25 bridges. River gorges, valleys and tunnels carved out of majestic mountains are just some of the scenic highlights of one of America’s top train trips.

Watch this video to see a remote and beautiful corner of North Carolina from this historic train!

Interested in riding the rails on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad?  Find out more at www.gsmr.com/

And help plan a trip to North Carolina at www.visitnc.com/

Or check out other Travel Big stories about North Carolina:

Video Tour of Biltmore, America’s Largest Private Home

A Foodie’s Guide to North Carolina

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Provence in south of France is an iconic travel destination, so if you’re traveling there, you’ll definitely want to cherish the memories.

Santons are one of the most popular and iconic souvenirs of Provence.  These famous figurines are one of the top 5 souvenirs from southern France.

In this video, you’ll see why santons are the perfect way to remember a trip to Provence!

Find out more about santons at www.santons-fouque.com/

And help plan a trip to Provence at http://en.aixenprovencetourism.com/

Or check out other Travel Big stories about Provence, France:

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Celebrities love France, too!

Keira Knightley marries in South of France

Gwyneth Paltrow’s new travel app includes her guide to Paris

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If you picture a cartoon character when someone says ‘Tasmanian Devil’, you need to watch this video to see the real thing!

One of the most unusual animals in the world, Tasmanian Devils are on every traveler’s ‘must see’ list when they visit Australia’s island state of Tasmania.

In this video, we meet Tasmanian Devils at Bonorong Wildlife Preserve, a rescue and rehabilitation center for local Australian wildlife half an hour outside Tasmania’s capital city of Hobart.  And you’ll find out how Tasmanian Devils got their name!

To learn more about the Bonorong Wildlife Preserve, visit www.bonorong.com.au/

And if you’re dreaming of a visit to Tasmania, Australia, check out www.discovertasmania.ca/

Or check out other Travel Big Stories about Tasmania:

Top Reasons to Visit Tasmania

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If you’re traveling to Grand Bahama Island in the fall, you won’t want to miss the Conch Cracking Festival in McLeans Town celebrating this iconic shellfish.  Watch this video to find out how to ‘crack’ a conch!

And get more information and tips for planning travel to Grand Bahama island here: www.bahamas.com/islands/grand-bahama

Shopping Tip:  Conch is great to try while you’re traveling in the Bahamas, but many people also want to bring home a gorgeous pink conch shell as a souvenir, or jewelry or décor items made from conch shells.

BEWARE!  Because some countries have over-fished or poached conch, the shellfish is protected by international treaties. Many countries prohibit you from bringing home conch shells from certain places, and they will be confiscated from your bags on arrival at home.  CHECK before you travel!  In the UK, conch shells are in the top 10 list of most-seized imports.

Find our more about conch shell import restrictions here: www.fws.gov/international/travel-and-trade/traveling-to-the-caribbean.html

Check out more Travel Big stories about visiting the Bahamas:

Video Tour of Grand Bahama Island

Video: Junkanoo Festival in the Bahamas

Celebrities love the Bahamas, too!

Alicia Keys sets the Bahamas on Fire

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Junkanoo is one of the highlights of Bahamian culture and art.  Its irresistible music and costume parade make it one of the best festivals in the Caribbean.

If you’re thinking about an island getaway around New Year’s, a trip to the Bahamas to participate in Junkanoo will be the holiday of a lifetime.

Watch this video to get a taste of Junkanoo on Grand Bahama island!

To learn more about travel to the Bahamas, visit www.bahamas.com/islands/grand-bahama

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A location everyone can love
You might think that a week-long vacation spent reading on the beach is ideal, but this kind of activity will bore your kids in no time. However, scheduling an itinerary that includes exclusively children-centered hotspots will have you pulling your hair out. Try to find a balance by picking a location everyone can enjoy. National parks are a great option – the kids can wear themselves out hiking and swimming, and Mom and Dad can enjoy a relaxing time around the campfire at the end of the day. Amusement parks like Disney World are another great option – such parks typically have restaurants, hotels and even spas that parents can enjoy after they've spent some time riding the rides and meeting characters with the kids.

Don't forget about transportation
Even if your destination is filled with kid-friendly things to do, your youngsters are likely to drive you bonkers on the way there if you don't plan ahead. Whether you're driving or flying, you should equip your kids with their own small backpack filled with items they can use to keep themselves busy. Portable video games, coloring books and books are all good options. Don't forget to pack some healthy snack as well – hungry kids can be a nightmare on a long flight.

Child care while traveling
Some vacation destinations offer childcare for traveling families, which can be a Godsend for Moms and Dads hoping for some time alone. You can find beach resorts that hire professionals to run activities such as water aerobics and sand-castle building for the kids, or you may choose to bring along a trusted babysitter or nanny to help keep the young ones out of your hair for part of the trip. Whatever you choose, make sure you set aside some time for the whole clan to be together – after all, it is a family vacation. 

The post Traveling With Kids? Here’s How to Keep the Peace appeared first on Travel Big.

There are hundreds of islands in the Bahamas; one of the most popular tourist destinations is Grand Bahama island, where you can find both traditional island culture and resort lifestyle.

Take a tour of Grand Bahama Island with this video.

Thinking of a trip to Grand Bahama Island?  Find out more here: www.bahamas.com/islands/grand-bahama

Or check out other Travel Big stories about the Bahamas:

Video: Bahamas’ Junkanoo Festival

Video: Local Delicacy: Conch Cracking Festival on Grand Bahama Island

Celebrities love the Bahamas, too!

Alicia Keys sets the Bahamas on Fire

The post Video: Tour of Grand Bahama Island appeared first on Travel Big.

Should I stay or should I go?
The big decision you will have to make on your upcoming vacation is whether you will take your dog or cat with you or if it would be better to leave him or her behind. Think carefully about where you're heading and ask yourself if the environment would be welcoming to your canine or feline companion. If you fear your pet will be stressed out during travel, then it's best to leave him or her behind – your pet may not be happy when he or she sees you walking out the door, but in the long run, it could be for the best. On the other hand, dogs and cats who are relaxed and enjoy exploring new places can make excellent traveling partners.

Airline travel with your pet
Flying with a pet can also be stressful, but planning ahead will simplify the process. Before you book your flight, look into individual airline policies regarding pets. Some will allow pets of a certain size – most cats and some small dogs – to be in the cabin of the airplane, provided the animal is kept in a carrier at all times. Larger pets will have to be stowed in carriers with the rest of the luggage. Pay a visit to your vet before you make any plans to bring your animal on an airplane to make sure your companion is in good health. Your vet may even prescribe some medication to help keep your pet's anxiety down while traveling.

Leaving your pet behind
Leaving a pet at home when you travel can be just as anxiety-inducing as bringing him or her on an airplane. You will feel much more relaxed while you're vacationing if you are certain your animal is in good hands. If you have a trusted friend or family member who loves your pet, you can invite him or her to stay over at your house until you've returned. Otherwise, animal care centers can offer a safe and healthy temporary home for your pet while you're away. 

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1. Evidence of the Incas: Machu Picchu
High in the mountainous rain forests of Peru sits one of the best-preserved and most mysterious pieces of history on the planet – the Incan complex of Machu Picchu. While indigenous people in the area have known about this location for many years, it wasn't until 1911, when Hiram Bingham was led to the site by a Peruvian guide, that Machu Picchu was revealed to the Western world, according to National Geographic. Since then, the area consisting of stone temples and plazas has been preserved so that travelers can now pay it a visit. When you spend time at Machu Picchu, consider the ingenuity that went into it – without modern technology, mechanics, steel, or wheels, it is amazing to think that the Incan people were able to transport such huge and intricately cut pieces of stone up the 2,000 feet of jungle terrain. It's still unknown what purpose Machu Picchu served for its original inhabitants, so the site is must-see for those who enjoy a good historical mystery.

2. Rome, the seat of the Greatest Empire
There is so much history packed into the charming city of Rome, pretty much everywhere you go will have some sort of historical relevance. That being said, there are several spots within the city that you simply must see. Among them is the Colosseum, likely the most well-known spot in the city. According to Lonely Planet, the arena was built between 69 and 79 AD, and a guided tour will be give you an inside look at where the brutal battles between gladiators took place.

3. America's Birthplace: Boston, Massachusetts
Though the United States may be much younger than Rome or Machu Picchu, the New England city is still rife with captivating historical sites. Among them is the Boston Public Gardens, a beautiful park adjacent to the city commons. Inside you'll be able to see several historical monuments alongside beautiful flowering plants. A walk along the city's Freedom Trail will take you to many of the important sites of the American Revolution, including the site of the Boston Massacre.

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Skills travel
Many lavish jet-setters are thinking of new skills or hobbies they can pick up when they fly somewhere new. Have you dreamed of hitting the links like Tiger Woods? Easy – just plan a vacation centered around this theme, either by contacting resorts and seeing which have golf pros available to teach you their ways, or talk directly with professionals and set up a private golf tour of the world's most scenic courses. Whether you become an expert putter or not, you'll still get to enjoy the landscape of exotic destinations like New Zealand, South Africa and Ireland, where some of the world's best courses are.

'Top Chef:' Vacation style
We've all seen the dozens of reality TV shows based on food competitions rife with skilled chefs battling for the nation's best cupcake or concocting the greatest recipe with just a few ingredients. Believe it or not, this craze has found its way into the travel industry as well. According to Annie Fitzsimmons of National Geographic's Intelligent Travel, some rental companies are seeing a surge in demand for vacation homes and villa rentals, rather than hotel rooms. Many of these private cottages, bungalows and condos have the most immaculate kitchens around, perfect for putting on your best Bobby Flay or Tyler Florence impersonation. If you prefer to sit back and let someone else take the reins, you can hire an elite chef to julienne carrots, sear filet mignon and craft a perfect souffle in your kitchen while you sip on a cocktail and watch.

Hangz-who?
Sure, Barbados, Hawaii and Cancun are fun vacation spots, but today's hippest travelers want something more. They've been there, done that and are in search of exotic, unfamiliar destinations like Hangzhou, China, or the Himalayas. Instead of following an earmarked, overused travel guide, they want to carve their own path and discover real moments among people living in Southeast Asia and learn from their traditions. Essentially, their goal is to step inside the culture and become a part of their world - even if just for a week or so.

Celebrate something
Did you just get engaged? Landed yourself a promotion? Won money on a scratch ticket? Won some paid time off from a work lottery? Celebrate! Big or small, any event that makes you smile is worth commemorating, and one of the best ways to do it is with a lavish, indulgent vacation. 

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