On The Road Again

Just like Willy Nelson, I could not wait to get on the road again. After five years of marriage my husband and I had traveled to France, Florida, Missouri, Georgia and the Caribbean. We had also taken many weekend trips around my husband’s hectic work schedule. That all changed January 16,1992 - or so we thought.

The next three months were a blur; bottles, diapers, and lack of sleep, times two. When I finally returned to work, after twelve weeks, my life had drastically changed. My husband and I did not venture on another vacation for seven years. By that time the twins were seven and our youngest was two.

I quickly learned how traveling with our youngest children could be fun, exciting and definitely not tiresome. With a family of five our preferred mode of travel is driving. We make our hotel stops safe, fun, and exciting by following some simple rules, and, with minimal planning, easy. Just remember that jumping up from your chair each time your toddler/preschooler reaches danger is exhausting!

1.Travel with a child proofing kit: electrical outlet covers, doorknob covers, string to tie cabinets closed and the number to the poison control center.

2.Don’t open window or trust screens; they can be pushed out by an assertive toddler.

3.Check the room for hazards such as lamps that can pulled down, sharp edges on coffee tables, poison plants or throw rugs.

4.Check for small objects that might be in the drawers of the cabinets or under the nightstands or beds, left by previous occupants.

5.Take the knobs off of stoves and return them when needed.

6.Remove electrical cords that might be hazardous.

7.Remove chemicals from beneath the sink in the kitchen or bathroom.

Happy travels!

Keywords: Children, Travel, Vacation, Driving, Games

_________________
Gail Morris
info@YourEZBooks.com

Learn more about Traveling with ChildrenGail Morris is a seasoned traveler, mother of four with a degree in Pediatric care. Her information is time tested and mother approved!

Secrets to Traveling with Children

There are some wonderful secrets to traveling with children. They are wonderful because they help you to plan how to make the trip more uneventful and peaceful.

First and foremost remember that this vacation is for YOU! You plan it and decide where you are going. There are considerations you’ll want to include, such as: do you want to sight see or do the beach? Cruise or hike? Theme parks or camper park?

Secondly, and probably most importantly, know what to expect. Remember that the care-giving responsibilities you have when you are at home won’t magically disappear when you go on vacation. There will still be the standard “work” tasks of bathing, dressing, feeding, and running after children. One thing to agree upon before leaving is the split of duties between traveling partners so that there aren’t surprises once you are gone.

When you consider a split of duties don’t forget to include the older children. Our 8-year-old loves helping with his younger sister and the truth be told, not only does he not mind helping, it makes him feel needed and “older”.

Thirdly, plan for help during the trip if you feel you may need it. For some people spending 100% of their time with the children is heaven sent. For others, a much-needed respite once or twice during a weeklong trip is all the doctor ordered for a refreshing holiday.

Investigate nanny services and interview them before traveling to the area. Do you not feel comfortable leaving the children with a qualified stranger? Brainstorm with your travel companion about how to address this issue. Is there family available where you are traveling, or maybe family of friends?

Fourthly, understand that you may have to lose spontaneity, especially with younger children. However, you’ll gain more from seeing your destination through the eyes of your children. Spontaneity probably disappeared after the birth of your first child but that shouldn’t make your vacation boring and predictable. Expect glitches and roll with the punches. It’s the glitches that make for great stories and laughter when you return home.

Finally, it’s important to keep in mind some travel elements as you take to the Rocky Mountains, the streets of New York or the museums. Children are veritable sponges, absorbing information, even when you can’t believe they’ve heard a word you’ve said! The world is their classroom. As a homeschool mom to four beautiful children I can assure you that incorporating learning into vacation isn’t nearly as scary or overwhelming as you might think.

Traveling is one of the best ways to enhance your child’s education. It’s hands on, it’s visual, it’s auditory, and kinesthetic (touchy/feely) – all at the same time. Children will absorb much more information than you might think, even when they are complaining loudest. And best of all, you don’t have to travel to exotic places, nor be expensive for children to enjoy themselves.

Another secret I learned is that by traveling with our children (and not for our children) we opened up a whole new world for them. Their imaginations took over while experiencing new topographies, histories, climates and cultures. It made learning “real” to them and showed up for months in their reading interests and reports.

Our children also learn to handle glitches in our travel plans by watching and learning from us. When we hit the traffic jam on the highway or our flights are delayed do we throw a fit or sit back patiently and make lemonade from lemons? Can we laugh in the face of adversity and keep going or do we angrily pout and make everyone around us miserable? How we handle ourselves is a clue as to how our children will also handle themselves.

Keywords: Children, Travel, Vacation, Safety, Fun

____________________
Gail Morris
info@YourEZBooks.comLearn more about Peaceful VacationsGail Morris is a seasoned traveler, mother of four with a degree in Pediatric care. Her information is time tested and mother approved!

Tricks to Traveling with Toddlers

Traveling with infants and toddlers presents it’s own set of challenges. Children this age don’t always adjust to a different hotel room each night and you may benefit immeasurably from staying in one place or cottage for a week. Make the plans simple and remember to plan in the child’s afternoon nap. Some children are very flexible and can nap in a stroller or sling as well as their crib. Others aren’t. However, you can work toward that flexibility for several weeks/months before the planned vacation.

Think about diaper bags that resemble backpacks. In fact a backpack works very well, especially the type with different sections. Remember the standard fair in the diaper bag (diapers, wet wipes, pacifiers, antibacterial hand soap, cups, bottles) and also bring a small change of clothing for the baby. Being gone from the hotel for the day without a change of clothing for the baby can be disastrous. Imagine diarrhea or vomiting from different food or unexpected teething…….

As well as those items carry a small sample bottle of acetaminophen (Tylenol) and a thermometer. There is no point running back to the hotel for a slightly cranky baby who would be calmed with a dose of acetaminophen and cuddling from mom. Another must for toddlers is paper, small toys and crayons so that stopping for lunch or dinner doesn’t create a sudden panic when the baby has nothing to do but holler about how bored he is!

·If you are traveling by plane or train and are not carrying your own, arrange for a crib ahead of time from the hotel – they are often in short supply.

·Bring your own car seat. Rental agencies don’t always have one to fit your child and this will also give a level a familiarity to your child.

·Traveling with a stroller is essential – even when not in the city. There will be the occasion that mom’s and dad’s back needs a break. Umbrella strollers are wonderful if you aren’t planning on using it frequently; a full size foldable stroller may be better if you plan on walking long distances and visiting places where baby could nap in the stroller.

·If you haven’t discovered the sling yet discover it now! I know that there are many parents who prefer a front or rear carrier – I happen to prefer the sling. I especially enjoy the Maya Wrap. This particular sling can be adjusted for children up to three for front or rear carrying: http://www.mayawrap.com.

·Dehydration is a concern while traveling or enjoying your trip. Bring a separate water bottle that is refillable for each child. Even children as young as six months can drink from a water bottle. Don’t bother with the disposable bottles unless you are traveling by car and have unlimited space.

·If you can afford it – get connecting rooms or a suite. There is something so relaxing about sending the children to bed and shutting the door for some much needed rest and relaxation.
Happy travels!

Keywords: Children, Toddlers, Travel, Vacation, Safety, Fun

_________________
Gail Morris
info@YourEZBooks.com

Learn more about Toddler TravelGail Morris is a seasoned traveler, mother of four with a degree in Pediatric care. Her information is time tested and mother approved!

We've Been Robbed on Vacation!

It’s one of my worst nightmares…… we leave the hotel room for a day of fun at the zoo. After a day of trekking through gardens and animal exhibits, an evening meal while the little ones lustily complain about one thing or another, I’m ready to crash back in our room. We return, only to find that we’ve been robbed, and anything the thieves didn’t want is strewn around the room. Immediately our hopes for a relaxing evening is also –gone.

There are some tips to preventing theft in the hotel or condo in which you are staying. The best response is to be prepared.

·Look for rooms that open into interior hallways. While it’s easier to unload the car when the door to the room is right there it’s also easier for someone to unload your room while you are out enjoying the attractions.

·Don’t pack valuables or medications in your bags that are checked. Also don’t pack them in the large bags that the bellboy might bring to your room for you. Keep them with you at all times.

·Watch for people bumping into you. It’s a common way for pick- pockets to steal your cash. Consider purchasing and using a money belt. Carry only enough cash in your pocket for the day and only one credit card.

·Consider having one person carry one credit card and the other adult another card. You don’t need more than 2 and having them separated is protection in case one is stolen.

·When you are driving around in a strange city give the illusion you are a local. Don’t leave Disney bags or travel bags in the car but discreetly in the trunk. Place them in the trunk before arriving at your destination.

·Giving the illusion of a being a local (especially in a rental) also means getting a local paper and leaving it on the front seat; don’t wash the car, leave a bit of dust and “stuff” in the back; and avoid neighborhoods with high crime rates. The rental agencies or hotels will be able to direct you.

·Take travelers checks for some of your cash needs. Bring only the cash you can afford to lose and not have returned.

·Leave your Traveler Check numbers, credit card numbers and a list of phone numbers (for the credit cards) with a friend at home. Don’t forget to pack the friends number. In the event they are stolen you have a ready source of all of the information you’ll need to get them replaced.

·Carry your driver’s license and other ID separate from your money. If the money is stolen you can still legally drive home.

·Consider leaving all of your valuables in the hotel safe. Even staying in hotels with electronic key cards there will be many people who have access to your room. Theft of one or two items is extremely hard to prove. There is no point in leaving something in the room as a temptation either. When you do use the hotel safe be sure to get a receipt of the items you leave.

·Purse-snatchers, and the like, know you will protect your children before your possessions. Be smart about your purse, camera and money. Wear a money belt under your clothes, hide your purse strap under a sweater, don’t use a clutch purse, and put your camera in a case attached to your belt under your shirt.

·Bring a motion detector for the front door.

Happy travels!

Keywords: Children, Travel, Theft, Safety, Vacation, Hotel

____________________
Gail Morris
info@YourEZBooks.com

Learn more about Travel SafelyGail Morris is a seasoned traveler, mother of four with a degree in Pediatric care. Her information is time tested and mother approved!

Camping Food: Easy & Warm Camping Meals.

Dehydrated/freeze-dried camping food is great for hiking, backpacking, or camping meals because you don't have to keep it cold to avoid spoiling.

While coolers/refrigerators can work well in some situations, ice or electricity isn't always available making dehydrated/freeze dried food very attractive. While removing the water helps preserve camping food it also has another benefit...

Camping, backpacking, or hiking food that's freeze-dried or dehydrated can reduce weight by sixty to ninety percent. If you're carrying a backpack or other hiking gear with a few days worth of camping food and supplies this can make a BIG difference.

As with any prepackaged food you'll probably find most camping food portion/serving sizes extremely optimistic or after a long day of hiking...laughable. I'm not sure who dreamed up the system but keep it in mind when you're buying it because otherwise you'll probably be going hungry, or if you're carrying a pack all day you might even be undernourished.

Something else to keep in mind is the design of the container itself. The containers with corners can make it difficult for the boiling water to mix with the camping food leaving dry spots. Also tall narrow containers make it almost impossible to reach inside with a spoon without getting as messy as a two year-old, as you work your way down to the bottom. (A quick fix is to trim off the top as you eat.) And if you're a light eater or use them afterwards for trash some of the containers have a "ziplock" type of closure which can come in handy, if they're not trimmed to ribbons. ;-)

Some camping foods can now be heated with a heating pouch by adding water to a chemical heating source. The advantage is there's no flame. The drawback is they weigh more than the pouch by itself and there's more trash to dispose of properly. So it may be better to just bring a small stove if you're backpacking.

Camping food offers tradeoffs. While it isn't usually gourmet that doesn't mean it has to be bad. After all a gourmet meal would make for a lot of extra weight and inconvenience. Not my idea of a fun trip. The reason people buy it is because it's light, convenient, and it can provide a quick hot meal. As for taste...

If you'd like more information on camping food please click here for the complete article. Also you may want to take a look at a related article on camping stove performance, ease-of-use & what to avoid.

Marc Wiltse learned how important good quality hiking equipment and camping gear were after his pup tent flooded with over 3 inches of water forcing him to sleep in the front seat of his 2-seat Honda CRX (translation: research is a good thing). His hiking equipment & camping gear guides & reviews save you time & money. Subscribe to his camping & hiking newsletter & get the most usable information FREE!

Keywords: camping food, backpacking food, hiking food, camping, hiking

_____________
Marc W.,
Learn more about camping food

Marc Wiltse learned how important good quality hiking equipment and camping gear are after his pup tent flooded with over 3 inches of water and forced him to sleep in the front seat of his 2-seat Honda CRX (translation: no sleep and plenty stiff). His hiking equipment & camping gear guides & reviews save you time & money. Subscribe to his camping & hiking newsletter & get the most usable information FREE!

© Marc Wiltse. Reprint permission if author, copyright, links & this notice are intact.

Camping Lanterns Guide: Backpacking And Camping Lantern Tips.

What kind of camping lanterns best fit your outdoor needs? Do you need light weight for backpacking, or is maximum light more important?

Camping lanterns have been around for quite a while, especially fuel lanterns like kerosene and gas lanterns. LED lanterns, rechargeable lanterns or electric lanterns, butane lanterns, propane lanterns, battery lanterns and candle lanterns are newer to the scene though. All of them being different they have advantages and disadvantages...

If you already have a camping stove or other camping equipment that uses fuel consider getting a lantern that uses the same type of fuel so you won't have to remember to bring both fuels and you'll use less space too. Although some dual-fuel Coleman lanterns will burn both white gas or unleaded gasoline (check to be sure).

Camping lanterns that burn fuel can come with either glass globes or metal mesh globes. The advantage to glass is that it lets more light through, but since it's glass it is fragile. Metal mesh globes are much tougher than glass but they do block some of the light.

When you buy a camping lantern make sure to get extra mantles, fuel, bulbs, and/or batteries, it's not much fun needing a lantern part in the middle-of-nowhere and not being able to get it when you need it.

Candle lanterns can be lightweight at 3.7 ounces, but you may not want to use them as a camping lantern as their light output leaves something to be desired at 1 to 1.5 watts. They're pretty much a candle with a protective sheath to help prevent the flame from blowing out in the wind and keep things a little safer by avoiding an open flame. Another drawback... the sheath enclosure also makes it more difficult to roast marshmallows over your lantern. ;-)

I recommend going flameless especially inside your tent. It doesn't take much to start a fire with a high intensity heat source. Falling asleep and tipping your camping lantern over is all it takes to put your life in serious jeopardy. There are a lot of great battery lanterns, LED lanterns and rechargeable lanterns available. Play it smart.

While great LED lanterns put out a good amount of light I haven't found one yet that can match the light output of well-designed flame camping lanterns. If you need a lot of light in a local outdoor area have a look at butane, propane, and gas lanterns. Some of these lanterns crank out up to 235 watts of light! That's more light than most people use to light a room at home. One of the butane lanterns even allows you to focus the light more intensely with reflectors and another is refillable with lighter fluid helping to make it great for...

If you'd like more information on camping lanterns please click here for the whole article. Also you may want to take a look at a related article on how to pick the best camping tent.
Marc Wiltse learned how important good quality hiking equipment and camping gear were after his pup tent flooded with over 3 inches of water forcing him to sleep in the front seat of his 2-seat Honda CRX (translation: research is a good thing). His hiking equipment & camping gear guides & reviews save you time & money. Subscribe to his camping & hiking newsletter & get the most usable information FREE!


Keywords: camping lanterns, camping lantern, outdoor lanterns, camping, backpacking

________________
Marc W.
Learn more about camping lanterns

Marc Wiltse learned how important good quality hiking equipment and camping gear are after his pup tent flooded with over 3 inches of water and forced him to sleep in the front seat of his 2-seat Honda CRX (translation: no sleep and plenty stiff). His hiking equipment & camping gear guides & reviews save you time & money. Subscribe to his camping & hiking newsletter & get the most usable information FREE!
© Marc Wiltse. Reprint permission if author, copyright, links & this notice are intact.

Backpacking in Europe? Hostels are the place to be!

Hostels are generally fantastic places to be. The people who are there are passionate about travelling, there is lots of camaraderie and a strong sense of community between travellers. It is in the hostel, not a guidebook that you will found out the best places to go, great places to get discounts at and loads of other tips about what is worth the money and what isn’t. It is also common for groups of people to travel together for a few days after meeting at a hostel.

This relaxed, communal atmosphere does not mean, however, that you can be completely naive about leaving your stuff in plain sight. If you are going to be out for long periods of the day, it is probably best to buy a PacSafe. This is essentially a slash-proof wire net that you can lock around your pack so pesky fingers cannot explore while you’re out on the town.

Older hostels generally offer dorm style rooms separated by sex but the trend is for most modern hostels to offer single, double and four-bedded accommodation as well. Private accommodation is more expensive but having a room to yourself can be a luxurious treat, especially when the thought of having another nights sleep interrupted by selection from the Snoring Chorus is enough to bring on a nervous breakdown.

It is traditional for hostels to ask their guests to help with the some chores during their stay. Most city hostels just ask you to put your linen in the laundry but some rural hostels will expect more of a commitment. If you have completely blown your budget, it is possible to negotiate a free night’s accommodation in exchange for doing some extra housekeeping chores. Don’t count on this every night however, or you’ll end up spending your entire vacation doing dishes.

If you are planning to do a lot of hostelling, it is wise to investigate the situation from home first. The Youth Hostelling Association, for example offers a membership card that entitles you to a reduced rate whilst staying at recognised sites. Hostelling International (HI) is the largest chain of hostels in the world. All HI sites require a YHA membership card to be presented when you turn up. These cards should be purchased in your home country before you leave.

There are plenty of private hostels available as well, but tales of infantile curfews, bedbug infestations and slightly deranged owners abound so if at all possible; it is best to stick with recognised brand. If you are thinking of booking a private hostel, do Google search first so see if there is anything untoward written about it.

You may have realised that you and your friends are not the only people that are going to be backpacking through Europe in the summer. If you are travelling in July and August, it is best to try and book your hostel ahead for some places, especially popular cities like Rome, Paris, London and Venice. Although it is tempting to be completely spontaneous, you may find yourself without a place to stay, especially at the weekend.

Hostelling is where you'll make some of the best memories of your travels!

Keywords: backpacking europe hostel travel budget accommodation

_______________
Matt Reider
info@canuckabroad.com

Learn more about hostel
Matt Reider is the owner of CanuckAbroad.com which provides budget travel and backpacking advice for travellers and expatriates alike.

Discover The Rose Bowl Flea Market In Pasadena California

The Rose Bowl Flea Market And Swap Meet, at 1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena Ca. 91103, is probably the largest and most famous swap meet held in California. On the second Sunday of each month, rain or shine, over 1,800 vendors from all over the country set up their booths and spaces in order to display and sell merchandise, including but not limited to accessories, antiques, clothing, collectibles, discontinued merchandise, dolls, handmade crafts, home furnishings (new and used), paintings and other fine art items, pins and buttons (sports, olympics, election, etc.), plants, specialty foods, used books, watches, etc..

Parking is plentiful and free and admission prices are as follows: "Rose Bowl Flea Market and Market Place regular admission starts at 9am for the general public at $7.00 per person, children under 12 are admitted free with an adult. We also have an express admission from 8:00am - 9:00am at $10.00 per person, an early admission from 7:00am - 8:00am at $15.00 per person, and a special preview VIP admission from 5:00am - 7:00am at $20.00 per person. Discount tickets for early admissions are available at many local antique stores. Group rates are available. The box office is open until 3pm after which time sellers begin packing and leaving. The public may shop for those last minute bargains until 4:30pm."

This flea market is worth the price of admission. There are bargins galore and the people watching entertainment factor alone is worth the price. You will see people from all walks of life, dressed in every imaginable way, speaking numerous languages all scurrying from vendor to vendor searching for the best bargins. The vendors are all very friendly and happy to talk about their wares. Many of them are real characters and a lot of fun to deal with.

Note: This is not the same as going to a garage sale or some of your local swap meets. The vendors pay good money for a permit to sell here. You are not going to find a lot of cheap unwanted junk or that $50,000.00 painting being sold for $1.00. These vendors are professionals, they know their merchandise and they know what they are doing. Their overhead is much lower than if they were selling out of a retail store or mall and the are usually not paying employees so they can sell for less. You will find very good bargins, especially if you are willing to negotiate a little (It's not considered bad manners to negotiate at a flea market. In fact, many of the vendors enjoy the negotiating more than they enjoy the selling.), just do not expect to leave with a lot of junk or with the find of a lifetime.

The best thing about the Rose Bowl Flea Market is the hugh variety of items that can be found, there is something for almost everyone. Very few people leave empty handed and many people leave with their cars, SUVs or trucks filled with items, many of which they would not have been able to find anywhere else.

Last but not least, if you have children, do not be afraid to bring them with you. There is plenty for them to see and do and there are plenty of toys, food and other items for sale that will attract and hold their intrest. Although the place is always crowded the security is excellent, helpful and friendly making this a safe place for you and your children.

For more information about the city of Pasadena, California see http://pasadena.usacitydirectories.com, a directory of links to city of Pasadena, California guides and directories listing hotels, restaurants, churches, physicians, attorneys, information, resources, services, things to do, places to go, art galleries, service organizations, auto dealers, nursing homes, convalescent hospitals, antique dealers and more.

Keywords: flea market, swap meet, rose bowl, pasadena, travel, liesure

__________________
David Hallstrom
Learn more about Rose Bowl Flea Market

David G. Hallstrom, Sr. is a retired private investigator and is currently the publisher of several internet directories, including http://www.usacitydirectories.com a directory of national, state, county and city guides and directories listing local guides, directories, web sites and web pages providing resources, services and information about things to do and places to go.

Tips to Help Make Your Disney Vacation Perfect

When to Visit

The first of our Walt Disney World Tips is to carefully choose the time of year when you will vacation. Take into consideration if it is tourist season as you will avoid a lot of the crowds if you visit off-season. You also might want to avoid the summer months as the Florida weather can get very uncomfortable. Lastly, research the park's schedules for different times of the year because parks in the Walt Disney World Resort tend to stay open later during various months.

Rise and Shine

Set your alarm and get to the park early. Arriving at the water parks before noon is a great way to avoid the crowds. Also, Animal Kingdom closes early so arriving in the morning will give you plenty of time to relax and look around. If you want to have breakfast in the Magic Kingdom then get there early and head for either the Crystal Palace or Cinderella's Royal Table. Both are located on Main Street USA, which opens earlier than the rest of The Magic Kingdom. When the rest of the park opens you will have quite a headstart on the other visitors who will still have to buy tickets to get in the park.

Riding Without the Wait

Fastpass is your friend. Some people are under the mistaken impression that you have to pay to use Fastpass, but that isn't the case. This handy-dandy little freebie allows you to avoid the lines and get right on a ride.

Getting Something to Eat at the Park

If you are planning to skip the food stands in favor of the restaurants, then Priority Seating is a must. It is, in most cases, free and involves no commitment. Priority Seating does not mean that you have reserved a table. It is basically just the restaurant version of Fastpass i.e. you get to avoid the lines.

Buying Souvenirs

Purchase the majority of your Disney goodies at the World of Disney Store in the Downtown Disney Marketplace. That way you will be able to use your annual pass or Amex to get a discount.

Buying Tickets

It is highly recommended that you purchase your tickets in advance. That way when you get to the park won't have to wait in line. If you wait to buy your tickets at the park then you are in for a very long wait. Buying tickets in advance allows you to head straight into the park upon arrival. Another bonus is the fact that you can easily find tickets discounted below gate prices.

Find Disney Travel Info
Web directory providing links to Disney resorts, cheap Disney hopper passes, Disney vacation packages, as well as Disney travel information, resources, tips, and reviews.

Copyright © 2005 Heather Wallace

Keywords: disney world, disneyland, epcot, family vacation, tourism, orlando, florida

____________________
By Heather Wallace

Discover Eaton Canyon In Pasadena California

Eaton Canyon Natural Area Nature Center, entrance, 1750 N. Altadena Drive, Pasadena, Ca. 91107, is a 190-acre natural park is located at the base of Mt. Wilson. There are five miles of nature trails, an equestrian trail, creeks and a waterfall. The canyon is very lush and has beautiful displays of local flora and fauna. The park is open daily sunrise to sunset.

The Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation supervises and maintains this "zoological, botanical, and geological wonderland situated at the base of the beautiful San Gabriel Mountains. With its hiking trails, wildlife, rocks and minerals, and plants, there is something for everyone to enjoy". At the entrance to the park you will find a 7,600 square-foot building containing many "fascinating displays, live animals, offices, classrooms, an auditorium, restrooms, and an information desk/gift shop". The Center is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, during which time a staff member is present to assist you. Both docent-guided and self-guided tours are available in Eaton Canyon. Reservations are required for either type in order to ensure that everyone has a pleasant experience.

One of the best places to visit in the park is the Eaton Canyon Waterfalls. According to Eaton Canyon Nature Center Associates "For a spectacular view of Eaton Canyon, hike to the 50-foot Eaton Canyon Waterfall". "There is water at the falls year-round, but in dry seasons and during the summer months the stream bed may be partially or totally dry. In order to reach the falls you'll have to cross the stream bed several times, but only in the wettest months will this be particularly difficult".

Camping is available by permit at Henninger Flats, rest rooms, drinking fountain, picnic area, a Visitor's Center and a plant nursery are located in the flats. No permit is needed to picnic or use the facilities.

Over fifty (50) species of plants, twenty (20) types of mammals, including mule deer, bobcats, coyote, fox and mountain lion, over one hundred fifty (150) species of birds, including hawks, vultures, owls, heron, pelican and eagles as well as numerous reptiles, amphibians and fish are found in the park.

For more information or to reserve a camp space you can contact the park directly at (626) 398-5420.

For more information about the city of Pasadena, California see http://pasadena.usacitydirectories.com, a directory of links to city of Pasadena, California guides and directories listing hotels, restaurants, churches, physicians, attorneys, information, resources, services, things to do, places to go, art galleries, service organizations, auto dealers, nursing homes, convalescent hospitals, antique dealers and more.

Keywords: eaton canyon, pasadena, california, park, travel, tourism, discover, visit

____________________
David Hallstrom
http://www.usacitydirectories.com

David G. Hallstrom, Sr. is a retired private investigator and is currently the publisher of several internet directories, including http://www.usacitydirectories.com a directory of national, state, county and city guides and directories listing local guides, directories, web sites and web pages providing resources, services and information about things to do and places to go.

Discover Knott's Berry Farm

Of course you know about Southern California's premier attraction, Disneyland in Anaheim, but did you know that less than ten (10) minuets down the freeway, in Buena Park, is another great amusement park, Knott's Berry Farm.

Knott's Berry Farm, America's first theme park, is located at 8039 Beach Boulevard, Buena Park, CA 90620, telephone number (714) 220-5200 and has over one hundred fifty (150) rides in six themed areas: Ghost Town, Fiesta Village®, The Boardwalk, Indian Trails, Wild Water Wilderness® and Camp Snoopy which is the official home of Snoopy and the Peanuts characters. The park is home to the high-flying 3,125 foot Silver Bullet roller coaster which sends riders climbing to a height of 146 feet and soaring back down an initial drop of 109 feet. It has a top speed of fifty five (55) miles per hour and riders will experience spirals, corkscrews, a cobra roll, and overbanked curves. It is also home to the 118 foot tall GhostRider, one of the longest and tallest wooden roller coasters in the world with a 108-foot initial banked drop, 13 additional drops, sudden dips, banked turns and maximum G-forces of 3.14

Wild Water Wilderness is home to Bigfoot Rapids which "is a thrilling, outdoor whitewater river raft ride that will bounce, toss, spin and splash passengers as they brave fast moving currents and dodge soaring geisers as they experience the unforgettable fun of shooting the rapids". Towering cliffs, huge boulders, cascading water falls, soaring geysers and trees, shrubs and wild flowers--all indigenous to California--combine to create an authentic setting for Bigfoot Rapids.

At Camp Snoopy, the whole family can enjoy many of the rides, "made for the young and the young-at-heart. Ride our new Charlie Brown Speedway, or Woodstock's Airmail (the kid-size version of Supreme Scream®), have the kids take you for a spin at Rocky Road Truckin' Company, or check out Timberline Twister the smallest of our rollercoaster family".

The park holds numerous restaurants and shops and has it's own first class hotel, The Knott’s Berry Farm Resort Hotel, which offers a variety of packages to suit your needs, including Snoopy themed rooms for children where Snoopy himself will visit and provide "tuck in" service.

Check out Mrs. Knott's Chicken Dinner Restaurant, where 20,000,000 guests have eaten Mrs. Knott's traditional chicken dinners. "Each dinner is made from the "just-right" plump birds she insisted upon, and the fixin’s still include lighter-than-air buttermilk biscuits, fluffy mashed potatoes, rich chicken gravy and mouth-watering farm-fresh vegetables". The menu features other items as well including various lunch and dinner entrees, soups, salads, sandwiches and a complete Farm breakfast featuring French toast, pancakes, and daily specials.

Knott's Berry Farm is an amusement park and resort for the whole family, try it.

For more information about the city of Buena Park, California see http://buenapark.usacitydirectories.com, a directory of links to city of Buena Park, California guides and directories listing hotels, restaurants, information, resources, services, things to do, places to go and more.

Keywords: knott's berry farm, buena park, california, amusement park, travel, tourismvisit, discover

__________________
David Hallstrom
http://www.usacitydirectories.com

David G. Hallstrom, Sr. is a retired private investigator and is currently the publisher of several internet directories, including http://www.usacitydirectories.com a directory of national, state, county and city guides and directories listing local guides, directories, web sites and web pages providing resources, services and information about things to do and places to go.

Discover Norton Simon Museum In Pasadena California

The Norton Simon Museum sits on 9.5 acres, is housed in an 85,000 squrare foot structure and is located in the beautiful city of Pasadena, California at 411 W. Colorado Blvd. right across the street from where the television cameras are set up every year for the Rose Parade. Therefore millions of people view the front of the museum each year as they watch the Rose Parade. What most of these viewers do not know is that "The Norton Simon Museum of Art holds one of the world's finest and most prestigious private collections of European, American and Asian art."

The collection, which includes works by van Gogh, Picasso, Rembrandt, Rodin and Fragonard consists of over 1,000 works, including paintings, etchings (by Rembrandt, Goya, etc.), sculptures, photographs (Ansel Adams) and other mediums spanning a period of over 2,000 years. The museum also hosts lectures, gallery talks, family programs, musical performances, dance performances, films and tours.

The museum provides both private tours and monthly free public tours of their collection conducted by Museum Educators.

The museum's store features a large selection of books on American, Asian and European art along with posters, prints, slides and stationery goods as well as books on photography, gardens and architecture.

The museum is closed on Tuesdays, New Year's Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. It's hours are 12:00 noon - 9:00pm on Fridays and 12:00 noon - 6:00pm all other days. Admission fees are adults $8.00, seniors $4.00 and patrons under 18 years of age, students with valid id and museum members free.

For more information about the city of Pasadena, California see http://pasadena.usacitydirectories.com, a directory of links to city of Pasadena, California guides and directories listing hotels, restaurants, churches, physicians, attorneys, information, resources, services, things to do, places to go, art galleries, service organizations, auto dealers, nursing homes, convalescent hospitals, antique dealers and more.

Keywords: norton simon museum, museums, art, pasadena, california, travel, tourism

________________
David Hallstrom
http://www.usacitydirectories.com

David G. Hallstrom, Sr. is a retired private investigator and is currently the publisher of several internet directories, including http://www.usacitydirectories.com a directory of national, state, county and city guides and directories listing local guides, directories, web sites and web pages providing resources, services and information about things to do and places to go.

Discover Old Town Pasadena California

Old Town Pasadena which basically runs down Colorado Blvd. from Pasadena Avenue on the West to Marengo Avenue on the east and on either side of Colorado Blvd. from Holly St. on the north to Green St. on the south is quickly becoming one of Los Angeles Countys busiest and most entertaining local gathering places.

Day or night, weekday or weekend the area is always "jumpin". People come from all over to dine, shop, visit art galleries, go to the movies, go dancing, listen to jazz and other types of music, be entertained by street preformers and most of all to relax and have fun in a safe, clean and pleasant atmosphere.

There are dozens of restaurants, most with outdoor patio dining, serving almost any type of ethnic or American cuisine you could wish for. There are night clubs offering a variety of entertainment, shops of all types, art galleries, antique stores, bakeries serving some of the best pastries found anywhere, movie theaters showing first run movies, book stores with coffee bars and if you like people watching, people of almost every nationality, culture and income, letting loose and having fun.

Park in one of the parking garages, on some of the side streets or avail yourself of the valet parking offered on the street in front of several of the restaurants and businesses and then walk to any place in Old Town. The city of Pasadena and the Old Town merchants and businesses have gone to great lengths to ensure your safety and well being without encroaching on your enjoyment of the area.

Go to the movies or take in a play, have a romantic dinner at JJ's (one of the best steakhouses arround) and then go dancing at one of the nightclubs. Go with a bunch of friends, have a delicious Italian meal in a casual setting at Buca di Beppo go shopping or window shopping and then join the festive people crowding the streets. Go back to the 1940s and 1950s and have a burger, fries and a shake or malt while listening to jukebox music at Johnny Rockets or Ruby's Diner, party to live music & DJ's with dance music from the 70's, 80's & 90's at Moose McGillycuddys, play pool on one of the 15 well maintained pool tables or watch a sports event on one of the big screen TVs at Jake's Billiards or have a delicious cappuccino and pastry while people watching from one of the many bakeries with sidewalk seating.

Discover Old Town, go there, relax, enjoy and have fun.

For more information about the city of Pasadena, California see http://pasadena.usacitydirectories.com, a directory of links to city of Pasadena, California guides and directories listing hotels, restaurants, churches, physicians, attorneys, information, resources, services, things to do, places to go, art galleries, service organizations, auto dealers, nursing homes, convalescent hospitals, antique dealers and more.

Keywords: pasadena, old town, california, travel, tourism, discover,visit

____________________
David Hallstrom
http://www.usacitydirectories.com

David G. Hallstrom, Sr. is a retired private investigator and is currently the publisher of several internet directories, including http://www.usacitydirectories.com a directory of national, state, county and city guides and directories listing local guides, directories, web sites and web pages providing resources, services and information about things to do and places to go.

Discover The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens

The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens is located on 150 acres of land at 1150 Oxford Rd. in the city of San Marino, California. San Marino is best known for the financial wealth of it's residents and for it's proximity to the city of Pasadena http://pasadena.usacitydirectories.com. Many people, however, believe that the city's biggest asset is the Huntington Library which is made of three art galleries and a library which "showcase magnificent collections of paintings, sculptures, rare books, manuscripts, and decorative arts", and the botanical garden with a collection which "features over 14,000 different species of plants".

The Huntington houses such treasures as "the Ellesmere manuscript of Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales; a Gutenberg Bible on vellum; the double-elephant folio edition of Audubon’s Birds of America; a world-class collection of the early editions of Shakespeare’s works; original letters of Washington, Jefferson, Franklin, and Lincoln; and an unsurpassed collection of materials relating to the history of the American West.", 18th century British and French art, American art ranging from the early 18th century to the early 20th, French and British sculpture, tapestries, furniture, porcelain, and silver, and British drawings and watercolors. Additionaly, the Huntington is world renowned as home to Gainsborough’s Blue Boy and Lawrence’s Pinkie."

Henry Huntington began developing the Botanical Gardens in 1903. Now they span nearly 150 acres with sweeping lawns and vistas interspersed with statuary, tempiettos, and benches. Approximately 15,000 kinds of plants from all over the world make up the botanical collections, many landscaped into a series of theme gardens."

The three and a half acre Huntington Rose Garden is comprised of approximately 1,200 cultivars made up of "Old Garden Roses (roses developed before 1901); China, Tea, and Noisette Roses; Shrub Roses (including the David Austin English Roses); and Modern Roses from all parts of the world".

"Playful plant choices, such as topiary animals, weeping mulberry trees, papyrus, and tree aloes resembling something from the world of Dr. Seuss, create a storybook atmosphere that combines elements of fantasy with the very real wonder of nature" make up the children's garden.

"The Shakespeare garden contains shrubs and perennials that evoke an English garden. Many of the plants have been cultivated for centuries and were even mentioned in works of Shakespeare, including pansies, violets, pinks, rosemary, daffodils, iris, roses, pomegranate, and orange."

In the Subtropical Garden, "Walking east to west from the Jungle Garden, the areas transition from subtropical southeast Asia and South America plants, to Mesoamerica plants (Mexico and Central America) in the central beds, Chile in the upper central bed, southern Africa in the western bed extending along the road and in beds continuing uphill to the lawn, to the Mediterranean region in the upper two west beds."

There are also Chinese, Desert, Herb, Camellia, Japanese, Australian, Palm and Lilly Pond gardens as well as a Botanical Conservatory

The Huntington is closed Mondays and the following holidays: Christmas Eve Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day (July 4), Labor Day and Thanksgiving.Admission is free to members. For non members the fees are Adults $15, Seniors (age 65+) $12.00, Students (age 12-18 or with full-time student I.D.) $10.00, Youths (age 5-11) $6.00, children under 5 are free. Groups of 15 or more are $11 per person.

Admission is free to all visitors on the first Thursday of every month.

For more information about the city of San Marino, California see http://sanmarino.usacitydirectories.com, a directory of links to city of San Marino, California guides and directories listing information, resources, services, things to do and places to go.

Keywords: huntington library, art, botanical gardens, san marino, california, travel, tourism, visit, discover

__________________
David Hallstrom
http://www.usacitydirectories.com

David G. Hallstrom, Sr. is a retired private investigator and is currently the publisher of several internet directories, including http://www.usacitydirectories.com a directory of national, state, county and city guides and directories listing local guides, directories, web sites and web pages providing resources, services and information about things to do and places to go.

Discover The Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden In Arcadia California

In The city of Arcadia California, right next door to Pasadena http://pasadena.usacitydirectories.com you will find The Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden, a beautiful and peaceful 127 acre botanical garden and historical site jointly operated by the Los Angeles Arboretum Foundation and the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation. The Arboretum is located across from the Santa Anita Race Track is at 301 North Baldwin Avenue, Arcadia, CA, 91007. It is open daily from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm; admission closes at 4:30.

Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for seniors (62 and over), $5 for students with ID, and $2.50 for children 5- 12. Children under 5 and members are admitted free. Unlike most attractions these days, parking is free.

In the middle of the Arboretum sits the four acre Baldwin Lake which has been used in filming numerous movies and television shows. "Johnny Weissmuller swam in LASCA Lagoon/Baldwin Lake for three decades as Tarzan and later Jungle Jim. A local news story reported that he, in fact, set an unrecorded Olympic swim record when a cage of crocodiles was accidentally opened during filming (Weissmuller beat the crocs to the lake shore). Bob Hope, Bing Crosby and Dorothy Lamour took up a month-long watery Baldwin Lake residence in homes on stilts for the filming of Road to Singapore in 1939, the same year the Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.,/Madeleine Carroll film Safari managed to sink a paddlewheel boat in the same lake. Undaunted, television's original "Fantasy Island" lowered a pontoon plane by helicopter onto Baldwin Lake and propelled it across the water to disembark visitors to Mr. Roark's island paradise. For Alex Haley's "Roots II", Baldwin Lake became Kunta Kinte's river home in Africa."

Don’t just peek through the windows of the Arboretum’s Queen Anne Cottage, come inside to see the historic Treasures! The cottage, with its marble terrace, Victorian furnishings and treasures provides a charming opportunity for the whole family.

Take the tram or walk through the gardens, spend the day being mesmerized by all of the well tended plants, flowers, flowering trees, cacti, succulents and the abundant wildlife (The Arboretum is famous for it's roaming peafowl.). The rose gardens alone are worth the visit. Stop and watch a wedding or see a commercial being filmed. Take your kids to the Discovery Node constructed out by Tule Pond, you'll find a variety of new activities for children of all ages to enjoy and explore. Eat at the Peacock Cafe. Sit down on a bench or under a tree, relax and feel your cares floating away.

Visit the gift shop where you can buy plants, gardening books, photographs, paintings and other items (the prices are very inexpensive.).

The Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden is a place where an individual or the whole family can spend the day and go home feeling rested and at peace with the world.

For more information about the city of Arcadia, California see http://arcadia.usacitydirectories.com, a directory of links to city of Arcadia, California guides and directories listing information, resources, services, things to do, places to go, restaurants, churches and more.

Keywords: arboretum, botanic garden, pasadena, california, travel, tourism, discover, visit

__________________
David Hallstrom,
http://www.usacitydirectories.com

David G. Hallstrom, Sr. is a retired private investigator and is currently the publisher of several internet directories, including http://www.usacitydirectories.com a directory of national, state, county and city guides and directories listing local guides, directories, web sites and web pages providing resources, services and information about things to do and places to go.

Plymouth Plantation and Mayflower – Links to Our Past Guide, Part 1

Plimoth Plantation and the Mayflower II ship are major attractions in Plymouth, Massachusetts. Authentic yet entertaining the two are links to our past and the 102 passengers that survived the journey across stormy seas.

Many times the bad storms of the North Atlantic forced the crew to take down the sails and just let the winds blow the ship wherever it wanted. During one brutal storm one of the Mayflower main beams cracked and the sailors where convinced they’d have to turn back.

But the journey continued and because of it the world was forever changed.

No, this is not going to be a history lesson, but the first of two articles about two unique experiences of US history you can have during your New England vacations.

This first article covers the area of Plymouth Plantation, and the second in the series covers Sturbridge Village.

The Mayflower voyage of 1620 took 66 days after leaving Plymouth, England on September 6, and anchoring in present day Provincetown harbor in Cape Cod on November 11, 1620. Miraculously only one passenger died on the voyage.

The Pilgrims decided Cape Cod was not a suitable place for a settlement, and forced north because of the weather and dangerous shoals south of Cape Cod, the pilgrims finally came ashore in late November in present day Plymouth center.

That first winter at Plimoth Plantation decimated the settlers due to cold and disease. Of the 102 that came ashore only 52 were left in the spring.

The native Wampanoag men showed the survivors how to plant corn and in October 1621 the Pilgrims celebrated their first harvest at Plymouth Plantation. Later generations would recognize the significance of the harvest by setting aside a special day that we now call Thanksgiving. And this day, more than any other in our calendar, binds every American to that fateful voyage in 1620.

And you can relive and feel this spirit and the early days of settlement at Plimoth Plantation and Mayflower II replica. Both located in the coastal town of Plymouth, a city about 40 miles south of Boston and an easy ride on Route 3 south.

Plymouth Plantation is a 1627 Pilgrim authentic village a few miles outside of the city but close to the highway and well sign-posted.

An orientation movie and collection of artifacts greet you at the Henry Hornblower Visitor Center. Plimoth plantation itself is a loop tour with two primary sites, the 1627 Pilgrim Village and the Hobbamock’s (Wampanoag) Homesite. The stroll from the museum down to the main village passes by a craft center and crop fields.

The village itself is full of buildings and gardens. Everything is plain and productive, and authentic.

The people of the village dress, talk, and act, as best we know they would’ve on the original Plymouth Plantation. But that doesn’t mean they are aloof or communicate in riddles or a strange tongue. Their aim is to educate and entertain but still remain true to the era. I’ve always found they are engaging and excellent in this balance.

The stroll out of the village along the Eel River walk takes you to the Native people homesite.
As I said earlier, the Pilgrims would not have survived the first year had it not been for help from the Native Peoples. They taught them about the region and it’s agriculture and the resources of the land, and how to thrive.

This special area is a home for an extended family not another village. It honors the importance and affinity the Native People have in this region.

Take time to appreciate the skills of weaving and tanning practiced at the site, and the use of fire for burning out boats. Go inside one of the houses and notice the materials and bindings used for construction.

The inhabitants here do not role-play so feel free to discuss modern day subjects with them.
And now… linger for a while longer at Plymouth Plantation, and rest back at the visitor center, or purchase that craft you saw at the store earlier. And then when you’re ready to continue, leave Plimoth Plantation and head for town and the Mayflower II replica.

Mayflower II is docked on State Pier on Water Street. Meter parking is available along the waterfront. .

You’ll think it a small ship.

Imagine the vast expanse of the North Atlantic at times wild and unforgiving. A 2,760-mile trip in a ship that leaked and creaked at an agonizing speed of 2 mph!

During your Mayflower tour you’ll meet passengers on the ship role-playing for you. You’ll get to see the passenger’s cramped quarters and the captain’s spacious cabin. But most of all you’ll be cast back in time.

And if you close your eyes and listen to the gulls overhead maybe you’ll hear the shouts of a sailor as he sights landfall and one journey’s end… and the start of another.

Enjoy your day at Plimoth Plantation and the Mayflower II. They are entertaining reminders of our history and a link back to a monumental voyage.

For more information, opening times, and ticket prices for Plymouth Plantation and the Mayflower visit their web site at www.plimoth.org .

Keywords: plymouth plantation,plimoth plantation,mayflower,native people

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By Cliff Calderwood
Upton, Massachusetts, USA
http://www.New-England-Vacations-Guide.com/ima

Cliff Calderwood is the owner and contributing writer of www.New-England-Vacations-Guide.com/ima He's lived in New England for 23 years. Get more great info. at http://www.new-england-vacations-guide.com/ima

RoomSaver.com Announces the Top Ten Most Searched States for Hotel Discounts

June 24, 2005- RoomSaver.com, an online showroom of over 8,000 hotel coupons across the US and a division of Trader Publishing Company announces the states that have received the most searches on RoomSaver.com for the first half of 2005 are Florida and California.

Recent data shows the top ten states that have been searched the most by online travelers to date are Florida, California, Massachusetts, New York, Texas, Virginia, Tennessee, Nevada, North and South Carolina, in consecutive order. It appears that so far this year, mostly coastal states are what online travelers have been searching for.

Since 1999, RoomSaver.com has been a leading provider of online hotel coupons and discount lodging rates. RoomSaver.com provides a comprehensive hotel coupon database for travelers while serving as a convenient and effective advertising forum for hoteliers and affiliate travel businesses.

Headquartered in Norfolk, VA, RoomSaver.com is part of Trader Electronic Media's family of over 15 high-traffic websites, which receive millions of visitors each week. The sites cover virtually every used vehicle and general merchandise category, including apartments, homes, employment and hotel lodging. Trader Electronic Media is a division of Trader Publishing Company, the nation’s largest distributor of photo-classified ad publications. For more information about RoomSaver.com, call toll-free 866-305-3840 or visit www.RoomSaver.com.

Keywords: hotel discount, hotel coupons, online travelers

_____________
Jackie Moniot,
jackie.moniot@roomsaver.com
http://www.RoomSaver.com

Jackie Moniot is the Marketing Manager for RoomSaver.com, a division of Trader Publishing Company, the nation's largest distributor of photo-classified ad publications.

Interesting 5 Tips that First-Timer Cruiser Need to Know

First-time cruisers sometimes confuse about choosing the destination for neither cruising nor they aware about the hidden costs in the cruise. So this cruising tip should help them to prepare about what they need to know before they go for cruising:

1. Book early or late

You will get better deal by booking well in advance of your sailing date or at the last minute. Booking early in advance can save you between 15 to 50 percent and also lock in the cabin category of your choice. If you rather wait to book at the last minute, you will even get a better discount on a ship’s unsold cabin. But of course you will not be able to choose the cabin that you like, whatever is left is available.

2. Drive rather than fly

You could save a lot if you just drive to the nearest port in the city rather than you fly. Nowadays there are more cruises than ever before departing from “close-to home” ports such as Boston, New York, Bayonne (New Jersey), Philadelphia, Baltimore, Charleston, Jacksonville, Tampa, New Orleans, Mobile, Galveston, Los Angeles, Long Beach, San Francisco and Seattle.

3. Take a short cruise first

If you are a first-timer cruiser, it is better for you to take short-cruise 3 to 4 days on the weekend. In this case, you will be able to “test the water” before you jump-in to the real cruise. There is a good selection of ships sailing on short cruises to various destinations in the Caribbean, as well as along the Mexican Riviera and to New England/Canada.

4. Beware of added charges

You have to be prepared for added charges when you are on a cruise. Expenses such as playing in the casinos, alcoholic beverages to photos snapped by the ship’s ubiquitous are not included in your cruise fare. So, travel-smart by preparing your budget in advance when you are going on a cruise. If you must buy something, wait until the final day of the cruise—most of the stores will throw a sale then.

5. From ship to shore- savings on excursions

Perhaps the largest additional cost are escorted shore excursions offered in every port of call ranging in price from $25 per person for a tour by motor coach to as much as $300 for helicopter flight-seeing. For two couples, it is less expensive to hire a cab or rent a car for a day than for each person to join an organized excursion. Also there is no requirement to leave the ship when in port. Some passengers prefer to relax on board and lounge by the pool as the ship is much less crowded after most people have gone ashore. Shore excursions make the most sense when few attractions are within walking distance and local means of transportation are scarce.

Hope that this tip will be helpful for those first-timer cruiser. Bon Voyage!!

Keywords: romantic cruise, honeymoon cruise, romantic getaways, first time cruiser, cruise tips

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Yochention Saritoh, Jakarta, Indonesia
romantic.escape@gmail.com
www.EzInternetIncome.com

Yochention Saritoh is an internet marketer. He works as a sales representative for Financial Freedom Society Corporation. He also supported by Elite Team International that has provided him with all the advance marketing strategy and knowledge. If you want to know his current internet business you can visit his website at http://www.EzInternetIncome.com

The Best Car Travel Games

Car travel games are a tradition wherever families take vacations or long trips by automobile. Long drives are always more tolerable with some diversion or entertainment, and reading might not be the best choice, at least for the driver. Why not try some games that everyone in the car can play?

"Blue Car" Travel Games

These are travel classics. Each person guesses how many blue cars will pass in the next ten miles or ten minutes. Of course it can be red cars, or trucks, or whatever everyone agrees to. By the way, it's considered bad form for the driver to slow down, letting more cars pass, so his guess will be the closest.

Another classic travel game involves the alphabet. Everyone tries to spot something starting with an "a", and be the first to call it out ("apple tree!"). Since the Qs and Xes are difficult, they can be skipped. The person with the most "firsts," is the winner.

Educational Travel Games

These are car games that get you thinking, learning something, or at least showing off what you know. In one game, the driver, or another designated host, asks questions like "At what temperature does water boil?" or "What is the Capital of Columbia?" or "If sales tax is 7.6%, what's the total cost of a sweater priced at $22?" If you want the kids to love this one, pay twenty-five cents for each right answer.

In another car travel game, someone looks out the window and randomly selects an object. Everyone in the car then tries to imagine a creative way to make money with it. Overpasses become places to advertise, cows are rented out, and a truck becomes a traveling discotheque.

Other Car Travel Games

Turn on the radio and you can have a game in which everyone tries to be the first to call out the name of the artist when a song starts. You can change the station, so you don't have to wait through a whole song to continue the contest.

In another car radio game, each person in the car chooses a word. Then you turn on the radio. The person whose word is spoken (or sung) first on the radio is the winner.

Finally, have one person in the car start a story with a sentence or two. Each person in turn adds a line to the story. This can get personal, but usually creates a story that has everyone laughing.
Steve Gillman hit the road at sixteen, and traveled alone across the United States and Mexico at 17. Now 40, he continues to travel with his wife Ana, whom he met in Ecuador. His stories, tips and information on travel, can be found at: http://www.EverythingAboutTravel.com

Keywords: car games,travel games,car travel games,traveling,travel

_____________________
Steven Gillman, Tucson, AZ
Steve Gillman has been studying brain improvement, concentration, creative problem solving, and related topics for years. You can visit his website, and subscribe for free to his Brain Power Newsletter at: http://www.IncreaseBrainPower.com/newsletter.html

Weddings Dominate Event Searches on the Web

When someone goes onto the Web to plan an event, chances are it's a wedding. The Website Eventective.com lists more than 16,000 locations for meetings and events in all fifty states. Out of the more than 100,000 searches on Eventective this spring, 42% were looking for the perfect location for a wedding ceremony or reception.

That statistic is supported by the wedding industry estimate that $30 billion is spent annually on weddings in the United States.

Eventective is set up to help anyone, whether it's a bride or a professional wedding planner, to narrow the choices quickly. Whether they are looking for a function hall, a banquet room, party location or other event location, an Eventective search is likely to turn up just what the planner is looking for. Eventective allows searches by zip code, radius, size of rooms and availability on specific dates. And unlike other lists of event spaces, Eventective allows Web visitors to send an email to a property or click through to a property's Web site.

In fact, more than a third of the event locations with email links on Eventective have received inquiries through Eventective.com in the last three months.

While the wedding industry is estimated at $30 billion annually, the meetings and events business may be ten times that large. Professional planners and ordinary people who may be looking for the right event space are increasingly looking to the Web for their information rather than calling around from property to property to gather information.

Keywords: Event Location Event Space Meeting Space Meeting Place Wedding Hall

____________________
Jeff Marks, Portland, Maine, US
jmarks@eventective.com
www.eventective.com

Eventective, Inc., headquartered in Portland, Maine, changes the way business is done in the $300 billion meetings and events industry. Through its online site selection marketplace for event planners, Eventective delivers millions of dollars in additional meeting and event spending to its clients in the hospitality industry. The company’s software offerings enable facilities in the hospitality and restaurant industry to manage the availability of their meeting rooms and event spaces, while reaching thousands of additional event planners through www.eventective.com.

RentJillsHouse.com Sponsors North American Sand Soccer Championships

This year had 7,000 players and 700 teams from twenty plus states and several countries. This is a 50% increase in squads from 2004 according to the Hampton Roads Soccer Council (HRSC). The total direct NASSC population of players, families, and other fans exceeded 24,000, not including the approximate 50,000 daily summer weekend spectators on the famed Virginia Beach boardwalk. 50 fields were stretched over 18 city blocks to accommodate 5v5 fast-paced games. International teams, youth teams, men’s and women’s squads, college teams, corporate teams and military organizations participated in the sand soccer tournament. RentJillsHouse.com is a great place to look for a summer beach house to accommodate the entire soccer team, family reunion, birthday celebrations, or for a weekend getaway.

RentJillsHouse.com is the ultimate online solution for locating over 13,000 vacation rental homes and properties. The site is user-friendly and offers information on thousands of vacation rental houses in popular U.S. destinations ranging from the Outer Banks of North Carolina to Lake Tahoe. The website's purpose is to bring vacation homeowners, rental agents and vacationers together through the ease and convenience of the Internet.

Keywords: vacation rentals, vacations, vacation houses, vacation homes, condos, villas, travel, rental agents

_________________
Jackie Moniot,
erica.campbell@rentjillshouse.com
http://www.RoomSaver.com

Jackie Moniot is the Marketing Manager for RoomSaver.com, a division of Trader Publishing Company, the nation's largest distributor of photo-classified ad publications.

Review of Car Rental Abroad

Are you thinking of travelling Abroad?

You will certainly want to get around quickly and easily and not wish to be confined by public transport or taxi services. You have the option of taking your own car or renting one at your destination. Well, taking your own car is only a choice if you can get to your destination through road or ferry ways and you want to avoid the headache of breakdowns and prolonged traveling times. That's where you have the choice of renting a car while you are journeying abroad.
Now here are a few plights you may want to keep away from when hiring a automobile abroad. The following exclamations need be avoided.

"It didn’t state that on the internet!!!"

Checking on the net foremost is the correct way to get an idea which firm to use. You should have a choice between the well known names in automobile rental that are international companies and consolidators or the local firms close to your final destination or airport. If you can find any feedback from other people on these agencies then that may help you to make up your decision. At least call them by phone when you have narrowed down your alternatives of who to pick out and run by your requirements with them.

"I didn’t see that in the terms!!!"

It is so important to fully understand the terms and conditions by which you will rent a vehicle from this company - don’t become caught out by not reading through them and understanding them.

"Look at ME!!! I’m a Tourist!!!"

The easiest way to draw uninvited attention would be to have a label stuck on you showing to any undesirables that you pass that you are merely a holidaymaker and thence easy pickings. Having a car with obvious hiring firm markings will do just as well. Thus stay away from any vehicle that sticks out or advertizes this. It is worth checking out consequently that the firm you select doesn't have a policy of embroidering their cars with their distinct logos or at least find out that they can be taken off.

"Marvelous!!!! I’ll take the bright red hot-rod!!!"

Having a machine that really stands out from the local transport is an additional way of attracting unwanted attention. Touring in this vehicle may not be attractive to just you, the undesirable element may be interested in it also.

"Oi!!! That was not there when you left!!!"

There is always a possibility that damage done to the automobile hasn’t yet been registered correctly and when you take it back you directly become responsible form it so ensure you check the automobile over first. Report any problems to the agent before you drive away. Giving it the once over with a digital camera or camcorder will help when you get it - why not get the delivery or agency guy in it as well.

"What is that noise!!!"

Having a car that is worn into the ground will for sure make for an interesting time learning about the breakdown services abroad. So to avoid this pick out a car with a low mileage and that looks and sounds like it has been serviced well.

"!!!How much!!!"

There could be many things which might be paid for if you do not check and understand the conditions properly. Any car cleaning cost that needs to be made, gasolene that must be left in the car, any extra insurance compulsory (check this before you go - you might already be covered), any extra mileage that you did and of course, any taxes (especially at the airports). This can become rather complicated, take a calculator with you or even just take your time going through it with the car rental salesperson to make sure you fully understand it, although it is much, much better to go on the internet and research all off this before you go.

Keywords: car hire, car rental

___________________
Matthew Sund,
matthew@car-rental-review.com

Matthew M. Sund is an internet marketer who has been technically involved in the internet since the pre-WWW days. Then caught on the tide of eCommerce and the boom and bust has given him a great grounding in the heart of the internet and you will now find him creating web sites in any subject that occurs to him.

Shanghai - China an amazing place to live.

Travel Shanghai China, An amazing city.

I live, work, play in Shanghai, China’s largest city, largest port; a city of 16 million people, (many millions more during holidays and festivals), a city wanting to be the biggest, best and most important in the world.

If you had been able to Travel Shanghai 10 years ago, and returned today, you would see a very, very different city. Shanghai today is a modern, 21st Century city, with tall, new shiny buildings, amazing nightlights, a wonderland.

Finding the old sights and sounds of the old city is becoming more difficult as the city’s rapid development produces almost instant change, almost everywhere. Shanghai is a Chinese city of surprises: - a bizarre, and sometimes brutal, colonial history (British, French, American, Italian, Japanese) and dark days exploited as an Opium trade hub. Mix that with ancient Chinese culture and today we have a city urgently trying to leave its colourful past behind and which will soon be compared, in class and elegance, with any major city in the world. When you Travel Shanghai China, you will quickly notice it is the power-house of China, the money-making machine that drives the Chinese economy continually forward. Shanghai is usually a business destination. However if you are coming for a China vacation, or traveling through on the way to somewhere else, Travel Shanghai China has some must-see experiences and is a good way to introduce yourself to the wonders and difficulties of Travel in China.

There is still a lot for the visitor to see and do in Shanghai. Bars, Clubs, Business, the incredible skyline of beautiful tall buildings as far as you can see. The 21st century architecture. However, the truth be told, when you Travel Shanghai China, the city itself does not have a lot of cultural feel about it. Shanghai is the financial center of China. I could talk all day about what great fun it is to live here; it’s a lively vibrant place that moves at an extraordinarily fast pace. I will cover some of the highlights but you need to see and feel the place personally to fully appreciate it.
Some Shanghai Highlights

• The beautiful colonial-style buildings along the river; an area called the “Bund” where these remarkable buildings from old European days are marvelously lit up at night, and have been beautifully restored; the contrast between the Old and the New is quite a sight.

• The most famous shopping street and lighting effects in China, Nanging Rd, is just a short walk from the Bund.

• The famous Xintain Di district: - this area is the social hub of Shanghai, the very best in chic and style, expensive cars, fine wine, the best restaurants, a very happening place.

• At the southern end of another famous shopping street, Huai Hai Rd, is an area known as the “French Concession”, where peaceful tree-lined streets with wonderful colonial-style villas would make you think you were actually in Europe.

• A must thing to see and do, is to visit the viewing platform at the top of the Jin Mao Tower, the third highest building on earth, the tallest with an hotel inside (the Hyatt). This stunning building is 89 stories high and the view of the city from the top is spectacular. A very special treat is to have a buffet dinner at the Hyatt on the 53rd level, then go up to the bar on the 89th floor and enjoy a drink and the view, which at night will amaze you.

• Shop !!! There are Antique markets, Bird and Bug markets, Commodity markets, Clothes and Fabric markets, local markets and a very famous market where you can buy all the world’s best brand names, at amazingly low prices. Shanghai is a shopper’s heaven, come with a small suitcase and leave with a big one. Secret Treasures If you come to Travel Shanghai China and have time, just outside the city, one or two hours on a bus are some real treats. Would you like to see tranquil lakes?... beautiful Chinese gardens?... ancient villages? Here are a few places that are very close to Shanghai which can often be overlooked when one comes to Shanghai. These cities, towns and villages are the real deal and a must-see adventure.

Just an hour by local bus is Zhujiajiao Tongli, Xitang, About two hours away by bus or train is Suzhou, as well as Hangzhou. If you have anything new you would like me to add about Shanghai, please contact me anytime John Mckenna http://www.Travel-the-Real-China.com

Keywords: Travel Shanghai China, Travel in China, Travel to China

___________________
John Mckenna, Shanghai - China
clown12http://www.Travel-the-Real-China.com

Hi I'm John Mckenna, I am from New Zealand and have lived in Shanghia China now for 3 years. I own and operate http://www.Travel-the-Real-China .com my site provides experienced based Travel and Tour information on the wonders of Travel in China, the Real China, Ancient China, China at its very best

Survival China Travel Tips and Tricks

These China Travel Tips, Survival Techniques, will help you get around and make your trip to China easier, so you will be able to experience the real China with a little less stress. China is an odd beast that needs to be respected; the major cities, Beijing, Shanghai, and Xian, all have their own personalities.

Some complex situations that you think would be an organizational disaster turn out to be great and you wonder afterward what all the fuss and worry was about. Then the simplest of tasks can turn out to be a major calamity.

This is when you have what we call here a “China day”.

These days come and go and are part of the experience of everyday travel in China. One needs to have an open mind when travelling China. It is a place with thousands of years of history and culture that is trying overnight to adapt to Western ways of living.

You need to have a very open mind when you Travel in China. I have listed below a few China Travel Tips that will make life that wee bit more bearable on your Travel China experience.

China Travel Tips – Be Toilet Wise

• Never expect a clean toilet 100% of the time.

• Be prepared; Carry some tissue.

• You may have to use a squat toilet, again if you know this before hand it is not a shock. If you don’t know how to use a squat toilet, try the following experiment at home.

While holding onto something for support with both hands, lower your body down into a low squat position, so that the cheeks of your bottom is almost touching your heels or the back of your calf. Now, let go with your hands. See if you stay in this position for at least 1 minute. If you fall backwards or you cannot get up, then a squat toilet could be a problem for you! Practice, you will be happy you did.

• If you see a clean toilet, Go… it may not come again for a while.

• There are many public toilets around the cities, usually the ones you pay for are OK, (RMB .5), the others best to stay away from if you can. You will soon notice them as you walk around the cities.

• Be warned that public areas like bus and train stations are usually what I class as “tough toilets”, however if gotta go you gotta go.

• Outside of the major cities, the toilet systems are old or have very narrow plumbing /pipes and get blocked easily. In these cases a small basket is usually beside the toilet, this is for your used toilet paper.

One of the best China Travel toilet Tips I can give you, is use hotel lobby toilets; these are everywhere and are always clean. Still they may not always have toilet paper. It depends on the class of hotel that you are using.

I do not wish to scare you. However, of all the China Travel Tips in all the other web sites I have read, this is a topic not often mentioned, but it is very important to us all.
So outside of the major cities conditions can be tough. But most of the time everything will be fine, especially if you book a tour; everything will have been checked out before hand. However even the best laid plans can go wrong, so be prepared, the toilets in the smaller cities, towns and villages can be scary.

China Travel Tips – The Food

• The food is great and the variety is overwhelming. Most of the time you get to choose what you eat, or you can recognize what you’re eating, however sometimes you do not get a choice. Carry a chocolate bar or something; this will keep you going until some food that you can recognize turns up. Drink bottled or boiled water, as the tap water is NOT safe to drink, this is for the whole of China. Even boiled water, while sterilised can contain a lot of minerals and iron deposits that you probably do not want in your system. The safest bet is to drink bottle water. Tap water in most big cities is OK for brushing teeth.

• Eating habits - Most Chinese people have a great habit of being very noisy when they eat and lunch and dinner times can be a wonderfully noisy celebration, food tends to go in all directions, its just part of being in China.

• People also smoke at the table while everyone is eating, so some restaurants get very loud and smoky.

• If you get stuck what to order as most of the menu’s are in Chinese just look at the table next to you and point to the dish you fancy and ask how much it is, this system works really well and know seems to mind.

• I have a basic menu that will help you order safe food, (no Cats or Dog) this will enable you to visit a larger selection of restaurants, not just the tourist ones with high prices. You can carry it with you and use it in the local restaurants where most will be able to serve what is on it. This way you will know what you are eating.

These local places are very cheap and the food it great. Contact me if you would like me to send it to you.

China Travel Tips – Taxis

• China Travel Tips- Taxis - Taxis are an experience that can have you griping the seat and gasping for breath; however you soon get used to it, after the first few rides, you’re an old hand.

• The taxis in Shanghai are, overall, quite good. Try to get the Blue, Blue’ish Turquoise, Gold and White taxis, these are the best… these are the four major taxi companies and are generally recognised by their single colour paintwork. The others are OK, just older and a rougher ride (the others also may have faulty metres). No drivers will speak English.

• Carry your hotel or accommodation business card with you, written in Chinese, this helps if you get lost walking around town.

• In all the taxis around the country you will see the drivers name and taxi registration number in plain sight. If you have any problem, or if you think you have been over charged etc, just take this number down, make a big fuss about it, and the driver then should wake up and fix whatever problem you have. Even better is to take the receipt. This has all the trip details on it and you can ring the taxi company if you want to take things further or if you’ve left something in the taxi.

• The government takes rip-off drivers in all cities, Beijing and Xian especially, very seriously and if you complain they will lose their license. This is their livelihood. So far I have had not one driver in 3 years that has not backed down and we have then agreed a price for the trip or solved our problem.

• In Shanghai, it is common practice for taxi fare increases after 11pm. However, one can usually bargain for a 20% discount, which will get the fare back to the pre-11pm rate. Be strong with the taxi drivers, never-the-less, keep your cool, smile and negotiate.

China Travel Tips – Shopping

• China Travel Tips - Shopping - China is a shopper’s paradise, Markets, Bargains; Top labels… anything and everything if you have the time. With clothes, the larger (Western) sizes can be quite hard to find, however in the major cities where you get a lot of tourist traffic, you can find them.

• Electrical gear, DVD’s, Cameras, stuff like this is not worth buying in China, Hong Kong is still the best place for this.

• Store hours in the major cities are from 10am to 10pm, 7 days a week.

• Visa card is still the best card to carry, with ATM’s in good supply all with PLUS access etc. There is usually a surcharge for use of VISA, MasterCard or other forms of credit card.

• Wait on purchasing if you can, look around to get a feel for the prices. The Chinese are VERY experienced at selling and know that we halve the opening price when bargaining. In the markets go for 25% of what they first ask; go so low that they let you walk away. This will give you an idea of the bottom price. The resulting end-price will probably be around 40% to 50% of where they started.

Whatever the market people say, they are used to pushing and haggling for best prices. Do not worry about being too hard, they are used to it and will not sell you an item unless they make a profit. Don’t be concerned with the apparently hurt body language when you go low – it is all part of the game. As soon as they have wrapped up your first purchase, they will try to sell you something more. Remember to keep smiling and having fun while bargaining.

China Travel Tips – Medical Treatment and Records

• Most hotels will have a doctor that you can see. In the major hotels English will be spoken.

• Always take a small first aid kit, cold remedy, headache tablets at the very least. WATSONS is a very large chain chemist. Most of the remedies, tablets etc, that you may require should be in these shops. These shops are all over China.

• There is a great network of pharmacy type shops; these are indicated by a Green Cross. There will always be a 24 hr Green Cross pharmacy in the city you are in. It is handy to carry a Phase book, as no one will speak English, however you will end up with something that will help.

• INPORTANT POINT – for most of the mass produced packet type medicines, the packaging will be written in Chinese on one side, English on the other. However in the shops you only see the Chinese side. Have a good look, turn the packs over, it gives you a lot more confidence knowing you can read the package.

• If you have a specific medical issue, take records, most of the Doctors will have OK written / reading English, even though their oral English will be poor.

China Travel Tips – Telephone

• Using the phone is as easy as at home. However the person picking it up will not speak English or have very broken English… the Major 4- or 5-Star Hotels will all be OK.

• What is worth doing is buying a Chinese Telecom SIM card, they are about RMB100 and with this you get RMB50 in calls, the other 50 is for the price of the SIM card; this SIM card will go into all major brand phones and work OK.

By doing this, people can reach you within and out of China if there is an emergency. If you have a couple of phones, you can short (txt) message each other (SMS). Also you are able to call your tourist guide, hotel etc if you have any major problems. It is a cheap way to keep in touch.
NB.Before you buy a Chinese SIM card, check that it will work in your Cell / Mobile phone. There are plenty of China Telecom shops that can help. China Travel Tips on when NOT to move around China.

• Spring Festival, this would be the Chinese New Year time, around the end of January / Early February

• Early May; Labour day Holidays

• Early October; National Day Holidays

Of all the China Travel Tips National Day is the biggest one. Millions of Chinese travel at these holiday times of the year. Most are travelling back to home towns or visiting family. Hotels, trains, planes, cars, buses, and roads are all crowded to the maximum. Major congestion, everywhere.

Also travel fares are at their full price. No discounts are offered! Stay in one place and enjoy where you are. It’s best and causes fewer hassles.

China Travel Tips – TV

• If you want to watch TV, most of the major hotels will have cable and if you are in the smaller places, the national channel, CCTV9 is in English. Over the last couple of years it has got a lot better, with some great China Travel Tips programs, news and views on people and places around China.

China Travel Tips – Airport Tax

• There is a “construction fee” at almost all airports.

Domestic flights RMB 50 International flights RMB 90 – which is to be paid in local currency. Just recently, tickets are being tissued with the Construction Tax included; however make sure you have the Tax money with you just to make sure.

I hope some of these China Travel Tips will come in handy and will make your trip to China that little bit easier.

If you have been to China and wish to share your China Travel Tips, please feel free to contact me anytime.

John Mckenna http://www.Travel-the-Real-China.com

Keywords: China Travel Shanghai China, Travel in China, Travel to China, China Travel Hainan island, Beijing

__________________
John Mckenna, Shanghai - China
clown12http://www.Travel-the-Real-China.com

Hi I'm John Mckenna, I am from New Zealand and have lived in Shanghia China now for 3 years. I own and operate http://www.Travel-the-Real-China.com my site provides experienced based Travel and Tour information on the wonders of Travel in China, the Real China, Ancient China, China at its very best

Find the best holiday destination around the Costa Blanca and Alicante

The Costa Blanca in Spain is synonymous to sun and fun in the coastal area of the Mediterranean Sea. This belongs to the Province of Alicante, starting in the town of Denia and reaching to Pilar de la Horadada or Torrevieja as the last important town in the province, and part of the Community of Valencia. As the name tells us, the White Coast is thanks to all the white, clean sandy beaches that are at your disposal to enjoy such as Javea, Moraira, Altea, Benidorm, Guardamar and Torrevieja.

Lets take a closer look at some of these fantastic holiday spots. Each village is considered to be someones favourite because it has something extra special that will tickle your fancy!

Javea on the east iberian peninsula

Javea is found about 90 kilometres from Alicante and a little over 100 km. from Valencia city. Both of these cities have international airports which make travel very easy. When you look at the map of Spain, the highway A-7 connects Javea to the rest of Europe with exit ramps at Ondara no. 62 or at Benissa no. 63.Found near the landmark of the mountain peak Montgo, Javea is rich in natural landscapes, beautifully cared for beaches and a World Heritage history which has given Javea some of its most interesting cultural and traditional past times. Bullfighting in the streets - You might have always thought that you would have to buy expensive tickets to get a good seat in the bullring, but in the summer time, it is very popular here to bring the bulls out into the streets. The young lads who are or will be 18 years old make all the plans for this traditional show. They block off a series of streets and at the end of one of them, a makeshift corral to enclose the bulls is installed. The idea behind this is for the young lads to show how brave they are once they have become young men. Sounds prehistoric, doesnt it? On some occasions at night, rags, which have been soaked in petrol, are tied to the bulls horns and then lit up. The young fellows once again try to defy these brave bulls.

From Benidorm to Alcape - pick another city around the Costa Blanca for your holiday

Not letting the plants grow under your feet, you can quickly move onto the seaside town of Moraira for a relaxing apperitive sitting right on the waterfront of the fishermens wharf, or continue down the coast to Calpe which is just before you reach Altea. Calpe has always attracted a large German and English population because its beaches were practically untouched and there were a lot of villa to be rented instead of staying in a hotel. But this has changed considerably, for the better, and now there are more accomodations, international restaurants and the typical ones in the port area which serve a delicious lobster stew called caldereta or you can point your finger at the live fish or seafood you want and it is done right then and there. Altea is another town which has grown with the demand of travellers to the Costa Blanca area. In July it has a spectacular water fireworks show which starts at around 9.00 p.m. after everyone has set up their picnic equipment on the pebbly beaches to enjoy this event, dining under the stars. Benidorm is a year round holiday spot thanks to its weather and variety of entertainment for people of all ages. Other than the theme parks, which are quite a few, you can explore the crystal clear waters in a submarine like catamaran. As you sing the Beatles famous song, We all live in a yellow submarine, sailing to Benidorms island, you will see colourful beautiful birds and fauna. Or you can leave Benidorm Marina at 11.00 a.m. to take a boat ride along the coast to Calpe, returning at 3.00 p.m. Never a boring moment!

Count on Alicante, too

Either starting from the north of the province and having flown into the Valencia airport in Manises or directly to the south, into the Altet airport in Alicante, your travel plans can be completed with no sweat. The Altet airport is only 10 kilometers from Alicante city, having incredible connections with other fantastic countries all over Europe. From the airport to the city, you have public buses which cost 1 euro and run hourly, taxis or car rentals. Many of the hotels have mini buses which also pick up clients when having been booked beforehand. If you are to go to Benidorm for your holiday first, there are buses which cost 6 euros, running all week. At almost any time of the day, you can go back to Alicante to spend a fun day there visiting the Mendez Nunez Promenade for hand made crafts, any of the many museums or choose a special date like in June for the famous Saint Johns Fire Festival or the Saint Faz - Jesuss Face-Pilgrimage which is usually two weeks after Easter. And still travelling south without leaving the Costa Blanca is Guardamar and Torrevieja, both sea shore towns, with their own history, specialty cuisine and traditions.

Even though the Costa Blanca in Spain seems to take up a large extension of land, if you plan your days carefully, looking at exactly where you wish to visit on you first holiday on a good map, you can surely immerse yourself into the charming Costa Blanca rythym. You can find Robert Carlten the author over at his website at http://www.alicante-spain.com where he helps tourists and business travellers with hands on information on cities around this coast of Spain. With detailed reports on cities like Benidorm , Altea or Torrevieja, he has become a contributor to various online sources.

Keywords: costablanca, spain, calpe, javea, torrevieja, moraira, guardamar, benidorm, alicante, altea, summer,

________________
Robert Carlton, Alicante
webmaster@alicante-spain.com

Visit Buena Park California

Buena Park, California, just under seven (7) miles down the freeway from Disneyland in Anaheim, is a city of 80,000 plus people and is a tourist attraction city that is overlooked by many tourists. This city is home to Knotts Berry Farm, "With over 165 wild rides, shows and unique attractions just steps from Knott's Resort Hotel, Knott's Theme Park is the place to go for family fun and thrill seeking adventure!", Knotts Soak City, "Knott's Soak City Water Parks are acres of waterlogged fun for everyone.", Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament, "A place where knights battle for their kingdom's honor while an exceptional feast is served in a magnificent setting.", Movieland Wax Museum, "Movieland Wax Museum is the most unique House of Wax and one of the world's largest wax museums." and Ripley’s Believe It Or Not, "The museum houses hundreds of rare and unusual artifacts, some which are unavailable anywhere else in the world.". All of these attractions are within walking distance of each other.

The city hosts a fair variety of inexpensive but good hotels including, Courtyard By Marriott, Embassy Suites, Holiday Inn, Radisson, Red Roof Inn and more and a good selection of restaurants including, Claim Jumper, Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant, Hometown Buffet, Outbacks Steakhouse, Pat & Oscars, Ventanas and more.

Do you want something else to do, then try sportfishing, sailing, harbor cruises or whale watching in nearby Newport Beach, try shopping at the Fashion Island in Newport Beach or the South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa, visit the Aquarium Of The Pacific (one of the largest aquariums in the United States.) in close by Long Beach, spend a day at the beach in beautiful Laguna Beach or take a twenty two (22) mile drive up the freeway to Los Angeles.

For more information about the city of Buena Park, California see http://buenapark.usacitydirectories.com, a directory of links to city of Buena Park, California guides and directories listing information, resources, services, things to do and places to go.

Keywords: buena park,california,visit,travel

_________________
David Hallstrom,
http://www.usacitydirectories.com

David G. Hallstrom, Sr. is a retired private investigator and is currently the publisher of several internet directories, including http://www.usacitydirectories.com a directory of national, state, county and city guides and directories listing local guides, directories, web sites and web pages providing resources, services and information about things to do and places to go.

Visit Pasadena California

No one thinks about the city of Pasadena, California, unless it is Rose Bowl or Rose Parade time, except for Los Angeles County residents and people who hear the song "Little Old Lady From Pasadena".

When tourists think about visiting California they most often think about going to Disneyland or cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco or beach cities like Long Beach, Monterey, Newport Beach, San Diego, Santa Monica, etc.. Very few of them think about visiting or staying in "small town" Pasadena and that is a big mistake.

No matter what you are looking for in a vacation or what you wish to do you can find it in or near Pasadena. The city itself has over four hundred (400) restaurants that serve amost any type of food that you can imagine, dozens of art galleries and antique shops, fine museums like the Huntington Library and the Norton Simon Museum of Art, hotels of all categories from inexpensive motels to the Ritz Carlton, night clubs and comedy clubs, beautiful homes with magnificent gardens that can be seen while driving through the city, over two hundred (200) churches, shopping galore and much more.

Mountains, ski resorts, beaches and the desert as well as Disneyland, Knotts Berry Farm, Magic Mountain, The Aquarium Of The Sea, the Getty Museum, etc. are all within a one half to one hour drive. Visit Hollywood or Beverly Hills. Downtown Los Angeles is only nine freeway miles from downtown Pasadena. Visit the Arboretum, the Botanical Gardens or the Los Angeles Zoo. Take in a Dodger, Lakers, Clippers, Kings or Galexy game (all venues are less than fifteen (15) miles from Pasadena). Take in a horse race at Santa Anita, go to one of California's largest swap meets at the Rose Bowl or just sit in an outdoor restaurant in Pasadena's famous "Old Town" and people watch.

For more information about the city of Pasadena, California see http://pasadena.usacitydirectories.com, a directory of links to city of Pasadena, California guides and directories listing hotels, restaurants, churches, physicians, attorneys, information, resources, services, things to do, places to go, art galleries, service organizations, auto dealers, nursing homes, convalescent hospitals, antique dealers and more.

Keywords: pasadena, california, visit, travel

__________________
David Hallstrom,
http://www.usacitydirectories.com

David G. Hallstrom, Sr. is a retired private investigator and is currently the publisher of several internet directories, including http://www.usacitydirectories.com a directory of national, state, county and city guides and directories listing local guides, directories, web sites and web pages providing resources, services and information about things to do and places to go.

Visit Santa Barbara California

Ninty some miles north west of Los Angeles lies the lovely beach city of Santa Barbara, California where you will find some of the cleanest and best tended beaches on the west coast.

The city of Santa Barbara which includes Hope Ranch and Montecito has a population of approximately 90,000 (not counting the students who reside at UC Santa Barbara.) yet it hosts millions of visitors each year. The residents of the city are, for the most part, friendly, courteous and helpful, the city is clean and thanks to a well enforced anti graffiti department, virtually free of graffiti. Crime rates are low and the police are courteous and willing to assist you in whatever you need. Whether you are a single traveler, traveling with a friend or spouse or taking the whole family, Santa Barbara is a great destination.

There is something for everyone in or near Santa Barbara. Relax on the beaches, enjoy the night life on State Street or in next door Isla Vista, drive past multi million dollar homes in Montecito or Hope Ranch, take in a symphony at the Arlington Theater, visit the Museum of Art, tour the Mission, go to the Zoo or enjoy the Botanic Gardens or the Natural History Museum, fish off Stearns Wharf, go sport fishing or whale watching, dine at one of the numerous excellant restaurants (many with outside patio dining), visit the outdoor Farmer's Market and buy organically grown fruits, vegetables, flowers and plants, buy arts and crafts at the sidewalk art show which is right along the beach, rent a bicycle or a bicycle built for two and ride on the bike paths along the ocean, dine at one of the seafood restaurants or at the open air fish market on Stearn's Wharf or shop at the Paseo Nuevo Shopping Mall.

There are accomidations in every price range, from inexpensive motels to bed and breakfasts to luxury hotels like the Four Seasons Biltmore and the Bacara Resort and Spa.

If the foregoing is not enough, take a wine tasting tour of the botique wineries in the Santa Barbara wine region, go boating and fishing at Lake Cachuma, visit and play poker, blackjack, bingo, keno or slot machines at the Chumash Resort And Casino, visit Solvang "the Danish Capital of America", go skydiving or take flying lessons at the Santa Inez Airport, see the historic old west town of Santa Ynez, visit Pea Soup Andersen's in Buellton or just take a long relaxing drive up the coast and enjoy the fantastic weather while viewing the beautiful scenery.

For more information about the city of Santa Barbara, California see http://santabarbara.usacitydirectories.com, a directory of links to city of Santa Barbara, California guides and directories listing hotels, attorneys, information, resources, services, things to do, places to go and more.

Keywords: santa barbara,california,visit,travel

___________________
David Hallstrom, http://www.usacitydirectories.comDavid G. Hallstrom, Sr. is a retired private investigator and is currently the publisher of several internet directories, including http://www.usacitydirectories.com a directory of national, state, county and city guides and directories listing local guides, directories, web sites and web pages providing resources, services and information about things to do and places to go.

This summer, kids travel for free on VIA Rail

(NC)- is almost here. The school year is winding down and vacations are imminent. People are letting their thought drift to barbecues and beaches. They are also poring over maps as they plot their trips across Canada to enjoy the sun, see new places and visit family and friends.

Canadian parents will not have to endure highway traffic jams in cars full of children who are itching to arrive at their vacation destination. They and their children can travel by train in comfortable, spacious VIA Rail train cars. And this summer, their children can travel for free!
Train travel is more convenient, comfortable and affordable than ever, and VIA Rail's service is the ideal way to see lots of Canadian destinations from the Atlantic to the Pacific in one vacation experience.

To these advantages, VIA has added deep discounts for children under 11 years of age. These discounts will have even more people with families planning their summer vacations well before the season begins so that they can enjoy the train and avoid the crowds on the roads.

From May 27 - September 5, 2005, people over 18 who purchase a Senior, Student, or adult-fare ticket in VIA Rail Canada's Comfort Class (Economy) can bring along a child aged 11 or under for free. Available on almost every VIA Rail train system-wide, the Kids Travel Free program makes it even more affordable to make travel with VIA part of a perfect family getaway exploring some of Canada's most exciting destinations.

In addition to the convenience, parents enjoy the special qualities of train travel that make it a categorically different experience from driving. They sit face-to-face with their children. They spend time reading, playing games and enjoying the scenery. When they are tired, they take a nap. All this while they zoom toward their destination.

Parents remember the wonder and magic of the train rides that they took as children, and want to create those same memories for their own children.

In effect, when families travel by train, the holidays begin as soon as they leave their home to start their voyage, not when they arrive at their destination.

VIA Rail's Kids Travel Free offer is valid on almost all its trains. There are a few exceptions, including VIA's express trains between Montreal and Toronto, which depart at 5:00 p.m. from both cities.

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News Canada

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Tips on traveling with infants and small children

We are planning a vacation abroad with our newborn and a 2 year-old. What preparations should we make for the flight?

- M.G., Guelph, Ontario

(NC)-Louise Collignon, spokesperson for Transat Holidays, explains: "A baby up to 2 years less a day can travel in an adult's lap. I recommend you use our seat pre-selection service to ensure your child's maximum travel comfort. Of course, the family will be pre-boarded." Air Transat offers diaper changing tables on all flights (you must supply the changing materials), and a skycot, depending on availability, for your tiny bundle to sleep in. From age 2 onwards, a child needs a ticket and a child seat to travel. An approved, hard-sided car seat is recommended for children under 40 pounds.

On a practical note, don't forget to take the folding stroller with you! For your comfort, it will be stowed in a baggage compartment as you board. Remember to bring wipes, vaporizer, baby bottles of water to keep your baby hydrated, diapers, a change of clothes, a baby blanket for each child (the air-conditioning can get chilly!) and baby food that the cabin crew can warm up for you. Have a pleasant flight!

More information is available online at www.airtransat.com.

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News Canada

This article is provided "free-of-charge" to be used in your publication, newsletter, website, ezine, etc. Credit must be given to News Canada and the source/sponsor of information quoted in text must be identified as presented. Using articles from our publication, website or from our CD constitutes your acceptance of these terms and forms an agreement between you and News Canada.

Welcome aboard, kids

(NC)-Air travel with children is easier than you might think, with irlines going out of their way to offer services geared to children. As always, Air Transat is one step ahead of the game: in December 2004 was launched the Kids' Club for vacationers aged 2 to 11. Kids are welcomed by mascot Airnest at the airport, on special occasions such as Easter and Christmas.

The services available to them include priority boarding for families, and a host of thoughtful extras to help them pass the time happily while in the air. These include game sets distributed at the airport, boxed lunches with a surprise gift, a choice of games on board, brightly coloured headsets to enjoy their favourite cartoon characters and television programs suited to various age groups. They also get a log book in which to record all their flights with Air Transat, and this makes them official members of the Kids' Club.

You're never too young for a membership card! Children can also enter contests to win trips, choose gifts and enjoy extra special attention from the cabin crew throughout the flight. They won't have time to get bored.

More information is available at www.airtransat.com

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News Canada

This article is provided "free-of-charge" to be used in your publication, newsletter, website, ezine, etc. Credit must be given to News Canada and the source/sponsor of information quoted in text must be identified as presented. Using articles from our publication, website or from our CD constitutes your acceptance of these terms and forms an agreement between you and News Canada

How to get that extra mile - smart tips for summer driving

(NC)-Trips to the cottage, days out at the park, lake or beach, family reunions - summer driving season is upon us!

"What better time to fuel up on tips to maximize your vehicle's gas mileage, minimize hazards and make your next road trip the smoothest ever," says Caroline Papadatos, Vice President of Marketing for the Air Miles Reward Program which partners with more than 1,600 Shell retail locations across Canada.

Plan Ahead

Drinks and healthy snacks in the car are a necessity, when travelling with children, as are age and car appropriate toys, games, CDs and DVDs, and a change of clothing in case of spills.
Schedule regular rest stops or take a break when you stop for fuel. Many Shell retail locations, for example, offer convenience stores stocked full of essentials. You'll also find lots of extra services like cash machines and washrooms.

Safety First

Summer brings increased traffic to the roads, so staying calm, alert and driving at safe speeds are vital. Make sure everyone is buckled up and babies and young children are secured in properly installed car and booster seats. Tie down loads to ensure you have a clear view. Take a break from driving when you feel tired or share the drive with your partner.

"Safety is just as important when you stop for fuel," says Gord Reid, Shell's Retail Safety Manager. "Turn the vehicle engine off when refueling and use only approved containers to transport extra fuel. Smoking, or using lighters or matches, and use of cell phones are strictly prohibited at the pumps."

Maximizing Gas Mileage

Routine maintenance will save fuel, boost your vehicle's reliability and resale value and minimize emissions. So keep tires properly inflated and wheels aligned. Combine errands into one outing - trips less than five kilometres burn more fuel than longer drives, and an engine idling for more than 10 seconds burns more fuel than it takes to restart. Keeping to the speed limit is not only safer, but generally more fuel efficient than driving at higher speeds.

Select the recommended fuel and octane level for your vehicle. Shell offers three different octane levels (Bronze, 87 octane; Silver, 89 octane; and V-Power, 91 octane), as well as diesel options.

Look for loyalty programs that offer added value on your fuel and other service station purchases. The partnership between the Air Miles Reward Program and Shell allows Collectors to earn reward miles at participating Shell retail locations across Canada which can be redeemed for a variety of Reward options, including Shell fuel certificates and car washes.

For more information on road safety, contact your Provincial Ministry of Transportation. Visit www.airmiles.ca or www.shell.ca for details on the Air Miles Reward Program, motoring tips and fuel options.

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News Canada

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Fairway to heaven - Canada's glorious golf courses

(NC)-Golf is a phenomenon - according to independent research, four million Canadians play golf and the sport is growing in popularity among men, women and juniors alike.
"It's not surprising that more Canadians are taking up golf as we may be the luckiest golfers in the world, with courses from coast to coast that blend stunning landscapes with the sport," says Jill Morison, Senior Director of Rewards Marketing for the Air Miles Reward Program which offers green fees for courses across Canada, golf vacations and equipment in its Rewards portfolio.

Ms. Morison adds that Canada's golf resorts offer the perfect getaway for singles, couples and families. In addition to a day on the links, you can hike, bike or simply sit back, relax and take in the scenery.

Some of Canada's most scenic golf resorts include:

Greywolf Golf Course in British Columbia which has made Panorama Mountain Village almost as popular in Summer as its famous powder has made it among skiers during the winter. Nestled in the breathtaking Canadian Rockies there are mountain views at nearly every hole. The resort also features water slides, pools and chairlift rides.

Trickle Creek Golf Course on the slopes of Star Mountain in Kimberly, British Columbia is ranked by Golf Digest magazine as a top-10 best place to play in Canada. Off the links, visitors can hike and bike over miles of trails or join a river-rafting or fly-fishing expedition.

In Alberta, rugged Rockies flavour is also combined with the game. Only 30 minutes outside of Calgary, in the rolling foothills of Kananaskis Country is the Wintergreen Golf and Country Club. It features four sets of tees for every hole among mountain streams and steep pitches.
If a links-style course is more to your taste, Ontario is the destination. The Monterra Golf Course at Blue Mountain, for example, is laid out on the rolling terrain of the Niagara Escarpment.

In Québec's Laurentians, two picturesque courses, Le Diable and Le Géant live up to their names as challenging courses. To let off steam, golfers can swing through the trees on a forest canopy rope ride or take an ATV tour along dried riverbeds and old rail lines.

In Canada's smallest province, Prince Edward Island, you are never far from a great spot to play golf. The oceanside Links at Crowbush Cove is another top-10 ranked Canadian course. Also worth a visit is Brudenell Provincial Park, site of the award-winning golf course of the same name.

Can't decide where to play? Ms. Morison adds that a great option is a Privileged Play Golf Membership which offers access and discounts to more than 100 of the best golf courses across Canada and the US.

For more information, visit www.airmiles.ca

Reprinted courtesy of Travel and More magazine and Javelin Custom Publishing

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News Canada

Terms of UseThis article is provided "free-of-charge" to be used in your publication, newsletter, website, ezine, etc. Credit must be given to News Canada and the source/sponsor of information quoted in text must be identified as presented. Using articles from our publication, website or from our CD constitutes your acceptance of these terms and forms an agreement between you and News Canada.

Travel Web Sites – 5 Dirty Little Secrets

Travel web sites are big business, and a lot of power has been placed in the hands of the consumer… or has it? Does your urge to always look for a better deal play into somebody else’s greed? A travel web site is a great tool but before booking online you must know these 5 dirty little secrets.

1. ALL TRAVEL WEB SITES ARE CREATED EQUAL – RIGHT?

Afraid not. These days there are really two types of sites for booking online travel. The more traditional travel web sites like Expedia, Travelocity, and Travel Now… and the new kid on the block known as travel search engines, which include sites like SideStep and Kayak.

A travel web site only searches its own database of available flights, and rooms, and car rentals. So the search is limited. On the plus side you’ll get more search features and booking services offered.

At travel search engines, the results will be more comprehensive than at a travel web site. These engines will include results directly from airline sites, travel web sites, and other databases containing flight and room availability. But you’ll find a more restrictive search capability, and you won’t get the “bells and whistles” of a travel web site.

2. IT REALLY DOES PAY TO COMPARE AS MANY AS YOU CAN

A travel web site will negotiate and purchase blocks of fares and rooms directly from airlines and hotels. They can then set their own reduced rate. Because of this the same seat on a flight, or room in a hotel, can vary between travel web sites. So if you want the cheapest fare or room always check out at least two or three before booking online travel.

3. TRAVEL WEB SITES DON’T ALWAYS GET THE BEST DEAL

And just before you press that “submit” button at your chosen online booking site… hop over for a final check at the airline or hotel web site for any special offers or lower rates you may get if you book directly. Sometimes the best deals are reserved for their own online customers or preferred clients, and you’ll even avoid fees.

Speaking of fees…

4. BEWARE OF TRAVEL WEB SITE SERVICE AND TRANSFER FEES

The travel web sites may be complimentary to search but they charge to book, and if you have to change itinerary then it can be frustrating and costly. On the good side the service fees are not usually outrageous – around $5 per ticket. But I’ve seen some creeping up to around $20 and there’s no need to pay that price.

Now transfer fees are another kettle of fish, and it can cost you $100 or more to change after you’ve booked a flight. And if you want a refund… be prepared to spend hours on the phone to get to somebody who can authorize it.

The travel search engines make money from paid advertising and a referral fee from the airlines or hotels, so usually you don’t pay a fee when using them to book. But this is changing so check for fee disclosure before booking.

5. THE HIDDEN LINK THAT CAN SAVE YOU MONEY

Many of the travel web sites have a link on their page that allows you to become part of their affiliate program for no cost. The problem is it’s usually “hidden” at the bottom of the page in type point 7 invisible. By becoming an affiliate you can earn a small commission for everybody you refer to them that buys a ticket or room.

But before you rush out and quit your day job and set yourself up as a home-based travel agent, understand you’ll have to send them hundreds and hundreds of people hot to buy to make any money. But here are better reasons to become an affiliate…

These same sites allow you as an affiliate to purchase your own tickets and still get paid the commission. It’s effectively a discount. For the sake of spending a few minutes completing the form why not do it?

Now be sure to check the small print on the agreement just so you’re familiar with the restrictions if any, and how they’ll pay you.

Armed with these tips and secrets you’ll be better prepared to navigate through a travel web site. I use them all the time and continue to find new twists and gotchas. And there’s still that travel agent in the mall if you just can’t be bothered with the whole online game.

Keywords: travel web sites,travel web site,booking online travel,travel search engines

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Cliff Calderwood, Upton, Massachusetts, USA
http://www.New-England-Vacations-Guide.com/ima

Cliff Calderwood is the owner and contributing writer of www.New-England-Vacations-Guide.com/ima He's lived in New England for 23 years. Get more great info. at http://www.new-england-vacations-guide.com/ima

TravelWize – The Smart Traveler’s Choice for the Lowest Fairs

The Internet is an ideal resource for travel planning. It lets shoppers compare and research the easy way, and ensure all arrangements are secure. From popular travel resources such as Travelocity to direct airline and hospitality websites, customers find ideal flight and hotel information, and have the ability to book everything online. Whether an avid traveler or someone who wants that freedom, TravelWize by Gullivers Travels has introduced the ideal discount program.

Gloria, a Texas native, wishes she’d found TravelWize years ago. "I’ve flown 18 flight segments and was upgraded to first class 12 times at no cost to me,” she states. “When I rented a mid-sized car, I was offered a Lincoln Town Car for just $28.00 a day. I have stayed in many different hotels including the Le Meridian in Beverly Hills to the Marriott in San Antonio, and with my Travel Credentials, I always get 50 percent off the regular rate. "

Gulliver’s Travels Expands

Before you understand TravelWize, you need to know its background. Gulliver's Travels is an ARC-appointed (Airline Reporting Corporations), full-service travel agency located in Sarasota Florida. It has serviced the Sarasota community since 1969 fulfilling reservations for leisure, corporate, cruises, groups and tours.

Gulliver's Travel recently expanded business to include independent, outside travel agents working from home, referring business to their GRTA website booking engine or to Gulliver's reservation specialists at their hi-tech call center. Each Gulliver's reservation specialist has an average of 15 years experience in the travel industry to assure superior service and offer excellent travel advice.

Based on exceptional service and outstanding customer service satisfaction Gulliver's Travels has received several awards including Sarasota Herald-Tribune "Readers Choice Award" and Sarasota Magazine’s "Best Travel Agency" for the last seven years.

The company is a member of industry associations including ASTA (American Society of Travel Agents), CLIA (Cruise Line International Association), IATAN (International Airlines Travel Agency Network) and Ensemble Travel. With growing purchasing power, they’re expanding their preferred status with many vendors to develop higher commission to outside agents and special pricing for customers.

TravelWize – Sell and Earn

To assist travelers even more, Gulliver’s Travels introduced the TravelWize program, making it possible to enjoy air travel, resorts, cruises, hotels and car rentals for the lowest possible price. When you become a Gulliver’s Independent Referring Travel Agent (GRTA), you earn full or part-time income in the travel industry and real travel savings. You’re able to book travel through a personal website any time. It’s a business that you can own and operate right out of your own home. Did you know:

-The travel industry is $3.7 trillion strong.

-The travel industry grows 23 percent each year.

-Tourism accounts for 10.9 percent of all consumer spending. Robert in North Carolina uses his benefits to take the family vacations they could never afford: "In my first month with TravelWize I saved over $320 dollars in Travel and Theme Park tickets! This is something every family should be doing."

Extensive Travel Resources

In addition to offering competitive travel booking services, TravelWize is a comprehensive travel resource.

Flight Tracker - Track a flight by airline name and flight number, or by city and arrival/departure times

Map Address - Maps are great for getting around, but online maps could be a lot better
Travel Warnings - Travel Warnings are issued when the State Department recommends that Americans avoid a certain country

State Dept Travel - Travel and Living Abroad What to Pack - An educational site that teaches ordinary people how to travel lightly

State Tourism - Contact numbers for tourist organizations

Intl ATM Locator - Provides an online search platform to locate an ATM anywhere in the world

World Weather - The world's leading and most respected commercial weather service company

Currency Converter - You can perform interactive foreign exchange rate calculations, using live, up-to-the-minute currency rates

Traveler's Health - Travel health warnings and precautions for international travel

US Customs - The US Customs and Border Protection website

Time Zones - Current local times around the world

Become an Agent: Make Money – Save Money

Being a full or part-time travel agent has its rewards. For some, it means a broader, more expansive world to discover. For others, it makes their existing travel much less expensive. TravelWize.com, Your personalized Internet web site will enable your clients, friends, and family to book travel whenever they like 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
As a referring travel agent you can now travel for even less with major airline, car rental and hotel companies at TravelWize.com. In addition, when you book travel online you earn commissions on every booking.

Sandy in Minnesota considers TravelWize the best kept secret in the industry: "I joined TravelWize.com because of my passion for travel. I love to travel, and I also love to help people save and make money. We’ve already saved well over $7,000 in seven months with our Travel Agent credentials, and I’ve made over $7,000 just by sharing with others how they can save and make money. I am living my dreams and you can too." To learn more, join the program or just save money on you next travel adventure, visit TravelWize.com.

Gary W. Griffin, Ph.D. is a researcher and an entrepreneur. He is also an authorized travel agent, and he loves to travel. This article is brought to you by e-Travel FAQs. For all your travel information needs, visit us at www.e-TravelFAQs.com.

Keywords: travel, airfare, airplanes, car rental, hotel reservations, vacations, cruises

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Gary Griffin, Senoia, GA U.S.
ggriffin@mindspring.com
http://www.tasadasolutions.com

Gary W. Griffin, Ph.D. is a social science researcher and an entrepreneur. He can be reached at (770) 719-0253 or ggriffin@mindspring.com

See Alaska as never before: Alaska inside passage cruises

Between the Alaskan mainland and its islands, lies an intriguing waterway best known as the inside passage. Abundant in wildlife and breathtaking beauty, the inside passage affords visitors an experience that cannot be found anywhere in Alaska or in the world.

From the waterway of the passage, one can look upon some of the most magnificent natural scenery to be found such as coastal rainforests, deep blue fjords and tidewater glaciers. Also to be found in the passage are numerous species of wildlife including humpback whales, sea lions and seabirds. Because of the awe-inspiring beauty of the passage and since many destinations along the Alaska inside passage are only accessible by plane or boat, inside passage cruises have become one of the most popular tourist attractions of the state.

Few people have visited Alaska without experiencing once in a lifetime moments. Towering tidewater glaciers offer natural beauty that usually is only fully appreciated with an up close and personal view that only a cruise through the inland waterways can afford. From this vantage point you will stand in awe of these mighty glaciers that reach several hundred feet in height and enjoy plentiful wildlife viewing such as humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, mountain goats, brown bears and bald eagles. You will also be stricken speechless by the sheer beauty of the inside passage's botanical gardens, spectacular waterfalls, and the Alaskan sunrise as seen from the cruise ship.

Alaska inside passage cruises are also popular for their exotic port destinations. Some of the most popular ports of call on the inside passage are Juneau, Skagway, Haines, Ketchikan and Victoria. Certain cruises even give passengers the opportunity to land on Annette Island and to be greeted by the Tsimshian elders of Metlakatla.

Best of all, Alaska inside passage cruises are affordable. You can choose from one-day inland glacier cruise packages which are as priced as low as $69 per person to a luxurious six night cruise on a deluxe designer yacht for as little as $4,000 per person. Of course there is a wide range of cruise options that fall between these two extremes.

As you can see, there is a little bit of something for everybody aboard one of Alaska's inside passage cruise ships: a change of pace, exquisite scenery, and memories to last a lifetime.

Keywords: alaska, alaska inside passage, alaska cruises, alaska wildlife, vacations, travel, glacier cruises

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Ron Richards,
Palmer AK United States
http://www.findanalaskacruise.com

A lifelong Alaskan, Ron Richards lives in the beautiful Matanuska Valley. Ron invites you to come and see Alaska. One excellent way to enjoy Alaska is by taking an affordable Alaska cruise.

Camping Stove Performance, Ease of Use & What to Avoid

Important information about camping stoves...

What type of camping, hiking, or backpacking do you do? Do you camp at parks, out of your car, or do you carry everything on your back? Do you camp only in North America?

Do you need a camping burner for winter camping or do you mostly camp during the summer when it's warm out?

Will you be carrying it for long distances? What type of fuel do you want to use?
How many people will you be cooking for?

If you don't know the answers to some of these questions this camping stoves guide will help.
In general camping stoves that are easy to set-up and take up as little room as possible when you break them down are better. Fuel supplies that can be disconnected from camping stoves also make life easier. Good camping stoves should have a good base-of-support and avoid ones that tip on less-than-ideal surfaces or when they have a big pot on top of them.

You want the most reliable, durable, compact, light, easy-to-use, camping stove that performs well in all the conditions you encounter. For example if you travel outside the U.S. take a look at multi-fuel camping stoves because white gas is hard to find. If you cook for your family then you'll want at least two burners.

Two burner camping stoves, for families and groups, are bigger so you can heat more than one pot at a time making meal preparation much easier. They're great for camping at campgrounds or whenever you don't need to move them around much. If you're hiking or backpacking though you'll want to avoid dual burners and look at lighter camping stoves.

Light-weight camping stoves can weigh less than 4 ounces, not including the fuel and container. Better camping stoves are designed to fit inside other equipment used for camping, like cookware or even part of itself. This makes packing and carrying easier and less time consuming. Both two burner and light-weight stoves are divided into two types, liquid fuel or canister.

Types of Camping Stoves

Liquid fuels require pumping to pressurize the fuel tank and priming (lighting fuel or another substance to warm the liquid fuel so it vaporizes and ignites) to help them light off. They can take longer to start and bring to full temperature.

Once they're going, liquid fuels usually burn hotter, but they also require more attention when you're trying to gently warm food. Some liquid fuel camp stoves offer adjustability while some don't, if you're looking to gently simmer something gourmet in the woods then you may want to look at...

If you'd like to learn more about camping stoves please click here for the entire article. If you're interested in some related information about camping food please click here.

Marc Wiltse learned how important good quality hiking equipment and camping gear were after his pup tent flooded with over 3 inches of water forcing him to sleep in the front seat of his 2-seat Honda CRX (translation: research is a good thing). His hiking equipment & camping gear guides & reviews save you time & money. Subscribe to his camping & hiking newsletter & get the most usable information FREE!

Keywords: camping stove, camp stove, camping burner, backpacking stove, hiking

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Marc W.
http://www.hiking-gear-and-equipment-used-for-camping.com/

Marc Wiltse learned how important good quality hiking equipment and camping gear are after his pup tent flooded with over 3 inches of water and forced him to sleep in the front seat of his 2-seat Honda CRX (translation: no sleep and plenty stiff). His hiking equipment & camping gear guides & reviews save you time & money. Subscribe to his camping & hiking newsletter & get the most usable information FREE! © Marc Wiltse. Reprint permission if author, copyright, links & this notice are intact.

Dude Ranch Tourism

Many tourists are drawn to Dude Ranches for the same reasons they were at the beginning of the 20th century: a sense of adventure, a desire to experience another way of life, and the chance for a wholesome and healthy good time.

The Dude Ranch embodies the ideas of self-reliance, living off the land, and wide open spaces. Forget about the TV and the Internet, and turn that cell phone off. Once on the ranch, these distractions will happily be put aside.

www.e-duderanch.com explains that the Dude Ranch first gained marked popularity in the 1920s. As more and more tourists started arriving from the east, and overseas, many cattle ranches opened themselves up to accommodate the visitors.

Some working ranches allow visitors to get a true taste of the cowboy life, with the opportunity to help with the chores required for the daily operation of the ranch. Dude Ranches have also evolved with the times, and many boast every modern amenity one can imagine. Horseback riding is offered for all skill levels, and lessons are almost always available. Although it varies from ranch to ranch, numerous other activities, such as swimming, fishing, hiking, square dances and campfires are usually offered.

There are, of course, more modern reasons to spend time at a Dude Ranch. Without the neon lights of the city, you can see the stars at night. Without the noise of the highway, you can hear the crickets and birds. And when you’re sitting atop your horse, you can look around and see land that stretches for miles, without a mini-mall or condominium complex to obscure the view.
About usDude Ranch is a comprehensive guide to dude ranches in the USA, providing information on popular dude ranch tourist destinations as well as dude ranch employment opportunities. E-DudeRanch.com presents an accessible interface where users can determine what type of dude ranch experience would be best for them.

Keywords: Dude Ranch, vacation, farm, horses, cowboy

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Dani Martin
Mount Kisco, NY, USA
dani@tagzteam.com

Freeport In The Bahamas

Freeport in Grand Bahama Island is the closest of all the Bahamas to the USA. A quick 45 minute flight from Fort Lauderdale or Miami will get you into Freeport. It is a very popular destination because of its close proximity and the fact that US dollars are widely accepted. There are two main clusters of hotels and resorts on Grand Bahama Island. One is at the Port Lucaya area located on the south shore of island and the other is near downtown Freeport which is more inland. There are also other individual resorts scattered around the west and south shores of the 97 by 17 mile island.

I have traveled to Freeport twice and stayed in the Port Lucaya area both times. Most of the hotels here are next to the Port Lucaya Marketplace which is a collection of restaurants, boutiques and other retail services. In addition to the higher end retail, there are also small outdoor vendors selling cheaper goods such as souvenirs and t-shirts. One should be aware that much of the items available for sale from these vendors are not actually made in the Bahamas but overseas in Asia. There is also a nice sized marina here for those coming to the island via private boat. For those interested in scuba diving, the Unexso operator is very convenient since it is located next to the marketplace. There are also deep sea fishing excursions offered here as well. At the center of the marketplace is the Count Basie Square where free entertainment is featured on some evenings. A casino is on location here as well. The white sand beach is quite nice with no rocks in the water but it could use some cleaning up since I did see some cigarette butts and small litter scattered around. This is also true for some of the areas around the Port Lucaya area in general as it seems that nobody wants to take responsibility for bottles and other trash visible to tourists.

The taxi fare to Port Lucaya from the airport was $19 US. There is also a public bus service which utilizes vans to take people to other parts of the island. The fare is $1.50 US per person to downtown Freeport so this is definitely a much more economical way to get around. One can take this bus service to the nearest grocer called Winn-Dixie or the other major shopping area on Grand Bahama Island called International Bazaar. International Bazaar is actually next to downtown Freeport and near the other cluster of hotels there. This shopping area was similar to the Port Lucaya Marketplace except that it had an international theme. Unfortunately, the International Bazaar is rapidly going downhill as over half of the stores are now closed. This is not that surprising since even though there are attractive hotel rates and another casino located in this area, it is really too far from the ocean to make it a decent Caribbean spot to stay. Therefore, it is highly recommended to stay in the Port Lucaya area (or one of the individual resorts near the ocean if one prefers more seclusion).

Both of my trips to Freeport were primarily for scuba diving and with opportunities to dive with both dolphins and sharks here, I was not disappointed. There are other activities available in Grand Bahama Island including golf, horseback riding, sea kayaking and bird watching but these didn’t seem to be too popular. From the conversations we had with other tourists, it seems that most people came to Grand Bahama Island for scuba diving, deep sea fishing or just to relax by the beach. Otherwise, one could get bored here quite easily as there’s not much in terms of experiencing local Bahamian culture since much of the tourist services are Americanized.

Keywords: freeport, bahamas, grand, bahama, island,lucaya, caribbean

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Clint Leung
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
http://www.FreeSpiritGallery.ca

Clint is owner of Free Spirit Gallery which specializes in exquisite authentic Eskimo Inuit and Northwest Native art including carvings, sculpture and prints at below retail prices. There are numerous information resource articles on Inuit and Native art with photos of authentic artwork as well as eCards at the website (http://www.FreeSpiritGallery.ca).

Gatlinburg Cabin Rental

While many modern cabins have sprouted up, there are still cabins in Gatlinburg that date back more than two centuries. Founded in the 1800s as White Oaks and later renamed Gatlinburg, the charming town began attracting recreational visitors with the opening of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 1934. In the past few decades Gatlinburg has developed into a top-notch vacation spot that welcomes visitors year-round.

In renting your Gatlinburg cabin, you have the choice of a private tucked-away cabin or a more community-centered vacation. Some resort communities feature swimming pool, clubhouses, meeting rooms as well as central patios. Cabins located within such communities are spaced apart to ensure maximum privacy and peacefulness.

Many different types of lodging plans are available: single and double occupancies, family-oriented vacations, corporate rentals, and exclusive wedding and honeymoon packages.
Gatlinburg cabin rentals with one bedroom are typically priced from $110 to 150 per night. Two bedroom cabins are typically priced from $120 to $170 per night. Larger family packages, such as three and four bedroom cabins tend to range from $130 through $250 per night, and wedding and honeymoon packages can range anywhere from $250 to over $1,000 for an entire stay.

Gatlinburg cabin rental prices also rise and fall depending on peak or off-peak status. Peak season in Gatlinburg is from January through May, and also includes the months of September, November and December. Off-peak season stretches from June thru August, October, and Major Holiday Periods. In addition, various cabin rental packages often include a free third night and/or discounts to local attractions, such as Dollywood, the Dolly Parton themepark in neighboring Pigeon Forge.

Several cabin rental companies display rates online and can be contacted directly to make reservations.

About us Gatlinburg Cabins is dedicated to providing comprehensive information on Gatlinburg cabin vacations, rentals, and properties, as well as weddings, honeymoons and other information. E-GatlinburgCabins.com presents an accessible interface where users can determine what type of vacation or related service is best for them.

Keywords: cabins, TN, vacations, outdoors

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Dani Martin,
Mount Kisco, NY, USA
dani@tagzteam.com

Hiking Sock Guide: Say Goodbye to Blisters?

Great hiking socks are critical. Do yours deliver in all these important areas? Learn how to pick the hiking sock that is smart for your trip.

Your hiking socks are probably like you at work... they do a lot more than they're given credit for. They must be comfortable, wick moisture, protect against shear, support your natural posture, keep your feet at a good temperature, distribute pressure, promote circulation, absorb shock, and be tough. That's no small order.

They are almost as important as your boots and shoes when it comes to your comfort. Here are some things to consider.

Blood Flow- This is the circulation of blood through the foot. A decrease or cut-off in blood flow can be caused by unyielding fabrics in hiking socks. Acrylics in combination with other fibers and a terry weave can help with this and shear.

Moisture- With exertion one foot can sweat 1-2 pints of vapor/fluid per day. That's why wicking technology in hiking socks is so important. Without it bacteria and fungus can become a problem. Hungry yet? ;-)

Position- If your hiking socks don't help to maintain correct anatomical alignment this can cause premature fatigue. Correct posture also helps to correctly position your foot in your boot or shoe to make it feel like it's an extension of your body.

Pressure Areas- Pressure can cause discomfort and lead to damage if it's not addressed. A good example of this is a bedsore. Most people hopefully won't experience pressure to this degree, but it's something you want to keep in mind when looking at hiking socks. Padding is especially important around bony areas like the heal and ball of the foot.

Shearing Force- This happens when your tissue is moving in opposite directions, like when jumping over a stream, or descending a steep slope. Part of your skin is moving one way and the tissue under it another, this causes a tearing action just under the surface of the skin. This is the most common way of getting blisters.

Temperature- Good hiking socks need to be appropriate for their intended use, from a warm weather day hike to a week-long mountaineering trip. Once in their appropriate environment they should maintain a consistent comfortable temperature.

Like a shoe or boot your hiking socks should be matched to the type of hiking you'll be doing.
Liners- Thin socks called liners are made to be worn under your hiking socks next to your skin so they can wick the moisture away and keep your feet dry...

If you'd like more information on hiking socks please click here for the entire article. Also you may want to take a look at this related article on hiking boots and what's important regarding fit and construction.

Marc Wiltse learned how important good quality hiking equipment and camping gear were after his pup tent flooded with over 3 inches of water forcing him to sleep in the front seat of his 2-seat Honda CRX (translation: research is a good thing). His hiking equipment & camping gear guides & reviews save you time & money. Subscribe to his camping & hiking newsletter & get the most usable information FREE!

© Marc Wiltse. Reprint permission if author, copyright, links & this notice are intact.

Keywords: hiking socks, hiking sock, backpacking socks, camping socks

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Marc W.
http://www.hiking-gear-and-equipment-used-for-camping.com/

Marc Wiltse learned how important good quality hiking equipment and camping gear are after his pup tent flooded with over 3 inches of water and forced him to sleep in the front seat of his 2-seat Honda CRX (translation: no sleep and plenty stiff). His hiking equipment & camping gear guides & reviews save you time & money. Subscribe to his camping & hiking newsletter & get the most usable information FREE! © Marc Wiltse. Reprint permission if author, copyright, links & this notice are intact.

One of the Oldest Traditions of the American West: The Dude Ranch

Dude Ranches first gained popularity in the 1920s, in large part due to the writings of Teddy Roosevelt. Working as a ranch man himself, Roosevelt not only spent time herding cattle, but he also urged Americans to explore for themselves. The popularity of dude ranch increased after WWII and soon became a main tourist attraction in the Rocky Mountain area around the 20's and 30's.

Now a days Dude Ranches have become a staple of American culture, right along side baseball and apple pie. Many tourists are drawn to Dude Ranches for the same reasons they were at the beginning of the 20th century: a sense of adventure, a desire to experience another way of life, and the chance for a wholesome and healthy good time. If you're looking to truly get away from it all, and make memories to last a lifetime, look no further than a Dude Ranch vacation.

Dude Ranches are as varied as the people seeking out the vacation. Accommodations can range from rustic to luxurious, depending on the experience you’re looking for.

www.E-DudeRanch.com explains that at a Dude Ranch, you can enjoy home cooked meals, cookouts, wagon rides, fishing, and square dances. If you're looking for something a little more modern, many ranches provide amenities such as swimming pools, hot tubs, and game rooms.
About usDude Ranch is a comprehensive guide to dude ranches in the USA, providing information on popular dude ranch tourist destinations as well as dude ranch employment opportunities. E-DudeRanch.com presents an accessible interface where users can determine what type of dude ranch experience would be best for them.

Keywords: Dude Ranch, vacation

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Dani Martin, Mount Kisco, NY, USA
dani@tagzteam.com

Whale Watching – The Biggest Show on Earth

Whale watching is a spellbinding, entertaining, and thought-provoking adventure trip. It’s a show with the largest mammals on earth as the star performers. Whales are majestic and graceful giants, who’s every move seems effortless, choreographed, and yet playful. In this article discover how to get the most out of your trip.

Imagine a lazy summer’s afternoon on a boat in a gentle rolling ocean. A good breeze softly massages your face where you sit, and you begin to close your eyes and drift away… the sound of the boat’s engine begins to fade and finally stops. The boat, like you, is drifting over the waves and following the breeze. It’s very peaceful and calm and after a stressful week you feel in harmony with the world. Then something explodes… out of the water… and only a few feet from your nose! A 30-ton humpback… the length of a large house... it breaches… and in another second is gone. And you’re left in disbelief and wonder.

And it’s just the start of your whale watching!

While whales are scattered throughout the world there’s only a handful of accessible locations to view them in their natural environment. The coastal waters of New England and the west coast of North America are prime locations for whale watching. Hawaii and South Africa are also superb locations to spot whales, as are the ocean waters around New Zealand.

So if a vacation or trip takes you to any of these areas make sure you book a cruise and take in the largest show on earth.

Here’s some pointers to make sure you have an enjoyable whale watch.

PLAN YOUR WHALE WATCHING TRIP

In the summer months whale watching is popular and so book early – many tours suggest one week to avoid disappointment.

Whale watching cruises can last anywhere from 3 hours to 41/2 hours. If whales are just playing hard to find, then the captain will make every effort to stay out as long as they can to get a sighting.

While most boats are equipped with a place to buy food and drink they don’t usually mind you taking your own pack lunch or snacks. Because it can be a long ride until they find the whales and then back to port take a novel or your walkman and listen to your favorite music, or even whale song CD. If you’ve got young children take something to keep them entertained as well.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A WHALE WATCH CRUISE

Before you book on a whale watching cruise check into the cruise company. Check out their web site, you’ll usually find information about the fleet’s experience and staff.

Today most whale watch boats have sophisticated equipment and communications that help the captain find the whales. But if a company has been organizing whale watch trips for many years it’s a sign they’re doing something right and a safe bet for you.

My most rewarding trips have been when a naturalist or whale expert has been on board to provide information and narrate the tour.

CHECK FOR A WHALE SIGHTING GUARANTEE

Because of the very unpredictable nature of the whales, they’ll be rare occasions when you just don’t see any. So make sure you book on a cruise that offers a guarantee sighting or you get to cruise again for free.

Offering a guarantee is another good sign of a confident and experienced whale watch company. But remember if they spot one whale and you weren’t watching or somewhere else on the boat when they did – tough!

WHALE WATCHING IS DONE ON THE OPEN OCEAN.

Whale watching on the open ocean means if you suffer with motion sickness at all then take something about an hour before you board the cruise.

Experienced whale watch cruise captains do not go out in rough seas, but it’s not a harbor cruise and the whale feeding grounds are usually miles from land. The open sea can be a little choppy even in the summer months.

QUICK CHECK OF WHALE WATCHING EQUIPMENT.

Recommended things to bring on your whale watch are a camera and plenty of film or memory cards (if you’re digital). If you’ve got binoculars take them as whales sometimes surface yards from the boat, and having binoculars will give you spectacular views and close ups others without them just won’t get.

Wear sneakers or something rubber-soled for good traction on a wet and slippery deck. And take sunscreen, sunglasses, and if it’s got a tie strap – a hat.

Because of the breeze and open water there’s usually a 15-degree difference from land out in the ocean. So take a sweatshirt or windbreaker just in case, and especially for a late afternoon trip. Also the boats will go out in the rain and if you’ve got a poncho take it.

The whales are waiting for you. These mesmerizing animals have traveled thousands of miles so you can view them playing and feeding. It’s really the biggest show on earth. So go ahead and take the adventure - they don’t stay for long.

Keywords: whale watching, whale watch, boat trips

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Cliff Calderwood, Upton, Massachusetts, USA
http://www.New-England-Vacations-Guide.com/ima

Cliff Calderwood is the owner and contributing writer of www.New-England-Vacations-Guide.com/ima He's lived in New England for 23 years. Get more great info. at http://www.new-england-vacations-guide.com/ima

German Gift -- Make The Right Decision

The Right German Gift Is Often Something Different Than A Flower Or A Bottle Of Wine. Read On To Find Out.

The most given German gifts are flowers for women an a bottle of wine for men. But you could do better.

A bottle of wine, unless it is 50 years old, will be drunk at one of the next evenings. And the flowers a woman gets are withered in a couple of days.

Here is what I would do instead. And that will fascinate both, women and men.

Bring something with you that is from your country or represents the culture of your home in particular.

Now back to the flowers and the wine bottle.

If these flowers are so unique and last for a long time, means that it is a plant, than it is a good German gift. And if the wine is a few decades old so that your recipient won't empty that bottle unless you come back and you both celebrate a big deal (or something else extraordinary), that bottle will get the best place in his house, and he will show every guest this German gift he got from his friend. He even will remember the day and the reason he got it for.

And this is my point here. Your friend, whom you give that gift, has to feel special that it brings tears in her/his eyes. Your gift has to be so unique that your friend makes everything possible to get a special place in her/his house for that German gift.

A friend of mine from South-Africa, when she visited me the other day, she brought a brown South-African tribal mask, which looks pretty scaring and amusing at the same time.

She brought it for my mom, and it has still its unique place in her home. Everybody who hasn't seen it before ask her what it is and from whom she got such a unique, historical and picturesque gift. Some even asked if she bought it on an auction (no, not ebay, a place such as "Christies") and how much my mother paid for it.

The point is not how much it costs. The South-African mask does not cost very much, even for them. The point is the feelings you will tap by giving this.

So now I have a short checklist for you to focus on.

Unique and Extraordinary -– If you get this gift at each and every corner, better forget it.
Cultural –- your gift has to represent your culture and its history

You see, what you can cause with a gift that is probably normal for you and your culture, but very special for us here in Germany.

All the best.

Marcus Hochstadt © Copyright http://www.smart-travel-germany.com/ All Rights Reserved

Keywords: german gift, german gifts

________________
Marcus Hochstadt,
http://www.smart-travel-germany.com/

Marcus Hochstadt has a high interest in helping you gain the delightful form of a smart travel to and through Germany. Just recently, he has written a special report on How to Travel for Free! You can download it at http://www.smart-travel-germany.com/freetravell

Ice Axe, Crevasses, No English

Climbing the glaciers to the summit of Mount Chimborazo in Ecuador isn't highly technical. It is mountaineering, but how hard can it be, considering I went to 20,600 feet the first time I used crampons and an ice axe? Okay, I used them once for practice, on a sledding hill near my house. I climbed forty feet while people walked by with their sleds, telling their kids to stay away from me.

It's also easier to climb when the guide drives you to 15,000 feet. Don't get me wrong. Climbing the last 5,600 feet was incredibly difficult, but not for the skill required. The air missing half of its oxygen is what had me quitting twenty times on the way up. It just gets difficult to move up there.

The Chimborazo Graveyard

The monuments near the first refuge weren't for climbers without skill. The graveyard is a warning of the unpredictability of all high places. Chimborazo is very high, it randomly shruggs off large rocks, and has weather that changes by the minute. While hiking to the second refuge, we could hear the rocks and pieces of ice falling somewhere above.

El Refugio Edward Whymper is an unheated hut at 16,000 feet, named after the English climber who first summitted the mountain. Okay, it isn't entirely unheated. There's a fireplace, and if somebody feels like carrying wood up to 5000 meters, the fire may raise the temperature in the hut by 3 degrees.

We had hot mugs of "mate de coca" a tea of coca leaves, which are also used to make another product - one that's taken up the nose. We went hiking for twenty minutes - my acclimatization. We ate, and I slept for an hour before starting the ascent at eleven that night.

About Mount Chimborazo

Chimborazo is in Ecuador, near the Equator (100 miles south). The elevation in the center of the country, and the moderating effect of the Humboldt Current along the coast, gives the country near perfect weather. A bit hot in the lowlands, but spring-like in Quito (the capital) , with highs in the sixties to low seventies every day of the year. Great weather almost everywhere--until you get high enough.

The summit of Chimborazo is the furthest point from the center of the Earth. Our planet bulges at the equator, making Mount Chimborazo even futher out there than Everest. It has the distinction of being the closest point to the sun on the planet. Unfortunately, it's also the coldest place in Ecuador.

Climbing Chimborazo

Paco, my guide, didn't care for the lightweight part of my mountain climbing adventure. He frowned at my sleeping bag, which packed up smaller than a football, and weighed a pound. My 13-ounce frameless backpack didn't impress him either. It did get below freezing in the hut, just as he said it would, but I stayed warm - as I said I would. No problems so far.

Unfortunately, Paco didn't speak any English, and I was just learning Spanish. Since our whole group consisted of him and me, we had some communication problems. I thought, for example, that the $11 fee for the "night" (a few hours) in the hut was included in the $130 guide fee. He thought I was a mountain climber.

I think he said he didn't like the papery rainsuit I was using, and he frowned at my homemade ski mask. When he saw my insulating vest, a feathery piece of poly batting with a hole cut in it for my head, I just pretended not to understand what he was saying.

I hadn't intended to go climb Chimborazo with such lightweight gear, but I'd come to Ecuador on a courier flight, and could bring only carry-on luggage. I had12 pounds in my pack to begin with, so by the time I put on all my clothes that night, the weight on my back was irrelevant. The weight of my body, however, wasn't. Paco had to coax me up that mountain.

Hiking On Glaciers

The glaciers start near the hut, and hiking became mountaineering. I put on crampons for the second time in my life (there was that sledding hill). During one of my many breaks ("Demasiado" - too many, which I pretended not to understand), I noticed my tiny, cheap thermometer had bottomed out at 5 degrees fahrenheit. I wasn't cold, but I was exhausted at times - the times when I moved. When I sat still I felt like I could run right up that hill.

We struggled (okay, I struggled) up Mount Chimborazo, hiking, climbing, jumping crevasses, until I quit at 20,000 feet. Of course I had quit at 19,000 feet, and at 18,000 feet. Quitting had become my routine. Lying had become Paco's, so he told me straight-faced that the summit was only fifty feet higher. I wanted to believe him, or the lack of oxygen had scrambled my brain. I started up the ice again.

The Summit of Mount Chimborazo

We stumbled onto the summit at dawn. Well, okay, I stumbled. Paco, who seemed slow and tired down at the refuge, was energetic at 20,600 feet. Dirtbag Joe, a nineteen-year-old kid from California with ten bucks in his pocket, borrowed equipment, and my Ramen noodles in his stomach, was waiting for us, smiling.

The sky was a stunning shade of blue you can never see at lower elevations. Cotapaxi, a classic snow-covered volcano, was clearly visible 70 miles away. We enjoyed the view for a few minutes.

Handshakes all around, and it was time to head down. I was told you don't want to be on Chimborazo when she wakes up. She wakes up at nine a.m.

Paco kept looking at his watch and frowning. He got further and further ahead, like he planned to abandon me on the mountain. When I finally caught up, at the hut at nine a.m., I heard the rocks falling out of the ice above as the sun warmed it. Now I understood - we really did need to get down by nine. A thousand feet lower my mountain climbing adventure ended with a photograph that mercifully can't show my shaking knees.

Note:

To climb Mount Chimborazo, it's cheapest to wait until you get to Ecuador to make arrangements. Talk to almost any hotel manager in Riobamba, and he or she will find a guide for you. It's also cheaper if you're part of a group.

Steve Gillman is a long-time backpacker, and advocate of ultralight backpacking. His advice and stories can be found at http://www.TheBackpackingSite.com

Keywords: chimborazo, mountain climbing, mount chimborazo, glaciers, hiking, climbing

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Steven Gillman, Tucson, AZ

Steve Gillman has been studying brain improvement, concentration, creative problem solving, and related topics for years. You can visit his website, and subscribe for free to his Brain Power Newsletter at: http://www.IncreaseBrainPower.com/newsletter.html

Celebrating a Year Long Vacation With RentJillsHouse.com

June 5, 2005, Norfolk, VA-RentJillsHouse.com (www.rentjillshouse.com ) announces its first anniversary of providing its customers with the most effective vacation rental advertising on the Internet! In an age when 63% of vacationers use the Internet to make their travel plans, RentJillsHouse.com has already emerged as a leader in the online vacation rental industry. RentJillsHouse.com has more than tripled its number of listings to over 13,000 since the launch and is currently growing at a more rapid pace than ever! Leads generated to the brokers on RentJillsHouse.com are four times higher today than last June. During the past year, RentJillsHouse.com has also launched and enhanced a number of product offerings.

RentJillsHouse.com is the ultimate online solution for locating over 13,000 vacation rental homes and properties. The site is user-friendly and offers information on thousands of vacation rental houses in popular U.S. destinations ranging from the Outer Banks of North Carolina to Lake Tahoe. The website's purpose is to bring vacation homeowners, rental agents and vacationers together through the ease and convenience of the Internet.

Keywords: vacation rentals, vacation rentals in, beach vacation rentals, vacation home rentals, beach house

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Jackie Moniot,
erica.campbell@rentjillshouse.com
http://www.rentjillshouse.com

Jackie Moniot is the Marketing Coordinator for RentJillsHouse.com, a division of Trader Publishing Company, the nation's largest distributor of photo-classified ad publications.

Alaska glacier cruises: Alaska up close and personal

What do you have in mind for your next vacation? Are you planning another trip to the same tired beach that you visit every year or an "adventure" to a controlled, commercialized theme park? If so, I have a suggestion for you: Alaska glacier cruises.

What if I told you that you could do something truly unique and adventurous, something that the whole family would love? What if I told you that there was a family cruise destination so breathtakingly beautiful and teeming with wildlife that you could spend days captivated at the rail of a cruise ship and still not get enough? Would you be interested? Sure you would.

Few people have visited Alaska without having been changed by the experience. Much of the terrain consists of gorgeous, formidable glaciers and ice fields which cover over 5% of Alaska's land surface. This natural beauty can be seen from many top tourist destinations of Alaska including Juneau, Valdez, Seward and the Matanuska Valley, but is usually only fully appreciated with an up close and personal view that only a cruise through the inland waterways can afford. From this vantage point you will stand spellbound by tidewater glaciers that reach over 100 ft. in height and the antics of wildlife such as humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, dolphins, brown bears and bald eagles.

In Alaska, there is a multitude of attractions that will keep you coming back for more. Cruise the smooth inland waterways of Alaska and come surprising close to the sheer ice faces of these magnificent, natural phenomenons; port at luxuriant destinations complete with fine dining and unique entertainment; and make memories that will last a lifetime.

The truth is: The popularity of Alaska glacier cruises is growing in leaps and bounds due to the awe-inspiring beauty of Alaska's glaciers and the affordability and wide range of cruise packages available. You can choose from one-day inland cruise packages which are as priced as low as $50 per person to a luxurious six night cruise on a deluxe designer yacht for as little as $4,000 per person. Of course there is a wide range of cruise options that fall between these two extremes. Take for instance the seven day voyage available through a well-known cruise provider. For under $2,000 per person, this trip affords passengers the opportunity to cruise several top Alaskan inside passages aboard a luxuriant cruise liner and port at several top destinations.

As you can see, there is no end to the possibilities associated with Alaska glacier cruises. Why don't you look into the possibilities that these cruises can open up for you and your family? The only thing you have to lose is another boring summer vacation.

Keywords: alaska, alaska cruises, alaska travel, alaska glacier cruises, alaska adventure, wildlife, glacier c

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Ron Richards, Palmer AK United States
http://www.findanalaskacruise.com

A lifelong Alaskan, Ron Richards lives in the beautiful Matanuska Valley. Ron invites you to come and see Alaska. One excellent way to enjoy Alaska is by taking an affordable Alaska cruise.

Travelling To Spain - The Spanish Regional Travel Guide

Up to 60 million visitors travel to Spain every year to delight in the country’s 315 sunny days and its rich and diverse history and culture. As a result the Spanish government spend millions of Euros per year on the travel and transport infrastructure to service the country’s growing population and its ever growing numbers of visitors.

Therefore Spain has to be one of the easiest and most affordable of the world’s popular destinations in terms of its accessibility - particularly from the UK and Northern America. For example there are cheap flights available from all British airports to main and regional airports across Spain daily and direct flights from the main Spanish hubs to the US daily. As an alternative for British and European travellers there are fantastic countrywide train, coach and ferry links and great access for those who prefer to travel by car.

This article breaks down the main Spanish travel options by region.

Northern Spain – The easiest way to access this region is by plane from one of the main UK airports flying directly to Bilbao or from the US to Malaga with transfer to Bilbao. It’s possible to connect with Iberia flights for connections across the North and throughout Spain. Alsa and Eurolines have sophisticated coach networks and it’s possible to travel all the way across Europe to Bilbao or San Sebastian and then pick up local coaches or rail connections. You can also sail from the UK port of Plymouth to Santander with Brittany Ferries, or you could take the P & O route from Portsmouth to Bilbao.

Castile and La Rioja – The cheapest way to access these regions is possibly to fly to one of the main Spanish hubs – Barcelona, Bilbao or Madrid for example, and then either drive or get connecting flights. You can connect with Iberia for flights to Logrona in La Rioja or Valladolid in Castile. Castile, Rioja and Navarre are serviced by an excellent road network which makes getting around simple and again, Alsa coaches will connect you with major and minor destinations across the regions and the entire country.

Aragon, Navarre and the Pyrenees – As these regions are easily accessible by car or coach from Madrid it may be best to get a cheap flight to Madrid and then drive the E90 to the heart of the region. You could consider getting a connecting flight to Zaragoza in the middle of the region which is a good jumping off point for explorations in this stunning part of Spain. Alternatively access to this region can be made by rail or coach. Eurolines coaches will connect you with Pamplona or Zaragoza; Eurostar rail will take you from the UK to Paris and from Paris you can catch an overnight high speed rail link to Madrid…from Madrid the options are varied, from local rail and coach connections, car hire, and local flight connections with Iberia.

Costa Brava and Costa Dorada – As we move east to the beautiful Northern Catalonian coastal regions of the Costa Brava and Costa Dorada, so accessibility increases. Barcelona airport is the main airport for these regions and it welcomes cheap UK and US flights. You can then connect to Girona in the Costa Brava region or Reus in the Costa Dorada region. Barcelona itself has an underground train network for access throughout the city, and if you want to travel further afield the Spanish rail service RENFE has many mainline and local services servicing both regions. The main coastal road in Costa Brava is the A7, with the A2 taking you west away from Barcelona and the C32 taking you south from Barcelona into the Costa Dorada. Barcelona has a port with ferry services to Genoa, Rome, Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza.

Central Spain and Madrid – Central Spain’s main airport is Madrid and it welcomes direct flights from all the major UK and US airports and some of the smaller ones as well. As Madrid is such a major city you can imagine it acts as an important travel hub for the whole of Spain. Coach and rail networks and main auto routes all radiate from the city. Madrid has two main stations with trains departing for regional and international destinations, and the city has an underground metro system as well.

Costa del Azahar – The main travel hub of this region is Valencia with the city’s airport enjoying direct UK flights. To access the rest of the region you can take advantage of the RENFE services from Valencia or enjoy the city via the FGV trams and underground trains. If you want to travel from the coast to Madrid take the N430 and A3; to explore the coast take the A7. Again, Eurolines coaches operate connections to towns and cities in this region including Valencia, Sagunt and Vinaros. And last but not least, Valencia is a port city and has ferries running across the Mediterranean with destinations including Malta, Ibiza, Italy etc.

Costa Blanca – Most visitors for this region enter via Alicante airport. With the Costa Brava well serviced by roads and Alicante airport offering great car hire opportunities many people prefer to access the rest of the region by road, though RENFE, Eurolines and Alsa offer excellent rail and coach alternatives.

Costa Calida – Murcia is the main airport for this region, though Alicante airport is also accessible affording visitors and residents an extra opportunity and advantage. From Murcia there are a number of major train services including direct links to Madrid. In terms of roads, again the Costa Calida is a region with an excellent network of major roads and routes: the N340 runs from Alicante through Murcia to the Costa del Sol, the A7 hugs the coast and local, national and international coach lines service the area. In the port town of Cartagena a passenger terminal was built in 2003 which now serves as a destination for some of the major cruise liners on their way to and from destinations around France, Greece and the Black Sea Coast.

Costa de Almeria – You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to airports serving this region, you can fly to Alicante or Murcia and travel by road or rail into the region or you can fly direct to Almeria airport. The cheapest flights are often to Alicante. RENFE have mainline train services from Almeria to the city of Granada, Eurolines, Alsa and Enatcar all offer coach services across Costa de Almeria. The major routes in the region are the N340 which runs from Costa Calida through the town of Almeria and on south to the Costa del Sol, the A92 which connects with Granada and the A348 which connects Almeria with the Alpujarras. In terms of sea access, Transmediterranea have ferries from the port of Almeria to Northern Africa.

Costa del Sol and Andalucia – If you can’t get a flight to this region of Spain you must be doing something wrong – or maybe just hoping to travel during peak season! The main airport is Malaga and nearly every single airline you can think of flies from almost every single UK and US airport you can think of! If you can’t get a flight and you’re in the UK you might consider driving to the Costa del Sol! In which case your best bet would be to sail from Plymouth to Santander or from Portsmouth to Bilbao and then travel the 900 or so kilometres south. If you start off in Bilbao you’ll need the A68 and A1 to Burgos, or from Santander take the N623 to Burgos – then from Burgos travel via the N1 to Madrid. From Madrid head to Granada, from Granada head for Malaga…phew! Alternatively get a Euroline coach all the way from the UK to Estepona or Malaga or travel from Paris on the fast night train to Madrid and connect with the AVE fast train to Cordoba which in turn connects up with regional Costa del Sol services.

Costa de la Luz and Gibraltar – You can either fly to Gibraltar or Jerez in the region or make use of the many cheap flights to Spain that land in Malaga. There are ferry services between Tarifa and Algeciras in Spain and Tangiers in Morocco, bus and rail services across Europe and through Spain to the Costa de la Luz and strong road links with the E15 serving Gibraltar from the mainland.

Whatever your final destination you should be able to find cheap flights to some of Spain’s main airports and then use local and regional travel services to access your destination of choice; as I hope I’ve shown, the whole of Spain is incredibly easily accessible.

Keywords: Cheap flights Spain, Spanish flights, flights Spain, travel Spain, Spain travel, travel, tourism

_____________________
Rhiannon Williamson
rhiannon@shelteroffshore.com
http://www.shelteroffshore.com

Rhiannon Williamson is the publisher of http://www.shelteroffshore.com/ - the online resource for investment property abroad, offshore investing and living overseas articles, guides and resources. Click the following link for Spanish property and moving to Spain articles, guides, resources and recommended reading.

Moving to Spain and Surviving!

Spain is one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations; furthermore the attraction of Spain’s climate, culture, beauty, cost and standard of living attracts record numbers of expatriates to relocate to its shores every year and the country already has an estimated 1.5 million foreign residents in situ.

But there’s a darker side to moving abroad that few people ever consider – did you know that last year 191,000 people relocated overseas from the UK…and 105,000 Britons also returned to the UK last year having failed to establish their new life overseas?

Some people simply fail to survive a move overseas and it certainly isn’t a case of “no going back” for the thousands of disillusioned people who flock ‘home’ to their mother country year after year…therefore if you’re thinking of moving to Spain you need to understand the main reasons people cite when they return. By understanding these reasons you will avoid the pitfalls and pain and succeed where others may fail thereby fulfilling your dreams of a new life in Spain.

The Practicality of Your Location

You need to make sure that you choose the very best location in Spain to fulfil your practical needs on a day to day basis.

Consider the accessibility of a location for family and friends to visit you and for you to reach a doctor, the supermarket, a school or even a hairdresser. Find your perfect location, location, location by visiting the areas you’re interested in and considering them thoroughly from the point of view of how easy and practical your day to day life there will be.

Accessibility & Homesickness

Wherever you choose to live, consider the accessibility of the location with your old home country in mind. Sure, you may be sick of the sight of certain people right now but you never know what tomorrow will bring and how are you going to feel if you can’t get back to visit, or if the important people in your life can’t afford to visit you?

Spain is very well serviced by airports and cheap airlines, it has one of the cheapest rail networks in the whole of Europe and the Spanish government spends millions each year on the travel and transport infrastructure so wherever you choose to locate you should never be so far away from decent transportation. But do bear this point in mind as ‘homesickness’ and ‘inaccessibility’ are some of the main reasons people cite when they give up on their dream of a new life abroad.

Being Accepted

The first two years in any new country are by far the hardest…it takes this amount of time to build up enough knowledge of the local areas, customs, people and language to make your new house feel like ‘home’.

It also takes a significant investment and effort on your part to find true acceptance and getting to the stage where you really feel you ‘belong’ in your Spanish community will take time, effort and above all perseverance.

Expectation versus Reality

Moving abroad won’t necessarily ‘fix’ your life - if you do move abroad you won’t escape your history, you won’t escape who you are, you won’t escape all of the day to day grind and you may not always improve your quality of life! So make sure you have realistic expectations of your new life in Spain before you go and know that living in Spain will be very different to holidaying in Spain.

YES your new life abroad can offer you so much more …but just make sure your expectations can match the reality and remember the saying – life isn’t necessarily a beach just because you live beside one!

Health & Wellbeing

One of the saddest reasons people cite when giving up their dream of a new life abroad is health and wellbeing. The trap is the price, availability and quality of health care in their ‘new’ country. Please look at the local Spanish health care facilities, think about long term and respite care, consider health insurance for all your family and basically don’t bury your head in the sand! If you consider the worst case scenario and protect yourself against it, chances are you will be prepared for everything and will financially survive.

Last But Not Least - Money

THE most common reasons for people returning ‘home’ with their dreams shattered is that they simply run out of money.

If you’re moving to Spain and hoping to find work you need to know that unemployment in the country is way above the EU average, if you don’t speak Spanish you’ll struggle and some of your qualifications may not be recognised in Spain. If you’re considering downsizing when you move to Spain it can be more than just a shock to the system to leave a well paying job to become a pool cleaner. If you’ve sold up and released equity to live on have you honestly thought about how long you can practically live on this amount? What about affording your retirement years, trips back to your home country, health care, transportation and the unexpected costs that spring up when we least expect them?

There are ways to afford to live on less and there are ways to make what you have go far further. The bottom line is - to survive in Spain you simply MUST consider your financial position before you make ANY move.

Good luck in realising and securing your dream.

Keywords: living in Spain, moving to Spain, live in Spain, Spanish, Spain, moving abroad, overseas relocation

________________
Rhiannon Williamson,
rhiannon@shelteroffshore.com
http://www.shelteroffshore.com

Rhiannon Williamson is the publisher of http://www.shelteroffshore.com/ - the online resource for investment property abroad, offshore investing and living overseas articles, guides and resources. Click the following link for Spanish property and moving to Spain articles, guides, resources and recommended reading.

Student Travel – Backpacking In Europe

For the fortunate few, life isn’t complete without a backpacking trip through Europe. This right of passage is believed to further the maturation process of college students, according to sociologists. Of course, others have opined that copious amounts of alcohol, sun and Amsterdam have something to do with it. Regardless of your purpose, you still have to figure out what to take.

Backpack – Getting In Touch With Your Inner Mule

Obviously, the first critical item is your backpack. While one doesn’t need to buy the $10,000 Himalaya Turbo Pack, you should also avoid the $12 blue light special. So, how do you pick a happy middle ground?

The best method for picking a backpack involves three phone books. Select/swipe/borrow three yellow page books from neighbors/friends/enemies and hit your local sporting goods store. With the books, head to the backpackapalozza section of the store and pick out a few sturdy/cool/outrageous rigs. Stuff the phone books in, adjust the straps and go for a walk. Now break out into a run to simulate future dashes for trains/ ferries/ toilets and make the sales people nervous. These steps should quickly reveal the perfect pack.

Now, you may have read other publications suggesting highly technical ways to select a backpack. Trust me, until you have run for the last ferry from Italy to Greece, you have no idea how to pick a pack. The three phone book test solves this nicely.

What To Take

There are a few mantras that every person should chant before packing for Europe. These chants were developed originally by the little known, Oh-My-Back Monks of Southeast Asia. The “OMB” Monks were known for traveling half way to far off cities, turning around, returning home and then traveling the full way to said cities. Religious experts opined as to the deep metaphysical meaning of such trips. They were later embarrassed when the monks revealed the back and forth nature of the trips was due to forgetting something, often whether they had turned off the iron. Nonetheless, such chants have become the guiding light of experienced backpackers.

Let us slowly and clearly chant together,

“I will pack only that which will not result in me being hunched over like a Sherpa.”

“Remember, I can pick it [(lower voice) toothpaste, book, soap] up over there.”

“I will not stuff thy pack to the point of bursting, for thy damn zippers always break/get snagged/refuse to work.”

“I will learn humility through wearing incredibly wrinkled clothes and shall not bring an iron.”

“I shall bring only one guide book, not one for each country that I MIGHT see.”

“I accept that I will come home wearing something I didn’t take and will have lost/traded/burned much of what I did take.”

For female travelers and, okay, the occasional male,
“I will not bring high heels or a gaggle of make-up.”

Admittedly, chanting these mantras will not bringing you immediate enlightenment. Fret, not. You can always throw items away or send them home in a box to your parents/friends/parole officer. For the resourceful backpacker, it is not unheard of to send particularly smelly/discolored/toxic clothing to an ex-girlfriend/ex-boyfriend/little brother. Follow these practical guidelines and you will soon happily be speaking in a loud voice to make foreigners understand you.

The Evidence

This is the hard part for most travelers to wrap their minds around. You will forget those special moments of your trip when you met the hunk Sven or babe Svenetta from Sweden and had a romantic evening/danced the night away/got arrested in Ios/Ibiza/the airport. Maybe not immediately, but you will eventually forget.

You will also forget or lose the contact information of people you meet, despite meticulously writing it down on the back of a coaster/napkin/your hand in a bar/poetry reading/jail at three in the morning. Surprisingly, said coaster/napkin/hand often survive the night/day/weekend and get deposited in your already trashed backpack. Of course, their presence is often forgotten when you later put a Oktoberfest mug/wet towel/toothbrush in. The extra padding at the bottom of your pack is specifically designed to deal with the decomposing result. Still, the information is gone and so is your future with Sven/Svenetta.

To properly record the magical moments of your trip, you must take a diary or journal. Don’t worry, you can burn it later before you get married/your parents get nosey/you have kids. You want a journal in a water/beer/sweat resistant case. Of course, I prefer a Nomad Travel Journal, but just make sure you take something. When you have some extra time in the bus/train/jail cell, you can record how you got there and the people you met.

Trust me, when you, Sven/Svenetta and your nine children are sitting on the porch 10 years later, you will greatly enjoy reading your journal. Of course, that assumes you didn’t burn it.

Keywords: student travel, backpacking, europe, travel journal, college, what to take, oktoberfest,

___________________
Rick Chapo, San Diego, California
rick@nomadjournals.com
http://www.nomadjournals.com

Richard Chapo is based in San Diego, California. He is an avid traveler with trips to over 50 countries and a few places that he can't pronounce.

One Night in Paris, France: Enjoying the City of Light in just two days

Paris, France remains one of the most romantic destinations in the world. The City of Light offers visitors a wide range of sensual delights. Travel writer Joan Fitting Scott captures the sights, sounds and smells in her new travel story for www.Travel-Wise.com - "Where Smart Ttravelers Come First!"

"When my husband and I took the moonlight boat tour of the Seine, and feasted our eyes on all that makes Paris glitter, our Parisien guide, a young brunette with a mellifluous accent, told us something astonishing. She said to see all the objects in the Louvre, involving just the briefest look, would require a three-month day-and-night visit."

Not having that kind of time, the Scotts narrowed the overwhelming choices into just a few places that make sense for such a short visit to Paris. "Since we had just two days in the City of Light, I had planned a walking tour that fanned out from our neighborhood to sites we could easily reach on foot."

Beyond short visits to world-famous Notre Dame Cathedral and Conciergerie – " telling ourselves that a snippet of Paris would have to do — after all, we could always come back — we headed on to lunch," outlines Scott.

" I'd had a yearning to see the spots were les artistes dined and imbibed. Clustered like intellectuals at a bookstore are the restaurants where Paris's cerebral bouillabaisse once simmered."

From there is window shopping through the tony neighborhoods on the Оle St. Louis in the middle of the Seine River, more art galleries and fine restaurants on this magic little island.
The one night and two days in Paris, remained stress-free: "We felt ourselves, the ultra-stressed, workaholic Americans, going native and taking things easy. Europeans, we agreed, have life in better perspective."

Concludes Scott, "We'd not seen so much. But, as a travel companion once told me: 'You're just here to get an idea.' Unlike Napoleon, we weren't trying to conquer Europe. Only to appreciate it."

For more details on visiting Paris, France in Europe as well as thousands of other destinations around the world, visit www.Travel-Wise.com - "Where Smart Travelers Come First!" New travel reviews by professional travel writers are featured each week at this leading international travel website.

Keywords: Paris, France, Hotels, Apartments in Paris, Libйration Paris, Le Parisien, Hotel Paris Hilton

_______________________
Peter James, ONLINE, EVERYWHERE, CANADA
peterjames@canadiancreditcenter.com
http://www.CanadianCreditCenter.com

Peter James is an expert in Canadian financial products and services. He is a regular contributor to www.CanadianCreditCenter.com, one of Canada's leading finance portals. The website offers a wide range of ways Canadians can save money, get credit reports, take out loans, insure themselves and even prepare income taxes in Canada.

Rough Guide to Spain

Spain is the cultural centre of Europe and the third most popular tourist destination in the world; furthermore it is home to an ever growing eclectic mix of expatriates from around the globe.

Those who choose to visit or relocate to Spain are drawn by the country’s charm, beauty and passionate people: this rough guide to Spain will give you an introduction to this fascinating, rich and diverse country.

The Environment and Climate

Mainland Spain is located in South Western Europe. It makes up about 80% of the Iberian Peninsula which it shares with Portugal and Gibraltar.

The Pyrenees form the north-eastern edge of the Peninsula, and the Peninsula is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea on the south and east, and by the Atlantic Ocean on the north and west. Mainland Spain also borders Andorra and France.

Mainland Spain enjoys a beautiful Mediterranean climate with hot summers and with the winters being divided into relatively cold in the interior, temperate on the coast and fair on the islands that make up the Kingdom of Spain.

Further Spanish territories and tourist hotspots are the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea: the main islands making up the Balearics are Majorca, Minorca, Ibiza and Formentera - and the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Sea: the seven islands making up the Canaries are Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Lanzarote, La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro and Fuertaventura.

The Kingdom of Spain also consists of two cities in North Africa called Ceuta and Melilla.
Spain’s Historical Background

Spain was once the most powerful nation in Europe and derived most of its wealth at the time from its colonization of the Americas which began with the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Americas in 1492.
After that time Spain suffered a long history of wars, revolts and conflicts which were responsible for a steady decline in the country’s wealth, status and position.

In 1939 General Franco was able to take over as dictator of Spain. He ruled a politically and economically exhausted Spain until his death in 1975.

During the 1960s and 1970s Spain thankfully began to regain its economic strength through industry and tourism.

When Franco died in 1975 Prince Juan Carlos became the king of Spain and the Head of State. He instigated important political changes and turned Spain from an authoritarian regime into a democracy and from a weakened European state into one of the most politically and economically strong countries in Europe today.

Spain Today

Spain today is economically and politically stable and divided into 17 regions which function as a Federation of Autonomous Communities. Each region is geographically and culturally different and even different in personality. For example, you can visit the southern Spanish region of Andalusia and bask on beautiful beaches in the 3000 hours of sunshine the region enjoys a year, or you could travel north to Asturias where some of Spain’s most interesting popular customs come from and where magnificent mountains dominate the landscape and the climate.

You can ski in Spain, and sunbathe in Spain, you can mountain climb and dive, surf and snorkel, you can enjoy flamenco, bull fighting, tapas and wine, you can relax or party for a week, bask in the cultural centre of Europe or just bask on a sun drenched beach – whatever kind of experience you’re after Spain offers it all!

Keywords: spain, spanish, travel, holiday, mediterranean, andalusia, beach, sun, culture, history, europe, holiday

_____________________
Rhiannon Williamson,
rhiannon@shelteroffshore.com
http://www.shelteroffshore.com

Rhiannon Williamson is the publisher of http://www.shelteroffshore.com/ - the online resource for investment property abroad, offshore investing and living overseas articles, guides and resources. Click the following link for Spanish property and moving to Spain articles, guides, resources and recommended reading.

Tips for moving to another country

BE SURE - Moving can be extremely stressful, be as certain as you can be that it's the right move for you before you go. If possible visit the country before you make up your mind, don't rely on other people's impressions. Ask yourself if the new culture will really suit you (and your family).

BE PREPARED - ...For anything and everything to go wrong. Don't assume that you'll be able to find the perfect job or house immediately. If possible make sure you've got enough money to see you through the first couple of months at the very least (preferably longer). And to do that you'll need to...

BUDGET - As unglamorous as it sounds, good budgeting could be what makes the difference between a successful relocation and a disaster. Before you go, work out what everything is going to cost during those crucial first months when you're trying to find your feet in a foreign land.
DON'T DELAY - Start preparing as early as possible, just getting all the necessary paperwork in order can take a long time. Make a checklist of everything you need to do!

CHECK YOUR BENEFITS - If your company has initiated your move you may be eligible for relocation benefits. Make sure you ask if they haven't told you already!

HEALTH - Make sure that the country you are moving to has adequate healthcare facilities and infrastructure to support you (and your family), especially if you suffer from a medical condition which requires treatment or medication.

YOUR HOME - Think about what you want to do with your current home (e.g. sell it, lease it, leave it empty) and what kind of accommodation will be most suitable in your new country. If you don't know anyone in the new country who can help find accommodation, consider the services of a relocation agent.

EMPLOYMENT - Will you be looking for work in your new country? If so, consider starting your job hunt before you go (use the Internet!) Will you be able to use your existing qualifications or will a period of retraining be necessary? If you're moving somewhere where they don't speak the same language as you then you should...

LEARN THE LANGUAGE - Few skills will have such a positive impact on your relocation experience as being able to speak, or at least understand, the local language. Getting to grips with the local lingo before you go is a great idea!

PAPERWORK - No matter how insignificant that old document at the back of the bottom drawer may seem now, take it with you, the chances are at some stage you'll have to show it to someone. Moving countries can be a bureaucratic nightmare at the best of times but if you come prepared with the necessary paperwork you stand the best chance of a stress free relocation. Things to think about include birth certificates, wedding certificates, educational certificates, medical certificates (including those for your pets!), etc.

FRIENDS & FAMILY - Don't forget to inform everyone of your new address and when you're going (unless you don't want them to find you, of course ;-) Seriously though, saying goodbye to friends and family can be the hardest thing about leaving, be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster ride as the day of departure draws near.

YOUR BELONGINGS - Will you be taking everything with you or leaving some items in storage (or even getting rid of them completely)? How will you move your belongings? Can you transport them yourself or do you need the services of a moving company? Set aside those things you need to take with you in person so they don't get packed accidentally (passports, tickets, etc.)

INSURANCE - Once you've decided what you're taking with you, insure it. If you haven't already arranged appropriate insurance (health/life/travel, etc.) for yourself and your family as well...DO SO!

BANKING - You may need to open a new bank account in your new country - look for information on the one which suits you best. Do you need to close your current bank account? At the very least you'll need to tell your current bank that you're moving.

CREDIT CARDS - Credit card companies need to be informed you're moving. Also, will the credit cards you're taking with you be widely accepted?

DRIVING - Depending on where you're going and how long you're going to be there you may need to apply for a new driving license or even take a driving test. Will you take your car with you or buy/rent/lease one when you get to your destination country?

UTILITIES etc - Gas, electricity, cable companies and so on will need to be informed of your departure and contracts terminated where appropriate. Make arrangements for final meter readings and bill payments.

POST REDIRECTION - Having your mail redirected after you leave can prevent you from missing something important.

ELECTRIC DEVICES AND MOBILE PHONES - Check whether or not your TV, video, hair dryer, alarm clock etc will work in the new country. You may need to take out a new network subscription for a mobile phone (or buy a new one with a subscription) - watch out for roaming charges with your current phone if you use it.

EMAIL - If moving means you can't keep your current email address, consider a free web based email account you can access from anywhere.

And finally, a couple of important tips for when you get to your new country...

MAKE FRIENDS - Whether locals or fellow expats, nothing will help you more than being able to rely on the assistance of your friends when you need it. Don't think that socialising is time wasted, it's what makes a new country feel like home.

DON'T BE TOO HARD ON YOURSELF - Moving to a new country is difficult. Even when everything goes according to plan it's still difficult. There will be times when you're physically and emotionally exhausted but try not to let things get on top of you. Don't be shy about asking for help or support, there are plenty of people who have been there before.

Good luck!

Keywords: expat, expatriate, international relocation, moving abroad, moving overseas

__________________
Rod Morris, Amsterdam, Noord Holland, Netherlands
rod.morris@expatfocus.com
http://www.ExpatFocus.com

Rod Morris is the owner of Expat Focus, a leading web site for expatriates and anyone considering a move abroad. Visit www.expatfocus.com for free guides, friendly forums, an expat mailing list and information packed monthly newsletter.

Top 10 Spanish Experiences

Guidebooks often provide the visitor with a list of sights to see and places to visit when venturing overseas to a brand new country, but this list of top 10 experiences to have in Spain provides the visitor or new expatriate living in Spain with some slightly more unusual alternatives!

If you consider yourself a more adventurous tourist or you’re just bored of the same old same old spouted by tired tourist guides read on for an exciting Spanish itinerary.

1) The Seville Fair – we all know that the Spanish are party people and they party well, but if you’d like to experience the biggest, liveliest and most exciting party of all consider visiting the Seville fair which is seven days of pure, unadulterated fun!

2) Surfing and Snowboarding – from riding the Biscay swell at Guernika in the Billabong Pro to snowboarding in the Sierra Nevada – whatever form of extreme sport you’re into Spain has the unique natural landscape to satisfy you!

3) Breathtaking Views – from standing atop the piste with views of Granada to driving the N340 highway with the coast of Morocco so close you can almost reach out and touch it - Spain not only has the most breathtaking natural scenery, it affords you a wealth of unique views to die for.

4) Drink Sherry & Drink Rioja – drink sherry in Jerez, drink Rioja in La Rioja – say no more!

5) Clubbing in Ibiza – take a week and visit one of the seven main clubs in Ibiza each night of the week and be prepared to party until the sun rises and your feet can dance no more! It has to be done!

6) Bull Fighting and Bull Running – bull fighting may be ritualised killing and many people’s idea of extreme cruelty, but to others the experience of a corrida is to take a breathtaking and dramatic glimpse into the Spanish psyche. The Pamplona Bull Run on the other hand is possibly the very last thing you’ll get to do in Spain! We’d advise anyone crazy enough to charge ahead of a mad bull down the narrow cobbled streets of Pamplona to get their life insurance in order before they set off – alternatively, join the crowds of spectators and simply witness this (possibly?) once in a lifetime thrill!

7) The Alhambra At Sunset – the Alhambra, the most incredible and enduring legacy of Moorish Spain is worth a hundred visits…but if you want to experience the true majesty and understand why the Alhambra was the physical manifestation of the Moorish concept of paradise, climb up to St. Nicholas Square at sunset and see how the ancient wonder glows golden against the stunning snow-capped backdrop of the peaks of the Sierra Nevada - and be prepared to feel seriously moved if not a wee bit emotional!

8) Art & Culture – The Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao is a work of art in itself and worth visiting even if you’re not interested in the wealth of art and artefacts contained therein. The museum is an incredibly daring structure built from titanium, glass and stone, and it beats at the heart of this city of contrasts. Madrid’s Reina Sofia Museum is tame in architectural comparison but it houses one of Picasso’s greatest works, in fact, possibly one of the greatest works of 20th Century namely Guernica…if you want art and culture, Spain has it in heaps and every city, town or region you visit will offer you a whole host of opportunity to experience the Spanish cultural riches.

9) World Heritage Sites - The UNESCO World Heritage Committee is dedicated to ensuring future generations inherit the treasures of the past by working to protect both cultural and natural sites of significance worldwide. Spain has over 35 sites that have been flagged as world heritage sites – we challenge you to visit them all!

10) Tomato Fighting – not fighting tomatoes (that would be silly), but fighting with tomatoes in Valencia in August. Yes, one of the strangest of all Spanish festivals and carnivals is La Tomatina where upwards of 30,000 semi-naked people gather to throw tomatoes at each other before getting washed down by the hoses of the local fire brigade…it is truly an experience worth…well…experiencing really! If only to say ‘been there, done that.’

Spain is different! It is a country which effortlessly and seamlessly combines a plethora of fiestas, indefatigable nightlife, stunning and diverse natural scenery, supposedly impossible to achieve levels of synergy between ancient and modern architecture and artistic culture, fun and fascination, beautiful people, incredible cuisine, sun, sea, sand and sangria - to create a variety and spice of life you will never experience outside of Spain.

Keywords: Spain,Spanish,Travel,vacation,Seville,Ibiza,holiday

_____________________
Rhiannon Williamson,
rhiannon@shelteroffshore.com
http://www.shelteroffshore.com

Rhiannon Williamson is the publisher of http://www.shelteroffshore.com/ - the online resource for investment property abroad, offshore investing and living overseas articles, guides and resources. Click the following link for Spanish property and moving to Spain articles, guides, resources and recommended reading.

Toronto, the New York City of Canada

Toronto, my city of birth, is the largest city in Canada with a population of about 3 million (5 million in the greater area) and it keeps growing every year as it seems to be the first city of choice for immigrants from around the world. With over 100 languages spoken here, Toronto is the most multicultural city in the world according to the United Nations. This is actually a good thing since Toronto can be a model for the rest of the world in regards to showing how it is possible for different people of many different cultures and faiths to get along peacefully. Friends of different racial backgrounds and religions can be found here where they would probably be enemies in other parts of the world.

Having lived in Toronto for most of my life so far, I’m always amazed on how the city has grown as a tourist destination. Torontonians seem to take world class attractions like the CN Tower and the Skydome for granted since many see it every day during their commute. Of course, the CN Tower is a very worthwhile visit as a ride to the top is a must for every visitor.

Toronto has one of the best redeveloped harbourfronts anywhere. This area has boutiques at Queen’s Quay, restaurants, cafes and galleries. Nearby Ontario Place and the Canadian National Exhibition are annual favorites among locals. This is also where one takes the ferries across to the Toronto Islands. The islands are all connected via bike paths and offer a unique view of the Toronto cityscape as well as a nice break from the busy downtown. Located on the main island, Centreville is a petting zoo and small amusement park for kids.

The action is downtown and probably where most tourists should stay. Although the hotels prices are higher in downtown than the suburbs, Toronto traffic is unfortunately not getting any better so it is best to stay where commuting is kept at a minimum. There is a very efficient transit system for those who want to stay outside of the downtown area though. A walk along Yonge Street near the Eaton Centre mall will reveal the wilder parts of Toronto life. For the latest trends, Queen Street West is where the funky boutiques and bars are. For upscale shopping, go to Bloor Street between Yonge and Avenue Road as well as the Yorkville area.

Toronto is a live theatre town, second to perhaps only New York or London. The theatre district on King Street has a lively after theatre scene including restaurants and clubs. During the day, the world renowned Royal Ontario Museum, Art Gallery of Ontario and the Planetarium showcase treasures from around the world (as well as out of the world). Many also come to see the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Toronto has Canada’s largest Chinatown. Actually, the growth of the Asian population has resulted in four different Chinatowns in the greater area. The main one is centered around Spadina and Dundas. The dim sum in Toronto is one of the best outside of Hong Kong since most Chinese immigrants here were originally from Hong Kong. Other ethnicities are also represented by such districts as Little Italy, the Greek Danforth area and many others. For outdoor markets, the Kensington and St. Lawrence Markets are great. Since Toronto is so multicultural, it is an excellent place to try out different cuisines.

For animal lovers, the Metro Toronto Zoo northeast of the city is world famous and will take an entire day to see. During the summers, Canada’s Wonderland is a family oriented theme park just north of the city. Niagara Falls, one of the natural wonders of the world, is just ninety minutes away and worth a day trip or even an overnight stay. There are just too many things to see and do in the Toronto area to mention in one article. Vancouver has the ocean and mountains while Quebec City has that old European touch. But to see world class live theatre and Canadian multiculturalism at its best, Toronto is where it’s at.

Keywords: toronto, canada, ontario, cn, tower

___________________
Clint Leung, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
http://www.FreeSpiritGallery.ca

Clint is owner of Free Spirit Gallery which specializes in exquisite authentic Eskimo Inuit and Northwest Native art including carvings, sculpture and prints at below retail prices. There are numerous information resource articles on Inuit and Native art with photos of authentic artwork as well as eCards at the website (http://www.FreeSpiritGallery.ca).

Desert Top Ten

Trek along the Dorsland trail northwards into Namibia and you are bound to discover a lot more than just desert. Jacques Marais explored this vast country and found a veritable playground brimming with affordable adventure and leisure options.

Not surprisingly, most people imagine Namibia to be a vast and arid landscape on which the harsh African sun beats down for just about 365 days a year. Those who delve deeper though, venturing beyond the towering dunes and sandstone canyons, will discover a diverse country blessed with fragile wetland systems, thundering waterfalls, mysterious inland lakes and haunting desert tribes. One of Africa’s largest countries, it is impossible to do justice to all Namibia has to offer in a single article, so we decided to make it easy on you. In the next five pages we have highlighted ten sure-fire active and leisure options that epitomises the best our north-western neighbour has on its desert menu.

1/ Game, Sit & Watch: Hit the well-traveled tourist route to The Great White Place (the Ovambo meaning of the word Etosha), a national park nearly 23 000km.sq in size and rated as one of the world’s greatest wildlife reserves. Here you will be able to get up close and personal with prime big game specimens prowling an arid savanna habitat surrounding a vast white, clay pan. Summer rains occasionally transforms the pan into a shallow lake where flocks of up to a million flamingos may be scattered like confetti while, on the shimmering horizon, herds of elephant and ungainly giraffe loom large against a landscape of stunted trees and rocky outcrops. Spiral-crowned kudu, strutting kori’s bustard and glossy gemsbok teem in thriving abundance, skittishly aware of their constant proximity to the soft pad of lion prides of lion and lissome cheetah. Etosha offers various accommodation options, ranging from camping to thatched bungalows in three rest camps; the historic Namutoni in the east, the centrally situated Halali and Okakuejo in the west. Park bookings may be made through Namibia Wildlife Resorts on Tel. (+264-61) 23 6975.

2/ Adventures in Wanderland: Maybe not quite as big as the kloof in Uncle Sam’s backyard, but certainly a heck of a lot cheaper to get to (and with a refreshing lack of fast food outlets to boot, if you’ll excuse the pun). The Fish River Canyon has gouged a gargantuan scar through the ancient bedrock of Namaland, stretching more than 161km from its top end to Ai-Ais to create one of Africa’s most popular hiking destinations. Take a giant tramp for hiking kind along the gruelling 90km trail, traversing a contorted sandstone, shale and lava gorge dating back more than 800 million years. Although the Fish River Canyon remains Namibia’s premier hiking destination, many walkers are these days opting for lesser-known but equally arduous treks such as the 120km Naukluft Hiking Trail, the three-day Ugab Trail or the Uniab Delta walk. Permits for all of these are available from Ministry of Tourism and Environment on Tel. (+264-63) 20 2532.

3/ The Art of Hard Rock: Grind it out with gravity as you gear into vert mode within the surreal scenery surrounding Bushman’s Paradise. Once a stronghold of tribal San shamans, these granite inselbergs form the Pondok mountains, a bizarre range of granite domes protruding like plump breasts from the Damaraland plains. Rock climbers from the world over journey into this desolate hinterland to climb the exceptional routes traversing the blood-orange domes of Groot Spitzkoppe, at 1 800m the highest of the Pondok peaks. Most visitors to these mythical mountains come to enjoy the splendid isolation and spirituality of a place resonating with a trance-like energy reminiscent of a truly African Uluru. Overnight camping is permitted in a limited number of sheltered sites; otherwise get in touch with Walker’s Rock & Rope Adventures on Tel. (+264-64) 40 3122 to arrange a day trip filled with mountaineering mayhem .

4/ Grand Canyon Bathing: Tramp into the early dawn from Ai-Ais, passing placid river pools reflecting the amber grandeur of the Fish River canyon. Early Khoi tribesmen once walked this meandering riverbed and, like them, you are bound to glimpse clouds of steam floating above whispering reed beds. Enjoy an authentic African spa bath by immersing yourself in one of these natural springs, soaking up the natural minerals coursing up from the bowels of the earth. Lie back and stare up at the wide expanse of the Namibian sky, tracing the flight paths of eagles and buzzards cruising the air currents until your stresses soak away into the endless expanse. Escape the soaring temperatures by retracing your footsteps to Ai-Ais Resort, plunging into one of the bracingly cool pools to conclude your session of desert therapy. Bookings may be arranged on Tel. (09264-61) 23 6975.

5/ Wave Play: Go completely coastal along the chilly Atlantic, escaping the gritty heat of terra firma to surge into an exhilarating aqua playground where dolphins splash along the edge of an eerie desert wraithed in mist. The freezing Benguela current along Namibia’s 1400km coastline sustains a marine environment teeming with abundant underwater life, enticing you into exploring a diverse ocean paradise. Launch your sea kayak from Dolphin Beach near Swakopmund, heading south along the windswept shoreline in the direction of Walvis Bay. Drift on the tidal currents into the Walvis Bay Lagoon which forms part of one of Africa’s most important wetland systems, delighting in the flutter and flash of up to 80 000 sea birds. If you don’t have your own kayak, arrange an ocean fix with Jeanne Meintjies of Eco-Marine Kayak Tours on Tel (09264-64) 20 3144.

6/ Sands of Silence: Slip-slide beyond Sesriem along the gnarly gash of a gravel road before stomping into the singing sands of what is reputed to be the highest sand dunes in Africa (not quite true, as they rest upon a sandstone base). Nevertheless, Sossusvlei remains a place of uncanny spirituality where you are able to sense the presence of generation upon generation of San warriors upon the dry-as-dust desert breeze. Here the Tsauchab River battles in vain against the harshness of the Namib desert, gamely filling the expansive clay pan to form a vlei that shimmers like a mirage for no more than a few months every decade or two. Camp at Sesriem (or book into the Movenpick Sossusvlei Lodge if budget allows) and explore the fascinating dunescape from there. Climb to the top of the towering dunes or book a sandboarding trip with Downhill Adventures for a day stoked with thrills and spills - they can be reached on (021) 422-0388.

7/ Caprivi Cool: Goodbye desert and hello water world! Navigate your way northwards to where the Caprivi strip extends a probing finger along borders with Botswana, Angola and Zambia to tickle Zimbabwe right in the Matetsi Safari area. An excellent tar road (courtesy of a best-forgotten border war with the Rooi Gevaar) traverses the Kavango region to cut through the quim of the Caprivi, allowing easy access to what is probably Namibia’s best kept tourism secret. Here the Okavango, Kwando, Linyanti and Zambezi Rivers caress a verdant vitality into the landscape. Arid plains are replaced by a lush landscape resplendent with wetland marshes, flood plain forests and densely vegetated river islands. 4x4 is the name of the game and a trip through four countries in one day is possible - contact Hannes Pretorius on zambezi@info.bw for more information.

Arrrggh! You see, there we go again, running out of space already! And I haven’t even started on the amazing quad biking around Dune Seven (contact Daredevil Adventures Tel. +264-64 20 9532); desert ballooning above the Namib Rand Reserve (contact Namib Sky Adventure Safaris on Tel. +264-63 29 3233) or scuba diving into the otherwordly depths of sinkhole lakes like Otjikoto near Tsumeb ... Or Goanikontes Oasis. Or off-roading through the lunar landscape of the Khan Gorges. But I suppose that just goes to show how much there is to do in this amazing land of contrast slumbering beyond the Gariep.

All you have to do is commit to the drive ... Important Travel Information:

Currency: Namibian Dollars Exchange Rate: One-on-one to the Rand (which can be used in most transactions) Language: Afrikaans, English and German are all official languages Transport: Excellent roads, a reasonable rail network and charter flights between major centres Health: Low Malaria risk in the northern region and rivers here are often infected with bilharzia Crime: Low risk country by African standards Climate: Mild winters (with freezing nights), but temperatures red-line from October to April Local Time: Greenwich Mean Time plus 0 hours Entry Requirements: A valid passport, but as a South African you do not require a visa Further reading: Struik GLOBETROTTER Guide to Namibia by Bill & Andrea Revilio Tourist Information: Contact Namibian Tourism on Tel. (09264-61) 284 2178

Keywords: Namib desert, travel, Namibia, Caprivi, Fish River Canyon, Ai-Ais

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Jacques Marais, Cape Town, South Africa
jacmarais@telkomsa.net
http://jacquesmarais.co.za

Jacques Marais is a professional photographer and writer who contributes regularly to a range of local and international travel, airline and outdoor publications. As RED BULL's official photographer in Africa, he covers adrenaline and edge sport events all over the continent.

The History of Lancaster Castle Pt2

One of the most famous events at Lancaster castle was the Pendle Witch trials of 1612. During the reign of King James I, he passed laws which forbid any act of “making a covenant with an evil spirit, hurting life or limb, injuring live stock by means of charms or procuring love”. All of these acts were subject to the death penalty.

The trial was centred on two families in which five of their members were accused (Elizabeth Southern, Anne Whittle, Ann Redfern, Elizabeth Device and Alison and James Device). Another five from the same locality (Jane Bulcock and her son John, Alice Grey, Alice Nutter and Katherine Hewitt) also stood accused. While awaiting trial, 80 year old Elizabeth Southern passed away in her cell.

The trial began in August of the same year and was presided over by Judge Bromley and Judge Altham. Lord Gerard and Sir Richard Hoghton were in assistance.

The prisoners were deprived of any counsel and could not call witnesses. On top of the original ten another ten defendants, also accused of witchcraft (The Samlesbury witches, also from Pendle along with Isobel Robey from Windle, near St Helens and Margaret Pearson, the Padiham Witch) were to stand trial.

In total, 20 people stood accused and their ages ranged from 9 years old to 80 years. The evidence produced stemmed from idle gossip, false accusations and rumours.

At the conclusion of the three day event, Anne Whittle, Anne Redfern, Elizabeth Device, Alice Nutter, Alison and James Device, Katherine Hewitt, Jane and John Bulcock, as well as Isobel Robey were all found guilty and sentenced to be hanged on the moor above the Town. Margaret Pearson was sentenced to be pilloried on four successive market days at Padiham, Clitheroe, Whalley and Lancaster. Once this was carried out, Margaret was to spend a further year in prison as part of her punishment. The Samlesbury witches and Alice Grey were not found guilty and set free.

Public executions took place at Lancaster Castle right up until the 1800’s at a place called Gallows Hill. The prisoners would be taken from their cells in a cart and pass along Moor lane and Moor gate. They would pause briefly at a local public house where they could take their last drink with family and friends before proceeding to the gallows. People from all around the north west of England would congregate out in Lancaster’s streets to watch these public hangings. After 1800 the hangings were shifted from the moor to a place within the castles confines. It was to become known as “The Hanging Corner”.

Of all the executions carried out, a total of 265 in all, 43 were for murder and other crimes which included burglary, forgery, robbery and cattle stealing. 131 of these hangings were carried out by the one person – Old Ned Barlow. The last person to be publicly hanged was Stephen Burke in 1865.

Between 1788 and 1868, if you found yourself lucky enough to escape the hangman’s noose, you may have found yourself being transported to a new penal colony called Australia. In total 200, 000 people found themselves shipbound to face the uncertainties of a hostile environment in NSW and Tasmania.

As a convict awaiting transportation you were entitled to the “Kings Allowance” of 2s and 6d a week. The government were charged anything from Ј8 to Ј12 per prisoner and the escorting jailers received a set fee per mile for each prisoner.

If you could not pay your debts and were found guilty you would have found yourself serving time in the castles debtors’ prison. The castle housed between 3 to 400 debtors at any one time who would be required to work within the prison. Life as debtors was quite comfortable compared to the other inmates and you would receive in payment for your work 3 ozs of bread, 4ozs of oatmeal daily and 1oz of salt and 10 lbs of potatoes on a weekly basis.

If you were one of the lucky ones who had access to money from friends or family then your stay in prison was even more luxurious. You could choose your own type of accommodation from the 22 rooms set aside for just such people. The price ranged from 5s to 30s and included a fire, candles, cutlery and a servant who did the cooking and cleaning. The lifestyle did not stop there. You were able to buy beer and wine, purchase tobacco and newspapers, buy meat, groceries, fruit and vegetables from the debtor’s market which was held in the castle yard. You could carry on with your profession and have visitors from morning until night.

And you thought life was a hardship in prison!

Until 1902 when the Borstal system was introduced, if you were caught as a child committing an offence you could be expected to be fined or sentenced to five days hard labour. The resulting fine of 7s and 6d meant that for most families their children went to prison and completed five days of hard labour.

Lancaster has not been short of royal visitors during her 800 years. The first visitor of note was King John who held court and received the French Ambassadors and King Alexander of Scotland in 1206. From that point in time there was a steady stream of visitors.

In the 1400’s Henry IV held his court in the castle and it was also patronized by Edward IV. Both James I and Charles II visited during the 17th century. By the 1800’s, Lancaster was a very popular place to visit with nine Royal visits. The first was in 1803 with Prince William Fredrick of Gloucester. Queen Adelaide visited in 1840 and Queen Victoria, Prince Albert and the Royal children spent time there in 1852.

The most recent royal visitor was Queen Elizabeth in 1999.

Today Lancaster Castle is a thriving tourist attraction, working prison and court room. I hope you have enjoyed this two part series on the History of Lancaster Castle and when you find yourself in the area, pay her a visit.

Best Wishes Stuart Bazga

www.guide-to-castles-of-europe.com

Keywords: lancaster castle, castles, history, guide to castles of europe

_________________
Stuart Bazga,
stuart@guide-to-castles-of-europe.com
http://www.guide-to-castles-of-europe.com

I am an Aussie living in the Uk since 1990 and run a small import/export business selling Australian Opals and opal jewellery. My latest venture is a website about Castles of Europe called - A Guide to Castles of Europe. A Guide to Castles of Europe was born from childhood dreams and aspirations. It is my hope to educate and stimulate you into exploring these castles for yourselves.

Travel Tips for Parents

Another summer is fast approaching and families are once again looking at travel opportunities. Whether it is visiting grandparents, playing the tourist, or even taking your family along on business, traveling with the family is not the same experience as traveling alone. Here are some simple tips to keep everyone smiling during your summer excursions.

- Pack light, pack complete.

This means don't take it along unless you actually need it. But if you DO need it, don't pretend you can do without it. You will just be miserable or end up purchasing the item on the road.

- Buy it there.

The first tip (above) brings up a useful thought. Are there some items that are easily purchased once you reach your destination? It may be simpler to buy some things rather than pack and unpack them. Only you can decide if the convenience outweighs the cost.

- Attention spans.

Everyone has one and they can be vastly different within the same family, especially if you are traveling with small children. Little legs and minds cannot possibly keep up with adult ones. Instead of fighting it, plan according to the youngest family member. That's why it is called a FAMILY vacation!

- Plan it out.

Decide ahead of time what you hope to accomplish during your travels. Is it six cities in seven days? Unhurried, unscheduled leisure time? Family time by the bucket-load? Make your plans with your focus in mind for a more satisfying, less frustrating trip.

- Be practical.

Pack clothes (and shoes) that are comfortable and can last the duration. Remember that wet wipes are your best friend! Aim for making memories, not making a fashion statement. I like to include one personal item per traveler under this heading as well. Whether it's a 'lovey' for a toddler, a paperback for mom, or a small electronic gizmo for the teen, everyone gets tired and needs a little down time. A small personal item from home can do wonders for a grumpy attitude.

- Be flexible.

You can almost guarantee that your trip will not go exactly as planned. That's okay. That would be one definition of the word 'adventure'. But your responses to the changes and challenges that will arise while traveling as a family are the real key to how everyone will remember this special time together. It will also be the determining factor in whether anyone in your family wants to do this again.

- Look for a different perspective.

A family trip is a great chance to get to know each other a little bit better. What DOES your teen think about the world situation today? Who knew Dad loved trains? What other aspects of your family members could you learn about while outside of your normal routine?

In truth, travel time with the family is really about stepping back...looking ahead...gaining new insights. These are the people you are traveling through LIFE with. Enjoy the ride!

Keywords: family, travel,family travel, family trips, vacation travel, vacation, vacations

________________
Colleen Langenfeld,
mailbox@paintedgold.com
http://www.paintedgold.com

Colleen Langenfeld energizes busy working mothers with career, organizing, meal-planning, parenting ideas and more using the free Working Mothers Great Idea Kit at http://www.paintedgold.com/moms .

10 WAYS to boost your sales and build your business

If you're not familiar with travel vacation vouchers packages, here's how they work.

YOU simply give a FR'EE vacation voucher package to your valued customers, clients or prospects, for purchasing or trying your product or service. This alone can greatly increase your customer and prospect response rate.

You can choose to give away a 3 day, 2 night vacations, a $500 FR'EE spending voucher for meals, attractions, or shows and a FR'EE airline voucher.

In fact, YOU could even give away all vouchers for a complete vacation package worth more than $500.

Your customers or clients would absolutely love to receive a vacation package like that. It's a great way to attract new customers.

Once your customers receive their vouchers, they simply make their reservations, request the $500 benefits booklet for the destination of their choice, book their airline flights and enjoy a complete vacation package worth well over $500, compliments of YOU, or YOUR company.
Now that's a promotion your customers will never forget! So let's look at "10 WAYS to boost your sales and build your business by giving away Complimentary Vacation Travel Vouchers Packages.

1. Use Travel Vouchers packages as YOUR business cards.

2. Give Travel Vouchers packages to your customers if they upgrade to a more expensive package or product.

3. Give Travel Vouchers packages to prospects for trying your product, or using your service.

4. Give Travel Vouchers packages to everyone who takes a FR'EE tour, or trial membership in your current business opportunity.

5. Give Travel Vouchers packages to those who attend your home parties, grand openings, or special events.

6. Give Travel Vouchers packages to everyone who purchases from your kids school fund raisers. Your kids will be top sellers, and your personalized vouchers will be in the hands of many new prospects.

7. Give Travel Vouchers packages, along with your regular tip, to restaurants, home delivery drivers, or common places you do business. Works great if your promoting a business opportunity.

8. Give Travel Vouchers packages to associates, clients, or prospects on birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion.

9. Give Travel Vouchers packages to local businesses. They can give them to their team, staff, or employees as bonuses or employee appreciation programs.

10. By printing your name or company information on these vouchers, you'll see powerful benefits, increased sales, and more potential leads as you give away vouchers using methods 1 - 9.

As you can see, the options for using travel vouchers packages to increase your sales and build your business are limitless. The perceived value of these FR'EE vacations will produce a highly responsive prospect that will be willing to listen, or try your product or service. Each travel voucher package comes custom printed with YOUR name and information and each travel voucher package is individually packaged in envelopes and flyers with your color choice.

Go ahead give them a try. You can order a vacation voucher package at www.travelvacationvouchers.com

P.S. YOU can give these FR'EE vacation travel vouchers packages away for as little as .59 cents per voucher package. That's right, give away a FR'EE vacation for only .59 cents each!

P.P.S. Would YOU like to try a FR'EE vacation package for yourself. You'll see just how powerful these vacation vouchers really are. I'll send you a vacation voucher package worth well over $500. Go ahead,take the vacation. You deserve it. All we ask if that you go and enjoy YOUR travel vacation package. This offer is not available on our website, so drop us an email at support@travelvacationvouchers.com . Have a great trip.

Keywords: travel vacation vouchers, vacation vouchers, increase sales, boost profits

________________
Sheryl Strasser, Wausau, WI, USA
support@travelvacationvouchers.com

Sheryl Strasser knows from experience that focusing on the basics and making a consistent effort are the keys to success. Find ALL the tools and resources you need to succeed at Sheryl's incredible website www.mentorinmarketing.com Once there, you can contact Sheryl so that she can guide you toward the success you deserve

Barcelona and most interesting places to visit

As any European can brag about, Barcelona in Spain is no exception with its endless history, much of it still remaining, but much more of it has been added on in the 20th century. In many peopleґs opinion, you fully appreciate what Catalunya ( four regions including Barcelona ) is all about if you concentrate on the newly added culture. Barcelona has been a busy city and with all the new activities that it is willing to take on, tourism has become a big part of its daily life. So, for a full-scale visit to squeeze every drop of pleasure out of it, be well prepared with your map which has a details on hotels, entertainment, and the best celebrations and latest exhibitions.

Pick one’s way in Barcelona

The place to set out from to find your first glimpse of Modernism would be to go straight to Guell Park. This natural space should really have been called Antonio Gaudi Park because it is entirely filled with this architectureґs spellbinding works. He has converted benches, balconies, walls and entire buildings into paintings. Once you have filled your camera with these delights, recharge it again for Gaudiґs highlight; the Sagrada Familia Church. Even though at first sight the Sagrada Familia has an antiquated look, it was started in 1883 and has been growing all during this century, getting special modern touch-ups and new addition.

Las Ramblas promenade is the heart of the Ciutat Vella and of Barcelona

Everyone who visits this city has recognized it as one of the most lively and colourful street shows, It is a living street garden with its decorative floral patterns with one of the best food markets in the city nearby called the Boqueria . With the Olympic games in 1992, the old run-down port area was surprisingly made into the Coastal Park where the Olympic village was stationed. At the Arts Hotel, Mapfre Towers and Nova Icaria Square you can find the twin towers which easily marked the whole area where this magnificent event was held and can still be visited. Once again in 2004, this Oylmpic stadium and its ґCobiґ mascot saw the Olympic torch before it was sent on to the 2004 host, Greece. Also in 2004, Barcelona once again out did itself, by setting up the Barcelona Forum, welcoming traveller from all over the world.

You may be thinking that all this tourism needs a lot of special attention, especially in making travel to and from this great city a breeze. Well, they have achieved this and much more. The Barcelona Airport called The Prat is found on the outskirts but has many good public and private transport to get into the hub of the city.

Special buses for tourism leaving from the Catalunya Square included about 40 stops, one to see the Nou camp Football Stadium, home of the Barca Team. Visits to any of the monuments or attractions is a leisure event this way because you need not worry about the paying every time or having to pay attention to timetables. Many times the price of the ticket includes special discounts to get into these places, at some of the local shops and parkings. And if you are thinking about heading about 40 kilometres south to maybe the town of Sitges, a nice beach area on the costa, then there are local trains too. You have many buses right outside the terminals, the underground, taxis and many hotels offer comfortable mini-buses directly to your accomodations and to the open doors of Barcelona.

Robert Carltn distributes frequently for the information source at http://www.barcelona-information.com. Robert is specializing in sightseeing tips around this spanish city. From tips on the Barcelona Ramblas to the famous cathedral of sagrada familia

Keywords: Barcelona,Spain,Barca,Barcelona Sightseeing,Travel,Tourism,Tour

__________________
Robert Carlton, Alicante
webmaster@barcelona-information.com

Bite Your Tongue

Most people don’t realize how powerful a negotiating tool silence is. I discovered exactly how effective as I recently observed someone discussing a deal with a prospective customer this past week. The customer started describing his situation and after a few moments he paused – briefly. It was an opportune time for the sales person to make a comment or talk about her product and service. However, she remained silent, sensing that the customer had more to say. Her intuition proved correct - a few seconds later he continued talking about his needs, and when he had finished discussing his point he paused. The sales person refrained from speaking and her customer began talking again. During this last monologue the sales person learned the exact information that she needed to close the sale without resorting to discounting. If she had spoken during those moments of silence, she may still have closed the sale but not as effectively.

I remember watching my wife use silence as a customer several years ago in a retail store. She had brought a few items to the cash desk and when the sales associate rang them in my wife noticed a discrepancy in price. When she questioned this difference, the employee mentioned that the items in question were not available for the price my wife had thought. Instead of complaining or arguing my wife chose to remain silent. The sales associate immediately began talking to fill up the “dead air” space, and before long, had talked herself into giving my wife the discount she had hoped for.

The next time you meet with a client or customer – either face-to-face or over the telephone – bite your tongue. Resist the temptation to talk immediately after they have spoken. Instead, pause for a few moments. Because most people are uncomfortable with silence they will automatically say something.

This is a very effective recruiting technique (called the pregnant pause) and it can be used in the sales process as well. Here are a few other situations when biting your tongue will benefit you:

1. After you ask a question. I’ve seen more sales people answer their own questions instead of holding back and allowing their customer to talk. Let a customer tell you what’s on their mind and encourage them to give you more information. This is extremely easy to do when you refrain from talking after asking someone a question.

2. Anytime you ask for the sale. When you ask a person to make a financial commitment (aka a buying decision) you need to give them time to think about their decision and to respond. Too many sales people talk themselves out of a sale by continuing to speak afterwards. I recall one sales person telling me he would give me time to make a decision even though I had told him I wanted his product.

3. When you are not sure what to say next. From time to time, I have found myself unsure of what I should say after a comment made a prospect or customer. In these situations, an effective approach is to remain silent. It takes patience and a lot of control. However, in most cases, the other person will fill up that dead air space and give you information you would not have learned otherwise.

4. When people express disappointment. In situations of conflict our natural tendency is to explain why something went wrong or to immediately offer a solution. However, allowing people the opportunity to vent gives you the chance to offer the best possible solution. Many years ago I had a disgruntled employee and I gave her time to express her opinions. After several minutes of heated words and angry dialogue, I discovered that all she really wanted from me was the opportunity to vent her frustration.

In another situation, my customer actually told me what he wanted done which was less than I had originally planned to offer. I remember reading the following advice from an author some years ago – spend one day every few months being as quiet as possible and responding only when it adds value to that particular conversation. This will be incredibly difficult for the majority of people but imagine how much you will hear and learn that day.

Most people who sell a product or service mistakenly think that they must do most of the talking. However, my experience has taught me that some of the best sales people are also the quietest. And it’s because they actually hear what their customer or prospect has to say. They learn what’s important to that person. They find out the motivating factors behind the purchase. They allow the other person to dominate the conversation. And let’s face it, the majority of people will always talk when given the opportunity.

© 2005 Kelley Robertson, All rights reserved

__________________
Kelley Robertson, http://www.robertsontraininggroup.com

Kelley Robertson, President of the Robertson Training Group, works with businesses to help them increase their sales and motivate their employees. He is also the author of “Stop, Ask & Listen – Proven Sales Techniques To Turn Browsers Into Buyers.” Receive a FREE copy of “100 Ways to Increase Your Sales” by subscribing to his free sales and motivational newsletter available at www.kelleyrobertson.com. Contact him at 905-633-7750 or Kelley@RobertsonTrainingGroup.com

Kelley Robertson is a professional speaker on sales, sales management, and employee motivation. He is also the author of, “Stop, Ask & Listen - Proven sales techniques to turn browsers into buyers.” Receive a FREE copy of "100 Ways to Increase Your Sales" by subscribing to his free e-zine at www.robertsontraininggroup.com. For information on Kelley's programs contact him at 905-633-7750 or visit his website.

Family Cruise and Family Cruises

Family cruises are a special time for families to connect and spend time together. With the busyness of work and sports programs, dance lessons, dentist visits, and youth group, it's hard for families to spend quality time together. All the more reason to get away from the hustle and bustle and go on a family cruise.

There are family cruise agencies out there, ready to help you plan the perfect getaway for you and your loved ones. A trip that will be both fun and exciting yet won't break your budget. If you are looking for a variety of activities, ones that will allow your family some good interaction or individual activities that are of interest to everyone, it's all just a click away. There are family cruise specialists that dedicate themselves to bring you the best rates and superior service.

Family cruises are available for numerous destinations. Depending on where you want to go, you can explore the islands of Hawaii or sail to Florida, Canada, or Alaska. If you are interested in branching out farther, consider a Disney Cruise or a trip around the Cayman Islands. Whatever you choose, it will be an educational and memorable time for you and your loved ones.

We realize the importance of planning a family cruise is budget. You can save money if you travel during times that school vacations aren't planned. It is also important to discuss your airfare options with your travel agent. The reason for this is so you don't get stuck with inconvenient flight times or connections. If you are concerned about traveling with larger families, there are specifications designed to meet your needs on family cruises.

Youth counselors are also available on family cruises. If your children are three and older, you are bound to find a cruise line that has youth programs suitable for your family. If you are concerned about your teenagers having fun, family cruises are equipped with dance and karoake contests, pool parties, rock climbing walls, etc. Though programs are created to allow your children to be safe and have fun, the point of family cruises is to promote unity and togetherness within your family.

There are plenty of things to take into consideration when planning a family cruise. Will everyone have fun? Is it within the budget? What's an affordable and practical length of time to go on a family cruise? Family cruises are meant to be fun-sit down and talk with your family about where they would like to go, what kinds of activities your kids are interested in, and activities you can do together. Make it a point to write down what you hope to gain from your time together and set out to accomplish those goals. Bon Voyage!

For more information about family cruise and family cruises, visit:http://cruises.christianet.com
Keywords: family cruise, family cruises

_______________
Christian N,
http://www.christianet.com

Featuring numerous life application articles and tips.

Retire, Relocate or Purchase a Second Home in Chesapeake Bay Country

Do you love the beach, but hate the crowds, traffic, and overpopulation of resorts that attract hordes of tourists? Why not consider Chesapeake Bay Country as the place to relocate, retire or buy a second home instead? Located just 2 - 2 1/2 hours outside of Washington D.C. and Northern Virginia or and an hour from Richmond, Virginia, Chesapeake Bay country is one of the best kept secrets about coastal Virginia. It's still rural enough for solitude and close enough to metropolitan areas like Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and Williamsburg to provide culture and entertainment nearby.

The Chesapeake Bay area was actually settled in the 1600's and is rich with history. Some of the best seafood restaurants are found in Gloucester, Gloucester Point, Matthews and Gwynn's Island because the restaurants obtain fresh local catches of fish, oysters, scallops and blue crabs. Homes with boat docks and waterfront property abound because tidal rivers that lead to the Chesapeake Bay slice the land. Build the estate you've always dreamed about on agricultural land - always for sale. If you want to relocate, retire or buy a second home in Chesapeake Bay country, the time is now. Join me for a short journey through the best of Chesapeake Bay Country.

West Point West Point Virginia is located six miles off Interstate 64 between Richmond and Williamsburg and has a population of roughly 2,900 people. Property tax rates are low compared to more congested areas of Virginia. Many families want to live in West Point, because the school district is so outstanding it falls within the top 10 school districts of Virginia each year. West Point is a quiet Southern town, with some stunning 19th and early 20th Century architecture in the historic district. West Point is located at the place where the Mattoponi and Pamunky Rivers join the York River. Once you cross the bridge on Route 33 you enter the Upper Peninisula and Northern Neck, bordering the Chesapeake Bay.

Gloucester & Gloucester Point Across the York River from historic Yorktown, (an alternate route to Gloucester is to take Route 33 from West Point) Gloucester and Gloucester Point are towns that are slowly increasing in population. Here you will find waterfront property that has been utilized by waterman since Colonial times. Many of the waterfront properties were once plantations or home to Native Americas. Average homes for middle class families are numerous in this area. Choice real estate along the river is available infrequently, and comes at a premium price.

Matthews In the charming little town of Matthews, the home buyer will find waterfront property on tidal rivers that lead to the Chesapeake Bay. Homes often include a boat dock and marinas are also nearby. Eat fresh, local seafood in the restaurants and play a round of golf at Tides Mill in Lancaster County - a world-renowned golf course. Visit Donks Theater for a L'il Oprey show of country western entertainment. Famous singers who played here include Earl Scruggs, Loretta Lynn, and Tammy Wynette. Matthews historic district dates to Colonial times. Find relaxation along the Chesapeake Bay on a secluded, almost private beach not widely known to tourists -- Festival Beach. It's the perfect place to get some sun, swim, or do some bird watching. 'Downtown' Matthews has banks, a video store, gas station, and auto parts store. A Coast Guard station is located just before the drawbridge.

Gwynn's Island Cross the drawbridge from Matthews onto enchanting Gywnn's Island, known by Colonial Indian tribes as a place 'inhabited by the Great Spirit' and once visited by Captain John Smith. The island has a nautical 'Cape Cod' feel to it without ostentatious neighbors or the high property taxes and cost of living. Gywnn's Island is three miles long and two miles wide and has a population of roughly 900. A number of residents have notoriously lived past 100 in this part of Chesapeake Bay country. Waterfront estates are found along the perimeter and the center of the island is still dotted with small waterman's cottages, many converted to second homes or vacation homes. John Dixon, author of Gwynn's Island: a Brief History, describes Gwynn's Island as "happy homes and fertile farms on smiling waters."

These are just a few of the areas that make Chesapeake Bay Country a pleasant place to retire, relocate, or purchase a second home or vacation home. Come visit and explore this little known area. But, be prepared to fall in love with it and leave your heart.

Keywords: second home, retire, relocate, beach, resort, purchase home, home buying

___________________
Elaine Voncannon, Williamsburg
vonmor1@cox.net
http://www.voncannonrealestate.com

Elaine VonCannon is a REALTOR with RE/Max Capital in Williamsburg, Virginia, and she specializes in retirement and relocation in the Williamsburg area. She is an Accredited Buyer's Representative as well as a Senior Real Estate Specialist. Elaine VonCannon also works with real estate investors and home sellers.

Longwood Gardens - A Must Stop On Your Philadelphia Vacation

Welcome to the Brandywine Valley. This area provides plenty of opportunities for you to enjoy your vacation here, especially during the Summer, Spring, and Fall seasons. It is home to a wonderful assortment of world-class gardens and museums.

A sample stop on your itinerary should include a visit to Longwood Gardens and the Brandywine River Museum. Both are within ten minutes of each other. You could easily spend anywhere from 4 hours to a whole day just exploring these two places. Longwood Gardens is located in the historic Brandywine Valley of southeastern Pennsylvania (PA) and northern Delaware (DE).
Pierre S. du Pont created Longwood Gardens (sometimes referred to as the DuPont Gardens) back in 1906. Today hundreds of employees and volunteers keep Longwood Gardens beautiful. Longwood Garden has over 1,000 acres of indoor and outdoor gardens with over 11,000 different varieties of plants, breathtaking fountains, and lots of events that will captivate you. Longwood is so popular that it attracts over 900,000 visitors every year from all over the world. There's everything from children's programs to concerts and gardening demonstrations. Their world famous fireworks displays will make you ooh and aah with delight.

Longwood has more fountains than any other garden in the United States. Their fountains have been compared to famous water displays in Europe. This should come as no surprise because Pierre du Pont was wildly passionate about fountains and water. He created three different fountain gardens and included an assortment of smaller water features. Some of these fountains have been either restored and even expanded on to improve on his original designs. The staff must be doing something right because more and more people come to see these historic fountain shows.

Naturally, you can't mention DuPont without mentioning gun powder and fireworks in the same story. The DuPont family has been involved in manufacturing gunpowder for close to two centuries. Pierre's interest in both pyrotechnics and fountains has blasted (pardon the pun) into one of the best displays of fireworks and water combined, bar none. Because of the people power and time involved in setting up a fireworks show they are limited to 3 to 4 shows each year. You definitely want to make one of the fireworks shows.

High tech has also been added creatively to the mix of fountains and fireworks. Computer technology has brought these water shows into the 21st century in a big way. Because Pierre du Pont was always looking to improve Longwood, it's easy to imagine him being proud knowing that his gardens still continue to astound visitors.

While in this quaint area, you will also want to visit the Brandywine River Museum. The Brandywine River Museum is located in a Civil-War era grist mill thats been remodeled into a museum. This Museum is famously known for its selections of Wyeth family paintings. It's hard to imagine that in this country-like setting is one of the largest and most comprehensive Wyeth collections worldwide.

The Museum changes its exhibits often. Many of the paintings and other artwork are centered on the Brandywine Valley area, as well as other areas of this region. It's quite an experience to be looking at a painting and being able to pinpoint the location.

There are also many special events during the year both indoor and outdoor, such as concerts, slide shows, crafts fairs. With all the presentations, you'll be ready to eat sooner than later and there are Award winning restaurants both at Longwood and The Brandywine Museum. If you are looking for something else, there are plenty of national chain establishments and fast food and everything in between, all within a 10 minute drive.

With the lavishness of these amazing gardens, you~ll find something that will make your visit a lasting memory, no matter what your tastes are. Because of the spectacular sights of the open landscapes and the fascinating historical presence of the area, people return again and again .

Keywords: Longwood Gardens, vacation, travel, cheap airfare, family vacation, Delaware, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Emily Strandford,
emily@bairfare.com
http://www.bairfare.com

(name) is enthusiastic about (keyword) and Emily Strandford is the originator of All About Airfare

Save Lots By Booking Your Travel Online

Today, the easiest way to book your next vacation or trip away from home is by making reservations online. Let's say, your idea of a vacation away is somewhere exotic and balmy, where you can spend your days sipping drinks by a gorgeous swimming pool in the wonderful warm sunshine. Maybe you would prefer to have your next vacation, skiing down the gorgeous white slopes of Wyoming. Your destination doesn't matter, booking your travel on the Internet can offer affordable and easy travel packages.

Most people these days, live full and busy lives, packed with stress and anxiety. Their schedules are full with family, work and other critical responsibilities. The one thing that they are generally missing is relaxation and fun. It is after all, crucial to get away from it once in awhile, and enjoy the fruits of your work. A vacation can release built up strain that leads to health problems and even fatique. No matter where you go, it's all about making time for yourself, relaxing with a much needed break and some well earned travel.

But relaxation is not the only reason people travel. There are indeed a variety of reasons people travel. Sometimes it is for that long awaited vacation. Other times it is to visit family or friends scattered across the world.

Other reasons people may travel is due to requests of their jobs. Many various jobs will demand a person to travel to different parts of the country or even different parts of the world.

Businesses and companies may be looking for an inexpensive way for their employees to travel.

Although vacations are meant to be relaxing or enjoyable, planning all of the arrangements required for the whole family can be aggravating, expensive and usually very time-consuming. Making use of efficient online travel deals will free up your time that can now be spent dreaming about your vacation or planning family excursions. Online packages means you can take advantage of discount packages so you can do an amazing amount of research on these choices before you even take leave.

Online travel booking may also help travelers as well as employers by offering a choice for making last minute arrangements. If you're required to travel due to family illness or a last minute business trip, you can book a travel plan online faster and easier.

Naturally, a major selling point for a majority of things is affordability and convenience. Online travel booking offers both. You can find incredible deals and offers for the vacation of your dreams or for your business needs.

Keywords: Travel, airfare, vacation, cruise, online, discount airfare, travel, family vacation, cheap flights

________________
Lilly Fortunato
lilly@auavacation.com
http://www.auavacations.com

Lilly Fortunato) is enthusiastic about Vacations and is the originator of All About Vacations

10 Thoughts On Picking a Cruise Ship Cabin

The best advice is to be informed about cabins and pick the right cabin for you among the thousands available on a cruise ship.

1. One of the most difficult parts of planning for a cruise is choosing the right cabin. Everyone has different tastes, and what is not important to one person might well be important to you.
2. Look at the cruise ship layout and decks online or in brochures. Know that there are different types of cabins on different cruise ships. The biggest differences between cruise lines-
-mainstream and luxury--ships are the quality of accommodations.

3. Sometimes there are over 20 different categories on a ship! So it is important to know the different cabin categories. One reason is that thanks to modern shipbuilding, most inside and outside staterooms are standard in size and amenities. Comparing one vessel's cabins against another is daunting task, so keep your eye on the square footage as the most important criteria.
4. Know your budget and what you can afford. The price of a cruise ship cabin or stateroom (the terms are interchangeable) is dependent on its size, layout, and location. The cabins on large cruise ships come in standard, ocean view, balcony, and suite. A luxury line's smallest cabins are much larger than those on large cruise lines and are either ocean view or balconied.

5. Know your lifestyle. Price is certainly a consideration, but if your vacation time is limited, you might be willing to pay more to get a cabin better suited to your lifestyle. It's a personal decision, much like deciding where to cruise and which ship to cruise on. How about an outside cabin with a window, or better yet a balcony? How about sitting on the balcony with a good book or using it to catch a breathe of sea air?

6. The right cabin is a retreat house after a busy day ashore, or just to get away. A long cruise will have you wanting to spend a relaxing time in your room, watching a TV-movie, or taking a nap.

7. Lots of people recommend the cheapest inside cabin, because you won't be spending much time in there anyway. This might be true for short trips, but are you prepared for an inside cabin on the lowest level.

8. Know your location. Cabin, balcony size, and cabin location vary significantly within the same price range on any ship.

9. There's lot of cruise industry jargon you have to decipher.

10. Yes, there are the obvious questions you should ask: Will I located below the water line? Will I hear the roar of the ships engines from my cabin? Will I have enough room to turn around in my cabin? Will it be the size of a walk-in closet, with no windows, a tiny bath, and bunk beds? Will I not be able to tell if it's day or night without going up several decks?

Explore what the different types of cabins are, which locations are the most desirable, and which locations you should avoid if possible. Pick the right accommodations and you'll have a wonderful time, and get hooked on cruising.

Keywords: cruise, cruises, cruiseline, cruise ship, ocean cruise

____________________
Ken Weasley

webmaster@acmecruises.com
dedicated to offering news, articles, and instruction on cheap cruise travel. You have a definite choice of cruise deals. Save big on cruises now. Visit http://www.acmecruises.com for more information.

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles: Vacation Travel Made Easy Using the Internet

As you probably know, the Internet is a highly valuable research tool. However, many travelers do not consider using the Internet to book their next vacation, and thus often miss out on timesavings not to mention truly great bargains.

In this article we’ll take a look at how the Internet can help you to plan and book the perfect vacation.

If you haven’t already figured out exactly where you want to go, you might want to visit Yahoo! Travel. This excellent resource provides information about popular destinations based on category, for example ‘Best Beaches’, ‘Top Romantic Getaways’ or ‘Top Singles Destinations’. Yahoo! Travel also features a list of the most popular vacation destinations along with things to do and see for each one.

If you are looking for a vacation tailored around your own personal interests, you should spend some time consulting the Yahoo! Travel Interest Guides. The top destinations are selected for each interest, so choosing a vacation that is perfectly suited to your interests should be a fast and simple task.

Once you have selected a destination then it’s time to start planning how to get there!

Locate and book the best value travel

Whether you decide to go by plane, train or automobile, finding cost effective travel is the first step to planning a great trip. Many Internet resources allow you to search multiple travel providers and directly compare services and prices.

Traveling by car

If you plan to travel by car, then the first step should be a visit to Map Quest for directions. This valuable website will allow to you obtain detailed driving directions to your destination, including total distance and estimated driving time.

If you intend to rent a car make sure you compare prices at different auto rental sites. For example, Car Rental Express provides an excellent resource that compares rental prices from multiple major auto rental companies. Many sites will allow you to directly compare rental prices from most of the leading auto rental companies. Make sure that you spend some time examining the different company regulations governing auto rental that often differ from state to state (minimum driver age, area restrictions, etc…).

When possible, taking your own car can save you a fair amount of money. However, it’s extremely important to ensure your vehicle is ready for a long distance trip. Having your car break down during your trip is not fun, especially if you are looking to experience the perfect vacation!

Traveling by plane

Traveling by car is great for shorter distances; however traveling by plane will allow you to reach your destination much faster. Nowadays, there is so much online competition for short, inland flights that you can most often find some outstanding prices, especially if you book a little in advance. In addition, most of the major airlines offer special ‘Internet Only’ deals and rates.
If your travel arrangements are flexible, then Priceline.com offers some extraordinary bargains. Basically, you simply specify the maximum amount you are willing to pay for a particular flight, and if the amount is accepted by the airline your flight is immediately booked. This is a great system that can provide you with huge savings…that would be totally impossible if it wasn’t for the Internet!

Traveling by train

Although often overlooked, traveling by train can be a highly cost effective and convenient method of travel. You can quickly and easily research the various choices to your chosen destination by going to Amtrak. Check out the ‘Hot Deals’ section on the Amtrak website for some great Internet offers.

Or for a one of a kind travel experience, you may want to consider taking a scenic route on a luxury train. Many luxury train travel packages offer meals and accommodation on the way to your final destination. Check out the links below to find out more information about luxury train travel.

Going on a cruise

Cruise trips can offer an exciting alternative to conventional vacations. After unpacking your belongings, you can relax while the ship takes you from destination to destination. There is typically a wide variety of nightlife; entertainment and activities to keep you busy and most major cruise ships offer a broad range of cuisine to appeal to most culinary preferences. Cruises typically offer low amounts of hassle - simply book your ticket, board the boat and get ready to relax.

Additionally, many cruises are all inclusive – the price of your ticket includes meals and activities.

If you are interested in going on a cruise start at VacationsToGo.com. This is a useful resource for locating last minute and bargain cruises. For many people, a cruise can be the perfect vacation!

Find the perfect accommodation

Locating the ideal vacation accommodation is perhaps the most important part of planning the perfect vacation. Multiple options will most likely be available depending on where you plan to visit.

If you were planning to visit within striking distance of a town or city and for a short period of time, then a hotel or condo would be the most appropriate choice.

Otherwise a rental home, villa or townhouse can offer a high level of comfort and convenience. The great advantage of this type of accommodation is the kitchen/laundry facilities that can help save money, especially if you are vacationing for a week or more.

If you want great value without having to make your own reservations and travel arrangements then a complete vacation package can offer great savings and convenience. A package typically includes flights, hotel rooms, rental cars and can also include meals and tickets for popular activities.

Although often overlooked, home exchanges can offer a great value for money vacation, with the added bonus of having someone looking after your home while you are away! Often cars are also exchanged as part of the process.

Before finalizing your reservation, it’s a good idea to check out reader reviews of your chosen accommodation at www.tripadvisor.com. This is a highly valuable resource in determining suitability and comfort and allows you to help avoid any hidden problems.

When you are ready to choose, browse through some of the accommodation links below and compare prices. If you are planning to stay in a hotel, make sure that you check the website to ensure that they have all the amenities you require (fitness center, internet access, restaurant, etc…). Lastly, don’t forget to book early as hotels/homes often become booked rapidly.

Find out what to do and where to go…before you get there!

Hopefully by now you have planned your travel arrangements and booked a great place to stay, however there is still one important factor to consider…

Finding out as much as you as possible about your chosen destination before you get there will help ensure that you are able to have fun upon arrival. By pre-selecting some activities to do or places to visit, you’ll be able to save time and enjoy your vacation immediately, even if you are among those travelers who prefer to just relax and explore your destination once you get there.
A great starting point for learning more about your destination is www.citytown.info. This database consists of links to the official websites of most major towns in the United States. Most of the official town websites contain sections for tourists, including things to see and do, places to visit, where to eat, etc…

The SLGN Directory (www.statelocalgov.net) is the easiest method for locating official tourist information corresponding to your chosen destination. Simply select the appropriate state to gain access to a list of official town/city guides and state directories.

You should also explore the World Travel Guide website at www.wtgonline.com which provides a plethora of data for thousands of worldwide destinations. Attractions, airports, tours, images and brochures are covered along with many other useful travel resources. The World Travel Guide is an excellent tool for helping to plan the perfect vacation.

Although less tourist-oriented, www.city-data.com still remains a valuable resource for researching information about your chosen town or city.

As previously mentioned, www.tripadvisor.com is also a highly useful resource for learning about a destination through submitted user reviews, articles and comments. Spend some time browsing the site and you will be able to find out exactly what other people who visited the area enjoyed.

An excellent resource for obtaining a categorized list of activities around your chosen destination is www.infohub.com . InfoHub contains an immense list of specialist activities, from football tours to museum visits and is very useful for planning the perfect vacation based on around you or your family’s interests.

If you are willing to spend a little extra then a professional tourist guide can be extremely helpful in making sure you get the most out of your vacation. A good guide will help tailor the trip based on your personal interests while allowing you to connect with the locals. For personal safety reasons; a tourist guide is highly recommended if you are traveling to exotic destinations. You can obtain information on how to hire a tourist guide by navigating to www.wwguides.com.

_____________________
Gary W. Griffin, Ph.D. is a researcher and an entrepreneur. He is also an authorized travel agent, and he loves to travel. This article is brought to you by e-Travel FAQs. For all your travel information needs, visit us at http://www.e-TravelFAQs.com.

Overview of Cozumel in Mexico

The island of Cozumel is only 12 miles (19 km) off the Mexican Yucatan Peninsula's east coast and 44 miles (71 km) south of Cancun. For years, Cozumel was a quiet sleepy island that didn't get many visitors until Jacques Cousteau did a documentary on it after discovering the world class scuba diving at the Palancar Reefs nearby. Since 1961, Cozumel has been known as one of the best scuba diving destinations in the world. In fact for decades since that time, the only tourists visiting the island have been primarily scuba divers. Mainstream tourists went to the resort intensive Cancun in the mainland instead. However, Cozumel became a regular cruise ship port of call in recent years and today it is one of the busiest with two separate terminals. It is common to have five or even six different cruise ships at port on any given day. I've been to Cozumel twice, the first time staying several days on a scuba diving vacation and the second time for a day via cruise ship (also scuba dived during my second visit).

As a result of the cruise ship boom, there has been lots of retail development along the main waterfront road of Avenida Rafael Melgar in the island's only town of San Miguel de Cozumel. There are countless jewelry and t-shirt shops most with staff standing in the entrances enticing visitors to enter their stores. Both silver and liquor can be good bargains here. There are also some nice Mexican crafts shops too. The one problem that we found was that after about 4 jewelry shops, they all started to look the same. It was almost a retail overload. For those who came for a wilder time, there are some bars such as Carlos 'n' Charlie. The town's main outdoor square, Plaza del Sol, is just opposite the main ferry dock to the mainland. There are usually street vendors and artists in the Plaza as well local entertainment during some evenings. The artists do some amazing artwork with spray paints and their prices are very reasonable. San Miguel's main tourist area can be very busy during the day when the cruise ship passengers are in town but since most ships depart at dinnertime, the evenings are actually very quiet. The only tourists left at night tend to be the scuba divers staying in Cozumel.

Most of the hotels and resorts are south of San Miguel and are not within walking distance. However, there are numerous white taxicabs that are readily available. The larger and more luxurious resorts tend to be even further south of town along the southwestern shores. This is actually not surprising since most of the best scuba diving sites are southwest of the island. An easy way to see the 33 mile (53 km) by 9 mile (14 km) island is by renting a scooter or a 4x4. I once rented a scooter and zigzagged along most of San Miguel's streets to see the neighborhoods. Then I went on the main road leaving town and went south. After passing by the larger resorts and going around the southern tip of the island, I found the beaches along the southeastern shores. The shores near San Miguel along the crowded west coast are not known for beaches but the southeast part here have some really spectacular ones. Even better is that there is very little traffic here so the beaches are pretty quiet. Sometimes people can park their scooters and enjoy a beach all for themselves. There are a few stops with refreshments and more souvenirs at prices even better than in San Miguel. After traveling north again, there is a road about halfway up the island that goes across and takes you back to San Miguel entering the town's east side. My scooter tour of the island took just over 2 hours and cost $25 US for the rental. Cozumel has several ancient Mayan ruins but they are not nearly as large or spectacular as the ones on the mainland. After seeing some photos of them in advance of my trip, I didn't even bother to see the ruins.

Cozumel is a nice port of call for cruise ships as there are many shopping opportunities. Passengers who scuba dive or snorkel can easily book directly with the many dive shops in San Miguel without going through their cruise ships which will cost much more. For cruise ship tourists who do not intend to do any water sports and have some time after shopping, it is highly recommended to rent a scooter or 4x4 to tour the island. This is also a nice way to spend the last day of a scuba dive vacation in Cozumel.

Keywords: cozumel, mexico, mexican, cancun. cruise ship, scuba

________________
By Clint Leung, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
http://www.FreeSpiritGallery.ca

Clint is owner of Free Spirit Gallery which specializes in exquisite authentic Eskimo Inuit and Northwest Native art including carvings, sculpture and prints at below retail prices. There are numerous information resource articles on Inuit and Native art with photos of authentic artwork as well as eCards at the website (http://www.FreeSpiritGallery.ca).

St. Martin Island provides fun and fascination to Caribbean visitors

St. Martin Island is among the Caribbean's most luxurious and desirable vacation destinations. Tourists get the royal treatment as they cruise the small island for food, fashion and fun.

"Many travellers venture to French St. Martin for gourmet cuisine," reports travel writer Rick Millikan in his new travel story at www.Travel-Wise.com. "Cordially welcomed at the Mont Vernon reception, we slipped into the adjoining courtyard to savour coffee au lait, succulent fruit, warm pastries, and specially prepared omelets. Beyond providing themed buffets, the secluded resort offered guests opportunities for gourmet dining at off-property restaurants. So following a pleasant stroll that evening, Le Taitu fully initiated us into the pleasures of Creole gastronomy."

Millikan's review of St. Martin island and its European-Caribbean culture as well as natural beauty offers great travel tips to any traveler looking to visit this tropical paradise.

Beyond the fine restaurants, fashionable shopping and historic sites, visitors can also explore nature by snorkeling in the marine reserve, spending time in a butterfly farm or hiking the mountainous rain forest … before it's back to delicious dishes.

"Exploring seven miles of stony trails, hikers observe exotic birds, green monkeys and raccoons. Some trek up to Paradise Peak, the highest spot on the island," describes Millikan. "Upon their return, they may join gourmands delighting in the internationally acclaimed Hidden Forest Cafй."

"Sporting a salty history, St. Martin now boasts haut cuisine. Named Saint Martin of Tours by Columbus, it's now Saint Martin of tourism. Enticed by its European Caribbean culture and natural beauty, we discovered a fascinating and welcome haven," concludes Millikan.

For more details on St. Martin Island in the Caribbean as well as thousands of other destinations around the world, visit www.Travel-Wise.com - "where smart travelers come first." New travel reviews by professional travel writers are featured each week at this leading international travel website.

Keywords: St. Martin Island, St Martin, Saint Martin vacation, Royal Cruise, Caribbean, Carribbean, Caribean

__________________
By Peter James, ONLINE, EVERYWHERE CANADA
peter@424826.com
http://www.CanadianCreditCenter.com

Peter James is an expert in Canadian financial products and services. He is a regular contributor to www.CanadianCreditCenter.com, one of Canada's leading finance portals. The website offers a wide range of ways Canadians can save money, get credit reports, take out loans, insure themselves and even prepare income taxes in Canada.

Arizona In All Its Colorful Glory

Arizona is one of the most colorful places to vacation. Between enchanting sunrises and sunsets and the colorful fields, pine forests with the ever-changing climates and moutain ranges that seem to change colors by the minute, it is art for the eye.

There is much to do in Arizona. Vacation activities include golfing in world class courses, hiking, canoeing, and trout fishing. There are even areas where the temperature is such that you can water ski and snow ski in the same day.

A neat spot to sight see is the Apache Trail, which was initially built in the 1930s to support the development of the dams built by the Salt River. The drive is a loop drive of 80 miles that is partially dirt. This section provides the most amazing views of mountains with dense forestry. Along the way, you will go by Fish Creek Canyon. RV companies do not allow their vehicles to be driven on this drive due to the way the road hangs on the side of a very narrow, steep canyon.
Other destinations on the Apache Trail are the Goldfield Mining Town, which is a re-creation of an old west ghost town that was active over a hundred years ago. The Mammoth Mine produced three million dollars worth of gold in the mining years between 1892 - 1896.

Park lovers will love The Lost Dutchman State Park for exploring the mountains and hiking nature trails. There are a limited number of campsites and picnic facilities.

swimmers and boaters will enjoy Canyon Lake with its cool clear water and steep canyon walls. Camping and picnicking is ideal here also.

Roosevelt Dam was originally built between 1905 and 1911 and restricts the water of the Salt River forming Roosevelt Lake. This dam was considered the world's largest "cyclopean-masonry" dam, which means it was created in Greco-Roman style, using very large, irregularly shaped blocks. It is covered by concrete today.

There are other stops along the trail, such as Tortilla Flat, another old-west style settlement and Apache Lake formed by the Horse Mesa Dam. And we must not forget Tonto National Monument. This 2 story ruin, known as Sinaqua Indian Cliff looks down on Lake Roosevelt and is a delight to view.

One of the better known places to visit is Sedona. Beyond the beauty of this land, you are apt to feel the beauty of the people. This city is known for its artistry as many artisans have moved their home here. Many of the Native Americans believe the Sedona area is a spiritual one as they believe there is a vortex of energy coming from the earth's electromagnetic fields.

Whether you believe there is anything to this belief of a heart being affected by this magnetic field or not, this enchanted area is sure to feed your soul with its atmosphere. whatever the time of the year, Arizona has something for everyone to enjoy.

Keywords: Arizona, Sedona, Phoenix, Travel, Vacation, Family, Airfare, Golf, Hiking, Camping, Canoeing, RV

_____________________
By Alicia Bankford,
alicia@fairarizona.com
http://www.fairarizona.com

Alicia Bankford is enthusiastic about Arizona and is the originator of All About Arizona

Pilot Paul's Luggage Buying Checklist

As an airline pilot, I "live" out of my suitcase quite a bit.

Crewmembers are very hard on their luggage and won't tolerate junky luggage that won't perform well over a long period of time. The best value in luggage is good quality, well-built, highly functional luggage that is backed up with a strong waranty. You'll achieve the best value if something serves you well for a long period of time. That way your cost per use will be low.

This eliminates most of the cheaper discount store luggage. Surprisingly, it also eliminates many of the fancy, high priced "designer" bags also.

I've carefully inspected many designer bags offered in the boutique designer logo shops. Often these bags have the quality and features of the cheap ones in the discount stores. Their only value is the "perceived value" of the designer logo.

I've been shocked to find the prices of these bags well over $1000 while they are inferior in quality, duraility, and features of many suitcases costing around $200-$300.

There are only a few brands that I specifically recommend. More on that in a moment.

The following "checklist" for choosing your luggage should help you make a good purchase decision.

Pilot Paul's Luggage Buying Checklist:

Wheels. These are essential. Think about how much walking with your bags is involved in any trip. It is best to have at least one bag in your ensemble with wheels. The ideal situation is to arrange things so with one wheeled bag acting as a cart, you can be completely mobile with your entire luggage. This will save you lots of time waiting for porters and bellmen, plus tip money.
I highly recommend larger, rubberized wheels with ball bearings- similar to the ones on inline skates. These make a noticeable difference when pulling a loaded bag. They give the best performance and longevity.

Recessed wheels are less likely to be damaged. Often, while doing aircraft exterior inspections, I'll find suitcase wheels that have been broken off in the loading/unloading process.

Handle. Make sure that it is long enough. If it's too short, you'll be leaning sideways while walking.

Make sure that the handle locks down so it won't be damaged if you check your bag.
One thing that leads to handle failures on many bags is lifting a loaded bag by the pull handle. Your bag will last longer if you lift it by the smaller grip handles.

For larger bags, two grip handles make it much easier to hoist, lift, and carry your bag. Think of getting the bag out of a trunk of up into an overhead bin.

Outer Shell. There are three different types: soft-sided, hard-sided, and in-between, semi-soft sided. Consider your needs.

Soft-sided are the most lightweight and expandable. They make the best carry-ons, but your bag's contents are most vulnerable to damage. Think about what you'll pack in one, especially if you plan to check your bag.

Hard-sided bags are the best for protecting your stuff, but these bags tend to be heavier. They also don't give or compress if you're trying to stuff them in a tight place, like the trunk of a car or an overhead bin.

Semi-soft combines the benefits of the other two. These are what I like best. They are partially framed and have expandable tops and bottoms. They weigh less than hard-sided ones, but still protect well.

Material. For soft and semi-soft luggage, nylon or ballistic nylon is stronger than polyester. Look for a tight and dense weave. If denier is mentioned, it refers to the thickness of the fiber. High denier means thick fiber.

Zippers. Metal ones aren't good. The newer, synthetic zippers made of coils can actually self-repair when the slide is moved over the teeth.

Self-repairing zippers is one thing that separates the well-made luggage from the rest.
Since people tend to over-stuff their suitcases (especially if they did some extra shopping), the zipper takes the strain of trying to close and hold the suitcase together.

These self-repairing zippers will do that job better than any others will. A standard zipper can fail under that strain. If your suitcase zipper breaks as you are finishing packing and hurrying to catch a plane, you suddenly have a big problem.

There you are, it's time to go and your suitcase zipper is broken. Everything is falling out and you don't have the time or capability to fix or replace it.

Whatever you buy, make sure that it has a large, self-repairing zipper.

Hooks. Many rolling bags have a hook to carry an additional bag. These are wonderful. With these, you can often easily carry two extra bags - one on the hook and one over the extended handle. The bag on the hook tends to counter-balance everything making the downward load on the handle lighter.

Tip - some hooks are stronger than others are. The most strain on your luggage hook comes when you have a heavy bag attached and you are on an escalator. The hooked bag is unsupported. If this is an issue, look for the elevator.

Other Nice Features. Many pockets inside and out are useful. Many bags have some plastic lined pockets. These are great for wet items like swimsuits or workout clothes. If you are getting a bag that will be outside like a backpack, rain flaps over the zippers help keep the contents dry when it's raining.

Warranty. If you buy a good suitcase and use it for a long time, a good warranty is very important.

A long warranty period is a good indication that the manufacturer believes in their product.
Many higher-end bags have lifetime warranties. While these suitcases may cost a bit more, if a free warranty repair is the difference between more years of service and the garbage, it's worth it.

The smart choice is to buy well-constructed, long-lasting quality luggage. That will be the best value, last the longest, and be the wisest choice.

There are four specific brand of luggage that I personally recommend.

To learn which ones those are and why, please visit my complete luggage ratings web page at: http://www.pilot-pauls-travel-accessories.com/luggage-ratings.html

If you go there, you'll also learn the best places to find these suitcases at the best prices.

Copyright 2005 by Ph.Developments USA, Inc. All rights reserved.

Keywords: luggage reviews, luggage ratings, luggage

__________________
By Pilot Paul, Crystal Lake, IL USA
http://www.Pilot-Pauls-Travel-Accessories.com

Pilot Paul is a 757 and 767 International Airline Captain at a major U.S. airline. He usually flies between Chicago and Hawaii, Europe, and the Caribbean. His extensive traveling career has made him an expert in evaluating travel accessories. His site only recommends travel accessories that stand up to hard, full-time crewmember use. By visiting http://www.Pilot-Pauls-Travel-Accessories.com you can benefit from this knowledge by reading his extensive travel accessory reviews and recommendations. You can also learn about some great travel discounts and insider's travel secrets. While there, don't forget to subscribe to his FREE newsletter "This Is Your Captain Speaking..."

White Noise Machines- Your Solution To Sleeping In Noisy Places

As an airline pilot, I have a respnsibility to always arrive at the plane well rested. That means being able to sleep well in almost any hotel room. Few are quiet.

My secret to sleeping well in noisy places (which can be yours also)- I never go on a trip without my white noise machine.

I spent $80 for mine about 12 years ago and have slept better thousands of nights because of it. That's made it a pretty good investment.

"What Is A White Noise Machine?"

It is a small electronic device that makes background "white noise". It masks and covers other sounds that could potentially disturb your sleep.

The concept of having one noise mask another so you can sleep might be difficult to imagine.
I'm actually a very light sleeper and noises easily awaken me.

The white noise is a constant background noise that your brain gets used to so it doesn't noticeably register. Your mind blocks it out, so you can sleep without noticing it. The constant white noise in the background covers or blocks other noises.

It's an interesting phenomenon that if someone is sleeping while using a white noise machine and it is suddenly turned off, the absence of the white noise can actually awaken them.

White noise machines are most effective when placed between you and the noise source. If there is traffic or an airport out the window, then put it between the window and you.

I always use mine when traveling, even if it seems like the hotel is nice and quiet. You never can predict when other guests will be loud in the hallways of adjacent rooms. If there is no outside noise, I put mine between the door and my bed.

You might be worried that using a white noise machine will make you miss your alarm of worse yet, a fire alarm. I've been in many hotels when the fire alarms went off at night while I was using my white noise machine at full volume. Don't worry; you can still hear a fire alarm.

As an airline pilot, I often have to get up very early. I can't afford to be late for work.

My white noise machine has never prevented me from hearing my alarm or wake up call. Your mind still detects these.

White noise machines are also great for your home or for creating privacy in your office.
My wife used to work as a Family Therapist. Their offices were not soundproof, but privacy and confidentiality were extremely important. They used white noise machines to create this privacy.

I have a friend who could not sleep through her husband's snoring. It was becoming a stressful issue for them. They learned about white noise machines and got one. It did the trick. Now she can sleep and their marriage is much better because of it.

We have an additional white noise sound machine at home. My travel one is so important to me that I never unpack it or use it at home. I would hate to leave it home and lose the sleep protection it provides during my trips.

When you first get a white noise machine, you have to train yourself to use it. That basically entails gradually increasing its volume each night. It takes about a week to get used to sleeping at the maximum volume. You'll be surprised how you won't even notice it then.

Some white noise machines make "nature sounds" like frogs, birds, or whales. You can even buy recordings of nature sounds to play to help you fall asleep.

While listening to Shamu, the killer whale, may be relaxing for some people, I don't think they make very effective white noise.

The problem is that nature sounds are irregular. To be most effective, white noise should be steady and constant. Tatt's what your brain is best at adjusting to and tuning out. Irregular sounds, although nice to listen to just don't work as well.

The other weakness of this type is that they often can't be turned up loud enough to mask sleep disturbing sounds. I guess that's because at greater volume Shamu, the killer whale, sounds frightening rather than relaxing.

I'm familiar with several white noise machines. There is one that I think is superior to the rest.
To learn which one it is and why, please visit:
http://www.pilot-pauls-travel-accessories.com/white-noise-machine.html

Copyright 2005 by Ph.Developments USA, Inc. All rights reserved.

Keywords: white noise machine, white noise machines, white noise sound machine, white noise

___________________
By Pilot Paul, Crystal Lake, IL USA
http://www.Pilot-Pauls-Travel-Accessories.com

Pilot Paul is a 757 and 767 International Airline Captain at a major U.S. airline. He usually flies between Chicago and Hawaii, Europe, and the Caribbean. His extensive traveling career has made him an expert in evaluating travel accessories. His site only recommends travel accessories that stand up to hard, full-time crewmember use. By visiting http://www.Pilot-Pauls-Travel-Accessories.com you can benefit from this knowledge by reading his extensive travel accessory reviews and recommendations. You can also learn about some great travel discounts and insider's travel secrets. While there, don't forget to subscribe to his FREE newsletter "This Is Your Captain Speaking..."

A Taste Of Greek Life

A Taste of Corfu- Janet Darbey 2005

It is said that the Roman soldiers based in Corfu were so spoiled by the quality of the wine there, that they would drink only wine with a fine bouquet.Nothing much has changed with local tastes, some two thousand years later.Fine local wine is still much savoured and sought after, throughout the island.Wine is treated with a gourmets delight in colour , flavour, bouquet and the pleasure it gives to the palate. It is treated with a reverence that is only afforded to one other product here, which is olive oil.

The quality of the olive oil and wine produced in Corfu, Greece, has always had a wonderful reputation throughout the world. It is believed that the type of olive trees, a native tall free growing tree ,may have been here naturally since stone age times, but the huge number of Olive trees currently on the island is mostly because of the Venetians. They offered the local population 39 drachmae bonus for every ten olive trees planted, hence the four million olive trees that thrive on an island which covers only about 500 square kilometers of land. The trees here are not the short shrubs that grow on islands like Crete, but massive specimens which often grow more than thirty feet high.None of the products of the Olive tree are wasted. The oil is used for cooking, medicinal purposes, and on the skin and hair.It is also used to fill oil lamps, and the waste oil from the kitchen is poured onto the kindling to get a fire started quickly. The olives are pickled and eaten (they cannot be eaten straight from the tree, they are far too bitter!). The pulp from the crushed olives that have been crushed to extract the oil is dried and is used as fuel in the wood burners in the winter.

The olive growers spread nets around the olive trees in Corfu, and wait for the ripe olives to drop off the trees, instead of picking them from the trees, or knocking them off the branches with sticks, as they do in most other parts of Greece. The Corfiots are reputed to beat neither their trees nor their women.There is a long olive gathering season in Corfu, it lasts from December, when the first olives begin to drop from the trees, to July. The olives which drop into the nets are gathered for the oil, the olives which are picked from the trees in April are the ones used for pickling ready for use on the table or in salads.From March to May the trees are producing olives and olive blossom at the same time. The air above Corfu is often thick with what appears to be a dark green mist or smog, but in reality it is a thick cloud of olive dust from the trees. It can even be seen floating on the surface of the sea and swimming pools throughout the island.

One strange fact is that you may buy a piece of land in Corfu, but someone else may own the olive trees that stand on it. People are discouraged from cutting down the trees anyway, but if they belong to someone else, cutting them down at all, is out of the question.Families may have owned olive trees on someone elses land for hundreds of years. The Orthodox church owns thousands of trees that stand on land the church has sold to other people. The olives from these trees are often not collected, and may be left to rot on the ground, as the villagers will think of them as belonging to God.

The olive oil produced in Corfu is usually of very high quality. The quality is measured by the acidity of the oil. The lower the acidity, the higher the quality. Even the poorest of olive oil in Corfu is rarely more than 3 percent acidic.Almost all the oil is cold pressed in the old traditional stone olive presses, so it is classed as extra virgin olive oil. Each area has its own particular flavour and quality of both oil and olives.It can range from very dark green to a light golden colour in Corfu. It is possible to buy it at the vegetable market in town, or from stalls at the side of the road in the villages.Most will be happy to let you taste the oil before you buy.Poorer quality oil will be used for cooking, but the best will be used at the table, for anything from salad dressing to pouring over feta cheese or fish straight from the oven. It is often used instead of butter or margerine on bread, and tastes wonderful used this way.In Corfu it is also used for deep frying food, but it is thrown away after being used this way, it cannot be reused for deep frying, as it will taste bitter and burnt.

It is also used on the skin, both for massage and skin complaints. A lot of olive oil in your diet will do wonders for your skin, and it is known to lower cholesterol. It is truly an amazing product.Greece has one of the highest levels of olive oil consumption in the world, and one of the lowest rates of heart disease and cholesterol levels.

There are many types of wine produced in Corfu, and the quality ranges from wonderful to truly awful. The best wines are fit for a King, the worst are fit for stripping paint!Almost all the wines that grace the tables in homes and tavernas in Corfu are locally produced. Most bottled wines are seen as drink for the tourists and visitors from the mainland, the locals and the people in the know usually order the village wines.Most are sold by the jug full by the taverna, which also makes its own wine for the table. The grapes grow quickly in the hot moist atmosphere of Corfu in the summer, and by the beginning of September the grapes are ready to be picked.

The grapes are all gathered before the weather breaks for the first autumn storms in mid September. Each villager has his own traditional recipes for their family wine. Some are made strictly from one type of grape, from one place, others are made from a special combination of several grapes to get the colour and flavour of the wine just right.


The grapes are often gathered in the same village that the wine will be sold in. This often gives wine from that village area a distinctive colour and taste.For instance, the wine from the village of Makrades, high on the mountainside above Palaiokastritsa, is a very dark red, with a wonderful fruity flavour with a distinct, but soft, aftertaste of sulfur and good olive oil! It is a delicious dessert wine, often quite sweet.Retsina is a white wine, which is stored in wooden casks to mature. The resin in the wood gives the Retsina a distinctive flavour, not unlike a slight taste of linseed oil. It is a very potent wine, but very good when it is sipped . It is always served chilled in the summer. White wines on the island tend to be on the dry side, and rose wine, although available, is much less popular. There is one called Mavro Daphne (which is named after the type of grape used in its making) which tastes like very good port!

Before you decide to taste wines from many areas on your travels around the island, it is worth noting that the alcohol content of the local wines is often as high as seventeen percent proof!It is rare to get a headache from them though, even the heavy red wines, as no colouring, chemicals, flavourings or preservatives are added to them as they are made. The grapes are naturally very high in grape sugars, and they ferment naturally in the huge barrels in the sun without any yeast or chemicals being added to them. The grapes are not crushed by foot in the barrel, they are usually put into an electronic grape masher or press in Corfu.All that is in the barrel is usually crushed grapes and spring water.After the first fermentation the liquid is seperated from the remains of the grapes(the must). This liquid will be strained and put into another barrel to ferment again. The must is usually collected by lorry, and may be made into Tsipero, a fiery distilled liquid which is almost pure alcohol. This is highly prized as a cure for flu and colds, when it is drunk as a shot, or made into a lethal hot toddy with honey and hot water. If you are drinking this to cure the flu it is best to drink it while you are already in bed!Some of the older villagers swear by it as a remedy for arthritis, rubbed onto the affected joints, or it may be rubbed onto a sore throat or chest if you have an infection.Many villagers keep a bottle in the first aid cupboard for emergencies.


Keywords: Greece,fun,sun , holiday,food,relaxation,vacation,living, life, home, entertainment,story

________________
Janet Darbey, Corfu, Greece, Europe
jjdarbey@hotmail.com
http://www.freewebs.com/corfuwriter

Freelance writer, editor, reviewer and researcher based in Greece.Available for paid challenges and products. Try me! Check out my website at www.freewebs.com/corfuwriter Latest publication:How to get started in Writing check out details at:www.lulu.com/JanetDarbey

Alaska - easy cruise guide

WHAT TO SEE: Legendary beautiful scenery of Alaska- magnificent coastal fjords, rugged glaciers, vast evergreen forests, sky-high mountains, 7 of which are the tallest peaks in North America (to see Mt. McKinley, North America's tallest peak, you'll need to take a tour to the shore into the Denali National Park), abundant land and marine wildlife- moose, kodiak and grizzly bears, caribou, dall sheep, puffin, otters, seals, humpback and killer whales, dolphins, bald-headed eagles and much more. Shore excursions are optional, as well as guided tours in a cruise ship's port of call. They are offered in all Alaska ports and cities and are a great way to enrich your cruise experience with visiting coastal attractions, historical places, challenging yourself in kayaking, helicopter tours, mountain biking,...

CRUISE LENGTH: 7 days on average.There are some 11 and 14 day cruises which include more ports of call and more glacier touring. There are 2 different kinds of cruises available: Inside Passage Cruise: roundtrip departure from Vancouver/ Seattle, usually 7 days long. You cruise the inside passage through the islands offshore from British Columbia and Alaska. Stops usually include Ketchikan, Sitka, Skagway and Juneau. Gulf of Alaska Cruise (or Glacier Route Cruise): You cruise one-way northbound from Vancouver/ Seattle or one-way south from Seward, Alaska. You will see more glaciers on this route and an additional port or two.

WHEN TO GO: The usual Alaska cruise season lasts from early May to late September. Alaskan summers are cool, daytime highs in these months range from 10 to 27 degrees Celsius (50 to 80 Fahrenheit). May and June tend to be the drier months, July is the warmest one. June and July are the best months to watch Humpback and Orca whales, White-Sided dolphins. An additional bonus to an Alaskan cruise vacation is that in summer the days are much longer than they are further south. This is the land of the midnight sun. Your longest days will be in June and July (up to 20-21 hours of daylight) and will offer you many opportunities to enjoy active glaciers. Early and late season cruises (May and September) tend to be slightly cheaper and the ports of call are less crowded. You can check next week weather forecast for Anchorage here.

ALASKA CRUISE TIPS: Northern weather can be unpredictable. Consider taking with you and wearing multiple layers of clothes in response to a wide variety of temperatures and weather conditions. What to pack : waterproof and warm jacket, a sweater, light gloves, rain gear, sun glasses and a warm hat for deck strolling or touring on the shore. You also may find useful binoculars, camera, camcorder, film, batteries and walking shoes. If you need a hair dryer, pack one; not all cruise ships have hair dryers in the cabins. Bargain hunters should look for last minute deals as the last rooms are often sold at very low prices. Pick the right cruise ship for your style,- some ships are more traditional, other more stylish, elegant, some offer more choices for children, other are more seniors-oriented. The cruise comparison chart below should help you in making the correct choice. Check your cruise itinerary, almost every ship usually includes several formal dress code nights. Dark business suit or a tuxedo would do the thing. Alaska cruises tend to be more casual than other destinatons but items such as cutoff t-shirts, halter tops and torn jeans are still not permitted in the dining area.Tipping is usually $10 per passenger per day. We recommend you to book a stateroom with a balcony. Theview on an Alaska cruise is always changing- mountains, shores, wildlife, marine animals, glaciers, or quaint waterfront communities. You can enjoy it from the privacy of your own balcony, escaping crowded decks. Visit us at: http://www.travelmake.com to see our ALASKA CRUISE SHIPS COMPARISON TABLE. We wish you a nice and safe cruising!

Keywords: alaska travel, alaska, alaska cruise, arctic cruise, travel guide, travel information, travel advice

__________________
By: Stan Trof,
www.travelMake.com - one of leading online discount travel agencies, a source of useful travel information. Free destination guides, travel digest.

Cappadokia, Turkey - Land of Wonders

Combined forces of mankind and nature have created three wonders of Cappadocia- its "fairy chimneys" (coneshaped pillars of tuff capped with basalt) in the unique valleys that look like another planet, ancient underground cities and 1500-year old rock cut Christian churches. All of it is concentrated in the area of approximately 100x100 km in the central part of Turkey.

Humans first set foot in the region about 10,000 years ago. Then, from 3,500 to 1,200 BC Cappadocia was a part of a powerful Hittite state. Phrygians took over the administration in the 8th century BC. Five hundred years later they were replaced by Persians. Alexander the Great occupied the territory in 333 BC. Cappadocia's past history includes being a Roman state, a part of the Byzantine Empire, a place where many early Christian saints including St.Paul found a shelter, where they lived and taught. Finally, Cappadocia has become a noticable region of modern Turkey with predominant importance of agriculture and tourism. WHAT TO SEE AND WHERE: Fairy Chimneys were created as a result of wind and water erosion when small harder pieces of rock remained on top of larger and softer rock columns. This out-of-this-world landscape impressed George Lucas so much that his original plan was to shoot some Star Wars' episodes in this area. Located in a spectacular valley between towns of Nevseshir and Urgup there are very different, interesting fairy chimneys. UNESCO declared the area a World Heritage Site. Some of the fairy chimneys have been inhabited for many years, with rooms, windows and staircases being laboriously curved inside creating up to 5-storey structures inside.

Today some of these are also providing services to tourism as pensions. The largest of 36 underground cities in the area is at Derinkuyu. It is at a distance of 29 km from Nevsehir, the provincial center of 7,000 people. Derinkuyu underground city is located under a hill, was found by chance and opened to the public in 1965. It covers a 4 square km area and was calculated as able to shelter 2,000 households on 7 floors beneath the surface, reaching a depth of 70 to 85 meters. Archeologists tend to believe that the Hittites were the starters of the underground communities which in the 6th and 7th were expanded by early Christians into a very extensive complexes with air shafts, kitchens, living quarters, churches, water wells, horse stables and wine cellars. These elaborate subterranean systems were used by the people who had accepted Christianity against their enemies both as a shelter and as a safe place to carry out their worship. Next largest underground city is at Kaymakly, 20 km from Nevsehir.

Despite of the fact that only four underground levels have been excavated, there are speculations that there can be as many as 11 in total. There is also a tunnel that connects the underground cities of Kaymakli and Derinkuyu (9 km long!) that has a width of of over 2 meters, but unfortunatley it is not opened to the public as parts of the tunnel have collapsed. Among other significant underground communities in the region we should mention the underground monastery of Ozkonak and the Tatlarin underground city with existing Christian frescoes. Rock cut Christian churches. It is estimated that over 400 Christian churches, chapels and monasteries were built in Cappadocia during the Byzantine period until the 13th century. Most of them were hollowed out in fairy chimneys, hills and in underground caves. The Tokali church is the largest one in the region, it was built in the beginning of the 10th century. Decorated with a cycle containing the life of Jesus, it is located right in the town of Goreme. The Karanlik church, also located in Goreme is among best preserved in Cappadocia with lively paintings depicting the consecration of Jesus, the Last Supper, the Crucifixion and the apostles. The Eskigumus rock cut monastery (close to the town of Nigde) is the only one where you can see a frescoe with smiling Virgin Mary. Recent discovery of the monastery in 1963 allowed it to escape vandalism to which many of the Cappadocian churches and monasteries were subjected. Well-preserved wall paintings decorate the spacious main church are known to be one of the best examples of the Byzantine art in all of Cappadocia.

Other attractions in the area include but not limited to: - museums in Aksaray, Nevsehir, Goreme, Nigde, Kayseri; - fortress of Ortahisar, the spectacular Devrent Valley; - Seljuk history relics such as Karatay Madrasah, many mosques and caravansaries in Konya; - hot springs in Nar-Golu and Guzelyurt where also one of the oldest existing churches in the area- Kizil Kilise (Red Church) is located, a 6th century artifact; - mountain climbing and mountain skiing at the Erciyes Dagi mountain (3916m above sea level); - hot air ballooning.

WHEN TO GO: Cappadocia has a steppe climate, there is a great temperature difference between day and night. The average temperature is +23 deg.C (73 F) in summer and -2 deg.C (28 F) in winter. It is cooler and drier than in the popular tourist areas of the Mediterranean and the Aegean coasts. April to middle of June and September-October are the best months to visit. GETTING THERE: Ankara, the Turkey's capital city is only 350km away. You will find all necessary local contact phone numbers, price quotes and dining recommendations by following these links: Goreme - Nevsehir.

Tours to Cappadocia are offered by almost all travel agencies in Turkey, although they are all too short allowing you just enough time for brief sightseeing. Tour guides tend to spend too much of your time at local pottery and carpet shops. We recommend you to rent a car in Ankara (usually $ 75-100 USD/day, check rental prices ) and drive to Cappadocia on your own, or put together a little group and hire a minivan together with a local driver/travel guide (a car and driver would cost you $85- 135 USD/day). TRAVEL TIPS: Local travel books, information booklets are available on the spot in Cappadocia's towns. If travelling on your own, a detailed road map would definitely be a must to buy before leaving home. Modest clothes are suggested for women. The rural Turkey's culture is conservative and immodest clothing (short skirts, shorts, tight clothing) can invite unwanted attention. Do not forget a sun hat, sun protecting lotion, comfortable shoes. Plan ahead to spend at least two full days in the area. For more information on Cappadocia travel and useful links visit us at: http://www.travelmake.com We wish you a nice and safe trip!

Keywords: turkey, turkey travel, cappadocia travel, cappadocia

________________
Stan Trof,
www.travelMake.com - one of leading online discount travel agencies, a source of useful travel information. Free destination guides, travel digest

X-Files Stuff in the News!

I have always loved science fiction. I always have and always will. However, I do possess, most of the time, a solid enough grip on reality to let go of my sci-fi love when I put the book down or leave the movie theater.

I mean, I would love for half the stuff I see in sci-fi to be true right now. You know what I am talking about, don't you? I would love to be able to zoom through "Space the Final Frontier" in the comforts of the Starship Enterprise sipping margaritas with Jean-Luc Picard while watching the stars fly by. Maybe that babe, Counselor Troi, could join us.
Yes, I can tell the difference between truth and reality (sort of). It's fun to pretend but I know when the pretense stops—or do I?

Another kind of sci-fi on the caliber of the "X-files" has been going on lately and I want to know just what in the name of Agent Mulder is going on?

I wrote a week or two ago about the exploding toads of Germany.

"I cannot get out of my mind the exploding toad phenomenon reported in the Altona district of Hamburg, Germany. This was taking place at the end of April 2005, causing a ghoulish and macabre mess that confused the hell out of scientists. They had taken to calling the district the "pond of death".

They think they may have solved this little grotesqueness with the explanation of some peckish toad-liver-stealing crows. I don't buy that at all.

On May 18th, a report appeared in the Associated Press about a scene right out of Hitchcock's "The Birds" occurred in Houston. Apparently, some rather miffed Grackles (a large and loud crow-like bird) have gotten it into their little pea-sized birdbrains to attack the good citizens of Houston. These attacks have become so vicious that people are being injured.

"The grackles zeroed in on a lawyer who shooed a bird away before he tripped and injured his face, Jue said. The lawyer was treated for several cuts." [1] Can you believe this? One woman was knocked to the ground, according to the article, and had to be helped up by two men who were also attacked. All three had to flee into a nearby building to escape the Grackle attack.
So what set off this flock of Grackles? And note that they are large and loud Crow-like birds. Is there a connection between the toad-murdering crows of Germany and this Houston event? Don't you want to know?

Then, lo and behold, Reuters' news service reported that on May 19, a sleepy little Russian village's lake simply DISAPPEARED overnight! Imagine that! You go to bed telling the wife that you will be up before the crack of dawn to go "Wet a Hook". You get up, eat a little something, grab the gear, and walk down to the lake, only to find that it is gone--Poof! [2]
I assure you I am not making any of this up. An entire lake was there when the Russians went to bed and the next morning it was gone.

Get this: The article is entitled, "Lake Disappears, baffling villagers". They find it, what, a little baffling? I wonder if TERRORIZED would have been a more appropriate word? Baffled just doesn't cut it. I am thinking that an overnight disappearance of an entire lake would elicit a little stronger reaction like,

"Мы тянем наших ишаков из здесь".

This roughly translates to,

"We are hauling our butts out of here."

Just what the devil is going on here? Exploding toads in Germany (the explanation was NOT conclusive), vicious people-attacking CROW-like birds in Houston (authorities had to close down that section of the street), then the overnight disappearance of an entire lake.

Just where are Agents Fox Mulder and Dana Skully when you need them?
[1] Hostile Grackels Attack People in Houston; Associated Press [2] Lake Disappears, baffling villagers.

Keywords: when animals attack,birds,lakes,disappearance,x-files

_______________
Douglas Bower, Guanajuato, GTO, Mexico
theolog@todito.com
http://people.lulu.com/users/index.php?fHomepage=140866

Doug Bower is a freelance writer and book author. His most recent writing credits include The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, The Houston Chronicle, The Philadelphia Inquirer, and Transitions Abroad. He is a columnist with Cricketsoda.com and the Magic City Morning Star. He is also listed with Ezinearticles.com. He lives with his wife in Guanajuato, Mexico. His new book Mexican Living: Blogging it from a Third World Country can be seen at http://www.lulu.com/content/126241

Hawaii Volcanoes and Hawaii Volcano Tour

Hawaii volcanoes are a major attraction for tourists every year, as hundreds flock to view active and dormant volcanoes. A Hawaii volcano tour will take guests by land, sea, or air, and up close to volcanic activity, letting spectators actually have site of flowing hot lava. A Hawaii volcano tour will also take you to national parks where life and lush vegetation has found a place atop the rocks of aged volcanic flow.

The Hawaiian Islands are actually formed from volcanic activity, which continues to shape and reshape the islands today. Each island of the Hawaiian Archipelago is made up of at least one primary volcano. Some of the islands are combinations of more than one volcano. The Big Island is entirely formed by five major volcanoes: Kilauea, Mauna Loa, Mauna Kea, Hualalai and Kohala. Mauna Loa is the largest active volcano on our earth today and Kohala, now extinct, is the oldest of the five.

While most of the islands offer some type of Hawaii volcano tour, the Big Island is where the Hawaii volcanoes action is. The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, which covers 218,000 square feet, is the place to see Hawaii volcanoes in action. The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park hosts both the world's most massive volcano, Mauna Kea, at 13,796 feet, and Kilauea, the world's most active volcano.

Kilauea, which has been in continual eruption since 1983, gives visitors on a Hawaii volcano tour stunning views of molten lava flows, steam vents, and vast lava fields. If inland flows are present when you are a visiting the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, you may have an opportunity to see molten lava flow at close range. The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park offers daily, guided tours, but visitors need to be physically fit and appropriately dressed for these hiking excursions. Even though this Hawaii volcano tour is known to be approachable, lava flows can pose danger. All visitors to the park should speak with Park Rangers and stay within the Park guidelines for viewing volcanic activity.

There are Hawaii volcano tours that offer a fantastic view from the air, while riding in a helicopter. Also, from the safe vantage point of the sea, some volcanic flow may be visible from a boat, as the lava drops off the edge of the island and into the ocean. Your sense of adventure can determine the viewing platform your want for Hawaii volcanoes.

For more information about hawaii volcanoes and hawaii volcano tour, visit:
http://hawaiivacations.christianet.com
http://www.christianet.com/vacations/hawaiivacations.htm

Keywords: hawaii volcanoes, hawaii volcano tour

______________
Christian N,
http://www.christianet.com
Featuring numerous life application articles and tips.

Tourist Season Again

It is tourist season here in Guanajuato. The streets are once again crawling with pasty-white-legged gringos looking for a good time and wanting to blow a tremendous amount of money.
Here is where I come in as your humble, sincere, and most observant columnist. I would like to offer a few of today's observations on the 2005 Guanajuato Tourist Season.

Tourism—here is how it is supposed to work:

You spend many hours at your job and work lots of overtime to save up enough money to take the family to Mexico. You look at endless travel brochures, watch every special on the Discovery channel that has the name Mexico in it, and even start telling the boys down at Gipper's where you are taking the family this summer.

The summer vacation arrives. You are excited beyond your ability to express. You pack. You put the kids and wife on a plane and fly to Mexico. Your much-dreamed-of vacation has finally begun.

Everyone is sworn to be on his or her best and most humble behavior as a guest in someone else's country. And, that is, after all, what you are, as you all agree—a guest.

You would not go to Grandma's house and fart loudly in front of Granny and all her old crony sisters—of course not. You would excuse yourself and go to the bathroom. You would try using toilet paper as a muffler, mashing it ever so gently unto your delicate rectal tissues, so as not to gross out all the old folks as they are trying to eat their nice bread pudding when they are actually farting themselves but saying nothing.

You are a guest and you will not act in someone else's home as you would in your own. This, you know, applies to being in someone else's country as well.

Tourism—here is how it actually works:

The kids scream nonstop on the streets of Mexico because they cannot have a Happy Meal; the right cartoons are not on the NON-existent television set in a hotel room that resembles someone's bedroom from the 1700's; there are no playgrounds or theme parks. There is only a bunch of Baroque buildings that they think is a salad dressing when you try explaining to them the word, Baroque.

Their behavior escalates. They pitch a fit a minute, over what? They really don't know since there is nothing to demand to have and for you to deny them. They don't want to be in Mexico because there is nothing to do.

They begin hitting their parents and the parents tolerate this behavior. This typical American child behavior is seen all the time in America. When the child doesn't get what he or she wants they beat up Mom.

The local Mexicans look with horror-stricken faces and yet settle quickly into a kind of facial expression,

"Oh that's America for you."

The mother and father somehow find something to do with the children. I think they get some Actifed for children and drug them, and put them down for naps. Then the pair goes off to a park to have a knockdown drag-out, verbal donnybrook on a very public park bench with all of Mexico listening and watching.

The local Mexicans look with horror-stricken faces and yet settle quickly into a kind of facial expression,

"Oh that's America for you."

The sweet and loving American family finally gets their act together with one another. "It had to be culture shock, or the altitude," they reason. So, off they go to a restaurant.
In the restaurant, the father begins screaming,

"I know somebody here's got to speak that there English and I wants'em at this here table right now!"

The local Mexicans look with horror-stricken faces and yet settle quickly into a kind of facial expression,

"Oh that's America for you."

And that is today's report of the beginning of Guanajuato's 2005 Tourist Season.

Keywords: guanajuato,mexico,tourist,tourism,mexican living,tourist office,tourism office,san miguel de allende

________________
Douglas Bower, Guanajuato, GTO, Mexico
theolog@todito.com
http://people.lulu.com/users/index.php?fHomepage=140866

Doug Bower is a freelance writer and book author. His most recent writing credits include The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, The Houston Chronicle, The Philadelphia Inquirer, and Transitions Abroad. He is a columnist with Cricketsoda.com and the Magic City Morning Star. He is also listed with Ezinearticles.com. He lives with his wife in Guanajuato, Mexico. His new book Mexican Living: Blogging it from a Third World Country can be seen at http://www.lulu.com/content/126241

e-Travel FAQs: Great Vacations Made Easy Using The Internet

Vacation! It provides memories, relaxation, and exhilaration – a time to gather experiences and stories to share with others. When planning your vacation, the Internet offers you the opportunity to explore your options – and there are literally thousands of them available. The Internet places you in the unique position of being your own travel agent. As such, you can customize a vacation that suits your needs – whether it’s basking on the beach, sightseeing in an exotic place, or a family adventure to remember.

Where Do You Start?

With your keyboard as a control panel, you begin your planning by zooming in on your desired location. You can do this by following these five steps:

1. Make a list of the places you think you might like to go – at this point, don’t worry about price, mode of travel, or accommodations. Just brainstorm, getting all your ideas on the table.

2. Make a list of the activities you would like to enjoy on your trip. Do you want to go deep sea fishing, gamble, or play in the ocean’s waves? What about golfing, horseback riding, or fine dining? Rate these from the most important to least important.

3. Browse the Internet using the places you have chosen as keywords in your search. Read about the places on your list in more detail to determine if, in fact, each place will match your desired vacation activities. Consider the activities at the bottom of your list as dispensable, if all other aspects of the destination match your needs. Each destination will likely have its own website. At the very least, you should be able to find a local Chamber of Commerce or a Convention and Visitor’s Bureau site connected with the places on your list. These provide information on where you can stay, what you can do, and also provide maps and contact information if you have further questions after conducting your Internet research.

4. By following the steps above, narrow your list to your top two or three destination choices.

5. Begin an online search for the best prices for those you have chosen.

Mode of Travel

The mode of travel best for your trip will depend upon your destination – some places are most easily accessed by airplane, others are more “car friendly,” and still others might be best reached by train.

Airplane

There are many sites dedicated to air travel. These sites offer competitive prices on packages and also offer combinations that include two of the following: airline tickets, rental cars, hotels. Many sites rate the hotels so that you can determine the level of luxury and location you desire – whether it is just a place to hit the pillow each night or a resort that offers so much more.
You’ll find the best deals if you look at the sites that specialize in reduced rates. And you will almost always find better prices on travel web sites than through an airline’s company website.

Some sites worth checking out are:

o Priceline.com

o CheapFares.com o Hotwire.com

o Globe-travels.com

o Cheaptickets.com

o Travelzoo.com

o Air.onetravel.com o Orbitz.com

o Expedia.com

Car

You may want to consider traveling by car if the distance between you and your destination is relatively short (Less than 500 miles), picturesque, and accessible. Keep in mind that you won’t want to be in the car for so many hours that you and your family are grumpy and irritated upon arrival. However, if the path you need to take involves spectacular natural beauty or unique attractions, you may not want to pass up the road trip as an added vacation bonus.

When traveling by car, you can still take advantage of the same websites that you would use if you were traveling by plane -- simply review the hotel ratings. Additional places to find out more about hotels are the online full service travel agencies like Expedia.com and Travelocity.com, local visitor’s Bureaus, and specialized sites like hotels-search-engine.org, lodging.com, and Hotels.com.

Hotels.com has a section of their web site devoted to road trips, which allows you to create a road trip based on how far you are willing to drive from home. In addition, map sites like Mapquest.com provide driving instructions and information on hotels, attractions, and dining along the way and also at your final destination.

Train

Travel by train is an often-overlooked option. Yet it offers some of the sightseeing benefits of traveling by car, but with an added speed factor. If you decide to hit the tracks, Traintraveling.com offers information on rail tours and tourist trains in the United States and also abroad. The site offers tips for traveling with kids, a related news archive, and links to special deals.

As opposed to travel by airplane, where you get the best deals through discounted websites versus the individual airlines, you should check out the train companies directly as there is not as much competition. Amtrak information can be found at amtrak.com

A Word about Cruises

Most of the online travel sites also have information on cruises. As in traveling by air, you will always get better rates by visiting an online travel agency or ticket vendor than by going directly to the cruise lines. At the travel sites, you’ll find cruise line reviews, ship information, calendars, and details on the ports of call. You can always visit the various cruise ship sites to get more detailed information, and then go back and purchase your tickets at the discounted prices offered elsewhere.

Making it All Come Together

Once you have planned a vacation online -- even just once -- you will never want to do it any other way. Your keyboard literally delivers the world to your fingertips, offering you the opportunity to plan a dream vacation that won’t bankrupt your budget. While searching online, you may discover vacation ideas that never wandered through your mind before -- ideas that would be perfect for building memories, finding relaxation, and for experiencing exhilarating adventures.

Putting together a vacation online is easy. All you need to do is to select your destination, activities, and mode of travel. Then, simply search the online sites for the best deals; Packages offer more vacation fun for less money. Finally, pay for your package and print your confirmation. Read the confirmation thoroughly to make sure it is accurate. It is easier to correct mistakes early, waiting could cause additional fees and inconveniences.
To ensure a well-planned trip, start planning early so that you can spot any possible problems with your plans and to ensure that you find the cheapest rates. The closer your departure, the more expensive the trip tends to be.

Gary W. Griffin, Ph.D. is a researcher and an entrepreneur. He is also an authorized travel agent, and he loves to travel. This article is brought to you by e-Travel FAQs. For all your travel information needs, visit us at www.e-TravelFAQs.com.

Copyright (c) 2005 by Gary W. Griffin.

Keywords: travel, airlines, car rental, hotel reservations, vacations, cruises, tourism
_________________
By Gary Griffin, Senoia, GA U.S.
ggriffin@mindspring.com
http://www.tasadasolutions.com

Gary W. Griffin, Ph.D. is a social science researcher and an entrepreneur. He can be reached at (770) 719-0253 or ggriffin@mindspring.com.

Caribbean Stopover at St. Thomas of the U.S. Virgin Islands

One of the most popular ports of call for Caribbean cruise ships is St. Thomas, one of the U.S. Virgin Islands. On the three Caribbean cruises that I took so far, two of them included a stopover in St. Thomas. On both occasions, there was a consensus among other passengers we met that St. Thomas was one of the nicer islands visited. Although the driving in St. Thomas is on the left hand side, it is still U.S. territory so this Caribbean island features many other conveniences of being American soil. These included easy telephone connections for calls back to the mainland, the use of U.S. currency and English as the main language. St. Thomas is also one of the cleanest of Caribbean islands and the locals do not aggressively hustle the tourists like they do on other islands. Many passengers stated that St. Thomas is a place they would like to come back to in the future.

During my first visit to St. Thomas, I took the Atlantis submarine excursion which took tourists down to see an actual ocean reef. It was a bit pricey but that was expected. Seeing an ocean reef with the marine life up close for the first time during this submarine ride actually influenced me to take up scuba diving. During my second trip to the island, we decided that we would spend some time snorkeling in the local waters since at that time, my partner wasn't a certified scuba diver yet. My advance research suggested that Coki Bay on the northeast side of St. Thomas was a nice place to snorkel. When our cruise ship docked at Charlotte Amalie, the capital city of the U.S. Virgin Islands, we hailed one of the many taxi cabs at the port. It was a $15 US fare to Coki Beach where Coki Bay is located. It took only about 15 minutes to get there. The scenery along the way was magnificent as we went up a hill and saw our cruise ship in the distant harbor below. The island itself is very lush with greenery everywhere.

At Coki Beach, my partner rented her snorkeling gear for $20 US (I brought my own). To my surprise, the rental attendant gave us each a hard biscuit to feed the fish while we were in the water. Once we got into the water, dozens of tropical fish immediately crowded around us. I guess they knew the drill quite well. We ripped off small pieces of the biscuits and the fish went for it, even if the food was just inches away from our face masks. The yellowtail snappers, sergeant majors and occasional parrotfish displayed no fear of us at all. At one point, my partner held out a larger piece of her biscuit and some of the fish darted in to nibble at it. After about an hour in the warm water, it was time to say goodbye to our new aquatic friends. This experience at Coki Bay with the fish was one of the factors which eventually influenced my partner to become a certified scuba diver herself.

Another $15 US cab ride took us back to the cruise ship port where we spend the rest of the day browsing the many duty free shops located there. A similar snorkeling trip arranged through the cruiseship would have cost us double the amount we paid. St. Thomas is definitely not an inexpensive island for either cruise ship passengers or resort tourists staying there but extra comfort and quality of the island are quite noticeable compared to many other Caribbean destinations. From my readings, the other main islands of the U.S. Virgin Islands which are St. John and St. Croix, are more laid back and less commercialized than St. Thomas. I would like to visit them in addition to another return trip to St. Thomas in the future for a multi day scuba diving trip. For those thinking of going on a Caribbean cruise, I would definitely recommend one that has St. Thomas as one of its ports of call. It is one of the better islands on any Caribbean cruise itinerary.

Keywords: st thomas, virgin islands, caribbean, cruise, ship, snorkeling, st john, st croix

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By Clint Leung, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
http://www.FreeSpiritGallery.ca

Clint is owner of Free Spirit Gallery which specializes in exquisite authentic Eskimo Inuit and Northwest Native art including carvings, sculpture and prints at below retail prices. There are numerous information resource articles on Inuit and Native art with photos of authentic artwork as well as eCards at the website (http://www.FreeSpiritGallery.ca).

Why Take an Alaska Cruise

The Alaska cruise is a breathtaking adventure that you'll never forget. Giant snow-capped mountains, sparkling glaciers, thick pine forests rising up from the shoreline and abundant wildlife vie for your attention in this dramatic landscape. Towns and villages brimming with history tell a story of the Great Land that will endear Alaska to you forever.

An Alaska cruise typically departs from Seattle in Washington State or from Vancouver in British Columbia. Winters are very harsh in Alaska, so the main cruising season is confined to the summer months, typically between May and September.

The most popular Alaska cruise route takes passengers on a one week round-trip up the Alaskan coastline and through the Inside Passage. This route takes in the ports of Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway and Sitka in the extreme southeast of Alaska. Other cruise routes run to Prince William Sound near the city of Anchorage, and also along the Alaska Peninsula and into the Bering Sea. These longer cruises are often one-way, requiring passengers to make their return journey by train or plane.

Ketchikan is well worth a visit alone for the Tongass National Forest - the most northerly rainforest on the North American continent. It is more than eight times the size of the Yellowstone National Park, and offers the ultimate in adventure tours where you'll find rich salmon runs and grizzly bears. Ketchikan is also home to the world's largest collection of totem poles. These can be found at the Totem Heritage Center Museum.

Juneau, often known as 'little San Francisco', is Alaska's capital. Here you can experience life in a true northern city. The Mendenhall Glacier is sure worth a visit, as is the Sawyer Glacier a little further to the South.

Skagway is Alaska's gold-rush town. It is well preserved and offers access to the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. Disembark at this port and view the way of the world famous White Pass railroad, before panning for gold in this northern outpost. And when you're done with the gold, why not take time out to watch the whales near Sitka - a haven for these beautiful creatures all year round.

For the more adventurous, an Alaska cruise can take in Kodiak Island in the Gulf of Alaska. Known as Alaska's 'Emerald Isle' Kodiak Island takes visitors back to the time when the first inhabitants settled on the island more than 7,500 years ago. You can even locate Alaska's oldest parish here on Kodiak Island.

Keywords: alaska cruise,alaska glacier cruise,cruise,princess cruise alaska,alaska

_____________________
John Metcalfe,
http://www.azcruises.com

John Metcalfe is the webmaster for A to Z Cruises which is the No1 resource for Australia cruise related Information on the Internet. Be sure to visit his site here: http://www.azcruises.com/australiacruise

Zurich – Switzerland

Zurich gained international fame as a banking town and for being the world's cleanest and most pleasant city to reside in. Throughout recent years, Zurich is increasingly influenced by big-city and multicultural influences and while maintaining its calm and idyllic character untill today, its burstling downtown provides in plenty of bars, restaurants and entertainment. Blessed with its sceneric natural setting, including a large lake, two rivers, tree-covered hills and the snowcapped Alpine mountain peaks aligned on the horizon, Zurich is undisputedly one of the most beautiful cities in Switzerland. If not, in the world!

The medieval old town of Zurich is divided by the river Limmat and its churches, medieval guild halls and narrow alleys give the historical centre a charming ambience. On the east bank of the river, the part called Niederdof is the place where most bars and nightlife is concentrated. Filled with the crowds of the nearby University, this part of the old town is a lively place under the shadows of the majestic Grossmьnster church. The historical centre of Zurich is situated on the west bank, with the St. Peter's and Fraumьnster churces as its main landmarks. Here you will find a variety of exclusive shops and boutiques and the extensive Bahnhofstrasse is considered as one of the most prestigious shopping streets in Europe.

Despite its image as a conservative and tranquil city, Zurich offers a lot of entertainment, culture as well as a vibrant nightlife. Being a center for contemporary art and offering its visitors a wide variety of interesting museums, galleries and cultural events, Zurich is definitely a good place to stick around in for a few days. Old factories has been transformed into trendy bars, restaurants or nightclubs and gives the city the dynamics of any world city. Zurich is also a good base for day trips to popular destinations like Baden and Winterthur.

Keywords: Zurich,Switzerland,Travel

_______________
By Peter Lemstra,

Are you a Traveler?

I’m making an assumption that at want point in your life you’ve been a tourist. You’ve carried a map, a camera, maybe even had a tour guide. You’ve traveled to different destinations, relaxed on remote beaches, climbed stairs in buildings you see on television. You’ve done all of these things but some how when you get arrive home, all your left with is a short memory, and a few photographs.

Vacations are nice every once in a while, but it doesn’t make sense to me why we will travel thousands of miles to sit in hotel rooms and watch movies, or lie on a pool deck and catch some rays. These are all things that we can do where we are from, I want you to think about being a traveler not a tourist. You want to soak in as much of the new country and culture that you can rather than bring as much of your culture to them. It’s really quite simple. In one step you need to forget about your way of live, and adopt theirs.

It’s simple things like the mindset that we have when we go abroad, and what we bring. Don’t bring all of the things that we depend on in America. Bring what it is that you are going to need to survive and stay healthy during your visit. The more comforts you have, the more you will depend on them, and the less you will step out to become the traveler you ought to be!

Put yourself out there. Locals are always interested to interact with foreigners, and it’s best to take advantage of this. Meet people that you can share life with while you are in their country. Immerse into their culture and be open to new idea’s. A lot of times we are closed to new idea’s and we miss out on opportunities for better things to come along. Be open, willing and accepting.
If you want to be changed, and to experience you need to leave the tourist at home. Bring out the inner traveler in you and see the world in the way that it was meant to be seen.

Feel free to reprint this article as long as you keep the following caption and author biography in tact with all hyperlinks.

Ryan Fyfe is the owner and operator of Travel Area. Which is a great web directory and information center for Traveling, Trips and lots of other related topics.

Keywords: Travel, trips, destination, vacation, travel agent, resorts

_________________
Ryan Fyfe, Cochranehttp://www.software-area.comRyan Fyfe is the owner and operator of Web Design Calgary. He is also actively involved in several other websites: Loan Consolidation which feature information and Articles on Debt Consolidation and related topics like Student Loan Consolidation and more. He also works on Vitamins Area Which is an excellent resource for Vitamins