Tuesday, November 11, 2008
The Best Age For a Disney Vacation
Grappling with the idea of taking the kids on a Disney vacation? Are you not sure if they are too young and will just be overwhelmed or too old and will be bored? Well, I will let you in on a secret; the best age to take the kids on Disney Vacation is............whatever age they happen to be! We first took our son when he was two and he loved it as did our neighbour’s teenagers, but the trip will be smoother if you follow a few simple guidelines:Keep their ages foremost in mind….Choose rides and activities that are age appropriate, your toddler will not appreciate the Tower of Terror and your teenagers will want to pluck out their fingernails on It’s a Small World. If you are traveling with children of wide age ranges, then a compromise will be in order. Some options are to split up, do alternate half days or make it clear that if they do this for two hours, will then do that. Find other ways to keep them amused if they are out of their element, younger kids may nap in line ups, older kids might be amused with their Game Boys etc.Balance out your days...The younger the children, the less you will be able to pack into one day. Try not to do it all at once. Let you family pick and choose the rides and events they really, really want and focus on those. A day at the parks can be followed by a day at a water park or relaxing by the hotel pool.Disney tips for young children...Make sure you plan for plenty of naps and rest times, bring a stroller, choose hotels close to the parks or stay on site so you can get back and forth easily, bring snacks and juice along, go at your child’s pace. Some children will love all the excitement, others may find it too much, so take your cues from your child and go at THEIR pace.Disney tips for older children...Give them some breathing room, let them explore on their own if possible, set a time and meeting place if they do go off on their own, bring walkie-talkies or cell phones to stay in touch, don’t force them to do things they don’t want to do, remember it’s a vacation - it’s supposed to be relaxing right?Try to avoid releasing the beast...The most important guideline to follow on your Disney vacation, or any family vacation for that matter, is to not let your children get too hungry or too tired. All parents are familiar with the tired, hungry, cranky child. On vacation, when they are probably already out of sorts, pushing them to the limit should be avoided. Keep an eye on meal times and nap times and try to keep them on track. Rest before the kids are exhausted and eat before they are ready to chew their own arms off.Keep in mind these guidelines and you and your children can enjoy a Disney vacation at any age!
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Dare to Dream: The Vacation of a Lifetime In A Timeshare
What are your chances of getting the vacation of a lifetime without having to save for a lifetime?
Renting a timeshare may be the answer to your dream vacation without having to make a long-term commitment. Many individuals are willing to rent their allotted timeshare week to you. Because of an inconvenient date or some other personal reasons, many times owners are unable to use their timeshare and are willing to sell their time period to you. With a little research either on the Internet, local newspapers or even visiting with realtors, you may be able to step into a dream vacation. Exotic places wait for you and your loved ones.
Timeshare companies and timeshare owners offer an alternative to the overpriced hotel and motel rooms. Virtually every year the costs of hotels go up. You can usually control the price tag of your vacations by utilizing timeshare resort rentals. Timeshare owners normally charge a set price for their rentals, and they do not need to increase prices to pay for labor and other usual expenses incurred by hotels. This keeps the price of a vacation rental on a more consistent level each time it is rented.
Timeshare resorts are located in incredible destinations around the world. Where have you always longed to go, but thought, "Wow, it would be too expensive to stay in a place like that!"? Mexico? Hawaii? How about Europe? Sure, those destinations can be expensive, but with a timeshare rental, you can get into incredible resorts for a fraction of the costs of a hotel vacation.
In most cases, hotel and motel rooms are undersized, have few amenities, and cost more than a timeshare rental. Typically when you rent a timeshare unit, prices are for seven nights, not per person. The units can sleep anywhere from 2 to 10 people. You choose the type of room and amenities you want! Studio, 1, or 2 Bedroom with kitchen, dining and living area units are all available.
No matter how nice the Hotel or Bed & Breakfast..... it still is just one small room! Why spend one or more weeks on vacation in a cramped hotel room and have the extra expense of eating out for every meal. Enjoy the spaciousness and freedom of a completely furnished resort condominium and save money all at the same time! And you will not be required to attend a timeshare sales presentation.
Put your vacation plans into motion and start your search for the ultimate spot you've been dreaming about. Whether you have dreamed about walking barefoot on an island or skiing down a mountain in another country, there is a timeshare available to you at a more than reasonable price. It takes only a little time to put the details together and make your dream vacation become a reality.
Timeshares are a proven concept for vacationers in many countries, and holiday planning is one of the top growing segments of the leisure time industry all over the world today. Why not begin your search today by perusing newspapers and travel magazines, or logging onto the Internet and searching for "timeshare rentals?" Dare to dream!
Renting a timeshare may be the answer to your dream vacation without having to make a long-term commitment. Many individuals are willing to rent their allotted timeshare week to you. Because of an inconvenient date or some other personal reasons, many times owners are unable to use their timeshare and are willing to sell their time period to you. With a little research either on the Internet, local newspapers or even visiting with realtors, you may be able to step into a dream vacation. Exotic places wait for you and your loved ones.
Timeshare companies and timeshare owners offer an alternative to the overpriced hotel and motel rooms. Virtually every year the costs of hotels go up. You can usually control the price tag of your vacations by utilizing timeshare resort rentals. Timeshare owners normally charge a set price for their rentals, and they do not need to increase prices to pay for labor and other usual expenses incurred by hotels. This keeps the price of a vacation rental on a more consistent level each time it is rented.
Timeshare resorts are located in incredible destinations around the world. Where have you always longed to go, but thought, "Wow, it would be too expensive to stay in a place like that!"? Mexico? Hawaii? How about Europe? Sure, those destinations can be expensive, but with a timeshare rental, you can get into incredible resorts for a fraction of the costs of a hotel vacation.
In most cases, hotel and motel rooms are undersized, have few amenities, and cost more than a timeshare rental. Typically when you rent a timeshare unit, prices are for seven nights, not per person. The units can sleep anywhere from 2 to 10 people. You choose the type of room and amenities you want! Studio, 1, or 2 Bedroom with kitchen, dining and living area units are all available.
No matter how nice the Hotel or Bed & Breakfast..... it still is just one small room! Why spend one or more weeks on vacation in a cramped hotel room and have the extra expense of eating out for every meal. Enjoy the spaciousness and freedom of a completely furnished resort condominium and save money all at the same time! And you will not be required to attend a timeshare sales presentation.
Put your vacation plans into motion and start your search for the ultimate spot you've been dreaming about. Whether you have dreamed about walking barefoot on an island or skiing down a mountain in another country, there is a timeshare available to you at a more than reasonable price. It takes only a little time to put the details together and make your dream vacation become a reality.
Timeshares are a proven concept for vacationers in many countries, and holiday planning is one of the top growing segments of the leisure time industry all over the world today. Why not begin your search today by perusing newspapers and travel magazines, or logging onto the Internet and searching for "timeshare rentals?" Dare to dream!
Boat Timeshares - A Unique Vacationing Experience
If you’ve dreamed of sailing the seven seas, but don’t necessarily have the bank account to buy a luxury vessel, don’t despair. There are ways to make that dream happen without breaking your bank. Boat timeshares offer a unique vacationing experience for almost any budget. By getting involved in a timeshare, you have the right to use that luxury vessel to make your dreams come true, but you alone are not solely responsible for all the expenses. Timeshares provide an excellent way for someone not willing or able to take on the expense of purchasing a great vacationing boat themselves to still experience the adventure of life on the water. A variety of companies offer would-be Captain Ahab’s the ability to take to the sea without shelling out a lot of cash. Boat timeshare companies and programs are readily available and accessible across the Internet. Boating timeshare companies are active all over the world with even some finding their homes on America’s Great Lakes.Basically, a boat timeshare offers a sailor a chance to buy into a piece of a boat for a season. Similar to a yacht club, but without all the expenses of owning your own yacht, these programs lets sailors sail minus the headaches. Some programs allow members to purchase blocks of time over the course of a sailing season to use a boat. Many programs work by giving several “skippers” the same boat during the sailing season. These skippers book multiple sail times, show up, sail, have a blast and return the boat for the next skipper to take over.While boat timeshares provide everything needed to sail, members still are responsible for making sure the boat is in good condition when it’s returned. Swabbing the deck isn’t out of the question. However, many timeshare programs will even go as far as to include maintenance, fuel and so on in the initial price. This leaves the member responsible for simply safely piloting the vessel, keeping it clean and enjoying their high seas adventure with their family and friends for a fraction of the price of owning a yacht themselves. The insurance, boat licensing and other worries are generally handled by the timeshare company itself.For those who lack the skills to man their own vessels, many boat timeshares will provide a crew including a captain, instructor, and/or cook at a small additional cost. One company in particular, Trade Winds Cruise Club, offers all-inclusive cabin rentals and is RCI’s (Resorts Condominiums International) only Caribbean yachting affiliate. As an RCI Member, you have the option of exchanging your timeshare week for a cabin space onboard crewed catamaran charters.So, what is pricing like for these nautical adventures? Not bad considering a luxury boat can cost thousands and thousands of dollars. And even better when you consider buying your own boat doesn’t include fuel, maintenance, licensing and insurance costs and so on! A timeshare that covers an entire boating season can cost upwards of $7,000, a reasonable expense considering the headaches removed by taking part in such a venture.To learn more about boat timeshares and the unique vacation opportunities they provide, just log on to the Internet. A variety of companies with different programs and options are operating in a bevy of locations around the world.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Simplify your planning...book an all inclusive vacation!
All inclusive vacations are the best getaway for families looking for fun all in one package. It just conjures up the most amazing memories. Such great memories as a kid on holiday with my folks. Time to chat, ask questions and get answers in a relaxed environment and what was most important to me, having a good time with them. A great selection of the amazing holidays that is now available for families of what ever size or description and to suit budgets. You have to have an inexpensive family vacation, if you’re a family with a tight budget.All inclusive vacations are a popular choice for families. Mexico family vacations offer a great chance to combine three factors: resort amenities, great beaches and snorkeling, plus cultural interest. Many families are discovering that all inclusive Caribbean vacation can be just as much fun as in the summertime, when prices are down. It has lots of varieties like wonderful water sports, kids’ programs and theme evenings, extravagant swimming pools, buffets, self-serve ice-cream, and drinks on tap—all for an all-inclusive price.All inclusive vacations are also popular to the teens. In this case, Cancun is always on top of choices during the Spring break. It is the natural paradise in the Mexican Caribbean. Cancun offers the total surroundings of rest and entertainment. It makes the vacation worthwhile.
Fabulous Beach Vacations Appeal to the Whole Family
It¡¦s time to plan the family vacation and you¡¦re running into trouble again. Just once you¡¦d like to find something that everyone will love, but you don¡¦t think you can find it; after all, you have the twins who are six years old, a terminally bored teenager, and a preteen daughter whose idea of the perfect vacation is a trip to the mall. Your husband loves to golf, and your idea of a vacation, frankly, is anywhere you can just relax and take it easy for a change!You could try asking the whole family where they¡¦d like to go for a vacation, but you could get answers like this:„« Somewhere I can go shopping for some really cool stuff!„« The beach, so I can get some surfing in.„« A golf resort would be nice ¡V I¡¦d like to improve my handicap.„« Can we go someplace where there are rides? And lots of games?„« I think the kids should learn something on this trip; let¡¦s go someplace cultural.There¡¦s no place that meets those standards anywhere in the world better than Mexico! If you want to everyone to enjoy themselves and spend a week or two without ever hearing, ¡§There¡¦s nothing to do,¡¨ then Mexican beach vacations are the perfect choice!Sun, sand and surfFamily beach vacations have always appealed to every generation, and for good reason. There¡¦s something universal about the pull of the ocean. Warm, white sands that are soft under your feet and lapis blue waters that are crystal clear invoke relaxation and a sense of peace and renewal that can¡¦t be found anywhere else. Mexico has thousands of miles of soft white beaches that are family-friendly with miles of gorgeous surf.While you relax with a Pina Colada and a good book and enjoy the sea breeze, the twins can be dashing in and out of the tide, collecting sea shells and admiring hermit crabs as they dart into their holes. Your daughter can work on her tan or stroll over to one of the booths where locals wait to cornrow her hair. And don¡¦t forget the terminal case of boredom ¡V he¡¦s trying out a surfboard that he rented from the cabana at the hotel. Tomorrow he plans to try his hand at windsurfing or parasailing. Your husband is catching everything on film for later.And when evening rolls around¡KWhen night falls there¡¦s still plenty to do on a beach vacation. Most resorts offer a choice or restaurants from family-friendly pizza parlors to fine dining with a great wine cellar. Or you can explore the local town for a sampling of local cuisine that¡¦s sure to surprise and delight you and your children. If you enjoy seafood, there¡¦s nothing that beats finding a local seafood joint with seating on the beach for atmosphere and fun. After the sun goes down, take a stroll on the beach at night and look for sea turtles if the season is right. These magnificent creatures are an unforgettable experience for young and old alike. If you head to the boardwalks that abound along most beaches, you¡¦re sure to find games and rides for the whole family. Your six year olds will be delighted with a Ferris wheel ride with a spectacular view of the ocean while your daughter gets her caricature done by a local artist. When you step away from the beach, there¡¦s still plenty to doBeach vacations in Mexico don¡¦t stop at the edge of the water. All of those fabulous beach resorts are located near wonderful little resort towns that have colorful bazaars and market districts, so the shopping is fantastic! Remember to do some holiday shopping, and look for a few colorful pieces of clothing to show off when you get back home!Mexico is full of cultural and historical bounty, so don¡¦t forget to visit some of the rich historical treasures of the area while you¡¦re visiting. Your family will be amazed by the impressive size and grandeur of Mayan ruins just miles from the beaches. These ancient ruins are a reminder of the area¡¦s rich heritage and shouldn¡¦t be missed.When visiting the ruins take the time to admire the villages and towns you pass through; Mexico is a rich mix of heritages. Descendants of the Maya, Inca and Spanish settlers all make up the rich heritage of today¡¦s Mexico.Meanwhile, back on the beach¡KAfter a few days of sightseeing, shopping, and golfing even the most energetic family members will want to relax, and that¡¦s why beach vacations are the best thing going ¡V total relaxation! Close your eyes and think about the beach and you can almost feel yourself relax, can¡¦t you? Imagine your children building elaborate sand castles in toasted white sands and decorating them with delicate sea shells they¡¦ve collected along the shore. Picture your teenagers lazily swimming on the rolling waves, ducking under the crystal-clear blue of tropical waters to watch fish flicking about around their legs. Beach vacations can also give you the opportunity to learn something new and exciting together. Try parasailing ¡V there¡¦s nothing as exhilarating as sailing through the sea breezes as you look down on the coast from the air like a seagull! If you¡¦ve always wanted to try sailing, a beach vacation will give your whole family the opportunity to go out on a sailboat for the day. There are so many tremendous opportunities to do things when your family takes a beach vacation to Mexico. Whether you want to enjoy the sand and sun, try a little bit of adventure, sample great local foods and wines or make the kids squeal with laughter, you¡¦ll find more than enough to fill every day on our fabulous Mexico beach vacation packages!Finally, keep in mind that, since family vacations usually mean traveling in the summer months, a Mexico beach vacation can be a great bargain. Since these months are considered ¡§off season¡¨ in this area of the country, you¡¦ll be surprised by just how affordable a really fabulous stay on a stretch of white sand beach in Mexico can be while your kids are on summer break.
Celebrity Cruises for All-Inclusive Vacations
Why Take a Cruise Vacation? Well, with all the cruise lines available, all the cruise destinations,and the range of prices, there exists a cruise to please even the most jaded traveller.If you think about it, it's an extremely cost-effective and time-efficient way to take a holiday. Consider all the time you'd spend driving yourself to several different destinations, packing and unpacking at each hotel, and searching for restaurants and other services. On a cruise you don't drive anywhere for seven, ten, fourteen days or even even more. Even if you were on a bus tour with no driving yourself, you haul your luggage or at least one package and unpack it at every new stop. On a cruise, you check your luggage when you check in and it magically appears in your cabin, stateroom, or even suite. You're at home for the duration of the cruise. And the food! Every ship has several restuarants staffed by world-class chefs, and the cost of the food is included as part of the cruise. At each port, guided tours are available so you won't miss any local attractions. Supervised activities such as snorkeling are available to keep the children occupied. And at the end of your holidy staff will pick up your luggage and place it on shore at the intended pick-up point. Taking a cruise vacation frees you from so many of the hassles of traveling, and leaves you with more time to relax and enjoy your destination.Celebrity Cruise Lines offer some of the best deals in the business. Conde Nast Traveler consistently rates Celebrity Cruises as one of the world's best cruise lines. Services include informative lectures about your location, upscale boutiques, and Las Vegas style entertainment created for Celebrity by Cirque du Soleil. Try your luck in the Casino or collect fine art during an onboad auction. The nightlife spectacular at The Bar At The Edge of the Earth. There's a whole world of pampering waiting for you at the world-famous Aqua-Spa by Elemis. Try a deluxe manicure, a luxurious facial or a relaxing massage. There is even acupuncture by a licensed acupuncturist and Chinese medicine as well. You'll feel renewed and invigorated.Children feel right at home on a Celebrity Cruise. The Celebrity X-Club Youth Program has age-specific activities and entertainment for every child. Science and nature exploration, talent shows, treasure hunts, children's dinner parties, slumber parties and more are all arranged by professional staff. Special areas of the ship are set aside for children only, such as the Shipmates Fun Factory, teen center and pools. When the ship is docked, adults have the option of going on tours by themselves while the children are supervised onboard. What could be more enjoyable or safer?Age or disability are no impediment to cruising. Ships are designed for mobility-impaired passengers, and staff is always ready to assist. Celebrity accommodates those who need dialysis or oxygen, and other medical services can be arranged if requested beforehand. Emergency care is always available on board, saving you the trouble of finding a doctor who speaks your language in a foreign country.Dinner is a vital event in itself on a cruise ship, a tradition dating back to the late 1800's when cruises were for royalty and the wealthy who expected elegant formal dinners. Again, in today's lifestyle the elegant dinner is optional, and for those who like to dine casually, food is available around the clock . However, for those who like a ritzy event where they can show off their best attire and jewelry, there are optional formal dinners where ladies wear long formal gowns or evening dresses and gentlemen have on tuxedos.Did I forget to mention the cruise destination itself? Celebrity Cruises dock at a different port of call every day or two, depending upon distances and sailing time between points of interest. You can stay aboard the ship all day or disembark. You are free to explore every destination on your itinerary as long as you return to the ship before departure time.For a small additional fee, Celebrity offers adventures geared toward the unique features of each destination. As an example, Caribbean cruises offer snorkeling, diving or beach excursions while Alaskan cruises offer helicopter tours or sea kayak trips. For the less adventuresome, commonly there are bus tours or even supervised shopping excursions in the local port. Every single thing, including meals, is prearranged. All you have to do is find the correct line onshore and an experienced guide handles the rest of your tour.With all these wonderful services available at a reasonable cost, why not consider a Celebrity vacation?
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Traveling on a Budget? Try These Money-Saving Vacation Ideas
If your spirit of adventure is larger than your travel budget, these money-saving tips might just put your next vacation within reach.1. Swap homes with other vacationersIf you prefer to mingle with the locals rather than other tourists, look into a home exchange vacation. One couple spent their eight-week honeymoon touring Europe without ever staying in a hotel; instead, they stayed in private homes while their European hosts stayed in their New York City apartment. Sound risky? Maybe—but tens of thousands of people have exchanged homes since the 1950s. For an annual membership fee (usually around $50), home exchange clubs help members arrange exchanges, as well as offering tips to make the exchange go smoothly. According to ExchangeHomes.com, a home exchange can cut travel costs by as much as half. More importantly, though, a home exchange vacation makes it possible for you to live like the locals, and perhaps make some life-long friends.2. Rely on the hospitality of othersIn a slight twist on the home exchange idea, look into joining a hospitality club that will hook you up with people willing to host you on your next vacation. The largest hospitality club has more than 23,000 members in 148 countries. Membership is usually free, although members are asked to provide hospitality to others (on a voluntary basis) in return sometime in the future. In addition to saving money, staying with others is a great way to meet locals who can give an insider’s perspective on your destination. 3. Stay in a monastery or conventMonasteries and convents have a long tradition of providing hospitality to travelers. Aside from being a lot more interesting (and affordable) than the local Holiday Inn, a monastery can be a great place to explore your spiritual landscape. Many monasteries and convents ask for a donation of $40 to $80 per night; others only ask for a free-will offering. In addition to simple accommodations, monasteries and convents often offer their guests simple meals as well as opportunities to participate in daily prayer and work. Reservations may be required in advance. You can research this vacation idea by looking up individual monasteries or convents online. Or get a guidebook such as “Europe's Monastery and Convent Guesthouses: A Pilgrim's Travel Guide” or “Sanctuaries: The Complete United States: A Guide to Lodgings in Monasteries, Abbeys, and Retreats.”4. Win a free vacationNothing in life is free, the old adage goes, but the vacations many companies are giving away as part of promotional sweepstakes and contests come close. True, the odds of winning a free vacation are remote, but if you’ve ever played the lottery, you may as well spend a few minutes searching the web for “vacation contest” and related terms. The only cost of entering will probably be the time it takes to fill out online entry forms. (Be forewarned, though, that providing your e-mail address virtually guarantees unsolicited e-mail in the future.)5. Sleep under the starsHoping to vacation in Hawaii or the U.S. Virgin Islands? Rather than spending a fortune on hotels or resorts, why not slash the cost of your accommodations by camping on the beach? Both destinations have parks that offer beachside camping for about $20 per night. Camping is an affordable alternative at virtually any destination, in fact. And camping doesn’t necessarily mean “roughing it.” Modern camping equipment can keep you as warm and comfortable as if you were sleeping at home (decent sleeping bags and sleeping pads are a must), and many campgrounds offer conveniences such as showers and running water. Some even rent basic but comfortable cabins.6. Travel in the off seasonIt may be obvious to seasoned travelers, but those with less experience may not be aware of how affordable it can be to vacation in the “off season”—basically, any time other than when most people travel to your destination. Certain destinations’ accommodation and airfare prices may be slashed by 30 percent or more during the off-season compared to the peak travel season. 7. Consider your airline alternativesWhen booking airfare online, don’t overlook discount and international airlines—some are not listed on the big travel portal websites, even though they might have a lower fare to your destination. Also be sure to compare rates for alternate airports within a reasonable traveling distance. You might live half an hour from a major airport, but the smaller airport a couple hours away might have substantially lower fares. Check for alternate airports near your destination, too. Finally, be flexible about your arrival and departure dates; the major travel portals all have options to search for the cheapest flights within a range of dates. Any one of these alternatives could potentially save you hundreds of dollars.
About the Author
Jerry Windley-Daoust profiles cheap honeymoon ideas at Creative Honeymoon Ideas, a website featuring off-the-beaten-track honeymoon ideas.
About the Author
Jerry Windley-Daoust profiles cheap honeymoon ideas at Creative Honeymoon Ideas, a website featuring off-the-beaten-track honeymoon ideas.
How to save money while planning your vacations to Florida!
Planning a vacation can be fun, yet a frustration if you have little time, money, or patience. I think many of us suffer from a lack of patience. It can be quite simple if you follow some steps. Remember, you are going on vacation! Get excited! Use your time to plan, to get away from the stresses of your daily life. Here are a few tips we suggest you follow when planning your trip and saving money!!1. Figure out where you are going & what you must do while there. There are many great destinations in Florida from the Panhandle, to the Gulf coast, Atlantic Coast, Orlando, or the Keys. They also offer so many things to do, that it’s a good idea to plan ahead of time some activities.2. Sign up for online e-zines: These are online magazines or newsletters that you sign up for and receive on a regular basis. Make sure they have an opt-in and opt-out policy and don’t share your information. 3. Are you going as a family, with friends, or for romance? How you get there, where you stay, what activities you want to plan will revolve around whom you travel with. There are locations in Florida set up for different types of vacations.4. Get coupons & Ask for deals. I don’t care how much money you have. Traveling with coupons and discount sources only saves you money on your travels. Even if you go more luxurious, you can save money with these two tips. Ask to get bumped, ask for first class, ask for off-season specials, ask for senior citizens discounts, etc. Just ask.5. Do your homework and shop around. We have found literally hundreds of online travel sites. Use the well known ones that are recommended. Read consumer reviews, be patient, and make sure you read all the terms and conditions, whether you book online of offline. 6. Join groups such as AAA or AARP. You can also save money by obtaining a frequent flyer credit card and earning points through spending. Just be smart with your credit and don’t go overboard.7. Rent from an owner. Yes, there are options other than staying in a huge chain. Sometimes, the best deals and nicest places are from someone who is renting out their vacation home.8. Travel in the off-season. Book early, book late, and name your own price at travel auction sites.9. Referrals are the oldest, and in my opinion, the best way to do anything. There are people who will recommend hotels, things to do, places to go, that you would have never found otherwise.10. Using credit cards can save you money and free up cash for other adventures. There is a right way and a wrong way to use them. A vacation is a necessity, not a luxury.Also, prepare a budget, get all your necessities ahead of time and shop for them, and have fun while planning your trip. Yes, there are a few things you need to take into account, but if you follow a system of steps, planning will be easy. In addition, be realistic about prices, but don’t think you can’t get great deals on your vacations to Florida.
Save Up To 50% When Traveling On Vacation
Did you know you can go on a 7-day cruise for half the price?Or visit Europe for 15 days for only $2,000 per person including airfare, hotels, car rental and meals?If you follow these steps, you can save more up to 50% in travel expenses.1. Travel during low season.Choosing to go on vacation during low season, will save you a great deal of money on airfare, hotels, cruises, car rental and more.The best dates to travel are between:February - MaySeptember- the week before Thanksgiving December 1 - 15 For example, a 7-day cruise in the Caribbean can cost around $1,000 during summer and winter but it can cost $495 during low season. A ticket to Europe can cost between $800-$1,200 during high season but you can buy it at $395 roundtrip during low season.2. HotelsThe same applies to hotel rates. When it comes to hotels, you should look for 3-star hotels that will offer most amenities you need at a lower price than 4 or more star hotels. You should keep in mind, that 3-star hotels are smaller, but you can find very good hotels for a great price. Keep in mind that hotels that are very near local attractions will be more expensive than hotels located 2 or 3 blocks away.3. Attractions and Places to VisitMake a list of the places and attractions you want to visit and do some research. Find out about the schedules, locations, special events,etc. You'll find out that there are certain dates during the year that they will have discounts and even free admission.4. RestaurantsDon't visit tourist-oriented restaurants. Instead, ask locals to recommend family-owned or small restaurants. Not only will you pay less but the food, quality and service will be much better.Two years ago, I visited Monaco, France and we went to a small restaurant on a side street and we only paid $100 (for 4 people) for appetizers, great pasta, drinks and dessert (including tip). Not a bad price considering that Monaco is very expensive. 5. Metro vs. TaxiIn most places, there is a metro or train system which will be a lot cheaper than traveling by taxi. All you need to do is get a map and trace the route you're going to visit and find out the train or metro you need to get on to.By planning your vacation in advance, choosing the best dates to travel (low season), doing research about places and attractions to visit, going to local restaurant versus tourist-oriented ones, and using the metro or train system instead of taxis, will save you a great deal of money and allow you to go on vacation at least twice a year.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Hotel Safety for Your Next Business Trip or Vacation Get-a-W
From a business trip to the next weekend get-a-way, personal safety and security should be on your mind. It can be especially challenging when your flight was delayed, the taxi cab line was never ending and all you want to do is park, check-in and get to your room as fast as possible. But wait… take some time now to think about your safety with these easy but life-protecting tips…Checking in …-if valet parking is available, use it. If not, park by the lobby doors and ask for a hotel escort into the parking lot or garage. A small tip to the person assisting you is well worth to protect your safety.-travel the lot to park in the most safest space possible. Check to make sure no one is loitering and where you park is well-lit. Try to park as close to the lobby as possible. -take out all personal items, laptops, electronic devices, money or any other valuables out before you or the valet parks your vehicle. Take items with you or lock them in your trunk.-when registering, use only your first initial and your last name. Use your business address and phone number.-request for a room not on a first or second floor (more thefts occur on these two levels especially if there is a sliding glass door, window or balcony) and available with an inside corridor. If the hotel has many buildings, get your room within the main building of the hotel.-ask the front desk attendant to write down your room number, not said out loud to have bystanders overhear what room you are in.- ask the hotel staff about the safety of jogging nearby or walking from your hotel to nearby restaurants, movie theaters or the parking lot. They are often the most reliable source of information about the neighborhood. Don't hesitate to ask about transportation shuttle services and escorts to your car or room. If you inquire about or walking areas at the front desk, verify the employee giving you advice has knowledge of the area. -if your room key is labeled with the room number, take care not to let others see that number. Safeguard your key at all times. Especially in public places. Don’t leave it at a restaurant table, by the swimming pool, bar or gym. Don’t give it to others. Don’t leave it in the room or in the hotel room door. -do not draw attention to yourself by wearing large pieces of jewelry or flash large amounts of cash.-keep an eye out for your luggage both to and from your hotel room.-locate all fire exits, fire extinguishers and elevators.-Do not use the stairs to get to your room. Always take the elevator. Any secluded part of the hotel is never a good idea to be in i.e. stairwells, parking garages, dark hallways etc.During your stay ...-make sure the windows and the between-room door are all locked.- use all the locks on your door every time you’re in your room, especially the dead bolt, flip lock or chain at night.-put all valuables in the room safe and make sure it is one that is bolted to the floor. Never leave jewelry, credit cards or cash lying around your room. -if someone knocks on your door, don’t open it right away. Keep the door shut and use the peephole and ask the person to identify themselves. If you don’t know them, don’t open the door. If they claim to be hotel personnel or security, call down to the front desk to make sure the hotel sent them. If their story does not check-out and there is no reason for the person to be there, tell them to go away and then notify the front desk. - Consider purchasing a portable room alarm. They can hang on the inside door knob, or a floor device that sounds an alarm if your hotel door is opened. To get these room safety devices, go to http://www.safetyquestproducts.com/alarm.htm they’re small and easy to travel with. They can fit into a pocket or purse.- always leave the ‘do not disturb’ tag on the outside of your door.- When leaving put the lights and the T.V. or radio on to let no one know you have left the room and it is unoccupied. -if you loose your key, report it immediately to the hotel’s front desk and ask to be moved to another room. -immediately report any suspicious activity to the Hotel’s staff.When you check-out…-search through your belongings to make sure all forms of I.D. are safe and nothing is missing with personal information on it.-request an escort to your vehicle in the parking garage or lot.-check the inside of the vehicle before getting in.By following these hotel safety tips, you can increase your protection from a personal assault or theft. Making your business or vacation trip safer and being less of a target for a criminal.
Have a Mosquito Free Vacation
Your wardrobe is planned, suitcases are ready, and your flight leaves tomorrow for your next vacation. Have you remembered everything?Not if you haven’t packed mosquito repellant. No matter where you are going, mosquitoes are there! They are found on every continent, except Antarctica. In many tropical places, they are year round pests. Yet there are some things you can do to protect yourself and have a safe and comfortable trip (airline seats excluded). Some useful traveler’s tips are:If there is a vaccination for a mosquito borne disease, like malaria, consult your doctor about getting one. Some malaria parasites are resistant to the vaccines so be sure to get medical advice.Pack plenty of a really good mosquito repellant. You have no way of knowing if you can buy the kind you like at your destination. And, in some less developed areas, you may not be able to buy any at all. Bring light colored clothing. Mosquitoes are attracted to dark clothing.Bring some long sleeved shirts and long pants. The less skin area exposed the better. If appropriate, wear boots and socks and tuck pant legs into them.Try to stay indoors at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. Stay in climate controlled hotels and inns when possible. Air-conditioned lodgings afford better mosquito protection. If you can’t get enclosed lodging (or you are camping or roughing it), be sure to pack some mosquito nets. There are some good ones made for individual use that don’t take up much room. If you use nets, be sure they are tucked under the mattress.Treat all fabric articles with repellant. Using it on shoes, clothes, bedding, nets and other personal objects can help keep mosquitoes away. If you are going to be near a beach, stay close to the ocean breezes. Mosquitoes are poor flyers and will avoid windy areas. Many mosquito diseases are seasonal. Try to plan to travel to heavily infested areas during the mosquito “off season”. With just a little advance planning, and some common sense, you can avoid being plagued by mosquitoes in your travels. Take these few steps before you go and then get back to the important thing: having a pleasurable trip.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Relax, and Get Away from "It All" With a Dude Ranch Vacation
If you've ever heard someone say that he needs a "vacation from his vacation", that person did not spend his time at a dude ranch. Vacation is meant to be a time of relaxation, a break from the stress and chaos that too often comprises daily routine. Why allow that precious time to be lost to antsy children, long lines, and overtaxed schedules? The best route to real rest and relaxation can be found in an exciting adventure. At a dude ranch, couples can enjoy a romantic getaway, singles can meet new people, and families can bond with nature, and each other.Planning a trip to satisfy the whole family can be a daunting challenge. Young children, teenagers, and adults often disagree on how they want to spend their vacation time. On a dude ranch family vacation, even the most difficult to please will invariably find a number of activities they enjoy.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. At a dude ranch, you can enjoy home cooked meals, cookouts, wagon rides, fishing, and square dances. Many ranches provide amenities such as swimming pools, hot tubs, and game rooms.The common factor in all dude ranches is, naturally, the horses. Horseback riding is the mainstay of dude ranch vacations, and a relaxing and beautiful way to spend a day. The experience far surpasses a pony ride at a county fair, and children will delight in the adventure.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 provides informatino on dude ranches in Colorado, Texas, Montana, Wyoming, Arizona, and California, and information on dude ranch jobs. Dude Ranch Info is the sister site of Mountain Vacations
Educational Factory Tours For A Magical Family Vacation
When was the last time you saw the words "family fun", "educational", and "free" in the same sentence? You can find just that in Nottingham, PA, just outside Philadelphia, PA or Balitmore, MD. Whether you live near those areas and are looking for a family day trip, or want to have a unique experience while on vacation, this factory tour is a must.
When you go to visit the Herr's Snack Food Factory, you will get to experience a fun-filled (for the whole family) morning or afternoon of educational information, with a little bit of high tech thrown in... all for free. Before the tour begins you receive the behind-the-scenes history and background of Herr's. You will also be introduced to your "special and unique tour guides", who will be with you for your entire visit.
The tour is a fascinating and exciting experience for kids and adults alike. With your personal guides and the accompanying videos, this also makes it ideal for large groups.
In this state-of-the-art plant, you'll get the chance to watch as machines and ovens make thousands of snack foods, including their famous potato chips, pretzels, corn chips, cheese curls, popcorn, and much, much more. The tour starts with an award winning video in which the Herr's mascot, Chipper the Chipmunk takes you on a tour.
Next stop is the real factory, where you'll be able to actually see how snacks are made. Watch pretzel twists getting twisted and then baked in humongous ovens. You will learn how chips are made from start to finish. Get ready to be amazed as you watch the entire process. Beginning with the loading of the raw ingredients through slicing, cooking, seasoning and bagging, and how the chips end up in the stores. It's mesmerizing to watch the machines doing all the work, and to see how much work really goes into a potato chip, before it hits your tastebuds.
The best part about the entire tour is that you'll be able to taste potato chips hot and fresh off the conveyer belt. Keep in mind that you are experiencing the real deal here. This is the actual factory. You are seeing actual workers, do what they do best, making great tasting potato chips and other snacks perfectly. The tour will give you a front seat type of experience, which has been specially designed with methods and processes that's sure to impress kids and adults alike. You'll be able to impress your friends with trivia, like what the differences are between a "chip" potato and a regular potato. And how pretzels are "twisted."
When you plan your day, go in the morning and plan to stay for lunch. The menu is varied with enough choices to suit everyone's tastes, and the food is good. From small to big groups, the lunchroom is roomy enough to accommodate your needs. Call for tour schedule: (800) 284-7488 Age Limits: None. Cost: Free. Reservations are strongly suggested, but walk-ins will be accommodated if space permits.
When you go to visit the Herr's Snack Food Factory, you will get to experience a fun-filled (for the whole family) morning or afternoon of educational information, with a little bit of high tech thrown in... all for free. Before the tour begins you receive the behind-the-scenes history and background of Herr's. You will also be introduced to your "special and unique tour guides", who will be with you for your entire visit.
The tour is a fascinating and exciting experience for kids and adults alike. With your personal guides and the accompanying videos, this also makes it ideal for large groups.
In this state-of-the-art plant, you'll get the chance to watch as machines and ovens make thousands of snack foods, including their famous potato chips, pretzels, corn chips, cheese curls, popcorn, and much, much more. The tour starts with an award winning video in which the Herr's mascot, Chipper the Chipmunk takes you on a tour.
Next stop is the real factory, where you'll be able to actually see how snacks are made. Watch pretzel twists getting twisted and then baked in humongous ovens. You will learn how chips are made from start to finish. Get ready to be amazed as you watch the entire process. Beginning with the loading of the raw ingredients through slicing, cooking, seasoning and bagging, and how the chips end up in the stores. It's mesmerizing to watch the machines doing all the work, and to see how much work really goes into a potato chip, before it hits your tastebuds.
The best part about the entire tour is that you'll be able to taste potato chips hot and fresh off the conveyer belt. Keep in mind that you are experiencing the real deal here. This is the actual factory. You are seeing actual workers, do what they do best, making great tasting potato chips and other snacks perfectly. The tour will give you a front seat type of experience, which has been specially designed with methods and processes that's sure to impress kids and adults alike. You'll be able to impress your friends with trivia, like what the differences are between a "chip" potato and a regular potato. And how pretzels are "twisted."
When you plan your day, go in the morning and plan to stay for lunch. The menu is varied with enough choices to suit everyone's tastes, and the food is good. From small to big groups, the lunchroom is roomy enough to accommodate your needs. Call for tour schedule: (800) 284-7488 Age Limits: None. Cost: Free. Reservations are strongly suggested, but walk-ins will be accommodated if space permits.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Why Elvis Preston King the NEW King Takes Cruise Vacations w
Why Elvis Preston King the NEW King Takes Cruise Vacations with His Dream Girls!There is nothing like a cruise to please Elvis and his top dream girl all at the same time.Number one Elvis Preston King never takes driving trips. It’s too dangerous and Elvis thinks his chauffeur is a lousy driver! And for sure if other drivers were to come face to face with Elvis and one of his stunning 18 year old dolls he could cause a deadly accident or at the very least a traffic jam backed up for hours!Elvis likes how you check your bags at the port and the Magic Wizard whizzes them to his room before he get to his suite. Elvis only accepts suite rooms with a balcony which he says is really romantic for his girls!Elvis likes tradition, Elvis likes elegance and to be treated like Royalty. After all Elvis Preston King is the NEW King and he is today’s Royalty. He expects to be treated that way. On the RIGHT CRUISE he gets such treatment.Some times Elvis likes to dress up in his Tuxedo and reminisce when he was the King of Rock and Roll. The formal dinner is the only way Elvis likes to dine. Although he has been known to ask for room service and order the buffet but private in his room. Also he loves it when the chef cooks his peanut butter and fried banana sandwich and sends it up to his room in lieu of the midnight buffet.On one cruise Elvis broke down and sang “Are You Lonesome tonight” in a lounge and caused a commotion still talked about to this day on this particular cruise line. Oh yes Elvis has a disguise. But you can see it is really him if you look closely. He is graying and fat but it’s him alright.Remember how Elvis had to rent the whole movie theatre to go to a movie. Well now he goes widely unnoticed at the movies on a cruise ship and he loves going to the movies on his cruise vacation most of all!To find out which cruise you can catch Elvis Preston King on you need to do a Google search for future articles by Elvis Preston King the New King!
Trader Electronic Media Takes a Vacation
Norfolk, VA –Having successfully developed niche advertising for every type of industry from homes to boats to jobs, Trader Electronic Media and Trader Publishing Company are now taking on the travel industry with their three vacation dedicated sites: RoomSaver.com, RentJillsHouse.com and TheVacationSaver.com. With ferocious competition already dominating the travel industry, Trader has developed their new businesses with a different angle in mind. Rather than adding yet another third-party booking engine to the endless list of Expedia, Orbitz and Travelocity, Trader’s new businesses are portal sites. Designed to usher vacationers directly to the advertising property’s own website or through direct phone calls, Trader hopes to offer advertiser’s and vacationers new ways to book their vacations.For vacationers searching the Internet for hotel deals Trader offers RoomSaver.com. RoomSaver.com provides travelers with a user-friendly way to browse over 11,000 hotel and motel listings and easily navigate the detailed results. Travelers can search all over the United States and Canada for discounted hotels and motels. Rather than booking online through RoomSaver.com, you will search your options and then link directly to the hotel of your choice to make your reservation. Eliminating the third-party booking allows RoomSaver.com and the hotels to offer travelers more rooms at better prices!Tapping an untouched industry, Trader launched RentJillsHouse.com as the premier online solution for locating vacation rental homes and properties. The website offers information on thousands of vacation rental houses in popular U.S. destinations ranging from the Outer Banks of North Carolina to Lake Tahoe. With its comprehensive database, user-friendly and technologically advanced site, RentJillsHouse.com offers a one-stop shopping for travelers, vacation property owners and Brokers.In August of this year, Trader launched TheVacationSaver.com a website devoted to connecting travelers to unbeatable vacation package deals to resorts across the nation. Connecting travelers directly to the vacation package deals eliminates the middleman, allowing travelers to find more reasonable offers. The site also features lodging, complimentary tickets to nearby events or attractions and perks such as free meals or cash certificates. As subsidiaries of Trader Publishing Company, the nation’s largest publisher of photo-classified publications, RoomSaver.com, RentJillsHouse.com and TheVacationSaver.com are parts of a network of over 15 websites including ForRent.com, HarmonHomes.com and EmploymentGuide.com, all accessible at TraderOnline.com. Trader also publishes 680 classified ad publications, which reach 80 percent of the U.S. population. These publications serve over 175 major markets and are distributed at approximately 360,000 points nationwide with a combined circulation exceeding 9 million per week. Such publications include Auto Trader, Boat Trader, Walnecks, Parenthood, For Rent and Employment Guide magazines. RentJillsHouse.com, TheVacationSaver.com and RoomSaver.com are all featured in these publications as well as on the numerous Trader websites.###
Dare to Dream: The Vacation of a Lifetime In A Timeshare
What are your chances of getting the vacation of a lifetime without having to save for a lifetime?
Renting a timeshare may be the answer to your dream vacation without having to make a long-term commitment. Many individuals are willing to rent their allotted timeshare week to you. Because of an inconvenient date or some other personal reasons, many times owners are unable to use their timeshare and are willing to sell their time period to you. With a little research either on the Internet, local newspapers or even visiting with realtors, you may be able to step into a dream vacation. Exotic places wait for you and your loved ones.
Timeshare companies and timeshare owners offer an alternative to the overpriced hotel and motel rooms. Virtually every year the costs of hotels go up. You can usually control the price tag of your vacations by utilizing timeshare resort rentals. Timeshare owners normally charge a set price for their rentals, and they do not need to increase prices to pay for labor and other usual expenses incurred by hotels. This keeps the price of a vacation rental on a more consistent level each time it is rented.
Timeshare resorts are located in incredible destinations around the world. Where have you always longed to go, but thought, "Wow, it would be too expensive to stay in a place like that!"? Mexico? Hawaii? How about Europe? Sure, those destinations can be expensive, but with a timeshare rental, you can get into incredible resorts for a fraction of the costs of a hotel vacation.
In most cases, hotel and motel rooms are undersized, have few amenities, and cost more than a timeshare rental. Typically when you rent a timeshare unit, prices are for seven nights, not per person. The units can sleep anywhere from 2 to 10 people. You choose the type of room and amenities you want! Studio, 1, or 2 Bedroom with kitchen, dining and living area units are all available.
No matter how nice the Hotel or Bed & Breakfast..... it still is just one small room! Why spend one or more weeks on vacation in a cramped hotel room and have the extra expense of eating out for every meal. Enjoy the spaciousness and freedom of a completely furnished resort condominium and save money all at the same time! And you will not be required to attend a timeshare sales presentation.
Put your vacation plans into motion and start your search for the ultimate spot you've been dreaming about. Whether you have dreamed about walking barefoot on an island or skiing down a mountain in another country, there is a timeshare available to you at a more than reasonable price. It takes only a little time to put the details together and make your dream vacation become a reality.
Timeshares are a proven concept for vacationers in many countries, and holiday planning is one of the top growing segments of the leisure time industry all over the world today. Why not begin your search today by perusing newspapers and travel magazines, or logging onto the Internet and searching for "timeshare rentals?" Dare to dream
Renting a timeshare may be the answer to your dream vacation without having to make a long-term commitment. Many individuals are willing to rent their allotted timeshare week to you. Because of an inconvenient date or some other personal reasons, many times owners are unable to use their timeshare and are willing to sell their time period to you. With a little research either on the Internet, local newspapers or even visiting with realtors, you may be able to step into a dream vacation. Exotic places wait for you and your loved ones.
Timeshare companies and timeshare owners offer an alternative to the overpriced hotel and motel rooms. Virtually every year the costs of hotels go up. You can usually control the price tag of your vacations by utilizing timeshare resort rentals. Timeshare owners normally charge a set price for their rentals, and they do not need to increase prices to pay for labor and other usual expenses incurred by hotels. This keeps the price of a vacation rental on a more consistent level each time it is rented.
Timeshare resorts are located in incredible destinations around the world. Where have you always longed to go, but thought, "Wow, it would be too expensive to stay in a place like that!"? Mexico? Hawaii? How about Europe? Sure, those destinations can be expensive, but with a timeshare rental, you can get into incredible resorts for a fraction of the costs of a hotel vacation.
In most cases, hotel and motel rooms are undersized, have few amenities, and cost more than a timeshare rental. Typically when you rent a timeshare unit, prices are for seven nights, not per person. The units can sleep anywhere from 2 to 10 people. You choose the type of room and amenities you want! Studio, 1, or 2 Bedroom with kitchen, dining and living area units are all available.
No matter how nice the Hotel or Bed & Breakfast..... it still is just one small room! Why spend one or more weeks on vacation in a cramped hotel room and have the extra expense of eating out for every meal. Enjoy the spaciousness and freedom of a completely furnished resort condominium and save money all at the same time! And you will not be required to attend a timeshare sales presentation.
Put your vacation plans into motion and start your search for the ultimate spot you've been dreaming about. Whether you have dreamed about walking barefoot on an island or skiing down a mountain in another country, there is a timeshare available to you at a more than reasonable price. It takes only a little time to put the details together and make your dream vacation become a reality.
Timeshares are a proven concept for vacationers in many countries, and holiday planning is one of the top growing segments of the leisure time industry all over the world today. Why not begin your search today by perusing newspapers and travel magazines, or logging onto the Internet and searching for "timeshare rentals?" Dare to dream
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Mexico's Riviera Maya: The New Caribbean Vacation Hotspo
Travelers who are looking for a fantastic all-inclusive resort destination that is priced far below most tropical destinations in and around the Caribbean should look into Mexico’s Riviera Maya. This area has fast become a very popular tropical vacation getaway for travelers from around the world. The Riviera Maya is located on the Caribbean side of Mexico and encompasses the stretch of coastline ranging from about 5 miles to 60 miles south of Cancun.
Don’t be misled into thinking that because you fly into Cancun to get to the Riviera Maya that it is anything like Cancun and its spring break, party-like atmosphere…it is far from it. The Riviera Maya has been set aside by the Mexican government as a semi-protected area, and as such it cannot become the touristy, high-rise resort type of destination you find in the Cancun hotel zone. Resorts can only be built 3-stories or less in height and they have to be constructed to embrace the surrounding vegetation, wildlife, and topography. It is a much more family-friendly and romantic vacation destination.
Resorts in the Riviera Maya are primarily all-inclusive properties. Because of the remote locations of many of the properties there are very few offsite dining areas. All-inclusive resorts give the traveler the benefit of having everything paid for prior to their arrival. All meals, drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), non-motorized watersports, and other amenities are included in package prices. The more upscale all-inclusive resorts of 4-star and higher quality typically have many different restaurant options ranging from buffet to world-class a la carte cuisine….all-included! Some of the more popular resort chains in the Riviera Maya include Iberostar Resorts, Palace Resorts, and Secrets Resorts & Spas. Resorts run anywhere from more family-related types of properties or resorts for the budget-minded to very upscale adults-only spa resorts.
One of the best reasons to choose the Mexico Riviera Maya for your next vacation is not just for the superb quality resorts and great value, but also for the fantastic tours and excursions that are available in around the Yucatan Peninsula region. This area is teeming with Mayan ruins and ancient architecture that are very popular with tourists. The most majestic of the local Mayan ruins are the pyramids of Chichen Itza. These incredibly preserved pyramids date back to 400AD and this awe-inspiring tour will leave with you many wonderful memories. There are many other Mayan ruins tours you can take as well. In addition to ruins you can also experience many eco-based tours that take you to game and marine preserves where you will find amazing wildlife and snorkeling that is nothing short of amazing. Another popular day-trip for those staying in the Riviera Maya region is the island of Cozumel. You can reach this quaint island by ferry from the town of Playa del Carmen located in the heart of the Riviera Maya. It is a short 45 minute ferry ride and once there you will find duty-free shopping, great dining, and some of the world’s best SCUBA diving and snorkeling.
If you have taken tropical vacations in the Caribbean or Hawaii and are looking for a new destination to go to the Riviera Maya is an excellent choice that will definitely impress and have you ready to come back to again and again.
Don’t be misled into thinking that because you fly into Cancun to get to the Riviera Maya that it is anything like Cancun and its spring break, party-like atmosphere…it is far from it. The Riviera Maya has been set aside by the Mexican government as a semi-protected area, and as such it cannot become the touristy, high-rise resort type of destination you find in the Cancun hotel zone. Resorts can only be built 3-stories or less in height and they have to be constructed to embrace the surrounding vegetation, wildlife, and topography. It is a much more family-friendly and romantic vacation destination.
Resorts in the Riviera Maya are primarily all-inclusive properties. Because of the remote locations of many of the properties there are very few offsite dining areas. All-inclusive resorts give the traveler the benefit of having everything paid for prior to their arrival. All meals, drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), non-motorized watersports, and other amenities are included in package prices. The more upscale all-inclusive resorts of 4-star and higher quality typically have many different restaurant options ranging from buffet to world-class a la carte cuisine….all-included! Some of the more popular resort chains in the Riviera Maya include Iberostar Resorts, Palace Resorts, and Secrets Resorts & Spas. Resorts run anywhere from more family-related types of properties or resorts for the budget-minded to very upscale adults-only spa resorts.
One of the best reasons to choose the Mexico Riviera Maya for your next vacation is not just for the superb quality resorts and great value, but also for the fantastic tours and excursions that are available in around the Yucatan Peninsula region. This area is teeming with Mayan ruins and ancient architecture that are very popular with tourists. The most majestic of the local Mayan ruins are the pyramids of Chichen Itza. These incredibly preserved pyramids date back to 400AD and this awe-inspiring tour will leave with you many wonderful memories. There are many other Mayan ruins tours you can take as well. In addition to ruins you can also experience many eco-based tours that take you to game and marine preserves where you will find amazing wildlife and snorkeling that is nothing short of amazing. Another popular day-trip for those staying in the Riviera Maya region is the island of Cozumel. You can reach this quaint island by ferry from the town of Playa del Carmen located in the heart of the Riviera Maya. It is a short 45 minute ferry ride and once there you will find duty-free shopping, great dining, and some of the world’s best SCUBA diving and snorkeling.
If you have taken tropical vacations in the Caribbean or Hawaii and are looking for a new destination to go to the Riviera Maya is an excellent choice that will definitely impress and have you ready to come back to again and again.
Sit Back and Relax on a Crewed Yacht Charter Vacation
Ever wanted to really put yourself to the test and teach yourself how to sail and guide a yacht? On a crewed yacht charter voyage, you can do just that – and more – while taking turns at the helm and seeing the sights of your specially planned destination. Unlike other ocean yachts, a crewed charter yacht vacation allows you to be more independent and make more choices about your trip. For example, you’ll set your own pace by choosing your itinerary and the activities you prefer, instead of going along with the crowd; you can even decide to go “off chart” and head in a new direction. This kind of yacht vacation includes, of course, the boat, its captain and crew, the chef, who will prepare your favorite meals at your request; and a standard bar, with your choice of wines or liqueurs readily available. With all the freedom you want on the wide-open ocean, the price, starting generally around $1300 per person per week, is a really good deal when you consider that everything is set up entirely to suit your preferences. You can be alone, or you can mingle with the crew. It’s all up to you – it’s your own private yachting trip, whether you choose crewed yacht charters on a sailboat, motorboat, or a yacht. Also, you’ll need to plan where you want to go, of course! Popular destinations for crewed yacht charters are to the South of France or to the Cannes Film Festival; the Mediterranean; the Caribbean, Alaska, New England, or even Canal Barge Yacht Cruises in France! Closer to home, Florida and the Bahamas are also excellent choices. Whatever you decide, a crewed yacht charter vacation will be one you and your family or friends will remember for years to come. Pick up a travel brochure, choose a spot, and sail away for a week of pure, hedonistic FUN!
Monday, September 8, 2008
Why an Algarve Vacation?
If a vacation, as defined by a dictionary is: 'leisure time away from work devoted to rest or pleasure', then one taken in Algarve must be the epitome of that term.
The southern-most region of Portugal, Algarve is a holiday-maker's dream. Wonderful year-round weather, great beaches, fabulous scenery and - best of all - the local people!
Algarveans are a tolerant, laid-back lot, who have seen much change in the several decades since their region started to become a tourist magnet. Some of the age-old ways of life (such as small-scale fishing) continue undisturbed by the leisure-seeking visitors who are drawn to this lovely area.
Most who sample the attractions of Algarve become converted enthusiasts. If you love warm places, sand and sea and generally relaxed holidays, then Algarve is your dream destination.
It's a compact area, only some 90 miles by 30 miles at its furthest extremities - but it's home to over 100 miles of gorgeous sandy beaches.
While, for those who don't mind leaving the coast behind for a while, the region is steeped in history, and has much to delight the visitor's eye. Much of the Algarve's heritage has been preserved, especially in the profusion of Moorish-influenced architecture on show. And the contrasts, between coast and mountains, sand and greenery, modernity and history, offer visitors many choices of how to spend an Algarve vacation.
The region's ancient past is positively celebrated, and most sizeable towns boast a local museum that shows relics from Roman times - and even earlier.
Algarveans are proud of their distinct culture and some of the diversion on offer to the holiday-maker is even free (concerts and gallery admissions spring to mind from my last visit). Whatever the month of year, there's usually a Saint's day that gives rise to a colourful festival, in which the locals take a whole-hearted part.
Public transport within the region is efficient and cheap, which serves to keep the tourist dollars and Euros circulating, while allowing holiday-makers to sample more than just the tourist areas.
Even a tour of either the western or eastern halves of Algarve can be undertaken within a single day (though it helps to have your itinerary sorted before you set out). And a meal at an inland restaurant during the return journey to your holiday accommodation will likely prove cheaper than one taken in the tourist-populated coastal areas (a bonus for the more adventurous tourist)
Enjoy Some Vacation Time at the Alabama Theatre in Myrtle Be
The Alabama Theatre in Myrtle Beach isn't named with the state of Alabama in mind, but rather with country group legends Alabama who started their career in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
When they'd had enough of the nomadic life, and wanted to set down more fixed roots, it was back to Myrtle Beach they returned and the Alabama Theatre Myrtle Beach was created.
Built in 1991 on the Barefoot Landing complex, the Alabama Theatre in Myrtle Beach offers a great place for an evening's entertainment. Throughout the year top country stars and other performers take to the Alabama's stage, but they have two main shows which make up the bulk of the ticket sales for the theatre.
Firstly there's the "One" show. This show is one for anyone who loves music! Showcasing songs across the entire spectrum of music, from bluegrass to Broadway hits and almost every genre in between, the show plays weeknights and Saturday nights throughout a major portion of the year and would be a great show to take the whole family to see!
November brings a change of main show when the "One" show takes a break and the "One for the Holidays" takes over for a two month run. Billed as "The South's Grandest Holiday Show" this show hosts an array of special effects, talented performers, skilled backstage people who've all come together to produce a magical show which showcases the Holiday music people love in a new package that will entertain and enchant.
Sprinkled throughout the year are special performances by some of the most famous names in country music! During 2005 Kenny Rogers will take to the stage at the Alabama Theatre, as will one of the first ladies of country music Loretta Lynn.
Other performers will include Billy Rae Cyrus, The Drifters and The Temptations. or ring their booking office for more information. for all the information you'll need for a great Myrtle Beach vacation.
If you are fan of any of these great performers, or your partner is, a mini vacation in Myrtle Beach would be a perfect gift!
Spend the day relaxing the sun, or playing a round or two of golf, enjoy a leisurely meal at the Barefoot Landing complex, and then wander across to the nearby Alabama Theatre in Myrtle Beach to be entertained by your favorite singers, or to watch a great show. What a perfect way to celebrate a special occasion!
When they'd had enough of the nomadic life, and wanted to set down more fixed roots, it was back to Myrtle Beach they returned and the Alabama Theatre Myrtle Beach was created.
Built in 1991 on the Barefoot Landing complex, the Alabama Theatre in Myrtle Beach offers a great place for an evening's entertainment. Throughout the year top country stars and other performers take to the Alabama's stage, but they have two main shows which make up the bulk of the ticket sales for the theatre.
Firstly there's the "One" show. This show is one for anyone who loves music! Showcasing songs across the entire spectrum of music, from bluegrass to Broadway hits and almost every genre in between, the show plays weeknights and Saturday nights throughout a major portion of the year and would be a great show to take the whole family to see!
November brings a change of main show when the "One" show takes a break and the "One for the Holidays" takes over for a two month run. Billed as "The South's Grandest Holiday Show" this show hosts an array of special effects, talented performers, skilled backstage people who've all come together to produce a magical show which showcases the Holiday music people love in a new package that will entertain and enchant.
Sprinkled throughout the year are special performances by some of the most famous names in country music! During 2005 Kenny Rogers will take to the stage at the Alabama Theatre, as will one of the first ladies of country music Loretta Lynn.
Other performers will include Billy Rae Cyrus, The Drifters and The Temptations. or ring their booking office for more information. for all the information you'll need for a great Myrtle Beach vacation.
If you are fan of any of these great performers, or your partner is, a mini vacation in Myrtle Beach would be a perfect gift!
Spend the day relaxing the sun, or playing a round or two of golf, enjoy a leisurely meal at the Barefoot Landing complex, and then wander across to the nearby Alabama Theatre in Myrtle Beach to be entertained by your favorite singers, or to watch a great show. What a perfect way to celebrate a special occasion!
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Vacation Rentals on Lake Tahoe's South Shore
South Lake Tahoe vacation rentals are particularly in demand with those folks who crave the excitement of being near the variety of entertainment choices and the abundance of recreational facilities for which the area is well known. Here at South Lake Tahoe you have your choice of world class hotels with all the amenities, beautiful houses for rent, condos, cabins, apartments and the smaller, less crowded facilities popularly known as boutique resorts.
Usually situated on or near the beach, these mini resorts cater fully to their customers' needs. From almost anywhere in South Lake Tahoe you are within walking distance of world class night life, shopping and dining, recreational choices to satisfy anyone's desires and they usually have their own private beaches to enjoy the crystal clear waters of Lake Tahoe undisturbed by other visitors to the area. Relax, enjoy, sip marguerites, soak up the sun, have an elegant lunch at a lakeside café. Then, later on, shower and dress for the evening and in a mere few minutes you're in an elegant casino, or a four star restaurant or being seated in front of one of your favorite performers. South Lake Tahoe has everything to offer close at hand for those who want to experience everything.
South Lake Tahoe boasts over 3,000 hotel rooms ranging from moderate to superior with prices a lot less than you'd expect to pay for such luxury. And that doesn't take into account the abundance of activities in the immediate area. In the summer time, the area comes alive with water sports of all kinds, hiking tours through the woods, bicycling either alone or in groups, hot air ballooning over the lake or over the mountains, and beautiful championship golf courses designed by some of the most prestigious golf pros. In the winter time, the snow capped mountains provide multi-level skiing both day and night, snowboarding, ice skating and sleigh rides all mixed with that small-town atmosphere that gives the area its
Usually situated on or near the beach, these mini resorts cater fully to their customers' needs. From almost anywhere in South Lake Tahoe you are within walking distance of world class night life, shopping and dining, recreational choices to satisfy anyone's desires and they usually have their own private beaches to enjoy the crystal clear waters of Lake Tahoe undisturbed by other visitors to the area. Relax, enjoy, sip marguerites, soak up the sun, have an elegant lunch at a lakeside café. Then, later on, shower and dress for the evening and in a mere few minutes you're in an elegant casino, or a four star restaurant or being seated in front of one of your favorite performers. South Lake Tahoe has everything to offer close at hand for those who want to experience everything.
South Lake Tahoe boasts over 3,000 hotel rooms ranging from moderate to superior with prices a lot less than you'd expect to pay for such luxury. And that doesn't take into account the abundance of activities in the immediate area. In the summer time, the area comes alive with water sports of all kinds, hiking tours through the woods, bicycling either alone or in groups, hot air ballooning over the lake or over the mountains, and beautiful championship golf courses designed by some of the most prestigious golf pros. In the winter time, the snow capped mountains provide multi-level skiing both day and night, snowboarding, ice skating and sleigh rides all mixed with that small-town atmosphere that gives the area its
Unforgettable White Mountains Vacations – The Most Scenic 10
This amazing drive through the White Mountains of New Hampshire has a gorgeous vista at every turn, oodles and oodles of family vacation fun, and a visit to the home of the world wind speed record. Just keep reading to discover a remarkable trip on your White Mountains vacation.
The White Mountain National Forest is about a 4-hour drive north of Boston, Massachusetts. Deep in New Hampshire, the mountains are part of the Appalachian Mountain system that covers the Eastern United States. Within the forest park is the White Mountains Trail, and it’s a drive that’s arguably the most scenic 100 miles in New England. And so you’re in for a real treat. Let’s get started…
White Mountain National Forest Visitor Center…
Most people begin the drive from the White Mountains Visitor Center in North Woodstock on route 112 and head out on route 3N to the Franconia Notch area.
If you’re traveling with kids then you’ll want to pencil dates back in this area at the Clark’s Trading Post, and The Whale’s Tale attractions -- both in Lincoln on route 3N. At Clark’s you can see Bears, ride a steam train, climb towers, and generally keep the young ones happy. The Whale’s Tale is a water park with a wave pool, picnic areas, changing areas, and live entertainment.
Back on the road head north towards Franconia Notch. This is a good stretch of road to have your camera at the ready. I can’t list all the stops you can make, but I’ll mention just two of my favorites in this area of the White Mountains.
The Flume Gorge was formed over 200 million years ago when the White Mountains were molten rock. It just so happens in this area when it cooled quickly, softer material was forced into the fractures that formed. These fractures wore down with natural erosion much quicker that the surrounding granite rock -- leaving the gorge. And so now you get to enjoy a geological wonder at the base of beautiful Mount Liberty.
The Gorge has a visitor center where your tour starts and ends. And don’t forget to check out the covered bridge which crosses the Pemigewasset River -- it’s one of the oldest on the White Mountains Trail.
The famous attraction you can’t see anymore…
You’re probably thinking why would I mention something you can’t see anymore? Well, the truth is... you can see some of it… but you’ll have to imagine the rest.
The Old Man of the Mountain was a jagged rock profile formed over 10,000 years ago during the last Ice Age.
On May 3, 2003, admirers of the White Mountains region around the world were devastated, when this world famous monument to nature crumbled and crashed to the bottom of Cannon Mountain. How could this be everybody asked? Aren’t rocks and mountains... forever? Well, this incident proves they aren’t. Despite years of gargantuan efforts by many people to preserve it, centuries of the harsh winter climate found in the White Mountains, finally took its toll. It’s worth a stop as you journey on the White Mountains Trail to look and wonder at what once was. To me it’s a reminder that nature doesn’t play favorites.
Continue to head north on Route 3 until it joins Route 302 and follow 302 towards Bretton Woods. Here the mountains get taller and taller until eventually you see the grand daddy of them all -- Mount Washington at 6,288 feet.
The Roof of the White Mountain National Forest…
Depending on time available, you’ve got four options for experiencing this gift in the White Mountain National Forest. Just stare -- hey, there’s nothing wrong with that. Take the Cog Railway train ride to the top. Drive the auto road to the summit -- the quickest way. And of course you can hike if you’re well prepared. But just promise me you won't hike to the top unless you are in great condition and with somebody. This mountain claims lives every year as conditions in this area can deteriorate dramatically within minutes.
Is it worth getting to the summit?
All I’ll say here is… the view is stunning. Visit the museum at the top and learn about the day in 1934 when the highest wind speed ever recorded on earth was taken -- 231 MPH. You’ll learn why its unique geographic position provides the mountain with the worst weather on earth.
Now get back onto Route 302 and head south to the town of North Conway.
The North Conway Scenic Area…
Schedule enough time to take the scenic train, which you board in North Conway. The station is an authentic Victorian style -- it's hard to miss and smack in the town center.
The train rides are ambles and chugs along the scenic valleys and notches in the surrounding area. And as you wind through the rolling Mount Washington valley and squeeze through the notches under the gentle clatter of steel against steel, consider this was once the main form of transportation to the area, from Boston. Most of the trains they run are diesel locomotives now, but on special weekends and during fall they use their popular steam locomotive.
The valley train is a 55-minute roundtrip, and the Notch train is 5 hours. Both have a first-class car if you want to have a different experience. The notch train has a dome car as well, where you get magnificent views of the steep ravines and sheer bluffs. I’m not sure my kids have the patience for a 5-hour train ride so we’ve always taken the shorter excursion. But as I love trains -- especially steam trains -- one day…
The trains usually run from mid-June until mid-October. These scenic trains are very popular throughout the season and they accept advanced reservations for the Notch train and dinning cars on both trains.
This area of the White Mountains is full of shopping outlets, and also has plenty for the kids to do. Story Land and Heritage-New Hampshire, are right next to each other on route 16 in Glen. You and the kids will enjoy themed rides, live shows, play areas, and meeting storyboard characters.
The Kancamagus Highway…
Let’s finish up our White Mountains Trail tour by joining back up with route 112 at Conway and driving back to the White Mountain National Forest Visitor Center.
This part of the trail is known as the Kancamagus highway. There are just numerous photo shoot opportunities along this highway. In fact, your challenge is having enough daylight left in this trip so you can take pictures.
But you can always come back tomorrow, right? No prizes for doing and seeing everything in one day. You are booking your White Mountains vacation for at least a week... aren’t you?
The White Mountain National Forest is about a 4-hour drive north of Boston, Massachusetts. Deep in New Hampshire, the mountains are part of the Appalachian Mountain system that covers the Eastern United States. Within the forest park is the White Mountains Trail, and it’s a drive that’s arguably the most scenic 100 miles in New England. And so you’re in for a real treat. Let’s get started…
White Mountain National Forest Visitor Center…
Most people begin the drive from the White Mountains Visitor Center in North Woodstock on route 112 and head out on route 3N to the Franconia Notch area.
If you’re traveling with kids then you’ll want to pencil dates back in this area at the Clark’s Trading Post, and The Whale’s Tale attractions -- both in Lincoln on route 3N. At Clark’s you can see Bears, ride a steam train, climb towers, and generally keep the young ones happy. The Whale’s Tale is a water park with a wave pool, picnic areas, changing areas, and live entertainment.
Back on the road head north towards Franconia Notch. This is a good stretch of road to have your camera at the ready. I can’t list all the stops you can make, but I’ll mention just two of my favorites in this area of the White Mountains.
The Flume Gorge was formed over 200 million years ago when the White Mountains were molten rock. It just so happens in this area when it cooled quickly, softer material was forced into the fractures that formed. These fractures wore down with natural erosion much quicker that the surrounding granite rock -- leaving the gorge. And so now you get to enjoy a geological wonder at the base of beautiful Mount Liberty.
The Gorge has a visitor center where your tour starts and ends. And don’t forget to check out the covered bridge which crosses the Pemigewasset River -- it’s one of the oldest on the White Mountains Trail.
The famous attraction you can’t see anymore…
You’re probably thinking why would I mention something you can’t see anymore? Well, the truth is... you can see some of it… but you’ll have to imagine the rest.
The Old Man of the Mountain was a jagged rock profile formed over 10,000 years ago during the last Ice Age.
On May 3, 2003, admirers of the White Mountains region around the world were devastated, when this world famous monument to nature crumbled and crashed to the bottom of Cannon Mountain. How could this be everybody asked? Aren’t rocks and mountains... forever? Well, this incident proves they aren’t. Despite years of gargantuan efforts by many people to preserve it, centuries of the harsh winter climate found in the White Mountains, finally took its toll. It’s worth a stop as you journey on the White Mountains Trail to look and wonder at what once was. To me it’s a reminder that nature doesn’t play favorites.
Continue to head north on Route 3 until it joins Route 302 and follow 302 towards Bretton Woods. Here the mountains get taller and taller until eventually you see the grand daddy of them all -- Mount Washington at 6,288 feet.
The Roof of the White Mountain National Forest…
Depending on time available, you’ve got four options for experiencing this gift in the White Mountain National Forest. Just stare -- hey, there’s nothing wrong with that. Take the Cog Railway train ride to the top. Drive the auto road to the summit -- the quickest way. And of course you can hike if you’re well prepared. But just promise me you won't hike to the top unless you are in great condition and with somebody. This mountain claims lives every year as conditions in this area can deteriorate dramatically within minutes.
Is it worth getting to the summit?
All I’ll say here is… the view is stunning. Visit the museum at the top and learn about the day in 1934 when the highest wind speed ever recorded on earth was taken -- 231 MPH. You’ll learn why its unique geographic position provides the mountain with the worst weather on earth.
Now get back onto Route 302 and head south to the town of North Conway.
The North Conway Scenic Area…
Schedule enough time to take the scenic train, which you board in North Conway. The station is an authentic Victorian style -- it's hard to miss and smack in the town center.
The train rides are ambles and chugs along the scenic valleys and notches in the surrounding area. And as you wind through the rolling Mount Washington valley and squeeze through the notches under the gentle clatter of steel against steel, consider this was once the main form of transportation to the area, from Boston. Most of the trains they run are diesel locomotives now, but on special weekends and during fall they use their popular steam locomotive.
The valley train is a 55-minute roundtrip, and the Notch train is 5 hours. Both have a first-class car if you want to have a different experience. The notch train has a dome car as well, where you get magnificent views of the steep ravines and sheer bluffs. I’m not sure my kids have the patience for a 5-hour train ride so we’ve always taken the shorter excursion. But as I love trains -- especially steam trains -- one day…
The trains usually run from mid-June until mid-October. These scenic trains are very popular throughout the season and they accept advanced reservations for the Notch train and dinning cars on both trains.
This area of the White Mountains is full of shopping outlets, and also has plenty for the kids to do. Story Land and Heritage-New Hampshire, are right next to each other on route 16 in Glen. You and the kids will enjoy themed rides, live shows, play areas, and meeting storyboard characters.
The Kancamagus Highway…
Let’s finish up our White Mountains Trail tour by joining back up with route 112 at Conway and driving back to the White Mountain National Forest Visitor Center.
This part of the trail is known as the Kancamagus highway. There are just numerous photo shoot opportunities along this highway. In fact, your challenge is having enough daylight left in this trip so you can take pictures.
But you can always come back tomorrow, right? No prizes for doing and seeing everything in one day. You are booking your White Mountains vacation for at least a week... aren’t you?
European Vacation
A European vacation with your family is one of the most exciting and educational things you can do together. Train travel allows you to see the beautiful countryside in detail, and you can do it at a great discount.
A European vacation has so much to offer, you will have to decide ahead of time what kind of vacation you want. You can travel from Madrid to Paris, then Rome, trying to see all the sights along the way as you rush by. This can be fun because you are seeing and doing so much, there is no way to be bored, and you will remember the trip forever. The downside is that you don't get to feel as much of the local culture and lifestyle when you are rushing through. Spending some of your European vacation in the same place and getting to know some of the locals can be much more satisfying and relaxing.
It all depends on your personality and what you are looking for in a vacation. A lot of people like to travel by train for their vacation so that they can see more areas, getting great pictures, and they will be able to say they have seen all of those famous landmarks. Some people would rather pick a place and spend the whole time there, really soaking in the atmosphere with their family and getting to know the customs.
Some of you may prefer to combine the two options for a European vacation that I have described above. Pick a city, like Madrid for example. Fly into Madrid, get a nice hotel, and stay there for about a week. There are many beautiful monuments and sights to see, and you can walk around downtown and see them up close and personal. You can eat at some local restaurants, take short day trips to see other areas of the city, and come back to your hotel in the evening.
When your week is up, you can travel by train to continue your European vacation in the sunny southern province of Andalucia. This area of Spain has beaches on both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. The weather is hot and sunny from spring through the fall, and the climate is dry. The beaches are fine, white sand and amazing blue water. Tourists from all over the world, and especially from the rest of Europe, fill these beaches every summer. Take at least a week and find a hotel or villa near the beach. You can spend every day at the beach working on your tan, relaxing in the warm sun, and swimming in the crystal blue waters. The seafood is spectacular in southern Spain, and you will have no problem finding great restaurants with mouth-watering food at great prices. If you like to go out at night, there are more bars and nightclubs than you can possibly visit. You can be sure that you can stay out dancing as long as you want to.
When you are done relaxing in a sunny beach town, you can fly or travel by train to vacation in Paris for a week. There are all kinds of historic sites and museums to see. You can walk or take a bus around to see all of the areas of the city, enjoy French restaurants, and soak in the culture. When you are all done, you can fly home again, knowing that you saw a vast amount of historic and cultural sites, beautiful countryside, and had a great time at the beach relaxing. A little bit of everything, to make your European Vacation complete.
A European vacation has so much to offer, you will have to decide ahead of time what kind of vacation you want. You can travel from Madrid to Paris, then Rome, trying to see all the sights along the way as you rush by. This can be fun because you are seeing and doing so much, there is no way to be bored, and you will remember the trip forever. The downside is that you don't get to feel as much of the local culture and lifestyle when you are rushing through. Spending some of your European vacation in the same place and getting to know some of the locals can be much more satisfying and relaxing.
It all depends on your personality and what you are looking for in a vacation. A lot of people like to travel by train for their vacation so that they can see more areas, getting great pictures, and they will be able to say they have seen all of those famous landmarks. Some people would rather pick a place and spend the whole time there, really soaking in the atmosphere with their family and getting to know the customs.
Some of you may prefer to combine the two options for a European vacation that I have described above. Pick a city, like Madrid for example. Fly into Madrid, get a nice hotel, and stay there for about a week. There are many beautiful monuments and sights to see, and you can walk around downtown and see them up close and personal. You can eat at some local restaurants, take short day trips to see other areas of the city, and come back to your hotel in the evening.
When your week is up, you can travel by train to continue your European vacation in the sunny southern province of Andalucia. This area of Spain has beaches on both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. The weather is hot and sunny from spring through the fall, and the climate is dry. The beaches are fine, white sand and amazing blue water. Tourists from all over the world, and especially from the rest of Europe, fill these beaches every summer. Take at least a week and find a hotel or villa near the beach. You can spend every day at the beach working on your tan, relaxing in the warm sun, and swimming in the crystal blue waters. The seafood is spectacular in southern Spain, and you will have no problem finding great restaurants with mouth-watering food at great prices. If you like to go out at night, there are more bars and nightclubs than you can possibly visit. You can be sure that you can stay out dancing as long as you want to.
When you are done relaxing in a sunny beach town, you can fly or travel by train to vacation in Paris for a week. There are all kinds of historic sites and museums to see. You can walk or take a bus around to see all of the areas of the city, enjoy French restaurants, and soak in the culture. When you are all done, you can fly home again, knowing that you saw a vast amount of historic and cultural sites, beautiful countryside, and had a great time at the beach relaxing. A little bit of everything, to make your European Vacation complete.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Alaska Cruise Ship Vacations
Alaska is one of the world's great cruise destinations, particularly for those with an interest in world class fishing. Alaska is arguably the most beautiful of the American states, and cruise ships offer a unique way of seeing Alaska's beauty. In addition, Alaskan cruises yield an abundance of opportunities for anglers. The combination of these attractions makes Alaska the ultimate cruise destination for many.Cruising in Alaska is mostly seasonal, with the primary months running from May through September. The prices in May and September are generally a bit cheaper since these months are at the edges of acceptable climate conditions.There are many things to see and do on Alaska cruises. Glacier Bay is one of the most popular destinations for cruise ships in Alaska. Glacier Bay is abundant in wildlife, and you are likely to see seals, Dall sheep, bears, and perhaps even Humpback whales. Trolling around in a massive ship through iceberg infested waters to see some of the most majestic views of glaciers and arctic scenery in the world is a thrill that should not be missed. Misty Fjords is another great destination for Alaska cruises. The majestic tree covered mountains, trickling waterfalls and unique climactic conditions make this a must see destination. In addition to seeing the beautiful fjords from the cruise ship, excursions include the ability to take a float plane to a remote wilderness lake to truly appreciate the remote Alaskan wilderness.Besides spectacular scenery in remote places like Glacier Bay, and Misty Fjords, Alaska cruises allow tourists to see many of Alaska's ports of call such as Juneau, Anchorage and Ketchikan. Further, areas like Sitka teach the vacationers more about native Alaska inhabitants and the wilderness in which they live.In addition to the unique opportunities an Alaskan cruise provides, the world class fishing in Alaska must be experienced by all serious anglers. You can take sport fishing excursions in places like Anchorage (on the Kenai River), Seward, Ketchikan and Juneau. Fishing for Halibut, Salmon, Trout, Char, Pike, and many other species are available in the off shore excursions. Best of all, these fishing excursions occur out of ports where there is plenty to do for those who aren't interested in the fishing.Cruising in Alaska is a unique experience that offers joys not found in any other type of cruise vacation. Unlike typical tropical cruises where much time is spent in open water between occasional stops at tropical islands, cruising in Alaska takes tourists to some of the most spectacular and remote corners of the world where nature's spectacular and awesome beauty is on full display. Cruises in Alaska allow vacationers to learn about native cultures that have inhabited the region for thousands of years. They show the beauty of the untamed wilderness that Alaska remains. And they allow for world class fishing on trips that aren't focused solely on the angler. Because of all these benefits, cruising in Alaska offers a far more varied, unique and awe inspiring vacation than more typical cruise destinations.
European Vacation
A European vacation with your family is one of the most exciting and educational things you can do together. Train travel allows you to see the beautiful countryside in detail, and you can do it at a great discount.
A European vacation has so much to offer, you will have to decide ahead of time what kind of vacation you want. You can travel from Madrid to Paris, then Rome, trying to see all the sights along the way as you rush by. This can be fun because you are seeing and doing so much, there is no way to be bored, and you will remember the trip forever. The downside is that you don't get to feel as much of the local culture and lifestyle when you are rushing through. Spending some of your European vacation in the same place and getting to know some of the locals can be much more satisfying and relaxing.
It all depends on your personality and what you are looking for in a vacation. A lot of people like to travel by train for their vacation so that they can see more areas, getting great pictures, and they will be able to say they have seen all of those famous landmarks. Some people would rather pick a place and spend the whole time there, really soaking in the atmosphere with their family and getting to know the customs.
Some of you may prefer to combine the two options for a European vacation that I have described above. Pick a city, like Madrid for example. Fly into Madrid, get a nice hotel, and stay there for about a week. There are many beautiful monuments and sights to see, and you can walk around downtown and see them up close and personal. You can eat at some local restaurants, take short day trips to see other areas of the city, and come back to your hotel in the evening.
When your week is up, you can travel by train to continue your European vacation in the sunny southern province of Andalucia. This area of Spain has beaches on both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. The weather is hot and sunny from spring through the fall, and the climate is dry. The beaches are fine, white sand and amazing blue water. Tourists from all over the world, and especially from the rest of Europe, fill these beaches every summer. Take at least a week and find a hotel or villa near the beach. You can spend every day at the beach working on your tan, relaxing in the warm sun, and swimming in the crystal blue waters. The seafood is spectacular in southern Spain, and you will have no problem finding great restaurants with mouth-watering food at great prices. If you like to go out at night, there are more bars and nightclubs than you can possibly visit. You can be sure that you can stay out dancing as long as you want to.
When you are done relaxing in a sunny beach town, you can fly or travel by train to vacation in Paris for a week. There are all kinds of historic sites and museums to see. You can walk or take a bus around to see all of the areas of the city, enjoy French restaurants, and soak in the culture. When you are all done, you can fly home again, knowing that you saw a vast amount of historic and cultural sites, beautiful countryside, and had a great time at the beach relaxing. A little bit of everything, to make your European Vacation complete.
Wait until your friends hear about it!
Best Florida Beach Vacations
Why choose a beach vacation in Florida? One good reason is because wherever you go in Florida, you're never more than 60 miles from the beach!
Florida is also easy to get to, the temperature is pleasurable year round, it offers good value for your money and that’s just for starters. So whether you are looking for a family vacation, a romantic vacation, a relaxing vacation or getting in some golf time, there is a Florida beach vacation area for you.
Best Florida Beach Areas for Families
Siesta Public Beach
Siesta Public Beach in Sarasota makes a great family beach because of its gradual slopes, shallow waters, lifeguards on duty, fine white sand and tranquil waters. It has won awards for best beach based on sand, water quality and facilities. The beach facilities include picnic areas, rest rooms, concession stands, playground, trails, and tennis and volleyball courts. If you enjoy collecting shells, try Turtle Beach, at the south end of the island.
Tampa Bay Area - St. Petes/Clearwater
Located on the West Coast of Florida, on the Gulf of Mexico, the Tampa Bay area is a waterfront heaven! Miles and miles of white sandy beaches along the Gulf Coast offer unlimited options for a fun and relaxing vacation. When you need a break from the surf and sand, there are plenty of nearby activities to keep the kids amused including the Florida Aquarium, the Museum of Science and Industry, and the Lowry Park Zoo.
Daytona
With twenty-three miles of sparkling white sandy beaches and beautiful blue-green waters there is no shortage of beach fun for whole family. The beach is up to 500 feet wide at low tide and is perfect for castle building, cycling, jogging, fishing or just relaxing in the sun. The Atlantic Ocean is great for swimming, especially during the spring and summer when water temperatures range from 74 to 80 degrees. And you are only an hour’s drive from Orlando if you are so inclined.
Best Florida Beach Areas for Romance
Miami Beach
A Miami romantic vacation has everything from relaxing on the beach by day and dancing by night. There are lots of art deco and interesting hotels on South Beach. A short drive west will bring you to the Everglades, where you can take a Scenic Boat Tour and see plenty of wildlife, including alligators. You can shop at the ritzy Bal Harbor shops, and at night choose from plenty of dance clubs or mellow jazz bars and restaurants.
Marco Island
Marco Island is located at the southern tip of Southwest Florida's Gulf Coast at the western entrance to Everglades National Park. The island is surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico on one side and natural wilderness on the other. There are miles of white-sand beaches, lavish real estate, shopping, dining, nightlife, attractions and lots of outdoor activities. Your recreation choices include swimming, sunbathing fishing, golf, tennis, and more. Enjoy the subtropical ambience that exists in Southwest Florida's Gulf Coast.
Cocoa Beach
Cocoa Beach has beautiful sandy beaches and a great pier that is available for fishing, dining & dancing. There is a large promenade leading to the beach with an observation deck overlooking the ocean, perfect for romantic walks. While you're on the Space Coast you can visit the Kennedy Space Center, go deep-sea fishing, surf, windsurf, rent a jet ski, golf our take a take a river tour. At night there is lots of nightlife and great dining for you to enjoy.
Best Florida Beach Areas for Relaxing
New Smyrna Beach
New Smyrna Beach is a laid-back beach town without the crowds, noise or pollution, which gives visitors a relaxing beach experience. Although the northern beach is accessible to cars, the majority is traffic free, allowing for peaceful sunbathing and strolls along the beach. New Smyrna has a small town feel in its architecture and atmosphere. There are no high-rises along the beach, only low-rise buildings and these accommodations range from bed and breakfast inns, family-size condominiums or oceanfront motels.
Sanibel Island
Sanibel Island is one of the unique barrier islands of the world, having an east-west orientation when most islands are north south. This gives the island great sandy beaches with plenty of shells. Check out Bowman's Beach for peach and quiet, you won't find any hotels here. You can park and walk over a bridge to secluded white beach. There are barbecue grills in the area so it is a great spot to have a picnic and enjoy the beach.
Punta Gorda
Punta Gorda is located about 30 miles north of Fort Myers. There is plenty of waterfront in this town, and a very nice riverfront beach area. Here you can enjoy swimming, fishing, canoeing, hiking and walking in the woods, it is a great place to get away from the crowds. The town of Punta Gorda has street art, water views and interesting murals that enrich the historic downtown district that also has cobblestone streets and gaslights, and many fine shops and restaurants.
Best Florida Beach Areas for Golf
Sarasota
Sarasota is a sophisticated resort town near the Gulf of Mexico. For beach lovers there is Sarasota’s 35 miles of fine, pure, sparkling white sand beach to enjoy. As far as golf is concerned there are 32 golf courses in the Sarasota area and almost 20 more if you include the surrounding cities of Bradenton and Venice. You will find one for every level of ability available for your golfing pleasure.
Jacksonville
Jacksonville has twenty miles of Atlantic Ocean beaches and lots of nearby state parks to explore. You will find lots of things to do and lots of beaches to explore in Jacksonville. For golfers there are over 25 golf courses in the area. Several championship golf courses are located nearby; many of which are ranked among the top in the country offering challenges for players of every skill level, ranging from top ocean side resorts to popular public courses.
Naples
Naples, located on a stretch of southwest Florida that is not bordered by barrier islands, has seven miles of silky, white sand beach that overlooks the tranquil waters of the Gulf of Mexico. There is plenty of shopping and dining in the area once the sun goes down beachfront. There are also dozens of excellent golf courses in the area. From May through October, the golf courses are not as crowded and you can pick your tee time and be assured of a leisurely round. Also, many private courses are open to the public during these months.
This is only a sampling of some of the great beaches located along the shores of Florida. There are many more that can fill your Florida beach vacation needs year round.
Florida is also easy to get to, the temperature is pleasurable year round, it offers good value for your money and that’s just for starters. So whether you are looking for a family vacation, a romantic vacation, a relaxing vacation or getting in some golf time, there is a Florida beach vacation area for you.
Best Florida Beach Areas for Families
Siesta Public Beach
Siesta Public Beach in Sarasota makes a great family beach because of its gradual slopes, shallow waters, lifeguards on duty, fine white sand and tranquil waters. It has won awards for best beach based on sand, water quality and facilities. The beach facilities include picnic areas, rest rooms, concession stands, playground, trails, and tennis and volleyball courts. If you enjoy collecting shells, try Turtle Beach, at the south end of the island.
Tampa Bay Area - St. Petes/Clearwater
Located on the West Coast of Florida, on the Gulf of Mexico, the Tampa Bay area is a waterfront heaven! Miles and miles of white sandy beaches along the Gulf Coast offer unlimited options for a fun and relaxing vacation. When you need a break from the surf and sand, there are plenty of nearby activities to keep the kids amused including the Florida Aquarium, the Museum of Science and Industry, and the Lowry Park Zoo.
Daytona
With twenty-three miles of sparkling white sandy beaches and beautiful blue-green waters there is no shortage of beach fun for whole family. The beach is up to 500 feet wide at low tide and is perfect for castle building, cycling, jogging, fishing or just relaxing in the sun. The Atlantic Ocean is great for swimming, especially during the spring and summer when water temperatures range from 74 to 80 degrees. And you are only an hour’s drive from Orlando if you are so inclined.
Best Florida Beach Areas for Romance
Miami Beach
A Miami romantic vacation has everything from relaxing on the beach by day and dancing by night. There are lots of art deco and interesting hotels on South Beach. A short drive west will bring you to the Everglades, where you can take a Scenic Boat Tour and see plenty of wildlife, including alligators. You can shop at the ritzy Bal Harbor shops, and at night choose from plenty of dance clubs or mellow jazz bars and restaurants.
Marco Island
Marco Island is located at the southern tip of Southwest Florida's Gulf Coast at the western entrance to Everglades National Park. The island is surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico on one side and natural wilderness on the other. There are miles of white-sand beaches, lavish real estate, shopping, dining, nightlife, attractions and lots of outdoor activities. Your recreation choices include swimming, sunbathing fishing, golf, tennis, and more. Enjoy the subtropical ambience that exists in Southwest Florida's Gulf Coast.
Cocoa Beach
Cocoa Beach has beautiful sandy beaches and a great pier that is available for fishing, dining & dancing. There is a large promenade leading to the beach with an observation deck overlooking the ocean, perfect for romantic walks. While you're on the Space Coast you can visit the Kennedy Space Center, go deep-sea fishing, surf, windsurf, rent a jet ski, golf our take a take a river tour. At night there is lots of nightlife and great dining for you to enjoy.
Best Florida Beach Areas for Relaxing
New Smyrna Beach
New Smyrna Beach is a laid-back beach town without the crowds, noise or pollution, which gives visitors a relaxing beach experience. Although the northern beach is accessible to cars, the majority is traffic free, allowing for peaceful sunbathing and strolls along the beach. New Smyrna has a small town feel in its architecture and atmosphere. There are no high-rises along the beach, only low-rise buildings and these accommodations range from bed and breakfast inns, family-size condominiums or oceanfront motels.
Sanibel Island
Sanibel Island is one of the unique barrier islands of the world, having an east-west orientation when most islands are north south. This gives the island great sandy beaches with plenty of shells. Check out Bowman's Beach for peach and quiet, you won't find any hotels here. You can park and walk over a bridge to secluded white beach. There are barbecue grills in the area so it is a great spot to have a picnic and enjoy the beach.
Punta Gorda
Punta Gorda is located about 30 miles north of Fort Myers. There is plenty of waterfront in this town, and a very nice riverfront beach area. Here you can enjoy swimming, fishing, canoeing, hiking and walking in the woods, it is a great place to get away from the crowds. The town of Punta Gorda has street art, water views and interesting murals that enrich the historic downtown district that also has cobblestone streets and gaslights, and many fine shops and restaurants.
Best Florida Beach Areas for Golf
Sarasota
Sarasota is a sophisticated resort town near the Gulf of Mexico. For beach lovers there is Sarasota’s 35 miles of fine, pure, sparkling white sand beach to enjoy. As far as golf is concerned there are 32 golf courses in the Sarasota area and almost 20 more if you include the surrounding cities of Bradenton and Venice. You will find one for every level of ability available for your golfing pleasure.
Jacksonville
Jacksonville has twenty miles of Atlantic Ocean beaches and lots of nearby state parks to explore. You will find lots of things to do and lots of beaches to explore in Jacksonville. For golfers there are over 25 golf courses in the area. Several championship golf courses are located nearby; many of which are ranked among the top in the country offering challenges for players of every skill level, ranging from top ocean side resorts to popular public courses.
Naples
Naples, located on a stretch of southwest Florida that is not bordered by barrier islands, has seven miles of silky, white sand beach that overlooks the tranquil waters of the Gulf of Mexico. There is plenty of shopping and dining in the area once the sun goes down beachfront. There are also dozens of excellent golf courses in the area. From May through October, the golf courses are not as crowded and you can pick your tee time and be assured of a leisurely round. Also, many private courses are open to the public during these months.
This is only a sampling of some of the great beaches located along the shores of Florida. There are many more that can fill your Florida beach vacation needs year round.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Your Guide to an Amazing Hawaiian Vacation
Hawaii: beautiful beaches, perfect weather, amazing surf, exquisite cuisine, and one of the world's favorite places to visit on a much-needed vacation. Here's a quick tour of Hawaii with some highlights, hotel information and the key to an amazing Hawaii vacation. Here's the secret: find an inexpensive package that will get you a ticket to the island, a hotel, and a beach tour or restaurant all in one. Tons of places in Hawaii advertise their business by packaging with a hotel or airline. Below you'll find some good picks.
First of all, for the golfing enthusiast, you can find the Unlimited Golfing Package from Prince Resorts Hawaii. On three Hawaiian islands, you can visit any one of 5 breathtakingly beautiful golf courses with a total of 99 holes and golf the day away. With a breakfast buffet included, you can't go wrong with the Prince Resorts Hawaii. Next, you don't want to leave Hawaii without catching one of those famous waves. Pick Ohana Hotels, and you can “Catch a wave in Hawaii” over a five night luxurious stay.
One of the most famous things about a vacation in Hawaii is the delicious Hawaiian cuisine. For example, Tiki's Grill and Bar is one of those restaurants. With the look and feel of a '50s or '60s Hawaiian tiki bar, this restaurant is a great place to go for delicious food and a breathtaking view of the beach. For more information on Hawaii's delicious restaurants and restaurant reviews where visitors talk about their favorite Hawaiian cuisine, visit www.myhonoluluhi.us.
For those more interested in Hawaii's history and archaeology, visit Bishop Museum, home to more that two million Hawaiian artifacts. The museum now has a location at Hilton Hawaii Village Beach Resort, so it is easy to visit and view the amazing history of the beautiful state of Hawaii. With exhibits dating back to 400 AD and leading up to Hawaii's modern history, the museum includes weapons, shark teeth, historic sufboards, and feather lei capes worn by Hawaiian nobility. This is truly a great tourist site for some unique Hawaiian history.
For more information on Hawaii, including restaurants, movie times, camping, shopping, and hotels, visit My Hawaii.
Top Family Vacation Destinations
Planning a family beach vacation? Looking for destinations with family resorts that have fun sports and activities for the whole family, all inclusive resorts where meals are included and kid clubs? Here are some of the most popular beach destinations for families to unwind and relax:Mexico
Mexico, especially the Cancun area, and Mayan Riviera, an hour’s drive south of Cancun, is a popular place for family beach vacations. The Mayan Riviera is one of the regions of Mexico - and the world- which offers the richest variety of landscapes and archaeological treasures including Mayan ruins, coral reef, snorkelling lagoons, and eco-theme parks such as Xcaret. Hotels, resorts, restaurants, and attractions throughout Mexico welcome families with open arms.
Jamaica
Jamaica is considered by many to be the most beautiful of all the Caribbean Islands and is one of the top family-vacation destinations in the Caribbean. Many of Jamaica’s resorts offer supervised children's activities, babysitters, family discounts, and kid's meals. Jamaica has an abundance of top all-inclusive chains including: Sandals Beaches, SuperClubs Breezes resorts and Club Med. There are also many other family vacation options such as the Franklyn D. Resort in Runaway Bay, Jamaica, where families have their own vacation nanny during their stay.
Turks and Caicos
On a 12-mile stretch of satiny white-sand, Beaches Turks & Caicos is one of the premier family resorts on the island.With separate programs for infants, toddlers and teens, each is designed to give each age the activities they love. So when you're off doing your thing, they're off doing theirs. There are many other resorts to stay at this idyllic family beach destination
Bahamas
Home to the Atlantis Bahamas resort and many other excellent family resorts, there will not be a dull moment on your Bahamas family vacation. Blessed with the perfect location-less than 100 miles off the coast of Florida, the perfect climate- averaging a little over 75 degrees, and the perfect surroundings-crystal clear turquoise blue waters and pearly white beaches, the Islands of the Bahamas is the perfect destination for your next family beach vacation.
Hawaii A Family Hawaii Vacation has it all. Beautiful beaches, world-class golf, surfing, shopping, swimming, top notch hotels, condominiums, eco tours, national parks, warm weather, and cool ocean breezes. The four islands that are popular for a family Hawaii Vacation are Oahu, Maui, the Big Island and Kauai.
Florida
Florida is a popular family beach destination because the climate is warm year round, it is easy to get to, it offers good value for your money, there are endless options for sightseeing and attractions for you family depending on what area you are in, and the beaches in Florida are numerous. In addition to beach destinations and of course Walt Disney World, there are tons of other family outings including Universal Studios, Sea World, Bush Gardens and many more.
Don’t forget about kid cruises
This is a very popular family vacation option and my personal favorite. Cruises with kids offer great value, choice and freedom! There are a lot of misconceptions about cruising such as it is only for older people and not suited for families, it is too rigid, there is nothing to do, you’ll feel trapped, you’ll get seasick, it’s too expensive! All is these statements are false and could not be further from the truth. Bring your kids along on almost any cruise and they'll have the time of their lives.
Ten Tips for Planning Your Vacation
I hope that by sharing my personal experiences, you will avoid learning similar lessons the hard way. And it goes to show that those little details in the planning of a vacation can make a huge difference in the outcome. You can make your next vacation relaxing and enjoyable by following these simple vacation planning tips.
1. Keep your vacation planning information in one place. Create a labeled file folder ("Hawaii Vacation") and use it to keep your airline, hotel, car rental information, as well as maps or AAA guide books, tourist information, contact information for people you know in that city, etc. You can find all this information at Holidays, Vacations and Traveling
2. Plan ahead for your wardrobe. Think about all of the activities you might do, and imagine what you'd want to wear for each activity. For example, on the beach you might want a swimsuit, cover-up, slip-on footwear or water shoes, a sun hat, sunglasses... maybe even a face mask, snorkel, and some flippers. Will the kids want shovels and buckets to build a sand castle? Do you need to supply your own beach towel, or will you be staying somewhere that supplies this for you? What about waterproof sunscreen? The more you can visualize yourself on the beach, the better prepared you will be.
3. Use a travel checklist. I've created a Packing List to get you started. Once you've tailored this to your needs, keep it in the travel file you've created. This will help you remember to pack both the basic necessities, as well as some of the more obscure things you might not remember but would want to take with you.
4. Let children pack their own travel bags, and make sure their bag is small enough that they can carry it themselves. Help them select things they can do on the road or in the air: Walkman and cassettes or CDs, books, handheld video games, portable crafts, card games. Talk about seating arrangements ahead of time to avoid conflict among siblings about who will sit where.
5. Pack a carry-on that is small enough to stay with you at all times. Include necessities that you must have, in the event that you get separated from your other luggage for a day. If you need to take medication on a regular basis, be sure this is with you, and not in your checked luggage. If you are combining a business and vacation trip and need something for a presentation the next day, take it in your carry-on rather than checking it.
6. Plan early to get the best selection and to get early booking discounts. If you're really adventuresome and are not particular about where you want to go, you can also book reservations last-minute. There is some risk involved in doing this, but you can also get some great deals this way. Find some great bargains at airline tickets.
7. If you're driving, you may wish to map out your trip ahead of time and make hotel reservations along the way if you are traveling during peak vacation time. Mapquest offers a helpful Website for mapping out your route and estimating travel time under normal driving conditions.
8. If you're traveling to another country, check out the Currency Converter for International Exchange Rates.
If you'd like to master a few useful phrases in a foreign language, visit the Foreign Language Assistance Website. It even contains some sound clips so you can pronounce words properly.
9. If your vacation plans include staying home rather than traveling, plan how you will spend your vacation to rejuvenate yourself. Perhaps there are some local attractions that you've been wanting to experience but have not had the time to experience. Are there people you want to connect with? Get clear about what you want to do and who you want to do it with, and then plan to make it happen. If your vacation includes having a friend or relative flying in to visit you, you can check the status of a flight to see if they will arrive on time.
10. This is the most important tip of all: pack the right attitude. Let go of the "what if" and enjoy the moment. Remind yourself what matters most, and focus on that. If this is a vacation to get away and relax, then focus on activities and thoughts that will be relaxing. If your goal is to reconnect with family and build memories together, that can be done regardless of circumstances (missing a flight, not getting tickets to an event you wanted to attend, etc.). If your goal is to sight-see and take in some special attractions or shows, then plan ahead and make the reservations necessary to ensure that you can do what you want to do when you get there.
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