Planning a Trip

A little planning can make the difference between a bum trip and a great journey. When should you go? What festivals or special events will occur during your visit? What's the best way to get there? How much should you plan to spend? What safety or health precautions should you take?

Do It on a Beach or in a Jungle: Your Bali Event -- Few places can compete with Bali as a destination for a major celebration -- weddings, birthdays, anniversaries. Local planners will assist with everything from paperwork, to flowers, catering, entertainment, like cultural performances and music, so you can kick back and enjoy the ride. The island has hundreds of wedding and event planners, but the best are Karen at Cherange (info@cherange.com; www.cherange.com), and, if I do say so, myself, MJ (mj.mjpr@gmail.com; www.mjprevents.com).

Online Traveler's Toolbox

www.asiawebdirect.com: A guide to booking a hotel room in Bali

www.balidiscovery.com: Award-winning website with up-to-date information on everything you need to know about Bali for your holiday

www.baliguide.com: An insider's guide to Bali

www.bali-paradise.com: Complete online travel guide to Bali

www.baliplus.com: Bali's biggest little guide book online, with up-to-date information on exhibitions, festivals, and just about everything

www.balistarisland.com: A one-stop travel agency to Bali

www.balitourismboard.org: The official tourist board website

www.baliwww.com: The best online guide to Bali with an excellent blog

www.gili-paradise.com: The best online resource for the Gili Islands

www.i-escape.com: All the details on the best hip hideaways

wwwistylemagazine.net: I Style Magazine's website for great fashion and home decor shops

www.indo.com: Comprehensive travel guide to Indonesia

www.kecak.com: Booking portal for Bali and Lombok hotels

www.thelombokguide.com: The definitive guide to Lombok

www.theyakmag.com: Bali's most fashionable rag with the latest in fashion, food, and accommodation

www.whygo.com: Best deals on flights to and accommodation in Indonesia