Easy Traveling

Travelling in a Car with Kids

2008-04-11T07:32:00.001-07:00

Travelling with kids to any destination by any mode of
transportation is not an easy feat, but with preparation, a
sense of humour, and plenty of bribe material, it can be done. A
driving holiday is as ideal a choice as any when you have
children to entertain. They have easy access to all their stuff,
you can have as many loos stops as you please, and you can
choose when and where to travel.

Every parent is looking for optimum flexibility, which is
guaranteed with a hire car. You can travel in safety and in
style, with pick up and drop off points in central and
convenient locations. The goal is to spend time together, travel
to amazing places and have fun at the same time, which is
possible even with a lot of kids.

There are a number of points that will help you maximize your
family driving holiday:

1) Firstly, keep it simple. Factor in enough time each day to
ensure that children have ample rest and relaxation. If your
itinerary is so jam packed with trips here there and everywhere
you won't enjoy yourselves. There will be plenty of great photos
but you will all be exhausted and cranky. It's better not to
visit as many attractions and save some time for relaxation and
chilling out with the kids. Children do not have as much
patience as most adults, and trudging from one place to another
every hour of the day can stretch the family to breaking point.

2) Pack well. If you are prepared, you will enjoy yourself more
on your holiday. Plan, write lists, stock up and always pack an
extra amount of clothes and food supplies in case of
emergencies. Its great to travel light, but another bag does not
take up a lot of room, and that spare tracksuit or muesli bar
may come in handy.

All children get the munchies, so a few extra treats for those
long drives will instantly help the trip become more enjoyable.
Don't pack them in the middle of your largest suitcase furthest
away from you, rather have them easily accessible at the front.
Your handy bag should always include sunscreen, hats, insect
repellent, small first aid kit, bottle of water and a washcloth.
And of course the treats.

Don't forget the favourite travel games, perfect for children
who are bored and have had enough of endless scenery. The old
fashioned notepaper and pencils will always come in handy, and
for teenagers you may have to give in and allow some extra
technology. Another great idea is for the older kids to have
their own camera and travel diary to record their own holiday
moments.

Your children may never fight for their space in the back seat,
but for most of us who endure this generational curse, some
simple masking tape will ensure that boundaries have been set in
place. Simply stick in a straight line to mark out each child's
'territory' and they should keep their fingers and toes to
themselves.

3) Remember who's in charge. This point seems obvious enough,
but it's amazing how the rules can bend when one small child is
screaming loudly in the back seat sending another into a small
frenzy resulting in instant travelling chaos. The solution would
seem to be to pull over (again) and sort the kids out, but if
you are only half and hour from your destination, you have tried
everything and their needs have been met, sometimes it is better
to just keep pressing on and put up with the high noise levels.
The good news is that it will soon be over.

You will also be requested time and again (from the back seat)
to stop at a lookout or pull over at another service station.
It's ok to stop for a stretch and a run, but if you stop every
time they get bored you will never get to where you are going.
They will have a great holiday, but you will be frustrated and
behind schedule. The simplest rule is, stick to your schedule
with adequate stops, and remember that you don't have to see
everything that everyone in the family wants to see. Your kids
will soon realise that it's as much your holiday as it is
there's, and will sit back to enjoy the rest of the trip.

The aim of a family holiday is to create lasting memories and
relax at the same time. To do this well you need to plan a
simple itinerary that includes all the main attractions and
places you want to see, pack carefully and stay in control. You
will find with some strategic planning that your holiday will be
all you could imagine. You will have time to enjoy adventures
together in plenty of fantastic places, and have such a great
time you will be soon be planning to do it all again next year.

About the author:
Jenny Brewer is a travel agent whose passion is writing. After
spending her leisure time writing time writing childrens
stories, she now enjoys writing about travel destinations. For
more of her articles visit HREF="http://www.discovery-carhire.com.au">Car Hire
Australia

Tips For Traveling Abroad

2008-04-04T06:38:00.000-07:00

Traveling abroad can be extremely exciting, especially if you
have never been to a foreign country. There are so many things
to see and experience, so many different cultures and so many
things to learn. It is also important to consider the inherent
dangers as well. Being aware of these can make you trip safer
and more pleasurable.

1)The first suggestion I can offer when going to another country
is to consider travel insurance. Travel insurance is good for
several reasons, it protects you from flight cancellations, lost
luggage and also any unexpected medical cost that could arise.

2)Another thought is to copy all of your documents like
passports, Id's, boarding passes, credit cards, travel vouchers,
and medical prescriptions. This is just in case the event arises
that anything is stolen or goes missing you can still prove who
you are which is a huge potential burden off of your shoulders.

3)When it comes time for you to begin your journey, it's best to
arrive early. This way you can check in your bags and have time
to get through all of the added security. Have passports,
boarding passes and anything else you need to get through
security readily available this way you don't have to fumble
through your bag every time you're asked.

4)When you arrive in a foreign country awareness is the key. To
keep your property safe, keep it close at all times. Try to take
things with you that you are bit going to need. Also make sure
to avoid scams that locals like to play on travelers. Finally,
stay in public places, avoid wondering off down the dark alley
ways in the middle of the night.

5)Lastly it's a good idea to know the currency exchange rate. A
good website to check is www.xe.com/ucc/. Go to a bank
preferably because they offer the most current rate. Finally you
may want to consider travelers checks, you can purchase them
from your local back.

The key point is, when you travel internationally you want your
trip to go as safe and hassle free as possible. Do a little
research, make preparations and don't forget to take some great
pictures.

For more informations visit
http://slapyourtravelagent.blogspot.com/ or
www.slapyourtravelagent.com

About the author:
Kyle Combs is an Independent Certified Travel Professional
specializing in teaching others how to travel at half price. He
has been exposing the closely guarded secrets of the travel
industry for a number of years. You can find out the hidden
secrets of the travel industry and save thousands at
www.slapyourtravelagent.com

Some tips for good travel photography

2008-03-28T08:56:00.000-07:00

Photography and travel photography in particular have been a
passion of mine for a long time and now I would like to share
some of the most important stuff I've learned over the years
with our dear readers.

I started with a Nikon EM SLR making mostly slides and upgraded
to digital in 2002. The SLR had served me very well but I
realized I could cut the cost of photography to almost nothing
with digital technology. Making dozens of shots of the same
subject means you're bound to have a good one eventually! Only a
couple of years later I discovered the benefits of image editing
software like Photoshop.

Enough history, let's move on to my tips. In this article I
assume you have some experience with (digital) photography
already and I concentrate on the specifics of "shooting on the
road".

First, choose the right equipment. I like a semi-pro camera with
a fixed lens and long zoom. The Panasonic Lumix series for
example has exceptional value for money. Best travel photos
happen fast. Most of the time you don't have time to change
lenses. Fixed lens also means you have fewer problems with dust.
I always keep my camera on auto-focus and auto-exposure.
Remember, best photos happen fast. You can lose the action
and/or the right light in seconds. Gone forever!

Also, have a decent quality back-up. I like my second camera to
be quite small. If you get invited to a party usually nobody
objects to photos taken with a small innocent looking
"toy-camera". The same goes for temples, gatherings etc.
However, do respect other people's privacy and local customs.

A small light-weight tripod is useful for night/sunrise/sunset
photography. Make sure it folds into your day-bag.

Secondly, learn to use your equipment at home before you travel.
Know it inside out. Practice, practice, practise. When you get
that once-in-a-lifetime shot you don't want to ruin it by
fiddling with your camera.

Also, read a few good books about photography in general and
also on digital shooting techniques. Read them again and
practise different techniques.

Ok, so now you're on the road. You see something captivating.
Start shooting! Shoot a lot, maybe 10-20 shots of the same
subject. Vary angles, shoot from distance and go closer, by foot
or with your zoom. Where is the light coming from? What is
essential for the shot? How to compose the shot? If you have
done your homework, it helps.

Photographing people: This is a sensitive issue. Basically, you
should always ask first. Even pointing at your camera and
looking like a question mark is usually enough and you get a
positive nod. If you are told "no", respect it. You'll find lots
of people who actually want you to take their picture. If you
talk with people, maybe show them some of your shots on your LCD
they often get relaxed and trust you. Hang around later and you
can shoot all you want. They might even pose for you
voluntarily.

Photographing landscapes: Put your camera on aperture-priority
and experiment with different apertures. Do you want a full
depth of field or bring out details focusing on something
interesting and using a wide aperture setting? If you shoot
early in the morning or just before sunset you can get a much
livelier and a more "three dimensional" photo because of the
shadows. This is especially important for rural landscapes as
fields of any crop look really flat without shadows.

Some maintenance tips: Remember that moisture, salt and dust are
real digital camera killers! If the conditions are difficult
keep your camera in its bag until the last moment. Take your
shots, wipe out any visible moisture and dust (carefully!) and
put your camera back in its bag. If it starts raining heavily,
wrap your camera bag in a plastic bag. When you get back to your
hotel, clean your camera at once. Don't give corrosion a chance.
Take out the battery, memory card and everything else that comes
off. Clean everything, preferably with a camera care kit. Don't
forget to wipe the lens and filters. Fully charge your batteries
and delete unwanted shots to free space on the memory cards.

You get home and download the treasure to your hard-drive. Now
begins, at least for me, the most rewarding phase. But wait a
second! Calibrate your monitor first. Many monitors ship with
calibrating software. If yours didn't, most image-editing
software come with something similar. If everything else fails,
just use your eyes! Do pictures on this or any other site look
natural to you? Adjust your monitor's brightness and contrast if
necessary.

Make a hard-copy of your photos on CD/DVD and start playing with
image-editing tools. Delete really bad shots. Copy the best ones
to a different folder and edit them to your liking. I like to
crop my photos a lot to bring out what is essential in every
photo. Also adjust colours, shadows etc. Print on paper, put on
your website or upload to Flickr or some other photo sharing
site for everyone to enjoy and comment on.

Done! Can't wait for the next trip... Practice more, read books,
seek information over the internet, maybe join a camera club,
attend photo exhibitions, even have your own? Ask at local
libraries, shopping malls etc if they allow you to post your
pics.

This is the equipment I use currently. 1. Primary camera:
Panasonic Lumix DMZ-FZ30 , a real bargain these days with its
12x Leica lens, 8 MB and excellent usability 2. UV filter to
protect the front lens of the camera 3. Polarizing filter for
shooting early in the morning and late in the evening 4.
Manfrotto tripod . These are widely regarded as the best 5.
Camera bag 6. Lots of 2 GB SD memory cards and spare batteries
7. Plastic bag to protect my camera when it rains 8. Camera
cleaning kit 9. Backup camera: Nikon Coolpix 3200 10. Photoshop
for image editing

The following are the best photography books in my opinion. I
really like Lee Frost's clear no-nonsense writing and
step-by-step approach to showing you things.

Lee Frost's Creative Photography Handbook covers photography in
general from basics to advanced issues, giving you lots of sound
advice on composition, using light and other essential stuff.
This book is a must if you want to learn from the master.

He has several other books published as well. I particularly
like The A-Z of Creative Digital Photography which is all about
digital shooting techniques as well as lots of very useful
Photoshop hints for polishing your photos. Some other tips show
you how to make really weird, yet interesting creations using
Photoshop's filters. I've had many days of fun with this book!

Thank you for reading!

About the author:
Andy Siitonen spends all his spare time travelling to remote and
exotic countries and getting to know new people and cultures.
Travel photography is one of his great passions.

Website: http://www.farandfurther.com

Ship Condo: The Ultimate in Luxury

2008-03-21T07:24:00.000-07:00

If you love to go on cruises but want more luxury, you should
buy a ship condo. A ship condo is similar to a cruise ship,
except that you own your suite or room. You can go on vacation
at any time you want and visit fantastic destinations. You can
even live onboard year round if you want.

These special cruise ships travel all over the world each year.
They visit places like the Panama Canal, New Orleans, Lisbon,
Gibraltar, Casablanca, Paris, St. Petersburg, and Cape Town. The
ships often time their visits to match up with popular events in
port cities, like Mardi Gras or the Cannes Film Festival.

Many of the ship condos that sail the world are the ultimate in
luxury. They often include things like swimming pools, tennis
courts, driving ranges, health spas, movie theaters, and first
class dining options. Some have world class lectures, classes on
various topics, revolving art exhibits, and fully stocked
libraries.

Another popular feature on many ships is the integrated
telecommunications and technology system. This allows
individuals to surf the web, talk to clients or business
associates all over the world, and work on board ship if they
want to. Some individuals run their businesses from the ship,
while they enjoy the sun and sea.

When considering whether a ship condo is right for you, you
should keep in mind several different factors. First, cost of
the units tends to range from several hundred thousand for
smaller, studio units to several million dollars for the larger
condos. Ownership lasts as long as the ship remains running,
usually for a number of decades.

In addition, depending on the particular ship, owners may have
to pay yearly fees for the upkeep and maintenance on the ship.
The amount differs from ship to ship and depends on the size of
your condo. Other ships may not require any yearly fees at all
so it pays to check this out before buying a condo on ship.

You also need to think about whether the lifestyle is for you.
Whether you choose to life onboard or not, buying a condo on a
ship is expensive and the asset will depreciate over time. So,
your ownership isn't so much an investment as it is helping you
live the life that you want to lead.

For some people, the thought of being able to live on board a
cruise ship and sail all over the world excites them. For
others, the cost and living arrangements aren't what they are
looking for. Some individuals, who don't want to live full-time
on one of the ships, buy a partial ownership which allows them
time on the ship but they aren't tied to it.

A ship condo is great if you love cruises and want to visit
exotic destinations all year round. Whether you want to retire
or work while you are on board is your choice; you can easily do
either. Enjoy the ship's amenities while you cruise the world in
luxurious style.

About the author:
frank j vanderlugt owns and operates http://www. ship-condo.com
2 Shipcondocom

Timeshares: Good Or Bad, You Be The Judge

2008-03-15T07:16:00.000-07:00

Timeshare is a type of business model where a company buys
something and sells it to customers for small period of time. It
is mostly associated with vacationing or holidaying where you
buy a place and share the cost of maintenance. Timeshares are
mainly for condominiums or cooperatives at vacation
destinations, now timeshare is also applicable to houseboats,
yachts, campgrounds, motor homes and cruises. It has also gone
as far as sharing used or high end private jets.

It is not necessary that who has opted for time share should
make use of it. He can instead rent out their own usage, Give it
as a gift, and Exchange it internally or externally with other
timeshare resorts. Timeshare will allow you to own a resort at
below resort price.

Benefits of Timeshare

One can assign the usage time to the point system so that it can
be exchanged for airline tickets, travel packages, hotels,
cruises, and amusement park tickets. Instead of renting the
entire actual usage time one can rent part of the points and use
rest of the points. Rent more points from either the internal
exchange entity or another owner to get a larger unit or more
vacation time or a better location. You can also save or move
points from one year to another.

Different Kinds of time shares

Fixed week ownership: Fixed week ownership is the most basic
kind of time share. As an owner you own a deed to use a
specified unit for a single specified week in a year.

Floating: The deed of a floating timeshare will be specific on
how many weeks you own and from which weeks you may select for
your stay.

Rotating: As the name suggests this timeshare is on rotating
basis. In this kind all owners get the best chance for the best
weeks, the weeks are rotated forward or backward through the
calendar. This kind of timeshare is not very flexible though.

Deeded Vs. right t use: A deeded contract depicts that the use
of the timeshare resort is usually divided into week long
increments. These are also sold as fractional whereas with right
to use, the timeshare purchaser has the right to use the
property in accordance with the contract. After the contract
ends and all rights goes back to the property owner.

Points: The number of points required to stay at the resort
varies based on a points chart and it might include popularity,
size, and no. of night's one need to spend in the shared
accommodation. An owner of the time share is legally tied to the
timeshare and is responsible for it unless it is sold or
ownership is transferred. Some timeshare require their owners to
plan their vacation time in advance. It is ideally home away
from home.

About the author:
frank j vanderlugt owns and operates
http://www.timeshare-now.info href="http://www.timeshare-now.info">2 Wwwtimesharenowinfo

How to Make Your Trip to Copper Canyon Mexico Easier

2008-03-07T02:26:00.000-08:00

You've probably heard about the train trip through Copper Canyon
in Mexico. The Chihuahua Pacifico, "El Chepe" for short, is the
only passenger train in Mexico. It winds its way through the
Copper Canyon system which is bigger than the Grand Canyon in
the US. It is increasingly becoming a tourist magnet. On our
train ride, there were tourists from the US, France, Italy,
Germany, and Mexico.

You can fly to El Paso and then drive to the city of Chihuahua,
spend the night there and then board the train early in the
morning, like 5:30 a.m. Don't worry, you can get a hot breakfast
on board. There's a dining car and also a bar. The Copper Canyon
train runs between Ojinaga (north) and Los Mochis, in the state
of Sinaloa, near the Sea of Cortez, but passenger service begins
in Chihuahua City.

Your Copper Canyon train trip will take you from sea level to
more than 8,000 feet as the train cuts its way through the
Sierra Madre Mountains. Reports vary (and we didn't count) but
there are over 75 tunnels, and over 30 bridges. The views are
spectacular, covering all types of terrain - farmland, Indian
dwellings, hills, canyons, rivers, springs, waterfalls - you'll
see it all. You can stand between cars for a better view, fresh
air, and great photographs. This is truly a photographer's dream
trip, but great for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts as well.

The train always stops at the town of Divisadero so passengers
can get out and see the view. As the name would suggest,
Divisadero is at a dividing point between the Atlantic and
Pacific watershed. You can see down three of the canyons: Cobre
(copper), Urique, and Tarahumara. You'll also want to do some
souvenir shopping. The Tarahumara Indians sell their crafts and
there are also food stands.

The Copper Canyon railroad was begun in the late 19th century
but because of various problems, not completed until 1961. The
entire trip takes around 15 hours. Worried about disorder?
There's a military guy with a machine gun on board, because I
guess there used to be robberies. Well not any more!

Since this is not a sleeper train, you can stay in hotels along
the way where you may find trail rides, hiking, a van trip down
the canyon, ATMs, local music, sights (like balancing rock),
missions, food and shopping.

Google "Copper Canyon" images and take a look at the photos. If
this whets your appetite, here are some tips to make your trip
easier:

1. Southwest Airlines flies to El Paso. That's a no-brainer. We
spent the night there, and then our guide drove us across the
border to Chihuahua the next day.

2. Be sure you have a valid passport.

3. Use My Power Mall (http://www.excideals.com ). For instance,
when I clicked "Travel", Southwest Airlines was right next to a
place that provides quick passports, and you get a rebate on
both. Then there were stores for buying the necessary vacation
clothes, and then click over to a drugstore where you can get
some Imodium. 4. Yeah, it's a good idea to take something for
turista, just in case. While you're on My Power Mall you can
also check for tours and accommodations. Wyndham is on there,
Hyatt, Marriot. Heck, BritRail Tours is even on there - 1000s of
"stores" to choose from, rebates on all of them. 4. You'll also
need some special clothes for your trip, available at discount
from 1000s of merchants through My Power Mall as well.
Specifically we recommend:

a. A hat or head covering, sunglasses, and good sunscreen. Think
of it like skiing in Colorado. High altitude.

b. Comfortable casual clothes, jeans, shorts, t-shirts are fine.
The temperature can vary. Bring layers. Of course there is
air-conditioning on the train. In one hotel, we turned the heat
on at night.

c. A backpack or something you can put over your shoulder to put
all your things in like purse, passport and camera.

d. Film or batteries for the camera. Trust me - you'll take
hundreds of photos and never tire.

e. Shoes for horseback riding, hiking and the ATV.

f. Something for rain. There were sort of tropical showers in
the afternoons and evenings when we were there.

g. Bathing suit. Some of the hotels have hot tubs and pools.
Check before you go. You may also want to take a dip in some of
the beautiful rivers.

5. Dress clothes optional. Our tour included two really nice
restaurants. So if you like to dress up, go ahead. The one we
ate at in the town of Chihuahua, it was Sunday afternoon and the
families there were dressed. (It was also one of the single best
meals I've ever had.)

6. Any special equipment for your laptop, cell phone etc. you
can do some quick comparison shopping and get a good deal here:
http://www.1audio-equipment.com . Everywhere we stayed had
computer connection, but not always a computer. What was nice
was the ones that did have computers and Internet let you get on
the Internet without charge. They don't do that on a cruise now,
do they?

7. Check with your cell provider before you go about coverage.
There were blackouts for us.

8. A guide. He can handle the luggage, the tickets, the lines,
the local culture, the language and currency, getting through
customs, and they know where the good places and the good water
are. In the towns where we stopped, there was always a place to
buy the things we needed or wanted, like bottled water. Hey! I
needed a pony tail holder. They even had that! And at the local
versions of Stop 'n' Go's, we fell in love with Cremas.

9. Get insurance - if you're driving in Mexico, and also check
your health insurance to see if you're covered in Mexico.

9. One last thing and you can get this on My Power Mall too --
Toilet paper. Yeah, you'll see a lot of the locals getting on
the train with a roll of TP. The restrooms were well-stocked
(and clean), but it seems to be a tradition.

10. Lastly, enrich your experience by learning before you go. On
www.learningtrove.com you can find videos about Mexico, and also
introductory Spanish. If you're taking kids with you, this will
really add to their experience. Comprende? Actually one of the
hidden bonuses about this trip is that your kids may see the
Milky Way for the first time in their lives. There's a great
educational video about the Milky Way on
http://www.learningtrove.com. - just go there and enter "Milky
Way." It may be the first time you have seen the Milky Way in
many years, without realizing it. The stars at night are very
visible. Great learning experience for the kids.

I'd heard a lot about the Copper Canyon train ride. It's one of
those trips that exceeded my expectations. It helps to be
well-prepared, so I hope these tips help you.

About the author:
©Susan Dunn. Join MyPowerMall, http://www.excideals.com/,
dedicated to the power of online shopping. Absolutely no cost to
you, 1000+ stores,millions of products you need,earn shopping
rebates on every purchase you and your team make. 6.5% of corp
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How Luggage Tag Important To Travelers

2008-02-29T05:56:00.000-08:00

Using luggage tag is one of the best ways that you will get
difference and uniqueness for your luggage. There are some
problems with many people, especially frequent travelers is
difficult to find the way to have personalized travel luggage.
This is because luggage tag will help you to find your bag
easier, particularly when they are in the airport. Moreover,
having luggage tag helps in case you lost your luggage but you
have contact details on the tag, so other will find the owner of
the luggage easily. The benefit of having luggage tag is not
only making your luggage easier to be found but also preventing
someone else to steal your luggage. Apart from the there are
some more benefits of using luggage tags, which can be
summarized below a) It is very easy to identify your luggage in
case there is a similar design that belong to other person, so
you can find yours easily b) Luggage could also prevent someone
to pick up our luggage, especially during the airport transit,
which there is a chance during airline check-in process. c)
Luggage tag could help to reduce chance for your luggage to be
stolen, this is because thief prefers to steal luggage that has
no identification so they can claim that they have picked the
wrong luggage. The case like this often found with small
suitcase which people generally do not have tag on their small
suitcase. d) This is probably the most important one. If you are
the frequent travel person, you will realise that there is a
great chance to lost luggage during when the luggage managed by
airport or airline staffs. e) Also, if you have suitable luggage
tag, in case if your luggage is misdirect to other flight, it
will be quickly found and return to you without worry

However, it seems that these advantages above only benefit to
the person who travel by air, but in fact it also benefits to
you even you travel in groups by bus, coach or any kind of
transportation as misdirected luggage always happen in all
situation so it is also compulsory to have one. There are
variety of colour and design of luggage to choose from. Some
providers have more alternatives for customers such as leather
luggage tags. As we all know that leather is more durable, look
neat and luxurious than any other material so this kind of
luggage is becoming popular today. Meanwhile many provides have
categorized their product by the material that luggage made from
but some other function, such as air plane luggage, business
luggage tag, briefcase tag and so on.

As mentioned above that luggage tag can be purchased
individually and in bulk, for people who already got a set of
luggage, you may have to buy them in bulk for all of your
luggage, because it is even more easy to identified for a set of
luggage that has same colour and style of luggage tags. As far
as safety is concerned by parents that they always choose
luggage tag that has no sharp edge which will harm to children,
so if you have little kids so this is also one factor that you
have to consider.

About the author:
PisanK is the writer of
http://www.allluggagetag.com site, if you see this article
helpful, visit our site to get more information.

Should You Consider Retiring Abroad?

2008-02-22T06:06:00.000-08:00

When it comes to retiring, often many people find themselves
stuck for ideas on what they can spend their time doing. You
spend so much of your life working and being away from home that
when it finally comes to it, being at home full time can often
be a little boring. There is nothing new to do and taking up a
hobby such as gardening is not always everyone's idea of a good
time. That is when the option of retiring abroad should be
considered.

Why Think of Retiring Abroad?

By retiring abroad you are getting to see an entirely different
country. It marks the start of a new adventure instead of
symbolising the end of an old one. There really is nothing
better than waking up to a brand new life and so retiring abroad
is certainly something you should at least think about. So just
how hard is it and how much would you need to retire abroad?

Getting to know everything about the country you plan on moving
to is absolutely essential if you want to plan everything
properly. You should not just simply choose a random place and
then jet off without knowing anything about it; otherwise you
could end up hating your new life. So do some thorough research
and then decide upon where you want to relocate to, based upon
your needs and wants.

Once you know where exactly it is that you want to go, then you
should focus upon how much it will cost you to move out there.
Do some more research based upon the house prices in the area
you will be moving to. Then either get a State pension forecast
or if you have a personal pension you will be able to see an
estimation of how much you have saved and how much you will
receive once you retire on your monthly statements. That will
help you to estimate how much more you need to save if anything,
before you can afford to retire and live your dream of moving
abroad.

Generally there should be nothing stopping you from retiring
abroad, but it is always a good idea to check that your pension
allows it. The State pension allows you to move anywhere that
you want to and you can still get your money once you retire.
However some private pensions may not agree to giving you the
money if you are retiring abroad so do ensure that your pension
allows you to move abroad and still receive a payout.

About the author:
Get the latest on retirement by visiting
http://www.retirementviews.com - a website that offers tips on
retirement plans, retirement communities, retirement savings and
href="http://www.retirementviews.com/retiringabroad.php">retiring
abroad.

Traveling by Ship - Choosing the Best Cruise

2008-02-08T06:21:00.000-08:00

If you're looking in to taking a cruise for your next vacation,
you're probably having a hard time deciding. There are several
cruise lines that serve many destinations so making a choice
between Alicante and
Benidorm can be a daunting task. Here are some tips for finding
the right cruise vacation for you and your family.

Determining the length of your boat trip is the first step. Keep
in mind the time it will take to get to and from your ship's
port. If you're flying, give yourself at least a day in the port
of embarkation since flights can be delayed and you don't want
to miss the ship. There are trips that last several weeks such
as ones that cross the Atlantic as well as cruises that pass
through the Panama Canal. Week long ones tend to be most popular
since there is plenty of time to get adjusted to the ship and
enjoy all the amenities and sights. There are also three and
four day trips which are popular with young people who like boat
travel for the entertainment.

Your budget is another factor to consider. Cruises can be
cheaper than most people think since they include food and
activities. The most expensive part of a cruise (after the
initial cost) is usually the alcohol since it is not included in
the price. If you're on a tight budget then consider traveling
in a shoulder or off season; demand is less so prices tend to
drop. If you're vacation time is flexible then last minute boat
trip deals which are deeply discounted can be found. Also
consider repositioning cruises. These are quite cheap and have
all the amenities of a regular cruise but may not make as many
ports of call.

If you're set on vacationing during peek season then book your
boat travel well in advance. Boats fill up during the holidays
and summer break. Also consider weather since this could ruin
your vacation. For example, taking a Caribbean cruise in summer
can be risky since it's hurricane season. You could be stuck in
rough seas or your cruise line might cancel the voyage.

Consider what ship you would like to set sail on. Many
experienced people find out the name of the ship before they
book their trip. If you're on a tight budget then this might not
be an option but if you can, do some research. Cruise line
websites have details of their ships including occupancy, maps,
photos and amenities.

The ports of call are important to some vacationers more than
others. If you're someone who likes time to yourself and you
want to explore destinations then choose itineraries that have
several ports of call and that dock during the day.

Cruises can be a relaxing and exciting vacation for the entire
family. Invest some time in researching costs, ships and
itineraries to find the best boat trip for your next holiday.

About the author:
Ken Morris continually publishes detailed articles on areas
relating with Benidorm. You can learn about his publications on
Alicante at
http://www.alicante-spain.com/torrevieja.html .

Family Vacations - Tips for Traveling with Your Baby or Toddler

2008-02-01T06:03:00.000-08:00

Are you taking a vacation with a baby or toddler and worried
that it will be a hassle? Well, you're right to worry but with a
few tips and suggestions, your family vacation will be enjoyable
for you and your young ones.

If you're planning on traveling to href="http://www.alicante-spain.com/benidorm.html">Benidorm
by yourself with your child then consider asking for help from a
friend or family member. The added cost of their company will
more than pay for itself with the assistance that they'll
provide.

If you'll be traveling by car then try not to drive extended
distances without stops. Plan rest stops about every two hours
and consider staying the night at a midway point to give you and
your baby a rest from the road.

Travel by plane can also take its toll on adults and kids. Get
your seats booked in advance and if possible, get a bulkhead
seat. These seats have a wall in front of them and offer a bit
of room for your child to move around. Airlines generally will
let you pre-board with infants so you can get settled in your
seats before the other passengers board. If air travel is more
than a few hours then consider stopping off at a midway point
along the way. Not only will it give you and your family a rest
but you can take a day or two to discover an interesting
destination.

If you're traveling with a young baby then make sure you bring
plenty of the diaper changing essentials and bottles of formula
or baby food. Regardless of age, pack things to keep children
busy. If they're young, bring rattles and teething rings. If
they're older then bring a new toy since old ones won't keep
them occupied for too long. Consider purchasing a portable DVD
player so they can be kept busy watching their favorite program
or cartoon. There are also children's books that are accompanied
by CD's so your child can listen and read at the same time; not
only will it keep them busy but it will also be educational.
Coloring books sound like a good idea but coloring can be too
much of a temptation to draw on tray tables and seats.

Bring snacks since children often get hungry and thirsty and
they tend to be finicky eaters. Don't pack messy snacks and try
to find food with low sugar. Pack lots of baby wipes; they come
in handy for cleaning up messy faces and small spills.

Holidays with babies and toddlers don't have to be nightmares.
With some preparation, planning some rests along the way and
keeping them busy, you and your family can have an enjoyable
vacation.

About the author:
Concentrating on latest developments in Spain, the reviewer
writes first and foremost for
http://www.alicante-spain.com/costa-blanca.html . Working on his
publications, the author confirmed his experience on problems
relating to href="http://www.alicante-spain.com/benidorm.html">Benidorm.

How to save money on car rental

2008-01-25T06:46:00.000-08:00

You can save money on Car rental anytime,anywhere, by following
a few tips below. In addition to the flexibility and liberty of
using a car when you are traveling away from home, it is
oftentimes more cost effective to rent a car when you are
traveling outside your home. Apart from taking the burden of
having to bother your head with bus and train schedules in the
new city, you can save money by cutting on expensive taxi fares.

Always make your booking in advance, at least a week or two to
pick -up. Making your booking early enough will enable you to
choose the type of car that you want, and negotiate a better
price for it. You can do this as soon as your travel plans are
completed and confirmed by you.

Look out for deals and discounts, and preferably, make your
booking online, so that you can take advantage of internet-only
rates, where it is available. Such offers and more are available
from most car rental companies, in addition to groups and
membership discounts. Take advantage of them to save more money.
Don't fail to use name-your-own -price sites such as Priceline,
to further be in control of how much savings you can make.

If you intend to rent a car for up to or above six days, find
out and use whatever weekly rate available. Most weekends are
offered free or heavily discounted, for a weekly booking by some
rental companies. You may also need to find out and use any
package deal from your flight or Hotel booking.

Arm yourself with a generous insurance coverage that can cover
all the make of cars and SUV's that you may want to rent. That
way you can comfortably decline the company's policy. Otherwise,
the rental agency will certainly slap one on you, at additional
cost. It is common to pump up fuel at the company on return, so
why not fill up the car with cheaper fuel before returning it to
save extra money. Alternatively, pay for fuel before you take
out the car, and return it empty.

If you apply these simple tips, and any other one that may be
applicable, you are certainly going to save money the next time
you are going to rent car and enjoy the freedom of using a car
on transit.

About the author:
Job Ekanem :An Internet Marketer and owner of the Website: href="http://www.4e-buy.com">www.4e-buy.com . Find
name-your-own-price agency href="http://www.4e-buy.com/car.html">here. For free
promotion information,see href="http://hotofferstosavemoney.blogspot.com/">blog

Avoid Sickness In Paradise: Prevent Jet Lag

2008-01-18T06:41:00.000-08:00

One of the worst parts of air travel is handling jet lag. Jet
lag is basically your body's inability to adjust to the
destination's time as it passes through multiple time zones. For
the inexperienced traveler (and some experienced ones) it can
put a cramp in your business or holiday plans especially if your
trip is only a few days.

The main symptoms of jet lag are fatigue and tiredness. This can
be accompanied by headaches, dizziness, muscle soreness, a
feeling of sickness and odd eating patterns. Being tired while
on your holiday, especially if you're planning on doing a lot of
sightseeing or physical activity can make if difficult to have
an enjoyable time.

To prevent jet lag you have to start before your trip. Ensure
you are relaxed and stress free before you leave for the
airport. Don't drink caffeinated drinks and while alcohol may
relax you it also dehydrates which can contribute to jet lag.
Also consider doing some light exercise such as yoga or running
but nothing that will make your muscles sore. Exercising aids
your body's sleep patterns.

Once on your flight, try to make yourself as comfortable as
possible. Consider accessories that will help you such as neck
pillows and eye masks. Take off your shoes and get pillows and
blankets before the plane takes off. Since dehydration
contributes to jet lag, bring a large bottle of water. Drink
lots of water even if you don't feel thirsty.

After take off, set your watch to the destination time. The rule
of thumb is to sleep if it's bed time at your destination and
stay awake (or just take a small nap) if not. If you need to
sleep consider taking a light sleep aid and if you're worried
about missing the meal service then just let the cabin crew know
to wake you. Again, avoid consuming alcohol. It may help you
sleep but in the long run it will make jet lag worse. If you
feel like a drink then just have one and drink extra water to
keep hydrated. If you're awake, get out of your seat and do some
simple stretches to reduce muscle tension.

Some travelers swear by Melatonin pills to prevent jet lag.
Tests show that your body's clock is influenced by the hormone
Melatonin. It is secreted when your body is exposed to a lack of
light so when it's dark it's like a natural sleeping pill. You
can force this hormone by taking Melatonin pills which can be
purchased over the counter at most drug stores.

Once you arrive at your destination adjust to the time as soon
as possible. If you are tired in the middle of the day don't
crash but take a small nap and then get to bed early. Sleeping
during the middle of the day and staying awake at night will
only prolong jet lag.

If you use these preventative tips you will arrive at your
destination rested with minimal jet lag and ready to enjoy your
trip.

About the author:
Focusing recent findings in Benidorm, Vince Paxton published
almost entirely for
http://www.alicante-spain.com/torrevieja.html . You can have a
look at his contributions on href="http://www.alicante-spain.com">Alicante on his site.

Where to Get the Money for Vacation - Money for Vacation Tips

2008-01-11T06:45:00.000-08:00

Many times in the past we have had a dilemma, where to get the
money for vacation. We all work very hard each day and a
vacation, in my opinion, is something everyone should take at
least every couple years.

Due to various things going on in your personal lives, sometimes
it's hard to find money for vacation so you can do all the
things you need and want to do on your trip.

Here we have listed some tips and places to come up with funds
for your travel plans. Many of us don't have the problem of
coming up with funds, but for the many that do, this article
will help you brainstorm a list of ways to put money into the
pot.

**Start saving early. Many times people who know they are going
to be going on vacation next year will begin saving now, or if
you plan on taking a major trip in the future, why not put a
little away here and there. This isn't always an option, but if
you had to skip your vacation this year, why not start now -
look for travel deals now, figure out your destination, sign up
for blogs and feeds, and begin your planning now.

**Use your tax refund. Many Americans every year have the
ability to utilize their income tax refunds for a number of
purposes. If you are someone who has overpaid the government and
get some of that back, this is always an option.

**Set up a vacation fund. Pay yourself first and put some of
that into a vacation pot that you don't touch until your trip.
Each year, my parents will do this by putting loose coins into a
bank, and by the time their trip comes they have enough money
for gas, food, extra fun stuff they wouldn't have had.

**Cut back on other daily items. Stop buying that $4 cup of
coffee everyday. Cut back on dining out at sit down restaurants.
Focus on a budget where you can penny pinch a bit. It's a small
price to pay to enjoy your ultimate vacation when otherwise you
may not be able to go.

**Do small weekend trips throughout the year. Instead of a week
long vacation in some remote location, why not go somewhere
closer for a weekend getaway. Camping is great, lake trips,
beach trips, and other spots that you can make a quick drive to
and just get away for a few days.

**Moonlight or pick up some extra income. I'm sure the last
thing you want to do is work more right? Well, due to my Florida
website, I make enough extra money that it pays for extras in
our lives like home repairs, dining out, and vacations. It has
been a tremendous help.

**Use credit cards, but use them wisely. I hesitate to mention
this one because many people will whip out their plastics for
much of their trip. This isn't the best way to find money for
vacation, but it can supplement a number of things. Using debt
to pay for things like vacation can be a downward cycle you
don't want to start, so be careful.

**Eat intelligently while on vacation. We typically take one
meal out per day and eat the rest in. This saves us a fortune
and we still get to enjoy the tasty eats around our destination
of choice.

**Set up a goal. Somehow when you commit to something and put a
plan together, things tend to work in your favor. If you want
something to happen you can make it happen. Experts call it the
"law of attraction" and it seems to work, so why not! **Be a
smart travel planner. Searching intelligently and using the vast
resources of the Internet will ultimately find you better deals.
When you add up car rentals, gas, hotels, airfare, things to do,
etc. they get expensive quickly. They can also add up a lot of
savings if you shop around and find good deals while not
sacrificing a great vacation.

Travel lovers, this is just a start. Use your creativity and
figure out some ways to find money for vacation if you are on a
budget. We all need some time away from time to time so do
whatever you need to do to make your trip happen.

About the author:
Still not sure if you can take a trip? Come visit us at href=http://www.discount-florida-vacations.com>Discount Florida
Vacations and learn how taking an awesome vacation can
happen for you. We'll take you through Florida as we help you
plan your vacation!

Tips For A Safer Tangier Hotel Stay

2008-01-04T07:34:00.000-08:00

If you have a fervent hunger for an exotic trip, then hit the
city of Tangier in Morocco. Better yet, have a lavish stay at a
Tangier hotel to fully experience adventures that go beyond the
ordinary. This city, which inspired some of the masterpieces of
renowned French painters like Eugene Delacroix and Henri
Matisse, is also home to the most luxurious Morocco
accommodations. With world-class amenities and exciting
architectural designs, failure to reserve a room or suite in a
Tangier hotel will result to an unfulfilled dream of an exotic
getaway.

However, there are times when a perfect vacation turns to an
unwanted disaster. What's worse is when it happens in a place
where you expect to be the safest - the place you considered
your second home -- your hotel. Don't let your adventures turn
into misadventures. Below are four tips to achieve a safe and
worry-free stay at any Tangier hotel:

1.Use Your Common Sense Many travelers end up full of regrets
because of mistakes in handling their keys. Let the keys
symbolize your common sense. Don't leave your keys in places
where people might take advantage of them. Remember, those keys
can either be your friend or foe. Proper room key handling can
guard you against potential harms like theft and harassment.
However, not giving them enough importance can be a disadvantage
on your part. Due to carelessness, you might arrive at
situations like having a ransacked baggage or an uninvited guest
at your Tangier hotel room.

2. Check The Hotel Security Measures Those who are so into cheap
accommodations, beware. The hotel may look aesthetically
captivating, but can that really protect you from accidents and
other life-threatening events? Hotels with worn-out locks and
outdated security devices are the favorite targets of people
with bad intentions. To avoid being the next victim, it is
better to do safety measures background checking on your chosen
Tangier Hotel
accommodation.

3. Be Simple Do not attract misfortunes by acting like you have
all the money in the world. And even if you do, ask yourself
these questions - Do you really need to wear all those fancy
jewelry when in fact, your destinations are Tangier attractions
that do not require such? Do you need to bring so much cash when
going out that it creates a bulk on your pocket? Be simple.
Remember, there is nothing wrong in acting like a commoner. It
can even make your Tangier hotel stay a lot safer.

4. Be Cautious You left the stove on. You left the faucet open.
You left the door unlocked. Admit it, sometimes, it can be your
fault. Your absent-mindedness is not only detrimental to your
own Tangier hotel safety, it can also bring hazards to other
guests as well. So for everybody's sake, always be cautious. If
you know you can be too forgetful or negligent at times, write
reminders for yourself and post them on conspicuous places. Be
aware of what's happening in your surroundings. If you heard a
scream, be mindful of it. If you notice something strange,
report it. Be responsible.

About the author:
Racquel Balao-as is an in-house writer for the online media
company Intelligraph Corporation. She finds great pleasure in
writing about her href="http://www.en.maroc-emotions.com/blog/">Morocco travel
adventures. For more information on Tangier Hotel, visit
http://www.morocco-emotions.com

About Airport Security

2007-12-28T20:20:00.000-08:00

In the modern day, traveling by airplane can be a tricky
business. With all the new security regulations since the 9/11,
attack the rules and regulations frequently change. It is
important to know what the rules are before you travel, but
there is so much confusion it is hard to know what is and is not
allowed. Let's make the rules a little clearer and try to cut
through the confusion.

There has been a lot of fuss in the news about liquids and gels
in carry on bags, so lets start with these products. There is a
three ounce rule concerning gels, liquids, and aerosols in your
carry on luggage. Any person who has a baby or small child is
not limited to the three ounce rule for liquids concerning baby
formula or breast milk, but the container must be screened and
examined. Another exception to the rule is medications, whether
prescribed or over the counter. The three ounce rule applies to
all of these items that are not exceptions. The bottles must not
be larger than necessary to hold three ounces. This means no six
ounce containers that are only half full. No rolled up
toothpaste tubes are allowed either. All of these containers
must be placed in one single zipper lock quart clear plastic
bag.. It must be quart size, no gallon or pint sizes will be
allowed. The bag also must have a zipper lock, no fold over top
bags will be allowed through. For items that meet the exception
rule, they must be kept separate from the items in the clear
plastic bag, and declared to the security officers. The
exception applies to necessary and reasonable limits that are
only needed during the duration of your travel.

Lighters and matches are another big news item. Lighters with or
without fluid are never allowed on your person or in your carry
on luggage. It does not matter if the lighter is a refillable
Zippo or a throw away disposable, lighters are not allowed in
the passenger compartment of an airplane. Lighters are allowed
in your checked luggage, however there are some exceptions.

There is no limit to the number of unfilled, or unfueled,
lighters that are allowed in your checked baggage. You are
allowed two fueled Zippo lighters in your checked luggage if
they are in an approved Department of Transportation, or DOT,
case. If you are not sure whether you can bring a lighter, it is
better not to bring it. The airline security can not return
prohibited items and must dispose of them.

About the author:
James Brown writes about href="http://www.travelluggagebags.com/Coupons/Luggage%20OnLine.h
tml">Luggage OnLine promotion code, href="http://www.travelluggagebags.com/">Travel Supplies

7 Ways To Keep You and Your Children Stress Free When Traveling

2007-12-21T07:22:00.000-08:00

When traveling with children, you must Plan Before You Stand!

When you dress your children for travel, remind yourself that
they too need to wear clothes with little or no metal. Overalls
will alarm. Small children will be asked to remove their shoes,
so have them wear slip on shoes.

If your child is traveling alone, parents are allowed to walk
them to the gate with an escort pass from the airlines. Just
show your escort pass to the metal detector screener. Ask for a
supervisor if the screener questions the pass.

Primary screening is hard enough for children, especially if the
screener requests the parents to divest the child's security
blanket or favorite stuffed animal. Children don't understand
why; all they know is that something they treasure and love has
been stripped away from their tiny hands, and now they are
upset. By this time they are pitching a fit. They are in the
middle of a breakdown. As the child throws a tantrum, the parent
is trying to get him or her to walk through the metal detector.
The child just stands there and cries. At this point they pick
up their child and walk through together. They both alarm. They
go back and check to make sure that all of their metal items
have been divested, and they walk through again. They alarm
again. Now there is a bigger problem as they are both required
to go to secondary screening, and the child is even more upset.
The crying turns into screaming.

Remember the child started crying at the metal detector and now
is in secondary screening. They both alarmed, so the parent
holding the child has to be screened too. You cannot pass the
child off to the other parent until both child and parent have
been cleared.

I have seen three things happen when a child is screaming at the
top of his or her lungs. One is that the parent and the child go
into private screening, which enables the child to calm down in
a private place. The second is that the parent allows the child
to scream while the screener performs secondary screening on the
child. At this moment, the child usually starts to hit the
screener. The third is the parent calms the child down first and
screening begins. Ideally, private screening would be the
perfect place for an over stimulated child to calm down. This is
not the appropriate place for a timeout.

In every case, the screener should clear the child first. Then
the child can sit in his or her stroller and recover from such a
dramatic experience while the parent is cleared. Some children
don't have a problem with undergoing secondary screening, even
if they don't understand what's going on. The reason is
collaboration between the parents and the screener. A parent
must be present in order to conduct secondary screening on your
child (under 18 years old). The parent will need to explain the
process to their child, and if the child is too young, it is up
to the parent to ease the child's fear of the process.

Strollers, car seats, and baby carriers in any form must go
through x-ray.

TIPS

1. An infant will either have his or her own boarding pass or
there will be a stamp on one of the parent's boarding passes.
Check your tickets before leaving the ticket counter.

2. Carry your baby or small child through the metal detector to
avoid stress.

3. Make sure your children are not placing their hands on or
near any part of the x-ray belt to avoid injury.

4. Once you are through the metal detector, pick up your items
and move down. Leave room for others to come through too.

5. Place all carry-on items, including baby blankets, toys, and
food, in a bin or bag.

6. When going through the maze (roped area leading to the x-ray
machine) keep your children close to you. This is for safety and
security reasons.

7. Ask the airlines for an escort pass if your child (under 18)
is traveling alone.

About the author:
Natalia Ippolito, a former airport screener and author of: I
MIGHT AS WELL BE NAKED: How to Survive Airport Screening With
Your Clothes On.

Receive her FREE Tip of The Week, Sample Chapter Ultimate
Packing List or Unknown Violations and Fines Report at
http://www.airportbook.com

5 Must Know Tips For Parents Traveling With Children At The

2007-12-14T05:38:00.000-08:00

It takes a lot of time and energy to get through airport
security screening. Add to that traveling with small children
and the stress of toting all the extra bags, it is a major
challenge. As a former TSA Security screener, I saw my share of
overstressed parents and very confused children.

My first week on the job as an airport security screener, I was
at the Walk Through Metal Detector (WTMD). A family of five
approached the divesting table. Mom and Dad were no doubt
stressed out. Dad tells his four and six-year-old to walk
through the WTMD. Dad goes next and alarms. I stop Dad and tell
him to divest all metal and walk through again. In the meantime,
the kids are running around having a ball, and Dad is
frantically yelling for them to come back. The kids ignore dad.
Dad walks through and alarms again. Now he is required to go
through secondary screening. I have never seen a man turn that
shade of red before. In the meantime, Mom is desperately trying
to collapse the stroller while holding the baby and taking off
her shoes at the same time. Dad is yelling at Mom to hurry
because he is stuck in secondary screening and the boys are
still running around. I hope that those parents learned
something that day. I know I did.

First of all, Dad and Mom should have controlled their family by
keeping the kids between them. Dad holds the baby so Mom can
take off her shoes and then he gives back the baby to Mom. Dad
collapses the stroller and places it on the x-ray belt with all
the bags and bins, and walks through first while Mom watches the
kids. After Dad gets through, one by one the kids go through.
Finally, Mom and baby go through together. See how easy that
could have been?

After witnessing this family's circus act, I decided I would
teach passengers how to make the process a pleasant experience.
It is the parents responsibility to control their children and
for the children to listen to their parents; however, we know
this is not the case some of the time. I had a bird's eye view
of how things needed to be orchestrated, and from that day on, I
took command of the WTMD. After that day, passengers had no
problems walking through with me there guiding them.

On another day, I witnessed a young couple make a big mistake by
allowing their three-year-old to walk through the WTMD by
himself. First, the child stops and starts to walk, which is
incorrect. You must walk through without stopping. Second, the
child teeters and holds onto the side of the metal detector, and
now the child has alarmed. Don't allow this at the WTMD. Carry
your young children; it is easier for everyone involved.

1. Prepare you children in advance. They will need to divest all
of their toys, dolls, or security blankets for screening.

2. Expect the screener to require everyone to remove his or her
shoes (think slip-ons).

3. Collapse your stroller and place it on the x-ray belt.
Parents help each other out. It helps to buy a stroller that
will collapse at a touch of a button.

4. One adult should walk through the metal detector first, then
the children. Follow this order to keep the family unit together.

5. Carry your child if he or she will not follow your directions
or is upset (remember that children do not understand what is
going on).

About the author:
Natalia Ippolito, a former airport screener and author of: I
MIGHT AS WELL BE NAKED: How to Survive Airport Screening With
Your Clothes On.

Receive her FREE Tip of The Week, Sample Chapter Ultimate
Packing List or Unknown Violations and Fines Report at
http://www.airportbook.com

Lets Go To Mexico - 5 Great Mexico Vacation Destinations

2007-12-07T06:08:00.000-08:00

So your finally going on that oft dreamt about vacation and your
destination is....Mexico, ole'! The allure of Mexico is
appealing for many reasons. You have the acient ruins of the
Mayan temples, the big city life of Mexico City, and let's not
forget the beaches!

Mexico is known for its fabulous resorts and luxurious beaches
with a dash of fantastic night life. Spring breakers have known
this for years and often decide to go back, albeit on a much
tamer vacation then when they drank tequila from a stranger's
shoe for a tee shirt. Mexico hosts a wide range of natural
wonders that appeal to many of those that want to explore
outside their home countries. You have mountains, volcanoes, and
sea life that can't be found anywhere outside of the waters of
Mexico.

Some of the more traveled Mexican destinations include Acapulco,
Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, and Cozumel.

Acapulco is rated as one of the top tourist attractions in the
world. It is also Mexico's largest beach resort. It is home to
some of the world's finest hotels, as well as miles of beautiful
white sandy beaches. As in most tropical climes, Acapulco offers
a wide range of water activities such as snorkeling, deep sea
fishing, and scuba diving. If you are going for the golfing then
you won't be disappointed as Acapulco has fantastic courses with
a wide range of difficulty for all players.

You can rent a boat and sail the coast for a long weekend or
even a daily excursion. Acapulco is also a great family vacation
center and you can't be the romantic getaways. Most of the
hotels offer an all-inclusive package for couples and families
at fantastic prices!

Cancun, what can you say about Cancun? It is one of the world's
most famous resort destinations. Cancun has grown into a large
city and one of the world's most popular vacation getaways. When
looking for a vacation destination most people consider Cancun
as their top pick for its great nightlife, access to the Mayan
ruins, a theme park within a half hour drive, and the fantastic
resorts and beaches.

Puerto Vallarta is another Mexican treasure. It is without
question a tropical paradise. Like Cancun, there is plenty to
local historical sites for the history buff in you. Book
yourself a guided tour to see the Sierra Madre Mountains and
take in some of the most exotic wildlife you could ever see on a
tour. Fishing, sunning, and scuba diving are great ways to pass
the time during the day and plenty of bars and nightclubs to
dance the night away.

Another popular past time of Puerto Vallarta is the shopping.
You will love perusing the many high end boutiques as well as
the local craft booths that make up the shopping district.

Mazatlan is THE destination to visit if you are going to Mexico
for the fishing as one of the world's greatest ports. The waters
are known as being the perfect depth and temperature for
fishing. Some of the other popular activities available in and
around Mazatlan include surfing, tennis, golf, and fishing.

It is also known for the malecón. The malecón is a long winding
stretch that runs through nearly the entire city and covers
roughly five miles of beach. Mazatlan is also home to a Mardi
Gras type festival that is held before Ash Wednesday and lasts
for five days. Cozumel is Mexico's most populated island. It is
a popular attraction for snorkeling or scuba diving. Cozumel has
some of the most beautiful coral reefs you could ever imagine.

Without question Mexico is one of the best travel destinations
worldwide. It does not matter if you prefer to swing in a
hammock while waiting for your next buffet to begin or climbing
the steps of the Mayan ruins, get out and live life like you
mean it!

About the author:
Darren Slaughter writes for http://www.mexicovacationideas.com

Places to Stay in Playa del Carmen

2007-11-30T06:46:00.000-08:00

Playa del Carmen is located 42 miles south of Cancun and a short
ferry ride from Cozumel. Playa del Carmen lodgings are known for
their high cuisine, professional decorum, and high-end.

The Gran Porto Real Resort and Spa in Playa del Carmen
epitomizes high-end elegance combined with Mexican flavor. This
lodging is all-inclusive. Included in this plan are meals,
drinks, room, entertainment, hotel-planned activities, and the
non-motorized water sports with limited instruction. Also
included in this plan is the Oki Kid's club. Parents can feel
comfortable leaving their kids with supervised activities while
they do more adult sports or have a romantic afternoon. There is
waiter service poolside and on the sand, and food is available
24-hours per day. Standard spa services are available - massage,
hair, nails, and facials. For more information, call (866)
878-7477.

Another all-inclusive place to stay in Playa del Carmen is The
Reef Playacar. Whether you want family fun with themed nights
and a kid's club or honeymoon treatment and adult sports, The
Reef Playacar offers both. The all-inclusive package includes a
luxurious suite with a balcony, all meals, snacks, and drinks;
swimming pools for kids, adults, and families; fitness center
and classes; water basketball and beach volleyball; sailboats
and kayaks; wind surfing and snorkeling; and nightly
entertainment.

The Allegro Playacar is another all-inclusive place to stay in
Playa del Carmen. Recently remodeled, the rooms are now
reflective of their Mexican location. The Kid's club is also
newly revamped and boasts activities and day care for a wide
range of ages.

Located just outside Playa del Carmen is the Bahia Principe
Tulum Resort. Surrounded by un-developed beaches, crystal clear
water, and quaint Mexican villages, this all-inclusive lodging
gives a more truly Mexican feel while also providing luxury. The
all-inclusive package includes meals and snacks, poolside and
beach service, accommodations, a mini-club for kids,
entertainment, swimming pool, and fitness center. Many sports
are included, but some of the more involved water sports require
an up charge.

Playa del Carmen is a good mixture of authentic Mexico combined
with the luxury people seek during lodging vacations. With
almost every imaginable water sport, bustling nightlife,
accommodations for kids, and fine dining, Playa del Carmen may
be the perfect vacation spot.

About the author:
Find more information on href="http://www.resortspadestinations.com">luxury resort spa
destinations online at ResortSpaDestinations.com.

Jet Lag - Worst Part Of Air Travel

2007-11-23T08:08:00.000-08:00

Dealing with jet lag is one of the worst parts of air travel. A
large number of people try to avoid it like the plague, but with
a little positive result. Here are a few tips to avoid jet lag.

You can define jet lag as a puzzlement and disorientation caused
by wide-ranging travel in air that crosses several time regions.
Due to exhaustion and puzzlement, you can also experience other
symptoms such as sickness etc. When you reach your destination
you can experience a broken sleep and also your mind may perplex
between nights and days. Thus what you may be thinking as a href="http://www.alicante-spain.com">problem dealing with
Alicante environment might well be because of jet lag that
you endured on your flight to that city. The body will soon
readjust to that new region within a few days. But it is really
troublesome if you're on a trip and this could completely change
your plans and if you're traveling for business, this could make
business unworkable.

You can have lots of tactics for dealing with this problem.
Before you leave the airport you must deal with jet lag. Confirm
everything you need to take care of, make sure that everything
is dealt with in the manner it should be and this can help
improve your temper and feelings. Strain can only contribute to
jet lag, as can fatigue. Having a hangover or being tired can
make this more hazardous.

Thus you may consider both, which way and what time of day you
have started the journey. A number of old tales say that it is
better to fly east or west or that it is better to fly during
the day or during the night, however, it is only a matter of
personal preference and you should know what suits you best.

You must avoid dehydration and drink plenty of fluids, as it is
a good way to avoid this problem. The blood pressure lows down
when dehydration sets in, and the capacity of blood to carry
oxygen becomes low and if this continues for a long time, it can
cause a dip in blood pressure, along with faintness, nausea, or
dizziness. There are lots of symptoms of dehydration including
dry skin, thirst, infrequent urination and fatigue. So to avoid
this you must drink plenty of fluids.

There is also another way that can help you with jet lag. This
is to do lots of exercise before, during, and after the air
travel. Take your carry bag and hold it as close to your body as
you possibly can; and yes, do it at a ninety-degree angle. A few
bicep curls also keeps you fit. You may balance the bag on your
ankles and do a few leg lifts if possible. You can also try a
simple walk around the cabin, which might be difficult, but if
done, it should help you stretch your legs during the journey.
Lastly, stretch each muscle of your body any way. But always
remember one important thing that you should try your exercises
without giving any trouble to your co- passengers.

About the author:
Peter Wilson regularly pens news stories on information
corresponding to Benidorm and Costa Blanca. From his reports
such as http://www.alicante-spain.com/torrevieja.html , the
columnist expressed his depth of understanding on href="http://www.alicante-spain.com">problems dealing with
Alicante.

Problem Of Circulation On Long Flights

2007-11-16T06:37:00.000-08:00

The fastest way of reaching a faraway destination is extended
air travel. But it also has its own hazards. Long flights mean a
long time confinement to monotony and uncomfortable seats, other
than the problem of circulation.

A regular circulation is important for various reasons. The
lymphatic system of the human body needs constant circulation.
It does not have a pump and depends on the movements of the
muscles to keep the blood circulating throughout the body. So a
kind of movement is very necessary. The lymph fluid that keeps
on circulating does a number of functions within the body. The
lymphatic circulation controls blood flow as well as carries the
food to the cells and also transports the excreted wastes to the
respective organs to be flushed out.

An extended flight, such as one from Miami in US to href="http://www.alicante-spain.com/costa-blanca.html">Costa
Dorada and Costa Blanca in Spain, does not facilitate any
movement and this brings about some quite harmful effects on the
body due to this long period of inaction. Some simple free-and
exercises might come of help when one is raveling. This keeps
the muscles and the lymph system sound and prevents the body
from stiffness and fatigue and any other discomfort. A few bicep
curls and working out with the carry-on bag held tightly at a
right angle with the body helps a lot. Balancing the bag on the
ankle and doing a bit of leg-lift with that also helps. Having a
leisure walk around the cabin can be helpful as well. Stretching
the muscles is very important during a journey. But it should be
kept in mind that one should not disturb the co-passengers while
doing so. Apart from these movements another thing that helps in
the circulation during air travel is drinking plenty of fluid.
Alcohol and nicotine in-take should be avoided during air
travel. Sitting for a long time with the legs crossed proves
painful as it stops the circulation. Loose comfortable garments
should be worn in a plane journey. Certain tight fitting
garments prevent proper circulation and pumping becomes
difficult. Compressed stockings help in circulation but its
proper use should be known otherwise it might prove dangerous.

This item comes in various sizes and should be properly fitting
for an individual. A doctor must be consulted before using it.

About the author:
Focusing recent findings in Costa Dorada, he publishes
predominantly for http://www.alicante-spain.com . Recording his
experience in detailed publications on href="http://www.alicante-spain.com/costa-blanca.html">Costa
Dorada and Costa Blanca the reviewer improved his capability
on the subject.

Planning For Flights With Kids

2007-11-09T12:03:00.000-08:00

With the fuel price rising at a speedy rate, most family finds
it economic to avail air facility when they get on a vacation.
Air travel saves a lot of time but the few hours that spend in
the plane might be very boring for the children. A family should
be prepared before traveling by plane to avoid such
uncomfortable situations.

The first thing to do is to plan long beforehand. To get the
best deals the flight program should be reserved quite early. A
six months span before the vacation is enough to make necessary
shopping either through the Internet or with the help of a
travel agent. This will help you avoid expensive fares as well
as be ready for href="http://www.alicante-spain.com/torrevieja.html">issues
associated to Torrevieja or any other vacation.

Although booking air tickets through the Internet is very easy
these days but some travel agents know well about which airlines
and airports are kids-friendly. Some airlines for instance,
provide with activity packs for children as well as special
meals for them. Some airlines do not facilitate dining choices,
which make it difficult for the children.

When you are embarking on a long-haul journey consider the jet
lag. The layover as well as the arrival and departure timer of
the flight should be known from beforehand and preparations
should be made accordingly. While traveling from the east to the
west a late evening flight should be availed in order to get
some rest for the kids as well as for one self.

When one decides to reserve a flight program it should be made
sure that the family members' seats are next to each other or at
least very close. If one begs or pleads to the fellow passengers
for a favor in trying to get the family members sit together it
looks very embarrassing. If the airline assign seats only after
the arrival of the respective passengers then it is always good
to get there as early as it can be. Some airlines allow their
passengers to get the boarding passes online a day prior to the
scheduled flights. Some airlines keep the facility of kiosks
where one can print his/her own pass. The full advantages of
these should be reaped in order to avoid long queues and save
time.

A carry-on luggage for some emergency medicines and the passport
besides a few other requirements can be carried on board.
Backpacks or satchels also prove helpful in carrying these items
since they keep the hands free. Even small children like
carrying satchels that are commensurate to their size.

The adults should remember to carry some coloring books and
storybooks for the children if they wish to surprise them during
the journey. Children become very happy when they get tired of
the toys and find a new entertainment coming out of their
parent's bag. Children also like little snacks all throughout
the day. Tit-bits like string cheese or apple slices can be
packed in the handbags for that reason. Drinks in tetra-packs
can also be carried for the little ones to avoid dehydration.

Getting on a journey with the kids can be challenging as well as
a fun. Simple and early preparations and a judicious packing can
make the family air-travel very convenient as well as enjoyable.

About the author:
Johnathan Bakers's detailed articles are published on a lot of
web pages tied to information on Murcia. With his documents such
as http://www.alicante-spain.com , the reviewer affirmed his
know-how on href="http://www.alicante-spain.com/torrevieja.html">issues
associated to Torrevieja.

Reason why you should use Rail passes

2007-11-02T07:32:00.001-07:00

Most of the people who plan their holidays have a budget they
need to take in account and make the most of, so saving money on
some things like the Rail passes, gives them the opportunity to
spend more money on something else they want for that trip.
Discount train fares are one of the best options one has if
planning to take a route that is accessible by train. Taking the
train saves you a lot of trouble like where to park the car, how
much the parking costs, what are the chances of having my car
stolen or broken into.

If you don't have a car thinking of discount train fares is
probably the best solution, even better than considering
traveling by bus. Traveling by train is cheap, very comfortable,
and more enjoyable because you can take your friends along, go,
and have a drink for example while you travel to your next
destination. If you travel alone or even if you travel with your
friends, there are ways to pay less than the actual train fare
price. If you travel alone and are under 26 years old, you get a
discount just for being young and once you know your route you
can purchase one or more train passes.

In order to get one of these passes you have to have an
itinerary, know your destination stops, find out if there is a
minimum of stay in each place you stop before you can take the
next train to your next destination. You also need to find out
if you have any restrictions at certain trains when you get a
train pass, how many days is the pass valid, or if there are any
conditions when buying the pass like first class or second-class
train pass. Some train passes are not age conditioned so if you
are over 26 make sure you ask and see if they have them on the
route you plan to travel.

There are usually different kinds of Rail passes, you just need
to find out which one is the best for you. Some of them let you
take an unlimited amount of rides in a specific period that can
be defined in days or months. Getting the right pass for you
depends mainly on the trip you plan to take, the duration of the
whole trip, the duration of each stop if the pass conditions it.
The discount train fares are usually named flexipass, discovery
pass, explorer pass, youth pass, select pass, and so on.
Whichever you think of getting ask first about what it offers in
the price as well as the limitations it has.

If you are traveling in a group, two or more is a group, you can
get a group train pass that is cheaper than buying individual
train passes. If the people in your group are under 26 years
old, you get an additional discount to your fare. When
purchasing the passes you should make sure, you insure them so
you can get a new one issued in case you lose them or they are
stolen from you. The good thing is that most of these passes can
be extended or refunded if they are not validated, thus you lose
about 15% of the price of the discount train fares instead of
the whole amount of money.

Train passes are also offered to senior citizens, but like in
the case of any other pass, they need to know ahead where they
are traveling, the places they plan to travel and in what order
and they have to find out which pass suits their needs best and
allows them to be more flexible while in the trip. If you are
traveling with little kids, usually younger than five years old
you should know that in some countries, they are not required to
have a train ticket or they have to pay only a certain
percentage of the ticket. The same applies to children aged
between 5 and 10 or 12 depending from region to region.

About the author:
href="http://www.holidaysallover.com.au/trainpasses/">Discount
train fares as well as the href="http://www.holidaysallover.com.au/trainpasses/">Rail
passes are a good way to save some money and get more
enjoyment in your journey without having to drive or get tired
while traveling from one place to another.

Exploring the Arts in Puerto Vallarta

2007-10-26T07:01:00.000-07:00

While most tourists visit Puerto Vallarta to experience the
beaches, resorts and unmatched natural beauty, there is a more
creative allure just beneath the surface. Though Puerto Vallarta
is far from a sprawling city, the community houses more
galleries than any Mexican destination outside the capital.
Throughout the years, artists and aficionados have flocked to
the majestic landscape of Puerto Vallarta. The results can be
seen throughout the galleries of the city - in everything from
painting, sculpture and ceramics to jewelry, literature and
fashion. Yet, even if you don't step inside any of Puerto
Vallarta's galleries, you will still find yourself surrounded by
art - courtesy of public sculptures throughout the city and the
paintings lining the walls of local restaurants. Regardless of
where you set foot in this gorgeous city, you are sure to be
overwhelmed by the powerful creative spirit.

Inside the galleries of Puerto Vallarta, you will find
everything from folk art to the most challenging contemporary
compositions of the region's vibrant art scene. One of the most
well-known galleries is the Galeria Arte Latinoamericano - a
two-story collection of Puerto Vallarta's finest painters and
sculptors. Another great destination for locally produced work
is Galeria Dante. Featuring more than 50 artists from the Puerto
Vallarta community, this gallery has been awarded top honors in
numerous publications.

While there is a strong focus on locally produced artwork in
Puerto Vallarta, don't be surprised to find some famous names on
the walls. For instance, Galeria Omar Alonso has displayed works
by documentary photographer Sebastiao Salgado and European
artists such as Wouter Deruytter and Michal Macku. Galeria
Corsica - a popular destination for collectors - features
artists championed by Mexico City's Museum of Modern Art. The
Galerie des Artistes - a space known for its many rooms of
unique pieces - has also been known to exhibit works by Diego
Rivera and Jose Clemente Orozco.

One of the most celebrated art forms of Mexico is Mata Ortiz
pottery, an elegant craft on display in a pair of galleries.
Both Galeria Mata Ortiz and Galeria de Ollas feature some of the
best ceramic work you will find anywhere in the world. You can
also find traditional work produced by the Huichol - a tribe
residing in the mountains outside Puerto Vallarta - at Galeria
Piramide. Not only will you be able to see incredible examples
of traditional bead and woven art, you can witness these
indigenous artisans working at the gallery.

One of the most popular events in Puerto Vallarta is the Old
Town Art Walk that takes place each Wednesday during the tourism
season - generally October to April. On these special evenings,
you will find at least 17 galleries open late to display
everything from the newest work of local artists to treasured
paintings by Old Masters. You can enjoy this self-guided walking
tour at your own pace with the assistance of detailed maps
available at any of the galleries or your resort. The Old Town
is also a great place to dine, but make sure to save some room
for complimentary hors d'oeuvres and cocktails.

No visit to Puerto Vallarta is complete without a stroll down
the city's famed boardwalk - the Malecon. Besides offering a
beautiful view of Banderas Bay, the Malecon serves as an outdoor
sculpture museum. Beginning at the north end of the boardwalk,
you will encounter Mathis Lidice's "Los Milenios" - one of the
most photographed sites in Puerto Vallarta. Tourists are also
known to gather around the "Rotonda del Mar," a unique
assemblage of chairs by local artist Alejandro Colunga. If you
want to learn more about the sculptures of the Malecon or the
artists behind them, don't miss the Tuesday morning tour offered
by Gary Thompson - owner of the Galleria Pacifico. Ramiz Barquet
- one of the city's most celebrated artists - is often on hand
to discuss his famous work "La Nostalgia" and offer a unique
perspective on the region's artistic culture.

Most importantly, Puerto Vallarta has something for everyone's
taste and price range - making it easy to come home with a piece
of this beautiful city. Regardless of when you visit Puerto
Vallarta, the city will have plenty to inspire your creative
side. The Puerto Vallarta art scene is always expanding,
incorporating new styles and concepts to reflect the ideas of
artists and visitors alike.

About the author:
Justin Burch writes articles about travel in Puerto Vallarta
[http://marriott.com/hotels/travel/pvrmx-casamagna-marriott-puert
o-vallarta-resort-and-spa/] for the Marriott Resorts.

Sickness During Air Travel

2007-10-19T07:14:00.000-07:00

There are a lot of things that you can get from traveling, like
seeing the wonderful sites, but you will find that the worst
part of traveling is the jet lag. You will find that there are
so many people who try to attempt jet lag and will do everything
they can. You will want to learn how to stop the jet lag before
it even happens. You will find that when you travel it can be
tiring and you may even become disorientated.

You will find that there are some jet lag that will come from
the extreme time zone differences such as travel from Florida in
US to Alicante in
Spain. You may even get to your destination and not even be able
to sleep or have broken sleep. You will become confused on what
is day and what is night. You will have to wait for your body to
take to the time adjust, however, that can take days. You may
find that there are some confusion and fuzziness when it comes
to the things that you are aware of. You may even find that you
may become disorientated about some of the facts of your trip.
You may become so disorientated from things other than just the
time difference, but also from dehydration. You will find that
jet lag can seriously ruin your trip, regardless if it is a
vacation or a business trip.

To deal with jet lag you will want to get plenty of sleep or
rest before you leave. You will also want to take care of
everything before you go so that the stress doesn't become a
factor that makes your jet lag worse. You also shouldn't drink.
Drinking will only increase your feeling of exhaustion. Also,
you may want to get some exercise because it will help you to
avoid the sickness and you're body will be more likely to
adjust. Also, don't travel when you are sick! It will only make
you feel worse, however, if you must travel, make sure that you
bring all of your medications.

You should consider the time of day that you are traveling as
well. You will find that if you work better in the morning,
travel in the morning. If you are more alert in the evening,
you'll be able to find a good traveling time that wont' put you
to sleep or feel any symptoms of jet lag.

To avoid getting jet lag you will also want to drink plenty of
water so that you can be aware of everything. You will also want
to drink the water so that you get enough oxygen and don't get
depressed. Depression will only make things worse.

There are so many factors that will effect rather or not you get
jet lag that you may get it anyway, however, you can avoid
feelings so bad that it overtakes the trip. You will want to
travel with all of this in mind so that you can feel as good as
possible and also avoid the harmful side effects of jet lag.

About the author:
Peter Wilson often publishes short articles on things
corresponding to Costa Blanca. His contributions on href="http://www.alicante-spain.com">Alicante are found on
his webpage in addition to other web pages.

Residential Cruise Ships

2007-10-12T13:31:00.000-07:00

Residential cruise ships are becoming very popular. These
vessels can be your second or even a primary residence with all
luxury you need. You can cruise the globe, live in 150 countries
and still have only 1 address.

Cruising homes - that are a new era residences. Huge href="http://www.cruiseshipsall.com/residentialcruiseships.html">
residential cruise ships with luxurious residences.
These residences are really spacious. They can have from 1000 to
3500 square feet. You can have 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, lounge,
kitchen, terrase with yacuzzi, simply all you need. There are
restaurants, cinemas, clubs, game rooms, fitness clubs or even
art of state spa and wellness. You can go fishing, diving or
boat cruising from an onboard marina.

Some of these ships even use their own onboard helicopters to
get you comfortably from airport to your apartment. Ship´s
itinerary is planned to circumnavigate the planet every 2 or 3
years. There are about 300 ports of call. When ship reach a
port, it stays there for 2-5 days so you can enjoy the city or
surrounding nature, then it moves to another port.

Of course, to get this kind of residence is costy. It can cost
you couple of hundred thousands of dollars or even millions.
That depends if you choose to buy a full ownership or partial.

About the author:
Marian Hlinka - webmaster of href="http://www.cruiseshipsall.com">Cruise Ships

Planning Your Trip - Caravan, Motorcycle, Holiday of Any Sort

2007-10-09T20:09:00.000-07:00

A tour or any trip does not just happen; you need to spend some
time planning your trip. When is the best time to travel; what
will the weather be like; are you going during school holidays
time; how are you going to find your way; do you need any
permits etc? By planning your trip before you leave you will be
able to answer these questions to make sure your holiday is as
stress free as possible. Do not necessarily get bogged down in
all the finite details though; some decisions, such as where to
go next and how long to stay in one place, are sometimes best
left for the road. After all you may find a wonderful location
that suits you and decide to stay there longer than planned.

When to Travel

Your first decision will be when to travel. This will be
different for all people. Maybe you only have a week's leave or
maybe you are taking 12 months to travel. The weather, the
timing of school and public holidays and any local events in the
area you intend to visit will all influence your decision. Some
travellers also think about how they can visit family and
friends or fit special occasions into their schedule.

Weather

Australia has extremes in climate and weather. At the same time:
in one area of Australia there may be monsoonal rains and
cyclones; while a different part of Australia will have balmy
perfect weather and another part may even experience snow.

Such extremes are not uncommon, but you can start planning your
trip according to reasonably predictable weather patterns,
making some allowances for occasional variations and anomalies.

The southern States of Australia have four clearly identifiable
seasons. Summers are warm to hot, winters cool to cold. Spring
and autumn have pleasant days with cold nights. Most rain falls
in the winter months but other seasons can have the occasional
shower or even heavy downfall. Snow falls on the Australian Alps
and the Tasmanian Highlands in winter, early spring and
sometimes in late autumn.

Northern Australia has a dry and a wet season. The dry season
runs from April to November, give or take a few weeks. Little or
no rain falls and countryside turns from lush green to a dusty
brown. The wet season, with high temperatures and oppressive
humidity, lasts from December to March. Tropical storms
regularly dump large volumes of rain, and cyclones are not
uncommon.

The centre of Australia is arid or semi-arid. Rain can fall
throughout the year or not at all. From May to September daytime
temperatures are mild but can drop dramatically at night. Summer
temperatures can be extremely high.

The best time to travel through Australia's northern and central
regions is between April and November. Year-round travel is
possible in the south, with spring and autumn offering mild and
pleasant conditions. Southerners begin drifting northward in
Early May and return south around September. (Just think, travel
North in any month without an R in the spelling of it - May to
August).

Detailed weather information can be found by contacting services
offered by the Bureau of Meteorology.

School and Public Holidays

If you do not have children, it may be best to avoid travelling
during school holiday - particularly Christmas/New Year and
Easter. Most accommodation is very heavily booked at these times
plus being the peak periods, the prices are also at their
highest.

Australia's mainland States schools each have a four-term year.
While the holiday periods from State to State do not necessarily
align exactly, they do tend to overlap. The holiday periods
generally are:

Two weeks in April usually coinciding
with Easter
Two weeks in late June or early July
Two
weeks in late September or early October
Six weeks from mid
December until the end of January including Christmas and New
Year.

Tasmania has a three-term year with holidays in June, September
and from December through to the middle of February.

Long weekends are also a popular time to get away. Different
states have different public holidays, check when public
holidays fall in the different States to avoid crowds in holiday
regions, particularly areas close to the capital cities and
beach locations.

Local Events

Quite a lot of regional towns now have local cultural and
sporting events during the year. Some are minor affairs that may
be fun to stumble across. Others are large, well organised, well
advertised, crowded but can be very enjoyable. Phone visitor
information centres for event guides, and check out the internet
for local information.

By planning your trip around holidays and events you can either
avoid them or ensure you are there when they are on.

Finding Your Way

Once you have a good idea of where you are going, by planning
your trip you can like all these places together. You will need
some practical tools to do this. This may be as simple as just
getting some maps and guides. If you are travelling long
distances or for a long period of time, you may look at
installing a Global Positioning System, or GPS, good for
travelling off main roads.

Global Positioning System (GPS)

GPS, a navigation system developed by the American military, is
now widely used by professionals and recreational travellers -
you will find most taxi drivers have them installed in their
cabs and use them all the time.

A GPS receiver determines the user's position, accurate to
within 10 metres, by collecting distance and time measurements
from satellites. GPS can also be used to determine speed of
travel, altitude, and distance (in a straight line) to a
proposed destination and estimated time of arrival. Most GPS
receivers have the capacity to remember at least several routes,
thus enabling return trips to be plotted. The preloaded data may
include information or road networks and major geographical
features. GPS receivers and antennae range in price from several
hundred dollars to a couple of thousand.

A laptop computer, loaded with interactive mapping software
downloaded from a CD_ROM and connected to a GPS receiver, offers
a hi-tech visual navigational aid.

Hand-help GPS receivers usually operate on replaceable
batteries; as the battery life is very short, however, it is
necessary to carry a supply of replacement batteries. An
alternative is to purchase a power pack, which will allow the
receiver to be plugged into your vehicle's power supply.

Maps and Guides

If you are travelling in remote areas, particularly off the
beaten track, you will need more detailed maps - a selection of
these will be available at better map shops, visitor information
centres or your local motoring organisation.

If you are just travelling on the main highways or major roads,
you will get by with a good road atlas. If you are travelling
with children, get them there own road map. Then when they say
"where are we"; "how long til we get there"? they will be able
to look it up for themselves. A good road map will have
not only the major roads, but broad coverage region by region
and details maps of cities and towns. Maps can last a long time,
but it may be best to replace them ever five years or so.

Visitor information centres are a good source of local maps,
generally reproduced in free brochures or leaflets. These maps
tend to be quite detailed and useful in exploring the local area.

Specialised books and guides covering localities and holiday
activities fill the shelves of bookshops including map shops,
national park shops and specialist environmental stores. Good
all-round publications include Explore Australia and, for the
outback adventurer, Explore Australia by Four-wheel Drive.

Visitor Information Centres

Many Australian towns have a visitor information centre. They
not only have maps and guides, but the staff offer information
on local accommodation, caravan parks, businesses and tourist
attractions. They will also often have a booking service for
your accommodation or local tours/attractions available in the
region

PERMITS, PARKS AND PRIVATE LAND

There are many areas of Australia where access is prohibited,
restricted or subject to particular requirements.

Aboriginal Land

Aboriginal communities own large tracts of land in areas such as
Central Australia, the Kimberley's and Cape York. Travellers
wishing to visit areas of Aboriginal-owned land must first apply
to the relevant authority for a permit. Always ring first, as
some areas of Aboriginal land may be completely out of bounds
for tourists and permits therefore are not an option. The
permit-processing period can be quite long and by planning your
trip you should apply well before you leave home.

Visitor information centres in the area that you are heading off
to will offer advice on which lands are covered by what traffic
- permits can be purchased or obtained on the spot, although
this tends to be the exception rather than the rule.

Permits are not usually required for travel along the public
roads in Australia that traverse Aboriginal land, though notable
exceptions include the Great Central Road that links Yulara in
the Northern Territory with Warburton in Western Australia.
Respect should be of utmost importance when travelling through
Aboriginal lands, whether a permit is required or not.

National Parks

Australia's 500 or so national parks protect the continent's
unique flora, fauna, famous landscapes and natural icons.

Each State and Territory administers its own parks. The federal
body, Parks Australia, oversees the management of a small number
of parks, including Kakadu and Uluru-Kata Tjuta, and Booderee at
Jervis Bay.

In some States, permits are required to visit national parks.
These can be purchased in advance by contacting the central
authority, or on the day within the park. If you intend to camp
in National Parks, it is best to obtain a permit and book a site
before hand. Most National Parks only have basic camping
facilities and you should contact the relevant authority to make
sure camping is permitted and, what facilities are available and
book a site. In some parks, sites are heavily booked well in
advance, particularly during peak periods.

To make sure you know what you are getting, phone ahead and ask
the following questions:

Are the camping grounds
likely to be open?
Are the sites suitable for vans?
What are the facilities like?
Are there fire restrictions?
Is there a ranger station in the area?
Is it necessary
to pre-book a site?

NATIONAL PARK OFFICES

Most park organisations have a location in the relevant capital
city where travellers can purchase passes and collect brochures,
maps and other information. Many of the larger and more popular
parks have information centres on site.

Private Land

There are tracts of private land, particularly in the remote
northern half of Australia, where owners allow travellers to
camp and sometimes fish. Most of these places are rural stations
located off the beaten track and are generally known about by
word-of-mouth. Always get permission to camp on private land.
The nearest visitor information centre can, in some instances,
provide you with details of the land-holder, or try local
directories or businesses. Failing that, it may be a matter of
stopping in at the homestead once you are on the road. If you do
travel through Private Land make sure you leave it as you find
it and if you have to open a gate to go through it, after you.

This is the eigth page of 23 with related information about
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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.

Choosing a Caravan that is right for You

2007-09-28T07:43:00.000-07:00

Before you start choosing a caravan, you need to take a number
of things into consideration including your towing vehicle and
towing equipment.

It is essential that you not only find the caravan that is right
for you, but the combination of the caravan, towing vehicle and
towing equipment must all be suitable. After all you do not want
to spend a lot of money on a big caravan when you only require a
small caravan. You equally, do not want to buy a big caravan and
then try to tow it with a small car not suitable to tow that
weight. Equipping your van and towing vehicle properly is just
as important as choosing a caravan. This will take time,
research and legwork. However, by getting things right initially
is the best guarantee for a stress-free holiday.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT UNIT

There are many options when it comes to choosing a caravan,
camper-trailer or motor-home. Ultimately it is a matter of
finding the unit that suits you, your travel plans, your budget
and the kind of lifestyle you wish to enjoy while travelling.

TYPES OF UNITS

"Normal" Full-height Caravans

Caravans come in all shapes and sizes. Most people touring
Australia travel in caravans less that 7m in length. Caravans
provide a good level of comfort and many are well appointed with
appliances just like home. In a caravan beds can remain made,
fridges can be stocked, everyday utensils are readily available
and clothing can be stored in wardrobes and drawers. Many
caravans are air-conditioned and most are fitted with annexes or
awnings to provide outdoor living areas. There are numerous
options in terms of axles (single, double and even triple), door
position and sleeping capacity. There is also a choice between
on and off-road models.

Folding Caravans and Campers.

These units are constructed of lightweight materials. The
internal appointments are similar to those of a regular caravan.
The roof section is usually raised mechanically to expose canvas
walls, and the ends normally slide out to accommodate the beds.
Some manufacturers call these camper-trailers. On and off-road
models are available.

Pop-Top Caravans

Pop-top caravans are just like normal caravans, except the top
section folds up and down. This makes them easier to tow: the
lower profile means far less drag therefore using less fuel.
They do lack overhead cupboard space though and require slightly
more maintenance. Again, on and off-road models are available.

Camper-Trailers

These units come in a variety of models, Accommodation ranges
from couple-only units through to big family set-ups. When
collapsed, each model fits into a small, easily towed unit. Two
and four-wheel drive configurations are available. Some units
include a built-in bed and many include a camping kitchen.

Campervans

These vehicles are designed specifically as delivery vans that
you see driving around town all day, before undergoing extensive
fit-outs that convert them to a camping van. Sizes range from
small models suitable for couples through to larger units with
good facilities including, in some cases, a shower and toilet.
They are easy to drive and often double as the family car.

Motorhomes

These all-in-one vehicles are nearly always constructed on a
truck base. They range in size from 5 m to 12 m. The smaller
units, which have many of the attributes of a caravan, can be
driven on a normal car licence. The larger units, some of which
are spectacularly appointed with luxury fittings, require a
truck licence. People buy motorhomes for the convenience of not
having to tow, and for the high degree of self-sufficiency they
allow. On the downside, they are difficult to park (particularly
the larger vehicles), and they restrict mobility: every time you
want to use your vehicle, you have to dismantle your campsite.
This can be quite annoying if you want to go shopping or fishing
and your partner wants to remain in camp. Many owners of larger
motorhomes overcome this problem by towing a trailer loaded with
a small vehicle (often 4 wheel drive); others carry bicycles.

Slide-on or Tray-top Campers

These units are great for people who own a utility: they can be
simply attached to the vehicle as needed. They are popular with
off-road enthusiasts, and with travellers who want to be able to
tow a boat or other kind of trailer.

This is the second page of 23 with related information about
making the most of your caravan holiday. Have a look at our
website href="http://www.crikey-adventure-tours.com/caravan-holiday.html"
>www.crikey-adventure-tours.com/caravan-holiday.html for all
pages.

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.

Having the Right Towing Vehicle for Your Caravan

2007-09-21T10:56:00.000-07:00

Ensure that your towing vehicle is capable of towing your
caravan. Check the manufacturer's book on the maximum weight
that is recommended and ensure you stay within this limit. It is
an essential part of planning a caravan holiday to make sure
your towing vehicle is safe, well maintained and well equipped.

Size and Towing Capacity

The majority of travellers do not have the luxury of choosing a
special towing vehicle to suit their new van; in most cases it
is a matter of finding a van that will suit your existing
vehicle.

Car manufactures stipulate a safe towing weight for each vehicle
and Australia's national regulations are built around these
specifications. As a general rule, the most suitable towing
vehicle is one that is heavier than the caravan it is towing.
This will then allow for the fully loaded weight of the caravan
that is to be towed. Small cars are usually limited to towing
camper-trailers, folding caravans, and small caravans or
pop-tops. Bigger cars can manage caravans and pop-tops at the
larger end of the market. In addition to weight, it is important
to take into account the overall measurements of the unit you
intend to tow. If your caravan is very high or wide then extra
power is needed to overcome wind resistance.

Off Road Vehicles

Four-wheel drives have become very popular towing vehicles and
are extremely capable. They are able to tow large vans, and
manage the boat and a few other items as well. Many travellers
use off-road vehicles without ever venturing off the main road.
Others travel extensively in the outback, unhitching the van
when the terrain gets too rough and either taking a tent or swag
with them, or sleeping in the back of the car.

Transmission

The choice between manual and automatic transmission is one of
personal preference. In the past, manual transmission was always
the preferred option by travellers, however modern improvements
in automatic transmission has meant they perform equally as well
now. In fact automatic four-wheel drives perform quite well
off-road.

Tools and Spares

When setting out on an extended touring holiday it is important
to carry a tool kit in order to undertake minor repairs to your
vehicle and to carry out those household repair jobs around the
caravan. A tool kit should include the following items:

Blade screwdrivers
Phillips head screwdrivers
Set
of spanners to suit your car and van
Hammer
Pliers
Small adjustable shifter
Larger shifter for gas
bottles
Scissors
Wheel spanner
Set of
spike-resistant jumper leads
Tyre-pressure gauge
Tow
rope or tow strap

Make sure that the jack and handle are fitted in the vehicle and
that the jack is in good working order. Make sure that the same
jack will fit both your vehicle and caravan. Before you leave
home, make sure you know how to change your tyres and where the
jacking points are for both your towing vehicle and your caravan.

Carry a jacking board, about 250 sq. mm, to place beneath the
jack when the ground is soft, uneven or wet. A piece of
checker-plate aluminium is okay.

The wheel brace that suits your car may not necessarily fit the
wheel studs on your caravan. Check before leaving home.

Carry a good spare tyre for your vehicle and one for your
caravan. If you plan to travel off the beaten track, you will
need two spares for each unit. On some camper-trailers, the
wheels are interchangeable with those of the towing vehicle. If
this is the case, a total of two spares will be adequate in most
circumstance.

TOWING EQUIPMENT AND MODIFICATIONS

Fitting towing equipment and modifying towing vehicles are
specialist activities and should only be done by professionals.
Dealers will often fit tow bars to new vehicles if requested.
You will have to specify that you need one to match the
vehicle's maximum towing capacity so that you do not end
up with something only suitable for towing a small household
trailer. If you already have a vehicle, contact a specialist
tow-bar retailer and mechanic; check the Yellow Pages under
"towing" or find one via the internet.

Towing Equipment

All commercially manufactured tow bars in Australia are built to
a stand and should perform well. Different makes and models will
have different features and different prices.

Most lightweight bars are suitable for towing trailers and vans
with a gross mass of 1,000 kg or even less. Heavy-duty bars,
such as those fitted to large four-wheel drives, have the
capacity to tow a mass of up to 3,500 kg. Each tow bar has a
specified maximum trailer mass and a maximum static ball weight.
The latter, which is the difference in weight between the
caravan on and off the vehicle, should be around 10 per cent of
the total trailer weight. So, if the loaded trailer weight is
1,000kg, the ball weight should be around 100 kg. All tow bars
are restricted to the maximum recommended capacity of the
vehicle. To make absolutely sure you are not towing more that
you should be, get your caravan weighed fully loaded. Exceeding
towing weight limits can result in accidents, fines and
non-payment of insurance claims.

Tow bars are fitted with a choice of towing hitches. Most
standard caravans and trailers get by with a 50 mm ball, while
off-road models may require a more complex off-road hitch.

Caravans and trailers must be fitted with safety chains; these
must be securely attached to the towing vehicle.

Towing Limits

In 1999 the National Road Transport Commission (NRTC) introduced
a set of recommended towing limits, which were adopted by all
States and Territories. Until that point up to five different
towing limits applied across Australia, which meant a lot of
confusion for caravanners crossing State and Territory borders.

The national regulations, as laid out by the NRTC, state that
the weight of the loaded caravan must not exceed the recommended
limit as prescribed by the manufacturer of the towing vehicle,
or the stated capacity of the towing apparatus fitted to the
vehicle. If the manufacturer has not specified limits, which,
surprisingly, is not that unusual, the weight of the loaded
caravan should be no more than one and a half times the unloaded
weight of the towing vehicle, provided the caravan is fitted
with brakes. If the caravan is not fitted with brakes, then the
loaded caravan should equal the weight of the unloaded car. If
you have any difficulty establishing the parameters of these
requirements, seek the advice of your dealer or an independent
tow-bar manufacturer.

Weight Distribution

We have all seen the car and caravan combination with the hitch
almost dragging on the road. Weight-distribution bars, widely
available at caravan accessory shops, can be used to maintain a
more level profile of the car and van. These tend to be standard
equipment for larger vans, but should really be considered for
all but the lightest of vans. The issue can also be addressed by
correct loading. If the movable load within the caravan is all
packed forward of the axle, this will greatly increase the ball
weight. If the load is more evenly distributed throughout the
van, then the ball weight is less likely to be adversely
affected. Never load a caravan or trailer with more weight
behind the axle than forward of the axle. (It is wise to secure
items to prevent movement).

This is the fourth page of 23 with related information about
making the most of your caravan holiday. Have a look here for
the other pages href="http://www.crikey-adventure-tours.com/caravan-holiday.html"
target="blank">www.crikey-adventure-tours.com/caravan-holiday.htm
l

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.

Understanding Your Caravan and Equipping Your Caravan

2007-09-14T12:41:00.000-07:00

Caravans and camper-trailers have to be registered separately to
your vehicle, and serviced regularly. Before you set off on your
trip, it is worthwhile spending some time understanding your
caravan workings and all its components. Although many features
are now standard, particularly in new vans, there will still be
some equipping of your caravan to do.

SERVICING

Similarly to your car, caravans need regular servicing also. The
wheel bearings and brakes need to be checked every 20,000 km or
annually. Your normal mechanic that services your car will be
able to service your caravan as well. By understanding your
caravan you will be able to take a spare set of wheel bearings
with you and replace them yourself. If you are unsure of how to
do this, just ask your local mechanic and he will gladly explain
how to change them.

Brakes are a little more complex. Again your normal mechanic
should be able to check them for wear etc, but sometimes you may
have to visit a brake specialist.

Most other areas on your caravan are just routing checking like
the battery and lights etc. You can either do this yourself with
a little bit of knowledge, or wherever you are travelling the
garage mechanic will be able to check them for you.

Power Supply

Caravans are usually wired to operate on both 12 volt and 240
volt. The 240 volt supply will be a plug-in supply from your
powered campsite or from a home power point if you are staying
with friends. They require 15 amp plugs, which are not normally
fitted in homes so make sure your extension lead caters for 15
amp plugs.

Most caravans have a 12 volt battery to operate the electrics in
your caravan and this must be charged regularly by either a
battery charger or via an Anderson Plug connected to your car
when it is running. Some caravans and motorhomes are also fitted
with a switch which charges your caravan battery while the
vehicle is plugged into 240 volt power. It is strongly
recommended you have this switch connected.

If you have an Anderson plug fitted that uses your vehicle's
alternator to charge your caravan battery, make sure you have an
isolation devise fitted so the batteries can be separated when
the vehicle is not running. The last thing you want is for the
caravan to drain your vehicle's battery and not be able to start
your car.

If you are going bush you may consider carrying a generator with
you as well. If you are going to stay in caravan parks you will
not need a generator. If you think you just might want one, they
are heavy, take up a fair bit of storage room and are noisy to
operate.

Another popular source of power these days is solar power.
Similarly, to the generator this would only be useful if you are
not staying in caravan parks and do not have an Anderson plug
fitted to your vehicle to charge your caravan's battery.

Refrigeration

What sort of a fridge should you have? For many years the three
way fridge has been the preferred choice for caravan owners.
These operate on 12 volt (battery), 240 volt (power point) or
gas. These fridges work quite well on 240 volt and gas, but
struggle a bit when on 12 volt despite using quite a lot of
power - some of the newer models perform a bit better.
Performance can be slightly improved by installing a ventilator
fan behind the fridge to improve airflow. These are available at
caravan accessory shops.

Gas Supply

Most caravans, campervans and motorhomes have gas-operated
stoves, ovens and hot-water services. Gas is efficient, clean
and quite safe. Use a two gas bottle system so you can use one
gas bottle until it is completely empty and then switch to the
other bottle. This will save you trying to guess how much gas is
left in a bottle and how long it will last and also enables you
to use all the gas and not refill it with gas still left. Always
stand gas bottles in a vertical position and make sure a
regulator is fitted so it will turn the gas off if a major leak
occurs

Check that your gas bottles are not out of date. The date is
stamped on the collar of the bottle, and it should indicate that
the bottle has been checked within the last 10 years. It is
against the law for a reseller to fill out-of-date gas bottles.
Most service stations now have exchange gas bottles. This
enables you to take your empty gas bottle and just pay exchange
it for a full bottle. Check the out of date on the new gas
bottle as well, to ensure it will not expire shortly.

Lifestyle Extras

By understanding your caravan and equipping your caravan, you
will want a few necessary extras. Television, video recorders
and DVD's are increasingly popular items to travel with. Most
Australian towns have some kind of television reception but for
those who want reliable reception, there is the option of
installing a satellite dish to your caravan, offering access to
a selection of free-to-air and cable channels. If you are off
the beaten track, don't forget you DVD's. Television and videos
come in 12 volt and 240 volt.

A full annexe, complete with floor, can add thousands of dollars
to the cost of a new van. It may seem like a desirable item but,
if you are moving around a lot, you may find that it gets used
rarely. Awnings tend to be more useful as they are much easier
to set up.

You will spend nearly as much time outside under your awning as
you will inside your caravan. As such an outdoor table setting
is an important addition to your camping equipment. Also
desirable are a couple of comfortable chairs to relax in. With
these kinds of purchases, you tend to get what you pay for in
terms of quality.

Another fairly indispensable item is an outdoor stove or
barbecue. Cooking outdoors while caravanning is sociable and
pleasurable, and it means not having to live and sleep with the
smell of cooked meat or fish. Most parks have barbecue areas,
but these can be in high demand.

Portable chemical toilets are used by those travelling in
smaller campervans or with caravans that do not have a built-in
facility. They require regular emptying and the chemicals have
to be replenished. They are popular with older travellers who do
not relish the idea of navigating a course to the amenity block
during the small hours.

Blocks and Chocks

You will rarely find your camp site perfectly flat, so you will
need to carry levelling blocks to rectify the situation. These
come in the form of shaped wedges (or you can use a thick, flat
board). They are placed on the ground and your caravan is driven
onto them. Some motorhomes have built-in self-levelling
supports. (see arrive at campsite).

A pair of shaped wheel-chocks is very handy for stabilising your
van. Chocks can be bought commercially or easily made at home.
They should be placed on the downhill side of the caravan's
wheels to prevent the unit rolling.

This is the seventh 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.

Buying A Caravan For Your Holiday

2007-09-07T10:04:00.000-07:00

You probably have some idea of what you are going to use your
caravan for. Is it for two people; a family; to be used for a
couple of weeks every few years; are you going to spend the next
twelve months of your life living in it travelling around
Australia (or your country)?

Now that you know what it is going to be used for do some
homework. Some of the places to look before you start buying a
caravan include the internet. You must already have access to
the internet to find this site, so continue using the internet
in your privacy without any pressure. Have a look through the
classified ads in newspapers, trader publications, leisure
magazines etc.

If it is that time of the year in your area, caravan and leisure
shows are a good way to have a look at various vans at one
convenient location. You can make comparisons without getting
"trapped" by pushy sales people. If (and only if) you have
already researched your potential purchase and decided that a
new unit is what you want, think about buying one on the spot:
show-only discounts often represent good value.

If it is time to do some leg work go a visit some dealers, draw
up a list of "must haves" and take it with you as you shop. Have
a look at a number of different kinds of units (caravan,
motorhome, campers) in both the new and second-hand markets in
order to establish what you can get for your money. The leisure
market is large these days and there is no need to rush in -
take your time and get it right.

When you do go shopping for buying a caravan take a tape measure
with you to see what fits in where.

New caravans, campervans, camper-trailers and motorhomes are all
available through dealers and in some cases, direct from the
manufacture. Used units are available through dealers, or
privately through the classified ads in newspapers, trader
publications, leisure magazines and of course on the internet.

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href="http://www.crikey-adventure-tours.com/caravan-holiday.html"
>www.crikey-adventure-tours.com/caravan-holiday.html for all
23 pages, or I will be submitting them to this site if you wish
to check them out here as well.

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.

Towing Vehicle Modifications Required to Tow Your Caravan

2007-08-31T10:24:00.000-07:00

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

2007-08-24T10:20:00.000-07:00

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

2007-08-17T08:19:00.000-07:00

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

2007-08-10T09:09:00.000-07:00

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

2007-08-03T07:43:00.000-07:00

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!

Cruise Ship Activities for Children under Twelve

2007-07-27T08:48:00.000-07:00

Each year, many individuals make the decision to take a cruise.
Cruise ships are a great location to have your next vacation. If
given the opportunity, many parents would choose to take a
cruise alone. This is mainly because of a common misconception
among parents about cruise ships. Many individuals, including
parents, believe that cruise ships are not designed for
children, but that is simply not true.

If you are the parent of a child under the age of twelve, you
may be wondering whether or not they should accompany you on
your next cruise. If you are able to financially afford an
additional ticket, you are encouraged to consider bring your
child along. Not only will a cruise be memorable to your child,
but it will be exciting. That is because a large number of
cruise lines have tailored their cruise ships to children of all
ages, including those under the age of twelve.

If you have yet to book your cruise ship reservations, you are
encouraged to keep cruise ship activities in mind. The
activities for children, under the age of twelve, will vary from
ship to ship. That is why it is important that you examine each
ship before making a final decision. Despite the fact that
activities will vary from ship to ship, there are many
activities geared towards children, under the age of twelve,
which can be found on almost all cruise ships.

One of the many popular activities found aboard a cruise ship is
a gaming. Arcade rooms are common on most cruise ships. They
offer children, under the age of twelve, a safe place to have
fun and be a child. Many cruise ship arcade rooms are staffed
with cruise ship employees, but this should not deter you from
keeping an eye on your child. When leaving them alone in an
arcade room, you are encouraged to use your best judgment.

Another fun activity for children, under the age of twelve,
includes swimming. All vacation cruise ships are equipped with a
swimming pool. In addition to an adult sized swimming pool,
wading pools can often be found aboard a number of popular
family themed cruises. As with the arcade room, you are
encouraged to use your best judgment when allowing your children
to swim unattended. Lifeguards will be on duty; however, they
cannot always guarantee the safety of your child.

In addition to a swimming pool and an arcade room, most cruise
ships have an onboard movie theater or a performance stage. A
large number of cruise lines offer family friendly movies,
plays, and other performances. Children, under the age of
twelve, may find these performances and movie showings fun and
exciting. To determine if movie showing and performances are
targeted to those under twelve, you are encouraged to check a
cruise ship's itinerary. A ship's itinerary can be viewed with
or without previously booked reservations.

Cruise ship restaurants and other dining facilities are likely
to cater to children, under the age of twelve. Many restaurants
offer children's menus. These menus are likely to include tasty,
but kid sized meals. The cost of your kid's meals will vary from
ship to ship; however, many cruise ships offer discounts on
meals for children under the age of twelve.

Cruise ship childcare centers are facilities that benefit both
parents and their children. While on a family vacation, even you
need a break. For free or a small fee, you should be able to
leave your children in the care of a trained and experienced
childcare worker. Since a cruise ship is likely to have
passengers of all different ages, many childcare facilities are
grouped together by ages. As with most other services, you will
find that one cruise ship's childcare policy may vary from
another's.

The above mentioned activities, services, and facilities are
just a few of the many that are targeted to children, aged
twelve and under. If you are satisfied with the above mentioned
services, facilities, and activities, you may want to consider
scheduling your next family vacation aboard a cruise ship.

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!

Cruise Ships: Preparing For Your Voyage

2007-07-20T10:19:00.000-07:00

When it comes to vacationing aboard a cruise ship, many
individuals consider preparation to be the luggage that they
plan to bring with them. Packing for your cruise ship vacation
is important; however, it is not the only preparation that
should occur. Preparation shouldn't wait until the week before
your trip. Rather, it should begin as soon as you book your
cruise ship reservation.

The type of cruise that you will be taking is vital to
preparation. A large number of cruise ships travel on
international waters. In addition to being on international
waters, many dock at international ports. Before begin able to
board your ship, you may have to show proper identification.
With international cruises, this identification often includes a
drivers licenses and a passport.

Unfortunately, when it comes to obtaining a passport, there are
many individuals who wait until the last minute. Last minute
passports can be obtained in the event of an emergency, but most
require at least a week or more to process. You will not be
automatically granted a passport; instead you are required to
apply for one. Almost all individuals that apply for a passport
are granted one, but planning ahead is the best option. If error
is made on the information you supplied, you will have enough
time to fix it before your cruise ship departs.

The proper identification is needed to board a cruise ship. Your
passport and your driver's license are not the only forms of
documentation that you should bring onboard. If you are covered
under a health insurance plan, you are encouraged to bring your
health insurance cards. In the event you fall ill while on
vacation, your insurance cards will allow you to obtain the
needed medical attention.

In addition to your medical insurance cards, it is advised that
you bring along all of your needed medications. You may even
want to consider brining along extra medication. Many physicians
will write extra prescriptions for their patients that are
traveling on a cruise ship. Should your medication become lost
or misplaced, the extra prescriptions can be used until you
return home. While requesting extra medication from your
healthcare provider, you may want to question them on safety
precautions aboard a cruise ship.

To pay for onboard and port activities, you will need to bring
along extra money. Vacationing aboard a cruise ship is similar
to vacationing anywhere else in the world. You are encouraged
not to carry large sums of cash with you. If you must bring cash
along, you are encouraged to divide your money up and place it
in safe locations. Almost all cruise ships and popular cruise
ship ports accept credit cards, cashiers checks, money orders,
or traveler's checks. These forms of payments are great
alternatives to carrying cash.

When traveling aboard a cruise ship, you are urged to give a
copy of the cruise ship's itinerary to multiple friends and
family members. This will make it possible for you to be
contacted in the event of an emergency. When registering for a
cruise ship, you may also be required to give the contact
information of someone that should be contacted in an emergency.
Your first thought may be to give the contact information of
your spouse, children, or a close friend. When doing so, it is
important to make sure that they will be on land and accessible.

Once you have made the above mentioned preparations, you can
begin focusing on other preparations, such as packing your
luggage. When packing, you are urged to keep the climate of your
cruise in mind. At the same time, you should be prepared for
unexpected weather. Making the proper cruise ship preparations
will ensure that your vacation will be a success.

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!

Diving in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico, a Tourists' Mecca

2007-07-13T07:32:00.000-07:00

Playa Del Carmen was once a small and sleepy little coastal town
with spectacular beach views whose charms weren't discovered by
mainstream travel, a true unspoiled gem. Over time though, more
and more people were able to find this Yucatan Peninsula village
and it's become less and less of a hidden treasure and more like
a must see place for a great beach vacation.

Playa Del Carmen is located about 45 miles from Cancun and
couldn't be more different! The heart of Mexico's Mayan Riviera,
this tiny fishing village is now home to international
restaurants, unique small hotels and vacation rental homes.

Playa del Carmen has fantastic weather year round and its world
class diving brings tourists in from all around the world.

You'll find miles of white sand beaches with the turquoise
waters of the Caribbean Sea to the west and lush green jungle to
the east. There are so many watersports to do, lively nightlife,
great restaurants and all sorts of jungle activities.

Known to locals just as "Playa", having a location along the
second largest barrier reef in
the world, this dive destination is fast becoming a
popular spot for both beginner and experienced divers. There's
more than 15 dive sites in a 6 km radius and the boat rides are
short leaving tons of time for diving and relaxation.

What's really cool about diving in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico is
the vast and various amount of sea life that live among the
gardens of soft coral with visibility that can reach up to
30m/100ft.

If you want to try something really different, then try cave
diving in one of the many cenotes in the jungle. Cenotes are the
water-filled limestone sinkholes of the Yucatán. Playa is famous
for its underwater cave system and is a mecca for the world's
best cave divers. One thing is for sure, diving in Playa Del
Carmen, Mexico will be an experience never to be forgotten!

About the author:
With over 450 travel destinations to offer in more than 75+
countries,
Tropical Beach Destinations is your source for the best and
most affordable vacation packages because we believe that it's
what you do when you're there that creates the most memorable
experiences.

Making The Right Cabin Choice

2007-07-06T09:27:00.000-07:00

It is really an exciting and a bit challenging experience in
your life as you board a cruise that you had not done before.
You get ample scope to relish a stress-free lifestyle with fun
and laughter and travel may be in the midst of your family.
However, if it is your first such experience better restrain
yourself from moving in hurried steps.

Your cabin or sleeping quarter location contributes heavily in
gifting you a quality stay. If your cabin is at a lower level
under a verandah or walkway you will feel disturbed at the steps
of people walking above your head every now and then. Again, a
sea level cabin for you will mean your viewing co-passengers all
along the night in front of your door. Of course from monetary
point of view a cabin or state room under sea level is better
choice, still you need to consider what a great gain you can
expect at your journey if you choose the better alternative by
spending a little more.

You should better opt for the cabins at the rear part of cruise
ships, if however you have full confidence in your stomach
strength, for extracting maximum enjoyment from the ship
journey. Though the rooms in this part are costlier than
standard cabins, they are the most luxurious ones on the ship.
The aft or rear cabins as they are called, appear in a porch or
balcony form normally. All the time you can get there from a
stupefying view of the ocean that appears sometimes as a smooth
unending surface shining with sunlight, while at some other
moments its ash-colored large waves are on constant move.
Actually due to these giant waves you feel the necessity of

Actually due to these giant waves you feel the necessity of
strong stomach because these cabins often find it not that easy
to adjust smoothly with water turbulence.

The bow cabins are located at the other extreme of the ship. Due
to the fact that the cabins are much above sea level,
probability of seasickness is greater for passengers there.
However those with a little bit of sailor like attitude will
feel comfortable there absolutely.

Higher deck cabins are more plush cabins as compared to the
typical lower level cabins. But those are not advisable for
seasickness prone passengers. Due to their position they offer
many advantages-the sun decks, the pool, and other charms of the
deck including dance floors are within a few steps precisely.
But these higher-deck cabins have some disadvantages too like
the noise created by passengers' steps and more of sway factor.

Those who are worried of seasickness and are prepared therefore
to pay a little more for a centrally located cabin should better
choose a mid-ship cabin. These cabins equipped with the
furnishings are just like standard rooms though due to their
advantageous position you need not walk much to reach your cabin
or the elevator as well. Occasionally they will have the
provision of window or pothole through which the ocean comes
within your view.

About the author:
Eric Slarkowski usually produces newsletters on ideas relating
to Spain and Alicante. His comments on Costa Blanca are
published on href="http://www.alicante-spain.com/costa-blanca.html">http://www
.alicante-spain.com/costa-blanca.html .

Retirement - Five reasons to do it now!

2007-06-29T08:07:00.000-07:00

Each day in the US 10,000 baby boomers turn 50 and more than
ever, these boomers are finding that life starts at 50 and
beyond.

This isn't your mother's retirement, in fact more and more
retirees are bucking tradition and reinventing themselves and
often their careers, after many are called "past their prime."

"Traditional retirement is for sissies!" says Carol White,
co-author of Live Your Road Trip Dream, "Employers are finding
ways to send their senior troops packing prior to traditional
retirement timeframes. Many of us are leaving the structure of
the full-time, all encompassing work life and finding lives for
ourselves that are more productive, more creative and executed
on our own terms and time tables. But it does take initiative
and the ability to see opportunities and seize the moment."

Carol continues, "When Phil and I first retired, we decided to
live our long held dream of just taking off and seeing our great
country. In so doing, we've traveled over 50,000 miles, started
our own publishing company, written an award winning book and
now fill our days doing the radio and TV circuit and talking to
others who desire the freedom of the open road - or some other
travel journey. Retirement hasn't slowed us down, in fact it's
invigorated us. I can't wait to see what's next!"

Matt Hutcheson, America's Retirement Coach and moderator of "The
Retirement Hour" radio show, emphasizes that "there is more to
retirement than just gathering your financial resources. You
have to figure out what that next phase of your life will mean.
And for many, that is more challenging and scary than all the
financial preparedness."

So why may NOW be the best time to venture forth into the
exciting "second life" of retirement?

If your employer offers you an incentive, there
probably is a reason. "I have personally watched co-workers pass
up great 'golden parachute' packages, only to find out they
should have gone." confides White. Staying is often harder on
those left behind.
Good health and vigor aren't
guaranteed. Even though boomers are living longer than their
parents, both men and women have risk factors not experienced by
their parents. Obesity, lack of physical activity and job stress
are but a few examples. Give yourself the opportunity to find
fulfillment on your o wn terms, whether in community activities,
volunteer service, travel, a second career, or something you've
always dreamed of doing.
The future is uncertain, seize
today. Many people wait for that "perfect time" to try something
new. The truth is like most things, there is no perfect time. We
never know when we will be called upon to assist a family
member, lose our health, or have some other unforeseen
circumstance prevent our visi on from becoming reality.

The joy of exploration and creativity are waiting. "Phil
and I had no conception of what the simple act of living our
travel dream would bring to our lives - but we had our minds
open to new ideas and experiences, and were ready to try
something to help others," Carol enthuses. "Don't wait to see
what the second half of life holds for you."
There is
no perfect time. Retirement is scary. It is a little like
stepping off a cliff into the unknown. Leaving that eight to
five routine that we've known for so many years, for something
that is indeterminate leaves us uneasy, but the truth of the
matter is that will be true regardless of when you make the
leap, so why not leap now while you have enthusiasm and energy
to find a new life of your choosing and satisfaction.

Whether you decide to just golf and play with the grandkids, or
embark on a whole new "second life" of your choosing, the choice
is exciting and the choice is yours to make. Why not "invest" in
your future life sooner rather than later?

About the author:

Carol White is the co-author of the award-winning book, "Live
Your Road Trip Dream" (href="http://www.roadtripdream.com">www.roadtripdream.com) -
the ultimate road trip planning guide for extended road trips.
Carol and her husband Phil have traveled over 50,000 road miles
in the past several years, visiting all forty-eight of the
contiguous states and having visited all of the National Parks
in t

Take a Wedding Cruise and Create Memories

2007-06-22T08:43:00.000-07:00

The wedding is to be the happiest time of your life and the most
important event that you will ever attend. You will find that
there is so much to do when planning a weeding. You will
invitations, menus, venues, and more. You will want to make sure
that you are creating a wonderful and blissful scene. You will
find that there is a lot of things that you will need to do,
such as, organizing, budgeting, hiring, and arranging. You will
find that the wedding planning can be very stressful.

Have you ever thought about an extraordinary idea like a cruise
ship? This can be very convenient. You will find that the cruise
line will take the time to organize the wedding so that you can
have everything done for you. They will take care of the
ceremony, reception, and even the honeymoon. They will make sure
that your wedding is everything that you would ever want from
the beginning to end. You will find that there are lot of crusie
lines that have had weddings on board. You will be able to allow
them to take care of everything. If you think about it, a
wedding planner is going to cost you a couple thousand. And they
will take care of everything so that you can have a wonderful
and impressive wedding on a ship for way less than what you
would pay for a traditional wedding. You will also want to take
in consideration that the prices will also include your
honeymoon.

You should also not expect that all your guests will get a
ticket and sail around the world with you, celebrating your
wedding. Most cruise lines will allow you to have your guests on
board for the wedding, but then they may leave before the ship
sets out for its destination. They will allow the guests to have
the ability to enjoy the wedding and the reception and then they
will allow them to get off so that your guests don't have to pay
for the cruise or you don't have to pay for the cruise. There
are lot of ships that will stay in port or they will go out in
the water during the wedding. Some people will find difficulties
because you need to stay in the country's territory or on
international waters so that you don't run in any legal problems
with your marriage.

The cruise lines will do everything in their capabilities to get
the wedding going smoothly. Most cruise lines offer wedding
packages at very reasonable prices. You will want to do some
research on the following lines: Carnival Cruises, Princess
Cruises, and Disney cruise. With the Princess cruises you will
be able to get a package that will allow you to feel like a
Princess and your groom a prince before and after the wedding.
They will have romance in the air by getting a string of
instruments, decorate with flowers, and add candles for added
romance. This is a wedding that you'll never forget and none of
your guests will forget.

About the author:
Kurt Schefken's articles can be encountered on plenty of online
sites with information about Alicante. His comments on href="http://www.alicante-spain.com/denia.html">Denia can be
encountered on href="http://www.alicante-spain.com/denia.html">http://www.alican
te-spain.com/denia.html.

Take Your Pet On Vacation

2007-06-15T08:10:00.000-07:00

Did you know that Americans are more carrying about their pets
than any other country in the world? They would actually prefer
to travel with their pets. You will find that there are
thousands of people who would rather travel with their pets then
live them at home. They will want to take their pets to hotels,
parks, and even travel with their companion animals. You will
want to do some research before you decide to take your pet with
you during your trip. You will want to make sure that your pet
is allowed to travel with you. There are many instances where
dogs will be able to go for car rides and most cats are not. You
will find that you can take dogs to places where you can't
normally take a cat. That is why dogs are considered to be the
number one travel companion. You will want to make sure that
your pets are allowed to be with you so that you don't get the
bill for the kennel. You will want to make sure that the dog or
cat is able to travel with you publicly; you don't want to take
a pet that is afraid of the outside world or has panic attacks.
Here are some tips on how you can make traveling with your pet
safe and possible.

First, you will want to take the cat to a veterinarian. You will
want to get a certificate of health. You can prove that the pet
is current on all of the shots and you may want to get a
micro-chip installed below their skin so that you can track them
if they get lose. The chip is very important if you are
traveling out of the state. In addition, you can bring your pets
medication with you when you take it to the vet. They will give
you enough meds for you to get through the entire trip. In
addition, you might want to have more just incase they are lost
of stolen.

You will also want to make sure that your pet is socialized. If
your pet does not like others, you may want to travel in a
kennel or cage so that they feel safe while on the trip. Again,
you will only want to take your pet somewhere if they are well
behaved. You do not want to take your dog if they love to bark
or have bitten anyone in the past. You will want to make sure
that you also bring the kennel so that the dog or cat does not
ruin the hotel by going on the carpet or chewing things up.
Remember, you will have to pay for the damage.

You will also want to make sure that you make the reservations
at the hotel in advance and you will want to ask them if pets
are allowed. There are many people, who just assume that the
hotel is pet friendly, but you will want to find out before hand
or you may need to rush out and find a place for the hand. Your
pet should also put a collar with tags on the animal at all
times. You will also want to place your rabies tag and other
tags like the dogs name and your information. In addition, you
will want to travel with your pet by car. You will find that an
airline travel is very stressful.

About the author:
Concentrating on latest developments in Benidorm, Peter Wilson
pens mainly for http://www.alicante-spain.com . You might
discover his comments on href="http://www.alicante-spain.com/costa-blanca.html">Costa
Blanca and Benidorm on his site.

Why Do You Need Travel Insurance for Vacation Rentals

2007-06-08T09:12:00.000-07:00

There are many different reasons that could force a family or an
individual to cancel a vacation, return home early or cause them
to seek emergency medical treatment while traveling. These
things are not always immediately available when you travel to a
place you are unfamiliar with. Travel insurance is for anyone
who is willing to invest a small percentage more to insure their
own safely and the safety of their loved ones along with their
investment. While things like safety and monetary protection may
be the most important thing that you would think to protect,
there are many more common inconveniences that could befall even
the most careful traveler.

If you were to book a nice place with href="http://www.cabogetaways.com">Cabo San Lucas vacation
rentals, but at the last minute, you are unable to go
because of weather changes, work related issues, sudden illness
within the family, or perhaps countless other unfortunate
circumstances, you would lose most, or all of your investment.
With travel insurance, the insurance covers any reason you would
have to cancel your vacation. If you were to twist your ankle or
perhaps incur a more serious injury that needed emergency
medical attention, but your vacation spot doesn't have the
necessary facilities, your travel insurance will transport you
to adequate medical facilities wherever you plan to be.

Vacation rentals insurance will support you in many other ways
as well. It covers anything and everything from lost luggage to
identity theft while you're in a different country. If you lose
your passport or wallet, they will offer emergency cash to get
you home. If you do have to cut your vacation short because of
any reason, your insurance will cover any expenses that that
would incur. If your travel agency or airline goes bankrupt,
they will pay for your non-refundable expenses. If you were
planning on living in the href="http://www.cabogetaways.com">Cabo San Lucas
condominiums and they are suddenly flooded, you're money
will be protected. In the rare instance that there is a
terrorist attack and you have to abandon all your possessions
and evacuate, many travel insurances will cover that cost as
well.

href="http://www.travelgenre.info/category/vacation-rentals/">Vac
ation rental travel insurance can and will give you peace of
mind and allow you to really relax during your hard earned
vacation. Knowing that you and your family will be protected
while having fun will make all the difference.

About the author:
Natalie Aranda writes about travel.

Tips you should know before driving down Mexico

2007-06-01T09:03:00.000-07:00

INSURANCE

If you're going to do any driving in Mexico, there are several things
that you should know about auto insurance requirements and driving
safety before you go to ensure a hassle-free trip.

¦µ Mexican auto insurance requirements

Though U.S. drivers licenses are valid in Mexico, your American auto
insurance is not. Mexican authorities do not recognize American
insurance company's property damage and bodily injury liability
coverages. Most collision and comprehensive coverages issued by
American auto insurance companies are also considered invalid. Thus,
the Mexican government requires Mexican auto insurance for all
vehicles driven into Mexico and for all vehicles rented in Mexico.

¦µ Buying Mexican auto insurance

If you're crossing the U.S.-Mexican border in your own car, you can
easily purchase Mexican auto insurance on the U.S. side before
traveling into Mexico, You can also buy this coverage in most Mexican
border cities and towns.

If you need to buy Mexican auto insurance, Esurance recommends
visiting the International Insurance Group to get an instant quote
online. The International Insurance Group is the only insurance
company to offer Mexican Tourist auto insurance from five of Mexico's
top insurance companies -- so you'll be sure you're getting the best
price around.

You should purchase auto insurance coverage roughly equivalent to the
auto insurance coverage you carry in the United States. At the very
least, you should buy Mexican liability insurance with liability
limits comparable to what you carry on your auto insurance policy at
home.

¦µ Off to jail you go

If you're held responsible for an accident in Mexico and don't have
Mexican liability insurance, there's a strong likelihood that you
will have to spend some time in jail until the authorities are
satisfied that you can pay for damages. You may also face criminal
charges if you are held responsible for an accident resulting in
serious damages or injuries.

Regardless of whether you have Mexican auto insurance, if you are
involved in an accident you will likely be taken into police custody
until responsibility for the accident is determined and until the
ability to pay for damages is ascertained.

As in any country, never drive while under the influence. In Mexico,
auto insurance is considered invalid if a driver is found to be under
the influence of alcohol or drugs.

¦µ Rental cars and auto insurance

If you rent a car in Mexico, insurance is included in most Mexican
car rental contracts. However, it typically offers extremely low
liability coverage. If you are held responsible for an accident, this
auto insurance coverage may not be enough to help you pay for damages
and injuries.

Since Mexican law requires drivers who caused accidents to be jailed
until they have met financial obligations to injured parties plus the
rental car company, most car renters should purchase additional
liability, collision, and comprehensive coverages in order to meet
these costs. Be sure to read your rental contract carefully to
determine how much additional auto insurance coverage you may need.

¦µ Driving pointers

If you're planning to drive in areas with few roadside services,
prepare your car by having it tuned up before you leave the United
States and pack an extra fan belt or any other spare parts you feel
you need. If you do bring spare parts into Mexico, be sure to declare
them when you enter the country. On leaving, show that you are taking
the unused parts with you or that you had the parts installed in
Mexico by providing Mexican Customs with your repair receipts.

In more remote areas, it's also useful to bring a flexible funnel to
help fill your gas tank, since some gas pumps have nozzles that are
too large to fit into unleaded tanks. Packing a basic first-aid kit
and an emergency water supply is also a good idea.

No matter where you are in Mexico, if you have a driving emergency,
you can always call the Green Angels. The Green Angels are bilingual
crews who drive radio-dispatched trucks and give roadside assistance.
They provide basic supplies, first aid, automotive help and
protection. The Green Angels' services are generally free, except for
the cost of parts, gas and oil.

¦µ Beyond border areas

If you're planning to drive in Mexico beyond the Border Zone and Free
Trade Zone (which includes the Baja California Peninsula and the
Sonora Free Trade Zone), you may need to obtain a temporary
importation permit for your vehicle. Check with your nearest Mexican
consulate for specific details concerning the requirements for this
permit.

¦µ More information

If you have any questions concerning driving or auto insurance
regulations in Mexico, contact the nearest Mexican consulate. Mexican
consular offices are located in many large American cities.

The Mexico Government Tourist Organization can also answer driving
safety and auto insurance-related questions.

Janie Basile works for the insurance company Esurance.
www.esurance.com.

How to Overcome Fear of Flying

2007-05-28T08:26:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wanted to take that dream trip to a tropical
island in the Caribbean to soak up the sun and atmosphere, but
had that dream taken away from you because of your fear of
flying? It doesn't have to be this way! You need to identify
exactly why it is you harbour these, and other, fears, and
discover ways to overcome fear of flying and other limitations.

What is fear of flying?

An unwillingness to even think about getting onboard a plane is
a sure fire sign of fear of flying, but these are some other
common symptoms:

- Worrying, and becoming overstressed about a flight for days,
weeks, even months in advance - Having feelings of anxiety
before boarding the plane - Feeling you need a strong drink or
sedatives to calm down before a flight - Feeling uncomfortable
when the door closes, when the plane takes off, and when you
hear certain noises - Feeling elated and overcome with relief
when you finally get off the plane

Why do you fear flying?

In order to overcome fear of flying we need to understand why
the fear exists. There are two types of things in our lives;
things we can control, and things we cannot control. Things we
can control include our thoughts, our actions, and our reactions
to certain situations. However, we cannot control things such as
the behaviour of others (legally anyway), the thoughts of
others, and the weather, among other things.

Fears emanate from our irrational assumptions that the things we
cannot control will turn out to be bad experiences. For example,
with flying we have absolutely no control; everything is in the
hands of the captain. And even if we wanted to, we can't just
stop the plane and get off. Where do these assumptions come from
though? We certainly aren't born with these fears; they are
learned through our experiences and through the experiences of
others. Try to think of a time that triggered your fear of
flying, it could be a personal experience of a turbulent flight
you had, the fearful stories of others, or the frightening
images seen on television. It's likely that your imagination
takes these experiences and heightens them into a worse case
scenario that accentuates your fear. You need to use your
imagination to overcome fear of flying, rather than allow it to
feed the fear.

Seldom do people realise that flying is significantly safer than
travelling in a car or a train. Think about that for a second;
it is more dangerous to hop into a car and drive down a freeway
than it is to fly, yet people do it every single day without
even thinking twice. When you hop into a car or a train what are
you thinking? Really, the next time you get into a car or train,
take note of what goes through your mind. Most likely you're not
even thinking about whether or not it's safe to do so, you just
do it. Yet when a plane is involved we allow our imagination to
overwhelm us due to the uncertainty, because after all how can
an object that big possibly fly?

Overcome fear of flying

There are a number of ways to feel more comfortable about
flying, and to use your imagination in your favour.

- Prior to the flight have a full, nutritious meal as it will
help you relax during the flight. - Ensure you pack books to
read, or music to listen to, or anything else that will distract
you, while you are waiting for the flight, and during the actual
flight - Arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare so
you can check-in and get your luggage through without too much
hassle - Avoid sugary foods, or caffeine prior to the flight as
this may increase stress levels

Other than these practical tips, a very effective way to
overcome fear of flying is to visualise the flight. Before your
flight try to visualise every aspect of the journey; from the
time you arrive at the airport imagine everything going smoothly
during the check-in, see yourself walking calmly, even laughing,
as you go through the gates and onto the plane. Imagine yourself
sitting in your seat, being absorbed in your book, then seeing
the magnificent view out the window. Visualise the smooth
landing, and how thankful you are to the crew for such an
enjoyable flight. Now that wasn't so bad was it?

Visualisation is a powerful technique not just to help overcome
fear of flying, but also to overcome any other fear you have.

About the author:
Simon Lim is the proud owner of http://www.rubama.com, where you
can overcome all of your mental barriers, and live the life you
desire. While you are there, grab your free copy of the '501
Greatest Quotes of All Time' to inspire and motivate you to
achieve your dreams

5 Tips For Those Thinking About Becoming An Expat

2007-04-19T21:22:00.000-07:00

Every year thousands of people make the decision to move
permanently abroad and to make a new life for themselves and
their families in a foreign land. For many this proves to be one
of the best decisions they have ever made, but for others the
dream quickly turns into a nightmare. Here are just a few of the
many things that you will need to consider.

Tip 1. Make certain that you really do want to live permanently
abroad.

The grass is always greener on the other side and it is very
easy to paint an idyllic picture of life in your chosen country.
However, once you get there, you may well find that the grass is
now a lot greener back home. It's also normally the case that
your view of a country as a holidaymaker is very different from
your view as a resident.

Not only should you visit the country several times before
deciding to move there, but you should also do so at different
times of the year and for increasingly lengthy periods of time.
You should also try 'living' in the country by renting a house
or apartment and living as far as possible as you would as a
resident rather than a holidaymaker. If you still feel that
moving is the right choice after you've spent six months or so
'living' in the country, then there's a good chance that you
won't regret your decision.

Tip 2. Make sure that you understand the immigration policy of
your chosen country.

Check out the current immigration requirements of your chosen
country and also look at its past history on immigration and any
known or rumored plans for change.

In many cases you will be required to meet strict visa
requirements and these may be inconvenient, costly and leave you
with little security. The last thing you want to do is to cut
your ties with home, buy a house and settle the kids into school
only to find that you cannot extend your visa and are given
forty-eight hours to leave the country.

Tip 3. Examine your finances carefully.

Think carefully about how you will support yourself in your
chosen country. Do you, for example, intend to seek employment
in your new country to provide you with an income, or will you
fund yourself from sources at home, such as savings, investments
or a pension.

If you're going to look for employment abroad then how easy will
it be to find a job? If you can get a job, what sort of salary
can you expect? Will you be allowed to work at all? Many
countries will require you to apply for a work permit and these
are often issued only in exceptional circumstances or for
employment requiring specific skills or qualifications. In many
cases your visa will expressly state that you may not seek
employment.

If you're going to fund your stay from sources at home, do you
have sufficient resources not simply for today but for the next
ten or twenty years or more? If you're taking a pension abroad
will it keep pace with the rising cost of living? In many
countries you may draw a pension abroad but, if you do so, you
will lose any cost of living increases and your pension will be
fixed at the level at which you start to draw it overseas.

Tip 4. Think about what you will do with your assets back home.

If you own your home will you sell it, rent it out or simply
leave it empty? What will you do with your car, furniture and
other possessions?

Your home of course is much more than simply an asset, it also
gives you a tie to home and affords you an address back home
which may be extremely useful if you don't have family or
friends who are happy to let you use their address. Just wait
until your credit card runs out and your bank tells you that
they can only send the new card to the address to which the
account is registered in your home country.

As far as your other possessions are concerned you can of course
dispose of many of them if you wish, keeping only those or
particular real or sentimental value, or you can take them with
you. But how easy is it to ship things out and what will it
cost? Look carefully too at the rules in your chosen country.
Some countries will let you bring more or less whatever you want
into the country, while others will have strict limits or impose
high import taxes. In many cases for example it's a lot cheaper
to buy a new car than to ship your own car out, pay high import
duty and than have to have the car adapted to meet local
requirements for registration.

Tip 5. Examine the provision of healthcare.

You may be fit and healthy now but, if you're thinking about
moving abroad permanently, then a time is going to come when you
will need to avail yourself of the local healthcare facilities.
Just how good are those facilities, how do they compare to the
facilities that you are used to and will the doctors speak
English?

Another very important consideration is the availability of
public healthcare. If you come from a country with a publicly
funded healthcare system, such as the UK, then you might be more
than a little shocked by the cost of medical treatment when you
find yourself in a country with only private healthcare. On the
other hand, if you're used to paying for your own healthcare,
you might be pleasantly surprised to find that you can get the
same of better medical treatment at a fraction of the cost.

Whatever the case, however, this is something that you need to
check out very carefully and you will certainly need some form
of expat health insurance policy.

This short list of just five tips is far from exhaustive but
hopefully it will give you a starting point and set you in the
right direction. Becoming an expatriate is a very big step and
one that needs a great deal of careful thought.

About the author:
Donald Saunders writes on many subjects, in particular health,
and is also himself an expat. For more information on href="http://bluecrossinsurancetoday.info/expat-health-insurance.
html" target="_blank">expat health insurance or on href="http://bluecrossinsurancetoday.info" target="_blank">low
cost health insurance in general then there is no better
place to start your search that right here online.

Mexican Vacation Hot Spots

2007-04-13T07:06:00.000-07:00

Vacationing with your family in Mexico offers many benefits.
Though many cities are associated with constant partying, there
are also many activities that are designed for young children
and teenagers. Many children receive discounts at many popular
tourist attractions. Selecting an all-inclusive vacation package
for the whole family is one of the best ways for everyone to
enjoy their vacation in Mexico, without having to worry about
the cost.

If you are interested in visiting Mexico with your family, you
will want to examine some of the many attractions that are
specifically geared towards children. These attractions and
activities are ideal for making the most out of your family
vacation. Below is a summary of just a few of the many
attractions and resorts that you may find exciting in Mexico.
For additional information, you are encouraged to contact your
local travel agent or use the internet to guide you in your
search.

Located on the Mayan Riviera is the Xcaret Theme Park. The
Xcaret Theme Park is a wonderful attraction for those who are
looking for a family resort. Located in Cancun, Mexico, the
Xcaret Theme Park is a theme park that is often compared to
Disney World or Disneyland. Similar to Disneyland and Disney
World, you can expect to enjoy a fun filled day at Xcaret,
thanks to amazing rides and attractions.

An deep underground river is a popular feature of the Xcaret
Theme Park. You and your family can see plenty of beautiful
tropical plants as you enjoy the river. Xcaret is also host to
many wild and exotic animals. There is a butterfly pavilion, a
coral reef aquarium, and you are given the chance to swim
dolphins. Many children, as well as adults, will be thrilled
with this theme park. In addition to the Xcaret Theme Park,
Cancun offers many family friendly resorts. To find a luxury
resort that offers family oriented activities you may want to
check on the internet or speak with your local travel agent.

Cozumel also offers many great attractions and activities that
are designed for individuals of all ages, including children.
Cozumel is ideal for family vacation, especially because it has
one of the lowest crime rates in Mexico, as well as the world.
Cozumel is home to some of the most beautiful coral reefs. This
often creates an incredible adventure and learning experience
for children. If your children will enjoy scuba diving or
snorkeling, then you will want to plan a trip to Cozumel.

With so many options for families, choosing a Mexican
all-inclusive vacation is a great idea. The vacation package
will also include items such as snacks, drinks, meals, as well
as hotel accommodations and airfare. Teaching children about
various cultures and customs and letting them view the Mayan
ruins first hand is an amazing lesson in geography and history.
While education is nice, the above mentioned locations do not
completely just focus on it. There are so many fun filled
activities such as snorkeling, diving, swimming, hiking,
fishing, sailing, and parasailing. These activities are great
for families with active children.

In addition to the above mentioned popular Mexican destinations
are that are designed for the whole family, you may want to
consider additional sights and attractions. Mexico has so much
to offer you and your family. In fact, you and your family may
wish that you could stay in longer.

About the author:
Visist the Internet's fastest growing href="http://www.danielmillions.com">Web Directory. Stay up
to date on the newest SEO tactics by reading our href="http://www.danielmillions.com/blog.html">directory
blog and href="http://www.danielmillions.com/articles/article-list/Web-Dir
ectory-Articles.html">article directory.

Ten Mistakes When Taking A Cruise

2007-04-06T07:43:00.000-07:00

It's a shame to lay out $250 - $2,500 on a dreamy cruise
vacation only to encounter unnecessary mishaps and
inconveniences. So, in an effort to minimize the likelihood of a
bump in the road to your perfect vacation, here are some common
potholes that you can avoid.

Mistake #1: Not Making Your Luggage Distinctive. At the
end of your cruise, your luggage will be placed in a huge room
with THOUSANDS of pieces of luggage, probably in some designated
area based on the color of a luggage tag provided by the ship.
No matter how familiar you think you are with your own luggage,
it's amazing how well your bags will blend in with the mass of
cargo surrounding them. Having a quick, easy way to identify
your luggage will be a major relief, especially if it gets
misplaced.

BUT, that isn't the main reason to make your luggage stand out.
You will be entering this cavernous room with a couple thousand
other people, some of whom stayed up all night partying. They
are going to be tired and impatient and not overly careful about
inspecting their luggage. If your bag looks like their bag, it
could be a goner. And, if a stranger does take your luggage it
could be hours, even days, before you get it back.

Do something durable and noticeable to your luggage so that it
is recognizable to you, AND let's bleary-eyed travelers know
that your bag is not their bag. Put stickers on it, paint a
day-glo streak around it, sew a teddy bear onto the outside...
just make sure it stands out.

Mistake #2: Not Researching Shore Excursions Beforehand.
Cruise line advertising folks have the ability to describe each
and every shore excursion as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Of course, no cruise is complete without shore excursions and
many of them are absolutely wonderful chances to do things you
would never do otherwise. But, be smart here. It's okay to get
hoodwinked into thinking that palm trees do sway all day long
and that sand feels like silk under your feet. But, it's a whole
'nother thing to be looking forward to that perfect afternoon on
a remote beach only to find out you have 500 friends, some with
young kids, crowding around you and bumping into your beach
chair while vendors hawk everything from coconut shells to
t-shirts.

Before you commit, read some reviews, talk to the cruise ship
shore excursion folks, ask fellow passengers, do some thinking.
Find out what you're getting before you go. Many (if not most)
shore excursions are just great and you'll be happy you went.
But cover your stump and you'll be glad you did.

Mistake #3: Runaway Bar Tabs. Unless you specifically
choose a package that includes it, you bar tab is NOT included
in the "all inclusive" part of your cruise. Adding to the bite
is the ubiquitous 15% gratuity that gets added to every purchase
you make on board a ship.

So, pay attention to how much you drink. Those cute little
umbrellas drinks that come in a stunning canary-yellow cup will
cost you about twice what a basic cocktail costs. Cruise ship
booze is already costly enough; you don't need to help them out
by spending more for a cup that you'll stash in a closet when
you get home.

Cruise ships have a policy against bringing alcohol on board,
but it is very loosely enforced if you don't flaunt it. So,
don't strap a handle onto a case of Budweiser and check it as
baggage. Discreetly packed airline bottles of booze or cans of
beer will probably go unnoticed. Don't try to sponsor a frat
party, but you can definitely help yourself out a bit.

You are allowed to bring a small stash of non-alcoholic
beverages (soda, water, etc) with no problem. You should
definitely bring some water, especially if you're cruising in
warm climates.

Mistake #4: Ignoring the Fury of the Sun Gods. Sun Burn
treatments are the fourth most popular reason that people on
cruises visit the ship's infirmary (behind bumps and bruises,
indigestion, and seasickness). Once you're burned, there isn't
much you can do except try to alleviate the pain. (My favorite
treatment for that is something called "Traumeel". You can't
find it in the drugstore, but most health food places will have
it.)

If you're cruising in the winter months (Nov - Feb), you don't
have as big a problem. Even when you are in the sub-tropics, and
even though your skin probably hasn't seen sun for several
months, the sun is hitting you at an angle and that makes all
the difference. You still need to be careful, but you have more
leeway.

In the spring and summer months, when the sun is overhead, you
can get burned in as little as an hour. Some silly people forgo
the sunscreen because they want to make sure they get a tan. Not
a good idea. Even with a good sun blocker, your friends and
co-workers will still know that you've been out in the sun.

Hats are a serious plus if you are in sunburn territory. Most
people don't put sunscreen on their heads, and so the part of
your body that is getting the most direct rays for the longest
period of time remains unprotected. Visors don't protect your
skull; you need some type of covering.

Mistake #5: No First Aid Kit. As previously noted, there
are several reasons that passengers end up wasting time (and
sometimes money) visiting the infirmary. You may not be able to
avoid all mishaps, but you can prepare for the lesser blunders.
This is doubly important you're traveling with kids!

Bumps and Bruises. Mixing booze, slippery surfaces, metal
railings and the rolling motion of the ship can take its toll.
For most of your injuries, the right size band-aid and a good
analgesic crème will do the trick. A simple travel or camping
first-aid kit will have what you need.

Indigestion. One of the drawbacks of having such constant
access to all that wonderful rich food that cruise ships are
famous for is that people eat it. Unless you are a strict
disciplinarian, you can expect to consume about two or three
times your normal food quantity in an average day. Add to that a
steady consumption of alcohol and voila! Indigestion. Take along
some Alka Seltzer, some Pepto Bismol and sum type of antacid
tablet, like Tums or Rolaids. All are available in tablet form.
Some ships stores will have some of this, but not always and if
you need it in the middle of the night you're out of luck.

Seasickness. The best treatment is prevention. After you
get it, well... yuck! Check out the various forms of Dramamine
that are now available, including pills and patches. The
directions will tell you how much lead time before you hit the
waves you need to get the maximum effect. You can also get
acupressure wrist bands that work really well with some people.
One of the best treatments seasickness once it hits you is Coke
and soda crackers - lots of both. If you are feeling sick, your
cabin is the worst place to be unless the weather topside is
really bad. Being able to get fresh air and see the horizon
helps to trigger the brain sensors that calm seasickness.

Headaches. Of course, booze can make your head scream,
but so can sun and lots of new food. If you're not used to heavy
carbs in your diet and you eat lots of pastries, ice creams or
gourmet desserts, your body can trigger the same symptoms it
does when detoxing from too much alcohol. And, if you experience
bumps, cuts or sunburn a pain reliever is a good thing. Have a
supply of different types of pain reliever. (Do I need to remind
you to read the label and follow the directions?)

Mistake #6: What? No Camera? A Picture Really Is Worth A
Thousand Words. Some people will actually take the trip of
their dreams and not take a camera. Or, they'll take a camera,
but they won't keep it with them. Don't do that. If you have a
digital camera, use it, use it, use it. If you don't have a
digital camera, spring for about three or four disposable ones.
And be sure to take you camera to the Life Boat Drill. You'll
know why when you get there.

Speaking of pictures, there will be dozens of Photo-Ops on your
cruise - when you're boarding, when you're dining, when you're
getting off the ship, at the pool - at times it will seem like
some one is taking your picture every time you turn around. You
are, of course, free to decline. But I recommend that you give
it a shot. You just might end up with the best shot of the
cruise. Some of the settings are outright elegant, rivaling what
you would find at a studio. It's a great way to get a nice
formal picture for your living room or to send to your family,
and there's no sitting fee!

Mistake #7: Buying From Street Vendors. Where ever you go
on your cruise, once you step ashore you will be approached
(accosted?) by local folks trying to sell you something. I'm not
talking about the shops and makeshift kiosks you may find, I'm
talking about the guys selling Cuban cigars out of their trunks,
or pirated CDs out of a cardboard box.

Your best bet, unless you've been there and really know the
score, is to just say NO. Most of the products are very low
quality, if not outright rip-offs. You have no way to check it
out before you buy. People have bought CD cases with no CDs
inside, watches that didn't work, Cuban cigars purchased in the
local drugstore, "handmade" jewelry that came out of bubble gum
machines, the list is endless. And this applies SIXTEEN FOLD if
some local guy tries to sell you some pot.

In most ports of call frequented by American-based vessels, this
street traffic is actually illegal. You probably won't get into
trouble, but why risk it?

Mistake #8: Thinking You'll Save Money "In Town". One
charming aspect of cruising is visiting the local markets and
shops. This is truly a fun experience and you can find all
manner of unique and special items, but you probably won't find
any real bargains. There are bargains to be found, but you
really need to know what you're looking for and what it's worth
in the US. Don't be cynical about it. It's all part of the
experience. Somehow, buying a wooden giraffe in Grand Turk is
better than buying the same wooden giraffe at Pier 1 Imports,
even if you pay a little more. Go figure.

You actually can save money when you buy liquor or tobacco
products, but it might not be as good a deal as it first seems.
Most ports have what are called "duty free" shops which means
that there was no "duty" (i.e. import tariffs) paid on the
products and so they are cheaper to sell in that country. The
same applies to diamonds and other fine jewelry. The challenge
is knowing what an item is actually worth. Just because these
guys saved on the import fees doesn't mean they're passing the
saving on to you. Also keep in mind that you are supposed to
declare to US customs any purchases you make in a foreign
country. Duty Free in Nassau doesn't mean it's duty free when
you come back to the US. There are certain exemptions for
personal items, but if you shell out some big bucks, you might
lose the saving when you pay the US import fees.

So, don't be a miser. Spend freely. Do some Christmas shopping.
Spread your money around the local economy and have fun doing
it. Just remember, these guys are in the business of selling
stuff to foreign tourists. They know where the money is coming
from and they know how to keep as much of it as they can.

Mistake #9: Sticking Around The Port. Most ports of
call, especially when the call is for a day or less, are set up
to provide the ship's passengers with a particular experience.
They accomplish this by making their ports as visitor-friendly
as possible. Around the port, all manner of business are set up
to appeal to a particular comfort-zone and level of expectation
from the tourists.

But, often, just a few miles from the port, you can have a
completely different experience. If you travel to Grand Turk,
for example, you can spend a delightful afternoon at the
resort-like environment of Margaritaville. The beach is
well-maintained, though a bit crowded. There is a huge beautiful
pool with lots of palm trees and man-made waterfalls. A beer
will cost you about $6 and a burger will be about $8.

But a short taxi ride to the old downtown area will take you to
a much more authentic location. At least for the time being. You
can stroll crowded, dusty streets; see skinny dogs shuffling
through garbage cans and have a local beer and piece of fried
chicken for about $3.75 at one of the local pubs. Sure, the pub
would never pass an American food inspection and you may have to
do without air conditioning. But the experience can be
wonderful. You won't get that experience staying close to the
port.

Of course, you want to be safe and you want to be able to get
back to your ship before it sales, so keep all that in mind.
But, there is a whole universe of color, sound, smells and
people that don't ever get to the port and it's worth the
trouble to find it.

Mistake #10: Not Preparing For the Journey Home. If you
rush back into the reality you left behind, it's kind of like a
diver coming to the surface too quick after a deep dive. Your
mind and body will resist.

If possible, do something fun on the way home. Stay an extra
night in a hotel or visit a landmark or even a theme park. At
least stop at a nice restaurant for a leisurely lunch or dinner.
A quiet picnic (even with fast food) at a rest area can be a
perfectly delightful way to transition home.

A couple of things to make your return less stressful.

* If you're driving, fill up with gas before you go to the port.
* When you have breakfast on your last morning, take some
pastries with you, or even make yourself an egg sandwich for the
ride home. * Leave some bottles of water in your car. Many bus
companies will allow you to leave some personal items on the bus
when you get to the port, so include some water and a pillow. *
Find out what the weather is back home. I once stood shivering
in 40 degree weather outside the airport in a pair of shorts and
an aloha shirt. Hey, it was 85 degrees when I left Puerto Rico
that morning! * Take the next day off. If it's not a
weekend,schedule the time off before you leave or call in sick.
You'll be SOOOOOOOO glad you did.

A Final Suggestion.

Keep up with all of the information documents you got on the
cruise - daily ships newsletter, shore excursion price list,
etc. File all this in a folder and use if for reference material
the next time a cruise is planned. And before your forget, write
down all the things you wish you'd thought of or that you wish
you had known. Stash this list with the other cruise information
you brought back.

Happy Cruising!

About the author:
Fred Tutwiler is a best-selling author and consultant who
spends as much time as possible cruising the Caribbean. His book
href="http://www.dothecaribbean.com/carnivalcruise/nassau3-day.ht
ml">First Time Cruiser's Guide. , is a detailed look
at how to make the most of your Caribbean cruise vacation.

Mexico - Vacation in a Romantic Tropical Paradise

2007-03-30T07:16:00.000-07:00

Mexico, bordered in the south by Guatemala and Belize and in the
north by the United States of America, covers several thousand
square miles and is divided into 31 states and the federal
districts. The Sea of Cortes, the Pacific Ocean, the Caribbean
Sea and the Gulf of Mexico surround it.

Mexico is rich in, history, traditions art and religion and
offers a complete tourist infrastructure. Mexico is a diverse
country that hosts one of the archaic cultures of the Olmecan
tribe, around 1500 years BC.

Mexico is famous for its nice and warm people, art and
archeology, unique food pyramids, museums, Haciendas, vast
seashores, architecture and cities. The varied climate zones
range from Snow Mountains in the Sierras to rainy jungles in the
Southeast and desert in the Northwest.

Acapulco, Cancun, Cozumel, Los Cabos and Patzcuaro, are the most
commonly visited cities in Mexico that provide luxurious
lifestyle and bonding with nature. According to WTO, Mexico is
the 8th major destination for foreigner visitors. Chichen Itza,
Uxmal, EkBalam all bears rich history and heritage of the
majesctic Maya civilization. San Miguel de Allende is another
historic vacation destination that attracts tourists. Landscape,
Climate, People & Food

The Mexican landscape is a combination of desert zone, semiarid
zone, temperate forests and tropical rainforests. High rugged
mountains, high plateaus and tableland, low coastal plains are
all found in the same country.

Mexico is monolingual, Spanish being the main language. However,
this Spanish is different from the Castilian Spanish spoken in
Spain. Mayan or Nahuatl, the native languages are still widely
spoken in some regions.

Spicy food and Tequila shots are the attractions of Mexican
cities. Enchiladas, Tacos, Tamales, Chicharron, tostadas, Pozole
spices up every tongue that has a taste for new cuisines.
"Platillo Tipico" is a local specialty not found everywhere is a
variation, of a recipe.

"Michelada" is beer cocktail served in almost all the pubs of
the country. Its usually beer mixed with lime juice. There are
other variations called "cubana" that includes Clamato cocktail,
soybean sauce, salt and a little bit of hot sauce.

The Culture Mexicans are religious catholic people with somewhat
relaxed sense of time. Respect Mexico's laws. Mexican culture is
often accepting of hitchhiking and it is a common practice among
Mexican young adults. Being the land of festivity and
celebration Mexico celebrates: the Fiesta of san Sebastian, The
fair of the 3 Kings, New year, Blessings of the Sea, Palm
Sunday, Flower Fair, Fiesta of St. Mark the Evangelist, Fiesta
of St. Isador the Farmer, National Ceramics Fair, Guelaguetza,
The Day of the Virgin of Charity and Assumption Day, Celebration
of San Miguel Arcángel, Annual Fiesta del Tequila, the Yucatan
Bird Festival, Night of the Radishes and many other festivals to
invigorate the local spirits. Vacation Rentals

Vacation rentals are mostly situated in places that overlooks
the sparkling blue ocean and white sand beach. There are
Mediterranean villas, condominiums, residential homes, beach
houses, and other types of residential properties available for
vacation rentals.

Most location offers spectacular views of the sea, rocky tide
pools, sometimes surrounding Desert Mountains, family owned
jungle and palm tree estates facing the Caribbean's. The heated
pool, with swim-up seats dolphin fountains, are the luxuries and
comfortable amenities provided to enjoy the surrounding nature.

All furnished insides with exclusive architecture, large living
rooms, fully equipped bars, spacious rooms, studios, kitchen,
private palapas, relaxing in the Jacuzzi cooling off in the pool
and bird watching sipping margaritas are all the value additions
to these vacation rentals.

The panoramic ocean views are the USP of vacation rentals in
Mexico.

About the author:
Metodi Mladenov is advisor at href="http://www.travelweaver.net/www/Default.aspx">TravelWeaver.
net and writes about various topics like travel, real estate
and investing on his blogs.

Mezcal in Oaxaca

2007-03-23T06:52:00.000-07:00

Author: Alvin Starkman

Article:
Think of mezcal as you would a single malt scotch, or better yet
when comparing red wines of different vintages from the regions
of France. Or perhaps grape varietals from the diversity of
valleys and coastal areas in Australia. Forget about the worm
for the time being, and forever the reputation with the college
crowd of mezcal's better known sister, tequila.

INTRODUCTION

Mezcal is made from the agave plant, often referred to as
maguey. Its production, according to most recent evidence,
actually pre-dates the Spanish Conquest. Many of today's
facilities use the same age-old technique, although some of the
tools of the trade have been changed, for example from the use
of clay pots for manufacture and storage, to copper serpentine
for distillation, and oak and glass for aging and transporting.

It is estimated that there are about 5,000 production facilities
in the State of Oaxaca (where most mezcal is produced), less
than 150 of which are members of the regulated association. Most
are tiny mom and pop operations serving a local community and
its hinterland, some produce the spirit for distribution in
primarily the City of Oaxaca, and there are a handful catering
to the export market. However, in all three instances there is a
broad range of quality in terms of smoothness, flavor nuances
and smokiness. In fact the well-entrenched tradition of Oaxacans
discerning personal palate-worthiness of different mezcals,
manifests not through sampling store-bought designer bottles
with smart labels, but rather from acquiring multi-liter
receptacles from towns and villages in different regions of the
state.

Product diversity exists for three primary reasons. Firstly, as
is the case with grape varieties in wine production there is a
range of agave suitable for mezcal production. Secondly, we find
micro-climates yielding plants with subtle differences based on
for example soil composition and length and quality of growing
season, again similar to what we find regarding vineyards.
Finally there is significant variation in the means of
production as determined by the mezcalero, or brewmaster if you
will. Each decision is crucial in determining the quality of the
finished product, beginning with choosing the precise time when
the plant is ready for harvest.

PRODUCTION

In Oaxaca there are well over 50 varieties of maguey, roughly 18
of which are used in the production of mezcal. However, about
90% of mezcal is made with the espadín agave, perhaps 5% uses
tobalá, and the remaining types, found predominantly in the
wild, comprise the balance. Espadín is similar to the blue agave
traditionally used in the production of tequila. However, since
blue agave grows in different climates than does espadín, the
geographical distinction alone is enough to create a
differentiation in taste. But the main difference between mezcal
and tequila is that the latter is produced using stone ovens or
stainless steel tanks for cooking, while the former in most
instances still employs the centuries old method of baking the
agave in an in-ground oven over firewood and river rocks.

The investment of time required to produce a bottle of mezcal
begins with 8 years, being how long one must usually wait
between transplanting a tiny agave plant produced from runner or
cut from its tall stock, and harvest. Towards the end of the
growth period, the stock shoots up, signifying the initial stage
of readiness. The stock is cut down, and for several months
thereafter nutrients gather in the base of the plant known as
the piña because of its appearance once the leaves are removed.
It is this central core of the agave which is transported by
truck or on the backs of donkeys to market (the factory), and
not the spiny succulent leaves which in effect are discarded
once cut from the piña, the spherical form of which is only then
revealed. It takes approximately 7 tons of raw piña to produce
1,000 liters of mezcal, depending on the type of mezcal being
produced.

A pit dug into the earth and measuring about 8' deep by 12' in
diameter is preheated for a couple of days with thick smoldering
logs, on top of which are then placed river rocks. After the
rocks have become red-hot, a thin layer of discarded fibrous
material from another stage of the process is often placed atop,
serving to insulate the rocks from the piñas which are piled on
top of the heated rocks, forming a mound, perhaps 4' - 5' above
ground level. Traditionally the small hill would then be covered
with a woven palm leaf mat known as a petate, but now a sheet of
synthetic product such as grain sack material is used, sometimes
in conjunction with the petate. Then all is covered with earth
so as to ensure the contents of the mound remains airtight.
Finally and for good measure a few logs are placed on top of the
heap of earth.

The agave bakes for 2 - 3 days, absorbing the characteristics of
the earth, any clay brick used to line the pit, charred wood and
smoke. (It's important to keep in mind the particulars of each
step during which distinct flavor and smokiness may be
imparted.) Carbohydrates or starches are converted into
fermentable sugars. With its now carmel-like sweetness, the
piñas are ready to be removed, then cut into small pieces with
the use of a machete, and thereafter crushed by a horse or
donkey dragging a multi-ton circular concrete wheel over a
round, low-walled area in which the charred piña pieces have
been placed.

The pulverized cooked agave together with any extracted juices
is then pitched into large pine vats where it is left to ferment
for between 5 and 15 days depending on the then prevailing
climactic conditions. Only a bit of water is added to the wooden
receptacles which are either covered with plastic or left
exposed to the air. No chemicals or other substances or agents,
either man-made or natural, are added.

The fermented by-product at about 6% alcohol content is then
placed in a brick still, heated with firewood. The vapor rises
into copper piping which leads to a companion vat filled with
water and the continuation of the copper piping, serpentine in
shape entering the tank of water. The water cools the vapor in
the tubing. A small spigot at the bottom allows a liquid,
mezcal, to slowly drip out into a provisional receptacle. It is
normally distilled for a second time, often with the addition of
further fermented agave, using a recipe determined by the master
mezcalero, to bring the finished product to the desired alcohol
content, usually about 40% alcohol by volume. Mezcal is now in
its purest form, known as blanco, before aging or the use of
additives such as herbs, fruit or the worm.

THE GUSANO

The gusano worm is in fact not a worm, but rather a caterpillar,
an infestation to which the agave plant is susceptible. However,
in the production and sale of mezcal it has served three primary
functions over the years. Firstly, prior to there being any
labeling or regulation of mezcal, a gusanito was inserted into a
bottle of mezcal as proof to the purchaser that the liquor had a
sufficiently high alcohol content. The worm's preservation in
the mezcal, without any decomposition, signified that the
alcohol content ought to be acceptable to the purchaser.
Secondly, today the worm is a valuable marketing tool. Often the
one to finish the bottle is expected to ingest the gusano
remaining at the bottom. Finally, and perhaps most importantly,
it adds a distinct and appealing flavor to the mezcal as well as
smoothness, particularly crucial if the mezcal is otherwise not
particularly suave or has not yet been aged in wood.

The gusano has been a staple in Oaxacan cookery for generations,
often purchased live in the marketplace, or dried, sometimes
with 100 strung up into a necklace. Some of the finest prepared
salsas are made with ground gusano. And of course there is sal
de gusano, a combination of salt, chili and worm, used not only
in the ritual of imbibing, but also to bring out and add flavor
to fruit, to rim glasses used to serve other alcoholic
beverages, and more.

TASTING NOTES

The three main types of traditional mezcal one encounters are
blanco or joven (young), reposado and añejo. The first
represents mezcal which has come directly from the still without
any aging whatsoever, except while in glass or plastic
receptacles awaiting bottling or sale. It can be quite sharp or
strong, but is also encountered in a rather smooth state
depending on the skill level of the mezcalero, percentage
alcohol, number of distillations, and so on.

Reposado literally means lying down, resting, or reposing, so
when one finds mezcal reposado it's been aged, in theory in oak
barrels anywhere from 3 to 18 months or so, but frequently
simply allowed to sit for a period of time with fruit in it
which imparts flavor and smoothness. Añejo, by contrast,
signifies mezcal which is mature or aged, having been kept for
generally 3 or more years in French or American oak barrels
sometimes previously used for wine or brandy, or perhaps charred
inside to produce a distinct taste. A good añejo which has been
carefully distilled and aged has a fine, smokey essence and is
extremely smooth.

One can encounter joven or reposado with gusano, but virtually
never an añejo with the worm because the latter has already had
a great deal of time and effort expended in producing a product
of the finest of quality. Notwithstanding that industry controls
are by and large lacking apart from with those producers which
are members of the association, it's rare that one finds a small
operation which even purports to produce añejo. However they may
have other varieties in addition to the foregoing three or four
staples.

In Spanish "pechuga" means breast. Within the context of mezcal
manufacture, true mezcal pechuga has been made by hanging a raw
chicken breast in the still during production, imparting in the
spirit a subtle flavor nuance and a bit of body created by the
minute percentage of fat which has been allowed to vaporize. One
should exercise caution in purchasing what is purported to be
true mezcal pechuga, once again because of the matter of lack of
industry control. In some rural operations one sometimes
encounters pechuga which is dark in color. The mezcalero may
state that indeed it has been made with chicken breast, the
color having been derived from aging with fruit. Whether chicken
has actually been used in production is not certain unless you
witness the process. That is not to state that the mezcal should
be avoided since we've sampled some excellent rural
pechuga....only to warn that with what the mezcal has been made
might be debatable.

The balance of mezcals one is apt to taste fall into two broad
categories. The first is a spirit similar to the above-noted
selections, with no additives except a particular herb or fruit
zest. Regarding the latter, one well-known producer, Mezcal del
Amigo, has a citrus mezcal. Similar to the citrus mezcal is
cedrón, a local herb producing a pleasant lime-like aroma. Then
comes the more herbaceous products such as poleo, often also
used to make a tea to cure stomach ailments. The sweet mezcals,
referred to as cremas are made with a range of exotic fruits,
but almost always contain a sweetening agent, most often honey,
sugar or cane alcohol. The percentage mezcal used in such
production is frequently quite small, and in fact there is
currently controversy in the industry regarding whether or not
the word mezcal ought to be used in labeling the beverage. Some
cremas are made with cream or milk, while others are not, but
can nevertheless be mixed with either, perhaps on the rocks, or
in making desserts, for example poured over vanilla ice cream.
Those who reside in Oaxaca have the opportunity to purchase bulk
blanco mezcal and experiment with their own private recipes such
as peach-honey, raisin-apple, guava, rosemary, and innumerable
others.

Regardless of any preconceived notions you might have about
mezcal, have a taste, whenever the opportunity arises, and of
whatever is being offered, if only enough to discern differences
and develop a palate for one or more types you prefer from the
broad array of flavors, agings and degrees of smokiness.

MEXICO WEDDINGS

2007-03-16T07:53:00.000-07:00

Savvy Couples Head South for Nuptials
Destination Weddings Meet the Needs of Today's Couples It's hard enough in
today's hectic world to find that someone special, let alone plan and pay
for a fancy traditional wedding and honeymoon. For those looking past
traditional weddings where fortunes are spent on distant relatives, Mexico
offers a myriad of options and packages that combine the wedding ceremony
and honeymoon, in some cases at a fraction of the cost of a traditional
wedding. From Mayan shaman weddings in ancient ruins to tying the knot
underwater, Mexico has something to fit any taste or budget.

Luxury Resort Weddings

If money is no object, the newly renovated One&Only Palmilla Resort in Los
Cabos beckons. The rich and famous flock to this gorgeous destination at the
tip of the Baja California Peninsula for parties, honeymoons and relaxing
beach getaways. The Palmilla boasts an on-site historic chapel (rental is
US$2,000) and a horse-drawn carriage for the wedding couple, while a sunset
beach wedding is also a popular choice (US$1,800). But the Palmilla is not
for the budget traveler: the simplest wedding featuring a chapel ceremony,
dinner and a four-night stay for 15 people will cost a minimum of US$10,000.
Lowella (310-302-1822), a wedding coordinator for Palmilla located in Los
Angeles, is the first step to organizing that perfect destination wedding.

Mexico's most popular destination, Cancun, is a mecca for romance and
destination weddings. The Ritz Carlton Cancun (www.ritzcarlton.com) offers
wedding packages for two starting at US$2,100 and including minister
services, ceremony site, bridal bouquet, four-course romantic dinner, photos
and champagne. A signature butler-drawn margarita bath is also a popular
service. Couples can choose to hold the ceremony on the beach, in the
courtyard or poolside. Hotel accommodations are separate and start at US$269
per night.

As part of the Starwood Hotels & Resorts collection, El Careyes Beach Resort
on the Pacific Coast in Jalisco State is a smaller version of luxury, with
48 uniquely designed rooms, suites and casitas surrounding a signature free
form swimming pool, overlooking a tranquil private cove and beach. The
wedding ceremony can take place either at the resort or the San Mateos
Church, just 15 minutes away. Bride and groom receive special treatment upon
arrival, with a champagne limo service pickup from the Manzanillo
International Airport, fresh flowers upon arrival and deluxe massages.
Afternoons in Careyes are filled with a variety of activities from aquatic
adventures along the pristine coastline to horseback riding on the beach, a
game of polo or tennis and excursions to nearby towns. Three-day junior
oceanfront suite packages at US$3,148. For information on weddings packages
and pricing, contact Mourad Essafi at cayeres@cayereshotel.com.

Most Mexican resorts also offer special prices and packages for larger
wedding parties and honeymooners.

More Private Settings

Renting out historic ex-haciendas for weddings has become all the rage in
Mexico, and options abound. The beautifully-restored Hacienda Cuernavaca,
located in the colonial city of the same name, just an hour's drive from
Mexico City, is the ideal setting for a private wedding. The hacienda, which
can accommodate both small and large parties, features exquisite salons, an
on-site chapel, 18th century antique furniture and artwork, lush gardens,
fountains and 17 uniquely decorated suites for overnight guests. Contact
ranchocuernavaca@celebrando.com for more information.

Mexico boasts several boutique hotels throughout the country, most of which
can be rented out for weddings. With four suites, the Casa Cid de Leon in
Oaxaca City (www.casaciddeleon.com), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of
the smallest boutique hotels in the region and an ideal choice for a smaller
private group. See www.mexicoboutiquehotels.com for a wide selection of
these elegant little inns.

Unusual Weddings

Under water: At the Grand Cozumel Hotel (www.grandcozumel.com) on the island
of Cozumel, off the coast of Playa del Carmen, couples can wed underwater
for US$2,800, which includes the boat rental, diving equipment, wedding
ceremony, flowers, a wedding cake and champagne. For those not wanting to
take the plunge, the Grand Cozumel also offers free dry wedding services to
parties that reserve at least four nights in the hotel.

On the water: For US$500, glamorous couples can have their wedding aboard a
sleek yacht, while sailing around Cozumel. The yacht-rental fee is in
addition to the basic wedding package of US$800, which includes legal
documentation and wedding planner services. Contact weddings@cozumel.net.
For a real over-the-top wedding adventure, charter a private yacht for eight
of your closest friends for a fun-filled weeklong wedding cruise in the
Caribbean or along the Sea of Cortez. Prices start at US$20,000. Visit
www.boatznyachtz.com.

Mayan weddings: For a reasonable fee, prehispanic cultural buffs can be wed
at a barefoot Mayan Indian ceremony on the Yucatan Peninsula, performed by a
shaman, and featuring traditional hand-made wedding garments, the exchanging
of symbolic gifts such as corn and cacao seeds and traditional prehispanic
music. Ceremonies can be performed on the beach, in a chapel or the many
ancient ruins located in the area. See www.mayanweddings.com or
www.weddingsinplaya.com.

Afterwedding party at Nikki Beach (www.nikkibeach.com): After tying the
knot in Puerta Vallarta, wedding parties can celebrate under the stars at
the trendy Nikki Beach, a Miami-based family-owned company that has created
some of the hippest and most popular dining and bar locations in the world,
which opened recently at Starwood´s Westin Resort & Spa in Puerto Vallarta
(www.westin.com). Nikki Beach includes an outdoor restaurant, bar and
lounge, DJ and a dance floor, catering to a clientele that wants to
experience the Westin's luxury service as well as Nikki Beach's contemporary
yet exotic atmosphere. Hugged by the lush hills of the Sierra Madre and the
sparkling Banderas Bay on Mexico's Pacific coast, the restaurant offers
out-of-the-ordinary cuisine and a relaxed ambiance amidst an alcove of
tee-pees and bamboo beds. Contact Fabiola Naya - fabiola@nikkibeach.com for
Nikki Beach's VIP service, reservations and menu options. For a wedding
planner at the Westin, write to info@westinpv.com.

Weddings in birthday suits? Prices of wedding dresses got you down? Hidden
Beach nudist resort (www.hiddenbeachresort.com), about an hour's drive from
Cancun, is the answer to your prayers. Wedding ceremonies cost about US$1000
and include a non-denominational, fully-clothed minister. Grooms bewarethis
balls out ceremony is not for the timid or the overly enthusiastic. For
information, contact weddings@lomas-travel.com. What you need to get
married: In order to be legally married, couples must take part in a
ten-minute civil ceremony and provide copies of passports, as well as blood
tests taken within 15 days of the date of marriage and notarized by a doctor
in Mexico. If divorced or widowed, a certified copy of the divorce decree or
death certificate (with a minimum lapse of one year) is required. Most
resorts/wedding planners assist couples with all the necessary paperwork and
require that the happy couple be in Mexico three working days prior to the
wedding to ensure all legal requirements have been met. For a general guide
to getting married in Mexico, visit www.mexperience.com.

Ceremony without the legal stuff: Some couples prefer to have just the
religious ceremony in Mexico, bypassing the civil ceremony and red tape.
Keep in mind that the couple must then have a civil ceremony performed in
their own country in order for the marriage to be legal.

Wedding planners: For couples planning a wedding in a resort or hotel not
offering in-house wedding services, a wedding planner might be they way to
go. In addition to the coordination of the wedding itself, wedding planners
often provide a wide range of services, such as securing hotel
accommodations, vacation rentals, restaurants, tours, rehearsals and day
trips. The following is just a small sample of wedding planners in Mexico:

Caribbean: Playa del Carmen: www.weddingsinplaya.com, Cozumel:
www.cozumelweddingplanner.com, Cancun: http://my-cancun-wedding.com/.

Pacific Coast: Los Cabos: www.bajawedding.com, Puerto Vallarta:
www.vallartaweddings.com.

Colonial Cities: The quaint colonial city of San Miguel de Allende is a
popular destination for weddings: www.weddingsanmiguel.com.

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, with participants including members of the private and public
sectors. The MTB has offices throughout North America, Europe, Japan and
Latin America.

Edited by Marilyn Miller

_________________________________________________________________

Insider Travel Tips for Mexico: Beyond Cancun

2007-03-09T08:33:00.000-08:00

The last time I was in Mexico, so was everyone else - or so it
seemed. But it is possible to travel to Mexico and enjoy a white
sandy beach and some peace and quiet at the same time. All you
need to know is where (and, in some cases, when) to go.

When to Go

November to April is widely regarded as the best time to visit.
The summer months can get pretty hot. September and October is
the peak of hurricane season, which actually stretches from
November to June.

Keep in mind that the month of March tends to be very busy on
the Mexico beaches with high school and college students on
Spring Break. If it's a quiet vacation you want, you will also
want to avoid the time around Christmas and Easter, as well as
July and August.

Where to Go

It's true: there's a lot more to Mexico - and the Yucatan
peninsula - than the city of Cancun.

Here are five favorite destinations that offer memorable Mexico
vacations. Each of these spots can be reached by flying into
Cancun. So if you'd like to get a taste of the big city resort
and then set out on the less-traveled path, you'll have the best
of both worlds.

1. Isla Mujeres. Just 8 miles across the bay from Cancun, Isla
Mujeres is a peaceful fishing village with restaurants, shops,
and small, charming hotels. In fact, the whole island is cozy:
The island itself is less than one mile wide and about five
miles long. Downtown Isla Mujeres stretches only about six
blocks. The island's signature turquoise waters and white sandy
beaches make for great snorkeling and scuba diving. You can rent
kayaks, snorkeling equipment and other gear right on the beach.
Other activities to enjoy during your stay at Isla Mujeres
include fishing, sailing, and swimming with the dolphins.

2. Riviera Maya stretches down the peninsula from Cancun to
Tulum. Here, you will find white sandy beaches and water sports
of all kinds, including scuba diving along the Great Maya coral
reef, the second largest barrier reef system on the globe.
Divers, and snorkelers may be rewarded with the sight of water
life ranging from sea anemones, sponges and sea cucumbers to
starfish and sea urchins, as well as underwater caverns. Sport
fishing is a big business in Riviera Maya, as well. Other
activities include golfing, spa going, and eco-touring at the
various ecological reserves in the region. Two highlights: the
Xcaret EcoPark and the Sian Ka'an bioshphere.

3. Playa del Carmen. About 40 minutes by car down the coast from
Cancun, Playa del Carmen is growing into a bustling resort along
Riviera Maya. If you like to shop, you'll love Playa del Carmen.
Boutiques in the town offer everything from cutting-edge
European fashions to crafts from local artisans. During your
stay, don't miss Quinto Avenida (Fifth Avenue). It's the heart
of Playa. There are no cars, you can stroll the Avenue and be
entertained by street performers, including artists and
musicians. Playa del Carmen also features premiere dining, as
the majority of the Riviera Maya's restaurants are here, and
quite a few of them are on Fifth Avenue itself. The bars and
nightclubs are hopping on into the evening, so bring your
dancing shoes.

4. Xel-Ha. Xel-Ha is an archeological site and eco-park, located
between Playa Del Carmen and Tulum. This destination offers
adventures for all ages and mesmerizing ecological sights, as
well as water sports, such as diving and snorkeling. You can
swim with the dolphins here, as well. Xel-Ha is particularly
friendly for families and is bound to be an education in both
Mayan history and ecology for the entire family.

5. Tulum. Drive a bit further south down the Mayan coast and
you'll find the small town of Tulum. Tulum is perhaps best known
for its Mayan ruins, high on the limestone cliffs. These cliffs
offer scenery you'll not soon forget of the Caribbean alongside
a picture-perfect coastline. Tulum is the starting place for
eco-tourism and adventure travel, so make sure to look into
nearby day trips and local attractions.

For an ideal and well-rounded vacation, try a few days exploring
the gradeur of Riviera Maya, then take some time to shop and
play in the bustling Playa Del Carmen and another day or two
visiting the Mayan ruins - and taking in the sites - of Tulum.

The word is out about these magnificent resorts, so you won't be
able to avoid the crowds completely, but by striking out and
having fun off the beaten path, you'll find a good balance, and
learn a lot about ecology and ancient Mayan culture.

About the author:
Jamie Jefferson writes for Momscape at http://www.momscape.com .
Visit today for the latest online href="http://www.momscape.com/coupon-codes">Coupon Codes
including coupons for href="http://www.momscape.com/discounts/mexico-travel-deals.htm">
Mexico travel deals.

Honeymooning on a Cruise Ship

2007-03-02T13:13:00.000-08:00

Getting married? There are plenty of wonderful destinations
for your honeymoon. But how are you gone get there? Did you ever
think of a cruise ship? Believe me - it's the best way to start
your honeymoon. In fact it is the best way to start your
marriage!

Every year, thousands of couples get married. If you're planning
your wedding, it is likely that you'll plan a honeymoon as well.
Honeymoons are often looked upon as vacations. In a sense, they
are. But there are two major differences. Number one: romance is
in the air. Number two: no kids. The bride, the groom and plenty
of time. That makes honeymoons fun, exciting and memorable.

As previously mentioned, you have a number of different options
when it comes to planning your honeymoon. Many newlyweds
schedule their honeymoons at popular beaches, ski resorts, or
other secluded areas. Did you know that you can also have a
honeymoon aboard a cruise ship? Cruise ships are increasing in
popularity, but still many individuals do not consider them as a
vacation option. And that's a shame.

You'll be amazed!

One of the reasons why cruise ships are rarely thought about
when selecting a vacation destination, let alone a honeymoon, is
because of their cost. A cruise is considered to be expensive.
Well, I´ll let you in on a little secret. They don´t have to be.
The competition in the cruise line industry is killing. If you
play your card smart, you can be the one that benefits. Do a
Google search on discount cruise ship tickets and you´ll be
amazed!

Those discount tickets are usually sold fast. So here is the
rule. First of all decide where you wane go and set your budget.
Then sit down and do your homework on the computer (or with the
help of a travel agent). Once you see an offer that fits your
needs, do not hesitate. Jump on it and celebrate. You just made
a dream reality!

Take it from a pro

Let me raise another question. Are cruises actually pricy? It is
important to examine the activities available onboard and the
length of the cruise. The longer the cruise and the more
services available, the more expensive tickets are likely to be.
If you take the time to figure out all the services that are
included and the cost of overnight accommodations, you may see
that cruises aren't all that expensive after all. Do the math
and - again - you'll be surprised.

Once you've made the decision to spend your honeymoon onboard a
cruise liner, you'll have to book reservations. When examining
cruise ship destinations, look for the possibility for romance.
As your honeymoon is supposed to be a romantic and relaxing
time, you'll want to select destinations that will keep that
spirit alive. Those destinations are all over the world. But
take it from a pro: for newlyweds the Caribbean is the place to
go. There are over 7.000 islands. Pick a couple. No matter what
islands you'll be sailing for, there will be sandy white
beaches, the friendliest people you can think of and lots of
rum. You can't go wrong here.

Amorous and intimate

Before I forget: take a close look at the type of cruise you
select. Most cruise lines have ships that are targeted to
seniors, risk seekers or families. Stay away from the last two
mentioned. Remember: you are searching a private, amorous and
intimate setting. Hard to find whit kids all over the swimming
pool or adventure junkies bungee jumping from the upper decks...

About the author:
Captain Jack Storms is a retired cruise ship captain. He runs a
website called href="http://www.captainjackscruise.info">CaptainJacksCruise.info
where he provides information on href="%20http://www.captainjackscruise.info/articles/The-Perfect-
Cruise-Vacation%3Ecruise"> cruise destinations, preparations
for a perfect
cruise and much more.

Pet Friendly Hotels

2007-02-23T07:00:00.000-08:00

It was not too long ago that it was nearly impossible to travel
with your pet. No matter what type of pet it was, cat, dog, or
another type of pet, they were absolutely not tolerated in
hotels, at least not the upscale, more trendy hotels. If you
were traveling with your pet, it meant that you generally only
had the choice of low budget, less trendy hotels. Things are
definitely changing for the better.

Hotel chains are beginning to realize that for most pet owners,
their pets are a big part of their family. This means that it is
very rare for a pet owner to travel without heir pet. Take a
look around you, at celebrities, and other people. You will see
that more often than not, their pets go with them everywhere
they go, this includes on vacation.

Hotels are seeing this and stepping up to the tasks. Many hotel
chains now not only accept pets, but also have several amenities
geared directly towards pets. For instance, if you are out and
about at meetings or functions, the hotel may have someone to
watch your pet for you until you return.

For busy people, the hotel may also provide a service for
walking your pet or taking them for exercises. If that was not
enough several of the more trendy and upscale hotel chains offer
even more for your pet. For example, you may find the hotel
offers a pet spa, in which your pet can enjoy pampering and
relaxation during their vacation as well. Your pet can enjoy all
the same amenities that you do in some of the more popular hotel
chains.

Can you imagine the time has finally come when pets are
considered a very important member of the family? Your pet may
have their own bed; turn down service, or even their very own
robe. The hotel may even provide water and food dishes for your
pet or even an ID tag that lists the contact information of the
hotel you are staying at, in case your pet were to become lost.

Gone are the days of having to choose only seedy or low budget
hotels, just because you are traveling with your beloved pet.
Today, pets are welcomed at most hotels across the world.

About the author:
Article written by Mark Hammond of National HotelsArticle
written by Mark Hammond of National Hotels href="http://www.nationalhotels.co.uk"
title="http://www.nationalhotels.co.uk"
target="_blank">http://www.nationalhotels.co.uk UK Hotel
Finder and Travel Resource.

Would You Move to Mexico With Your Kids?

2007-02-17T10:13:00.000-08:00

Would You Move to Mexico With Your Kids?

How does moving your kids to a foreign country effect them?

Those are very good questions. Why would you want to sell
everything and move to Mexico (or any different country) with
your kids? My husband and I thought long and hard about that
question because we knew it would effect the rest of their lives.

It was not like we didn't have a choice; it was not an employer
requesting our move. There was no major reason, no urgency ...
only our desire.

Basically, we just wanted to do it! We actually felt the need to
show our children a different country, a different way to live
and a different culture. Plus, we are adventurers at heart. All
that being said, what would life be like for our kids?

In case you are considering moving to another country with your
kids, here is what we have found after almost five years of
living in Mexico, and we live with the results of our choice
every day.

We made the move from Canada to Mexico when our son was eight
and our daughter was eleven. Our son was very laid back and
loved the idea of moving to a place with palm trees. Our
daughter was horrified. After all, at age 11, she had friends
and a life.

It wasn't at all easy, as there were language barriers, new
schools, and new ways of thinking for all of us in our newly
adopted country. We have however, managed to get through it all
thus far and learned a lot in the process. Now our son is 13 and
our daughter is almost 16 and, as we suspected, their lives are
permanently altered. My husband and I like what we see though.
The kids now have a second language and a real understanding of
cultural difference and different ways of life. They don't see
one as being better than another, just different. That kind of
view has got to be good for the world.

They adapt to different situations without a lot of stress. They
are free thinkers; they question a lot and take very little at
face value. The downside is that they sometimes question their
parents' statements and challenge many of the beliefs we carry.
Our son now considers himself Mexican and has asked to school in
Canada for a year in grade ten. He tells us it will help him
understand the world better! We did not anticipate that - but he
was only eight when we moved and most of his memories are now of
Mexico.

Our daughter threw us a curve ball; she wants to continue her
university education here in Mexico. I didn't expect that. I
guess I just figured they would go back to Canada for university
or maybe somewhere else in the world to continue an exploration
on their own. But she wants to perfect her Spanish and pursue
teaching and possibly translation work. She also wants to
perfect her English skills by whatever means so that it benefits
her teaching and translation skills, and so that she can be a
writer as well. At this point she considers her home to be
Mexico.

Would I do it again? Things or situations crop up and I actually
ask that question - but the answer always come back to yes, I
would do it again.

Suzanne Marie Bandick is a life coach and the author of an
exciting ebook called "Only in Mexico, You Say? The Humorous
Side of Living in Mexico." To order or get further information
on living in Mexico, visit www.SuzanneMarieBandick.com

About the author:
Many people daydream about moving to a different country to find
a quieter life with fewer taxes, less stress and fewer rules.
The Bandick family did it! For the past five years, Suzanne
Bandick, husband Shawn and their children, now ages 14 and 16,
have been living their adventurous dream in Mexico. Suzanne is
an author and live your dreams life coach.

What to consider when looking to rent a RV

2007-02-09T06:12:00.000-08:00

There are many things you should consider when renting a RV.
This will guide you through the decision making process.

When renting a RV from a provider, you are looking for
reliability, affordability and dependability to begin with. But
there are many other issues you will need to consider before
making the final decision on which rental service will meet your
needs entirely.

To start with, you will have to know exactly how long you are
going to want the motor home; this begins with planning where
exactly you would like to go. You will need to know this so you
can work out the distance you plan to travel, how many miles you
estimate you will do each day and therefore how long it will
take you to get to your destination and back. Once you have
worked out the minimum amount of time that you would require a
RV, you should then add on a few extra days. This is not only in
case of emergencies (for example, if you break down or extra
unplanned-for traffic slows you down and permits you from doing
your estimated number of miles that day) but also because you
may decide to stay in one certain place longer than you intended
or you may just want to relax and have no specific schedule that
day. If you add these extra days then you don't have to panic
about getting the RV back in time; this will also give you some
time to fully appreciate and explore your destinations.

When deciding on which RV rental company to go with, you will
first need to consider which sort of rentable motor home you
would need and then decide on a provider, who can give you the
best deal on this kind. Most people go with a Class C RV but
there are many other varieties available; for example, Class B
motor homes, which tend to be smaller, or a larger version
(Class A) may be what you call for. After you have picked the
style of RV you want, then you should go to each rental company
and compare prices, quality and features. Then you should build
a shortlist of the best companies and judge them on the other
issues that are mentioned below.

There are many other factors that you should really consider
besides the price and quality. For example, you may need to tow
a car for a day trip, or bring along a pet that you can't leave
behind; many companies will not be able to fulfil these
requirements. You will also need to know how expensive the fuel
will be and how many miles you get per gallon. It would also to
wise to check if you have to buy insurance or if that's covered
in the price. While on the subject of insurance, if the company
provides that for you, you should also identify what exactly is
covered in the insurance and how much the deductible is. You
must also be aware of what the deposit for the RV is and what
the deposit return policy is if for some reason you can't go
ahead with your trip. If your trip will be during the summer, it
would be a good idea to find out about air conditioning, and
similarly find out about the heating if you plan to go during
the winter. You will probably also require a generator for
electronic devices, such as a television, stereo or DVD player,
you should ask about the availability of these as well. You
should also check exactly what is included in the price, for
example, you may have to rent the generator and electrical
products separately.

About the author:
Michael Saville has written more articles on Recreational
Vehicles. These can be found at
http://www.recreational-vehicle.biz . The site provides
information and advice for people looking to rent or buy an RV
as well as for experienced owners in this increasingly popular
activity.

Tips for Traveling with the Tots

2007-02-02T09:19:00.000-08:00

While many parents avoid traveling with young children, a bit of
preparation can ensure a successful family vacation. By making a
checklist of all your necessities and planning for any
difficulties, you and your family can enjoy your vacation
instead of worrying about what could go wrong. Here is a list of
travel tips to help you prepare for your family vacation. By
following some of these suggestions, you and your family will
always remember your family vacation for all the right reasons.

You certainly can't expect your children to be perfect,
so set some reasonable expectations for your family vacation.
Perhaps one of the best ways to keep your children interested
throughout your family vacation is to involve them in the
planning process. Your children will be excited to have a hand
in the itinerary and will learn about the destination before you
depart. Once you arrive, you can be confident that your kids
won't complain about the chosen activities.

Regarding air travel, you might want to try securing seats in
the front row of the aircraft. The front row of seats will grant
your family some extra space and privacy, which are especially
helpful if traveling with infants or toddlers. Your children
should also be able to wander with more ease at the front of the
cabin, but ask the flight attendant if you aren't sure what is
acceptable.

While non-stop flights are recommended
by many for family travel, a break can sometimes be useful. If
your family is traveling to the Caribbean, an hour or two in an
airport can take some of the edge off a long day. Not only will
your children be able to walk around and stretch, you can also
stock up on snacks and any items you may have forgotten.

If you are traveling with older children, you might want to
consider an early morning flight to prevent any delays. When
flying with infants and younger children, many families prefer
late night flights as they correspond with the child's natural
sleep schedule.

When traveling to the Caribbean
or any other international location, pack all the medicines your
children might need - both prescription and over-the-counter
varieties. As many countries have different medicines than the
U.S. and packaging may be considerably different, don't take any
chances. Check the carry-on restrictions and pack whatever you
can in your carry-on baggage. It is also a good idea to pack a
change of clothes, a blanket and a pillow for your young ones to
ensure that they are comfortable on the airplane.

One of the greatest difficulties of family travel is the
transport of large items like strollers and playpens. Before you
leave for your trip, contact the concierge of your Caribbean
resort regarding the availability of cribs, strollers, car seats
or anything else your baby might need. If your hotel is unable
to acquire any of these vacation essentials, there are a few
international organizations that arrange delivery of such rental
items.

Organize a selection of toys like dolls,
stuffed animals and books in one of your carry-on bags. To
prevent any unnecessary embarrassment, try to avoid packing
noise-making toys or those with small parts - like model kits,
building blocks or board games. Portable DVD players and CD
players can also keep your children occupied and entertained. It
is also a good idea to pack some healthy snacks for your
children, as it is often difficult to please with airline food.

Your preparation should also include planning for
unforeseen events, such as someone getting lost or sick. By
planning all the small details - down to what type of trail mix
to eat on the airplane - and more serious issues affecting your
itinerary before you travel, you and your family won't have to
spend your family vacation worrying. You will simply enjoy every
minute of it.

About the author:
This article was written by Justin Burch. Justin writes select
pieces about travel in the Caribbean and Mexico for the href="http://www.paradisebymarriott.com"
target="_blank">Paradise by Marriott

All-Inclusive is Not for All Travelers

2007-01-26T06:14:00.000-08:00

Located throughout the Caribbean, all-inclusive resorts lure
visitors with affordable vacation packages. Encompassing
airfare, lodging and onsite activities, these Caribbean beach
resorts are enjoyed by families and couples hoping to relax in
the sunshine. Yet, many visitors have left such all-inclusive
resorts with a bitter taste in their mouths. If you - like many
of the travelers disappointed by the inflexibility of
all-inclusive resorts - want to establish your own itinerary,
sample traditional Caribbean dining options and explore many
different activities, these Caribbean beach resorts are simply
not for you. Here's why.

First, plenty of travelers have realized that many all-inclusive
vacations come with certain strings attached. When examining
all-inclusive packages on the internet, the fine print may
reveal a startling number of contracts and other binding
difficulties. Some all-inclusive resorts entice travelers with
low-priced vacation packages, only to bombard their customers
with sales pitches for timeshares.

It is often difficult to determine where an all-inclusive resort
is located if you are unfamiliar with the area. While it may
suit your fancy to spend your vacation outside of the Caribbean
hotel zones, many travelers have been disappointed by the lack
of activities available at many all-inclusive resorts. If you
choose to leave your all-inclusive resort, you will have to pay
for additional activities. When staying at smaller all-inclusive
resorts with limited access to other tourist opportunities, your
additional costs could very quickly surpass the money you saved
upfront.

Many travelers have also complained
about the lack of payment flexibility that comes with a stay at
an all-inclusive resort. In addition to requiring large upfront
payments, many all-inclusive resorts have tricky refund
policies, making it difficult to change plans when necessary.
This difficulty also applies to the charter flights that often
accompany all-inclusive packages. For many, these troubles are
compounded by the fact that travel days may be limited, forcing
you to alter your desired timeframe for your Caribbean
vacation.

Once you arrive at your Caribbean location, you might also be
responsible for your own luggage and transportation to the
resort. For the resorts that do offer shuttle service, the
included transportation will most likely be limited to airport
pickup and drop-off. For instance, if the resort is located in a
secluded area, transportation to other locations will not be
included in your package. Furthermore, consider the fact that
many all-inclusive resorts are located much farther away from
popular sites than average hotels and resorts. So, unless you
care to spend your entire Caribbean vacation basking beside the
same swimming pool, a nightly rental resort will put you much
closer to the action.

While many criticize
all-inclusive resorts for not contributing to local Caribbean
economies - due in part to their distance from major cities and
tourist areas - it can also be said that such packages prevent
you from experiencing the unique culture of your destination.
Since you decided to take a Caribbean vacation, you probably
want to get out of the hotel and see what the Caribbean has to
offer. Yet, all-inclusive resorts anticipate their guests
spending most of their time at the resorts, locations that are
often devoid of any local cuisine or custom.

Another important thing to consider regarding all-inclusive
resorts is that tipping is usually expected, even at some
resorts that advertise tipping as unnecessary. Many travelers
have found themselves in uncomfortable positions, receiving
sub-par service at all-inclusive resorts as a result of such
misunderstandings.

When planning your Caribbean vacation, think about what kind of
traveler you are and what you want to accomplish. Do you want to
set your own agenda, enjoy diverse Caribbean dining options and
engage in truly unique activities? Or would you rather relax at
a resort, forget your troubles and soak up the sun? While
families and couples on strict budgets might enjoy all-inclusive
resorts, any adventurous traveler will relish the freedom of
planning their own Caribbean vacation.

About the author:
This article was written by Justin Burch. Justin writes select
pieces about travel in the Caribbean and Mexico for the href="http://www.paradisebymarriott.com"
target="_blank">Paradise by Marriott

Avoid A Car Rental Nightmare

2007-01-19T06:03:00.000-08:00

It won't take much effort to find car rental disaster stories.
Just a few online searches and you will see them. In fact,
research will show that some rental companies have a worse
reputation than others. Online searches will bring up stories of
people charged for insurance they didn't want or charged for
damage they didn't cause, of cars not be serviced when they are
due and even a bumper falling a car as it was being driven down
the road. While it is impossible to avoid a bad experience
completely, taking a few precautions will keep the chance of
having your very own car rental horror story to a minimum.

First Objective: Successfully book your car hire This should be
easy, but instead for many it is a confusing search of prices,
car types and fine print. These steps should help ease the
confusion.

Book well in advance Make sure to book well in advance, car
rental prices tend to go up the closer you get to the pick up
date, not down. Prices work on a simple supply and demand
system; they go up as availability goes down. If you are
travelling to Europe and require an automatic car you will need
to book months in advance in order to secure one, especially in
Italy where they are particularly rare. If you are travelling
during the holidays, Christmas and Easter in particular, making
a reservation around three months ahead is ideal. This way you
will have the best chance of getting a car at a normal price.
After this point the prices just start to go up. Most car rental
companies sell out for the holidays, resulting in many
travellers panicking in the last couple of weeks before a major
holiday as they struggle to secure a car. Those that are lucky
enough to find a car will be forced to pay very high prices,
three or four times a normal rate. Don't be one of these people.
The summer is also another peak period to prepare for. Many
locations have low or no availability during the summer so if
you are booking last minute you may have trouble finding a good
price and the car type you want.

Make a car rental reservation To get started make a list of the
basics: where and when you want to pick up the car and where and
when you want to bring it back, what size car you need and do
you want an automatic or manual gear box. These details are
especially important if you are contacting various rental
companies by email to get quotes. Make sure you provide them to
avoid unnecessary emailing. Also do a little research on the
various rental companies and avoid the worst offenders even if
they are offering the cheapest price. No rental company is
perfect so you will just have to narrow down your options.

Next you will want to research prices. When you do this make
sure you are taking the full offer into account. Do the rates
offered include taxes, location fees, mandatory insurances,
break down cover and unlimited mileage? You will discover that
most of the rates offered for car rentals in Europe are
inclusive of all mandatory charges. But make sure you know this
for certain, because if they are not included in the rate
offered and they will be added when you pick up your car, making
for an unpleasant surprise. If you are unsure about anything
email the rental company, sometimes this is better than the
telephone as you will get a response in writing. Which might
solve any problems that may occur down the line. The rental
company will have a hard time arguing written correspondence but
they could deny any thing they said on the phone.

Once you are satisfied with a price make your reservation. If
you book online you should get a confirmation voucher within a
certain time period, this can range from instantly to a couple
of days. If you do not receive your confirmation voucher within
a couple of days don't hesitate to email the rental company.
Maybe there is some kind of problem confirming your reservation
or your voucher was sent but it was blocked by your email spam
guard and it is necessary to find another way of getting your
booking information to you.

Second Objective: Pick up your car without a hitch It is
important to have your wits about you on arrival at the rental
desk, you may be tired and have the urge to breeze through the
paper work, grab your keys and go. But it is best to resist this
urge at all costs, you won't regret it. When you speak to the
rental desk clerk you will be asked if you want any optional
insurances, such as a Super Damage Waiver. The SDW reduces your
liability to zero or an amount much less than you would be
charged in the event of damage to the car. To take this extra
insurance is a personal choice, however it is not usually
mandatory and it is one of the major ways car rental companies
make money. If you are only renting for a couple of days then
the expense of this insurance may make it worth getting for your
own peace of mind, but for longer rentals think carefully. The
cost of the SDW may end up being close to the excess liability
amount so do really get much benefit from it.

Read your contract carefully The most important thing you need
to do at the rental desk is to read your rental contract and
receipt very carefully, this is where many people get stung.
What happens is that extra insurances get charged to your credit
card even if you specifically say you do not want them. This
seems to be a common "mistake" made by rental clerks. Make sure
you are also clear about the fuel policy, most rental companies
require you to bring the car back with a full tank or else they
charge you an inflated rate for fuel. Before you sign anything
ensure that every charge and policy you are unsure of is
explained to you. Don't be afraid to ask about everything, it is
your wallet that ends up worse off if there are errors. Once the
rental company has your signature there is little you can do to
get refunded for any charges you were unaware of.

Third Objective: Drive away and enjoy your trip Once you find
your car in the parking lot it is very important to give it a
good going over. If you see any dents, dirt or scratches make
sure that the rental company takes note of them before you drive
away. Otherwise you could be blamed and end up being charged the
full excess amount, which is usually in the hundreds of dollars.
If you want to be really cautious check the oil and make sure
that it is not due to be changed.

Fourth Objective: Return the Car In most cases you will need to
return you car rental with a full tank of fuel. There is usually
a gas(petrol) station near to the car rental drop off location.
It is best to use the closest possible option and to fill the
car as much as possible so it cannot be claimed that the tank
isn't quite a full. Return the car keys and agree any extra
charges with the rental company.

Quick Summary

- Plan what you need

- Do some research

- Make sure you understand the rate and terms

- Book well in advance

- Check your contract and receipt carefully before you sign

- Check you car carefully for any damage before you drive away

- Return the car with a full tank (make sure you are clear on
this policy at the rental desk)

About the author:
Griff writes articles for travelwand.com a new fun travel
website where you can make hotel reservations and share your
hotel and travel reviews. Check it out: href="http://www.travelwand.com/">Hotels and Travel Guides

Travel Insurance Tips

2007-01-12T05:59:00.000-08:00

Travel Insurance Tips - Understand the limits, excesses and
exclusions to avoid huge bills and get the best price

Travel insurance is a 'must' for anyone going away whether on
holiday or for business so it is wise to check that the
insurance you take out is relevant to the type of cover you
need. The last thing you want is a huge bill after your trip,
medical or otherwise, because your policy did not cover you for
what you thought. There are many different areas to take into
consideration when you buy travel insurance. If you don't make
sure the travel insurance is right for you, you may not be
covered, so follow these simple tips to help ensure you get the
right travel insurance for your needs, what to look out for, and
how to compare travel insurance prices for when you buy travel
insurance.

A standard travel insurance package should normally provide
compensation for a range of holiday and travel mishaps such as:

* Cancellation or curtailment of your trip * Medical emergencies
and repatriation * Loss or damage to personal possessions * Loss
or theft of money * Personal liability * Compensation for
permanent disability or death

Often these areas of cover can be subject to limits, excesses
and exclusions so do check your policy carefully so you know
what you may or may not be covered for. If you are the energetic
or adventurous type, check that dangerous activities such as
snowboarding, skiing, white water rafting or journeys to remote
areas are included in your insurance policy - you may need a
special type of insurance or an endorsement to cover your needs.
Expenses caused by a terrorism event may be excluded or an
expensive item of luggage or equipment may need to be insured
separately. Some insurers do not cover people over the age of 65
or 70, and if you have any existing medical conditions, these
also may not be covered.

It is true that your household insurance will offer cover for
personal items and you may be able to remove these from your
travel insurance cover to save you money. Also your credit card
providers may offer some limited cover. A European Health
Insurance Card will entitle you to reduced-cost or sometimes
free medical treatment in the European Economic Area countries,
but will not normally cover rescue costs or repatriation. If you
are travelling for business your employer may offer some travel
insurance cover. So where do you go to find the most suitable
travel insurance for you? You can buy travel insurance from many
different sources, travel agents, tour operators, banks, the
post office, credit card providers or direct from insurance
companies. The easiest and quickest method is online and
Heathrow travel insurance offers a comprehensive service which
is easily accessible.

In short, if you follow these steps, you can be sure that you
have the right cover for you and that you have not paid over the
odds for this peace of mind.

* Consider what cover you need * Consider where you are going
and what you are going to do * Take into account the cover you
may already have * Tell your insurer all the relevant facts i.e.
your age and any existing medical conditions * Shop around and
compare travel insurance prices * Check your policy carefully

When you go to buy travel insurance, you want to make sure you
have got the right price for the cover you need. One way to do
this is to use an online travel insurance Heathrow Airport price
checker, where you can compare travel insurance prices online.
The best travel insurance Heathrow airport price checker that I
have found to href="http://www.heathrowinformation.co.uk/heathrow-airport-BYL-t
ravel-insurance.html">compare travel insurance prices is
www.heathrowinformation.co.uk. This website also provides lots
more information and suggestions as to where to buy travel
insurance.

Finally, before you go away on your trip, make sure you take a
copy of your policy and a note of the telephone number in a safe
place, and of course, take good care of yourself and your
belongings whilst you are away. You can now look forward to your
trip safe in the knowledge that you have done everything
necessary, and that if anything were to go wrong, you would be
fully covered. But of course we all hope it won't and thankfully
the majority of the time it doesn't - but you should always be
prepared! This article is free for republishing.

About the author:
Bethanie Ashley is a frequent traveller keen to pass on time and
money saving advice to others. Further useful information such
as how to get to the airport, public transport, travel insurance
and foreign currency, can be found on the href="http://www.heathrowinformation.co.uk/he

Travel Insurance:

How to Survive a Family Vacation

2007-01-05T12:11:00.000-08:00

Vacation Man

So you are ready to go on a family vacation, at least that is
what you think. Now I'm not talking about the little romantic
getaway with your significant other, I'm talking about the full
fledged family outing that includes some extended family that
you aren't usually around. This can be an extremely enjoyable
time for most of us but sometimes tension runs a bit high and
personalities clash, so what is it that can help you to survive
the rough spots on a family vacation?

1. Have some Me Time - Sure it's great to get away with people
that you love, but sometimes you just need some time to
yourself. When you find yourself in this situation then you need
to have an escape route in place, one that will make it easy for
you to get away from the potentially volatile situation from
which you are trying to escape. Perhaps you could always keep a
deficit of some sort in place and then offer to go fill that
void when the time is right. I like to do this with things that
are readily available, especially since we don't really need it,
it's just convenient for you to go get it.

2. Sleep, the ultimate mediator - When you sense that tensions
might be running a bit high, or perhaps you have some
personalities clashing then it may be time for you to take a
little nap. You will probably find that after your nap whatever
it was that was bothering you will be a thing of the long past.

3. Subject Swappers - You should always be ready to switch
subjects to something that they like. If you feel as if the
conversation is going badly then try to get them to talk a bit
about a hobby that they enjoy or perhaps something that is going
on in their lives. This will generally help to take off the
pressure.

By doing these few things you will be better able to
successfully go through a family vacation unscathed. Most of all
enjoy the time that you have with your family and try not to be
overly concerned if things are not always going your way.

About the author:
If you need href="http://www.travelvacationpackages.org/carrentals.php">Carre
ntals or are looking for href="http://www.travelvacationpackages.org/hotelcoupons.php">Hot
elCoupons for your href="http://www.travelvacationpackages.org/hotelreservations.php
">HotelReservations check our website for tips.

Discover Oaxaca, Mexico's Cultural Treasures

2006-12-29T06:52:00.000-08:00

Our tour guide, Martine Tomczyk, discovered Oaxaca, Mexico's
unexpected treasures by accident. For over ten she has shared
her discovery with travelers seeking an escape from the typical.
Those travelers who desire to immerse themselves in the history,
art, and cuisine of Oaxaca, Mexico's culture will return home
with memories to last a lifetime.

The Artisans Oaxaca, Mexico

During the Oaxaca Connection Tours you can spend the day meeting
local Artisans whose creativity is inspired by their heritage.
Look closely and you may discover the story of a nation within
each piece of art. With Martine Tomczyk on hand as a mediator
between cultures we learn about the passion which inspires the
creative of Oaxaca, Mexico's Artisans. We step beyond borders,
and are welcomed into the homes and studios of these Artisans,
who share their culture and insight.

Oaxaca Connection Tours

Perhaps that is what makes the Oaxaca Connection Tours unique
from other tours. We do step beyond borders into the lives of
those we meet along the way. Martine shares her knowledge of
Oaxaca, Mexico as our journey continues. Each step reveals more
about the Oaxaca people, their struggles, their joy, and the
unity of their community. These tales are also told through
their music and performances we witness first hand.

Dia de los Muertos

Fall is a beautiful time when many travelers head out to explore
the changing of the season. Why not try something new this year?
One way to experience a culture is to immerse yourself in their
traditions and festivals. Join the festivities of Dia de los
Muertos on the Oaxaca Connection Tours in late October through
early November. Dia de los Muertos? We know it as the Day of the
Dead, a all night party dedicated to the memory of the deceased
when families and friends gather at local cemeteries. Find out
more about the Day of the Dead and the Guelagutza festivities
held in July by visiting the Oaxaca Connection Tours website
online at www.oaxacaconnection.com.

Join or Submit Your Journey Beyond Borders at USA Travel
Magazine, http://www.usatravelmagazine.com.

About the author:
Iris Dean, Journalist & Photographer for USA Travel Magazine,
http://www.usatravelmagazine.com, who travels the country in
search of interesting places off-the-beaten path. Discover
places to dine, shop, and vacation destinations, check local
weather, play Sudoku, read tidbits of News, book and travel
product reviews, and order a Free State Vacation Guides at
http://www.usatravelmagazine.com.

Seniors Like Mexican Getaways

2006-12-22T07:12:00.000-08:00

With each passing year, the travel industry sees an influx of
the senior population taking advantage of travel specials. And
why not? Seniors usually have a measure of disposable income and
TIME. In fact, a large number of senior citizens are making the
decision to get out and travel. If you are one of those
individuals, you have likely examined a number of popular
vacation destinations. If so, was Mexico on your list?

Mexico really is ideal for individuals of all ages. Despite what
many believe, the United States and Europe are not the only
vacation destinations that are ideal for senior citizens. If you
are able to take the time to examine what Mexico has to offer,
you will likely want to schedule your next vacation there.

And Mexico is no slouch when it comes to providing variety and
amusement. Many of these activities are perfect for senior
citizens. Just a few of the many activities found in Mexico
include relaxing at the beach, taking a boat cruise, or going on
a guided tour. If you are only able to select a few of these
activities, you will want to examine each activity and determine
which one brings you the most excitement.

Guided tours seem to be high on the list of senior preferred
activity. When you think of a guided tour, what first comes to
mind? Many individuals assume hiking or biking through rough
terrain, but that is not what Mexico guided tours are all about.
It is true, you may find guided tours that require a large
amount of walking, but additional alterative are available.

Popular guided tours, that are ideal for senior citizens
include, ATV tours, bus tours, and boat tours. ATV tours are
ideal for those who wish to have a little bit of freedom and
excitement while touring Mexico. For those that wish to relax
while seeing what Mexico has to offer, boat tours or bus tours
may be best.

Similar to guided tours, boat cruises are also available. Many
senior citizens consider Mexico boat tours similar to travel
aboard a cruise ship. Instead of taking an extended cruise, most
boat tours only last a few hours. The length of your tour may be
a deciding factor in whether or not you wish to take a boat
cruise.

While boat cruises are often used to sightsee, there are many
that serve other purposes. Many boat cruises offer exciting
onboard activities. These activities often include a night of
dinner and dancing. With a little bit of research, it may be
possible to find a boat cruise that is designed specifically for
senior citizens.

Mexico is most known for their beautiful, fun, and exciting
beaches. If you are interested in relaxing at the beach, you
have a number of options to choose from. Due to Mexico's
popularity, many public beaches are overcrowded, especially in
the spring and summer months. If you would prefer to stay away
from large crowds, you may want to consider scheduling your
beach vacation at a beach resort.

Mexico beach resorts come in all different sizes and styles. As
with most popular beaches, many beach resorts quickly fill up
with tourists. Aside from large, well-known resorts, Mexico
offers a number of smaller resorts that have a focus on
relaxation and privacy. If you are interested in spending your
vacation in a private and intimate setting, you may want to
consider these types of resorts.

Relaxing by the beach, taking a boat cruise, or going on a
guided tour are just a few of the many activities that you can
participate in while on a Mexico vacation. Additional activities
may include, but should not be limited to, boating, fishing,
snorkeling, or horseback riding.

Before participating in a certain activity, you are encouraged
to examine your health and your ability to participate. This is
not something that is limited just to senior citizens. All
individuals are encouraged to examine their ability to complete
and participate in certain activities. It is advised that you
enjoy your vacation, not push yourself to the limits.

About the author:
Joe enjoys taking a break from his home business by traveling
the world. Check out his newest Mexican Travel blog at: href="http://www.acmemexicovacations.com">Mexico Vacations

Cochineal: The Best Kept Secret in Oaxaca

2006-12-18T17:52:00.000-08:00

Author: Alvin Starkman

Most tourists have no idea that only a couple of hundred yards
off the main highway, a minute or two from the black pottery
village, is one the most fascinating destinations that the state
of Oaxaca has to offer children and adults alike. And yet the
majority of travelers have a least heard or read a snippet about
the natural red dye which comes from a tiny insect and is used
to color the rugs they buy in Teotitlán del Valle, and other
products including some of the foods and beverages we eat
today...the grana cochinilla fina, commonly known as simply
cochineal.

I suspect that from reading their guidebooks or speaking to tour
guides and taxi drivers, visitors are not generally made aware
of the importance of this little bug on the world stage over
centuries; or perhaps they think it's enough to buy a tapete and
be told it's been dyed with cochineal, and see and touch a few
dried insects...rather than spend 40 or 50 minutes in amazement.
It might be different if they knew that during the conquest era,
next to gold and silver cochineal was the most valuable
commodity known to mankind, and that in 1758 Oaxaca exported
over 1.5 million Spanish pounds of it to Europe, Africa and Asia
for a multitude of uses including the dying of fabrics including
uniforms worn by British nobility and cavalry.

Together known as Tlapanochestli, the quaint research facility,
museum, ranch and open-air teaching environment is located at
Santa María Coyotepec off a dirt road only 15 minutes from
downtown Oaxaca. The attraction is designed to hold the interest
of travelers of all ages and all backgrounds, from layperson to
academic or professional.

Upon entering Tlapanochestli you'll be greeted by one of the
employees who works the ranch, or perhaps one of the two
scientists who run the research and teaching programs, Engineers
Manual Loera Fernández and Ignacio del Río Dueñas. You'll learn
about the lifecycle of the cochineal, how it attaches itself to
and feeds off of a certain variety of nopal cactus, and about
its harvesting and preparation for use as a dye. Both kids and
grownups will delight and be awe-struck at having either a live
or dried bug squished on their palm yielding the scarlet
pigment. You'll be taught why not all types of nopal cactus are
suitable for production of cochineal, which ones are used to
make salads, and about varietals which produce the sweet red
edible fruit known as tuna, seasonally sold in marketplaces just
as apples and oranges, and just as often encountered as a sorbet
flavor or fresh fruit juice.

But your tour is not only about the insect and its host, but
includes learning about a plethora of other natural products
used to dye foods and fabrics, such pecan shells, oyster conch,
pomegranate, marigold, moss, onions, and the añil plant which
produces our blues and indigos. Combining some of these dyes
with the cochineal results in yet a further spectrum of color.
You'll also discover how to use cochineal in combination with
lime juice or baking soda and with different colored natural
wools to produce orange and purple hews.

One cannot help but marvel at the diversity of commercial
products which utilize the cochineal as a coloring such as
lipsticks and makeup for those allergic or sensitive to
synthetic red and orange tones, Danone yoghurt, Campari, and
even Campbell's soup. Often artists have opted to employ
cochineal and other natural colors for their work, and
accordingly witness walls adorned with examples of fine art
created without the use of chemical-based paints. The photos of
Prince Charles' attendance at Tlapanochestli is a testament to
the world's continued fascination with the historical and
contemporary significance of the grana cochinilla fina. In the
gift shop there's an opportunity to purchase dried cochineal for
your own use, ink in an attractive wax-sealed bottle, paints and
pastes, balls of yarn, soaps, clothing, and for the children
perhaps a paint set consisting of dried cochineal to crush using
the miniature clay pestle and mortar, along with coloring pages
with instruction sheet directing how to use the kit and produce
your own shades of red, orange and pink.

A short video puts the production of cochineal into its proper
historical context using facts, anecdotes and mythology, along
with colorful imagery, narrated using language easily understood
by children. At the same time those with a background or
interest in the sciences will have all of their questions
answered. The film outlines the pre-hispanic use of the pigment;
the development of an internationally regulated industry
attracting the attention of worldwide heads of state from The
Conquest forward; its importance in the global marketplace as
the strongest and most brilliant dye known to humankind; and its
decline in the mid 1800's upon the invention of synthetic
coloration and the subsequent adverse impact on the Mexican
economy. While Oaxacan production and export never did recover
from 19th century recessionary factors, the video concludes on a
upbeat note documenting the industry's resurgence in recent
decades in the face of widespread health concerns regarding the
continued reliance on synthetic substances to dye commercial
products. After your cinematic journey back into history, and
having gained knowledge about how natural dyes are produced and
used in a multitude of applications, your perception of not only
Oaxaca but also the Western World will have been enhanced
forever...whether you're in Oaxaca shopping for rugs, watching
the native vendors in a market or ordering ice cream; or sitting
in the comfort of your home and sipping a Campari and soda.

About the author:
Operating Casa Machaya Oaxaca Bed &
Breakfast(http://www.oaxacadream.com), a unique bed and
breakfast experience Southern Mexico, Alvin Starkman (M.A.,
LL.B.) received his Masters in Social Anthropology from York
University in Toronto in 1978, taught for a few years, and
subsequently attended Osgoode Hall Law School, becoming licensed
by the Law Society of Upper Canada in 1986. Until 2004 he was a
partner at Banks & Starkman

How to buy a prepaid calling card?

2006-11-03T09:12:00.000-08:00

If you are on the road traveling or studying abroad and wants to
keep in touch with your friends and family, you certainly
thought of the possibility of getting a prepaid calling card.
Calling back home has certainly become easier, but choosing the
right card is difficult when you are faced with so many options.
So how does one go about choosing the right calling card?

There is no best calling card, only the right calling card for
you. Before picking up your card, you should figure out how many
calls will you make, how often do you make them and the
destination.

After you find the website of a company which has a remarkable
business reputation, you can choose the destination and see the
products available. Each calling card has different rates
depending on the features of it. Do not go immediately for the
lowest rate, because some fees may be applied. Here is what you
should look for before buying a calling card.

The most frequent feature which many customers tend to disregard
is the maintenance fee. This is a weekly or monthly
charge deducted from the balance of your card. If you intend to
make many long calls in a short period of time, you will
probably use up the card before the maintenance fee.

Also, a connection fee can be applied every time you are
connected to the number you are calling. The charge is also
applied if you get a voicemail, an answering machine or you are
prematurely disconnected. Generally, this fee comes with lower
rates per minute so it is a good option if you will be placing
very long calls.

The talking fee can applied to some cards whenever the
call goes beyond a specified time period. This duration is
usually set at 20 minute, so it is better to hang up and
reconnect again to avoid it or choose a card without such a fee.

A frequent feature of prepaid calling cards is the expiration
date. This is a certain period of time beyond which you cannot
use your card even if you have some minutes left on it. The
expiration date can vary from 2 weeks to 1 year after the
first or last call placed. To make sure your balance will not
expire, use the card up before the expiration date or buy one
with a bigger expiration date.

Billing increments or rounding means that the time
you spent on the phone is rounded up to a certain amount of
minutes. That means that, with a 5 minute rounding, you will pay
the same, even if you talked for 30 seconds or 4 minutes. If you
want to avoid such an inconvenience, look for a card with a 1
minute rounding or less.

If you will be traveling and you will have to use the calling
card from a payphone, you might get affected by a payphone
surcharges. These charges are applied per call or per minute
to certain calling cards if you use them from such a phone. Some
cards also offer lower rates than the one advertised if you use
them from a landline or a cell phone. So make sure you keep all
these details in mind and you set your priorities before you
start looking for a prepaid calling card. With such a variety of
telecommunication products, you are sure to find the best card
to suit your needs. More information about href="http://www.phonecard.org">prepaid phone cards and calling
cards can be found on PhoneCard.org.

About the author:
Tom Blanks works as a consultant for NobelCom, one of the major
players in the phone cards
industry.

International Travel and Health Insurance

2006-10-27T09:31:00.000-07:00

Are you planning on going on a holiday or are you booking your
family vacation? Is this going to be your dream trip? Well if
you said "yes" to any of these questions then you need to read
on.

In order to really enjoy your holiday you need to make sure that
you are fully prepared, you have to make sure your bags are
packed; your passport and papers are in order. Before you
depart, you will chat for ages about all the wonderful things
you want to do; you will be very excited and you will probably
have no concerns if you have planned properly.

Despite all the excitement of travel, Americans however, do have
some concerns. According to a survey by the Chubb Group, more
than 70% of Americans surveyed said their greatest concern when
traveling is suffering a medical emergency...more than double
the fear of being mugged (30.7%), three times the fear of being
injured in a terrorist attack (23.4%).

What happens if a medical emergency arises when traveling
overseas? Many people assume that while they are out of the U.S.
or Canada they will be covered by their standard medical plan.
However, most traditional health insurance plans are not
designed for international travel. According to the U.S.
Department of Commerce, approximately 27 million travelers'
board U.S. airlines for overseas destinations and almost 26
million foreign travelers come to the U.S. each year. However,
many are not prepared for a medical emergency abroad. Most
traditional health insurance plans would not cover an unexpected
illness or injury during international travel. But travelers
with international medical insurance would have protection for
scenarios ranging from a local ambulance trip to an emergency
evacuation for care at the nearest qualified medical facility.

Some even offer repatriation flights out of the country where
the traveler is located back to the U.S. Available plans can
cover individuals or groups for specific periods of time abroad
and can be in effect should they be stationed abroad for an
extended period of time. There are policies for corporations to
insure their personnel, plans to cover missionaries who are on
an outreach program and for those participating in extreme
sports.

So, in conclusion, in order to really enjoy your holiday, as
well as being fully prepared with your bags packed; your
passport and papers in order, make sure your International
Travel and Health Insurance is in place and suitable for your
needs.

Author: Jenny Gill is an international author with vast
experience in a diverse range of subjects, for more information
visit www.recreationforallsyte.com

About the author:
Jenny Gill is an international author with an immense range of
knowledge and skills in a wide range of areas. Jenny is a mother
and a grandmother and devotes a lot of her time supporting the
aged in her community.

================================================================

Safety Precautions While Traveling

2006-10-20T18:58:00.000-07:00

Author: Linda Polansky

There are many important features of vacation. It is not an
option but a compulsory measure that has to be taken while
traveling anywhere whether it is your own country or whether it
is abroad.

To have an uninterrupted vacation you need to keep a count of
the things you should be careful of. Especially children being
sensitive you have to take extra care when it comes to children.

Some of the things you should be careful of is knowing what can
causes allergic reactions, taking extra care if you have
undergone any operation, making sure you carry your medicines as
prescribed by your doctor.

Having a First Aid tool kit is a must have on a trip or a
vacation, Some of the medications are prescribed skin creams,
pills, bandages, wound cleansing lotion, lots of Cotton,
carrying hot water bottle, carrying your own medicines that are
prescribed by Doctor, if at all you get allergic to anything,
you know what to do!

Now, a First Aid tool kit is not the only precaution that you
need to take, wherever you go, you have to be very watchful and
protective of your family, avoid places that are vulnerable and
can make you a victim. Keep your valuables intact on you, so
that you are not a victim of robbery. Make sure that you do
carry something to protect yourself from maniacs. And one of the
recommendations will be eye spray. Eye spray will not harm the
person completely but at least make him or her aware that you
can defend yourself.

When traveling with children, children get excited when going on
vacation so make sure that they do not put themselves in
vulnerable situations where it would be hard for them to come
out of.

Avoid legal difficulties; you should follow the law no matter
what. There are families who have gone on vacations and have
broken the law of where ever they have been and had to pay a
great deal for it. So make sure you follow the legalities of
where ever you are.

Terrorism is spoken of nowadays, make sure that you stick to
your own family and just be friends with those people in the
vacation that you feel you are confident of. Terrorism is
spreading all over the world, so it does not mean that you can't
be safe in your country if you choose to go on a vacation at
home. Be wise and you should have a very good judgment about
recognizing people that you are around while vacationing. In all
following some of these guidelines have the best vacation ever!

About the author:
Linda Polansky writes about href="http://www.traveldealsdiscounts.com/">Travel Discounts
, href="http://www.traveldealsdiscounts.com/Categories/Travel/Air/"
>Air Travel and href="http://www.traveldealsdiscounts.com/Categories/Travel/Hotel
/">Hotel Coupons

The Beaches Of Puerto Vallarta

2006-10-20T12:10:00.000-07:00

Author: Justin Burch

The beaches in and around Puerto Vallarta may be the most
diverse in Mexico. Located at the midpoint of Banderas Bay, the
area surrounding Puerto Vallarta boasts 34 miles of coastline,
26 of which are sandy beaches. Within the city, the beaches are
elegant and pristine, bordered by restaurants and resorts.
Beaches to the north of the city tend to be longer and wider,
with great opportunities for surfing and swimming. South of
Puerto Vallarta, the mountains topple into the sea in places,
creating placid coves and intimate sandy pockets.

Playa Los Muertos is the most frequented beach in Puerto
Vallarta. This sandy beach is long and wide with small waves
perfect for swimming. Despite its popularity, there is usually
plenty of room to spread out a towel and soak up rays. Los
Muertos is a bustling place full of craft and food vendors; the
beach itself is lined by numerous resorts, restaurants and bars.
This is also a great place to ride a parasail and get a bird's
eye view of the city. The beach has the added attraction of
being on the edge of Viejo Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta's beautiful
old town.

Several other beautiful beaches lie in close proximity to the
city's Hotel Zone. Playa El Saldo, also known as Marina
Vallarta, primarily caters to hotel guests. However, the beach
is wide and well-maintained, offering stunning views of the city
and its mountainous backdrop. Playa Pelicanos is generally
quiet, making it a great place to escape the beach crowds while
remaining in the heart of the city. Playa Las Glorias is the
name of the sandy stretch between Playa Pelicanos and Marina
Vallarta. If you're staying in a hotel north of the primary
Hotel Zone, you will find this excellent swimming beach outside
your back door.

North of the city, the beach of Nuevo Vallarta offers a wider
stretch of sand with fewer rocks than most beaches within
Banderas Bay. As favorites of families, visitors to Playa
Destiladeres and Playa Bucerias can expect mild waves (perfect
for boogie-boarding or learning to surf), elegant white sand
beaches and fresh seafood at charming palapa-shaded restaurants.

To the North, Punta Mita, also known as Playa Anclote, is
distinguished for its row of pleasant beach restaurants and
gentle slope, making it a perfect beach for all ages. With
consistently low, rolling waves, Punta Mita is also celebrated
as an excellent place to learn to surf. There are even a few
surfing schools that offer instruction to travelers.

For those with more experience on the waves, the tiny community
of Sayulita is the place of choice. A surfing mecca of
international renown, the shoreline of this picturesque fishing
village is home to abundant coves and beaches where surfers hunt
perfect waves and day trippers relax in the sun. As Sayulita has
developed over the past few years into a surfer's town with a
bohemian feel, travelers will be treated to a refreshing,
laid-back attitude.

A few miles beyond the northern-most point of the bay are the
beaches of San Francisco and San Pancho. Sporting a windswept
and primitive feeling, with deeper, creamier sand and rougher
waters than inside Banderas Bay, these beaches are ideal for
travelers who want a taste of pristine nature and the open sea.

To the south of Puerto Vallarta lie such treasures as Playa
Gemelas, Playa Garza Blanca, and Playa Punta Negra. Because both
are slightly more difficult to access, you'll find beautiful
beaches that are fairly secluded and scarcely used, with great
rock outcroppings for snorkeling. In this area, you'll also find
Playa Mismaloya, where John Huston's The Night of the Iguana was
filmed in 1963, putting Puerto Vallarta on the international
tourist map.

With a rustic South Seas feel, Boca de Tomatlan is a small sandy
cove at the jungle's edge three miles south of Mismaloya where
the Tomatlan River meets the bay. Boca de Tomatlan is the last
beach stop on the primary road heading south from Puerto
Vallarta. It is another great site for swimming or snorkeling
with a couple of lovely beach restaurants where you can sit
under a palapa on the beach and enjoy fresh seafood.

To the south of Boca de Tomatlan are a number of quaint fishing
villages, secluded beaches and peaceful coves. Playas Las
Caletas and Las Animas are elegant, rock-lined stretches ideal
for quiet relaxation. Quimixto, one of the largest fishing
villages in the southern half of Banderas Bay, features a number
of excellent restaurants and the best surf south of Puerto
Vallarta. Near the southern-most point of the bay, Majahuitas
and Yelapa allow visitors to feel completely removed from
civilization. Bordered by lush jungles, these beaches are the
definition of tropical privacy.

About the author:
This article was written by Justin Burch. Justin writes select
pieces about travel in Mexico for the href="http://marriott.com/property/propertypage/PVRMX">CasaMagna
Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort. - href="http://marriott.com/property/propertypage/PVRMX">http://mar
riott.com/property/propertypage/PVRMX

5 Things To Look For In A Travel Reward Credit Card

2006-10-20T12:02:00.000-07:00

Author: John Morris

Article:
Tightly secured in an individuals cardholder or wallet, credit
cards seem to have replaced cash whenever it comes to shopping.
With credit cards, people will never have to worry carrying big
amount of money whenever they go shopping. Convenience is the
name of the game. With credit cards, it is a total cashless
shopping experience.

Consequently, the growth of credit cards has extensively reached
the financial world. Before, credit cards were considered as
alternatives to cash, but with the easiness of using these
items, they have become the much- needed paraphernalia.

Much of the progress can be attributed to freebies, rewards, and
other incentive enticing people to get credit cards. No wonder
why almost everybody has credit cards. In fact, surveys show
that nearly 80% of the Americans have at least one credit card.

Among the many marketing tools that credit card companies use,
rewards are considered the best. Credit card rewards bring a
particular credit card above the others. Rewards are considered
as one of the best solutions to make a particular credit card
stand out from the rest.

One of the common rewards credit card companies provide is the
travel reward. There are many kinds of travel rewards; however,
they are mostly focused on "air travels."

Travel rewards are usually accumulated by earning miles or
points based on the acquisitions that credit card holders make
with their plastics.

Travel rewards may differ from one another. There are travel
rewards that offer complimentary airline tickets, while others
provide markdown prices on "air travel." For people who do not
need these kinds of travel rewards, other options are available
such as hotel price cuts or money off on car rental rates.

One of the best things about travel rewards is that you can earn
something by merely using your credit card. Hence, people are
encouraged to use their credit cards as often as they can to get
travel rewards.

Today, there are many kinds of travel rewards as there are many
credit cards. This makes choices more difficult to bear. With so
many options, sometimes it is so hard to choose the right travel
reward for you.

So to get you started, here are some pointers that can help you
choose the best travel reward credit card for you. It is
imperative that you consider these things when deciding on a
particular travel reward credit card.

1. A good program

To benefit from travel rewards, it is very important that you
look for a good program. A good program should consist of higher
amount of rewards, reliable system, or reasonable limits. These
benefits will let you maximize your travel reward credit card.

2. Reasonable interest charges

It is a well- known fact that most travel reward credit cards
have higher interest rates as compared to those credit cards
without incentives. This is fairly acceptable considering the
fact that the credit card company is providing you with lots of
freebies anyway.

Of course, it is very important to take note of the interest
rates because there are some credit card companies that take
advantage of this privilege. Hence, it is better to take note of
your travel reward credit cards interest rates. So if you are
not at ease with higher interest rates, then, it is best not to
get a travel reward credit card.

But then again, keep in mind that interest rates only apply when
you do not pay your bills on time. Besides, you will not even
enjoy your travel rewards if you fail to pay your bills on time
as well.

3. The kind of travel rewards you can get

Of course, not all travel reward credit cards offer the same
incentives. Each travel reward credit card is different.
Incentives may range from free airline tickets to freebies in
hotel accommodations.

Therefore, before you try to apply for a travel reward credit
card, it is best to evaluate the rewards you will be getting. It
is best to apply for cards that can give you the travel reward
that can best work for you.

4. Good points accumulation system

Since travel reward credit cards work on points- based system or
through miles, it is best to choose a credit card that can give
you a clear method of accumulating miles or points.

Be sure that your travel reward credit card can give you the
appropriate points or miles for every dollar you spend. In this
way, you can be sure that the money you spend will provide you
something good in return. Conversion rates will differ from one
card to another, so it is best to see how your purchases can
give you the incentives that you deserve.

5. Expiry date

There are some travel reward credit cards that have expiration
dates. This refers to the required number of days that you have
to make purchases. If in case you fail to purchase anything
within that date, you will not be able to get the incentives
even if you have been diligent enough to pay your balances.

Indeed, travel reward credit cards can offer you a whole lot of
surprises. Think of it as an early gift from Santa. If you are
nice enough to pay your bills on time, you will surely reap many
travel rewards, extremely more than you can imagine.

About the author:
For more great travel reward related articles and resources
check out href=http://123rewards.info>http://123rewards.info

Work While You Are On The Road In Your RV!

2006-10-13T16:12:00.000-07:00

Article by: Michelle O'Connor, href="http://www.insideyourrv.com/rv%20loans.shtml">RV
Loans

THINGS TO CONSIDER

You
may not realize but there are many things to consider when it
comes to working out of your RV. Here are a few to keep in mind.
What kind of job: Seasonal, full-time or part-time? Location:
where and why? Space Consideration: How much and where? Working
while Rving: Making sure you set time aside for your life and
vacation.

WHAT KIND OF JOB

Is seasonal what you're looking for? For winter you may want to
consider Christmas tree farms, ski resorts, neighborhood snow
shoveling. Retail stores are also looking for seasonal helpers
to get them through the season. How about Fall? Opportunities
such as Pumpkin patches, yard clean up (due to the winds), again
retail stores getting ready for the holidays. Then there is
spring. Check out garden centers/nurseries who might become very
busy or agricultural jobs, which might just need a little extra
help. Summer, if you're not using this time to vacation here a
few ideas: This is time when school is out, childcare is usually
an issue with parents. You might try a daycare. Theme parks and
water parks are always a refreshing way to spend the summer
working. However, if you are the type that likes air
conditioning try fast food restaurants or even working out of
your RV. Working with a computer can bring may opportunities.
The computer is great for full-time and part-time work. Consider
the following when searching for jobs out of your RV: Becoming a
writer, having an internet web site business, sales (many
opportunities), tax preparer, property care taker, a financial
planner for a company that requires traveling just might be the
thing your looking for.

SPACE CONSIDERATIONS

Considering space may be more important than you think. Is your
RV big enough to work out of? Does your job require a lot of
paper work, if so where will you put it? On the table? Are
clients going to enter your RV? If so, it needs to look
professional. Are you going to have a considerable amount of
physical inventory? These are things to consider. We suggest
creating a space in the back and making it your office even if
there is not desk (there are many collapsible desks available on
the market). A place where a file cabinet and supplies can
remain out of sight. Using your kitchen table would be a great
place for a lap top and customers to have a place to sit.

LOCATIONS

Having the right location is extremely important. Consider the
following when choosing a location: A state that has the
economical growth that fits your needs. Weather, too hot or too
cold can make life miserable and costly considering the use of
gas and electricity. And last but not least, since you chose to
work out of your RV, scenery and personal activities are
something you should consider. You could even stop traveling for
a time and get into href="http://www.insideyourrv.com/rv%20sales.shtml">RV
sales.

SETTING TIME ASIDE

Keep in mind the reason your working out of your RV is so you
can enjoy life a little differently than home owners. If you're
a work-aholic make sure you set time a side for your life and
for vacation. It is very tempting to work when your office is
right there when you're vacationing. This is very important so
as to not burn yourself out and resent what you began as a
passion.

Beaches and Weather in Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya

2006-10-06T15:01:00.000-07:00

Millions of people a year flock to Playa del Carmen, and the
Riviera Maya, to escape cold weather, get a reprieve from work
pressures, and take time off for serious rest and relaxation.
The major attractions to the area are the white sandy beaches,
the amazing crystalline waters, the laid back Caribbean
attitude, and the warm tropical weather.

The climate in the Riviera Maya is semi-tropical, with an
average yearly temperature of 80° degrees Fahrenheit (26 °
Celsius), which can rise to 100° degrees Fahrenheit (37.7°
Celsius) in the hot summer months. June first is official start
of hurricane season and ends on November 30th. From November to
April, which is considered high season here;it is hot and sunny
during the day and cool and breezy at night.

February to May February, March, April, and May
are beautiful in The Rivera Maya. The Caribbean Sea is calm and
clear and as summer approaches the water temperatures gradually
rise. With warmer waters by May this is usually the time that
the jelly fish, or href="http://www.playamayanews.com/health/got_an_itch_to_go_swimm
ing_think_again..html" target="_blank">"agua mala"
come to our shores. So May is a perfect time of year to go href="http://www.playamayanews.com/area_info/cenotes.html"
target="_blank">cenote hunting! Nights can still be
cool, but a sweater is rarely needed.
June to
August During the summer months Playa del Carmen and The
Rivera Maya are hot, hot, hot! The humidity rises so afternoons
are steamy and hot. We highly recommend you stay close to a
water source. The Caribbean is so warm you can float the day
away, and the cenotes stay at an even 78 degrees (25.5C) which
is always refreshing. There is some rainfall in the afternoon
and evenings, but it never lasts very long. The nights do not
get much cooler so for a truly good night sleep
air-conditioning and a good fan are highly
recommended.
September and October September and
October are considered the height of the href="http://www.playamayanews.com/area_info/hurricanes_of_the_ri
viera_maya.html" target="_blank">hurricane and
tropical storm season. We also can get a fair amount of rain
during these months, however it doesn't rain everyday. It is
still hot and humid with days and evenings registering similar
temperatures.
November to January These are the
coolest months in Playa del Carmen and the surrounding areas,
which means it is warm and sunny during the day and cool and
breezy in the evenings. Rain is very rare during this time of
year, but evenings can bring temps in the high 60's (15.5C) so
a sweater is recommended.

Warm weather wear: Playa del Carmen and The Rivera
Maya's weather does not fluctuate that significantly though out
the year. It is the tropics so lightweight cotton clothing,
beach wraps (pareos),, and bathing suits are what you spend the
majority of your time in. During the day, the climate is hot and
light clothing, such as shorts and tank tops, are recommended.
During the evenings you may need a light sweater or jacket
depending on the time of year. For trips into the jungle, you
should wear pants, long-sleeved shirts and shoes in order to
fend off mosquitoes and other insect bites. Sturdy shoes should
always be worn if you plan on going to see any archeological
sights to keep you sure footed and able to explore.

Beaches and Beach Clubs in Playa del Carmen and The
Rivera Maya

Nuddy Beach Club and Bar: Located both in
Playa del Carmen and in Tulum, Nuddy beach, pronounced nudie,
is the quintessential beach club with lounger beds, bathing
beauties, trendy tunes, and buckets of beers. Located just
south of Mamitas Beach in Playa del Carmen, and about a
mile south of the ruins in Tulum, it is a great place to
people watch and enjoy everything the Mayan Rivera has to
offer.

Mamitas Beach: Located in Playa del Carmen,
Mamitas Beach and Beach Club has been around for years, but
after being severely damaged by Hurricane Wilma, it has
received a major facelift, and it is a favorite beach spot
for both locals and visitors. It has beautiful covered beach
beds, beach volleyball, excellent beach access, great tunes,
and a restaurant and bar on site. It is also the annual host
for the fashion show produced by Fashion TV. The best way to
get to Mamitas is by the access road on Avenue First South
between 28th and 30th Streets.

Tukan Beach: Tukan Beach and Beach Club is
located directly between Mamitas and Nuddy Beach.
Recently it also had a major face lift similar to Mamitas.
Actually Tukan and Mamitas kind of just meld together to
create the ultimate beach experience. Beautiful beaches,
beautiful people, yummy food, water sports, and premiere
lounging spots, you will not be disappointed.

Coco Beach: Considered as the northern beach this
is a bit of a jaunt from Playa Mamitas and Playa Tukan, Coco
Beach is considered to be more laid back and less trendy then
its sister beaches to the south. But keep in mind that it is
getting developed and there is a beach club in the works for
the upcoming season.

Xpu-ha Beach: Located just south of Puerto Aventuras
you can access this amazing stretch of beach by a sign that
reads "La Playa" on your left hand side. If you miss the turn
you can go a bit further south and there is a very small access
road just north of the Copacabana Resort. This stretch of
beach is a true slice of heaven with palm trees sprinkled
along the shoreline, excellent snorkeling, and various cafes
and bars that you can grab a bite to eat or a cold beer.
Although there are a few resorts that have access to this
beach that have yet to take over completely and you can
definitely while away an afternoon relaxing, and enjoying
this quiet and tranquil Caribbean beach.

Tulum Beach and Playa Paraiso: Just to the
south of the Tulum ruins there is an incredible stretch of
beach even less populated then Xpu Ha. There are small palapa
style hotelitos and cabanas along this beach that you can
stay in that are relatively inexpensive. At the same time
there are also trendy and chic beach resorts such as Mezzanine
that will pamper you silly. Tulum is a very popular spot for
kite boarding so you are likely to see the skyline peppered
with colorful kites on a windy day. Overall this is one of
our favorite beach spots that is in our area.

Topless beaches in Playa del Carmen and The Rivera Maya:
Although it is actually illegal to sunbathe nude or
topless on Mexico beaches, in Playa del Carmen and the Rivera
Maya, it is tolerated. Due to the major European influences in
the area most beaches you will see topless sun worshippers
trying to get as much sun on their bare bodies. There are
also clothing optional resorts and spas that cater to couples
who want to vacation in the buff. Some remote area beaches
you can strip down and bare it all. Keep in mind that Mexican
Nationals are a conservative bunch so respect the locals, and
if you are in a remote area keep a beach wrap close by. In
addition women should always practice caution and safely if
sunbathing nude or topless in a tucked away location or low
traffic area.

Enjoy your stay in target="_blank">Playa del Carmen!

About the author:
Sara Moen is a travel journalist and the editor of href="http://www.playamayanews.com"> Playa Maya News located
in Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Lethal Communicable Tropical Diseases And Viruses

2006-10-01T12:50:00.000-07:00

Lethal communicable tropical diseases and viruses can do worse
than ruin your holiday they can ruin your life, so you need to
read this article to be up to speed on lethal communicable
tropical diseases and viruses before you travel.

Lethal communicable tropical diseases and viruses can be
protected against, by taking one or two simple precautions,
before, and during your holidays. Many holidaymakers become
obsessed with an irrational fear of being bitten by a malaria
mosquito, or being felled by a tummy bug, and so fail to enjoy
their holiday.

Whilst Lethal communicable tropical diseases and viruses can
kill, there are sensible precautions that can be taken after
identifying and assessing the real risk factors.

There are three main sources of Lethal communicable tropical
diseases and viruses

INSECT BORNE TROPICAL DISEASES LACK OF SANITATION CAUSES
TROPICAL DISEASES HUMAN CONTACT AND TROPICAL DISEASES

In each case concerning Lethal communicable tropical diseases
and viruses the most important fact we need to remember is:

Protection.

There is an old proverb which says that if something can be
measured it can be done, and if it can be done it can be
improved!!

The same holds good for tropical diseases.

If lethal communicable tropical diseases and viruses are known
about, you can protect yourself from it, if you can protect
yourself from it, and you don't, you'll probably catch it!!

The most important precautions against lethal communicable
tropical diseases and viruses are:

1. Thorough personal hygiene prevents tropical diseases from
striking

2. Appropriate clothing and footwear prevents malaria type
tropical diseases

3. Vaccinations and a holiday medical kit are also important in
the prevention of tropical diseases.

4. Sensible behaviour, there is no protection from lethal
communicable tropical diseases and viruses without that!!

Let us deal in turn with the most well known potentially lethal
communicable tropical diseases and viruses

1. Malaria

Malaria is one of the tropical diseases that is widespread in
tropical regions.

Infection occurs after a bite from an infected anopheles
mosquito.

Protection: preventative medication (malaria prophylaxis).

The type of prophylaxis prescribed will depend upon your
ultimate travel destination and any stopovers.

Further precautions are the wearing of clothing that covers the
arms and legs and the use of insect repellents and mosquito nets.

Malaria Prevention

Malaria is caught from the bite of an infected mosquito.

It is a disease of the blood.

The mosquitoes do not buzz, and often have a painless bite.

The disease results in fever and flu like symptoms.

Bite prevention is the first line of protection.

If you were born in a malaria zone but have lived away, remember
that natural immunity to tropical diseases such as malaria is
lost quickly and you should consider antimalarials before
returning.

Anti-malarial tablets are safe for most people - see your Doctor
or Pharmacist at least 2 weeks before you go away to discuss
your needs.

Tablets should be started one week before you reach a malarial
zone to make sure they are suitable for you.

Most cases of malaria are contracted because people stop tablets
on return home - they should also be taken while you are away
and continued for 4 weeks after leaving a malarial zone.

Take tablets at the same time each day or week to make it a
habit, take them after food and with plenty of water.

If you are planning to get pregnant - inform your Doctor before
you go away.

Any flu like symptoms should be mentioned to your Doctor for up
to a year after returning from a malarial zone.

NO MALARIA MEDICATION WILL BE 100% EFFECTIVE. IT IS IMPORTANT TO
PREVENT BEING BITTEN!

It is imperative that children receive all the vaccinations
recommended, to avoid any chance of them succumbing to tropical
diseases.

However, it is not advisable to take infants and small children
on holiday to malaria areas.

2. Hepatitis A

This is Infectious jaundice, and it is important that you
understand the causes:

Increased risk in areas with poor sanitation, which means most
of the third world, makes this one of the commonest tropical
diseases.

Infection occurs through contact with contaminated faeces, water
(including ice cubes) and food.

Protection:

Vaccination

Preliminary vaccinations with an interval of 2-4 weeks provide
immunity for approx.1 year; a booster after 6-12 months then
provides immunity for several years.

Administration of immunoglobulin shortly before travel.

3. Yellow fever:

This disease is prevalent in some regions of Africa and South
America, and vaccination is required for entry to these
countries. Don't forget to check if you are making stopovers en
route: many countries require visitors to be vaccinated if they
have previously visited a country where yellow fever is
prevalent.

4. Polio

Polio occurs worldwide, though incidence is greater in countries
with a generally low standard of health where a comprehensive
vaccination programme has not been implemented.

Infection occurs through contact with a carrier of the virus,
primarily through contact with faeces, though sometimes via
contaminated food and drinking water.

Protection:

Vaccination or booster (in oral form or by injection).

5. Diphtheria

Occurs worldwide, primarily during the colder months in
temperate zones.

Recent increased incidence in the CIS countries.

Spread by airborne infection.

Protection:

Vaccination or booster, usually in combination with tetanus
vaccine.

6. Meningococcal meningitis:

This disease can, and does, occur anywhere in the world. Recent
epidemics in numerous African regions and lately also in Nepal
and India.

Protection

Vaccination: particularly recommended for long-stay visitors to
epidemic areas.

7. Typhoid, Paratyphoid:

Common infections in many hot countries, makes it one of the
higher risk tropical diseases.

Infection via contaminated food and water.

Protection

Careful hygiene and vaccination by mouth or injection.

8. Cholera

Infection from low standards of hygiene where cholera is endemic.

Protection

Vaccination against cholera is not obligatory for international
travel.

The vaccine does not protect against infection, though it can
prevent outbreak of the disease in individual cases.

A cholera vaccination can be advisable for individuals
travelling to areas with low standards of hygiene where cholera
is endemic.

If in doubt, consult your doctor.

9. Tetanus

"Lockjaw".

Widespread internationally.

Infection occurs via contaminated wounds.

Protection:

Vaccination (booster every 10 years), usually in combination
with diphtheria.

We have now dealt with the first two parts of the causes of
lethal communicable tropical diseases and viruses, and as a
reminder they are listed below

INSECT BORNE TROPICAL DISEASES

LACK OF SANITATION CAUSES MANY TROPICAL DISEASES

I have deliberately left to the last, the details on the
prevention of lethal communicable tropical diseases and viruses
from HUMAN CONTACT.

Strictly speaking this can't be described as one of the tropical
diseases, but AIDS is endemic in many tropical regions, and so
we will include it in our list of tropical diseases.

These are of course in the main, the sexually transmitted
diseases, which can have quite horrendous consequences for the
careless holidaymaker, not only now but for the rest of their
lives For some, relaxing and having fun on holiday involves
casual sexual encounters.

Surveys show that many people have sex with previously unknown
foreign partners while abroad resulting in sexually transmitted
disease on return home.

Abstinence or sex with a trustworthy, lifelong partner is THE
ONLY way of preventing sexually transmitted disease.

Extra strong condoms should always be used when having casual
sex, they should be bought at home, before travelling, as in
many countries local condoms can be destroyed by heat and are
often of a poorer quality.

Couples who do not have any sexually transmitted diseases and no
other sexual partners can not contract sexually transmitted
diseases while on holiday.

If you have any unusual rash, discharge or soreness on return
from your time abroad you should stop having sex and see your
Doctor or local GUM clinic Nurse immediately.

Protection against AIDS, hepatitis B and other sexually
transmitted diseases.

Today AIDS and hepatitis B, along with the "classics" gonorrhoea
and syphilis, are the most dangerous sexually transmitted
diseases.

The only sexually transmitted disease that is preventable by
vaccination is Hepatitis B - see your Doctor or Nurse 3-6 months
before you intend to travel for advice.

80% of AIDS cases reported in the UK in 1993 were contracted
while abroad.

AIDS is an as yet incurable disease triggered by the HIV virus.

General weakness and, later, complete collapse of the body's
immune system follow infection.

AIDS is spread primarily through unprotected sexual intercourse
with an infected person.

The disease usually does not break out until many years after
the initial infection.

It is impossible to tell by looking at a person whether they are
carrying the virus.

People with HIV can pass it on to others even if they do not
feel ill themselves, and they might not even be aware that they
have the virus.

The only way of telling whether someone is HIV positive is by
means of a blood test. The test is only reliable if carried out
three months or more after infection, as it does not indicate
the presence of the virus itself, but the body's reaction to it
(antibodies).

The main way in which AIDS is spread is via unprotected sexual
intercourse. Infection can occur during a single sexual
encounter with an infected partner.

A risk of HIV infection exists from all forms of unprotected
sexual contact in which infected semen; blood or vaginal
secretions can come into contact with the partner's mucous
membranes.

However, you cannot catch HIV from kissing, stroking, or massage.

The only way of protecting yourself from infection with HIV,
hepatitis B and other sexually transmitted diseases is by always
using a suitable condom - and using it correctly - during sexual
intercourse.

If you don't want to rule out a sexual adventure while on
holiday, make sure that you take enough condoms away with you.
The condoms available at your holiday destination, if any, may
be of bad quality and therefore unsafe.

You should also bear in mind that the percentage of HIV positive
men and women in the population can be very high indeed,
particularly in tourist centres in Africa, Asia and America.

In some of these areas as many as three quarters of both male
and female prostitutes are already infected with HIV.

AIDS and hepatitis B can also be spread through the use of
shared or dirty needles and syringes. If you need regular
injections for health reasons, make sure you take an adequate
supply of sterile syringes on holiday with you.

HIV cannot be passed on by normal everyday contact with infected
persons, so there is no need to worry about using cutlery, bed
linen, beds, bathrooms and WCs, swimming pools etc. during your
holiday.

To summarise this article on THE PREVENTION of lethal
communicable tropical diseases and viruses BE SENSIBLE,
UNDERSTAND THAT TROPICAL DISEASES AWAIT THE UNWARY, SO BE AWARE,
VIGILANT, TAKE PRECAUTIONS.

IF YOU CAN'T BE GOOD BE CAREFUL!!

About the author:
Ian Smith goes to the tropics frequently and takes sensible
precautions, find out what they are here.href="http://www.worldwidevacationspots.com/categories/Travel-Adv
ice/">Travel advice about Lethal Communicable tropical diseases
and viruses

Tips for Traveling with Children in Your RV

2006-09-22T15:02:00.000-07:00

A recreational vehicle can open up an exciting world of
traveling possibilities for you and your family. An RV
represents an efficient, convenient way to have a roadside
adventure. Yet, you might be wondering whether your children
will travel well in an RV.

A Chance for Bonding

You should look at your RV as offering a chance for family
bonding. For instance, while your husband is driving, you may be
able to play games in the back with your children.
Alternatively, when you take over the wheel, your husband may
want to turn on the DVD player and watch a movie with the crew.
Once in your campground, hook up your href="http://www.insideyourrv.com/rv%20satellite%20internet.shtml
">RV Satellite Internet and stream videos or movies with
your kids. You can even take your family pet along to join in
the fun.

Special Family Meals

An RV permits you to have special family meals together while
you're on the road. Since you have your own kitchen on board,
you should make the most of it. Plan unique lunches and dinners
in your RV kitchen. Your children will enjoy the ritual, and it
will provide them with memories to last a lifetime.

A Jam-Packed Toy Chest

With the extra room that an RV provides, you can afford to pack
along a toy chest filled with your children's favorite games,
dolls, puzzles, href="http://www.educationalwoodentoysandtoyboxes.com/dora%20the%
20explorer.shtml">Dora The Explorer toys, and other favorite
toys. In fact, you'll want a full complement of toys for the
road. In addition, consider packing along a shelf worth of
books—particularly joke books and puzzle books, which can
keep your children occupied for extended periods of time.

Plan for Some Outdoor Time

While it might be tempting to spend a great deal of time huddled
up in the RV, be sure to schedule some important outdoor time
for your children. At a campground, you can find swimming pools,
playgrounds, miniature golf, game rooms, and the opportunity to
rent bikes and boats. The campsite might even have organized
recreational activities for families. These activities allow
your children the chance to interact with other children who may
share their love of the road. So, sit back, relax, and
remember—an RV vacation can be just as much fun for you as
for the children!

Article by: Michelle O'Connor, href="http://www.insideyourrv.com/rv%20loan%20rates.shtml">RV
Loan Rates