Towing Vehicle Modifications Required to Tow Your Caravan

Towing vehicle modifications are necessary including brakes,
cooling system, suspension, rear view mirrors before you take
off with your caravan/trailer.

Brakes

If you caravan is fitted with electric brakes, you will need to
have a brake controller fitted to the towing vehicle. This
enables the driver to increase or decrease the caravan's braking
efficiently from the driver seat. Most controllers are fitted
with a tell-tale light that helpfully indicates the level of
braking selected.

Cooling System

With the extra weight, towing vehicles are regularly made to
work harder, especially if you are in hilly country and have to
drive up and down hills. All systems should be checked regularly
and maintained in excellent condition, particularly radiators
and cooling systems. Owners of automatic towing vehicles often
choose to have transmission coolers fitted. Most are fitted as
original equipment, but some after-market models are also
available.

Suspension

Again, with the extra weight of a caravan, rear suspension is
often adversely affected by towing. The rig can be levelled
using weight distribution bars. In some vehicles, particularly
four-wheel drives, up-rated rear springs can be fitted, or air
bags can be placed inside the spring to provide a range of
adjustments.

Mirrors

Most caravans are wider than the towing vehicle, which means
that extension mirrors should be regarded as standard safety
equipment. Most caravan accessory shops have a wide range of
mirrors. Many do not require professional fitting with many just
clipping to the existing rear-view mirror.

This is the fifth page of 23 with related information about
making the most of your caravan holiday. Check our website at href="http://www.crikey-adventure-tours.com/caravan-holiday.html"

target="blank">www.crikey-adventure-tours.com/caravan-holiday.htm
l for the other articles.

About the author:
Ian Molloy is the owner of Crikey Adventure Tours. Visit his
website href="http://www.crikey-adventure-tours.com"target="blank">www.cr
ikey-adventure-tours.com for more information about this
article and other related topics. His site is full of very
helpful travel information including tips on motorcycle travel,
driving cross-country, travelling with a caravan and other
camping and travel information.

Insurance and Roadside Assistance for Your Caravan Holiday

It is not until you break down that you realise just how much
you really need insurance and roadside assistance. This is even
more compounded when you are a long way from home on a holiday
and you have no other way of getting anywhere or doing anything
if your can or caravan has broken down.

You can not put a monetary price on your peace of mind.
Insurance and roadside assistance provides that peace of mind
when you are traveling so you can just enjoy your holiday.

Insurance

Before you take out your insurance, make sure you read and
understand what is actually covered. Make sure it covers
everything you need for the activities you have planned for your
holiday and also covers the areas you intend to visit and stay.
If you intend going off the beaten track, doubly make sure this
is covered. Check out the "extras", including such items as a
free car hire in the event of an accident and if this appeals to
you it may be worth paying the little bit extra. Prices can vary
quite significantly so shop around first.

Make sure your comprehensive insurance covers both your vehicle
and caravan. The benefits are obvious: the loss of some personal
items within a vehicle is covered, as is damage to the vehicle
through theft, vandalism or accident. Perhaps the most important
benefit is the peace of mind you will have knowing you are
covered if you are unfortunate to need insurance.

Make sure you carry copies of your insurance policies with you
when you are on the road.

Roadside Assistance

Many new motor vehicles are sold with a manufacturer's warranty
that includes roadside assistance in the event of a breakdown.
The warranty varies from one to three years or "X" number of
kilometres, depending on the make and model of the vehicle.
Check your policy carefully before you go. Make sure it covers
the kind of travel you intend and the places you want to go.
Details of your roadside assistance package, including contact
numbers, are usually contained in the glove-box folder.

If you are not buying a new vehicle and not covered as above
with your existing vehicle or you do not think the warranty
offered is suitable, you should consider becoming a member of
your State based motoring organisation. Similar to your
insurance and roadside assistance, you will only fully realise
the benefit of becoming a member if you break down and need
them. The State based organisations all offer reciprocal
breakdown assistance around Australia.

Different levels of membership are offered, so check out what is
most suitable to you. If you are planning to more adventurous
activities you may wish to go for the top level cover, which in
most areas offers unlimited service calls and free towing.
Motoring organisations also offer travel advice and sell maps,
guide and car accessories. Once you have used their services,
you may decide that the membership fee was the best money you
ever spent.

This is the ninth page of 23 with related information about
making the most of your caravan holiday. Check our website at target="_new"
href="http://www.crikey-adventure-tours.com/caravan-holiday.html"
>www.crikey-adventure-tours.com/caravan-holiday.html for the
other articles.

About the author:
Ian Molloy is the owner of Crikey Adventure Tours. Visit his
website href="http://www.crikey-adventure-tours.com"target="blank">www.cr
ikey-adventure-tours.com for more information about this
article and other related topics. His site is full of very
helpful travel information including tips on motorcycle travel,
driving cross-country, travelling with a caravan and other
camping and travel information.

Kids and Traveling Ideas

You probably have already have noticed that the gas prices are
up and prices for traveling by other means is going down. You
will find that when you look at things like train or bus you are
going to find yourself bored and very uncomfortable. For those
who travel by plane you will find that there are no hassles and
it can be easier and cheaper for you for family vacations.

You should at least book your flight the minute that you know
that you are going on the trip. The best deals are for those who
find months in advance to plan their href="http://www.alicante-spain.com/torrevieja.html">Torreviejaa> vacation. You might want to give it at least six month so
that you can have plenty of time to shop around or get your
travel agent to work for you and find the best deals.

You will notice that you can find flights that are cheap and
will make traveling a breeze. You will also find that there are
some airlines and airports that are more kid friendly then
others when you go online. You will find that there are some
airlines that will give the children a pack filled with
activities and other things to pre-occupy the baby. You will
want to also think about the dinner options when it comes to
children. Some do not serve and if it is a long flight, you'll
want to know what you need to bring for the trip.

You will also want to consider arrival and departure times, as
well as layovers. You will want to make sure that the children
sleep on the plane so that you can rest and relax. You will also
find that if you take a night flight that the dark night sky
might persuade your children to sleep and you may be over to
avoid jet lag. For those who get layovers, you will find that
you might be able to get some rest, and also explore a different
location before reaching the real destination.

Also, you will want to make sure that your children are with you
so that you don't have to worry about what the kids are doing.
Also, you don't want to go around asking for others to move to
help you and your family stays together. For the best interest
of the flight, you will want to make sure that you book a flight
with seats all near each other. Also, you might want to think
about getting child seats so that you can get them buckled up
safer than a normal seat.

You should print your boarding passes online within a day or so
advance to the trip. You will find that it may or may not be an
option, but if you can, then you should take full advantage of
it. You will want to make sure that you take some precautions in
traveling with children. You don't want to let them out of your
sight, even on a plane. You will want to make sure that you and
the children are prepared before leaving for the airport by
getting everything to together beforehand.

About the author:
Concentrating on latest developments in Murcia, the writer
writes most often for

http://www.alicante-spain.com/benidorm.html . His work on href="http://www.alicante-spain.com/torrevieja.html">Torreviejaa> are found on href="http://www.alicante-spain.com/torrevieja.html">http://www.a
licante-spain.com/torrevieja.html.

Mexico Wooing One Billion Chinese Tourists

Pursuing the potential at the China Outbound Travel and Tourism
Market

Efforts to promote Mexico's tourism destinations are being heard
half way around the globe. Mexico is ahead of many tourism
destinations in courting the fast-growing Chinese market. For
the second consecutive year in a row, the Mexico Tourism Board
participated in what is now one of the most attended
business-to-business outbound travel events in China, the 2007
China Outbound Travel and Tourism Market (COTTM), which took
place at the China World Trade Center in Beijing on May 14 - 16.

As one of the 132 countries around the globe to be given the
status of Approved Destination Status (ADS) by the Chinese
government, Mexico, where tourism ranks as its second-highest
source of foreign revenue, is especially eager to increase
visitor influx and expenditure from this region. The 2007 COTTM,
which attracted more than 200 exhibitors from 40 different
countries across the world, was attended by Mexico Tourism
Board's CEO, Francisco Lopez Mena. As part of President Felipe
Calderon's agenda to stimulate the tourism industry in Mexico,
Lopez Mena was an active participant in all promotional events
that took place in Beijing.

"China's emergence in the world market has significant
implications for the global economy, and especially for the
tourism industry," said Mexico Tourism Board CEO, Francisco
Lopez Mena. "We are quite ambitious about the Chinese market and
are eyeing the potential it is representing already to our
tourism economy," added Lopez Mena.

According to the World Tourism Organization as many as 100
million Chinese will be traveling abroad annually by 2020, and
the number of Chinese traveling internationally more than
doubled in just four years. The International Forum on Chinese
Outbound Tourism reports that the number of outbound departures
rose from16.6 million in 2002 to 34.5 million in 2006. Although
over 12,000 visitors traveled to Mexico from China in 2006,
according to latest statistics from the Mexico Tourism Board,
the annual growth rate is over 12% compared to 2005 figures.
This best illustrates the potential upside for Mexico's economy.

Sensing the outbound tourism potential in China and continuing
the government's agenda to strengthening relationships between
the two countries, Mexico was able to change visa procedures for
Hong Kong residents. Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
(HKSAR) passport holders visiting Mexico now enjoy visa-free
access for up to 90-day visit. This means greater convenience
for Hong Kong travelers and helps promote trade, business and
tourism relations between the two countries.

Mexico is China's second-largest trading partner in Latin
America after Brazil, and tourism plays an active role in
strengthening cultural and trade relationships. Continuing on
the smooth development of Mexico-China relations, the Mexico
Tourism Board considers China as a friendly and cooperative
partner, and expects to make joint efforts with China to promote
the development of both countries mutual relations in an
all-around way.

About the Mexico Tourism Board The Mexico Tourism Board (MTB)
brings together the resources of federal and state governments,
municipalities and private companies to promote Mexico's tourism
attractions and destinations internationally. Created in 1999,
the MTB is Mexico's tourism promotion agency, and its
participants include members of both the private and public
sectors. The MTB has offices throughout North America, Europe,
Asia and Latin America.

About Chichen-Itza, the World Wonder Swiss-based New7Wonders
Foundation is revising the original seven ancient wonders of the
world, and Mexico's Chichen-Itza in Yucatan State is one of 21
finalists to become a new Seven World Wonder. Declared a UNESCO
World Heritage Site in 1998, Chichen-Itza is considered to have
been one of the greatest Mayan centers of the Yucatan peninsula,
and today is one of the largest and most impressive
archaeological sites in Mexico. To vote for Chichen-Itza as one
of the new Seven World Wonders, visit the "new7wonder" website.
FOR PRESS ONLY: For additional ideas, help with a story or
general travel and tourism information about Mexico, please
contact the MTB's North American Press Room directly at
1-800-929-4555.

# # #

Erick Laseca Mexico Tourism Board 312-228-0517 ext14
erick.laseca@bm.com http://www.visitmexico.com

About the author:
Erick Laseca works for Burson-Marsteller as public relations
liaison for the Mexico Tourism Board in Chicago.

Cruise Ship Activities That Teenagers Can Enjoy

When taking a family vacation, it is often hard to find a
vacation destination that targets the whole family. This becomes
even more difficult when teenagers are involved. If you and your
family are interested in having a relaxing, yet exciting
vacation, you are encouraged to consider vacationing aboard a
cruise ship.

Cruise ships have evolved into something spectacular. Aboard a
cruise ship, you are granted access to a number of services,
facilities, and activities. If you are the parent of a teenager,
you may be wondering what cruise ship activities will peak their
interest. The activities found aboard a cruise ship will all
depend on the cruise line and ship in question. Despite the fact
that cruise ship activities vary, there are number of common
activities that are targeted towards teenagers.

Children of all ages, especially teenagers, enjoy swimming and
relaxing by the side of a pool. All vacation cruise ships come
equipped with a pool. These onboard pools are ideal for
teenagers. With a lifeguard on duty, you can feel comfortable
allowing your teenager to swim unattended while you enjoy other
onboard activities. Most cruise ships have a standard adult size
swimming pool, but additional pool styles may be available. A
limited number of cruise ships have onboard lap pools or wave
pools.

Arcade rooms can also be found aboard many cruise ships. Many
arcade rooms are targeted towards younger children, but not all
are. On a number of cruise ships, you may be able to find
numerous arcade games that have a focus on teenagers. These
games may include, but are not limited to fighting games, air
hockey, and other interactive sports games. Most games found
inside a cruise ship arcade require coins or tokens. If you plan
on leaving your teenager unattended, be sure that they have
enough money to play the games of their choice.

In addition to a swimming pool and an arcade room, most popular
cruise lines have an onboard movie theater. At any given point
throughout the day, a popular movie could be playing. Most of
the movies shown onboard a cruise ship are designed for adults
and teenagers. If you do not have a restriction on the types of
movies that your teenager can watch, they can have fun watching
a movie in state-of-the-art movie theatres.

Arcade rooms, movie theatres, and swimming pools are facilities
found on most cruise lines. Additional teen activities may be
found aboard particular ships. These activities may include
surfing, rock climbing, or ice skating. To determine whether
these additional activities can be found aboard a cruise ship,
you are encouraged to examine the cruise ship's layout. All
facilities and onboard activities should be explained in a
diagram or in a printed explanation.

One of the few cruise lines that currently offers onboard ice
skating is Royal Caribbean International. Royal Caribbean's
ship, Adventure of the Seas, has one of the most well-known
onboard ice skating rinks. In addition to enjoying open skating,
ice skating shows are offered on a regular basis. These shows
can come in the form of a competition or an ice capades show
that is geared towards the whole family.

The popularity of rock climbing walls has increased overtime.
Onboard rock climbing walls are fun for teenagers. Similar
activities are often explored in high school gym classes. For a
small fee, your teenager could spend the day climbing high in
the air. In addition to the excitement of climbing itself, extra
excitement and thrills are added when you realize exactly how
high you are above the sea.

A recent development in cruise ship activities that has caused
excitement among many teenage travelers is known as onboard
surfing. Royal Caribbean recently developed the "Flowrider,"
aboard their cruise ship, Freedom of the Seas. The "Flowrider,"
simulates surfing waves in a safe and fun environment. This
onboard activity is something that many teenagers would enjoy
doing, time and time again.

These activities are just a few of the many that target
teenagers. You won't have to worry about your teenager being
bored. It is easy to see that most cruise ships have a large
number of fun and exciting activities that are geared towards
teenagers.

About the author:
For great deals on cruise vacations, visit
http://selectcruisevacations.com We have many popular cruise
lines to choose from (including Carnival Cruise and Cruise
Direct cruise lines) along with almost any destination you can
imagine. We have last minute deals, honeymoon cruise packages,
and popular shore excursions-- something for everyone!