Friday, December 28, 2012

A Caribbean Vacation

A typical vacation to Caribbean islands conveys a stereo typed idea of an exotic land remembered by images of blue sunny skies, carnivals, and palm trees! But there is more to this group of islands than just a conventional picture of booze and fun! Or those classical pictures of James Bond and Dr.No. It is just only one of many that make up the real Caribbean. One of the most striking and amazing things about the Caribbean region is its diversity and cultural speciality. Every island is unique and every region is special with contrasting landscapes, ecosystems, ethnicities, and foods.

Every Caribbean island has some thing of its own to offer to travelers! If you're looking for that special, erotic swinging nightlife, peaceful tranquility, golfing, diving, sailing, gambling or camping, some are found on a few islands while in others you do not find them. In total, the Caribbean islands are about 90,000 square miles of landmass of small islets, half of it hilly or mountainous and the other half flat land. Most of them are a great scenic combination of the water and earth, circled by sandy beaches, blue lagoons and pristine coves.
With more than 20 Island nations to choose and visit, one needs to be very wise and prudent in identifying. What ever the choice, this is a magnificent region overall, has a lazy paced life style, numbers of activities and recreation options to choose from and a year round tropical ambience. The more one knows about these finer details, the more one becomes infatuated with the islands! Caribbean vacation has thousands things to offer and million things to learn!

Caribbean vacation displays a benevolent Mother Nature who is extraordinarily diverse and a great artist. It is perfect picture post card sceneries all over the region, almost on the verge of the work of a Renaissance master! Back drop of cool mountains, like a drapery screen with tall palm trees to give company. Clear blue skies with occasional cotton like white clouds! Crystal clear seas with numerous bays, lagoons and shallow beaches with palm tress dotted all over!Which ever the region one chooses, get stunned by what is seen --from volcanic mountains to stretches of tropical forests, clear streams to wild ocean, mangrove swamps to sand dunes, huge rock formations to colorful coral reefs. Get excited by limestone hillocks and caves, rivers both over ground and subterranean, waterfalls, rainforests, lakes and teeming wild life. And always there is the ubiquitous sea. Spectacular is the metaphor for all encompassing seas and beaches!

Caribbean vacation can bring the other darker side of life too! Rare earth quakes and violent spewing volcanoes can make one tremble with fear up their spine, while gusty winds and torrential rains of a destructive hurricane can be a sight in fury! Look out for all those tiny sand islets created and destructed at the mercy of Mother Nature. The amazingly panoramic grandeur of the Caribbean defies one's imagination. One needs to be a true spectator to get immersed in the glory of the Caribbean vacation. The radiating beauty of the natural Caribbean is practically inescapable and beyond comprehension. No one is far from the panoramic sight of undulating hills, lovely gardens and clear blue seas. Just take a peep out of the window and take a look at the eternal sea. Or gaze beyond the wide expanse of lovely mountains! Most of the visitors get immersed in the splendor of these chains of exotic islands even before they know it.

A well earned Caribbean vacation is dream come true for nature buffs! Providence bestows its favor to all these lovely islands with what seems to be an endless number of species of plants and animals, many of them indigenous and more endangered! Myriads of varieties of plants and animals dot from high hills to low seas. Islands full of strange creatures; some exotic like butterflies and humming birds and others captivating like Sharks and turtles! Besides more well-known species like flamingoes, terns, and pelicans, bird watchers will have all the luck to have a glimpse of a Barrancoli, a Flautero, or a Bananaquit. Garden buffs might well recognize and relish Bougainvilleas, Hibiscus and Orchids, while food buffs will taste exotic tropical fruits and sea dishes. Due to paucity of information on the flora and fauna, it is best left to a traveler to do his own research and compilation and get ready for an experience of a life time.

Intriguing people, rich and diverse culture, exotic and delicious cuisine, and intoxicating reggae music; there's plenty to see and experience on the islands. While Grenada can be quiet and somber, lively San Juan can be too boisterous and active. The tiny islets of Barbuda and Barbados are full of sports while the sugar fields of Cuba can be a nostalgic colonial experience. The Caribbean vacation also offers a wide variety of physical landscapes; if one wants to relax on some of the prettiest beaches in the world, Aruba is an automatic choice, but if one wants to explore and trek the rain forests, Puerto Rico is the natural selection. The whole region has its own menu to offer! There are high mountains to climb and lush rain forests to explore. There are sandy deserts too sprinkled with scrub-trees, cacti, and boulders and that unbearable heat! Gently undulating hills covered with brilliantly colored grass and sugarcane fields surrounding those majestic 19th-century plantation mansions are like fresh whiff of wind.

A Caribbean vacation can be a visit to an unspoiled paradise full of vibrancy and life! Enchanting spots, lovely beaches, risky trekking trails, exotic food and gyrating reggae are all part of a heaven begging to be visited and explored! Lovely faces and cute braids are always high points of attraction. Home cottages, cold beer and delicious sea food are words of hospitality. The islands of Caribbean always remain the jewels in the crown of world tourism.

Thank you to Stein Ove Stien over at EZine Articles who wrote this great piece!

Monday, December 17, 2012

Florence in a day? It's possible!

Overflowing with history, art and culture, Florence is a city that's very hard to do justice to in a single day. A visit to the Uffizi museum alone could easily eat a day or two into any itinerary.

If you're fortunate enough to visit Florence for the first time, but unfortunate enough to have only a single day to savour the delights of this city, you will need to ensure that you have a plan.

The first thing you'll need before you start your tour is a map of the city. The center of Florence is pretty compact, so the best way to see it, without missing a thing is by foot. If you don't have a map or a guidebook and you're not the type that enjoys aimless wandering, make your first stop of the day one of the tourist offices where you can pick up a free map of Florence.

Starting off in the main Piazza, you'll easily spot the famous Duomo, with its magnificent terracotta coloured cupola. If you are there early enough to avoid the crowds and feel you can face the 463 steps climb up into the dome for a spectacular view of the city. The Duomo is probably the most distinctive feature of Florence's skyline and is the result of years of work spanning six centuries.

Once you've taken in the view, catch your breath with a leisurely stroll around the streets surrounding the Duomo, and then take a walk to the nearby Piazza della Signoria. Here you'll find a unique outdoor gallery of sculptures, including Neptune's Fountain and a copy of the famous Statue of David. You'll also find the Palazzo Vecchio (the Old Palace) here. This was built in the early 14th century and is still used today for its original purpose, as a Town Hall.

Just beside the Palazzo you'll find the Uffizi museum, with its unrivalled collection of Renaissance art. If you're an art lover, you don't want to miss the Uffizi, but it's not something that can be easily covered in a short 2-hour visit!

Alongside the Uffizi you'll find the River Arno, with its many bridges. If you take a right turn you'll arrive at the Ponte Vecchio, the famed bridge that houses a multitude of goldsmiths and jewellery shops, with its medieval workshops overhanging the bridge. The bridge itself was built in 1345 and is the only bridge on the Arno that wasn't destroyed in World War II.

Once you've crossed the bridge, you'll arrive in the area called Oltrano, which literally means "Over the Arno". Here you'll find the Palazzo Pitti - a large 16th century palace. The palace was originally home to the Medici family who ruled Florence almost continuously between 1434 and 1743 and it now houses several important museums and galleries.

And finish by taking a relaxing stroll in the Boboli gardens, accessed through the Palazzo Pitti. These gardens were laid out in 1550 for the Medici a year after they bought the Palazzo Pitti and were opened to the public in 1766. Many parts of the gardens give stunning vistas over Florence and make a welcome retreat after a day of walking round the city.

If you have the time, it's worth returning to view the Ponte Vecchio at sunset, followed by a walk along the bridge after dusk, when the lights on the bridge reflect on the River Arno and everything seems almost magical.

Finally, don't forget to take a break from your sightseeing - stop for lunch or a drink in a pavement café, take some time to soak up the atmosphere and do a spot of people watching.

Sunday, December 9, 2012

Aussie Travel

If you haven’t been to Australia or are planning to visit it a second time, then you must have all the information about the places to visit so that you can fully experience the wonderful land that is Australia.
Australia is the sixth-largest country in the world and is divided into 6 states and several territories. The 6 states are New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia. The two major territories are the Northern Territory (NT) and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT).
The largest part of Australia is desert or semi-arid, but the south-east and south-west corners have temperate climate and moderately fertile soil. The northern part has tropical climate, which is part tropical rainforest, part grassland and part desert.
When you go to Australia, you just cannot miss seeing The Great Barrier Reef. It is the world’s largest coral reef and extends for over 1,200 kms! It lies a short distance from the north-east coast.
Another spectacular place to visit is Uluru. It is the second largest monolith in the world and is located in central Australia. You can also visit the Great Artesian Basin, which is the world’s largest and deepest fresh water basin. Along with its beauty, it also serves as an important source of water in the parched outback.
You sure can’t miss going to Sydney if you visit Australia. Sydney is located in a coastal basin situated between the Pacific Ocean to the east and the Blue Mountains to the west. You can enjoy all the activities associated with beaches because there are more than 70 beaches in Sydney! If you have limited time, then you can only go to the famous Bondi Beach of Australia.
Sydney has more amazing landmarks for you like Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House. Both are located in Sydney Harbour. If you are interested in rowing, boating, recreational fishing, racing small yachts and Dragon Boat racing, then you can get all that in Sydney Harbour.
The city also boasts of musical, theatrical and artistic activities which come under one roof in the Sydney Festival which happens every January. More information can be found here - [http://www.australias.co.uk/sydneyaustralia/]
Melbourne is another major city of Australia which is situated in the south-east corner of the mainland Australia. It has a large and vibrant cultural life along with a chain of pubs, bars and nightclubs. Fashionable nightclubs, ubiquitous faux-Irish pubs, serious jazz venues on Bennetts Lane, massive pickup joints like The Metro on Bourke Street are all part of the city’s magic.
If shopping is what tempts you the most, then there are many reasonably priced shopping places where you can go and shop till you drop. Melbourne has innumerable clothing shops for every budget and various outlet stores in Bridge Road, Richmond for bargain hunters too!
Perth is a city known for the pristine quality of its beaches. Unbroken stretches of golden sands run through the entire length of the city’s coastal suburbs. If you are a nature lover, then you got to see this place.
Adelaide or the ‘City of Churches’, as it is often referred as, is a coastal city situated on the Fleurieu Peninsula. The name City of Churches is a reflection of Adelaide’s past rather than its present. The city has many wine growing districts such as the Baroosa valley.
Food lovers can taste traditional Australian cuisine which consists of grilled chops, Sunday roasts etc. Some English trends are still evident in domestic cuisine like hot roast turkey, chicken or ham with all the trimmings followed by Christmas pudding. Australia’s two most traditional takeaway dishes are the meat pie and sausage roll.

Orlando Sans Theme Parks

When you just can't take another day at the theme parks on your Orlando vacation consider:

Book a Spa Treatment - What better way to soothe fragile nerves and sore feet than a session at one of Orlando's resort spas. On Disney property there's the Grand Floridian Spa, the Spa at Saratoga Springs, and the new Mandara Spa at the Walt Disney World Dolphin, all offering luxurious treatments that are a perfect addition to your vacation. Off property you can't do any better than the ultra luxurious Ritz-Carlton Spa or the Gaylord Palms Canyon Ranch Spa. Those staying at a Universal Resort should consider an exotic Javanese treatment at the Mandara Spa at Portofino Bay Hotel.

Relax At Your Resort's Pool - Orlando's resort pools are justifiably renowned for their spectacular theming. Disney offers some of the best, particularly Stormalong Bay at the Yacht and Beach Club, a 3-acre mini waterpark, or the boulder lined beauty at the Wilderness Lodge featuring waterfalls and its very own geyser. Off property, the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress' fantasyland pool is cooled by twelve waterfalls and at the JW Marriott's "Lazy River" you can float to your heart's content. And at Universal Orlando's Hard Rock Hotel is the coolest (and I don't just mean the water temperature) pool around with an underwater sound system, sand beach, and poolside cabanas.

Spend Time On Disney's Waterways - Disney has miles of lakes and lagoons to explore. You'll find that most Disney resorts have a marina where many types of watercraft are available for hire. Sailboats, pontoon and canopy boats, Sea Raycers, even a 52-foot yacht. Take your pick. Perhaps the biggest bang for your buck is to be had at the Contemporary Resort where in addition to the above you'll also find parasailing, waterskiing, tubing, and wakeboarding on beautiful Bay Lake.

Cool Off at a Disney Waterpark - Disney has two wonderful waterparks: Blizzard Beach, a perfect place for daredevils, and Typhoon Lagoon where you'll find a whopper of a surf pool along with tamer attractions. Spend your day hopping from one crazy waterslide to another or just kick back and relax on a lounge chair for the afternoon.

Shop Till You Drop in The Mall at Millenia - For one of Orlando's best shopping experiences head to this fabulous new mall just minutes from Universal Orlando. Here you'll find only the best with stores such as Neiman Marcus, Gucci, Jimmy Choo, Louis Vuitton, and Tiffany. But fair warning: this trip could end up costing a pretty penny. Those with great taste but thriftier intentions will love the Orlando Premium Outlets Mall located just across I-4 from Downtown Disney where designer outlet stores such as Hugo Boss, Armani, Escada, Ermenegildo Zegna, and Burberry won't break the bank.

Head to Downtown Disney - For a change of pace there's Downtown Disney. Here you'll find over 70 shops, restaurants, and nightclubs plus a 24-screen theater, Disney Quest with five floors of virtual games and adventures, even a Cirque du Soleil. Adults will want to pick a great restaurant for dinner like Wolfgang Puck or Portofino Yacht Club and then head to Pleasure Island to party down until the wee hours of the morning.

Swim With a Dolphin - Perhaps the most unusual experience in Orlando is Discovery Cove. Spend up close and personal time with your very own dolphin friend, snorkel with tropical fish and rays, even feed birds right out of your hand. Then relax on a sandy beach with little or no crowds. Definitely a day to be remembered.

Make the Rounds Resort Hopping - Spend a few hours ogling at Disney's wonderfully themed resorts. And best of all, it doesn't cost a thing. Board the monorail at the Ticket and Transportation Center and hop off at each of the three Magic Kingdom resorts. First the Polynesian, a tropical wonderland, then the Grand Floridian, Disney's flagship resort, and lastly the Contemporary where you'll enjoy the Grand Concourse with the monorail silently gliding overhead. Out back you can catch a boat to the Wilderness Lodge, Disney's most beautiful resort modeled after an early 1900s national park lodge. Then catch a boat to the Magic Kingdom and a ferry to the TTC where you started. It's a grand circle that can't be beat.

Saturday, December 1, 2012

Couple’s Romantic Australia



Travelling with a partner is an altogether different experience to travelling with your family, or with a group. The type of accommodation you require, the things you want to do and see and the type of places you wish to visit are all likely to be different for couples than for larger groups. Australia is a huge country with a large range of holiday experiences on offer from romantic beach getaways to city escapes. Below are five great holiday destinations for couples in Australia.

Esperance, Western Australia
If a beach holiday is what you are looking for, then Esperance can't be beaten. Nearby Cape Le Grand National Park is home to 27 of the most beautiful beaches in Australia including Lucky Bay, owner of the title 'whitest beach in Australia', and most of them are virtually deserted. The town of Esperance itself is a quiet coastal town located 720km south of Perth. The area has a moderate Mediterranean like climate year round ideal for enjoying the stunning natural surroundings and picturesque beaches. Couples will love the laid back atmosphere and secluded beaches and can choose from accommodation in Esperance ranging from private eco camping to luxury apartments and hotels.

Trawool Valley
For couples looking for a weekend escape from the city, Trawool Valley is only 75 minutes from Melbourne airport and a million miles from the hustle and bustle of city life. Trawool is a small rural town offering mountain views and the quiet seclusion of a country town. There's not much to do here except enjoy the peace, feast on the local produce and take advantage of the facilities at your Trawool Valley resort. Local Trawool accommodation is geared for couples looking for a romantic break and those that enjoy the country lifestyle.

Mildura
Not often thought of as a holiday destination on its own, Mildura surprisingly, has a lot to offer. With an active arts community, respected local wine industry and quality restaurants not to mention the mighty Murray River as a backdrop, Mildura will delight food and wine connoisseurs and nature lovers alike. Couples will love visiting the many cellar doors and sampling the local wines and gourmet food. Hot air ballooning, paddleboat cruises and exploring the Murray by canoe are other activities ideal for couples. Mildura accommodation is plentiful with everything from bed and breakfasts to farm stays and even luxury houseboats for the ultimate in flexibility and privacy.

Rutherglen
Another beautiful escape for lovers of good food and wine is the Rutherglen area. There are two major events in the area focussed around food and wine, 'Tastes of Rutherglen' in March and 'The Rutherglen Winery Walkabout' in June, both a celebration of local wine and produce with live music and entertainment. The Rutherglen Wine Walkabout has won three tourism awards including 'Best Festival in Victoria' and 'Best Festival in Australia'. The area is also home to excellent golf courses, sandy river beaches and shady billabongs. Rutherglen accommodation ranges from bed & breakfasts and pub-style hotels, to self contained cottages and 4 star motels.

Mount Gambier
With all the attractions and comforts of a city, Mount Gambier is also rich in natural beauty and unique geographical features. Couples who like to enjoy life's little luxuries such as five star hotels and fine dining restaurants by night and communing with nature during the day will love Mount Gambier. Located on the limestone coast in South Australia, Mount Gambier is surrounded by lakes, volcanic craters, limestone and underground aquifers. The famous Blue Lake changes colour dramatically each year around November, transforming from a cold steel grey colour to a vibrant cobalt blue until April when it returns to steel grey. The Cave Garden is another stunning local attraction and the ideal place to picnic. Once a limestone cave, the garden was formed when the roof of the cave collapsed onto the floor of the cave creating a huge sink hole. A nightly sound and light show in the cave is a unique experience to share. Choose from the many budget accommodation options or splurge and book a luxury Mount Gambier Hotel.

Monday, November 26, 2012

15 Reasons Why Your Vacation Can Be Healthy



Going away on a vacation brings numerous benefits. It refreshes our enthusiasm, helps us to know ourselves a little better, and makes us, upon our return home, happier, healthier, and much more effective in coping with stress.
The key to reaping the benefits of traveling is in the going away. Hardly anyone reaps a benefit from spending a vacation at home to work around the house.
Here are fifteen reasons to go away on vacation:
* 1. Relaxation: Vacations break our day-to-day routine.
* 2. Stimulation of new sights: New sights give us new insights.
* 3. Meeting new people: Seeing how other people live broadens our perspective on our own live.
* 4. Fellowship and camaraderie: Shared hardships and good times form long-lasting bonds of love and friendship.
* 5. Education: We learn new skills and activities. Remember when you picked your first farm-fresh fruit or vegetable, climbed a mountain, learned a new language?
* 6. Adventure: Travel returns a sense of adventure to our life and improves our self-esteem when we accept and conquer challenges that don't exist in our routine life.
* 7. Surprise: It is the unexpected surprises in life that give us some of our fondest memories.
* 8. Beauty: When we open our eyes and take in new sights, we begin to tune into the majesty of nature.
* 9. Anticipation: The planning and preparation give us some of the most pleasurable experiences we can recall.
* 10. Memories: We'll always have the joy of reflecting on our pleasant memories.
* 11. Freedom: A vacation gives us the freedom to do what we want to do. Even if we are generally satisfied, we may yearn for something more.
* 12. Self-discovery: In letting our soul talk to us, we develop our inner peace, creativity, and harmony.
* 13. Appreciation of things taken for granted: When we get home, we will get more out of life. We will notice the miracles where we live.
* 14. Time stands still: The best part is when we get completely lost in the moment.
* 15. Happiness: Constructive use of leisure time makes us happier people. The major goal of a vacation is happiness.
Now you have no excuse for not taking a vacation away from home. Or, do you? The choice is yours!

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Staying Fit While on Vacation


As you travel for work and pleasure try to identify hotels that offer good fitness options. It's not easy! The state of the art fitness center is likely only a closet-sized room with old or broken equipment. Or, the lap pool is a short oval without lane lines. Or, the running routes consisted of a map provided by the concierge that directs guests to jog around the streets of the hotel 10 times. Here are some recommendation for the best places to stay for those who enjoy healthy living and staying fit.

If you are a couple looking for an ideal romantic getaway, also take into account the fitness facilities. Exercise not only helps boost your immunity system, lower stress, and improve your sleeping habits; it also helps your sex life. Studies have shown that healthy people have better sex and tend to be happier. Not necessarily an hour of hard-core running or lifting weights at the gym, but 20 minutes of brisk walking should be sufficient.

Romance/Fitness winning cities include:
San Francisco, complete with the bridge, the fog, the rain, the restaurants, and the cultural offerings.Hotel Rex is the best deal for the money. A small, intimate hotel property just steps from Union Square and China Town, Rex also provides guests with a discounted pass to a fantastic (but small) health club down the street, Club One.
Tuscon, where if money is no object, The Miraval Spa and Resort in Tucson is a marvelous getaway for couples looking to stay fit and be pampered. All meals are included as well as any type of exercise option you can imagine---horseback riding, lap swimming, rock climbing, etc.
Miami's South Beach hotels are filled with romance. The Shore Club, Delano, Ritz and National are all in the book, bestowing lots of love and liveliness to their guests.
Colorado Springs' Broadmoor Hotel is a breathtaking resort beset by serene lakes and mountain landscape. Broadmoor's Fitness Center and Spa is well-equipped with modern machines and a regulation lap pool. And, the nearby trails create fantastic jogging and mountain biking opportunities.
New York City can never be left off the romance list. Several properties make exceptional romantic destinations, but Le Parker Meridien, across the street from Central Park, tops my list. It's NYC, so expect small yet cozy hotel rooms. The Scandinavian flavor, tremendous views, and extensive on-site health club make it one of the best.

Exercising for only 20-30 minutes each day will allow you to start the day healthy and help you make better choices throughout the rest of the day. Then, enjoying small indulgences like your favorite piece of pie or a few cocktails or sitting around by the pool for six hours will not seem like a big deal. Don't forget about your improved "nightlife" too!

Before travel, research each property you are considering, the quantity of exercise machines, their condition, the brands, weight/strength options, pool dimensions, running routes, etc. Phone the concierge and ask him your specific questions. Sometimes it even helps to confirm with the maintenance workers.

To avoid the fully relaxed, but very out of shape, post-vacation common results make exercise part of your daily routine, just like showering or brushing your teeth. When you think about it, 20 minutes is not that much time at all. Especially while on a vacation, when you don't have to worry about going to work and all of the other hassles at home.

There is always a temptation to overeat when we are on vacation. How can we fight off this temptation while at the same time still enjoy ourselves? Exercise will allow you to not fret so much over what you're eating and drinking. You may end up taking in more calories, but being active and exercising should help to burn those off fairly easily.

Vacation is supposed to be a break from all that troubles and worries you. Eat the local food and experience the local customs without concerns about how many calories are in each meal. Knowing that you performed your daily workout reassures you that anything you eat will be worked off either that same day or the next. So, no, don't worry about avoiding certain foods---just make sure to get in a daily sweat. Of course, that doesn't mean that you can load up on fried twinkies and cheesecake, though. Sorry.

Sunday, November 4, 2012

Airport Blackout Preparedness Tips



With the Christmas travel season around the corner, airports will be filled with families trying to visit relatives, and business travelers trying to get home. During this time, you may experience chaos and delay.
You walk up to the kiosk to get your boarding pass and punch the screen with no response. In fact, no one is moving. The power's out.
Like all experiences, there are lessons to be learned:
1. Carry a paper printout of your travel reservations. Because the computer systems were down, the airlines had no way of substantiating that you even had a reservation unless you had some kind of paper documentation with a reservation number on it. Even though you may be automatically booked on a later flight, you must show the printout to get your boarding pass. Save all my travel documents so it is easy to grab itineraries and related documents.
2. Travel with cash. Since cash machines and credit cards require electricity, your ability to buy food is directly related to the amount of cash you have available.
3. Keep your cell phone charged and a calling card handy. Despite sketchy service, without a battery you have no chance at all. Payphones worked intermittently, but many people scramble to borrow change to pay for the calls instead of when they had the chance.
4. Carry a flashlight.
5. Pack some protein. The day before stop in a nutrition store. I bought a whole box of protein bars if you have to.
6. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Keep in mind that temperatures vary widely - the airport is incredibly hot, but the airplane feels like a meat locker.
7. Carry wet wipes.
8. Keep physically fit. You will send a big "Thank You!" to your trainer every time you climbed the 2-story long escalator carrying your luggage. Passengers with checked luggage have to tote their own bags since luggage belts don’t function without the electricity.
9. Take an extra battery for your laptop. In spite of the chaos, you can manage to get some work done.
10. Carry a good book.
11. Be gracious. “You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.” Getting upset doesn't solve any problems, and it always creates one more.
12. When you think you've got problems, look around. Other travelers are sick, elderly, physically or mentally handicapped, or traveling with children.

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Dealing With Airport Stress



Your flights booked, and now it's airport time. Airport's can be stressful places nowadays, and these tips are designed for stress reduction...

Leave home early
Airport stress starts the moment you leave home. Don't sit in traffic watching minutes tick away. Aim to arrive at the airport two hours early (usually required for International flights). Then if there's traffic delays, you've still got plenty of time.

The check-in line
Now you've arrived, next step's check-in. Usually, there's multiple lines you can choose from. Which looks quickest ? Maybe the longest line is quickest ? Here's a couple tips. If you see lots of families and children in a line, avoid it. By the time they've found all their tickets, and sorted their luggage jumble, they've taken twice the time of a couple or single person. Look for a short check-in line that's not easy to see. Look at each end of the check-in aisles, and maybe there's a valid check-in hidden by a pillar, that few people see. It can cut off a half hour that you could spend otherwise.

How long to walk from lounge to gate ?
You can walk from 2 to 20 minutes after a call to your gate. Ask at check-in. It's an important question. When that screen flashes 'Go to Gate', it's much less stressful if you know how long you'll take to walk there. All your good work of stress-reduction goes down the tubes if you walk 5 minutes and then realize your gate is way the other side of the airport terminal. Sometimes you even have to go through more security, or another passport check, and find a line waiting there. This happens most often to international arrivals. A long passport control line stands between you and your gate, and departure is scheduled just 15 minutes later. If you find yourself far enough back in a security line, go to the front and explain the situation. No one should object to your passing through first. But try to avoid this unnecessary stress by checking in advance.

Invest in the Executive Lounge
If you travel often you might get free entry to an airport executive lounge. If not, you can often pay a small amount to use it. The ideal low-stress airport experience begins in the executive lounge. Away from all the airport hustle & bustle, relax with free drinks and nibbles. Read a newspaper or magazine and you're soon in just the right, relaxed frame of mind for your journey.

Are you nervous?
Don't feel embarrassed to be nervous. A lot of people are nervous of flying, but you know it's much safer than your car journey to the airport. If you can't use an executive lounge, then there's a couple other options to reduce your stress. Try shopping ! Retail therapy can actually help take your mind off your nervousness and stress. There is no need to buy anything. Just wander around looking.
 
Follow the above tips and you'll have a relaxed and stress free airport experience, all ready to enjoy your vacation or business trip.

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Puerto Vallarta Tips



Long a popular Mexican beach resort, and one of the nicest resort areas in Mexico, Puerto Vallarta is a sophisticated and beautiful city with a relaxed atmosphere.

Tourists have been coming to Puerto Vallarta since the 1930's, but it really became an "in" place after John Huston's Night of the Iguana was filmed here in 1964. The film starred Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor, who later bought homes there. Now some two million visitors a year come to Puerto Vallarta.

Puerto Vallarta has historic areas with cobblestone streets. Some say the shopping is the best of any resort town in Mexico, whether at the Mercado (market) downtown, or at any of the many little shops. There are numerous art galleries. On a vacation day, you can have a swim, work on your tan, do a little shopping and gallery-hopping, devote some time to doing nothing, try a fine restaurant, dance the night away -- and repeat the process the next day with a different set of beaches, stores, restaurants, and nightspots! Puerto Vallarta is an excellent destination for a beach vacation that also gives you the flavor of modern Mexico. It's very popular with Mexican tourists for that reason.
 
With a population somewhere above 300,000, Puerto Vallarta is a relatively intimate city. It's never very far from the ocean, as the city runs along along between the mountains and the sea. It's actually in a bay, Banderas Bay, which results in gorgeous views. Watching the sunset can become a daily ritual, perhaps at one of the many cafes near the beach, or perhaps from a hotel patio in the hills.
 
You can explore outside of the city with a boat ride across the bay to Yelapa, take an outing to Mismaloya, even doing a little kayaking along the coast. If you are traveling with children, there are many enjoyable and educational things to do and places to go: whale watching in season, for one. With over 20 miles of beaches, it's easy to find your own favorites.
 
The weather is delicious in winter -- you might want a light jacket or sweater in the evenings -- and can be very hot in summertime. It's on the humid side year round. A tropical haven!

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Living History Museums Kids Like

A terriffic way to teach your kids about American heritage and history outside the traditional classroom is by spending time at a living history museum where old skills and traditions come alive in authentic historical settings.

Greenfield Village, Dearborn, Michigan. Over 100 historic buildings filled with items from 1650 all the way up to modern days. Model T Ford, Edison's lab, Ford Museum, 1873 steam locomotive, Wright Brothers' bike shop.

Plymouth Plantation, Plymouth, Massachusetts. Where the Pilgrims first lived. John Alden's house, Mayflower 2.

Colonial Williamsburg, Williamsburg, Virginia. Revolutionary War relics, restored Virginia capitol, 500 historic buildings, historic taverns for the whole family, activities for kids.

Old Sturbridge Village, Sturbridge, Massachusetts. 1790-1840 schoolhouses, farms, Folk Art gallery, Clock Gallery.

Mystic Seaport, Mystic, Connecticut. 1800's shipbuilding and whaling, Morgan an 1841 wooden whaling vessel, coal-fired steamboat, 100 vessels and 1800's exhibits and demonstrations.

Conner Prairie, Noblesville, Indiana. 1836 frontier life with stories, craft demonstrations, and 39 buildings.

Living History Farms, Urbanville, Iowa. 4 working farms filled with old tools throughout 300 years of agricultural history, windmills, solar-heated barns, Indian and pioneer life are all exhibited.

Amish/Menonite Farms, Lancaster, PA
C&O Canal, Washington, DC
Roanoke Island, Manteo, NC
Kennedy Space Center, Cape Canaveral, FL
Hale Farm and Western Reserve, Bath, OH
Hensley Settlement, Cumberland Gap National Park, Middlesboro, KY
Boot Hill Museum, Dodge City, KS
Broken Boot Gold Mine, Deadwood, SD
Durango/Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, Durango, CO
Tsa-La Gi, Tahlequah, OK (Cherokee Indian village)
Ranching Heritage Center, Lubbock, TX

Saturday, October 20, 2012

The Beach That's Best for You

If you like waterproof seats in a car, seals at the zoo, and flip flops at the stores, you're a swimmer.
If you like fast cars, lions and tigers, and hiking boots, you're a thrill-seeker.
If you like cars that are unusual for your neighborhood, snow leopards, and local buys at the stores, you're a culture lover.
If you like convertibles, chimpanzees, and the latest fashions, you're a social butterfly.
If you like Stingrays and Barracudas, the cars, glowing aquarium fish, and water shoes, you're a snorkeler.

Swimmers: Half Moon Cay, Bahamas, and Runaway Bay, Antigua
Thrill Seekers: Magen's Bay, St. Thomas, U. S. Virgin Islands
Culture Lovers: St. Maarten, and Bamboo Beach Club, Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Social Butterflies: Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands, and Irie Moon Beach Party, Jamaica
Snorkelers: Turtle and Carlisle Bays, Barbados, and Trunk Bay, St. John, U. S. Virgin Islands

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Outlet Shopping Tips

When outlet shopping, it is important to remember that with the wide variety of merchandise and shops it is east to become confused and lose sight of for what you came. Make a list of the items you would like to find, preferably with the store/s where you expect to find them. Of course, make sure to write down all the sizes for all for whom you are shopping, too.

Planning is more important that outlet shoppers often realize. A little time on the phone or company/outlet website can save you hours in the store and help you plan your trip. You can find out about upcoming sales and promotions, the hours the stores are open, and the labels and sizes they carry. Keep in mind that an outlet excursion will take at least a few hours, potentially all day. Make it a point to take time to enjoy being there by not planning too many stops in too little time.

Take along a map or directory to help you find the stores, maybe even marking out a route to follow right on the map. You can also put approximate times for each location to keep things moving along, or slowing down as the case may be. And, since you're probably driving there, write down where your car is directly on the part of the map where the car is.

Remember to set up a time and meeting place for all the members of your party, too, especially if you get separated. You can even schedule a specific restaurant for lunch and/or supper.

Don't forget to wear comfortable shoes and clothing which is easy to remove, or layer, and lightweight.

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Planning a Family Reunion Vacation

The first phase of planning is definitely up to you. Only you know the guest list and where everyone will be able to enjoy some time together. Of course, the affordability range should exclude as few as possible. But where can you find additional assistance in your family reunion vacation planning?

Tourism Bureaus and Chambers of Commerce

Every area has at least one. Start with the state and then narrow down to the county, major cities, and towns. There are also regional bureaus and chambers, as well as visitor bureaus for parks and wine countries, resort areas, and so on.

Hotel and Resort Chains

Chains can be very advantageous for a number of reasons: You know what to expect there. Chains often offer group discounts, and tickets to nearby attractions, among other things.

All-inclusive Resorts

These resorts have already done all the work for you. They have put together great locations, provide all the normal needs of a family, and sponsor a seemingly endless variety of activities. And, of course, they have group deals, too!

Cruises

Most cruises have various activities, ranging from bridge to race walking to libraries to gyms to shore excursions to lectures, and there's more! Surely, there is always something for everyone. Along with activities and groups for only kids and teens, there are also parties, dancing, and performances all around the ship for the adults. Of course, there is always the natural beauties of ocean sunsets, sparkling waves, frolicking dolphins, and shining stars, all of which are just beyond the balconies. With groups, there are usually discounts, sometimes a free room or two, and even special group activities if you tell the cruise line ahead of time. Actually, with large groups, it's best to plan well ahead of time if you want to be in the same area of the ship.

Reuniting Abroad

Various accommodation types are available outside the country, which might work perfectly for you and your family. The Caribbean and Mexico both have numerous beach side and hillside villas as well as resorts which are perfectly willing and able to handle groups. You can get your own villa, complete with maid and chef if you want.

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Rules for Traveling with Teens

1. Give them some space both physically, by opting for multiple rooms, and mentally, by not planning an overloaded touring schedule.

2. Get them involved in the planning stage. Guide books might be a new and exciting experience, and contacting state and local departments of tourism and chambers of commerce will help them sharpen their communication skills.

3. Go where teens are. Kids often like the company of their peers.

4. Choose an area or resort with some time of nighttime activities. Night life is always big for teens.

5. Set a budget for incidental spending, and stick to it. Teens often need help in saving those dollars.

6. Allow them some free time to pursue their own interests. Maybe even give them a few dollars for pizza while you have a romantic dinner for two.

7. If they pack it, they have to carry it. Even if they have to practice carrying all their things around the block

8. Let them sleep in sometimes. They have to get up early during the school year as it is. Besides, while they're sleeping, you have your own free time.

9. Make them your trip chronicler, photographer, and/or navigator. They should greatly enjoy such an incredible opportunity of great responsibility.

10. Considering bringing along a friend of his. This would allow your teen to have fun with a peer instead of pestering you.

11. Go somewhere they very much want to visit. This is especially good for the unmotivated.

12. Teenagers usually love luxury. The mere thought and prospect of staying in a resort, lolling by the pool, ordering room service may entice them.

13. You can even consider a one-on-one trip, with one parent and one teenager vacationing together. It can be more adventurous, and you'll certainly better your relationship.

14. Enjoy the time together while you can. Soon, they may not even want to vacation with you anymore.

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Vacation Scrapbooks

Scrapbooks often help families relive great vacation experiences and remember things they had previously forgotten about previous travels. The key is to collect all sorts of things on the trip, and let each family member join in. You can even take an empty scrapbook with you and assemble things as your vacation progresses. If you do take everything home with you, make sure to develop the photos and assemble your memory book as soon as possible.

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Saving in Tourist Hot Spots

Package deals are often great ideas, but there are ways to trim the miscellaneous costs which can really add up.

Food is often the third most expensive part of our vacations, after transportation and lodging. Pizza delivery, or just about any delivery to your hotel room, is often a very inexpensive alternative. You can also go grocery shopping, which might seem rather boring while on vacation, but it can save you lots of money. Use the room fridge as required, even if that means taking out all the overprices drinks and snacks already in there. You can even have a picnic in the park if you shop well. When you do decide to go out to eat, seriously consider ordering off the childs' menus if the restaurant allows for it. Of course, you can always split a meal between two people. You'll save a good bit of money either way. And, certainly, if you want an extra-special meal, go to that extra-special restaurant for lunch instead of supper, and you'll save even more while still splurging.

Bring as many necessities from home as possible: film, disposable diapers, toiletries, and bandages, just to name a few. Sure, get some souvenirs, but do shop around for good deals. And don't go over your budget for too many, or too expensive, little trinkets. In fact, if you buy them at the end of the day, you can shop around while saving that money.

Monday, September 3, 2012

3 Vacations You Won't Find Advertised

Day Trips

Sometimes the effort of packing for an oovernight stay is just too much to face and that can be the perfect time for a day away. Plan them around places you want to see in your area, but never seem to get the time to see them, usually within four hours each way. To get the full benefit of this, you have to treat it like a vacation. Plan ahead, pack the night before, and get an early start. And, of course, have breakfast on the road! Plan to arrive mid- to late-morning. Bring a picnic or plan to eat at a local restaurant. For supper, eat on the way home, or stop for some pizza. And, after you get home, stay on vacation mode the next day as well, without working or projects.

Same Old-Same Old

Sure, it's fun to vacation in a new place each time, but it's also sometimes a little cumbersome and requires all sorts of planning. Many families already go to the same place each time, such as the family cabin or beach condo. The familiarity alone heartens all. With people moving at such a fast pace, it's reassuring to kids to return to a favourite destination. The returning friends come into play even more as they grow older, and as hanging out with their friends become more important in their lives.

Vacation at Home

Sometimes the thought of planning an itinerary, making reservations, and packing makes a vacation sound like drudgery. So, why not consider vacationing at home for a change. Home vacations can give you the break you need without the stresses involved in getting your family there. Start with a clean house, then forget about it! Don't do your fix up projects now, or even mow the lawn. Have many quick-fix foods on hand, frozen entrees, or pre-prepared meals, and of course take out menus. Plan at least two meals with parents, but not children, preferably out of the house. You can do things outside of the house things you don't often get time to do, but they really should be very close to your house, even if it's simple like flying a kite in the park. Check out places and tourist locations nearby you've never been to before.

Sunday, August 26, 2012

Traveling in Australia, Part 2

Language and Religion
• There is no official religion in Australia. Churches can be located in most towns for both the Catholic and Church of England faith. Other general religions are Methodist, Presbyterian and Uniting Church. Places of worship for Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist and other religious denominations not frequent to Australia will only be found in the major towns and cities.
• Need an interpreter? The telecommunications provider Telstra offers a 24 hour translation and interpreter service for an extensive range of languages. Dial 13 14 50. The local white pages telephone book will give more information.

Medical
• Australian nationals and New Zealand visitors are covered by Medicare, the national health cover scheme. It does not apply to visitors from any other country.
• Visitors should always get medical cover insurance prior to departure from their home country.
• Visitors will only require specific vaccinations if they have traveled through an area infected with yellow fever. Visitors passing through other countries when entering or leaving Australia should check the vaccination needs of those countries.
• All cities and most towns offer 24 hour medical facilities by way of private practice clinics or government run hospital amenities. They will be listed in the telephone book of the area you are visiting.
• Chemists are located in all towns and cities all over Australia. The Australian chemist does not operate the "soda fountain" type of drug store found in the USA.

Telephone and Communications
• In an emergency dial 000. This will connect you to the ambulance, fire and police services.
• Phone cards are a popular way of accessing the public phone system. Cards are obtainable from selected newsagents and stores. Select public phones also accept credit cards. Public phone call assistance is available by dialing 013.

Tips
• Australians working in the tourist, hospitality and transport industries are paid a minimum salary. Tipping is not normal practice but is generally considered a suitable gesture of approval when the level of service has exceeded expectations. A tip of around 10% would be considered appropriate.

Customs, Quarantine and Visas
• To enter Australia you will need an up to date passport valid for the duration of your stay and a valid tourist visa issued in your own country and entered into the passport prior to the travel date. New Zealand visitors are exempt from these requirements and are granted an entry permit on arrival. Visa applications are made to the Australian Embassy, Consulate or High Commission, as applicable, in your home country. Make sure you apply for the correct visa type. For example, if you plan to work, you will need to apply for a work permit which is generally limited to singles under 25 and which only allows for casual work to be performed for up to 3 months. Tourist visas are usually valid for a stay of 3 or 6 months. At the time of making your visa application you will have to sign an undertaking that you have an outward bound ticket and sufficient funds for the period of your stay.
• No duty is payable on personal effects. Adults may carry up to 250 cigarettes and 1 liter of alcoholic liquor in their personal effects provided it is carried with them. Duty and sales tax is applied to dutiable goods exceeding $400AU. Strict regulations apply to narcotics and prohibited substances.
• When entering Australia you will have to surrender all fresh food, animal and plant products and any unprocessed foodstuffs. You will be required to sign a statement to this effect. This is a quarantine regulation to prevent the entry of foreign organisms that may have a harmful effect on Australia's native vegetation, wildlife and farming goods.
• Strict policies apply to the import and export of protected wildlife and items made from protected species. Any such items will be seized by customs officials upon arrival.

Money
• Major shopping centers do not open on Sundays. Tourism oriented outlets do have a 7 day trade as do convenience stores supplying essential needs.
• Banks are only open Mondays through Fridays and usually only between the hours of 9-4. Most towns have automatic teller machines to cater for after-hours transactions.
• Australian currency consists of 5c 10c 20c 50c $1 $2 as coins. Notes are $5 $10 $20 $50 and $100.

Electricity
Australian electricity supply is 220-240 volts. Most electronics stores stock adapters for 110v appliances as well as adapters for 220-240v appliances with different plug types.

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Traveling in Australia, Part 1

Weather and the Environment
• Guard against sunburn at all times, but particularly in summer. Use a wide brimmed hat, 15+ sunscreen, sunglasses, protecting clothes and shoes. Australian sunlight has very high UV levels and skin damage occurs quickly, especially during the middle of the day.
• Check future storm fronts for signs of a greenish tinge. This often indicates a hail storm that may cause damage to persons and property.
• Always observe correct beach safety. Swim only at patrolled beaches. Only swim between flagged areas. If in doubt, ask. Always check for caution signs.
• If you intend to swim in shallow coastal waters north of Gladstone, make it your business to be educated about box jellyfish (marine stingers). Usually found in shallow waters near creek or river mouths, more likely after local rain, usually absent in rough water. Not usually found over deep water or coral. Stinger season is usually from December to March in the Gladstone (south) area and longer, from October to June, in the Cairns (north) area. Most popular beaches in the stinger areas are netted to give swimmer protection.
• At all times wear thick soled shoes when walking in shallow tropical waters or reef walking as protection against the highly disguised stonefish. It has dorsal spikes which will rupture the skin of the foot and inject poison causing extreme swelling and agony. Deaths have been occurred as a result of stonefish poisoning.
• There are other venomous creatures on the reef such as some of the cone shell species and coral snakes, both of which are capable of causing death. If you intend spending time on the Barrier Reef without expert guidance, ensure you have a good knowledge of what can harm you before you start.

Road Travel
• Australian traffic drives on the left hand side of the road.
• If you are in doubt about your driving license being acknowledged in Australia, obtain an International License from your local automobile association prior to your departure.
• Road speed limits differ between states but are usually 100-110kph on the highways and 50-60kph in built-up areas. Interstate highways are not of the same standard as USA and European highway systems but nor do they carry the same traffic volumes.
• Don't hitch-hike, it is illegal.
• Never leave small children or animals locked in vehicles in very hot weather. Dehydration occurs very rapidly. This practice is illegal.
• The most serious danger on the road is fatigue. Look for driver refreshment stations and pull off and rest after driving for some hours.
• Be cautious when driving on country roads at night in cold weather. Cattle and native animals such as kangaroos lie on the bitumen road surface which holds the warmth of the sun. Car lights blind and mesmerize the animals and they may just as easily run into your vehicle as run away from it.
• When traveling on remote outback roads/tracks, always tell someone at the destination of your expected arrival time and number of people in your party. If you fail to arrive within a reasonable time, help procedures can be started. Do NOT leave your vehicle as a missing vehicle is much easier to find than a missing person.
• When traveling on unsurfaced or poor quality roads, always carry out a vehicle check before starting off on the next sector.
• Extra care is needed when sharing the road with road-trains. These are main movers with multiple trailers of cattle attached and are about 170 feet long. Always give them plenty of space as the buffeting from displaced air as you pass in opposite directions can be quite severe. Allow at least 3000 feet of clear road before overtaking a road train.
• Do not try to cross flooded rivers and causeways unless you are sure of the water depth and road surface damage. Most flash floods recede within 24 hours.
• Dirt from passing vehicles on outback roads can obscure your vision. Don't take risks, slow down or stop until it settles.

Air Travel
• Steer clear of flying early morning and late afternoon on the eastern seaboard routes. These flights are usually heavily booked by business people traveling between the capital cities.
• Require extra leg room? Ask to be seated in a row that serves the exit doors as these rows seem to have more room.
• When checking in and getting seat allocation, ask if your seat is in the first row immediately adjacent one of the large central video screens. You may wish to ask for a different spot, especially if on a long international flight.
• A departure tax of A$30 per adult is payable when leaving Australia.

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

4 Vacations to Unlease Your Inner Child

It’s Not Too Late for Band Camp
If you ever feel like you missed out by not going on a summer camp vacation when you were a child, or you long for that feeling of freedom and togetherness that going to camp with other kids engendered, then guess what? It’s not too late to chase your dream or rekindle those old feelings, and today these camps exist for adults, as well. Whether you want to enjoy a band camp with like-minded individuals playing orchestral, big band, brass, or rock music, if you want to learn new activities such as archery and rock-climbing, or whether you want to explore your artistic side at a painting, writing or theatrical retreat, all are available. In fact camps for adults is bound to be the next big thing in personalized, tailored summer vacations, so don’t wait around to book yourself onto one of these vacation retreats.


A Wildlife Retreat

Remember exploring the natural world as a child in summer vacations? Setting foot into the woods to build a camp with your friends, getting lost in the countryside, finding streams where you could fish, lifting up rocks and looking at all the creepy crawlies underneath. Well that impulse to be surrounded by nature still exists, even if you haven’t ventured out into the glorious countryside in years. So to get in touch with your inner child, head out to wildlife reserves, nature sanctuaries and other areas to explore the beauty of the wild landscape and reconnect not only with the rhythms of the world but with the person you used to be.


Go Visit Your Parents

Nothing brings out the little kid in you than being around your parents, and no matter how long you have been away, you will find yourself settling right back into your teenage self after a few days with them. Being back in an old, familiar environment, seeing close family members and loved ones really reconnects you with your old self and your roots in a way that nothing else can. And nothing is likely to make your parents happier than calling in on them for a few days every year, just hanging out with them and getting to know them as adults, not just as people who used to make you food, clean your dishes and drive you to school.

Kids Need a Break Too
Even kids these days need to know how to settle down, stop trying to grow up so fast, and just be children. You only get to live your childhood once, so make sure they make the most of it by sending them to summer programs in the hot summer vacations for memories that will last a lifetime. With the internet, peer pressure and the constant stress of school exams, life can be hard for today’s kids. Yet time outdoors in gorgeous Alpine summer camps such as Tignes in France can be just what they need for them to learn how to enjoy being a kid again in summer holidays. No computer games or internet to keep them locked up inside, and the supervision of expert guides, helps them get outdoors and enjoy activities such as mountain biking, rock climbing, white water rafting, football and tennis tournaments.

Saturday, August 11, 2012

Your First Day Onboard

Security and check-in is always a lengthy process, unless, of course you have a medical condition or a high-priced grand suite VIP room. But we all have to go through the line and wait, so it's no different from anybody else.

As far as the actual embarkation itself, you'll likely have to take an elevator, escalator, or stairs up to a higher level which is basically only a rather lengthy hall, eventually with a metal floor, which is the gangway onto the ship itself. It makes a cruiser's favourite sound.

Soon after you board, it's often good to find your stateroom as well as your dining room table, in case you would like to request a change, for the table at least, if it's necessary and possible. It's also good to have some lunch, which is complimentary onboard the ships. However, try not to go directly to the main buffet dining hall. Instead, opt for one of those little cafes or specialty shops. You wouldn't get to large of a selection of great foods, but you'll have a considerably smaller, quieter crowd.

While you're in the eating mood, though, look around the ship to find the other eating locations. There is often a rarely busy little place tucked into a corner with some great food.

Tour the ship for other places, such as the plentiful lounges and clubs, kids areas, casino, library, and so on. There is likely maps available or posted.

Make sure to read through the entire first day's activity schedule/planner/bulletin/newsletter to see what is going on, where, and when. Mark choices for each member of your traveling party. You can transfer the times and locations to other papers for each member and/or have a master list that states who is where and for what purpose from and until what times.

There will be a loud, annoying alarm, which signals the beginning of the mandatory boat drill, which you are legally required to attend. You will be informed where your stateroom is supposed to go for the drill, and will not be allowed to use the elevators to get there. Remember where your location is, just in case of the very rare event that you will need to get there.

Luggage. Hmm. Where is it? Seeing how the crew has to go through likely thousands of suitcases, you will probably have to wait a little while for your luggage to be delivered up to your stateroom. It could take upwards of 3 hours or more! Of course, if it doesn't arrive after 4 hours, you might want to make a call to see if everything is all right.

And on that wonderful note, why don't you start planning on your own personal embarkation onto one of those amazing cruise vessels. Make sure to book it at www.kingarthur.paycation.com today!

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

The 9 Myths of Cruising

1. Everyone gets sick onboard. People with motion sickness are more vulnerable, as well as people with low immunity, and those who do not wash their hands very often.

2. Boredom is unavoidable. It's your own fault if you're bored. Check out my other cruise posts about things to do onboard.

3. I won't fit in. Part of the fun of a cruise is that everyone is different.

4. Passengers look ridiculous without previous sailing experience. There will likely be many other first-time cruisers, or more likely many more first-timers for that specific ship. Even the people who work onboard the massive cruising vessels get confused.

5. Cruises are for only the elderly. Although the average age range isn't 23, it's not nearly as high as it used to be, and there are often quite a few children onboard most of the ships as well. Right now, the average age is between 48 and 59, but there are equal amounts 60 and over, and 40 and under.

6. Everything is on a schedule. Although there are numerous scheduled activities, there are also many things you can do at any time, such as freestyle dining, miniature golf, and exercising in the gym.

7. It's all about the food. With dozens of dining food and room options, world-class chefs and cuisines, and healthier and dietary options, you will surely have a wonderful time. Of course, you can always walk off the calories around the ship, visit the gym, and use the services of the sports courts and pools.

8. Weather can ruin the cruise. Let's face it. Weather can ruin vacations on land too. On a cruise, however, there are so many things to do indoors, that you might not even know it's raining. And with the stabilizers, and the sheer size of the major vessels, you won't even feel much wave action either.

9. Cruising is for romantic couples, not families. Cruises are much more kid-friendly now. And many family reunions are even held onboard.

Saturday, July 21, 2012

Top 9 Reasons to Choose a Cruise

9. Family entertainment

8. Service

7. Satisfaction rates exceeding 85%

6. Destinations

5. Simple vacation options

4. Numerous choices for rooms, ports, ships, cruise lines

3. World-class cuisine

2. Romantic getaway

And the #1 reason for choosing a cruise is...

1. What a value for a vacation!

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

My Myrtle Beach Evaluation

Well, the way that I arrived was by air, to their rather small, but well-performing airport. You really can't get lost there, unless you decide to leave the building. Then it's on through a network of streets, none of which are all that close to the airport apparently, at least not if you opt for a seemingly-short taxi ride. However, there are buses that go around the city, yet none seem to go to the airport.

What's right across from the airport, though, is the Coastal Grand Mall. Nothing special there, really, but they do have some stores which might not be in your area, so it's worth a visit. Plus the have Chik Fil 'A, so I was happy. :D

As you approach the actual shoreline, though, you will get into the crowded, bustling, downtown part of Myrtle Beach, and further up the beach are more hotels and motels. It's rather interesting to see some very nice hotels right next door, and intermingled with, some very run down motels. It's not exactly the most scenic strip, but at least some of the hotels are nice.

That is, until you stay there. Don't expect hotel security, or the local police, to do much that accomplishes anything. I don't even know why they have them, to tell you the truth. And definitely don't expect the guests to do anything quiet before 3:00 in the morning. Which includes loud music, very late night parties and after parties, illegal beach fireworks at 1:30am, and so on. Maybe a nice relaxing moment in the hotel hot tub? Only if you like kids jumping in and out of it all the time. Forget any guest following the posted, and unenforced, rules in the pool area too. It's a state law to not bring alcohol to the hotel pool areas, but apparently people don't follow that law either. Actually, the hotels sell alcohol in the pool areas, so that law really makes less sense, too.

If you like to shop there is also the very popular Broadway at the Beach, courtesy of a free beach to outdoor mall shuttle. Broadway is sort of a mall, but it's sort of an entertainment center as well. So many great restaurants, too! Lots of shops of various kinds. Even a couple of dance and music clubs. There's even an aquarium, and an upside down building, which is actually an upside down house/museum.

But, if you prefer shopping a little higher on the totem pole, there is the outlet store from Tanger. Lots of big name stores in another outdoor mall setting. But these are more middle and upper middle class than the other area malls.

Restaurants are quite popular at various times and locations, but don't expect too much for service or food quality. If you get something or someone good, though, please let them know, and spread the word! There are a few there, I've experienced one or two myself.

Golfing, though, is the main call for people to come to Myrtle Beach. And the courses are, of course, very nice. But the strangest thing for me is that in 95% of the beachfront stores, they do NOT sell golf balls. Not even those silly tourist ones, or anything. If you wanted a cheap t-shirt, you can get hundreds of trucksful, but if you want a souvenir golf ball from Myrtle Beach, you can't find many. The courses have their own, with their own logos and all, but that's not quite the same thing, is it?

Now for the actual beach itself. Well, it's a beach. Lots and lots of small, broken shells, but none cut my feet, so that was fine. No annoying people, loud music, or trash, though, so you can't complain. And that water is a comfortable temperature, not too warm, not too cold.

So, if you want to venture to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, or anywhere else in the southeastern or other parts of the States, make sure to book that exciting travel over at www.kingarthur.myttn.com !

Monday, May 28, 2012

Cruising vs. Land Vacation

33% felt more pampered by cruise staff
33% felt that their vacation was better organized
30% said they were more satisfied with the dining experience onboard
14% found their cruise less hassling
12% said it was more relaxing
16% found the hotel accommodations superior
47% have romantic interludes numerous times onboard, compared to the only occasional events at home
79% felt more amorous onboard
57% actually couldn’t wait more than 10 hours after embarking to get to sleep, or at least to bed
81% cruise satisfaction rate
42% only, though, were labeled as “extremely satisfied” with their cruise
30% were “extremely satisfied” with their package tour or visiting friends/relatives
25% were “extremely satisfied” with their resort vacation
86% want to take another cruise, for those who have cruised in the past 3 years

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Packing Tips

Choosing Luggage:

Consider where, when, and how often you will use the luggage, and by what transportation mode you will use most frequently. Will you need to carry the bags yourself, check them, or use a porter's services

Pullmans are great for smaller luggage styles, and have extending handles and wheels. Duffel bags are less expensive, and are great for casual clothes, since they have very little supportive structure. Some even have hidden straps to make carrying easier. Garment bags are basically carry-on armoires. Backpacks are becoming more popular, and can hold considerably more than they used to. Laptop bags should have good padding, a comfortable shoulder strap, and a secure closure. The best ones are usually found in computer stores.

Consider sturdier fabrics and nylons if you tend to overpack because they can stretch and won't come apart with the luggage handling. And make sure to always test each piece before you buy it.

Packing Principles:

Plan your wardrobe, make a list of what you need according to the events, and check that list repeatedly to make sure you don't miss anything, but also that you're not taking too much either. You can combine several outfits into a coordinated system. Just a few pairs of pants and a few shirts are actually just fine for a week when they're colour-coordinated.

Especially with kids, make sure to try on your vacation clothes before packing, for some things might be too small since last year. Check into your hotel's/cruise ship's laundry facilities to know if you will even be able to clean anything.

Label your luggage inside and out with whatever information and markings/ribbons/coloured straps you would recognize and/or use for identification.

Things I've never considered, but make sense for a toiletries bag, include bath soap, bottle opener, corkscrew, cotton swabs, eyeglass repair kid, first aid kit, hair dryer, laundry detergent, moisturizer, sewing kit, extra shoelaces, sink stopper, wipes, and for the frequent shoppers, bubble wrap, scissors, and tape. And take things that can do multiple jobs such as scented body lotion instead of perfume, and cotton pads moistened with nail polish remover instead of the actual bottle.

Pack the heaviest things on the bottom, or whatever will be the bottom when the bag is upright. Many prefer packing in layers, clothing inside one another.

What to carry on:

travel documents, fragile items, valuables, bathing suit, camera, change of clothing, gifts, guidebook, and work and reading materials.

For vacationing in the city:

Yes, those who don't live in cities sometimes like to visit them. If you opt for a town vacation, make sure to bring comfortable footwear. You'll be doing considerable walking on hard pavement. Bring your camera for those iconic, world-famous buildings especially. Dress in layers, which can come in helpful to take off when it's too warm, and put on when it's too cold, like those frigid over-air-conditioned malls. You'll probably have more of a nightlife as well, so bring something appropriate for your favourite nocturnal activities. And especially in the cities, try not to wear your shiniest bling.

And when you return home, always make sure to have things able to be taken out and shown, and the receipts at the ready. You might not have to show them, but you never know.

So, now that you know what to pack, and where to pack it, you just need to go over to www.kingarthur.myttn.com and decide where you want to go!

Friday, March 2, 2012

Top 10 Int'l Cities and Countries/Regions

Top 10 International Cities:

10 Vancouver 1%
9 Puerto Vallarta 1.3%
8 Barcelona 1.3%
7 Venice 1.6%
6 Punta Cana 2.5%
5 Montego Bay, Jamaica 3.7%
4 Paris 6.6%
3 Cancun 7.3%
2 Rome 9.2%

And the #1 International city is.....

1 London 10.5%


Top 5 International Countries/Regions

5 France 9.2%
4 Caribbean 9.2%
3 United Kingdom 12.7%
2 Mexico 16.3%

And the #1 International Country is.....

1 Italy 18.9%

(Europe Total is 40.4%)

So, let's follow the crowd to a foreign country, first stopping to book it at www.kingarthur.myttn.com for the best prices!

Sunday, January 15, 2012

Travel for the Higher Generations

Baby boomers consider travel to be a necessity, not a luxury, and they prefer getting out of the daily grind regularly. Post-retirees, however, have more time on their hands, but they might be less interested in travel, or have tighter budgets.

Post-retirees also usually prefer less active vacations, although the likes of Sandals resorts is more for the middle-aged groups, and those younger, and more romantic. Baby boomers don't really like packaged tours as much, but they do like interactions and activities.

The most popular destinations for older generations, because they've been to the most popular places already, are Egypt, South Africa, and Morocco.

Discounted travel for being over a certain age, usually no less than 50 for any discount, is not all that easy to come by sometimes. Airlines occasionally offer reduced-fare rates for those over 65, and sometimes also their traveling companion of any age. Auto rental companies also offer senior discounts, although they're usually in the ballpark of only 5% or so. Train travel usually demands a 15% discount, or 10% in Canada. Europe is far more generous with their discounts, however, often 25 to 30% off!

Those 62 and over can visit state and national parks free when they use a Golden Age Passport, which also admits the spouse and children free. The card also allows for a 50% discount on camping, swimming, parking, boat launching, and tours. It's only $10 and available at the federal park payment places. Just bring proof that you're at least 62.

Apparently there are quite a few outdoor activities in which those who are called seniors can partake. Long distance riding and walking trails, hiking, skiing, golf, cultural heritage touring, and ecotourism.

Cruising is also widely popular with those of the higher generations, although it's quickly filtering down to the baby boomers, generation x's and y's, teenagers, and even kids. You may get a discount on a cruise do to your age, or the age of one of the guests. There are always things to do onboard the large vessels, and the smaller ones are considerably more intimate. River cruises are great for those who can't stomach rougher seas, although you still can't feel much on the large ships unless the waves are truly massive (over 25 feet).

As much as you might like to stroll a sandy beach, hike a mountain trail, or snorkel a coral reef, many older adventurers prefer slower paces, and more educational opportunities. You can stay and travel with other elders, and you can even go to classes with them. Some cruise lines offer a semester at sea. Many church groups have religion-based tours to Israel and around the Mediterranean, while some might just do fundraising tours or vacations to not-so-religious areas. Garden tours are quite popular in the south, and over in the old country, where you can see very beautiful foliage, as well as flowers you might never get to see again! Also, they're much calmer, and take frequent stops and opportunities to rest.

Some people go on vacation for the purpose of having an almost never-ending shopping spree while on that vacation. Some cities I've never heard of being shopping meccas include, but are in no way limited to, Portland/Freeport ME, Cape Ann MA, Hoboken NJ, Pittsburgh PA, Old Charleston WV, Lexington/Berea KY, Ashville NC, Fairhope AL, Natchez MS, Cleveland OH, Frankenmuth MI, Deadwood SD, Sandpoint ID, Port Townsend WA, Mesilla NM, and Tubac AZ.

Now that you know where to go, and how to get there, and what to do, don't ever let your age stop you! :) And make sure to visit www.kingarthur.myttn.com to discover and book your travel vacation of a lifetime!

Thursday, January 12, 2012

National Hot Spots for Vacations

Top 10 Cities in the USA

10. Washington, D. C.
9. San Diego, California
8. Honolulu, Hawaii
7. New York City, New York
6. Seattle, Washington
5. Miami, Florida
4. Los Angeles, California
3. San Francisco, California
2. Las Vegas, Nevada

And the #1 most popular USA city

1. Orlando, Florida


Top 5 States in the USA

5. Hawaii
4. New York
3. California
2. Nevada

And the #1 most popular USA state

1. Florida