Image via WikipediaFor those feeling a little decadent…..or like Che!!

There are not many places in the world where Cuban cigars are unknown. So sought after are they, that there is quite a market for them, even fake ones, normally sold to unsuspecting individuals. Buying from a reputable dealer can dramatically reduce the chance of you being supplied with counterfeit versions. If you are going to spend a large sum on them, try using a specialist mail order cigar supplier.

If you have an opportunity to purchase a box of purported Cuban cigars, but have your doubts, take the time to examine the box before purchasing it. Using that information, here are some facts about identifying the genuine cigars from the fakes you would do well to learn. If you look carefully at the box you will see a white and green warranty seal on the front left side of it plus a seal with a picture of a hat and shield in the form of an insignia and these will help distinguish a genuine Cuban cigar box. On the upper right hand corner of the box, you should find a white sticker that is placed diagonally with the word ‘Habanos’ printed on it.

These cigar boxes should also be in good condition with a clean appearance, no damage or ink that has smudged so be wary of anything that does not meet this criteria. A heat stamp is also used to imprint the word ‘Habanos’ onto the bottom of the box. Often fake Cuban cigar boxes try to use a printed paper label or a rubber stamp to try and recreate this mark but this is quite noticeable. Each cigar box should also have a coded factory stamp on the base in blue, black or green ink, which can tell you exactly when and where the cigars were rolled.

Even if the cigars are the real things, their quality may have suffered in transport. Dedicated cigar smokers will recognize the deep rich aroma which an unmistakable sign of a Cuban cigar. If that distinct aroma is not there or particularly weak, the chances are that you have a fake box of Cuban cigars. The top row of cigars may also appear slightly flatter than the rest but they should all be facing the same way.

The caps on all the cigars should appear the same, and the foot of each cigar should be cut clean and the bands on all the cigars should be identical. It is a good idea, if allowed, to touch the cigars as they should have a firm but pliable feel without any hard or soft areas. Although there is quite an amount to remember, these are special cigars and any connoisseur would want to ensure that his next box of Cuban cigars is the real thing.

It is not until you actually travel internationally that you really appreciate the different types of cultures around the world. You do not need not be rich to engage in traveling this way; a well-planned itinerary is as close as your computer keyboard plus you can find a good airfare if you plan ahead and travel in the of peak seasons, generally in fall and spring. You will be hard pushed to find more pleasant European destinations in the winter than Greece, Italy, the South of France and Spain especially when they do not have the colder temperatures of their Northern European cousins. When carrying out your online research, look for people that rent out their own apartments and homes perhaps for a shorter time which may mean it will be less expensive than through other specialist organizations.

Most properties on the continent have modern facilities so your laundry cooking and internet will still be available. There is nothing like having a breakfast when you are on vacation especially when you prepare it yourself and it gives you a chance to use fresh produce from a foreign country. The idea is that you save yourself time and money by using the facilities so you will be able to launder your clothes and sent greetings cards via email which will save time looking around stores and buying stamps, leaving you more time to explore. It is always exciting visiting a new country, to get a chance to explore and absorb new cultures and see how people live their normal daily lives, which on the whole aren’t that different from people everywhere.

Unfortunately Americans have fallen into the habit of often eating on the move or just rushing and don’t make it the family affair that they do in many European countries which it must be said is a more pleasurable experience. Try new things; walk around your neighborhood and discover the bookstore, grocer, hardware, night club or restaurant and neighborhood businesses reflect the tempo of life in your chosen destination. A true international traveler will want to experience the local food and traditional dishes like French Pistou and Spanish Paella instead of the plastic versions you can get elsewhere. Part of the experience of international travel is getting around, so become adventurous as large cities, such as Paris, have inexpensive and ultra-efficient transport systems making it easy to go anywhere you want.

However, if this is how you like to travel then restricting how much you carry with you is paramount and being able to fit everything you need into hand luggage can save a great deal of time at the airport. This of course means that to do this efficiently, it is good idea to carry everything you need for the trip in a carry on, which will make things simpler; no lost luggage or waiting around the luggage carousel at the airport. You may not think this is possible but it is; you just need to remember that many of the essentials of traveling like toiletries will be available almost everywhere you travel too. Many seasoned travelers will recommend this as a way of visiting new places with less hassle and it can all be done online if you know where to look.