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Save Money on Holiday Travel

So many people travel for important holidays that you may be quite disappointed with the cost of it. There are great ways you can save money though whether you are traveling by plane, train, or bus to get to your destination for the holidays. It is essential that you book your travel arrangements early. You don’t want to be stuck without a way to get where you want to be for the holidays due to everything being sold out. You also want to take your time to compare prices.

You will find some travel dates should simply be avoided around the holidays. This will allow you to avoid crowds which often equal substantial delays. You will also be able to get the same travel arrangements at a lower price just by carefully calculating the best times to travel.

You may not think that Valentine’s Day is a top travel holiday but it is. It is very important for people to be able to spend this holiday together. Since Presidents Day is very close to Valentine’s Day many people are able to take a long weekend. Avoid traveling during this Monday holiday and you will save money. Instead fly out in the next few days and then stay for a couple of days after Valentine’s Day instead of before.

Spring break takes place for about three weeks in March depending on which schools people are attending. If you plan to travel for spring break you need to plan it very carefully to maximize your time and to get good prices. Many colleges allow people to complete their final exams early. Try to do this and travel on a Wednesday or Thursday. Avoid peak days such as Friday and Saturday. You also want to come back on week days as they will be lower volume dates for travel.

Many people fly to see their parents for Mother’s Day and for Father’s Day. These are important holidays that take place on a Sunday in May and then on a Sunday in June. Traveling on the actual day will save you money over flying out on the Friday or Saturday before. This way you can arrive on their special day and hang out for several days. Your return trip should be for one of the weekdays following the holiday instead of on the weekend.

Thanksgiving is a common holiday that people travel for. Since it always falls on a Thursday, most people get an extended weekend so they can go visit for a few days or take a vacation. The peak of this vacation for travel takes place on the day before Thanksgiving. However, if you are willing to travel on Thanksgiving Day you can avoid the crowds. You will also find you save up to 50% of the price of getting there just by waiting less than 24 hours.

Most people return from their Thanksgiving vacation on the Sunday following the holiday. Try to avoid this day as well and return on the following Monday. Most employers want some people to be in the office on the Wednesday before so offer to do it in exchange for having the following Monday off.

Christmas is another peak holiday travel occasion, and you will find the fares get much higher the closer it gets to the 25th of December. Try to travel before the 19th in order to take advantage of the best possible fares. If you won’t be able to stay through New Year’s that choose a day in the middle of the week after Christmas. These are often slower days than the weekends and you will get better prices.

Avoid travel on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day as they are two of the most popular travel dates of the year. Fares are often double what they normally would be so you will save yourself plenty of money and delays if you work around them when you travel for the holidays.

Hotel Safety Tips
Author: Lana Hampton

As is often the case, the more we travel, the less we think about our safety. It’s easy to become comfortable in a hotel when we spend so much time in it. Most people have caught themselves opening their hotel room door without asking who it is when they’ve ordered room service. And, quite frankly, you are usually so tired and desperate for the salad and glass of wine you ordered an hour earlier that you don’t even look closely at the person entering your room.

With more and more terrorist warnings about possible hotel attacks in addition to the usual bad guys out there, it’s important to keep safety as your number one priority. Room service and accessing your e-mail come in at a close second. Here are some tips from the American Hotel and Lodging Association to all of the road warriors out there. Stay safe!

Don’t answer the door in a hotel or motel room without verifying who is at the door. If a person claims to be an employee, call the front desk and ask if someone from the hotel staff is supposed to have access to your room and for what purpose.

When returning to your hotel late in the evening, use the main entrance of the hotel.

Be observant and look around before entering hotel parking lots.

Close the door securely whenever you are in your hotel room and use all of the locking devices provided.

Don’t needlessly display guest room keys in public or carelessly leave them on restaurant tables, at the swimming pool, or other places where they can be stolen.

Do not draw attention to yourself by displaying large amounts of cash or expensive jewelry.

Don’t invite strangers to your hotel room.

Place all valuables in the hotel’s safe deposit box.

Do not leave valuables in your vehicle.

Check to see that any sliding glass doors or windows and any connecting room doors are locked.

If you see any suspicious activity, please report your observations to the hotel management.

Upon arrival, notify the Front Desk if you require special evacuation assistance in the event of an emergency.

About the Author

Lana Hampton makes it easy to find the hotel that meets your travel needs. Visit http://www.yowshotel.com today for the latest hotel information.
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South Africa Safari Top Five National Parks and Game Reserves
Author: Bruce Whittaker

A South Africa safari is the ideal wildlife trip to go on because the infrastructure and accommodation is superb in all the wildlife parks there and it is still highly affordable in comparison to other African countries.

But given a choice some of the national parks and game reserves are better than others.

Here is a top five list ranking them according to travel reports received at the African Safari Journals website, my safari experience of twenty plus years, industry forums, magazines and the general consensus of the experts.

1. Kruger NP

The Kruger National Park has to rank as one of the best South Africa safari destinations, only slightly behind the Masai Mara and Serengeti when it comes to wildlife viewing because the vegetation in Kruger can be dense and sometimes mars the ability to see longer distances.

But the variety of animals, birds and ecosystems that you can experience here are unparalleled anywhere else in Africa and the accommodation, roads and facilities are top notch and all at a very affordable price.

It’s not unusual to see lion, leopard, cheetah, a pack of wild dog, rhino, elephant, buffalo and a whole host of antelope, crocodile and hippo in the course of a single trip including a variety of insects and reptiles.

On the bird front you will be spoiled with a seemingly never-ending supply of eagles, hawks, water birds and a host of migratory and indigenous species to the tune of about 510 different varieties.

You can easily do a self drive safari here and still see a decent amount of wildlife especially if you stick to the central and southern portions of this massive park (larger than Ireland). The north has fewer animals due to dryer conditions but also less tourists which makes for a more isolated and intimate wildlife experience.

If variety is the spice of life then a South Africa safari in the Kruger National Park is a rich dish indeed.

2. Sabi Sands GR

Sharing a fenceless border on the western side of the Kruger National Park is the Sabi Sands game reserve which has a number of world famous private concessions like Mala Mala, Sabi Sabi and Londelozi.

The removal of the fence between the two parks allows the animals to move around freely and the game viewing experience is just as in the Kruger National with one important difference. Because this reserve is privately held, off road game tracking is allowed which improves your chances of finding the elusive big cats, elephant, rhino, buffalo and wild dog to a large degree. They also make use of two way radios in each safari vehicle so that if one finds something noteworthy the others can be alerted.

The sand and sabi rivers which bisect the reserve provide the focal point which attracts the wildlife to the area especially in the dry season.

So viewing the big cats on a South Africa safari here is virtually guaranteed and the accommodation is some of the best in the world as illustrated by the Singita lodge which was the first and only accommodation in the history of the Conde Nast Gold List Reader Poll to get a perfect 100 score, an honour it has held for three years. There are about thirty different top class lodges situated in the reserve.

But this all comes at a price and unless you have reasonably deep pockets this fantastic reserve will be out of reach which is why it doesn’t get the Nr one ranking for South Africa safari national parks and reserves.

3. Hluhluwe Umfolozi NP

If you want to see the endangered black and white rhinos in the wild then this is the park to head for because this is where the inexorable tide to extinction for the white rhino in Southern Africa was stemmed.

It now boasts the largest population of white rhino in the world numbering over 1600 and also a slowly increasing population of black rhino at just over 400.

On a South Africa safari here you will also be able to see lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and cheetah in this park and more than 400 bird species have been recorded. Due to the large number of resident elephants you might have some close encounters with them on the roads as they cross in front of you.

You can go for a daily walk in the park in the company of an armed ranger or you can do a several day extended hike in the southern umfolozi portion.

4. Madikwe GR

This is a latter day Noah’s ark story because most of the wildlife contained in this park was relocated here from other areas in 1991.

Twenty seven different species amounting to over 10 000 head of game were re-introduced into this area where they once thrived but had disappeared because of hunting and habitat destruction.

A huge advantage of taking a South Africa safari in this park is that it is not situated in a malaria area so you don’t have to bother about taking malaria tablets as you do in most other reserves.

All of the big five are on view here as well as cheetah and the rare wild dog packs which are the stars of the show here being regularly sighted patrolling their huge territories. Your chances of seeing them seem to be better here than most other parks.

Rare antelope like the eland, gemsbok and sable put in an appearance here too and you will be able to enjoy your wildlife viewing in relative peace and isolation because not many tourists know about this excellent game reserve.

5. Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

The locals know that this is an excellent game park and it falls into that “best kept secret” category that each country seems to have where for some unknown reason a reserve doesn’t get the notice from tourists and safari companies that it deserves.

Maybe it’s because this reserve is set in the Kalahari desert and people don’t normally associate deserts with lots of wildlife but there are always exceptions to the rule and this South Africa safari park qualifies.

You can see some pretty specialised and very interesting game here such as the gemsbok antelope which can go for months without water, springbok, blue wildebeest, eland and red hartebeest.

And wherever there is a good supply of antelope, the predators are never far away such as the black maned lions which this area has a disproportionate supply off, leopard and cheetah which can make full use of the wide open spaces to chase their prey at top speed.

The meerkat (suricate) is also regularly seen here and bat eared foxes contribute to the scavenging duties.

This South Africa park is famous for birds of prey such as the pygmy falcon and the sociable weaver which builds nests which are the bird equivalent of apartment blocks that are sometimes so big they break the branches they rest on.

About the Author

There are hundreds of companies offering safari trips to South Africa. This Top Three safari in South Africa operators list helps you choose effectively between them.

South Africa safari trip reports give you a great idea of what to expect from a trip like this.

Travel Insurance Bargains for Brits
Author: Steve Cogger

If you’re traveling in the UK, or a UK citizen traveling elsewhere, you have many options including full year travel insurance. While the occasional traveler such as a vacationer may not find full year travel insurance preferable to the one-trip options, business travelers or other frequent travelers may opt for full year travel insurance as the best time saving and money saving choice.

UK travel insurance options, in addition to full year UK travel insurance coverage, are numerous: one-trip or multiple-trip plans, extended stay, business travel plans, several designed especially for family travel, and even one that’s focused on the needs of backpacking travelers.

With just about every plan lost luggage coverage can be included or deleted a la carte, since travelers may find that this protection is included in their homeowners’ policy. Full year UK travel insurance, as well as one or multiple trip options, also includes medical coverage while participating in most sports, although you sometimes must choose this option for the coverage.

Instant quotes are available online. On one informative UK site your instant quote is given individually for your choice of single trip, annual (also known as multiple trip) or backpacker.

Let’s take a look at the full year UK travel insurance quote.

For this quote you are asked to register and then choose destinations. The destination choices for this full year UK travel insurance plan are for travel specific to the UK, travel within all of Europe, travel worldwide with the exception of the United States and the Caribbean, word travel that includes the U.S. and the Caribbean, or travel in Australia and/or New Zealand. We indicated that we are a couple - 45 and 43 years of age - with no children under 19 accompanying us, that we are traveling throughout all of Europe starting September 1st of 2005, and that we are going to participate in winter sports.

The quotes, converted from British pounds to U.S. dollars, ranged between $92 and $255, depending on the extent of coverage. At the low end of the full year UK travel insurance coverage we found lower ceilings on medical coverage. These quotes also excluded lost baggage coverage and some sports coverage. An accident during a round of golf, for example, was not included in this quote.

The highest premium full year UK travel insurance product, offered an amazingly high ceiling on medical coverage - over $17 million -included compensation for any loss of limbs, dental coverage, mountain search and rescue and repatriation for medical emergency.

Clearly, if you seek full year UK travel insurance, you’ll find many options and something that will fit your wallet.

About the Author

Steve Cogger is webmaster of the 1 Happy Traveller website. Visit the site today to receive all of the information on travel insurance you could possibly need.

Living and Retiring in Panama: The New Expatriate Haven
Author: Phillip Townsend

Inexpensive real estate, a low cost of living, breathtaking scenery and world-class perks should put Panama at the top of your list if you’re considering a life outside of your country.

Home to Central America’s most vibrant and attractive capital (Panama City), Panama is slightly larger than the state of Florida. Bordered by the Caribbean Seas and the Pacific Ocean, it is one of those places that can seduce you through its sheer natural beauty. The seemingly endless stretches of picturesque coastline, lush green valleys, near-perfect weather and friendly people make it one of the most livable places in the world. If you like Florida, the Caribbean and South America, you’ll love Panama.

Outside of its scenic charms, Panama is one of the best places anywhere for expatriate and retirees today, offering one of the world’s best discount programs for retirees. AARP rated Panama “the fourth best retirement place in the world.”

When stacked up against traditional retirement havens such as Mexico, Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic, Panama has more amenities, lower costs and less crime, red tape and government interference.

In addition, Panama has put together an impressive list of incentives to attract newcomers. For example:

Expatriates who buy or build a new home won’t be liable for any property taxes for 20 years.

Residents pay no taxes on foreign-earned income (including business proceeds, Social Security or pensions).

Investments in the tourism industry are exempt from import duties, construction materials and equipment costs, and income, real estate and other taxes for a period of 20 years.

The pensionado program
You don’t need to be retired to qualify for the program (anyone over 18 may apply for benefits). The only requirement is a guaranteed income of $500 per month ($600 for a couple). It must be a pension from a company or government agency (e.g. Social Security, disability, military pay, etc.).

After becoming a Panamanian resident “pensioner,” you are immediately eligible for the most comprehensive program of expatriate benefits in the world, including:

50% off entertainment anywhere in the country (movies, theaters, concerts, sporting events, etc.)

50% off hotel stays Monday through Thursday, 30% off Friday through Sunday

50% off closing costs for home mortgages

30% off public transportation (bus, boat, and train fares)

25% off airfare for domestic travel

25% off restaurant meals

20% off professional and technical services (home utilities, etc.)

20% off doctor’s visits

15% off hospital bills (if you don’t have insurance coverage)

15% off fast-food eateries

15% off dental and eye exams

10% off prescriptions

Other perks of life in Panama:

Panama City is only a 2½-hour flight from Miami.

The US dollar is the de facto official currency in Panama.

Spanish is the official language, but English is widely spoken and understood in major cities.

Right now, the three best places to purchase real estate in Panama are Panama City, the capital which boasts First-world infrastructure and is home to virtually every large American brand-name chain; Boquette, a scenic and growing expatriate hideaway in Panama’s mountainous region; and the Pearl Islands, a chain of over 90 islands and 130 islets in the Caribbean.

For more information about Panama, visit: www.thegloballife.net.

About the Author

Phillip Townsend is the author of Living & Retiring in Panama, an e-Report available at: www.thegloballife.net

World Cruise - a Relaxing Experience
by: Colin Hartness

Have you ever thought what it would be like to just relax quietly under the sun and at sea-no hustling or bustling, far away from the madding crowds in a casual attire and in clean air and just a small group of likeminded people as company? You are on a World Cruise- around the world, Australia and New Zealand, the Orient, South America, South Pacific, Asia, Europe and the Mediterranean. The ships are equipped with spacious, well-furnished cabins with private facilities having a well-upholstered lounge, a library, good deck space and a small pool. The fares typically range from $70 to $130 a day and the world cruise is for duration from about four to ten weeks, but some are two to three weeks and some are longer.

With World Cruise, you cover 27 nations on five continents. You navigate through the French Polynesia, Great Barrier Reef of Australia, glacier carved fjords of New Zealand, enchanted China’s landscapes and the forbidden palaces. You pay a visit to bazaars in Hong Kong and the buddhas in Bangkok, the colonial and modern blend in Singapore. Enjoy exploring Delhi, Jaipur or the Taj Mahal at Agra and the tombs and temples under the ruling King times. The World Cruise even takes you to Antartica -the ultimate destination. It sure is a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience the grandeur of Rome, the glory of Rome through the warm waters of the equatorial Atlantic.

Taking the world cruise will be the most memorable vacation you have ever undertaken. You would cherish this experience for the rest of your life where you learn about history or diverse cultures the world over or simply unwind yourself. World cruises provide American customers a service of a lifetime-delicious meals, sightseeing, and entertainment combined with a relaxed friendly atmosphere-value for money as you may understand. Now you can sail in style and comfort- Volga river, Moscow canal, Volga/Baltic canal, the Svir River, the Rybinski Reservoir, Lake Ladoga, Lake Onega, and the Neva River. You will certainly be the envy of the Byzantine Emperors as you travel the legendary route between Scandinavia to Kiev and the Black Sea until you reach Dnieper River. Great works of art-’the Panorama of the Sevastopal Battle’ and you can also visit the room where Roosevelt, Churchill and Stalin signed the Yalta Treaty in 1945.

Age is no constraint to take the World Cruise-whether you are 79 or reaching 80, you are welcome aboard. Of course, if you are under 13 the insurance companies might restrict your entry into the cruise. A month prior to departure, you will receive the boarding information along with the ticket package. You may receive a mailing list with port agent addresses with your ticket package-so you can be in touch with your family and friends while sailing. The only change you can expect is the change in the boarding date. However, you may not know the actual time of boarding until the day before or day of boarding.

Do not forget to carry cash, US currency only. Personal checks, traveler checks and credit cards are unacceptable. For you to undertake the world cruise emergency medical/evacuation is necessary. This covers you medically in foreign ports and allows you to avail medical treatment in case of illness. Mostly if you are over 65 years, it is obligatory to have a medical certificate within ninety days of sailing. You need not worry about canceling your trip due to covered reasons as you are covered for it too under trip cancellation/interruption insurance.

About The Author

Looking for information about cruises? Go to:
http://www.whatcruises.com
‘What Cruises’ is published by Colin Hartness
- An excellent resource for Cruises!

Vacation In Comfort With Kids

by: David Leonhardt

It takes a special person to travel with kids – a parent. Children have their own needs. Their idea of a vacation is more “adventurous” than a parent’s. They need constant stimulation and they can get as tired as they are tiring.

There are many top ten type lists of tips for traveling with children: how to ensure they eat well and drink enough, how to dress them for weather variances, how to provide the stimulation they need, how to make sure they don’t drive off with the family car and leave you stranded in the Mojave Desert, etc.

This list is how to travel in comfort – without tying the children to the roof rack – which hopefully will reduce your stress.

Make sure you have plenty of room while traveling.

This is easier said than done. On a plane, everybody is cramped. On a train, everybody is cramped, although a little less so. On a bicycle… don’t even try it.

If you are driving, get a mini-van. Sure, you might be more of a “car” type, and you might have resisted buying a mini-van so far. But pick up a rental van for the vacation just to give the kids a little more room for fighting. (Make sure it has a roof rack, just in case.)

Reality check: Cram enough people into a tiny space and watch everybody get stressed and enraged. See my humorous but true article on hippo rage: http://www.thehappyguy.com/hippo-rage.html .

Accommodations along the way can be tricky. Usually it involves a cramped motel for just long enough to sleep, then back in the cramped car (or somewhat cramped mini-van). This is not anybody’s idea of a home away from home.

An accommodation alternative is to camp. When not sleeping, you have all the space in the world (unless you have to huddle under the tarp while the storm passes through). I love camping, but not everyone enjoys a good early morning wake-up wrestle with a grizzly as much as I do, so a motel might be required.

Make sure you have plenty of room when you “get there".

My childhood vacations, often involved wandering around lost. Assuming you are actually heading for a destination, make sure to have lots of room when you get there. This part is easy. But it requires thinking outside the box. Forget hotels, motels, and inns. Look for private rental homes.

Probably the biggest destination for families is Walt Disney World in Florida. Good news – Orlando, Kissimmee and the surrounding area is just teeming with private vacation homes for rent. In Florida they call them vacation villas, and they offer all the space of home (without having to fix a leaky sink or oil the door hinges or mow the lawn.) Here are some examples of vacation home rentals in the Disney area: http://www.lastminutevillas.net/Disney-vacation.html.

Sharon Baillie is a private villa owner in the Kissimmee area outside Orlando, just a few miles from Disney World. “Our guests enjoy the spaciousness of our 6-bedroom home ( http://www.lastminutevillas.net/new5beda1pg1.html ). They love the private pool and the private yard in which they can relax,” she says. “Parents love the space for children to run around outside, and we leave a box of toys in the garage. So while the parents rest, the children play – and let their parents rest!”

Be prepared for “children being children” events.

Sometimes, stress hits you from behind when the unexpected happens. Like a cut or a scrape … or a child getting sick. Sharon Baillie told me that is why she tells all her villa rental guests where the first aid kit can be found, and exactly where to go for medical attention. This is particularly helpful for her many guests from abroad who are unfamiliar with the US healthcare system.

She also makes sure her guests are informed about local pollen and viruses in Florida, so that parents can be prepared. Stress is so much more enjoyable when you are prepared for it, don’t you think?

Booking tickets to theme parks and making reservations for just about everything in advance, makes the trip less stressful. There is little more difficult than managing young children while trying to get into a theme park or show that requires prior booking.

And to prevent wandering around lost, pick up a AAA Triptik in advance – not that it ever helped us.

Try having your children baby-sat. This might mean bringing along a nanny, such as a grand parent (It’s a tough job, but somebody has to do it.). The car might be more crowded, but if you’ve rented a spacious home for the week, it could just be doable. The other option is to hire a local baby-sitter once or twice. Vacation Home owners can set this up for you, and some hotels might be willing to, too.

When you are single, you can go on adventure vacations. When you are a parent, you get vacation adventures. Here are three of mine: http://www.thehappyguy.com/family-vacation-adventure.html

So there you have it. Three ways to reduce the stress of traveling with kids, so you can actually relax on vacation. After all, isn’t that what vacations are supposed to be about?

About The Author

David Leonhardt is a freelance writer, and an online and offline publicity specialist. Contact him at:
mailto:info@thehappyguy.com
or visit his website at:
http://www.thehappyguy.com
For Florida vacation villa rentals:
http://www.lastminutevillas.net
For Orlando vacation home rentals:
http://www.orlandovillaowners.com
Info@TheHappyGuy.com

Enjoying Your Vacation in an RV
by: Jim Schneider

Traveling in a Recreational Vehicle is, by most accounts, a fun, relaxing and enjoyable time to create some incredible stories that your grandchildren will someday enjoy. Here are few myths and truths about vacationing in a recreational vehicle.

Myth: Getting your own RV and using it for trips and vacations will save you money. Sorry, but by the time you buy/lease/rent your RV, you probably could have flown first class and stayed at 4-star hotels. There may be exceptions such as an inexpensive tent trailer or used slide in camper for your pickup, but for the most part the extra cost and expenses (gas, insurance, etc) usually are more than any savings which you may have.

Truth: RV’ing is fun! Getting the chance to see more of the country and being in a relaxed mode can make your trip or vacation way more enjoyable experience.

Truth: Your family bonds will strengthen. This certainly has been true for me. Since everyone should be involved in the decisions, a feeling of teamwork and togetherness is enhanced.

Myth: Your family bonds will strengthen. Unfortunately, discord can happen if not all traveling members are on the same page. Did one member of the family really just want to go to Disneyland and back while the others preferred the more leisure approach? It’s best to work these issues out in advance.

Myth: There’s no planning involved. Unless you have more time on your hands than most, RVing requires just as much planning as any other vacation would. There is nothing more frustrating than pulling into an RV park late in the day with no reservations only to find them full. There is a ‘freedom from worry’ idea that RV merchants will promote that is, to say the least, overstated.

Myth: Since you are on your own schedule, nothing can spoil the trip. Unfortunately, there are plenty of things that can go wrong. In addition to the possibility of vehicle problems (engine, transmission, etc), there are numerous systems that may cause delays or, worse, cancellations of your plans. These include your water, electrical, heating/cooling and other that may cause you problems. The best solution is to become familiar with your RV before you embark on a long trip. That investment in time will pay off handsomely.

Truth: You have more control over your trip. While things can go wrong, they usually don’t. The result is that your trip will probably go as expected and you aren’t subject to airline delays, lost hotel reservations and other things over which you have no control.

Truth: There is a certain comfort in knowing that the bed you sleep in tonight will be yours. Maybe it’s not the luxurious mattress you have at home, but it’s yours and you are familiar with it. Of course, the same things applies to other personal items as well. In many ways it’s like taking an abbreviated version of your own home with you. Personally, I sleep better in my RV than I ever have in a hotel.

Personally, I love travelling in an RV. If I had to state just one thing that makes it my favorite way to vacation, it’s knowing that, while I may be travelling to unfamiliar areas, I’ve got my ‘home’ with me.

About The Author

Jim Schneider is the newsletter editor for http://www.dudevacation.com which is the premier vacation resource on the internet. You can see all of the archived articles over at http://www.dudevacation.com/newsletters

Submit Your Article by going to: http://www.dudevacation.com/newsletters/

Vacation Homes Are Becoming A Reality For More Homeowners

by: W. Troy Swezey

Whether it’s a lakefront cottage or a log cabin in the woods, a vacation home often seems to be a dream that only the wealthy can afford. But these days, you don’t have to be a millionaire to own one.

A nationwide survey shows the median household income of second-home owners is $46,500. With today’s continued low interest rates, the tax advantages a second home can bring, and a wide selection of areas experiencing solid home price appreciation, this is an excellent time to consider purchasing a second home as an investment – and a great getaway place.

When searching for your second home, remember to investigate the area thoroughly. Ask a Realtor® and the local chamber of commerce to provide information packets, maps and brochures. Take time to visit the area several times – a few months prior to and during its peak season(s). Are the crowds unbearable? Is the weather unpredictable?

Speak with a local Realtor regarding current and past home prices. Knowing the area’s sales history will help determine the market value of the homes and effectively predict their appreciation potential.

Once you’ve settled on a community, work with a Realtor and lending institution to determine how much home you can afford. Drive around the town and its neighborhoods. Experience the day-to-day activity around potential properties. Keep in mind you may decide to retire to the area one day. Will the property serve two purposes – that of vacation and retirement home? More and more Americans are purchasing vacation properties in areas where they plan to eventually retire.

Remember, vacation homes remain a good investment and provide substantial deductions on yearly tax forms if they meet certain criteria. As the laws are ever-changing, complex and detailed, consult your real estate agent, who will usually work with a tax attorney or certified accountant, to calculate the tax benefits of owning a second home.

Relaxing in your own home in that dream vacation spot is not out of your reach. More and more Americans are realizing that owning a vacation home is do-able – not to mention a good investment and a peaceful retreat for years to come.

About The Author

W. Troy Swezey is the author of “VACATION HOMES ARE BECOMING A REALITY FOR MORE HOMEOWNERS.” As a Realtor at Century 21 Paul & Associates, he has helped many individuals with their real estate needs. Visit his web site to download his free e-book, “REAL ESTATE SECRETS EXPOSED.” http://www.TroyIsMyRealtor.com or mail to: TroyC21@usa.net

Tropical Vacations Introduce You to Nature’s Glory

by: Lori Wilkerson

A tropical vacation usually evokes images of images of sultry summer days lounging on the beach and soft breezes caressing you in the evenings while you sip a drink in the evenings. There are so many wonderful tropical vacation packages that give you just that in Mexico, but if you’d like to take it to the next level, consider traveling to the interior as well and experience the full spectrum of nature’s glory. Tropical also means exotic plants, gorgeous birds and chattering monkeys, mountain cliffs and amazing wildlife!

Jungle and Tropical Rainforest Vacations

Ecotourism is one of the most incredible adventures you can embark on in Mexico and other tropical areas of the world. These eco adventures give you the opportunity to see and hear things you would never be able to experience outside of a zoo or museum. In tropical regions of the world there are jungles and rain forests that shelter an amazing array of plants and animals that are colorful, unique and exotic.

Traveling with an experienced guide through the interior of a rainforest or jungle will bring you into a world where time has stood still for thousands of years. Imagine trekking along a stretch of sandy beach your first day, then heading spending the next few days in a rainforest where brilliantly plumed parrots fly overhead, calling to one another and flashing feathers of emerald, ruby and gold. The chatter of monkeys as they swing overhead will delight your group as your guide explains the delicate balance of Mexico’s ecosystem.

There are coral reefs to explore, natural springs and underwater rivers with stunning rock formations and always the crystalline waters of the Caribbean Sea.

In the evenings you’ll view glorious sunsets from atop majestic Mayan ruins or high natural ridges, all part of the protected heritage of the Mexican people. The warm breezes will sweep away the humidity of your jungle day as you relax with your small group of fellow travelers, suspended in time under a brilliant blanket of stars.

Challenge Yourself in the Tropics

If you’re up to something a bit more physical, tropical vacations offer a vast range of topographies for every activity from mountain biking to scuba diving. The mountains of the Yucatan Peninsula offer extremely challenging mountain biking trails and hiking opportunities for solo or group trekking.

Check out some of the stunning vistas you can see from various mountain locations, including views of several of the largest volcanoes in Mexico like Pico De Orizaba, Iztaccihuatl and the still active Popcateptl (which erupted spectacularly less then ten years ago, causing the evacuation of two villages). Near Mexico City you can visit the Pyramids of Teotihuacan, another spectacular example of early Mayan culture.

If you’re a fan of scuba diving, there’s nothing more exhilarating than a tropical vacation for scuba. Cancun offers a variety of packages for exceptional open water diving and cave or cavern diving. Even experienced scuba divers agree that there’s always something new to discover in the elaborate underwater caverns along the tropical beaches of the Mexican shore.

Did you know that the second largest coral reef in the world, the Great Belize Coral Reef, is in Mexico? This tropical reef system stretches from Playa del Carmen to the Gulf of Hondoras and is a paradise of stunning plants and fish that can be explored by scuba divers and snorkelers alike. Your whole family will be enchanted by the flashes of rainbow color darting through the diamond-clear waters of this vast expanse of one of the world’s most beautiful ecosystems.

Soaking Up the Atmosphere

Tropical means warm days, warm nights and plenty of sunshine, and on tropical vacations you expect plenty of both. In Mexico you’ll find them – the average temperature is 85º in the daytime and in the 70’s at night, with warm rains of short duration only occasionally interrupting the mornings. Warm breezes keep things comfortable year-round and the sunsets are always spectacular!

And tropical means atmosphere…it’s that special combination of warm weather, sandy beaches, exotic locale and that indefinable something extra that comes from the people. The Mexican people are friendly, generous and family oriented. You’ll discover that shops are closed for lunch breaks and that Friday afternoons are made for relaxing.

Don’t be afraid to strike up conversations and make new friends; the mood is relaxed when you take a tropical vacation. There’s no fussy dress code and you’ll never have to put on a necktie or suffer through an evening in stockings and high heels (unless you want to!). Casual is the standard when you’re on a tropical vacation – even for dinner, you’re fine in a polo shirt and sandals are encouraged. This is a vacation, after all! And kids are welcome everywhere!

It’s a tropical pace that encourages taking full advantage of the simple joys of walking on the beach, sampling fresh seafood, bartering in the local marketplace and sipping a Sea Breeze in the evening with your spouse while the sun goes down over the waves in a blaze of oranges, reds and golds.

The beaches stretch for miles with the finest white sands in the world and new and unusual sea shells washing ashore with every wave that gently laps the shore. Palm trees stir in the breeze, adding the quiet rustle of their leaves to the winds and providing shade for the many hammocks you’ll find strung between them.

Time loses meaning in the Tropics

The sound of pounding surf and the cry of seagulls overhead will lull you into a relaxing sense of peace as you realize there’s nowhere you have to be, nowhere to rush off to, because in tropical Mexico, no one operates by their watches. It’s free and easy, based purely on what you want to do and when you feel like doing it. Doesn’t that sound good for a change?

So for the ultimate in relaxation or adventure, a tropical vacation has it all – sunsets, warm breezes, natural beauty, adventure, friendship, and incredible, lush beauty. Go somewhere tropical for your next family vacation – you’ll never want to go anywhere else!

About The Author

Lori Wilkerson is a full-time freelance writer who loves her job because it gives her the opportunity to learn more about the world every day. Right now, she knows a little bit about almost everything, and a lot about beach vacations, family vacations, and mexico vacations. Lori once led a Conga line to the tune, “Hot, Hot, Hot,” throughout an entire cruise ship sailing to Nassau.

www.beach-vacations-4u.com

(True story!)

cbmacgregor@shaw.ca

Dare to Dream: The Vacation of a Lifetime In A Timeshare

by: Dana Randolph

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!

© Copyright 2004 by Dana Randolph. All rights reserved.

About The Author

Dana Randolph
Looking for information about timeshares? Go to http://www.atimesharesz.com. A Timeshares Z is a timeshares and vacation, resort and condo rentals and resales directory.

webmaster@atimesharesz.com

Avoid Information Overload When Searching For Airline Tickets

by: Auckland Alvin Semper Jr

No more information overload on travel!

The importance of avoiding information overload when searching for the cheapest airline tickets online cannot be stressed enough theses days. This article will explain how you should take your time and do your research to be able to cherry pick your way through.

What we Internet surfers don’t seem to understand is that there are millions of travel sites out there claiming they have access to the lowest airfares. When its time to book your travel plans the first thing we think about is our budget (for those of us who have a budget). Most travelers don’t want to pay more than they have to because they still need money when they get to where ever the destination is and the more the better..right!

We all want the cheap flights that are enjoyable, not too many stops, with food and entertainment, frequent flyer miles, plenty of leg and elbow room…all for the lowest and cheapest price you can afford….now that would be perfect dude! Well dream on, unless youre rich.

To avoid information overload and your bottom sticking to the chair, you start with online sites that not only give their prices but also let you compare with others. Narrow these sites down to sites that don’t waste your time by having access to just a few special airfares only when the airlines say they have deals. Everybody has a search engine for available published airfares, but the best sites consistently offer specially worked out deals available only to their customers….now thats what I am talking about maan…..

You have to find a small group of sites that can be searched on a regular basis…be persistent and start checking for deals at least a month in advance to be able to take advantage of 7-21 day advanced purchase requirements. How about sites that have done the research for you and also provide all the information you need for traveling….I call these sites “travel portals” and boy do they save you time, not to mention stress.

Some travel portals list too many sites and its like your starting all over again. They list any site that would pay commissions instead of researching and listing those that actually have low airfares consistently, so try and avoid these kinds of cluttered travel portals at all costs…they are still wasting your time.

Searching for cheap airfares does not have to be an adventure. Finding and using travel portals should get you what you need without the sales pitch. Most of us have a budget and don’t want to feel like we could have paid much less…if an airfare is out there, travel portals will help you find it……Happy Traveling!

About The Author

Auckland Semper is a syndicated travel expert and former travel agent. Visit his travel portal at http://www.thelowestpricelist.com/cheap-airfares.html –Free travel tips, advise and information on cheap airline tickets and vacations.

Planning Your Dream Vacation

by: Lindsey Storia

Planning a vacation is a very important part of any vacation. It ensures that a vacation can be successful and enjoyable, and hopefully goes a long way to avoiding snags and hang ups. Vacation organization is something that once you do it once, you can do it fore vacations to come. To begin I will point out some tips that will hopefully help you in your quest to organize your vacation and/or trip.

Being prepared will ideally save you time and save you money. Keeping a duplicate of your packing list on the computer should help reduce the time it takes you to rework one every time you go on a vacation. Buying things you might need on the trip ahead of time will save you big bucks that might otherwise be spent on the trip. In such situations, it almost always costs more. There should be no need to feel stressed in the airport if everything you need is arranged and prepared.

Setting up is a major issue in vacation organizing. Create a general of things you plan to do before setting out. Write out times, hotel check-in and check-out dates and times, and perhaps a list of actions for each day you travel. Ideally, this will help make sure that you have plenty of time to visit everywhere you desire. What’s a vacation if you have no time to relax?

Also, plan out routes. Check out your local ‘AAA’ store for maps and go online to a map site if it might help. The last thing you want is to be lost in a place you don’t know well or at all on your vacation.

When packing suitcases, set things you require first on the top. Items should be things such as shoes and cosmetics. When you are fatigued from a lengthy trip, you are likely not going to desire to have to go rooting through bags to locate your pajamas. Also when getting packed, try thinking of the activities you will be performing while on the trip. Planning on hiking? Probably bring some hiking shoes and matching apparel.

After packing, take an inventory and match it with the checklist you started with. After ensuring that you have everything and that it is all ready to go, give yourself an opportunity to relax. So travel safely and have a trip that you will remember for the rest of your life. Happy organizing!

About The Author

Lindsey Storia is the Webmaster of FieldTravel.com.

Visit her site at http://www.fieldtravel.com.

lindsey@fieldtravel.com

Top Ten Reasons To Pick A Vacation Rental

by: David Leonhardt

We are planning a family trip for just a few days. That is my family, my brother’s family, and my other brother’s family. Our mother will be joining us, too. That makes four households, seven adults and six children all under three years old. Praise to my brave (foolish?) wife who has somehow volunteered to coordinate the arrangements.

Even reserving months in advance, we were unable to get four rooms adjoining at the motel, all with the right view and on the right level. If we were going for longer, we would probably rent a house as we have done before. There are vacation rentals in almost every corner of the world, but they are particularly common in high-tourist areas like Florida, California and the Mediterranean countries.

Here is my top ten list of why a family should pick a vacation rental (and specifically a vacation rental home):

1. Not toiling to find ideal, adjoining rooms.

2. Everybody gets privacy, without having to worry about where the kids are.

3. You don’t have to share the common area with strangers, but you can still lounge around together.

4. More than one bathroom. Need I say more?

5. Lots and lots and lots of more room. This is usually the main selling feature.

6. Private pool, in most cases. “Great to swim with the sound of insects….fortunately outside the ‘cage’", wrote one visitor in the guestbook of Lesley & Gerry’s villa. http://www.lastminutevillas.net/villa/?villa_id=15&x=21&y=7

7. Usually cost less than hotels.

8. Store cold drinks, ice creams, fresh fruit or any other snacks you fancy, which is a huge cost saver, suggests villa owner Christine Creasy. And a great convenience, too. http://www.lastminutevillas.net/villa/?villa_id=65&x=26&y=7

9. Barbecue any time you want. You can still eat out, but you don’t HAVE to.

10. You don’t have to take home several weeks’ supply of dirty laundry.

There you have it. My top ten reasons to choose a vacation rental. I’ve written before on the benefits of renting private accommodations:

http://www.lastminutevillas.net/villa-hotel.html

Of course, I still prefer a tent in a wilderness park, but I might have some difficulty convincing my mother to join us there.

About The Author

David Leonhardt is a freelance writer.
Visit his happiness website at:
http://www.thehappyguy.com
For Florida vacation villa rentals:
http://www.lastminutevillas.net .
For Orlando vacation home rentals:
http://www.orlandovillaowners.com
Info@thehappyguy.com

Mexico’s Riviera Maya: The New Caribbean Vacation Hotspot

by: Barry deCocq

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.

About The Author

Barry deCocq is a co-owner and managing director of Tropical Sands Vacations (http://www.tropicalSands.com), a discount Mexico and Caribbean travel brokerage specializing in all-inclusive resorts. Contact at info@tropicalsands.com.

Re-print rights:
Need content? You may use this article on your website, or in your newsletter. Include the following sentence: “Article by Barry deCocq of www.tropicalsands.com", with an active link to our web site at http://www.tropicalsands.com

Luxury Hotel Rooms At Lowest Prices For Top Holiday Destinations

by: Chloe Lim

Whether you like to spend your holidays in the snow, sand or seaside, you can find the best hotel deals in the most popular destinations of the world. Below are some of the most popular holiday destinations with links to book luxury hotel rooms at lowest prices.

Amsterdam

A confident mix of old and new, Amsterdam, capital city of The Netherlands, features beautiful 17th- and 18th-century buildings and boasts some world-class museums, most notably the Van Gogh Museum, and the Rijksmuseum, home to some of the world’s finest artworks, including those by famous Dutch artist Rembrandt. Nightlife in Amsterdam is as mixed as the city itself, with something for everyone’s tastes available. A trip to Amsterdam would not be complete without renting a bicycle (Holland has more bicycles than residents), or cruising down the canals by boat.

http://www.hotelclub.net/hotel.reservations/Amsterdam.htm

Barcelona

Barcelona is the Mediterranean metropolis of excellence and yet at the same time open to all cultural influences flowing in from beyond the Pyrenees. Its well-ordered and proportioned town grid has given it quarters of unrivalled beauty, such as the Gothic Quarter, Las Ramblas and the modernist Paseo de Gracia.

http://www.hotelclub.net/hotel.reservations/Barcelona.htm

Brussels

The capital of Belgium, Brussels, is a cosmopolitan city, with liveliness and an appeal that are intimately related to its role as a crossroads for all of Europe. The many aspects of Brussels are expressed in the four quarters of the city. The Lower Town, which extends from Manneken Pis via the Grand Place to the Botanique. The Royal District in the Upper Town occupies the area between the Warande and the Palace of Justice. In the North of the city lies the Heizel with the Atomium and Bruparck. Just outside the city centre visitors will find the Cinquantenaire park and the European District facet.

http://www.hotelclub.net/hotel.reservations/Brussels.htm

Edinburgh

Scotland’s capital Edinburgh, is perhaps the country’s most alluring city, it is a fascinating place with many historical and artistic treasures, a fantastic pub scene and scenery as beautiful as the Scottish highlands. Edinburgh Castle is a good place to start your exploration of the Scottish capital. The castle is beautiful, mysterious, romantic and a reminder of the city’s bloody past. Edinburgh’s Royal Mile is one of the world’s most captivating streets.

http://www.hotelclub.net/hotel.reservations/Edinburgh.htm

London

London, the capital city of England, is energetic, cosmopolitan, hectic, diverse and thrilling. It is the largest city in Europe, and is a mixture of wealth and poverty, of glitz and grime, of imposing buildings and elegant shops, of world-class theatre and incredible nightclubs. Sights not to be missed include the National Gallery, the Tate Gallery, the British Museum, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, and Covent Garden.

http://www.hotelclub.net/hotel.reservations/London.htm

Melbourne

Multicultural Melbourne is the second largest city in Australia behind Sydney. Located on the Yarra River at the mouth of Port Phillip Bay, Melbourne is a city of style, of Victorian architecture, of trams, of fashion, food, theatres, art galleries, and leafy gardens. It is a sport-mad city, which hosts events such as the Australian Tennis Open, the Australian Formula One Grand Prix, and the premier horse race, the race that ‘stops a nation,’ the Melbourne Cup. The “Great Ocean Road” is a popular drive for tourists and locals alike, acknowledged as one of the world’s most spectacular coastal drives, visitors can view the spectacular site of the Twelve Apostles.

http://www.hotelclub.net/hotel.reservations/Melbourne.htm

Paris

Paris is the economic, artistic, historic, and cultural capital of France. It is also deeply traditional, almost village-like and in parts, a dilapidated metropolis, which houses around 2 million people. The river Seine bisects the city, the Right Bank is home to the grand boulevards and most monumental buildings, many dating from Haussmann’s nineteenth-century redevelopment. The Left Bank has a noticeably different feel, it has an atmosphere of Bohemian, dissident, intellectual connotations, and it shows in Paris’ best range of bars and restaurants. The Eiffel Tower is Paris’ most famous and instantly recognizable landmark. The Champs-Elysees is the city’s most well-known boulevard. Elegant and broad, it links Place de la Concorde with the Arc de Triomphe.

http://www.hotelclub.net/hotel.reservations/Paris.htm

Prague

The capital Prague, largest city of the Czech Republic, and former capital of Czechoslovakia, is located on both banks of the Vltava River. Visitors are drawn to the ‘fairy tale’ characteristics of Prague, but this is only part of its lively blend of styles. Prague is unquestionably a city best explored on foot, the entire central area has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city centre is like an enormous open-air museum with an interesting mix of architectural innovation including Renaissance, Baroque, Gothic, Romanesque, Cubist and Art Nouveau styles.

http://www.hotelclub.net/hotel.reservations/Prague.htm

Rome

Rome combines a sense of living history with a bustling, lively capital city. It is endlessly fascinating, utterly compelling and a feast for the eye with fountains, churches, palaces and ancient monuments at every turn. From the awesome splendour of the Colosseum, the Sistine Chapel, the Pantheon, the Trevi fountain, the Spanish Steps, the Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica oozes romance and excitement.

http://www.hotelclub.net/hotel.reservations/Rome.htm

Stockholm

Visitors can experience the magic of age-old traditions, historical sites and breathtaking settings in practically every part of this unique country. The most popular tourist destination is the Swedish capital, Stockholm. The grand old city by the water is known for its unique wonders such as the Vasa Ship; its elegance and grandeur, typified by the Royal Palace and surrounds, and its wonderfully preserved Old Town, “Gamla Stan", with 13th-century roots, subterranean vaults, church spires and narrow, cobbled laneways.

http://www.hotelclub.net/hotel.reservations/Stockholm.htm

Sydney

Many visitors would be surprised to find that Sydney, it’s largest city, is not the capital of Australia. Built on the shores of the stunning Port Jackson, Sydney is one of the world’s landmark cities, and is also Australia’s oldest city. Sydney, the nation’s premier metropolis, mixes a flare for groundbreaking architecture, a love of the arts and high-powered commerce. The must-do’s on every visitors list include the Harbour Bridge, Opera House, Centrepoint Tower, The Rocks, Bondi Beach, Olympic Park Homebush better known as the site of the 2000 Olympic Games, and Darling Harbour.

http://www.hotelclub.net/hotel.reservations/Sydney.htm

Vienna

Located on a plain bordered by the Wienerwald and the Carpathian foothills, the Austrian capital, Vienna, is a cultural, industrial, commercial, and transportation centre. Vienna owes its spectacular architectural heritage to the Habsburg dynasty that controlled much of Europe for 600 years. Of special interest are the Hofburg, or Imperial Palace, with it’s 14th century Augustinian church, Imperial Apartments and Royal Chapel where the Vienna Boy’s Choir sing. Many of the world’s most important composers including Beethoven, Mozart, Schubert, Strauss and Mahler have lived and performed behind Vienna’s Baroque facades.

http://www.hotelclub.net/hotel.reservations/Vienna.htm

About The Author

Chloe Lim is a photographer and avid traveler. She travels extensively for work and family vacations. She is always on the lookout for bargain travel deals and discount luxury vacations.

This article is courtesy of http://www.hotelclub.net, you may freely reprint this article on your website or in your newsletter provided this courtesy notice and the author name and URL remain intact.

chloelim1@yahoo.com.au

Sweep Her Off Her Feet with a Last Minute Cruise!

by: Lori Wilkerson

Finding the perfect gift for the woman you love can be difficult, especially when the occasion warrants something really special. May we suggest surprising her with something that’s sure to delight her, something that she’ll never guess? Book a last minute cruise and whisk her away for a weekend or a week of romance on the high seas! It’s the ultimate vacation for two, and one she’ll remember for a lifetime.

In fact, a last minute cruise is the height of romance – a grand gesture that has everything that a great romance needs – sunshine filled days, moonlit nights, fine dining, dancing, pampering, glamour and exotic locales. Doesn’t it sound like the perfect gift for her?

There’s nothing as romantic as a cruise for those special moments

A cruise vacation is a great way to tell her you’d marry her all over again with three or more days of luxury, relaxation and pampering. And with last minute deals, you’ll have plenty left over to buy her something special at one of the great shops at your destination, whether it’s the Caribbean, Mexico or the South Pacific.

Thinking of proposing? Check into booking a last minute cruise, tell her to pack for a long weekend, and then sail into the sunset with her on a luxury liner. After a day of sunning on golden sandy beaches, snorkeling in pristine coastal waters and fabulous seafood, you can pop the question on the deck while a million stars reflect off cool waters.

Last minute booking means savings that you can use to set the scene perfectly. Chilled champagne, soft music, roses…whatever you want to make the evening special. Cruise ships are considered the height of luxury living for good reason – they cater to the wishes of every passenger, so let the captain know when boarding that this is going to be a special trip – he’ll be sure to see that everything is perfect for you!

Silver and golden anniversaries are also wonderful reasons to book a last minute cruise. If you’ve raised the children and have an empty nest, it’s even easier to get away for a sea voyage, and with the great discounts you can get by booking a last minute cruise, you can extend your trip to by several days for the same price. In fact, for the cost of what would normally be a three to four day cruise, you may be able to whisk your darling away for a week to ten days of ocean breezes, scrumptious food and wines and fabulous scenery!

Last minute cruise bargains surround you in luxury

There’s something so romantic about not worrying about your wallet when you’re romancing your fiancée or wife, isn’t there? With so many things to do on a cruise, the two of you will certainly want to try lots of things, and having saved so much on the cruise itself, you can splurge on some great extras. Some of the wonderful vacation activities you can enjoy together on these ultimate vacations aboard ship are:

* Fine dining in world-class restaurants
* Las Vegas style shows
* Gambling in the ship’s casinos
* Dancing to live bands
* Moonlight strolls around the deck
* Luxurious day spa treatments

The romance of just the right destination

The cruise is a vacation in itself, but the romance starts all over again when your ship docks at your destination. Whether you choose the Caribbean, Mexico or the South Pacific, you will discover that discounts abound on shore as well. These popular vacation spots offer fabulous deals from local artisans and crafters for you to take home with you.

Seafood and tasty local fare are inexpensive, exotic indulgences for both of you to share. Spend the afternoon wrapped up together in a hammock swinging in a tropical breeze under palm trees and you’ll realize that a last minute cruise may be the greatest getaway you can give your loved one – what’s more romantic than an unexpected, grand gesture wrapped in warm, salt breezes and golden sunsets and delivered in ultimate luxury?

Trying something you’ve never done before can be a powerful bonding experience, and any cruise vacation provides the ultimate choice of new activities to try. Snorkeling, parasailing, windsurfing, rock climbing and scuba are just a few activities that you could try as a couple that will become cherished memories.

How do I pull off a last minute cruise surprise?

Check out the destinations, rates and departures for several different cruises, and then get ready to move quickly. Booking last minute cruises can net you big vacation discounts, but the spaces available fill up quickly, so you should get in the mindset that you need to make a decision fairly quickly if you spot the perfect trip.

There are a few things you’ll want to take care of before you spring your romantic surprise on her so that she won’t have to spend the few weeks leading up to her departure worrying. Once you have a few dates picked out, put them on hold if possible and start making some phone calls:

* Contact her boss and explain that you would like to arrange a few of her vacation days if possible. Explain that it is a surprise and ask him or her to keep the secret.
* Talk to her best friend to find out if any appointments are necessary. Will she want a pedicure a few days before leaving? Set one up.
* Let her parents in on the secret as well, but swear them to secrecy, too.
* Arrange for any pet care needed, including boarding of dogs or cats if necessary.
* If you have children, make the arrangements for them to stay with their grandparents or friends and swear them to secrecy. This will be the toughest sell – kids have trouble with big secrets, but try!
* Check her date book – if she has made any appointments or plans that will need to be rearranged, call and explain that you are planning a surprise trip, and that she may be calling later to cancel at the last minute. This will soften the news when she does call later to cancel her appointments.
* Get ready for some romantic days and nights on your last minute cruise that you won’t soon forget!

About The Author

Lori Wilkerson is a full-time freelance writer who loves her job because it gives her the opportunity to learn more about the world every day. Right now, she knows a little bit about almost everything, and a lot about last minute cruise, cruise discounts, and cruise deals. Lori once led a Conga line to the tune, “Hot, Hot, Hot,” throughout an entire cruise ship sailing to Nassau. More cruise articles at www.discount-cruise.biz

(True story!)

alpinesprings@dccnet.com

How To Navigate the Bewildering Array of Internet Cruise Deals

by: John Williams

Why do people love cruises ? Why do so many cruise vacationers swear they wouldn’t go back to hotel vacations? Cruise travel represents a pinnacle of luxury. You travel around the world, or your chosen area, in cosseted pleasure.

Every whim gets catered for. Every time you’re hungry, food awaits. You go ashore to sightsee a new place, but return to your own bed every night. A floating hotel, travelling to a new location every day.

But how do you choose your cruise deal ? How do you know what’s good or bad ? Firstly, let’s look at the different types of cruises.

* Size

Ships range from city size (’000s of people) right down to small sailing vessels holding less than 10 people.

* Location

Your choice of ship might depend on location. If you’re cruising the Caribbean, you could try a sailing ship. If you want a world tour, you probably should go for something bigger ?

Some of the newer ships from the major cruise operators allow you to cruise the world in luxury. Their high-tech stabilizers mean your wine barely ripples, even in rough seas.

So for smaller cruises in benign weather e.g Caribbean or Med, you can choose large or small. For longer cruises, such as an Atlantic crossing, Arctic visit etc., you need a big ship.

* Price

Prices vary dramatically. Only a few years ago, cruises were an expensive luxury. Now prices fall within any vacation budget. In fact, all inclusive special cruise deals can be much cheaper than land-based vacations. For less than a 5* hotel, you can get 7-days all inclusive in a luxury location.

* Internet

How do you find these great deals ? As always, use the Internet. Sure, call your local travel agent, or respond to newspaper ads, but you’ll find the best deals online.

There’s only a limited number of cruise ships. So you’ll find exactly the same cabin standard, exactly the same food deal, for widely varying prices.

Try to narrow down your preferred location before starting. How long do you want to go for ? Then start searching the web. Try ‘cheap cruises deals’ for a search term, and see what comes up. Immediately, you’ll be faced with a bewildering array of choices.

Click on a few of these search results sites. Read some advice and info. Get an idea of prices to your preferred location.

When you’ve seen some deals you like. When you’ve seen at least three different deals to your preferred location. When you’re tempted to book right there & then. Stop !

Before you book, you must seperate the wheat from the chaff. That bewildering array’s about to become clear. Put the cruise company name into your search engine. Put the destination into the search engine. You’re looking for reviews. You’re looking for feedback from other people who’ve been with that cruise company. You’re looking for reviews about your destination.

Do this for each of your cruise vacation shortlist. Check there’s no hidden catches. Check price fully includes everything, and you won’t be stung for lots of onboard extras.

Follow these simple guidelines, and you’ll soon be embarking on the cruise of your dreams.

Discover valuable cruise information, advice and great special deals. Go to ==> http://www.cheapcruisesdeals.com/

About The Author

John Williams
© DigiLectual Inc. 2004
http://www.cheapcruisesdeals.com/
john@cheapcruisesdeals.com

Hotel Rooms Are Nightmares
by: David Leonhardt

Ever since I began working for that Florida vacation rentals website, I have been plagued by recurring nightmares. I am haunted at night by the spirits of hotel rooms past.

There was a time when I traveled quite a bit on business. Thankfully, I don’t hotels hop any more. But at night I float off to a hotel room far away in time…

The day’s work done, I phoned home to check up on the kids. It seems there was a shouting match going on in my absence. It sounded like Pandemonium was winning, but Total Bedlam was making some noise, too.

“Can you just quiet down a bit,” I said into the phone.

“YOU shut up,” I heard the man in the next room growl.

I chose to ignore him. “Come on guys. Can’t you just stop fighting for a minute?”

“I’ll show you what fighting means” I heard through the wall.

“Geeze. I can’t even here myself think,” I complained into the phone.

“Hey! I’ve had just about enough of you,” the guy on the other side of the wall screamed.

Suddenly I got very scared. I pictured a burly, six-foot-two weightlifter smashing his fist through the wall. I hung up the phone, wondering how thin the walls were.

Nothing happened. No fist. No smashed wall. No burly, six-foot-two weightlifter.

I decided to go downstairs for a stress-relief stroll. As I was closing my door, the man from the next room emerged.

Fortunately, he was no weightlifter.

I was about to ask him why he had shouted at me through the wall while I was trying to discipline my kids, when he called to me, “Hey you. I was on the phone with my wife. Why did you have to heckle me?”

All of a sudden, I knew how thin the walls were.

In fact, I discovered that hotel walls come in two thicknesses:

If you’re lucky, you get “Turn down the volume on your TV!” walls. If you are less fortunate, you get “Turn down the brightness on your TV!” walls.

Fortunately, hotel rooms are immaculately clean. It’s true. The sign says so. Just as long as you don’t look under the mattress to find a 1976 copy of Businessweek Magazine and theatre tickets to a 1982 showing of The Music Man.

I don’t know why hotels pretend to be so spotless. All that junk under the bed could be used as a marketing tool. “Stay at the Hilltop Hilton and join in our under-mattress-scavenger-hunt.”

If the hotels don’t catch on, sooner or later the motels will. They can turn anything into a sales pitch. Like, for example, “Color TV” (Ooooooohh.). And “Outdoor Pool” (I think the “outdoor” feature is a nice added touch, don’t you?) And how about “Free Parking” (which is really a way of saying, “You don’t have to park your car in your room.").

What worries me most about hotels is what they keep in the drawers. Did you ever notice there is always a bible in the drawer? Why?

When you buy a car, there is no bible in the glove compartment, although the road is where you need prayers the most.

When you dig for the prize at the bottom of the Cracker Jack box, it’s never a bible.

Even in hospitals, where a prayer might be all you have left, there is no bible in the drawer.

Only in hotels and on death row do bibles come as standard equipment.

And why just the Bible? I have had plenty of spare time to search for Torahs and Korans in hotel rooms, and I have never found any. Do Jews and Muslims not stay in hotels? What do they know that I don’t?

Fortunately, I don’t have to stay in hotels anymore. I don’t have to endure shadow-puppet shows from the guy on the other side of the wall. I don’t have to keep from reading over his shoulder. I don’t have worry about what he ate for dinner.

And I don’t have to listen to his snoring. I can enjoy my own nightmares in peace.

About The Author

David Leonhardt publishes The Happy Guy humor column:
http://www.thehappyguy.com/positive-thinking-free-ezine.html
And A Daily Dose of Happiness:
http://www.thehappyguy.com/daily-happiness-free-ezine.html
He also writes personal growth articles:
http://www.thehappyguy.com/self-actualization-articles.html
And sells liquid vitamins:
http://www.vitamin-supplements-store.net
Info@thehappyguy.com

Marital Bliss - Honeymoon Cruise
by: Colin Hartness

A Honeymoon Cruise as the name suggests offers a gateway to paradise for honeymooners away from the pressures of daily life and enjoy the bliss of togetherness. This provides an opportunity for you to start your married life in a state of togetherness by exploring the unknown and enjoying nature and life.

The Honeymoon cruise offers the comforts of a five star luxury and provides a period of unending excitement, adventure, the opportunity to get to know each other and enjoying life as nature had wanted it to be.

This is an ideal way to start a life of togetherness for fulfillment of one’s desires and daresay this is a golden getaway. The excitement of togetherness under the moonlit sky with the stars twinkling and the rustle of the water and the gentle breeze flowing from the sea is an experience, which will be etched in your memory for life.

The honeymoon cruise package usually includes:

1. Champagne and Strawberries in the Stateroom on embarkment
2. Canapés delivered to your cabin on the evening of your choice.
3. A special Honeymooner’s party
4. Honeymoon Photographs.
5. Champagne breakfast in bed

The following Honeymoon cruises satisfy the forever romantics and provide luxury unheard of:-

1. A Silver Sea Cruise is a love nest and provides Bed-breakfast, pre-dinner cocktails, a private verandah with canapés, complimentary Champagne and wine, a mini-bar stocked with the choicest of drinks to enhance your mood, delicious cuisine are the attractions of this Honeymoon Cruise.

2. Crystal Cruises are midsize luxury liners which provides all the above . Penthouses with personal butlers are also available at a nominal extra cost at this Honeymoon Cruise.

3. Wind Star Cruises offers everything you would have dreamt. This Honeymoon Cruise offers boats with which you sail away from ports at sunset and feel the exhilaration of cruising under white billowing sails. The spirited can go for scuba diving, kayaking, Windsailing, snorkeling etc.

4. Norwegian Cruise Line - The Norwegian Star is a specialty for romantic couples. Resort casual dining offers an alternative following a formal wedding at this Honeymoon Cruise. The destination is Hawaii (world’s most romantic destination) departing every Sunday and has a Wedding Chapel for intimate ceremonies and vow renewals.

The destination shall be of your choice depending upon your taste – be it the romantic hills, historical monuments, beaches, tropical rain forests etc. All the cruise ships offering a Honeymoon Cruise have exquisitely done suites, gyms, swimming pools, beauty parlors and casinos to pamper the cruiser and energize the mind, body and spirit.

About The Author

Looking for information about cruises?
Go to: http://www.whatcruises.com
‘What Cruises’ is published by Colin Hartness -
An excellent resource for Cruises!
Check out more cruise articles at: http://www.whatcruises.com/archive.

A Lifetime Cruise - Hawaiian Cruise - An Exotic Hawaiian Cruise Trip
by: Colin Hartness

Hawaiian Cruises are everyone*s dream cruise to the Hawaiian Islands on an exquisite ocean liner. Being pampered from dawn to dusk with exemplary cuisine, entertainment and fun for all that too for a moderate sum on a Hawaiian Cruise is definitely something out of the world. An increasing number of cruisers and liners are now regularly calling on the Hawaiian ports as also at the neighboring islands of Kaua*i, Maui, Kona and Hilo.

Hawaiian Islands, a cluster of 137, provide adventure - sports, relaxation and a new insight to oneself. The islands make one wonder whether you are at land or at sea.

Hawaiian Cruises transport you to a heavenly state. Because of the tropical latitude, the weather remains the same through most of the year. The eastern side has more rainfall while the western part is the dry land. Locals enjoy skiing and snowboard in the snow-covered areas of the Big Island.

The Hawaiian culture is very diverse and almost every nation*s culture is found here. Hence, any newcomer is automatically drawn into the Hawaiian culture, which is enjoyment and adventure. Honolulu is the capital city. It is believed that the first permanent inhabitants of this island had sailed in from the islands of Marquesas in the southern hemisphere between 300 and 800 A.D.

Hawaiian Cruises along the different yet distinct islands provide an insight into the uniqueness of each island. Hawaii Island is a big one with Kilauea crater, said to be the home of the fire Goddess, Pele. Maui, once the sole property of the royals, is famous for its exquisite swimming spots. The rainbows across the cliffs and waterfalls of Honolulu are nature*s splendor. In spite of the diversity the common thing of these islands is *aloha*, the spirit of welcoming.

World know Hawaiian people for their hospitality and riendliness. They can mingle easily and in no time have others dancing to their music and enjoying themselves thoroughly with their cuisine. The Hawaiian Cruise enables the visitors to participate in the Hawaiian culture. The vacationing people get unlimited happiness aboard the floating cruise liners and fabulous treatment for little fare.

U.S and Canadian citizens need both proofs of citizenship and identity to board Hawaiian Cruise. Proof of identity could be driving license, Government*s identification card and in case of children between ages 6 to 17, a school identity card is good enough. In addition to these, a valid passport to sail is also necessary. Permanent residents of the United States need to have on them their Alien Resident Card (ARC). In cases of children traveling without their parents, the legal guardian with them should possess the parent*s consent letter authorizing the minor to travel with the guardian, which is also important in case of emergency of any kind.

About The Author

Colin Hartness
Looking for information about cruises? Go to:
http://www.whatcruises.com
*What Cruises* is published by Colin Hartness -
An excellent resource for Cruises!

Fantastic Cruise Deals Abound at the Last Minute
by: Lori Wilkerson

Being a spur of the moment person has its advantages. It means you can “seize the day” and run with it, enjoying an opportunity when it comes your way. So the next time you’ve lined up your vacation time and decided you’re just going to drive to the nearest lake or maybe visit some relatives, keep an open mind and check in on the great online cruise deals that show up as you get closer to your vacation dates.

You may discover that as your vacation rolls around the deals are getting better and better, and you simply can’t pass up the opportunity to take advantage of the great offers out there. At first glance you may tell yourself that even with the reduced cost of a cruise you’re still paying more to go on a cruise than you are to drive to a popular lake resort of beachfront rental property, but the discounts on last minute cruises are great bargains because they’re all inclusive!

All-inclusive Means Savings on Entertainment and Meals

A cruise includes your entire trip, the accommodations, all of your meals (and the meals onboard ship are fantastic!), and all of the ship’s entertainment, from dancing to Vegas style shows. Compare that to your vacation and you’ll discover that by the time you add up your room, transportation, meals and entertainment expenses, the cruise deals that are available at the last minute just don’t compare to your routine vacation plans – the cruises are much better!

Think about the total relaxation factor – no trying to find a good restaurant or wondering if there’s anything decent in the way of entertainment. On a cruise vacation, everything’s right there, every night. Your vacation is filled with every kind of entertainment, relaxation and fine dining imaginable even before you get to your ports of call!

Some of the amenities found on the typical cruise ship – and available with last-minute cruise deals – include:

* Fine & casual dining
* 24-hour room service
* Swimming pool
* Fitness centers & spa facilities
* Day spa and beauty salon
* A variety of lounges and stages with world-class entertainment
* Casinos
* Duty-free gift shops

Is there a vacation anywhere that provides all of this in one location, all within walking distance, with gorgeous vistas of water and moonlight thrown in?

Finding Sizzling Hot Cruise Deals is Easy

How do you find fantastic cruise deals? The best way is to be flexible – keep in mind that there are several reasons that last minute berths open up on cruise ships. Most commonly, cruise ships simply don’t fill every one of their rooms on most cruises, and they understand that it makes more sense to offer these spaces at a discount than it does to leave these rooms empty. The level of service and amenities are exactly the same as that for passengers paying full price!

There are also sometimes last minute cancellations for whatever reason, and the cruise company will try to fill these rooms as well. After all, they had anticipated having these sales and when a cancellation comes through at the last minute, they will want to fill that spot.

Tips for Getting the Best Cruise Deals

You can compound your cruise savings by booking last minute deals during off-season times when the rates are lower to begin with or cruising to destinations that you find intriguing but have unusual departure dates. A few general guidelines for finding great last minute cruise deals are:

* Start watching about two months before your vacation, and check back often – special discounts are snapped up quickly.
* Be flexible – if you can shift your travel dates by a few days one way or the other you may be able to save even more.
* Be adventurous – if you see a fabulous deal on an exotic cruise to someplace you’ve never thought of but that sounds intriguing – go for it! This is the time to use the savings to invest in broadening your horizons.
* Online is the best and quickest way to stay informed – the Internet constantly updates information on cruise deals as cruise lines post available openings.
* Know what you’re looking for – there are so many kinds of cruises now available with different themes that it can be confusing. If you and your husband are going, don’t bother looking at singles cruises – the savings isn’t worth being surrounded by singles. But a cruise geared toward honeymooners might put a bit of spark back in your marriage, especially if you’re looking for an anniversary getaway!

Theme Cruises are the New Trend in Packaged Cruise Deals

You can find some great savings on theme cruises, a new trend for people with special interests or hobbies. Because these cruises cater to very specific tastes, the price of open spots can drop more quickly when they are discounted because they realize the chances of filling the spots may not be as high as for a general cruise.

So if you’re interested in a last minute cruise and also happen to be a food and wine connoisseur, you may be able to find a drastically discounted price on a Wine Tasting or Chef’s Taste of Cultures cruise, combining two interests and saving money at the same time.

There are also cruises that correspond with times of the year, such as foliage cruises or whale watching cruises that may offer special savings if they have cancellations since these are only offered during small windows in time. If you happen to hit one of these, you can expect some really amazing discounts on unique, once-in-a-lifetime cruise opportunities.

Trade Up to a Cruise for a Lifetime of Memories

So when that staid vacation is planned and you’ve already blocked out your vacation days at the office, don’t be afraid to periodically check out the last minute cruise deals that can be found at rock bottom prices if you book just a few weeks in advance. Throw caution to the winds and pass on the lakeside fishing trip in favor of an unforgettable cruise to the Bahamas – with last minute bargains and fabulous all-inclusive packages you can turn that ho-hum trip into truly memorable one!

About The Author

Lori Wilkerson is a full-time freelance writer who loves her job because it gives her the opportunity to learn more about the world every day. Right now, she knows a little bit about almost everything, and a lot about last minute cruise, cruise discounts, and cruise deals. Lori once led a Conga line to the tune, “Hot, Hot, Hot,” throughout an entire cruise ship sailing to Nassau. More Cruise articles at can be found at www.discount-cruise.biz.

alpinesprings@dccnet.com

Are We There Yet? Study Examines The Family Vacation From Hell
by: News Canada

(NC)—You’ve done your research, made your reservations, and packed your bags. You’re going to have a wonderful family vacation, right?

Think again.

“Canadian society has created this concept of holidays as the opportunity to build family memories and family togetherness,” says Susan Shaw, a sociologist at the University of Waterloo. “People believe in the ideal family vacation. And this belief may set them up for disappointment.”

Shaw studies the highs and lows of family holidays. Funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), her project will help Canadians plan vacations that actually feel like leisure time.

Shaw believes that holiday disagreements are often related to parents’ faith in the family vacation as a getaway with “the goal of learning to give and take, respecting each other, and understanding people’s needs.”

These are positive aims, Shaw emphasizes, since, when they are met, families feel like they’re getting along well and learning more about one another in an environment that fosters feelings of togetherness.

But parents’ ideals may conflict with children’s hopes and expectations, triggering disastrous holiday fighting. After all, while parents tend to be focused on building family bonds, children usually just want to have fun—their definition of which may differ from their parents’.

Even if parents have tailored family plans to interest everyone involved, many children often prefer the sense of independence that comes from doing something by themselves. “They’re not thinking, ‘This time together will be good for my family’,” says Shaw, who found that many parents believed their children would appreciate the focus on togetherness as they grew up.

“Family vacationing for parents is work: it can be fun and satisfying, but it’s not really relaxation in the normal sense because its success is so important to them,” she says. “Parents often come home from a vacation and feel they need another one.”

Shaw’s research will help overcome this feeling by guiding travel consultants as they design family travel packages, and counselors as they negotiate conflicts between parents and children.

You’ll find more information about projects supported by SSRHC on the Council’s Web site at www.sshrc.ca.

- News Canada

About The Author

News Canada provides a wide selection of current, ready-to-use copyright free news stories and ideas for Television, Print, Radio, and the Web.

News Canada is a niche service in public relations, offering access to print, radio, television, and now the Internet media, with ready-to-use, editorial “fill” items. Monitoring and analysis are two more of our primary services. The service supplies access to the national media for marketers in the private, the public, and the not-for-profit sectors. Your corporate and product news, consumer tips and information are packaged in a variety of ready-to-use formats and are made available to every Canadian media organization including weekly and daily newspapers, cable and commercial television stations, radio stations, as well as the Web sites Canadians visit most often. Visit News Canada and learn more about the NC services.

Family Cruise: Family Get-Together for Fun
by: Colin Hartness

A family cruise is a perfect getaway with loads of fun and excitement for everybody. Whenever you have kids bored with the usual stuff amusement parks, theater and all and your spouse needs a change, plan a cruise. You will get addicted to it. Family cruise is a sure shot way to drive away boredom.

A movie to watch, a relaxing massage, snooker game…anything, you just name it. You have many activities to choose from, actually that is the most difficult part- to decide what to do. Family cruise is one of the healthiest entertaining ways to enjoy your vacation with your family and cherish the memories forever. You will find selective activities and tailor made services for all of you. You just need some planning.

Start planning your family cruises, by defining your budget. Once you know your budget look for cruises that fit into your budget. After short listing, the cruises look for the facilities and services they are offering along with the nature and types of activities suitable for children. You of course want them to enjoy the cruise so there should be sufficient provision to keep them happily occupied. If you have very young children, make sure cribs and babysitting facilities are available. While for a bit older children loads of activities like dancing classes, escorted tours, parties, games and contests are planned. Every cruise has its own bag of goodies for children. Keep your children’s age in mind when you re going through these activities.

Some family cruises do not allow infants or pregnant women onboard. Check at the time of booking whether infant care and baby-sitting facilities are available or not. Keep ample stock of the things your baby might need like baby food, diapers, as you might not find them onboard.

While embarking on a family cruise, make sure there are proper medical facilities are available for emergencies. Also, make enquiries about fees for cancellation or changing dates for the trip, in case any such need arises. It is better to check latest information about the cruise schedule on the cruise’s website. A weeklong cruise is perfect for families and you are sure to find more families joining the fun.

One of the popular family cruises is a Disney cruise. With many special facilities and fun filled activities to occupy young and old alike, Disney cruise is a perfect setting for fun, fun and more fun. You have a club and lab for kids, Flounder’s reef nursery for your babies, a coffeehouse, specially designed programs in filmmaking and photography plus interesting teen outings along with live shows.

Another interesting family cruise is the carnival cruise with its special fun ships. The fun ships have special entertainers, Karaoke parties, teen makeovers and art & photography classes, water slides, ship tours for children etc. There are special camp carnivals for different age groups. There are specially designed virtual reality machines in the entertainment complex along with disco and video arcade. There is a playroom with loads of toys and electronic games.

Family cruises are joyous occasions for the family where they can spend some quality time with one another. Simply put, are great places to unwind and enjoy

About The Author

Colin Hartness
Looking for information about cruises?
Go to: http://www.whatcruises.com
‘What Cruises’ is published by Colin Hartness -
An excellent resource for Cruises!
Check out more cruise articles at: http://www.whatcruises.com/archive

Top Family Beach Vacation Destinations
by: Jolana Klobouk

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.

About The Author

Jolana Klobouk, a graduate of Carleton University, is the webmaster of www.best-family-beach-vacations.com. A parent and former travel agent, she has travelled extensively throughout the world.

Jolana@best-family-beach-vacations.com

Ditch The Hotel For A Villa Or Vacation Home
by: David Leonhardt

Two visits to Budapest. Two apartments, walking distance from downtown. I did not even set foot in the Hilton. My mother and I saw Budapest like only someone who stays away from the Americanized hotels can. We stayed with the locals. We came to feel the city, not just see it.

Several years later, I returned to Europe on my honeymoon (this time, without my mother). The first two nights in a little village near Schaffhausen, Switzerland, we stayed in the European version of a vacation villa rental: our own unit in a private home, our own balcony overlooking the scenic village, comfort, privacy and peace.

Three weeks of touring brought us to one or two hotels, several bed and breakfasts, and a couple “gasthauses” in Austria and Liechtenstein that felt more like private homes.

“There is no way to compare the comfort and privacy of a private villa with squeezing everybody into an impersonal hotel room,” says Stewart Granville, CEO of Last Minute Villas ( http://www.lastminutevillas.net ), a booking site for Florida villas and vacation rental homes. “You have your own space – and lots of it – and you don’t have to worry about noise of peeping eyes. Usually you have a private pool, spa, sound system and other luxuries.”

Last Minute Villas books some vacation rentals on Florida’s Gulf Coast, but mostly in the Orlando area. Typically, theme park visitors stay in the motel strip in Kissimmee. Those with deeper pockets might stay at the Disney World Hotel. Few people realize that a Vacation home near Disney World or in nearby Orlando is even an option.

Fewer still realize how cheap it is. One Florida villa owner describes how he had just checked his guests in to his own Kissimmee/Orlando area villa. Drew was heading out of town, but he missed his flight. With ten people staying in his rental home, there really was no place for him. He checked into a very basic motel, typical of the Kissimmee strip, and realized he would be paying over $200 per night for ten people – or about $1500 per week – for uncomfortably basic motel rooms typical of Orlando and other vacation mecas.

“They stayed in my house for $900 - and they got their own private pool, ensuite bedrooms, laundry facilities, refrigerator and all the things you now take for granted in villas,” Drew says. “It really opened my eyes to just what a sweet deal my visitors are getting – and how little motel visitors get for their money, too.”

Two years ago, my brother and I rented a private cottage in the Laurentians. We had four bedrooms, enough to accommodate both our young families. We could see two of the neighboring houses, which would be useful in case of an emergency.

We had the television, the stereo, the fire place, fresh raspberries right off the bushes around the house (some blueberries, too!), a screened patio with a private table/bench swing, and a nice big fridge to keep juice, milk and beer cool. We had plenty of space to spread out and a table just perfect for a relaxing evening of cards.

Last summer, we rented a private villa in the Laurentians again, this time overlooking a small lake, and a canoe was supplied.

Why would anybody want to crowd their family into a hotel room? Or even two? I’ve been spoiled. From Orlando, Florida to Budapest, Hungary, travel in style by staying in a private vacation rental home, no matter where you go.

About The Author

David Leonhardt is a freelance writer, and an online and offline publicity specialist. Contact him at: mailto:info@thehappyguy.com or visit his website at: http://www.thehappyguy.com For Florida vacation villa rentals: http://www.lastminutevillas.net For Orlando vacation home rentals: http://www.orlandovillaowners.com
info@thehappyguy.com

Costa Rica bird watching vacation
by: William Hart

Costa Rica has long been famous among serious bird watchers, but many people who would never consider the activity at home quickly have become interested in the country’s spectacular avian diversity.

With almost 850 species of birds -more than total of what North America has- packed into an area half the size of Kentucky, it’s hard not to become enthused about the variety of feathered creatures one encounters in Costa Rica. And we can provide us experienced nature guides who make any costa rica bird watching vacation an educational experience.

One of the reasons for Costa Rica’s extraordinary bird life is the country’s great variety of habitats: rain forests, mangrove swamps, beaches, cloud forest, rivers, etc. And any two of those ecosystems, with their resident bird species, are often only a short distance apart.

Birders from North America who enjoy their Costa Rica bird watching vacation during the northern winter invariably recognize familiar faces in the forest, since many species of warblers, flycatchers, vireos, orioles, etc. migrate to Costa Rica every winter.

The country’s exemplary System of National Parks and Protected Areas provide more than ample stomping grounds for birders, but just about anywhere you look in Costa Rica, you spot interesting avian species. Even some of the hotels in the San Jose area have such colorful critters as blue-grey tanagers, great kiskadees and crimson-fronted parakeets in their gardens.

However, those interested in bird watching will want to see the resplendent quetzal, which lives in the cloud forests of Monteverde, Los Santos region and the Central Volcanic Mountain Range, and the equally spectacular scarlet macaw, which can be seen on the Osa Peninsula or the area around the Carara Biological Reserve.

Cano negro wild life refuge is other destination for your Costa Rica bird watching vacation. Cano Negro is a sweet water lagoon, not to deep, with an extension of 800 hectares. The lagoon and the nearby areas, are some of most important and vital biological areas that support environment quality in the north side of the country. The Cano Negro refuge is an important source of food to migratory birds from the north. There are also several species of plants and animals not found anywhere else in the country, birds and fishes for the human consume.

About The Author

Find amazing Costa Rica birdwatching packages in http://www.mytraveltocostarica.com
whart@hotmail.com

Carnival Cruise - a perfect holiday, Rock and Rolling with Carnival Cruise

If you want to have fun for one low price, all you need is a Carnival cruise. A Carnival cruise is a perfect way to pamper yourself. You don*t have to worry about paying extra for meals, entertainment and a range of activities. You just unpack once on the cruise ship. You are in the capable hands of fitness experts having massages, loofah treatments, hairstyles, saunas, pedicures, applying soothing masks and micro-facelifts, there is a complete relaxation schedule for you with nautical spas, and the exercise programs.

Carnival plays every song- from hard rock, musicals, country music or big band. There is a sing-along piano for you to hum along. Compare it to the land vacation where you are constantly involved with the buying theater tickets, reservations, valet parking and looking for other things to do.

Carnival cruise is the most popular cruise in the whole world. With carnival you dine, dream and dance as you sail from one foreign destination to the other. It*s popular with first time cruisers, young singles, couples, old and young loving the party atmosphere. The Carnival cruise highlights include- casual dinner at Sea View Bistro, a convenient 24-hour pizzeria, captain*s cocktail party and gala dinner, complimentary 24-hour room service, camp carnival for kids and teens. In addition to this get to see daily first run movies, dazzling Las Vegas style casino, fine dining with Gala midnight buffets, Nautical spa program, outdoor swimming pools and whirlpools, onboard duty-free shopping and singles cocktail party.

Carnival is an entertainment saga for singles, couples and families and it carries more passengers from all age group on board than any other cruise line. You can enjoy a lavish evening in the two levels Paris Lounge or you can rock and roll in the Rock and Roll dance club, the Café des Artistes and the Monte Carlo Casino. You have stepped into sheer luxury with spacious and comfortable accommodations. All the staterooms are fully carpeted with closet space, private facilities (toilet, basin and shower), and color television screening first-run films. All the staterooms on these super liners are above the ocean level for a better-relaxed cruise. Carnival staterooms are fifty percent larger on average than other cruise lines. You get one hundred percent personal care whether you choose interior or ocean view suite or penthouse suite.

You can give your kids a fun holiday with all kind of games, talent shows parties, movies, crafts, arts, and a world of fun under the supervision of camp carnival counselors. All the counselors are college educated having professional childcare experience and your kids are secure under their competent hands.

If for some reason you are not satisfied with the cruise experience you can notify carnival ahead of coming at the first port of call and you may well get down at first non-US port of call of your ship. Carnival cruise will reimbursement the unutilized part of your cruise charge and compensate for your return flight fare. You can look at carnival cruise vacation protection plans for a worry-free vacation.

Carnival serves buffet on the deck. There is teatime with your favorite beverage and pastries. Moreover, you can place order for complimentary stateroom service 24-hours a day. Your table is always reserved in the dining room. However, you may also eat dinner in the restaurant *Sea View Bistro* on Lido deck. The attire is informal and the meals are buffet style. The restaurant has an open seating and is rather laid back. Of course, if you are calorie conscious carnival has wide Nautical Spa selections with every meal. All the menus have been prepared with the consultation of dietitians. You can have the fresh oven pizzas at the 24-hour pizzeria. There is live music playing at the dazzling spirit lobby. You may like to enjoy your drinks with close friends at the bar.

About The Author

Looking for information about cruises? Go to:
http://www.whatcruises.com
*What Cruises* is published by Colin Hartness - An excellent resource for Cruises!

It Is Smoke Free In This Paradise : Take A Caribbean Cruise With Fellow Non-Smokers
by: Jane Stokes (Courtesy of News Canada)

(NC)-Would a “smoke-free casino” be an oxymoron?

Until recently, I might have bet good money on that, considering it’s a pretty rare occasion when one can enjoy a cocktail in a smoke-free bar, nightclub or lounge - let alone in a casino where all around the world gambling and nicotine just naturally go together. But here’s the exception:

A policy of “no cigarettes, no cigars, no ashtrays, and no second-hand smoke anywhere” is at the core of the cruise experience aboard the MS Paradise - and it’s a policy that is unusual indeed.

The US$300 million Paradise is the only, totally non-smoking cruise ship in the world and upholding the integrity of this claim is a challenge taken very seriously by parent company Carnival Cruise Lines. Not even the construction crews in the shipyards of Helsinki were allowed to smoke when working on the vessel - and now every week, its 2,052 passengers are asked to sign an agreement to abide by the rules, even on the open decks.

Traditionally, cruise ships have not had too much difficulty containing the areas where passengers can smoke. If you choose any of the mainstream American-based cruise lines for example, chances are you will not encounter second-hand smoke until evening in some of the clubs and at some of bars. Restaurants are generally smoke-free and cruise advocates will tell you that the ratio of non-smoking areas has been increasing with every new ship. But for those who would like to go just one step further, it’s good to know that out there, cruising the Caribbean every day is a grand, luxury vessel which may be four years old now, but she still looks, feels, and smells, brand new.

This season, passengers have the choice of exploring either the Eastern, or the Western Caribbean on itineraries that include some of the more exotic tropical harbours like Belize and Honduras. And for a glimpse at shipboard tone and style: imagine the atmosphere aboard Paradise to be similar to most Carnival cruises, one of cheerful, attentive service - in a plentiful fantasyland.

The trademark decor of this cruise line is one that creates a larger-than-life playground for adults and children alike. You enter Paradise, for example, through an illuminated, sky-high atrium surrounded by grand columns and Space Age glass-elevator pods, enhanced by classical stone and mahogany fixtures. Interior designer Joe Farcus pinpoints the “grand era of ocean liners” as this vessel’s overall fantasy theme, emphasizing the impact of The Queen Mary, The Normandie, and the SS United States on the late 19th century, world of style.

At least 12 decks are configured into the 70,000-gross-ton Paradise with the top deck tiered to attract activities in the sun. Here, the Lido Deck draws everyone sooner or later. It is where you will spread out in a full-length deck chair, swim in the pool, relax in the whirlpool, partake in sports interests, or spend all afternoon on a Carnival specialty: the giant waterslide. The recreation decks on Paradise stretch the entire length of the ship, so you may even find a few private places to call your own.

These upper decks also house the ship’s mammoth, 12,000-square-foot exercise club and spa. The “bigger the better” was the consensus of the passengers I spoke to up there, with one saying that when the cruise line devotes this much space and effort to building a fitness facility, “it sends a clear and sincere message that improving one’s health and wellness can be a very real part of a cruise experience.”

They also pointed out that the more inviting the space to exercise, the more you get to eat - because it’s true what they say: on a cruise ship you can literally eat all day. On Paradise the choices are: 24-hour complimentary room service; dining room table service; a pool deck buffet, three times a day; the cake and coffee bar; plus round-the-clock deli sandwiches, a pizzeria, and of course, the midnight buffet.

Then again, for most of us food quantity will not be the main attraction. Rather, it will be the food “experiences” that really count - and that is precisely why Carnival and most of the better cruise lines these days are so preoccupied with adding and subtracting dining options, so they can be sure, for every last passenger, they get it right.

More Information:

Research the details of your cruise at www.carnival.com, or ask your travel agent for this season’s latest brochures.

- News Canada

About The Author

News Canada provides a wide selection of current, ready-to-use copyright free news stories and ideas for Television, Print, Radio, and the Web.

News Canada is a niche service in public relations, offering access to print, radio, television, and now the Internet media, with ready-to-use, editorial “fill” items. Monitoring and analysis are two more of our primary services. The service supplies access to the national media for marketers in the private, the public, and the not-for-profit sectors. Your corporate and product news, consumer tips and information are packaged in a variety of ready-to-use formats and are made available to every Canadian media organization including weekly and daily newspapers, cable and commercial television stations, radio stations, as well as the Web sites Canadians visit most often. Visit News Canada and learn more about the NC services.

I Survived the Booze and Cruise: A Guide to Past Tense Instructions in the Bahamas
by: Dessus Aloinet

The only souvenir I still have from the Bahamas is an old “I survived the Booze and Cruise” t-shirt…and a few snorkeling rules forever etched in my memory. Back in college (as if I needed to say more), my boyfriend, his best friend, and I went on a cruise to the Bahamas. We, of course, did all the necessary research to know the attractions we wanted to see and have some familiarity with local customs…Yeah, right. We knew nothing and cared even less. We were going to the Bahamas on a cruise ship for about $200 a person! It was a deal where we had to listen to their time-share nonsense, but we were college students. We were pros at listening for hours on end about topics we had little to no interest in.

The three of us were wandering around Nassau discussing all that we wanted to do: snorkel, take a ride in a glass bottom boat, veg on the beach, drink something with an umbrella in it…That’s when a woman walked up to us to invite us on the Booze and Cruise. I assumed she wanted to braid my hair like everyone else, so I really didn’t even want to slow down. Instead, she said that she had a coupon for us to go on the Booze and Cruise for only $40 per person, and for that price, we would be riding in a glass bottom boat out to a private island with white, sandy beaches and stopping to snorkel along the way. That was most of what we wanted to do, and it was cheaper than doing things one at a time. Then, there was the kicker. All you can drink for free. SOLD!

We boarded the boat and started drinking like - well, like college students with no idea of their own mortality. We were ordering several drinks at a time, having a great time, but we were never going to be able to remember it. Eventually, our boat stopped to snorkel next to a reef. However, I literally have a shark phobia. Deciding to snorkel was a major step for me, but I was in the Bahamas, and I wasn’t going to go home with any regrets.

I stood on the edge of the boat, waiting for my snorkel gear, when the captain began to address us over the loud speaker. “If you plan to snorkel today, please do not have had any alcoholic drinks…” This would have been ideal information to share with me BEFORE you opened the bar. I put my mask on and began to adjust the mouthpiece anyway. Now my boyfriend was hardly the English major I was, but even he got a kick out of “please do not have had.” Past tense instructions. Greeeeeaaat. Then our brave captain addressed us again. “Also, please do not wear anything shiny or metallic in the water as it will attract barracudas, which are much more of a threat than sharks. You will look like a fishing lure.” I looked down at my – I kid you not – silver metallic bathing suit with a silver zipper from bottom to top, and I began wondering if the Lord might be telling me something. Thou shalt not swim with the sharks. Thou art wise to have thought before that mortals should not swim with large, powerful, man-eating fish with enormous teeth. Exactly what in the world was I supposed to do at this point? I am in the middle of the ocean. I can’t change clothes! How do these people function on past tense instructions?!? And barracudas? I wasn’t even afraid of them. Now I have a whole new fear. And did this man just say “shark” while we are out on the ocean? It’s one thing to utter such horrors in the living room of your land-locked home, but on the water?!? Shut up before one hears you, idiot! All of these thoughts were going through my mind as I stood there on the edge of the boat, fully clad in my snorkel gear…and apparent fishing lure accessories, as close as I might ever be conquering my fear. My boyfriend went in first, and his friend comforted me, encouraging me to join him. Then they both hummed the theme to Jaws, and then they would encourage me again. Someone should tell them in the future that they should not have done that that day; they could benefit from some past tense instruction.

I jumped in. I did it! I snorkeled! I didn’t even hyperventilate once. I saw beautiful fish and had an incredible time just being proud of myself. Not a barracuda or shark in sight. My boyfriend tried to hug me, because he was so proud, but I only held on for a second, because I wanted to look over here, over there, and over on the other side too. Suddenly I was Jacques Cousteau!

I think we were out there for about an hour. When we came back to the boat, we were all drying off, safe and sound. I was beaming and toasting my victory. I had moved from a serious buzz to a serious buzz while conquering a crippling phobia…to conquering the aforementioned phobia and becoming entirely too intoxicated to function.

The captain brought me an ice water. Impressing the Booze and Cruise captain with your level of intoxication is only cool while you are actually drunk. Once you try to sober up later – on a rocking cruise ship, mind you – you realize the feat is not impressive, but instead a fore horseman of the Apocalypse. But while I was still drunk, I brought a few more rounds over to the guys, and we sat down to talk about all of the things we saw out there. I think everyone on the boat knew exactly how happy I was. As I settled in to enjoy the ride back, basking in my glory and laughing at my stupid fear of being eaten alive in the ocean, a woman walked over to us and said, “Did you guys see that huge barracuda out there?”

About The Author

Dessus Aloinet is the webmaster and operator of FYI Vacations, Inc. which is a premier source for information on vacations and cruises around the world. For more information please go to: http://www.fyivacations.com.

Boat Timeshares - A Unique Vacationing Experience
by: Dana Sanders

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 and visit locations such as http://www.atimesharesz.com/boattimeshare to do a thorough search. A variety of companies with different programs and options are operating in a bevy of locations around the world.

© Copyright 2004 by Dana Sanders. All rights reserved.

About The Author

Dana Sanders
Looking for information about timeshares? Go to http://www.atimesharesz.com. A Timeshares Z is a timeshares and vacation, resort and condo rentals and resales directory.

webmaster@atimesharesz.com

Tips for Better Vacation Photos
by: Valerie Goettsch

Photos are a great way to share your travel experiences with family and friends. Here are a few suggestions to help you capture vacation memories you will treasure for years to come.

PLAN AHEAD

Make sure your digital camera is in good working order before you go, and keep it in a water- and shock-resistant case. Bring two sets of rechargeable batteries and don’t forget the charger and relevant cords. Make sure your camera has enough memory. Packing an extra memory card is wise, as there is nothing worse than running out of room for pictures halfway down the Grand Canyon. It may be tempting to lower the resolution so you can store more pictures, but you will regret this later as it may result in poorer quality prints, or you will be limited to smaller size prints. Set your camera at its highest quality JPEG setting and get more memory if you have to. You will appreciate this when you’re viewing and printing your photos after your trip.

TAKE LOTS AND LOTS OF PICTURES.

With a digital camera you can always erase the photos you don’t want. Take pictures of anything you find interesting and try to focus on some of the details such as an attractive doorway or a colorful market, not just panoramic scenes or major landmarks. Let your pictures tell a story by creating a visual diary of your trip. Include street scenes, interesting signs, people you see along the way. For variety take both vertical and horizontal pictures.

READY FOR YOUR CLOSE-UP?

When taking people shots, don’t make the mistake of standing too far away. You want to be able to recognize the people in your photos. Get close enough so you can see the expressions on your subjects faces. Zoom in on individuals or capture them from the waist up. Pictures are often more interesting when you can catch people at candid, un-posed moments. In posed photos, try to incorporate some of the background into your shot. Try snapping from interesting angles rather than simply head-on.

USE YOUR FLASH

When photographing in bright sunlight, setting your camera’s “fill” or “forced” flash is very helpful, particularly when photographing people. Brilliant sunlight often makes people’s faces look harsh, casting dark shadows under the eyes and accentuating wrinkles. The daytime fill-in flash will soften the lighting and make the images more flattering. Your family and friends in the photos will thank you!

EDIT AND ENHANCE YOUR FAVORITE SHOTS

When you get home you can edit, crop and enhance your favorites using photo editing software such as Foto Finish, Ulead or Photoshop Elements. Consider adding drama to your images by turning some of your color photos into black and white or sepia tones and then upload all your images to an online photo printing service like Ofoto or Shutterfly for fast and convenient prints. You can take your best snaps and use your photo editing software to create a photo calendar or make photo cards for personal notes, or to email your favorites to family and friends.

Most of all have fun with your camera!

About The Author

Valerie Goettsch publishes the digital photography website http://www.digitalphotos101.com featuring reviews of photo editing and album software and digital photo printing services.

Fabulous Beach Vacations Appeal to the Whole Family
by: Lori Wilkerson

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 – 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 surf

Family 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 – 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…

When 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 do

Beach 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…

After 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 – 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 – 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.

About The Author

Lori Wilkerson is a full-time freelance writer who loves her job because it gives her the opportunity to learn more about the world every day. Right now, she knows a little bit about almost everything, and a lot about beach vacations, family vacations, and mexico vacations. Lori once led a Conga line to the tune, “Hot, Hot, Hot,” throughout an entire cruise ship sailing to Nassau.

www.beach-vacations-4u.com

(True story!)

cbmacgregor@shaw.ca

Why an Algarve Vacation?
by: Jennifer Dodds

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!).

Am I keen to get back there soon? You bet!

Which leads me to a rather obvious question: why am I sitting here writing this, instead of making a booking with my friendly local travel agent?

About The Author

Jennifer Dodds is the owner of www.algarve-beach-life.com, her enthusiast website, where she shares everything she loves (and is still discovering) about her favourite vacation spot. She publishes a monthly newsletter, Algarve Beach Life News to update subscribers about what’s new on the site.

Alaska Cruises offer breathtaking scenery for your vacations.
by: Mike Yeager

Alaska cruises can offer some of the most pristine, natural beauty you’ll ever see on your vacations. Beautiful crystal clear inlets of water found no where else in the world. Icebergs and sheer cliff walls rising thousands of feet into the air. Choosing from among the many Alaska cruises will be easy and fun; making your vacations an exciting and rewarding experience.

Deciding which of many Alaska cruises is right for your vacations.

One thing to decide is when you want to go. Many people favor the month of August because the weather and temperature are favorable to being outdoors. Another consideration to keep in mind for Alaska cruises and vacations is which direction on the ship you’d like your cabin to face. Inside cabins are less expensive while outside facing cabins offer the convenience of stepping onto your balcony and seeing the many splendid sights. Dressing warmly and comfortably is another consideration, especially if you’re susceptible to being cold at night. Also, be sure and bring along a good pair of binoculars to see the sights. Many times your cruise ship will pass by a stunningly close to an immense block of ice; you’ll want to see every detail that up close.

About The Author

Mike Yeager
Publisher
http://www.a1-travel-4u.com/productpage/cheapcruises.html

Workouts That Travel
by: Lynn Bode

A vacation can do wonders for reducing stress levels, but it can derail a healthy fitness regimen. Even some of the most die-hard exercisers find it difficult to stick with a workout program when away from home. Sure, many have good intentions. They may even pack their workout attire. Unfortunately, their gear never makes it out of the suitcase until they’re back home.

But travel from home doesn’t have to result in an interruption or complete abandonment of your healthy habits. You can still fit in exercise time when away from home, regardless of whether you find yourself in a warm or a cold climate. Even if bad weather forces you into seclusion in your hotel room, there are exercises you can complete without a single piece of equipment.

Below are some tips to help you stay fit while traveling and avoid coming home with unwanted extra baggage.

* Be realistic. You probably won’t be able to fit in your normal weekly workouts and that’s okay. Shoot for completing at least 50% of your normal regimen.
* Plan ahead. Before leaving town, find out what type of workout facilities your accommodations will have or if there is a nearby park of jogging track (weather permitting, of course).
* Scope out local gyms. If you are staying somewhere that doesn’t provide a workout area then inquire at the nearby local fitness centers for their rates. Often they offer day passes for minimal fees.
* Pack a resistance band in your suitcase. The band takes up very little space, yet can provide you with an entire upper and lower body workout routine.
* Don’t deprive yourself of all local delicacies. You can enjoy some special meals without going overboard. Ask the restaurants to prepare your favorite dishes with a few lower fat ingredients.
* Be creative. Find unique, fun ways to exercise instead of doing the same routine you do when you are at home. Try biking, hiking, a pedal boat excursion, water-skiing, beach volleyball, etc. Effective workouts aren’t limited to the standard fares of walking, jogging and fitness machines.
* Try out your travel routine at least once at home. A new workout that you’ve never done before will require more time and preparation. This type of frustration just makes for an easy excuse to skip the workout.
* Prepare snacks. If your journey includes a lot of time in the car, be sure to pack some healthy snacks so you aren’t forced to eat at all the fast food and convenience shops along the way.
* Play in the pool. If lounging poolside is part of your vacation plans, then hop in the pool every 20 minutes for 5-10 minutes of pool walking (try it in waist-deep or higher water for a really challenging workout).
* Get comfortable. Don’t forget to pack comfortable workout attire that fits your destination’s climate.

Here is a quick, simple circuit workout that only requires a resistance band and can be done anywhere. Complete at least one set of 8-12 reps of each exercise.

* Bicep Curl
* Tricep Dip
* Lat Pull Down
* Front Raise
* Push-Up
* Squat
* Abductor lifts
* Adductor splits
* Hamstring Kicks

For detailed instructions for each of the above exercises, visit www.workoutsforyou.com/travel_plan.htm

About The Author

Lynn is a certified personal trainer and founder of WorkoutsForYou.com. Don’t return home with extra baggage. We can custom design a workout for you that will help you stay fit while away from home. You don’t even need any fitness equipment! We’ll help you stay fit while still fully enjoying your trip. Visit www.workoutsforyou.com/travel_plan.htm for more info.
info@workoutsforyou.com

Traveling Fitness
by: Diana Keuilian

How to keep in shape while on the road!

Whether you travel for business or pleasure, being on the road usually leads to one thing: weight gain. From missed workouts to large restaurant meals, travel days often become high calorie days. Next time that you go on the road keep the following tips in mind, and come home leaner than when you left!

TIP #1: STICK WITH CIRCUITS

When you find yourself in a poorly equipped hotel exercise room, make the best of it. You are not going to be able to get in a normal workout like you would at your local health club, so you will have to make do with the available equipment. A great way of doing this is to workout in a circuit. Most hotel exercise rooms will have at least one piece of equipment for each body part, and they are usually as empty as a ghost town, so a circuit will work well. Do one set on each body part, and then hop on a bike or treadmill for 10 minutes. Repeat this two more times, and you will find yourself sweating up a storm.

TIP #2: BURN CALORIES EVERYDAY

If your travels keep you too busy for a workout, or if your hotel does not have an exercise room, make a conscious effort to burn calories everyday. There are many different ways to fit some calorie burning into your day. Go on a brisk walk after your day’s activities. This is a great way to see a new city, and also a great way to burn off the rich dinner you just ate! Take the stairs instead of elevator in your hotel and any other buildings you visit. Go on a short jog in the mornings or evenings of your stay. If your hotel has a pool, swim a few laps each morning or evening.

TIP#3: WATCH PORTION SIZE

Eating out is a must when traveling. Whether you are visiting 5 star restaurants or fast food diners, you are faced with the same problem: large portions. While the easiest thing to do with a large portioned meal is to simply eat it all, that isn’t the easiest on your waist! When you order your meal ask the waiter or waitress to bring you a to-go box with your meal. This way you can take half of the meal and place it safely into the box before you even begin to eat. You will have no choice but to eat a healthy portion, and you have your next meal taken care of. If you would rather not carry around a to-go box then ask that your entrée be made into a smaller portion. If it is dinnertime ask for the lunch-sized entrée.

TIP #4: AVOID FRIED FOODS

While fast food restaurants are definitely convenient, with their low prices and quick service, this convenience is not worth the inevitable weight gain brought on by the burgers and fries. When you travel, keep this in mind: avoid fried foods. While this is always good advice to follow, it is even more important to abide by while traveling.

While traveling you are most likely to be burning less calories each day than you would normally burn at home, and you are consuming more calories due to your schedule of eating out. You are walking a fine line, and eating fried foods would throw you right over the edge of weight gain. A gram of fat contains 9 calories as compared to the 4 calories that proteins and carbohydrates carry, so you can see that consuming fried foods will drastically increase your calorie intake. If I still haven’t convinced you to pass on the French fries, keep in mind that heartburn and indigestion are never fun, but how about experiencing them on an airplane, bus, or train ride!

TIP #5: BODY WEIGHT ROUTINE

When your hotel doesn’t have an exercise room, and you still want to get in some type of workout, try this body weight routine right in your hotel room:

* 20 Jumping Jacks: you remember these from grade school! Start jumping!
* 20 Push Ups: Get on the floor, keep your back flat, and push!
* 20 Jumping Jacks
* 20 Crunches: Keep your hands behind your head and breathe out as you crunch up.
* 20 Jumping Jacks
* 20 Triceps Dip: Place your palms on the edge of a chair, bend at your elbows and push yourself back up!
* 20 Squats: Stand in place, with your knees shoulder width apart, squat down!
* 20 Jumping Jacks
* 20 Lunges: Keep your hands on your waist, step forward keeping a 90degree bend in your knee, and press yourself back up!

Next time your work or pleasure takes you away from home, keep these tips in mind and be pleasantly surprised with your results! Have a great trip!

About The Author

Diana Keuilian, author, ACE certified Personal Trainer, and co-founder of HitechPersonalFitness.com offers online personal training and nutrition programs that fit your budget and schedule. Whether your goal is to lose weight, firm and tone, or to build muscle, HitechPersonalFitness.com will build a custom designed program just for you.

Visit: http://www.hitechpersonalfitness.com/ and begin meeting your fitness goals today!

dkeuilian@hitechtrainer.com

Traveler CheckList
by: Centerprises
The following is a List that I have gathered through years of experience and research. They don’t neccessarily apply to an Outdoor Adventurer. You Pick and choose your priorities according to your destination and the length of your stay. Visit http://www.thecampingguide.com for more information and the necessary gear for your trip.

Gear Essentials

* Day Pack (X)
* Flashlight (X)
* Compact Binoculars (X)
* First Aid Kit (X)
* Sunglasses
* Multi-tool (X)
* Watch
* Sunscreen (X)
* Water bottle (w/ filter (X)
* Hat
* Whistle
* Map or Travel Guide (X)
* Compass or GPS receiver (X)

(X) = available at: http://www.thecampingguide.com

Pre-Departure

* Passport
* Visa if needed
* Health Documentation
* Transportation Tickets
* Frequent Flyer Cards
* Emergency Information
* Insurance
* Hotel Reservations
* Traveler’s Checks
* Currency (both local and American)
* Credit Cards
* Guide Books and Maps (X)
* Trip Cancellation/ Medical

Information

* Copies of Passport, ID and Documents
* Special Event Reservations

Travel Gear

* Main Travel Bag (Duffle/Luggage, etc.)
* Packing Accessories (clothes, small stuff and toiletries)
* Security (Passport carrier, luggage locks/ tags)
* Document Organizer
* Everyday Bag

Everyday Basics

* Travel Clothing
* Raincoat/ Umbrella
* Travel Footwear
* Visor or Brimmed Hat
* Camera, binoculars (scopes) (X)
* Radiation Shield for Film
* Video Camera, Tapes
* CD/ Cassette Player
* Electric/ Phone Converters
* Travel Alarms
* Language Books
* Reading Materials
* Address Book
* Travel Journal
* Pen/ Pencil
* Scarf/ Bandana
* Games/ Playing Cards
* Snacks
* Hand Sanitizer/ Towlettes
* Travel Neck Pillow
* Eye Shade/ Ear Plugs
* Portable Door Lock
* Tissues/ Toilet Paper
* Keys

Maintenance Items

* Flashlight Batteries/ Bulbs (X)
* Matches or Lighter (X)
* Extra Batteries
* Sewing/ Repair Kit
* Duct Tape
* Travel Iron or Steamer
* Sink Stopper for Hotel Sinks
* Zip-Close Plastic Bags

Travel Health

* Travel Health Booklet
* Pain Reliever/ Aspirin (X)
* Cold Medicine (X)
* Contact Lens Items
* Diarrhea Medicine
* Motion Sickness Medicine
* Laxative
* Insect Protection (X)
* Sun Protection (X)
* Antibiotic Cream
* Malaria Medication
* Personal Hygiene Items
* Personal Prescriptions

(X) = available at: http://www.thecampingguide.com

Visit http://www.thecampingguide.com for more information and the necessary gear for your trip.

About The Author

Centerprises - are the owners of the http://www.TheCampingGuide.com which offers Camping, Hunting, Outdoor Gear and Information in General about the Great Outdoors.
TheCampingGuide@sbcglobal.net

Travel With a Reliable Partner
by: Rufat Kuliyev
Question of trust was always critical on the web and as generally known web today is one of the weakest place in regard to protection of someone’s privacy or rights. It affects almost all industries on the web and hotel reservation as well. This issue becomes more important while the industry expands. The percentage of internet-based hotel reservations was tripled in 2004 to 15.4 percent from 4.9 according to Andersen LLP. It is generally known that 85% of Internet users rely on search engines to find any information on the Web (e.g. MSN, Google, Yahoo, AltaVista, etc). But we have to keep in mind that being listed in the top search results at the major search engines mentioned above gives no guarantee at all that a certain company is really reliable. While search engines make their ranking rules more strict, there are still a good number of websites with false reputation that appear in the top search results at major search engines by using some tricks. To make it clear and help web-surfers to understand this issue from a professional point of view our team will give some major hints to which anyone should pay attention to find the right company. We will discuss some issues about travel industry, which can be helpful in understanding of major problems.

Most of the travel websites if not all of them provide only reservation service without giving any information or news about this fast developing industry on the web. According to the statistics, travel related websites generate a huge traffic on the web and of course it brings to a high competition in this industry. Every day thousands of new travel websites appear on the web but most of them after spending much efforts and finance, disappear from the web as easily as they appeared first. The reason - it is not an easy task to build quality, travel website able to provide not only quality service but also to present a wide range of products professionally.

There are many travel websites providing so many information, partly useful and partly not since they don’t understand the market, its specific needs, needs of customers which finally brings to abundance of the information collected on the website thus making a trouble to a visitor to find easily what he needs. Other websites while having good hotel database still can’t organize their website in a proper way. If you visit this kind of website you can hardly find information about the city that you need. You have to spend a few minutes trying to find what you need among huge amount of text links. Hotel search must be organized as easy as possible divided by cities, countries, type of hotels with good advanced search boxes for the best discount hotel deals.

On some websites when you start searching for discount hotel deals, the engine gives you only a few results leaving you almost not a choice. Or you have to visit each hotel link separately resulting in spending much time. That’s why the most important in any industry on the web and especially in travel service is to collect information about all discount hotel deals in the best way and put them in front of the customer professionally to make his reservation procedure as easy and fast as possible. To provide this service a travel website team must be knowledgeable first and experienced through years not just a few days or months.

In addition to the competition, another problem, a visitor is having on the web today is a trust. We have to agree that it is not an easy to pay your hard earned money on the web without knowing anything about website. It is another problem web visitors are having today. You have to be very careful when you choose a website on the web. The best solution is to choose a website which is the old experienced on the web. There are many young sectors on the web where it is hard to find an experienced website. There are a few websites in travel industry that exist on the web for the last 10, 15 years. It is a good criteria to choose the right website. Another advantage of the experienced websites is that they know how to serve their customers since they have a good experience, they know different types of problems that may appear during hotel reservation and they know how to solve these problems professionally. That’s why the best choice is to visit this kind of websites or the ones that connected to them through affiliate links thus providing almost the same quality of service. When you visit a travel website pay attention to Customer Care section, Privacy Policy, Terms of Use, Cancel Reservation Policy, Confirming Reservation, Payment Issues and other Frequently Asked Questions section. Availability and detailed description of these sections gives another credibility to a website. Pay attention to the availability of the phone number with a live person to reply to any of your question. If you find subscription to a newsletter option that says that a website team builds a long and strong relations with their customers. A good website provides secure reservation thus protecting their customers from many problems on the web. BBB.org is a Better Business Bureau organization that provides information on over two million organizations and websites and it is advisable to check any website before you invest. When you visit a website and find BBB sign with a link taking you to the main base of this organization testifying that a website you visited has a long presence on the web and a reliable partner then you can stop this website and choose it as your travel provider. If this sign is not available it doesn’t decrease credibility of a website but its availability is preferable.

Have a good travel

www.AboutTrip.com

About The Author

Research and latest news articles on hot issues about Travel and Hotel Reservation Industry from AboutTrip.com
Have a good travel
www.abouttrip.com
info@abouttrip.com

How To Travel The World For Free
by: Tukshad Engineer

It sounds like a dream doesn’t it? Hopping onto a plane and taking a flight to the destination of your choice. Imagine collecting your flight tickets to New York, London, Goa - or wherever takes your fancy - and not having to pay a cent for them.

For a few people, this dream is actually a reality. How? Simply put they have discovered a little travel secret - namely that a lot of companies will actually pay the travel expenses for you to oversee their package or document from one country to another. Now this may bring to mind images of having to smuggle a microfilm past some dodgy russian customs ala James Bond, but the reality is nowhere near as exciting or dangerous - which is great news for the budget traveller. The even better news is that with a little know how, any adult can act as a courier and score free and deeply discounted flight tickets to the destination of their choice.

It’s completely legal and can save you thousands in saved airfare every year. Courier companies are continually on the lookout for willing travellers to carry their items overseas. There is nothing sinister about it and nothing is hidden from the authorities - the traveller is paid with a deeply discounted (and sometimes free) air ticket. According to a survey by the Air Courier Association the standard saving that travellers get when they act as a courier is 85% on the normal flight price. There isn’t a travel agent in the world that will match such a discount.

So what are your responsibilities as a courier? Well it’s as simple as turning up to the airport on time and meeting the courier companys representative at the destination airport. As soon as you walk through the customs area at your destination, your job is over.

What are the drawbacks of this deeply discounted travel? Well for a start you’re probably only going to be allowed one carry on bag as your luggage - so learning how to travel light & pack efficiently is essential. It’s also important to have some degree of flexibility in terms of when you’re able to fly, though usually you can get many flights comfortably in advance. You also need to be at least 18 and obviously have a valid passport.

Assuming you’re ok with these drawbacks, you can really fly to just about any destination at incredibly low costs. You can learn more about how to be a courier at http://www.global-ebooks.com/TravelFree.htm or if you are looking for more budget travel tips check out http://www.my-online-powerpack.com/traveldiscount.htm

Ready to go? The whole world awaits you!

About The Author

Discover how to travel at great discounts & even for free at: http://www.global-ebooks.com/TravelFree.htm. For the best travel newsletter in the world today including destination reviews & regular deep discounts send me a mail to tukshad@global-ebooks.com

The Importance of Travel Insurance
by: Karen Zastudil

You’ve finally saved enough to go on that dream vacation you’ve been planning. Now you’re wondering if you should buy travel insurance. Do I really need to go to the extra expense? All I can lose is my luggage, right?

Guess again! Anything can go wrong while you are traveling, and I strongly favor buying a policy.

Most travel insurance policies are designed for a variety of travel needs but, I emphatically advise reading the fine print of any policy you purchase regarding any deductibles and health situations. You many find your policy won’t cover pre-existing conditions that may cause a problem, or that the medical coverage is only for an injury or an illness – not both. For emergency aid, travel insurance polices are generally dependable and affordable, but there are still a myriad of gaps in the coverage provided.

You can find polices designed for almost any type of trip you may be planning, such as a single trip for hunting, backpacking, cruises, house rentals, and a host of others. But, the specific types and amounts of coverage you get depend on the policy you choose. It’s important to remember that you will only be covered for what is specifically stated in your policy and for nothing else.

Most policies cover trip cancellation, lost baggage, medical, dental, and accidental death coverage. Other policies include emergency evacuation, 24 hour travel assistance, and trip or baggage delay. You may even find policies that include options for collision or damage to rented cars and business conflicts. There are many options that can be covered, but you will have to ask.

The premiums for the policies are generally 5% to 7% the cost of your trip, but fees will vary depending on the your medical history and passengers ages. Many companies offer policies that will include coverage for children at no extra charge.

It is best not to buy your travel insurance from your tour operator. I’ve listed a few reasons why it may be better to purchase through an insurance company separately.

Most travel insurance policies offered by the operator are less flexible to your individual needs;

Provide a lower amount of coverage;

May only cover a portion of the trip;

Your coverage may be secondary and the insurance will only pay for what you own private health or homeowner’s insurance does not cover;

May duplicate coverage you already have;

In the event the tour operator liquidates and goes belly up, you would lose not only your trip, but also your premium.

Many travel agents are not fully knowledgeable when it comes to understanding the details of various travel insurance policies and may overlook something that could be important to you or your family and few offer suggestions. Buying travel insurance may be less expensive purchasing through your tour operator or cruise line, but for the reasons listed above, you should really check around.

If you do choose to buy your policy from your tour operator, be sure to use a credit card. Depending on the policy of the credit card issuer, you may be provided with protection against potential default of the operator.

When buying your policy from an insurance company:

Always get quotes from several companies

Ask if the plan is pre-packaged or if you can custom design your own

Can you waive the pre-existing condition exclusion

Ask if you are covered for cancellation due to a terrorist incident. Don’t count of the company to provide information

Ask any question you can dream up and

Do ask for suggestions

A good site to reference for multiple travel insurance quotes is InsureMyTrip.com. (I am not affiliated with this site in any way. I just like the site!) Enjoy your next trip and I hope the odds are with you and that you will never have to file a claim on your travel insurance policy.

©2004 Karen Zastudil

About The Author

Karen is a graduate of Cleveland State University and is a freelance writer. Visit her website at http://www.womenatthesummit.com - A site of general interest to women. Topics include: Pregnancy, Children, Parenting, Health and wellness, Diet and Fitness, Relationships, Money, Travel and more.

webmaster@womenatthesummit.com

How to Travel for Free by Leading or Promoting Tours
by: Jacqueline Corbett

Whether you’re 16 or 60, you CAN travel just about anywhere in the world for free – and even with a nice stash of cash in your pocket – by telling like-minded people about a trip and convincing them to go with you. Get 5 to 20 to book the same trip, and your trip is free.

If you have a burning desire to see the Pyramids… or go on an African Safari… or snorkel the Great Barrier Reef of the South Pacific… and don’t have the cash, don’t worry.

There’s a good chance that you can travel for free to just about anywhere in the world your heart desires just by locating a group of like-minded folks and convincing them to go with you.

And if you are really good at convincing a lot of fellow travelers to join you – and have chosen the right travel company – you could also earn up to $10,000 a trip for your efforts.

Not bad for doing something you passionately enjoy doing, and meeting a whole bunch of people who enjoy the same kind of traveling you do.

There are dozens upon dozens of travel companies who are actively seeking individuals to help them organize tours – or promote existing ones.

Age is no consideration. Whether you are 16 or 70, there is a tour or tour group that is bound to suit your travel interests.

Teachers are actively courted to promote tours to their students… and even given handsome cash stipends to boot.

High school and college students are sought to promote grad trips and spring break trips to their friends and classmates. Besides free trips and “rock star” treatment, successful promoters can often earn as much as $10,000 per spring break.

Ministers and church members are rewarded for telling church members about pilgrimages and trips to the holy land. With as much as $10,000 to be made per trip, booking and leading tours is a wonderful way to raise cash for a church building fund… or augmenting a minister’s meager salary.

Scuba divers can get a free trip by organizing a scuba dive trip and promoting it to their fellow divers.

Lovers of the oriental culture can get free trips to Japan or China, while connecting with a whole new group of friends and earning enough cash to dine well and bring back lovely souvenirs.

Travel companies will often pay cash when you produce more reservations than the minimum required to earn a free trip.

The number of paid trips it takes to get a free one varies from travel company to travel company.

Some require as few as 5. Others as many as 15 or 20.

Many companies will reward you with multiple trips.

Most will also offer a commission which gets bigger the more trips you sell.

It doesn’t take any experience to get started – and most travel companies supply you with lots of marketing materials and support.

The degree of involvement in planning and promoting a trip varies considerably.

For example, promoting a trip for a spring break can often be done quite casually. Some spring break travel companies will even send a representative to your campus to put on a meeting. A few phone calls to friends. Some posters placed around the campus. An ad in the school newspaper. And voila, you could easily have 15 or 20 people signed in no time. Some companies don’t even require that you collect the deposits. And most will do the follow through in collecting the balance of the trip fee.

The more aggressively you promote, the more trips and money you’ll earn.

According to some travel companies, it is not uncommon for a very aggressive promoter to walk away with a free trip AND a very sizeable amount of cash.

Some travel firms say their top producers earn as much as $10,000 a trip.

There is no limit to where or how you can advertise a trip to the general public. The more widely you advertise your tour or pilgrimage, the more trips you’ll book and the more cash you’ll make.

To maximize your chances for success, it is advisable to announce and begin promoting your trip at least a year in advance of your departure date, so that you have plenty of time to reach enough people – and to enable your prospects sufficient time to raise fund and schedule the trip.

If you are already affiliated with a particular group such as a school, a church, or a club, it makes promoting a trip all the easier as you already have easy channels of communication in place. Writing letters or emails, making phone calls, announcements at meetings or services, announcements in bulletins, etc.

If you are interested in making as much money as possible in addition to a free trip – either for yourself or as a fundraiser, you might want to look at other ways of reaching a wider audience.

* Press releases to newspapers and other media.
* Posters and flyers posted on community and church bulletin boards.
* Small ads taken out in newspapers and appropriate magazines.
* Posting in special interest forums on the Internet
* Holding public meetings and seminars.

Organizing a trip gives you rewards way beyond the trip and the money. In the process of organizing a trip, you will also come into contact with many like-minded people you might never meet otherwise … resulting in friendships that last a lifetime.

For many, the best part of actively organizing and promoting a trip is meeting new people who have at least some common interests.

Because you are the group leader, you are in a unique position to have already “broken the ice"… so that when it comes time to embark on your cruise or tour, you will often be on a first name basis with everyone. This feeling of camaraderie with a large number of fellow tourists can contribute immeasurably to the success of the trip – and can often lead to lifelong friendships.

So don’t put off traveling just because you don’t have the cash.

Look through the resources below for a travel company that suits you. Then get in touch with them, set a date and a destination. And start making plans to take the trip of your lifetime… by helping others do the same.

Bon voyage!

More to come…

© 2004 by Jacqueline Corbett
TheLivingWeb.net

About The Author

Jacqueline Corbett has been researching & writing content on the internet since 1997.

Previously, she could be found marketing for an offline magazine.

© 2004 by Jacqueline Corbett

xenith@freebiz.net

Travel Doctor Q&A
by: News Canada

Dr. Suni Boraston

Vancouver, BC

Q: I am going on a vacation to Mexico and have been told that you cannot eat or drink anything without being affected by Montezuma’s Revenge. Is this true and is it worth going if I am going to be sick for the entire trip?

Signed: “questioning my vacation choice”

A: There is no reason to question your trip; you simply have to be a smart traveller. Travellers’ Diarrhea, also called Montezuma’s Revenge, is the most common medical problem affecting travellers going from developed to developing countries, including Mexico, the Caribbean, Africa, Latin America, the Middle East and most parts of Asia.

Here are a few tips to keep you from getting sick:

• Drink only carbonated bottled water or soft drinks, bottled fruit juices, alcoholic beverages without ice and hot beverages.

• Only eat fruit or vegetables that you have peeled yourself

• Make sure that foods are well cooked

• Talk to your doctor about a new, drinkable vaccine called Dukoral™ — the first and only oral vaccine that helps to protect against Travellers’ Diarrhea. Dukoral is also effective in children over two and seniors. While this new vaccine helps protect against Travellers’ Diarrhea, you still need to take precautions in order to stay healthy.

Have a great trip!

- News Canada

About The Author

News Canada provides a wide selection of current, ready-to-use copyright free news stories and ideas for Television, Print, Radio, and the Web.

News Canada is a niche service in public relations, offering access to print, radio, television, and now the Internet media, with ready-to-use, editorial “fill” items. Monitoring and analysis are two more of our primary services. The service supplies access to the national media for marketers in the private, the public, and the not-for-profit sectors. Your corporate and product news, consumer tips and information are packaged in a variety of ready-to-use formats and are made available to every Canadian media organization including weekly and daily newspapers, cable and commercial television stations, radio stations, as well as the Web sites Canadians visit most often. Visit News Canada and learn more about the NC services.

Travel Answers
by: Jane Stokes (Courtesy of News Canada)

(NC)-Here are the answers to this season’s most frequently asked questions:

Internet Issues

Q: Am I missing something if I don’t use the Internet to research and book my vacation?

- Peter T., Winnipeg

A: Opinions on this vary widely, so let’s start with researching. The Internet is one of the easiest ways research destinations and it makes planning a breeze. Paying money over the Internet is the larger issue, although millions of people are doing it every day. Its main strength as a booking instrument is the ability to find unpublished accommodation at attractive prices. Buying from a Web site is not a guarantee however of the best price available. There are comparative deals with traditional channels too, including travel agents who can give you face-to-face advice and will be your advocate if something goes wrong. The middle ground is a Web site that offers the option of “live” personal assistance. If you do buy on-line, a general rule of thumb is to buy from a Canadian source, in Canadian dollars. If prices are quoted in a foreign currency, double check that your conversion mathematics is correct.

Cruising Comfort

Q: On cruise ships do we need to worry about a lot of second-hand smoke?

- Jane R., Barrie, Ont.

A: It depends on the cruise line and where you are sailing. Europe, Mediterranean and Asia Pacific cruises have more relaxed smoking rules, but if you choose any of the mainstream, American-based cruise lines, chances are you will not encounter second-hand smoke until evening in some of the clubs and bars. Restaurants are generally smoke-free but the casino is not. Cruise advocates will tell you that the ratio of non-smoking areas has been increasing with every new ship. If a non-smoking environment is a top priority however, choose one of the Caribbean cruises offered by the MS Paradise. It is the only totally non-smoking cruise ship in the world and this season passengers can book either an Eastern, or Western Caribbean itinerary. The luxury, US$300 million, 2,052-passenger MS Paradise delivers a commendable cruise experience and is one of the more recent additions to the Carnival Cruise Lines fleet.

- News Canada

About The Author

News Canada provides a wide selection of current, ready-to-use copyright free news stories and ideas for Television, Print, Radio, and the Web.

News Canada is a niche service in public relations, offering access to print, radio, television, and now the Internet media, with ready-to-use, editorial “fill” items. Monitoring and analysis are two more of our primary services. The service supplies access to the national media for marketers in the private, the public, and the not-for-profit sectors. Your corporate and product news, consumer tips and information are packaged in a variety of ready-to-use formats and are made available to every Canadian media organization including weekly and daily newspapers, cable and commercial television stations, radio stations, as well as the Web sites Canadians visit most often. Visit News Canada and learn more about the NC services.

Travel Like The “Rich and Famous. . .” Discover How A Pauper Travels Like A King!
ll in one place, right in front of your eyes, instantly available, — all the travel hot spots, —the unknown secrets, —the special deals and comprehensive travel savvy, — knowledge that would take you years to learn on your own…in one location, on your hard drive, in this PDF document!

Travel Cheap Travel Well

Playing Your Cards Right – Tips for Traveling with Credit Cards
by: Gail Corwin

Using credit cards while traveling is a good idea for a number of reasons:

* You have a record of your expenditures for record-keeping and tax purposes (especially important if you travel for business)
* You may get a better exchange rate when obtaining foreign currency when using your credit card.
* Credit card companies can refund disputed charges and may offer extra guarantees, special deals or warranties.
* Your liability in the case of a stolen credit card is limited to $50

But, traveling these days is often a juggling act of luggage, boarding passes, identification cards, passports and a gauntlet of security measures. These identification acrobatics can leave you distracted and even a little bit addled, perhaps putting you more at risk of being targeted by an enterprising pickpocket or purse snatcher.

And, even though your liability is limited, costs can quickly add up if multiple cards are involved. Factor in the hassle and increased risk of identity theft, and it is apparent a few preemptive measures can save you from a boatload of heartache.

Consider the following tips as guidelines to traveling safely and affordably with your credit cards….

Plan Ahead:

Anytime you travel you should make photo copies of all of your credit cards airline tickets and documents, both front and back. You should leave these photocopies with a friend or family member.

Be aware that if you make copies of your cards and documents to take with you, you may be giving thieves another opportunity to rip off your personal information. Consider blacking out details such as expiration dates, verification codes and social security numbers.

If you decide not to carry photocopies of your credit cards, be sure to have the card cancellation numbers from the backs of the cards written down and stashed in your luggage.

Leave a Paper Trail:

Save receipts and keep track of the places you used your card. Make sure receipts are stored in a safe place so they can be checked against your credit card statement to ensure unauthorized charges have not been made and/or gone unnoticed.

His & Hers:

When traveling with other family members, even spouses, bring different credit cards that are on separate accounts. When a card is lost or stolen and must be cancelled, all cards on the account are cancelled as well. Having at least two cards from separate accounts will prevent the situation from leaving you stranded.

Lighten Up:

Carry only the personal information absolutely necessary for vacation, such as a passport or driver’s license. The less personal information you have, the better off you will be if your purse or wallet is stolen.

When traveling by air, always keep copies of important documents in a separate part of your luggage, such as a carry-on bag.

Keep cards on your person. Most travel stores carry small bags that you can keep cards, cash, and other items you will need to access while out and about. Consider a money belt or security wallet.

Look out for fees:

When traveling abroad and using a credit card, watch out for the conversion fee that many banks levy to convert charges in foreign currencies to dollars, generally 1% of the purchase amount. Some banks charge a fee and some don’t so, if you have several cards, it’s worth checking with the issuers to see which one has the best deal. Even with the conversion charge, many times ATM machines will have the best possible exchange rates and the lowest fees.

With proper planning, credit cards are a convenient, secure and cost-effective means of payment when traveling. Just keep these tips in mind, and the next time you’re balancing on one foot at the security gate, you’ll be glad you did.

About The Author

Gail Corwin is a successful author and publisher of http://www.luggage-n-travel-accessories.com. Your online resource for luggage and travel accessories, travel related information, timely articles and tips.

Ten “Travel” Commandments

by: Marli Davis

I. Thou shalt pack HALF the clothes you want.

II. Thou shalt take TWICE the money you will need.

III. Thou shalt pack an abundance of Patience.

IV. Thou shalt NOT count calories, especially on cruises.

V. Your extra large luggage shalt have wheels.

VI. Thou shalt NOT feel guilty if you don’t write and mail postcards until after you return home.

VII. Thou shalt pack a little Caution.

VIII. Thou shalt practice using your new camera BEFORE

you depart on your vacation.

IX. Thou shalt NOT pack uncomfortable shoes, no matter how attractive they might be.

X. Thou shalt have wonderful experiences that will flow into wonderful memories!

Copyright © 2003 by Marlene M. Davis
All rights reserved.

Now we can travel like pros ~

The Ten “Travel” Commandments ™ are from our guidebook, LET’S TRAVEL LIKE PROS. For details, please check “What’s New” at our web site.

ISBN 0-9728031-1-4 Trade Paper 48 pp. Only $7.95 USD plus S&H. 8.25% sales tax in Texas. Easy to order online, by phone or by mail. All sales final. Discounts for bulk orders.

About The Author

Marli Davis, M.A.S.S., has always felt that she was “born to travel.” In keeping with this insatiable interest, she has traveled domestically and internationally, casually (i.e., camping) and traditionally. Best of all, she can be packed and ready to go anywhere in the world in less than an hour! Here are her secrets. Ms. Davis also brings to this effort many years of professional experience. In the world of academia, she was a university Adjunct Professor of English and, in the corporate world, a Senior Editor and Writer, QA Engineer, Team Leader of Training, Manager of Configuration Management, and Director of Quality.

Marli Davis of MCJ Global Resources, Inc.
Self-help Guides, Individualized Coaching & Workshops
PMB 131A; 3941 Legacy #204; Plano, TX 75023; USA
Series: NEW LIFE Guides ~ Helping people change ™
Web: http://www.mcjglobal.com
Email: info@mcjglobal.com
Tel: 972-491-5441; Fax: 972-491-2428

Todos en un lugar, la derecha delante de sus ojos, inmediatamente disponibles, — todos los puntos calientes del recorrido, secretos desconocidos del —the, repartos especiales del —the y comprensión comprensiva del recorrido , ¡— conocimiento que le tomaría años para aprender en sus el propios… en una localización, en su impulsión dura, en este documento del pdf!

¿Necesidad de saber el mejor día de la semana para alquilar un coche? Está adentro aquí

¿Preocúpese de lo que usted necesita decir al vendedor de escritorio en el hotel cuando usted llega, así que el vendedor de escritorio no se aprovecha de usted? Está adentro aquí , (éste le ahorra las toneladas de dinero y le consigue el mejor cuarto del hotel!)

¿Usted sabe la mejor hora para hacer una reservación plana para ahorrar centenares de dólares? Está adentro aquí

Cómo sobre una manera de conseguir a LIBRE ¿billete de avión casi cada vez que usted viaja? La respuesta está en este libro

Qué si usted podría descubrir exactamente cómo las líneas aéreas son vulnerables ¿, así que usted puede aprovecharse de ellas? Está en este libro

Qué si usted podría encontrar ¿20 maneras al outsmart la industria multibillonaria del recorrido del dólar? ¡Poco ol ‘ usted! ¡Está en estas páginas!

Все в одном месте, праве перед вашими имеющимися глазами, немедленно, — все очага военной напряженности перемещения, секреты —the неизвестные, дела —the специальные и всестороннее перемещение savvy , — знание приняло бы вам леты для того чтобы выучить на ваших… в одном положении, на вашем трудном приводе, в этом документе pdf!

Потребность знать самый лучший день недели для того чтобы арендовать автомобиль? Он внутри здесь

Потревожьтесь о вы сказать к клерку стола на гостинице когда вы приезжаете, поэтому клерк стола take advantage of вы? Он внутри здесь , (это одно сохраняет вас тонны деньг и получает вам самую лучшую комнату в гостинице!)

Вы знаете самое лучшее time of day для того чтобы сделать плоское ресервирование для того чтобы сохранить сотниы долларов? Оно внутри здесь

Как о дороге получить а СВОБОДНО билет самолета близко every time вы переместите? Ответ находится в этой книге

Если вы смогли открыть точно как авиакомпании уязвимы , поэтому вы можете take advantage of они? Он находится в этой книге

Если вы смогли найти 20 дорог к outsmart многомиллиардный индустрияа туризма доллара? Меньшее ol ‘ вы! Оно находится в этих страницах!

Tudo em um lugar, direita na frente de seus olhos, imediatamente disponíveis, — todos os pontos quentes do curso, segredos desconhecidos do —the, negócios especiais do —the e curso detalhado savvy , — conhecimento que lhe faria exame de anos para aprender no seus próprios… em uma posição, em sua movimentação dura, neste original do pdf!

Necessidade saber o mais melhor dia da semana para alugar um carro? Está dentro aqui

Preocupe-se sobre o que você necessita dizer ao caixeiro de mesa no hotel quando você chega, assim que o caixeiro de mesa não faz exame da vantagem de você? Está dentro aqui , (este o conserva as toneladas do dinheiro e lhe começa o mais melhor quarto no hotel!)

Você sabe a mais melhor hora para fazer um reservation plano para conservar centenas dos dólares? Está dentro aqui

Como sobre uma maneira começar a LIVRE bilhete de avião quase cada vez que você viaja? A resposta está neste livro

Que se você poderia descobrir exatamente como as linhas aéreas são vulneráveis , assim que você pode fazer exame da vantagem delas? Está neste livro

Que se você poderia encontrar 20 maneiras ao outsmart a indústria multi-billion do curso do dólar? Pouco ol ‘ você! Está nestas páginas!

つの場所、— すべての旅行ホットスポット、—the の未知の秘密、—the の特別な取り引きおよび利用できる あなたの目の真ん前のすべて、直ちに精通した広範囲旅行、— 1 つの位置のあなた専有物で… 、このPDF 文書のあなたのハード・ドライブで、学ぶために年を取る知識!

週の最もよい日を知る必要性車の? を賃借するために. にここにある

着く時ホテルでフロント係に言う必要があるものをについての心配、従ってフロント係はによってここにある? 利用しない、{この1 によってはお金のトン救い、ホテルの最もよい部屋が見つけてあげる!}

平らな予約をするようにによって. にここにある何百ものドルの救うために最もよい時刻を? を知っている

a をか得る方法についていかに自由航空券ほぼ必ずこの本の. に旅行? 答えある

いかにか丁度発見できれば何航空会社は傷つきやすい、従ってできる利用それら? それはこの本の. に

見つけることができれば何か数十億のドルの旅行業の? をoutsmart 20 の方法少しol ‘! それはこれらのページにある!

Tutti in un posto, destra davanti i vostri occhi, immediatamente disponibili, — tutti i punti caldi di corsa, segreti sconosciuti del —the, affari speciali del —the e corsa completa savvy , — conoscenza che vi occorrerebbe gli anni per imparare sui vostri propri… in una posizione, sul vostro azionamento duro, in questo documento del pdf!

Necessità di conoscere il giorno migliore della settimana per affittare un automobile? È dentro qui

Preoccupisi per che cosa dovete dire all’impiegato di scrittorio all’hotel quando arrivate, in modo da l’impiegato di scrittorio non li approfitta? È dentro qui , (questo li conserva le tonnellate di soldi e vi ottiene la stanza migliore nell’hotel!)

Conoscete l’ora migliore per fare una prenotazione piana per conservare le centinaia dei dollari? È dentro qui

Come circa un senso ottenere a LIBERO biglietto di aeroplano quasi ogni volta che viaggiate? La risposta è in questo libro

Che cosa se poteste scoprire esattamente come le linee aeree sono vulnerabili , in modo da potete approfittarli di? È in questo libro

Che cosa se poteste trovare 20 sensi a outsmart l’industria miliardaria di corsa del dollaro? Poco ol ‘voi! È in queste pagine!

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Alle in einem Platz, Recht vor Ihren Augen, sofort vorhanden, — alle brenzligen Stellen des Spielraums, —the unbekannte Geheimnisse, —the spezielle Abkommen und kompletter Spielraum savvy , — Wissen, das Ihnen Jahre dauern würde, um auf Ihren Selbst… in einer Position, auf Ihrem Festplattenlaufwerk, in diesem pdf Dokument zu erlernen!

Notwendigkeit, den besten Tag der Woche zu kennen, um ein Auto zu mieten? Es ist innen hier

Sorgen Sie sich um, was Sie zum Empfangschef im Hotel sagen müssen, wenn Sie ankommen, also zieht der Empfangschef nicht Nutzen aus Ihnen? Er ist innen hier , (dieses speichert Sie Tonnen Geld und erhält Ihnen den besten Raum im Hotel!)

Kennen Sie die beste Zeit, um eine flache Reservierung Hunderte Dollar speichern zu lassen? Sie ist innen hier

Wie über eine Weise, a zu erhalten FREI Flugschein fast, jedesmal wenn Sie reisen? Die Antwort ist in diesem Buch

Was, wenn Sie genau entdecken konnten wie Fluglinien sind verletzbar , also können Sie Nutzen aus ihnen ziehen? Er ist in diesem Buch

Was, wenn Sie finden konnten 20 Möglichkeiten zum outsmart die Milliardendollarspielraumindustrie? Wenig ol ‘ Sie! Es ist in diesen Seiten!

Tous dans un endroit, droite devant vos yeux, immédiatement disponibles, — tous les points chauds de voyage, secrets inconnus de —the, affaires spéciales de —the et voyage complet savvy , — la connaissance qui vous prendrait des années pour apprendre toute seule… dans un endroit, sur votre commande dure, dans ce document de pdf !

Le besoin de savoir le meilleur jour de la semaine pour louer une voiture ? Elle est dedans ici

Inquiétez-vous de ce que vous devez dire au commis de bureau à l’hôtel quand vous arrivez, ainsi le commis de bureau ne tire-t-il pas profit de vous ? Il est dedans ici , (celui-ci vous sauve les tonnes d’argent et vous obtient la meilleure salle dans l’hôtel !)

Savez-vous la meilleure heure pour faire une réservation plate pour sauver des centaines de dollars ? Elle est dedans ici

Que diriez-vous d’une manière d’obtenir a LIBRE billet d’avion presque chaque fois que vous voyagez ? La réponse est en ce livre

Ce qui si vous pourriez découvrir exactement comment les lignes aériennes sont vulnérables , ainsi vous pouvez tirer profit d’elles ? Elle est en ce livre

Ce qui si vous pourriez trouver 20 manières à l’outsmart l’industrie milliardaire de voyage du dollar ? Peu d’ol ‘vous ! Il est en ces pages !

Allen in één plaats, recht voor uw beschikbare ogen, onmiddellijk, — alle reis hete vlekken, de onbekende geheimen, de speciale overeenkomsten en uitvoerige savvy reis , — kennis die u jaren zou nemen op uw eigen… in één plaats, op uw harde aandrijving, in dit Pdf- document te leren!

Behoefte om de beste dag van de week om een auto te huren te kennen? Het is hier in

De zorg over wat u aan de bureaubediende bij het hotel moet zeggen wanneer u aankomt, zodat de bureaubediende haalt niet voordeel uit u? Het is hier in , (Dit één bespaart u ton geld en krijgt u de beste ruimte in het hotel!)

Kent u de beste tijd van dag om een vliegtuigreserve om honderden dollars te besparen te maken? Het is hier in

Hoe over een manier om a te krijgen VRIJ vliegtuig kaartje bijna telkens als u reist? Het antwoord is in dit boek

所有在一个地方, 刚好在您的眼睛之前, 立即可利用, — 所有旅行热点, —the 未知的秘密, —the 特别成交和全面旅行精明, — 会需要您几年学会在您自己… 在一个地点, 在您的硬盘, 在这个PDF 文件的知识!

需要知道星期的最佳的天租赁汽车? 它是在这里.

对什么的忧虑您需要对接待员说在旅馆当您到达, 因此接待员不利用您? 它是这里, {这一个保存您吨金钱和得到您最佳的屋子在旅馆里!}

您知道最佳的时刻安排它是在这里. 的平面预定保存上百美元?

方式怎么样得到a自由飞机票您旅行? 答复几乎每次是在这书.

若您能确切地发现怎么航空公司是脆弱的, 因此您能利用他们? 它是在这书.

Summer Traveller Checklist
by: News Canada
(NC)-If you’re going to hit the road this summer, it pays to plan ahead. Long trips by car can be exhausting if you don’t take precautions. St. John Ambulance, Canada’s leader in safety-oriented™ first aid training and high quality products, offers this Traveller’s Checklist to help ensure you get there safely.

Is your vehicle up to the journey?

Check:

Tires and air pressure;
Fluid levels;
Lights and turn signals;
Motor operation, cooling and exhaust systems.
Carry:

Inflated spare tire;
Extra oil, radiator fluid, windshield spray;
Roadside assistance kit (including flares, jack, tire wrench, etc.)
First aid kit
Are you (and your passengers) ready to roll?

Check:

Is there a functioning seatbelt for each passenger to use?
Are small children secured in safety seats?
Are mirrors adjusted for the driver?
Are there obstructions on the dash, deck or windows that could obscure the driver’s line of sight?
Carry:

Water or other non-alcoholic liquid refreshment.
Nutritious snacks.
Blankets and pillows (especially for long trips).
Facial tissues or sanitary wipes.
Maps with your route clearly marked (if you plan to travel unknown roads).
Cellular phone or other communication device.
Items to quietly occupy the interest of young passengers while not disturbing the driver’s concentration.
For more than 118 years, St. John Ambulance has been helping Canadians prevent injury and reduce suffering through state-of-the-art first aid training and products. By learning what to do in an emergency, you can take to the road with extra confidence. For more information on St. John Ambulance programs and high-quality products, call the branch nearest you or look us up on the Internet at www.sja.ca.

About The Author

News Canada provides a wide selection of current, ready-to-use copyright free news stories and ideas for Television, Print, Radio, and the Web.

News Canada is a niche service in public relations, offering access to print, radio, television, and now the Internet media, with ready-to-use, editorial “fill” items. Monitoring and analysis are two more of our primary services. The service supplies access to the national media for marketers in the private, the public, and the not-for-profit sectors. Your corporate and product news, consumer tips and information are packaged in a variety of ready-to-use formats and are made available to every Canadian media organization including weekly and daily newspapers, cable and commercial television stations, radio stations, as well as the Web sites Canadians visit most often. Visit News Canada and learn more about the NC services.

How To Save Money When Traveling
by: Maria Estarellas

Do 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 - May
September - 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 in November.

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. Hotels

The 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 Visit

Make 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. Restaurants

Don’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. Taxi

In 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 numbers 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 restaurants 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.

About The Author

Maria Estarellas is the webmaster for http://meg2.citymaker.com. The Complete Website For The Whole Family

meg2@bspr.com

Alaska Cruises offer breathtaking scenery for your vacations.
by: Mike Yeager

Alaska cruises can offer some of the most pristine, natural beauty you’ll ever see on your vacations. Beautiful crystal clear inlets of water found no where else in the world. Icebergs and sheer cliff walls rising thousands of feet into the air. Choosing from among the many Alaska cruises will be easy and fun; making your vacations an exciting and rewarding experience.

Deciding which of many Alaska cruises is right for your vacations.

One thing to decide is when you want to go. Many people favor the month of August because the weather and temperature are favorable to being outdoors. Another consideration to keep in mind for Alaska cruises and vacations is which direction on the ship you’d like your cabin to face. Inside cabins are less expensive while outside facing cabins offer the convenience of stepping onto your balcony and seeing the many splendid sights. Dressing warmly and comfortably is another consideration, especially if you’re susceptible to being cold at night. Also, be sure and bring along a good pair of binoculars to see the sights. Many times your cruise ship will pass by a stunningly close to an immense block of ice; you’ll want to see every detail that up close.

About The Author

Mike Yeager
Publisher
http://www.a1-travel-4u.com/productpage/cheapcruises.html

5 Romantic Travel Resolutions
by: Paris Permenter & John Bigley
A new year always means a chance for a new start. You and yours can begin this new year by making some travel resolutions together, regardless of your time and budget restraints. Put aside those old travel habits and make some new ones! Let this be the year that your travel plans focus on fun, fantasy, and festivities!

(1) We’re going to plan a real vacation. No, it doesn’t have to be an around the world cruise or first class getaway (but if you can afford it, what are you waiting for?) It does have to be an honest-to-goodness vacation, though. No cell phones, no laptops. Mark the dates on the calendar and keep it just like you’d keep any business appointment. The business of romantic travel, though, is a fun one and an activity that the two of you can plan for months.

(2) We’re going to involve each other in the trip planning. All too often, one partner gets the job for planning a trip…and that task quickly becomes a bore. Plan your trips together! Anticipation is half the fun. Visit a travel agent. Collect brochures. Buy a guidebook. Rent a video about your destination. Search the internet for information.

(3) We’re going to do something we’ve never done. Here you can be as mild – or as wild – as you dare. Go whitewater rafting. Rent a houseboat. Take a hot air balloon ride. Spend the night in a local bed and breakfast. Learn to scuba dive. Dance the whole night away under the stars. The choice is yours.

(4) We’re going to take one mini-vacation every month. Whether it’s for the night or just for the night out, plan one tiny slice of a vacation every single month. The only rule: you must pretend you’re on vacation. Book a night at a local bed and breakfast. Call your local hotel and find out their non-peak nights (in business-oriented cities, it’s usually Friday and Saturday) then plan a short romantic getaway.

(5) We’re going to go to at least one festival. Special events take place at just about every community around the world. Whatever your interests – from square dancing to sandcastle building – you’ll find a festival celebrating with a day or two of fun and food. If you don’t have the time or budget to go far, contact area chamber of commerce or tourism offices within a day’s drive of your home for their calendar of events. If you can, extend your trip into a long weekend. If you’ve got the time and resources, check out some of the major fun festivals: Carnival, Mardi Gras, Rio’s Carnivale. Don’t forget your costume!

About The Author

Husband and wife team Paris Permenter and John Bigley edit the award-winning Lovetripper.com (www.lovetripper.com), a romantic travel magazine and resource featuring honeymoons, destination weddings, and romantic getaways worldwide.
editors@lovetripper.com

What Is A Home Based Travel Agent?
by: Jennifer Dugan
Many people are unclear about the travel industry. Travel agents are often thought to be the same as real estate agents. Becoming a travel agent or more specifically a home based travel agent is an exciting career change or retirement option. Some people do it full time while many do it as a part time business.

A travel agent books travel for customers and is paid by suppliers a commission on the booking. For bookings that suppliers do not pay a commission on, a travel agent also can charge the client a service fee for his/her time. An example is if you were to book a hotel for a client, the hotel would then send a check to the agency after the client checked out. Most hotels pay 10% of the price of the hotel before taxes and fees. A $100 per night hotel reservation would mean $10 a night for the travel agent who made the booking. This hotel would cost the same whether the customer uses a travel agent or books through the hotel directly. In many cases the travel agent can get a better price. It costs the customer nothing to use the travel agent unless the travel agent charges service fees.

Can anyone do this? In order to work with suppliers, you must have an account set up with the supplier. Most require an agency to hold an IATAN, CLIA or ARC number. IATAN stands for International Airlines Travel Agent Network. CLIA stands for Cruise Lines International Association. ARC stands for Airline Reporting Corporation. Each of these memberships requires different things including sales, money in the bank, experience or training in the industry, and membership fees. Many will require Errors and Omissions insurance of $1,000,000 or more.

For the average travel agent, membership is not a possibility with some organizations so the agent will team up with an agency and work as an independent agent or outside agent. There are also advantages of working with an agency because most travel agents cannot make enough in sales with a particular supplier to obtain higher commission levels and bonuses. Working with an agency with many agents can increase the commission percentages the agent gets because of the joint sales of all the agents at the agency. Support is also a very important aspect of being a successful agent. Agents who do not work with others tend to feel more isolated and have to learn to do it all solo. Since no agent can have the experience of being everywhere in the world or staying at every hotel or resort, having others that you can get advice from is really helpful.

The future of travel agencies is always questioned. The truth is the industry has changed in many ways. Some changes were for the better, some for the worse. Many airlines have cut commissions for travel agents. However, there are many other suppliers who are paying travel agents more than they were ten years ago. Cruises used to be booked by only the rich and now people in every income book cruises. Each year more and more people go on cruises. Most people say they want to go on a cruise at least once and many who go on their first come home to want to book another.

You can earn commission on many travel reservations.

Hotels
Rental Cars
Tour Packages
Cruises
Some airline tickets
International airline tickets
Travel insurance
Ground transportation including limos
Attraction tickets
Train tickets
People all need travel arrangements at some point in time. Those who take road trips need hotel reservations. Those who need to travel for business need airline tickets, rental cars, and hotel reservations. Families want to experience vacations with their loved ones. People visit family and relatives. Most people who win money say they are going to spend it to take a nice vacation. Newly married couples go on honeymoons. You are not selling something that is hard to sell. People contact you for help, you are not calling them or approaching them trying to sell them something they don’t want.

Educating the public is the main thing any travel agent must do. Most people put travel agents into the same category as real estate agents. They believe it costs additional to use a travel agent. This is untrue. In many cases a travel agent can get a better price than the general public through the suppliers who work only with travel agents. Many people do not know all the options for booking a vacation. A good travel agent does. Once people are educated on how a travel agent gets paid, they are more willing to work with travel agents. If a person knows that if he or she let you book a hotel and it will cost the same price regardless, she or he will work with you. It is important to let people know how you can help them save time and money on their travel arrangements.

So how do you get into the industry? Many people think they must go to school or become certified. This is not true. You can get into the industry and begin training. I don’t recommend anyone spend thousands on a travel school until he or she knows this is a career that he or she will really want to pursue. The truth is you do not have to spend thousands to get trained. There are many courses free to travel agents from suppliers. There are also organizations such as ICTA (Institute of Certified Travel Agents) who offer courses as you get more years experience in the industry. CLIA also offers courses. There are some agencies that will offer training. Even if you decide this is a career you would like to pursue, you do not need to spend thousands to become an educated and competent travel agent. There are many courses you can take with suppliers and organizations to get a better education in travel. I truly believe a hands’ on approach is the best way to become a better travel agent. Learning to work with suppliers and how to find the information your clients need is an important part of becoming a good travel agent.

How can you find an agency to work with? There are a few organizations dedicated to independent travel agents. NACTA and OSSN are the top organizations. NACTA stands for National Association of Commissioned Travel Agents. OSSN stands for Outside Sales Support Network. You can also search online for home-based travel agent programs. I would never recommend anyone spending a lot of money to start this business. It is key to first try and see if it is something you would really want to do and get training before you invest too much money into it. Get involved in the industry first and see if it is really a career that is best for you.

Jennifer Dugan CTA
Owner of Dugan’s Travels
Travel agent since 1993
http://www.duganstravels.com

Copyright 2004 Jennifer Dugan

About The Author

Mother of two who started a homebased travel agency in 1997. She has over 200 outside agents working with her agency and is active in the travel industry. She has been an agent since 1993. She is the author of three ebooks.

Healthy and Happy Feet While Travelling - A Travel Expert’s Advice
by: News Canada
(NC)-Whether hiking in Canada’s Rocky Mountains or admiring art at the Musée du Louvre in Paris, travelling takes its toll on the feet, and sore feet can ruin the pleasure of a vacation.

Toby Saltzman is a freelance travel writer and editor and publisher of the travel website, www.travelterrific.com. Her globe-trotting job takes her to destinations around the world and requires her to spend countless hours on her feet, visiting various tourist and cultural attractions.

After years of experience caring for and treating her feet, Saltzman has some basic tips on how to keep feet healthy and happy, no matter where travellers adventure to this summer.

1. Wear comfortable walking or athletic shoes

It may sound simple, but wearing comfortable shoes is essential when spending hours of vacation time on your feet. Comfortable shoes can help to alleviate the discomfort caused by corns and calluses and help to prevent blisters.

For those travellers with corns and calluses, plan to see your podiatrist before embarking on your trip. You may wish to ease the discomfort by packing over-the-counter cushion treatments to protect feet while on vacation. Blisters are one of the most common travelling foot injuries. Avoid missing out on enjoyable vacation excursions by using over-the-counter treatments such as Dr. Scholl’s® Cushlin® UltraSlim Blister Treatment to help heal and prevent blisters.

In addition, comfortable shoes with proper arch support delay the occurrence of tired, achy feet, a common culprit that hampers the enjoyment of much anticipated travel activities, such as hiking. Many over-the-counter insoles and devices can improve the arch support of a shoe, allowing for more “on your feet” time during a vacation.

2. Do not pack shoes that need to be “broken in”

Always avoid shoes that require a break-in period and instead, purchase shoes that feel comfortable right away. This also applies to packing for a vacation. If the shoes hurt your feet at home, they’ll hurt them on the road as well. Always be conscious of how vigorous the vacation activity is and how comfortable your shoes are.

3. If shoes do not have sufficient padding or support, improve the performance of your shoes by adding inserts/devices

Quite often the shoes that “best match” a vacation outfit - whether for an afternoon shopping in New York City or an evening of entertainment on a cruise ship - are not beneficial to our foot health. Wear shoes that support feet, allowing for ease of movement wherever your vacation adventure may take you. For additional support, there are a variety of over-the-counter inserts that provide additional cushioning and support, such as Dr. Scholl’s® Advantage™ PowerWalk Insoles.

4. Soak feet nightly

Treating feet each night with a specially designed soak such as Dr. Scholl’s® Smooth Touch® Instant Foot Bath will help to ease the discomfort of tired, achy feet. It also moisturizes and softens corns, calluses and rough, hard skin; a luxurious comfort that can be enjoyed in the privacy of a hotel room that will prepare your feet for a comfortable travel adventure the following day.

5. Moisturize and exfoliate feet

Moisturizing and exfoliating feet can help to reduce the build up of dead skin that results in corns and calluses. It is also a nice, relaxing treat at the end of a long day of sight-seeing. Dr. Scholl’s® Smooth Touch® Peppermint Foot & Leg Lotion softens skin, as well as provides a soothing peppermint fragrance.

For more information on footcare visit www.drscholls.ca.

About The Author

News Canada provides a wide selection of current, ready-to-use copyright free news stories and ideas for Television, Print, Radio, and the Web.

News Canada is a niche service in public relations, offering access to print, radio, television, and now the Internet media, with ready-to-use, editorial “fill” items. Monitoring and analysis are two more of our primary services. The service supplies access to the national media for marketers in the private, the public, and the not-for-profit sectors. Your corporate and product news, consumer tips and information are packaged in a variety of ready-to-use formats and are made available to every Canadian media organization including weekly and daily newspapers, cable and commercial television stations, radio stations, as well as the Web sites Canadians visit most often. Visit News Canada and learn more about the NC services.

Did I Pack My Toothbrush? Getting Organized for Travel
by: Stacey Agin Murray

For many of us summertime = vacation time. Some people will spend their days off at the local pool. Some may choose to sightsee in their own town. Many will leave behind the comforts of home for the open road. Regardless of the destination or mode of transportation, it is important to be organized for travel.

A few benefits of being organized for travel:
1. Being organized will save you time.

Having a copy of your packing list on the computer will cut down on the time used for re-creating it every time you travel.

2. Being organized will save you money.

Doing pre-travel shopping at home will save you big bucks (especially on film and batteries…) that might be otherwise be spent at a tourist trap.

3. Being organized will save you stress.

No need to stress while scrounging for your tickets and ID at the airport if all of your paperwork is organized in one place.

Follow these organizing tips to keep your vacation a stress-free, time and money saving event:

Plan ahead. Create a general itinerary before you travel. Grab pen and paper and jot down your travel times, hotel check-in/check-out times, and a list of activities/places you’d like to visit. This will help you make sure you have allowed enough time to get to your destination, and whether or not you’ve scheduled too many activities for one day.

* Stop by your local ‘AAA’ office for a Triptik and other travel-related services to help map out your route if driving.

Create a checklist to help you pack. Keep it on the computer so you don’t have to write it over every time you leave home. Use it as a template and update it before each trip to include anything new such as medications, toiletries, accessories, etc.

Keep all information related to your trip in one place. Create a folder for papers such as reservations, confirmations, and tickets. When you look for the information you need before or during your trip, you’ll have it all at your fingertips.

Keep a toiletry bag packed with small sized travel sized-containers all year round. By doing so, you’re always ready for a long trip or an overnight stay. Take a quick inventory of its contents before you leave home—you might have run out of toothpaste on your last trip.

*If your favorite products don’t come in sample sizes, purchase small, travel sized containers and fill them with your favorite shampoo and creams. Label them clearly so you don’t accidentally condition your hair with a facial moisturizer…

Place items you’ll need immediately at the top of your suitcase. Items such as comfortable shoes, pajamas, and toiletries are more easily accessible if they’re closer to top. When you’re tired from a long journey, the last thing you want to be doing is rummaging through your suitcase.

Use suitcase organizers to separate outfits or types of clothing. Products such as Pack-It Cubes or Ziploc bags do the job well. Hefty makes One-Zip 2.5 gallon bags (found in many supermarkets) that are large enough to organize clothes and later can be used to keep laundry or wet bathing suits away from the rest of your belongings.

*Wearing your bulkiest pair of shoes while traveling will give you more space in your suitcase.

Organize your wardrobe around one basic color such as black, navy, or brown to prevent overpacking. You’ll be able to mix and match easily and you won’t need to bring a ton of different shoes. Also, when packing–think about your vacation activities. Will they include hiking? Days at the beach? Having dinner with relatives? Think ahead and pack items you may need for those activities such as band-aids for hiking, aloe vera for sunburns, and the scarf Aunt Shirley gave you for your birthday if you’ll be seeing her.

Travel safely and have an organized trip!

About The Author

Stacey Agin Murray, professional organizer and owner of Organized Artistry, LLC, transforms ‘mess’ into ‘masterpiece’ with patience, organizing know-how, and a sense of humor. For more articles and to get your FREE e-list of ‘Top Ten Tips for Organized Living’ visit http://www.organizedartistry.com.
stacey@organizedartistry.com

Four Ways to Free/Low Cost Travel
by: Liana Metal
1. Free lodging!

Find a pen friend. Maybe you haven’t thought of this. It’s the best solution to your budget problems, but you can’t have it overnight! Greek people are hospitable and so are other countries’ people if you become friends with. It’s the simplest thing to do if you like writing letters or just exchanging cards and souvenirs. I’ve done it and a lot of other people have, why not you? Your friend will probably be happy to put you up for a couple of nights and show you around as well. The other alternative is to exchange your house/flat with somebody else’s abroad. There is a site online that will help you find a place . Try www.welcometraveller.org, they advertise ‘exchange homes free of charge’. Try also www.bigworld.com for offers and discounts.

2. Low cost travel

Stay at campsites. The cheapest alternative to free lodging, at least in Greece. You save money and have fun . Find a campsite at www.greecetravel.com/campsites

3. Invest on a bike.

If you like cycling, then you can do it. In Greece you can cycle to most places and see areas that are worth visiting. You can easily rent a bike , and if you are in Corfu you can try www.mountainbikecorfu.com

4. Rent a room in a village or at the port

There are families who rent rooms in their own house ; cheaper than hotel rooms but you have to follow the rules. Where can you find them?

Watch the port area if you come by ship. There are people who approach you and tell you about their own rooms around the area, at low prices. Sometimes you can even bargain to get a better price.

Well, if all these don’t suit you and you may own a caravan , you don’t have to worry about lodgings. You can stay at campsites at low cost, at the side of the road or even in a field for free. You can also hire a caravan and share the expenses, if you travel with friends.

Don’t know where to find one? In Greece you can try www.greecetravel.com/carrentals

Greece is ideal for traveling at low cost. But you must be inventive and explore all the sources available. Visit www.google.gr

This is a search engine that will help you find all the info you want. Just type the word Greece and click on Search.

GOOD LUCK!

About The Author

Liana Metal has been writing fiction ,non fiction, ebooks and reviews for many years. Visit her at http://lianametal.tripod.com to read more about writing, books and markets.
lianamet20@yahoo.co.uk

Exciting Vacations in Your Own Backyard - You Don’t Need To Travel Far To Experience A Memorable Getaway
by: News Canada
(NC)—The summer is in full swing and so is the travel season as Canadians take advantage of the long awaited warm breezes and sunny skies. For those of us without a family cottage or a plane ticket out of the province, the options may seem limited for creative, fun destination ideas for a day trip or even a summer-long getaway.

Options do exist – and it’s often surprising just how close and convenient the fun can be. Below you’ll find some great ideas in regions across Canada that are sure to create memorable and fun vacations for even the most discerning traveler. All of these options and more can be found in Michelin’s Green Guide to Canada – a fountain of information, and an indispensable travel companion.

Spas

Spas are sprouting up almost everywhere in Canada. Michelin’s travel guide highlights several of these pampering palaces, particularly those in Ontario. Day spas like Kingston’s serene Spa at the Mill, spacious in a restored woollen mill overlooking the Cataraqui River. Or Toronto’s newly relocated Victoria Spa, a haven of Asian-accented calm within the Crowne Plaza Toronto Centre. As for resort spas, High Fields Country Inn & Spa, an hour north of Toronto in Zephyr, combines wraps, facials and hydrotherapy with swimming, tennis and nature walks on the expansive hilltop property. In charming Port Hope, guests at The Hillcrest of Haldimand Hills Spa Village spend the night in finely appointed bedrooms within a grand porticoed mansion—after a day of exercise, mud facials and massage. In The Michelin Green Guide Canada, you’ll find plenty of places throughout Canada for luxuriating.

Cool Places to Stay

Guest Ranches are increasingly popular, especially in British Columbia’s Cariboo, where week-long stays in rustic log cabins (at Elkin Creek Ranch, for example) close a day of trail riding, roping lessons, fishing and—you guessed it—spa indulgence (try the Moor Mud Wrap at Echo Valley Ranch or rosehip oil treatments at Hills Health Ranch). For a selection of BC ranches, find the page number for The Cariboo on The Green Guide’s detailed Contents page.

For travel beyond the summer months, visit the Ice Hotel in Quebec City, where you slumber in a sleeping bag nestled on deer pelts.

Or sink into a whirlpool tub, complete with heated towel rack, at Murray Premises, a converted trading house in St. John’s. In Vancouver, you’ll overnight in your own “gallery” of Northwest Coast art on Listel Vancouver’s museum floor. And in Jasper, warm your toes by the wood-burning fireplace in a Tekarra Lodge cabin that recalls the Rocky Mountain bungalow camps of the early 1900s.

Good Eats

Try a blend of Indian, African and French cuisine in Montreal at Le Piton de la Fournaise (relocated to Rue Duluth Est). Or French-Québécois cookery (foie gras de canard du Québec) in Québec City’s Le Saint-Amour (Rue Sainte-Ursule). Out West in Calgary, you’ll find Brazilian entrées at Latin Corner Cantina (8th Ave.) and Thai cuisine at Thai Sa-On (10th Ave.) that compete with the traditional Canadian fare and western specialties of other city restaurants. Vancouver’s Blue Water Cafe in trendy Yaletown serves up seafood delights from sushi to Dungeness crab cakes. Authentic Mexican food can be found in Fredericton (of all places) at El Burrito Loco (King St.) and on Queen Street, German dishes draw repeat customers at Schade’s Restaurant.

No matter your budget, finding a new and interesting travel destination close to home is easier than you think. This summer, make it fun to find out more about Canada!

For more information, pick up the latest edition of The Michelin Green Guide Canada, available from major booksellers across the country or visit www.viamichelin.com.

- News Canada

About The Author

News Canada provides a wide selection of current, ready-to-use copyright free news stories and ideas for Television, Print, Radio, and the Web.

News Canada is a niche service in public relations, offering access to print, radio, television, and now the Internet media, with ready-to-use, editorial “fill” items. Monitoring and analysis are two more of our primary services. The service supplies access to the national media for marketers in the private, the public, and the not-for-profit sectors. Your corporate and product news, consumer tips and information are packaged in a variety of ready-to-use formats and are made available to every Canadian media organization including weekly and daily newspapers, cable and commercial television stations, radio stations, as well as the Web sites Canadians visit most often. Visit News Canada and learn more about the NC services.

Costa Rica Travel Packages
by: AVEL ON LINE
Located in southern Central America, Costa Rica is surrounded by three different bodies of water including the Panama Canal on the southeast, the Pacific Ocean on the southwest and west and the Caribbean Ocean on the east. Because of Costa Rica’s close proximity to several bodies of water, the country is an ideal stopping point for various cruise ships carrying throngs of adventurous vacationers. Depending on the area of Costa Rica you are in, the climate can differ dramatically. There are cool wet mountain ranges, rain forests, dry tropical forests, cloud forests, the very dry Pacific coast and the damp Caribbean coast. Because of Costa Rica’s diverse climate, the country is home to 850 species of birds, 205 species of mammals, 9,000 species of flowering plants, 1,200 species of orchids and 376 species of reptiles and amphibians. For a country that only measures 51,060 square kilometers, this is a wide variety of natural wildlife. Costa Rica strives to maintain the land’s natural beauty and wildlife by designating one sixth of the country to national parks and wildlife refuges. Costa Rica is also home to several active volcanoes. Arenal erupts daily every fifteen minutes or so. The locals welcome foreigners with open arms making Costa Rica one of the most desirable vacation and retirement spots in the world. It is for these and other reasons that a Costa Rica vacation cruise should be booked today. The memories will last a lifetime.

An Abundance of Outdoor Recreation: Costa Rica is big on water related activities. Wave riders travel from all over the world to test out their expertise in Costa Rica’s waters. Both the Pacific and Atlantic coasts offer up some notorious surfing. On the Atlantic Coast, Puerto Viejo’s Salsa Brava gets some great breaks during the winter months although this area is often crowded. On the Pacific side, Playa Hermosa is the most consistent place to catch some waves. If these areas are flat, no need to worry, snorkeling and kayaking are always an option. Wind surfers have nothing but praise for Lake Arenal. It is considered one of the world’s best wind surfing spots and on good days you can cruise over 25 miles across the lake. There might not be anything more romantic when you’re on vacation with the one you love than enjoying a horseback ride. Whether its on the beach or through a National Park, the experience is sure to be memorable. Other popular outdoor activities to be enjoyed while in Costa Rica include hiking, mountain biking, deep sea fishing, bungee jumping, sailing, bird watching and ballooning. More adventurous activities include repelling down through the center of waterfalls, canopy tours through the tropical trees and white water rafting.

A Mecca for Nature Lovers: Nature lovers should take advantage of Costa Rica’s numerous National Parks and refuges. Crocovado is both a rain forest and black sand beach. The Tabacon Hot Springs is nature’s equivalent to the Jacuzzi. Unwind near cascading waterfalls in the various pools and hot springs. A trip to the Monteverde Cloud Forest will almost guarantee a sighting of Costa Rica’s most famous bird, the Quetzal. The Rain Forest Aerial Tram is located out of San Jose, the country’s capital, and offers a guided canopy tour of the rain forest. Manuel Antonio Park is teeming with monkeys and other wildlife. The Tortuguera is Costa Rica’s most famous protected nesting area. If you are not a fan of outdoor activities, don’t worry, there is plenty else to do and see. The National Museum traces Costa Rica’s colorful history and culture. The museum was founded in 1887 and is located in San Jose. Patrons of the arts should try and catch one of the numerous performance put on at the National Theater. The National Theater offers classical music and opera performances in addition to others. Sarchi is located outside of San Jose and is a great place to visit and admire the country’s handicraft.

Visit www.mytraveltocostarica.com to receive a FREE Costa Rica vacation package quote.

About The Author

Aventuras Elegantes, AVEL, S.A. We are an american and costa rican group. Aventuras Elegantes, AVEL, S.A., started operation in 1995 as a receptive tourism agency specialized in promoting Costa Rica as a tourist destination worldwide.
www.mytraveltocostarica.com
info@mytraveltocostarica.com

The Chance To Travel Mexico And Stay At Some Beautiful Mexican Resorts
by: Mike Yeager
Cancun vacations offer white sandy beaches, warm tropical sun and beautiful blue water. Some of the finest Mexico resorts can be found in Cancun. One of the great things about deciding to travel Mexico is the short time it takes to get there. Only a couple of hours flying time and you can be staying at one of many Mexico resorts offering you the chance to relax, tan and even travel Mexico.

When you decide to travel Mexico you’ll find that even though you’re in a foreign country, there are many familiar U.S. hotels and restaurants. Beautiful Mexico resorts, beautiful beaches and people are all waiting for you.

The very best in lush Mexico resorts are on the internet, so you can travel Mexico in style.

When you decide to travel Mexico here are some of the things to consider doing: snorkeling in warm, blue water in the afternoon. Renting some jet-ski’s and feeling the spray of the surf splash your face as you frolic like a kid with a new toy. Have you ever felt the thrill of being lifted into the air under a big, billowy parasail? What an experience! Imagine the breathtaking view you would have as you floated above the sun, the sand and surf with the warm tropical breeze blowing through your hair. All this and more is yours when you choose to “get away from it all” and travel Mexico

Remember, the dollar is very strong in Mexico and your travel money will go a long ways towards your vacation expenses.

About The Author

Mike Yeager
Publisher
http://www.a1-travel-4u.com/
mjy610@hotmail.com

Alternatives for Business Travelers
by: David Leonhardt
“I’m coming home. I’ve been away too long. Been away so long. I’m coming home” – Ian Thomas, in Coming Home

I still recall my road warrior days. It seemed like every other week, I was hopping on a plane for Orlando or Vancouver or Palm Springs or Washington or Chicago or Toronto.

It might not be Rome, Paris, and Monte Carlo, but Washington, Toronto and Orlando are pretty classy places. I went to crucial meetings. I was an important person. I was a frequent flyer.

However, after a while, all the towns begin to look the same. One airport hotel looks amazingly like another. Surely the taxi driver in Washington and the taxi in Orlando were twins separated at birth. I was yearning to just stay put. I had had enough of hotels and restaurants

Traveling sounds glamorous until you have to do it over and over and over. Especially when you have a family, you want to spend some time at home between the episodes of jet lag. Comfort becomes a much bigger deal, and you want every place to feel like home.

You just can’t do that in a hotel. Not in a Marriott. Not in a Sheraton. Not in a Hilton.

I wish I knew then about two other options.

Private Vacation Homes (or rental villas)

Private vacation homes, known also as holiday homes or villas are essentially houses that rent on a weekly basis. They are not much help for fly-in meetings. For those, only an airport hotel will do.

But if you plan to be in town for the better part of the week, there is nothing like kicking back in your own private home – a rental home, of course.

“Hotel rooms are cramped; a villa is spacious with room to walk about. Hotel rooms have a TV and desk in the bedroom; a villa has surround sound TV and stereo with comfortable couches and chairs in various parts of the home. A hotel has a public pool; a villa has a private pool,” says Florida villas rental agent Stewart Granville. “It’s private. It’s comfortable. It’s like a home away from home.”

Mr. Granville notes that a vacation home rental also serves as an office away from home, with one room dedicated to the office. “In a villa, you don’t have to sit on your bed when you type those memos. And what a great way to entertain business contacts.”

Mr. Granville specializes in villas in America’s vacation heartland: Orlando, Florida. Business travelers often bring their family along to enjoy Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and other famous theme parks. The family plays while the business traveler works. When the meetings are over, they all head for Disney together, perhaps for another week. With family in tow, a private rental home makes much more sense than a crowded hotel room.

Bed and Breakfasts

Bed and Breakfasts are also an option. Although they do not offer the same privacy and space as villas, they are warmer and more homey than a hotel. And like a hotel, they rent by the night, not by the week.

Is a bed and breakfast for you? If a relaxing atmosphere is more important to you than room service, a bed and breakfast is for you, yes. They are comfortable and relaxing, so the business traveler can walk confidently into his meeting free from stress and worries.

Bed and Breakfasts are growing more popular for weekend getaways in the country, but most major urban centers have bed and breakfasts right in the heart of the city…and these are ideal for road-weary business travelers.

So forget about room service and the mint on the pillow. For a stay of several days, the business traveler can rent a spacious, private vacation villa. And for just a night or two, it’s a warm and comfortable bed and breakfast.

About The Author

David Leonhardt is a freelance writer, and an online and offline publicity specialist. Contact him at:
mailto:info@thehappyguy.com
or visit his website at:
http://www.thehappyguy.com
For Florida vacation villa rentals:
http://www.lastminutevillas.net
For Orlando vacation home rentals:
http://www.orlandovillaowners.com
Info@thehappyguy.com

Make These Air Travel Mistakes?
by: Neil Stelling

You’re sitting at home thinking about tomorrow’s plane journey. Remember last time ? Remember how you felt when you arrived ? Aggravated, stressed, hot, tired, needing a couple of days to recover ? Did you make these mistakes ?

* Packed your luggage just before you left home.

Don’t pack your bags a half hour before leaving. You know those vital papers, that book you wanted to read, or even your passport will mysteriously disappear at the last minute. Always pack the night before, and you’ll find everything right there waiting !

* Arrived at the airport late.

There’s no worse way to start your journey than sitting in traffic a couple of miles from the airport, watching the minutes tick by. Leave early. Expect a lot of traffic and your journey will take extra time. Then you’ll arrive at the airport relaxed and near the front of the check-in line. If you get your first choice of seat you’ll feel even better !

* Didn’t prepare for the plane journey.

* Dehydrated - the air you breathe on a plane is very dry. If you want to avoid dehydration bring a bottle of water with you and sip on it during the journey.

* Air Sick - if you suffer from motion sickness, and many people do, you can take precautions before you get on the plane. It’s too late when you’ve already started to feel sick. Take a motion sickness drug before you get on the plane. Some can make you drowsy, but that’s good on a long flight !

* Teeshirt - airplanes can get quite cold, so always keep a jacket or sweatshirt nearby if you need them. Some airlines provide blankets, but don’t count on it.

* Arrive lost at your destination.

Okay, you’ve just landed at your destination airport, and got your luggage back. What do you do now ? No idea. Feel those stress levels rising again ! Before you travel, check out your destination on the internet. Airport 50 miles out of town ? In that case, you don’t want to use a taxi if you can avoid it. You should pre-plan your bus or train journey before you leave home.

Follow the above tips and you’ll arrive relaxed and stress free, ready to enjoy your vacation or business trip.

by Neil Stelling B.Sc, MBA
Marketing Manager, DigiLectual Inc.
==> http://www.cheap–airline–tickets.com
© DigiLectual Inc. 2004

——————————————————————————–

Do you want to find cheap airline tickets ? Search over 500 airlines for the best flight deals on the internet. Go ==> http://www.cheap–airline–tickets.com/default.htm

** Attention eZine editors / Site owners ** Feel free to reprint this article in its entirety in your ezine or on your site so long as you leave all links in place, do not modify the content and include our resource box as listed above.

If you do use the material please send us a note so we can take a look.. mailto:articles@digilectual.com

About The Author

Neil Stelling is Marketing Manager of New York based, DigiLectual Inc. He travels extensively, and shares his travel experiences in a series of helpful air travel articles.

Eight Great Tips For The Adventure Traveler
by: News Canada

1. Embrace the place. Be sure to explore around the corners, go into the one of kind shops and meet the locals. Find out where the towns folk go for coffee and the newspaper in the morning and join them. DON’T have breakfast at the hotel.

2. Plan a trip with a theme and find an expert in that field to give you advise. For example an archeology trip, a wildlife safari, or a trip to discover local pottery and fabrics.

3. Read books written by authors from your destination. Go to a lecture on the country

4. Learn some language. Just knowing a greeting or two will endear you to the hearts of the people.

5. Pack lightly. Too much luggage will make or break your trip— and your back. Remember when you could get everything in a backpack? Check www.llbean for their travel clothes. Pack things that don’t need ironing and can be hand washed.

6. Take a small digital camera. It’s worth the investment. No film to buy or worry about and when you get home you can sort it all out on computer and make a great presentation for family and friends. Adobe and Fuji can help you get started.

7. www.hobotraveler.com has some fun ideas for the traveler who always wanders away from the tour group

8. Before you go, find a group or club with a similar dream – and get some like-minded travelers to go with you. How about a group of white-water rafters who have always wanted to raft the Nile? A shared experience multiplies the joy.

For information on travel adventures of the heart, visit www.negstusa.com

- News Canada

About The Author

News Canada provides a wide selection of current, ready-to-use copyright free news stories and ideas for Television, Print, Radio, and the Web.

News Canada is a niche service in public relations, offering access to print, radio, television, and now the Internet media, with ready-to-use, editorial “fill” items. Monitoring and analysis are two more of our primary services. The service supplies access to the national media for marketers in the private, the public, and the not-for-profit sectors. Your corporate and product news, consumer tips and information are packaged in a variety of ready-to-use formats and are made available to every Canadian media organization including weekly and daily newspapers, cable and commercial television stations, radio stations, as well as the Web sites Canadians visit most often. Visit News Canada and learn more about the NC services.

ABCs of Adventure Travel
by: News Canada
A – Address peel and stick labels for all your family and friends before you go. Then stick to postcards along the way and you’ll come home looking good.

B – Bottled water is a must – don’t drink anything else.

C – Cookbooks from your travels are always a great souvenir. Cook a dish from one when you have friends over to see your video and pictures

D – Digital cameras save the day; their small and you never run out of film

E – Expect excitement; go with anticipation, not trepidation

F – Food is fun, try something you’ve never eaten before like zebra pate or Australian wine

G – Give generous tips, especially in poor countries, you’ll be so glad you did

H – Hang out with the locals. Get to know a new person on your trip and get a photo with them

I – Inform someone at home of your itinerary

J – Journal every day. Can you remember now what you did last week?

K – Kids love it when you have packed little surprises to open along the way

L – Learn something: Take a pasta making course in Italy, Scuba diving in Argentina or Belly dancing in Bagdad (just kidding)!

N – Note the local artisans and buy something authentic

O – One substantial souvenir is better than a lot of small things. Then ship it home to lighten your luggage

P – Postcards will rescue you when your photography fails. You can never have too many

Q – Questions help you get the most out of all you see and experience.

R – Read before you leave. Read lots of books about your destination. Find out who the local best sellers are, and read one of their books.

S – Scrapbook within the first week of getting home

T – Travel as light as humanly possible. Dragging luggage is no fun.

U – Unpack as soon as you get home.

V – Vaccinations and certain medications are necessary in some countries – be sure to check with the World Health Organization about what you need.

W – Whining never fixes anything – buck up and deal with the differences

X – exchange your currency at the airport or a bank and be sure you understand the value of your money

Y – You are the one who will make or break your adventure. Plan to be positive

Z – Zero in on one or two experiences and squeeze the most out of them. Adventure overload will leave you confused.

For information on travel adventures of the heart, visit www.negstusa.com

- News Canada

About The Author

News Canada provides a wide selection of current, ready-to-use copyright free news stories and ideas for Television, Print, Radio, and the Web.

News Canada is a niche service in public relations, offering access to print, radio, television, and now the Internet media, with ready-to-use, editorial “fill” items. Monitoring and analysis are two more of our primary services. The service supplies access to the national media for marketers in the private, the public, and the not-for-profit sectors. Your corporate and product news, consumer tips and information are packaged in a variety of ready-to-use formats and are made available to every Canadian media organization including weekly and daily newspapers, cable and commercial television stations, radio stations, as well as the Web sites Canadians visit most often. Visit News Canada and learn more about the NC services.

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