How to Research and Book a Cruise Vacation

If you're planning a cruise, there are eight key questions you need to ask yourself before you even begin to book. Keep reading to learn what these eight questions are and how to research and book the best cruise vacation for you.

1. Who's Going?

Depending on the age of your travelers and whether you're planning a romantic getaway or a family fun free-for-all is going to have a defining impact on the type of cruise you choose.

By determining well in advance who will be going, you can really narrow down the choices.

2. What's Your Budget?

Setting a budget in advance will help you plan how much you spend and the type of cruise vacation that you can afford. A typical cruise vacation costs about $100-$300 per day per person, excluding airfare.

Booking early, booking last minute or being willing to take an inside cabin are ways you can save money on your cruise. Inside cabins do not have a window view of the ocean.

3. How Much Time do You Have?

Knowing how much vacation you have will help you narrow down your cruise choices. For example, if you only have 5 vacation days available, you won't be indulging in that 3-week adventure up the coast of East Africa.

Typically, a week's vacation allows for a solid 5-7 day cruise in the Caribbean. It can also work depending where you are in North America, Hawaii, Alaska, Europe and even the South Pacific.

4. When Do You Want to Travel?

Having a rough idea of when you want to go will help you focus on specific sailing times and even destinations. For example, Alaska cruises only operate during the five summer months.

5. Where Do You Want to Go?

From Africa to the Caribbean to the South Pacific, cruises travel all over the world. If you know, for example, you want to explore the cities of the Mediterranean, you'll be able to focus your search on Mediterranean cruises.

6. What Activities Do You Like?

For every taste, there's a cruise ship that caters to it. From wine tasters to extreme athletes, there are cruises designed specifically for you - you just have to determine your interest.

7. Do You Like Structure?

Some cruise ships have set dining times, ranging from as early as 6:00 p.m. to as late as 9:00 p.m. Others offer freestyle service which allows you to eat when you please.

8. Do You Enjoy Formal Wear?

Before you book a luxury cruise that offers formal dining every night, ask yourself if you're ready to pack your tuxedo. Whether you want to dress up for dinner every night, just a few nights or not at all, there's a cruise for you. Just be sure to research your options before you purchase.

For information on practical travel cruise recommendations, please visit http://www.travel-cruise-adventures.com, a popular site providing great insights concerning help with cruise line and location ideas, such as Holland America Cruise Lines, Crystal Cruise Lines, and many more!

The Bahamas Vacation of a Lifetime is Waiting For You Right Now

From when Mr. Columbus docked at San Salvador in over 500 years ago The Commonwealth of the Bahamas persists as a very popular voyager stop. If your Bahamas vacation incorporates The Abacos or to all 700 as part a sailing expedition you will have a blast. With the seductive shorelines and cool stuff to do you assuredly will not be apathetic. The youth opportunities yachts aqua events and out of the ordinary excursions assure that there is heaps to do. Regardless of your itinerary for your Bahamas vacation you'll fashion experiences that go on a lifetime.

When many travelers dream of the Bahamas they picture unsullied shorelines and crystal surf. With vision 61 meters this locality has the most transparent surf on the planet. If you just devote your every moment sunning yourself on the coasts you will be remiss if you don't slip into the surf. You could easily become among the some travelers who revisit each year for the fantastic fishing. In a number of the outlying islands you will wish to find your own amenities and air replenishment.

Your family will really delight in their jaunt to the Bahamas. But if they are scoping for buccaneers like Calico Jack their discouragement will not go on long. You will be able to encounter a blend of lively enterprises like wind surfing and more informational junkets. Native shows and other Island artistic functions are a certain way for child tomfoolery. The more populated islands have established child enterprises such as water slides. If you wish some personal time some resorts have sitters and kid groups too. For edifying tomfoolery a Bahamas vacation can be perfect.

On your vacation you'll have the good fortune to delight in some features of Island way of life. This is a blend of European and African cultures deriving from its great time of marauding and territorialism. Junkanoo is a unmatched festival that you should seek out. Resembling the holidays of New Orleans and Rio it is a dynamic and splashy procession. You will delight in the blazing ensembles and pulsing dancing to percussion instruments. Since it has pedigree in the custom of allowing servants a few days break at Xmas this is when you will doubtless try out this celebration. Don't get disappointed if you aren't traveling at Christmas as some islands arrange a Junkanoo celebration in midsummer. Your family will groove on this performance and you'll all have photographs to relate with the classmates about your Bahamas vacation.

You will encounter precisely what you are scoping for on your Bahamas vacation. From more relaxed days tanning on the coasts to more full gear experience there are heaps of selections. Your clan will have a jaunt of your dreams even if you don't get to every one islands. Such crystal surf and friendly travelers are unmatched to this locality. A jaunt to Eden is yours on your Bahamas vacation.

Find the resources your need for your next Bahamas Vacation at Bahamas Vacation Site.com

Travel Web Sites - 5 Dirty Little Secrets

Travel web sites are big business, and a lot of power has been placed in the hands of the consumer or has it? Does your urge to always look for a better deal play into somebody elses greed? A travel web site is a great tool but before booking online you must know these 5 dirty little secrets.

1. ALL TRAVEL WEB SITES ARE CREATED EQUAL RIGHT?

Afraid not. These days there are really two types of sites for booking online travel. The more traditional travel web sites like Expedia, Travelocity, and Travel Now and the new kid on the block known as travel search engines, which include sites like SideStep and Kayak.

A travel web site only searches its own database of available flights, and rooms, and car rentals. So the search is limited. On the plus side youll get more search features and booking services offered.

At travel search engines, the results will be more comprehensive than at a travel web site. These engines will include results directly from airline sites, travel web sites, and other databases containing flight and room availability. But youll find a more restrictive search capability, and you wont get the bells and whistles of a travel web site.

2. IT REALLY DOES PAY TO COMPARE AS MANY AS YOU CAN

A travel web site will negotiate and purchase blocks of fares and rooms directly from airlines and hotels. They can then set their own reduced rate. Because of this the same seat on a flight, or room in a hotel, can vary between travel web sites. So if you want the cheapest fare or room always check out at least two or three before booking online travel.

3. TRAVEL WEB SITES DONT ALWAYS GET THE BEST DEAL

And just before you press that submit button at your chosen online booking site hop over for a final check at the airline or hotel web site for any special offers or lower rates you may get if you book directly. Sometimes the best deals are reserved for their own online customers or preferred clients, and youll even avoid fees.

Speaking of fees

4. BEWARE OF TRAVEL WEB SITE SERVICE AND TRANSFER FEES

The travel web sites may be complimentary to search but they charge to book, and if you have to change itinerary then it can be frustrating and costly. On the good side the service fees are not usually outrageous around $5 per ticket. But Ive seen some creeping up to around $20 and theres no need to pay that price.

Now transfer fees are another kettle of fish, and it can cost you $100 or more to change after youve booked a flight. And if you want a refund be prepared to spend hours on the phone to get to somebody who can authorize it.

The travel search engines make money from paid advertising and a referral fee from the airlines or hotels, so usually you dont pay a fee when using them to book. But this is changing so check for fee disclosure before booking.

5. THE HIDDEN LINK THAT CAN SAVE YOU MONEY

Many of the travel web sites have a link on their page that allows you to become part of their affiliate program for no cost. The problem is its usually hidden at the bottom of the page in type point 7 invisible. By becoming an affiliate you can earn a small commission for everybody you refer to them that buys a ticket or room.

But before you rush out and quit your day job and set yourself up as a home-based travel agent, understand youll have to send them hundreds and hundreds of people hot to buy to make any money. But here are better reasons to become an affiliate

These same sites allow you as an affiliate to purchase your own tickets and still get paid the commission. Its effectively a discount. For the sake of spending a few minutes completing the form why not do it?

Now be sure to check the small print on the agreement just so youre familiar with the restrictions if any, and how theyll pay you.

Armed with these tips and secrets youll be better prepared to navigate through a travel web site. I use them all the time and continue to find new twists and gotchas. And theres still that travel agent in the mall if you just cant be bothered with the whole online game.

Cliff Calderwood is the owner and contributing writer of the New England vacations guide . You can read more vacation articles like this and get a free travel report at his New England vacation site.

Being a Tourist Aboard the Ship

Taking a cruise is not all about the destinations you reach, but you can enjoy much more of the trip if you also take a little time to appreciate getting to those destinations. There are so many things to do on ships these days that some cruises don't even have an exotic destination. They are simply cruises to nowhere, where you can just enjoy the offerings on the sailing vessel.

Years ago there were not too many things to do on board a cruise ship. You would bring a good book and wait until the ship delivered you to your first destination to explore. Now, they are floating entertainment venues that also offer lodging and transportation to your travel destination. These ships are accustomed to seeing thousands of tourists at a time and are chock full of activities and opportunities for everyone.

The larger cruise ships often have many more things than restaurants, lodging floors and swimming pools. Many also have their own shopping malls where you can find anything from beach wear to high end apparel and accessories to toys for the kids. They also are likely to have a number of spas and boutiques where you can pamper yourself and feel more like a movie star than a tourist, and relax away your voyage to your travel destination.

If you would prefer to be a little more active with your free time on board, there are quite a few ways you can pass the time. Most ships offer swimming pools and shuffleboard courts and larger ships will sometimes over racquetball courts, tennis courts, rock climbing walls, and maybe even a few bowling lanes to play on.

If you're a duffer and don't know if you can stay away from your golf clubs for the duration of a cruise, you may be able to combine the two. Many ships these days have driving ranges on board where you can practice your swing while the ship traverses the seas to your next travel destination.

For those who like the old time past times, such as reading a good book while enjoying the salty air, you can still do that as well. The benefit on today's ships is that if you forget to bring a good book with you, many of them have libraries, or a book store where you can find a good read.

When it comes to meals, even though cruise ships are prepared to feed thousands at each meal, they do not compromise on quality while they are cooking for large quantities of passengers. Many ships have master chefs who know their art, and create dining master pieces meal after meal for your enjoyment.

While you will likely enjoy the travel destination you have selected for your cruise, you should always remember that there are plenty of ways to enjoy the trip to your exotic destination aboard the ship. You've paid your fare to be a passenger who is catered to aboard the vessel, why not take advantage of all the ship has to offer.

Being especially interested in vacation and holidays, Josh Mullen has been publishing a large number of news stories in this specific area. You can learn about his writings on travel destination at different sources for travel destination news.

Halloween Face Painting Ideas

Halloween is such fun for kids of all ages, and adults too. Here are some face painting ideas to get you in the Halloween spirit.

Halloween face painting idea 1: pumpkin

A bright orange pumpkin painted on each cheek. Black paint used to paint eyes, nose and mouth. A light grey would be used to show the ridges of the pumpkin as well as its outline.
An alternative would be to do a full face pumpkin with an orange face base (blending a darker orange shade over cheekbones), black triangle shape over the eyes (extending above and below the eye area), a black nose and a large black mouth (need to cover more than just the lips).

Halloween face painting idea 2: skull

A full face design. Has a white face as the base, large black 'panda' eyes, black and white vertical stripes on the lips (with the white stripes wider than the black ones) and a trickle of red from one side of the mouth (to indicate blood).

Halloween face painting idea 3: vampire

A full face design. A white face base, bright red lips, fangs coming out of each corner of the lower lip (outline is light grey, fill is white, and tip is red to denote some blood), eye lids are smoky grey (right up to and over eye brows), eye brow then exaggerated with black sweeping strokes.

Halloween face painting idea 4: bat

A full face design. A white face base, bat's face painted on forehead above the nose (it's in black with light grey for eyeballs, and for some definition in ears); the bat's body is painted in black on the nose and ends at the base of the nostrils (use different shadings of black; the bat's wings extends out from head and body and covers the eyes curving up towards the temple and down the outside of the eye to mid cheek (again use different black shadings and some fine dark grey strokes to paint some definition into the wings); the lips are painted in dark grey with an exaggerated upward curl at the corners.

For another 50 face painting ideas - click here to check them out.

If you would like to learn face painting techniques - click here to for more information.

From Penny Crane - http://GreatFacePaintingIdeas.com

Father's Day Gifts Kids Can Make

There's still time for your kids to make some great gifts for Dad! Try one of these simple, inexpensive ideas.

1) A Customized Board Game

Brainstorm about Dad's interests and hobbies. Then choose a theme for a board game you can make, similar to CandyLand. Buy a piece of white or colored posterboard. (Cost: $1.00 or less) Write a title at the top to fit your theme such as, "Dad's Dream Vacation Game" or "Dad's Crazy Car Show."

Draw a winding path with two lines from the lower left corner to the upper right corner. Write START in the lower left corner and FINISH in the upper right corner. Divide the path into spaces. Add pictures and instructions to many of the spaces that will move players both forwards and backwards. Ideas:

• You forgot to change the oil in the car. Go back 2 spaces.
• You stop and help someone change a tire. Go ahead 4 spaces.
• Delays at the airport. Lose a turn.
• Free food at the amusement park. Take an extra turn.

To play this game with Dad, you'll need a marker for each player. Coins or scraps of different colored paper work well. You'll also need a dice from another game. Each play rolls the die and moves forward that number of spaces. He/she follows the directions on that space. The first player to FINISH wins .

2) Dad's Choice Credit Cards

Make Dad his very own credit cards-for free! Trace a real credit card onto plain white or construction paper. Cut out several blank cards to complete. Add Dad's full name and an imaginary account number on each card. On the back, write something that you will owe Dad. Make each card different. Here are some ideas:

• Dad's choice on game night. You choose the game we play.
• Dad's choice of ice cream. You choose the flavor we buy at the grocery store.
• Dad's choice for dinner. (Please consult with the cook 24 hours in advance.)
• Dad's choice for television. Choose the evening, and choose the program.

Place these credit cards into your own homemade Father's Day card. When Dad opens the card on Sunday, explain to him that he can tuck these into his wallet and "spend" them whenever he wants!

3) Going Nuts

Place some of Dad's favorite nuts in an empty glass or plastic jar. Add a ribbon and a label that says, "Dad, I'm Nuts About You!"

Copyright 2008 Ann Richmond Fisher

Ann Richmond Fisher is the owner of http://www.WordFishery.com where you can find unique printable word puzzles. Her original puzzles include Buzzword, ZigZags, Triangulairs and more. All puzzles are free and are constructed with family-friendly words. People of all ages enjoy solving these challenging puzzlers.

Ann is also the author of over 60 books and products for the educational market. She specializes in writing word puzzles. math puzzles, brain teasers, and seasonal reproducibles. Her Buzzword puzzle appears in two weekly newspapers.

Please contact Ann through her website to learn how you may include her puzzles in your newsletters, magazines or newspapers.

Cultural Tourism - India

Since ancient times, India has been mentioned in glowing terms as the epitome of culture, heritage, and tradition. India is a land of diversity. Its diversity is all prevailing and continuous since the period of rulers such as, Rajputs, Mughals, English, and Portuguese. Besides this, the country also is potent cauldron of different religions and heritage prevalent since the time of these rulers. This diversity in culture has made India a very popular tourist destination.

Diversity in Integrity

The heritage and culture of India is not limited to one or two regions. It is prevalent all over the nation. The tourists can always explore something new and unique in every part of the country. They also come to know that the various cultures widespread throughout the country also bring integrity. Tourists travel through out India and understand why this heritage has withstood for thousands of years and still going strong.

Cultural Tourism in India

The diversity prevailing in the country, therefore, offers its tourist an array of options. Cultural tourism in India.

has always attracted tourists from all over the world. It includes various facets like architectural heritage, food, festivals, religion, languages, fashion, dance, and music. These different among then are -

Architectural Heritage: The different monuments and temples in the country reflect the architectural heritage of this great country. There are a variety of temples built during the ancient times. Some of these are Jain temples, Khajuraho temples, and temples of southern India. Some of the famous monuments are Taj Mahal, India Gate, Qutub Minar, and Red Fort

Food: Indian food presents a range of taste, spices, ingredients, and flavors. Some of these are Mughlai, Kashmiri, Goan, South Indian, Punjabi, and Rajasthani.

Festivals: India being a land of different religions, various festivals are celebrated throughout the nation. Some of these festivals are - Diwali, Holi, Christmas, Bakr Id, Easter, and Pongal. Tourists usually visit India during the festive season to be a part of the colorful festivities that are a part and parcel of each and every festival. For example, Pushkar fair in Rajasthan is quite popular among tourists. Similarly, Goa's carnival season also attracts many tourists from all over the world.

Dance and Music: Indian dance and music are famous are famous all over the world for their unique style and movements. Some of the famous dances are - kathak, mohiniattam, and kathakali. Indian music includes a variety of music from different states. These include Hindustani and carnatic music.

Cultural Tourism Tours

The diversity of culture and heritage of the country discussed above is distributed all over the nation. It doesn't matter when tourists visit India, they will always find an array of options to explore. There are online sites that can arrange Culture tours for you.

These sites also give relevant information about these cultural tours in India.

An Everlasting Experience

Exploring the different parts of the country through cultural tours in India leaves an everlasting memorable experience for the tourists. This offers an opportunity for tourists to explore the maximum out of their visit because they can't find so much diversity anywhere in the world. India is surely one incredible India land

"Mississippi Flyway" by Nel Rand: Book Review

Mississippi Flyway

Nel Rand

iUniverse (2005)

ISBN 0595357628

Reviewed by Cherie Fisher for Reader Views (9/06)

First time novelist Nel Rand hits a home run with Mississippi Flyway. The book caught my attention from the first page and kept it right through to the last page. It is rich with Southern culture and adventures along the Mississippi Flyway (the path along the Mississippi River that birds fly each season). I honestly felt like I was part of the adventure riding in the Bunny Bread truck with Ellie Moon and her Dad, the not so Tiny Moon. I also completely related to Ellies early life as a young Catholic child brought up on a diet of good ole Catholic guilt!

The story begins with scenes from Ellies childhood and the traumatic experiences she endures that eventually lead to repressed memories. Ellies early experiences, full of abuse, addiction and the early death of her sister Rose, set her up for a lonely and empty life as an adult.

Move forward to Saint Louis in 1967 where Ellie is an unemployed, recently divorced 31 year old still being incessantly nagged by her mother and you have a woman who is definitely ripe for an adventure. Thats where her wanderer father, a notorious gambler and conman, walks in after 20 years and offers to take Ellie on a road trip. She quickly accepts and begins the adventure of a lifetime.

The adventures for Ellie happen on two levels the trip where her father is being pursued by the nasty piece of work Sheriff Dover and the internal struggles that she has with her subconscious to remember what happened to her as a child. I experienced a real sense of the South as it was in 1967 as Ellie and Tiny are pursued by Dover to Kentucky and gambling at Miss Ludines, onto the backwaters of the Mississippi to an illegal moonshine distillery, to the wild eating contest in colorful Memphis, concluding with a Voodoo ceremony in New Orleans. All through this, Ellie is struggling with her feelings about Tinys abandonment when she was a child, her sister Roses death 10 years earlier and the memories that are starting to resurface. She realizes that its okay to let them out now because she is strong enough to deal with it, and that she must face them to move on with her life. Mississippi Flyway ends with Ellie learning just how much compassion and forgiveness she is capable of.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great weekend read. But be forewarned, dont pick this up before bedtime and expect to go to sleep early.

http://www.readerviews.com

New Laws Help the Boat Dealers Increase Boat Sales

For 2004 boat dealers saw fewer boat sales than any other time in the past 15 years. The boat dealer industry has been very careful to take many steps to correct problems on both the manufacturer and dealer ends. While manufacturers and boat dealers are working together to solve the problem, neither group is exactly in bed with each other.

Even though the NMMA has lobbied heavily, boat dealers still managed to gain great ground by winning new boat dealer laws in three states. The laws establish the business Vigorous lobbying by the National Marine Manufacturers Association against legislated dealer agreements did not stop dealers from scoring some major points in the past year with the passage of three new state boat dealer laws in Missouri, New York and eorgia.

These laws define the business relationships between manufacturers of boats and engines and the retailers who sell them. Among other things, boat dealer laws set boat sales territories, require written cancellation well before contracts are terminated, and require boat warranty payment. The idea is that stable dealers of boats will focus on customer service and improve the boat buying experience. However the National Marine Manufacturers Association is contending that the state laws will inhibit competition between boat dealers and ultimately the consumer will suffer.

Sandeepr is the webmaster of the site Boat Dealers of USA, on which he is currently working on.Boats are his passion and he is looking to make his site as complete resource site. On his leisure time he likes to listen music and reading books.

http://www.boat-dealers.us

Holidays In Amsterdam - The Flower City

Established in 12th century as a fishing village, today Amsterdam is the largest and most popular city of Netherlands. Although Amsterdam is fairly small, the city is packed with hundreds of treasures for travelers.

Here are a few of Amsterdam's most popular attractions and sightseeing activities listed to make your travel experience the best possible.

Museums

When touring Amsterdam, it is worth visiting its variety of museums famous for their historical and antique collections. Some of the major museums of Amsterdam are Rijksmuseum (known for its 17th century Dutch collected works), Steldelejk museum, Kroller-Muller (named on the daughter of a rich and eminent German industrialist) and Van Gogh museum (known for its collection of paintings by Van Gogh and other eminent artists from 19th century). With more than 50 museums each boosting amazing collections, it would be a sad thing to miss the experience of museum tour when holidaying in Amsterdam.

The Dam square

The Dam square is known for its historical value and is often an important part of many Amsterdam tours. The beauty and the historical background of this Dam make it a part of every tourist's visit, when touring Amsterdam. The various fascinating things about the Dam are also documented in the historical museum of Amsterdam.

Amsterdam Canal Cruise

Holiday in Amsterdam can never be complete without the Amsterdam Canal Cruise, through its magnificent and incredible canals. Cruising through canals is the best way to cherish Amsterdam tour, as you get to see marvelous 17th century houses and mansions, as well as startling architecture.

Oude Kerk

Surrounded with small houses, Oude Kerk is a very old and beautiful church, adored by many visitors both locals and foreigners. The church has a building designed in Gothic-renaissance style and has an octagonal bell tower. Located at the centre of red light district, the church has become quite popular among visitors on Amsterdam tour.

Hortus Botanicus - (the Botanical Garden)

With more than 6000 plants, Hortus Botanicus is quite an old and unique botanical garden. It dates back to the year 1632 and has some plants almost 2000 years old. Situated within the walking distance of other major tourist attractions like Amsterdam zoo and resistance as well as historical museum, the garden is remarkable place to enjoy your holiday in Amsterdam.

Albert Cuyp market

With more than 300 stalls, Albert Cuyp market is one of the most busiest and popular tourist attractions. This remarkable outdoor market has a variety of products and is situated in Pijp district. Surrounded with numerous shops and cafes, the market gets to see huge amount of visitors, local and foreigners, everyday.

Best time to visit or holiday in Amsterdam

With its tourist attractions and friendly local people, touring Amsterdam at anytime of the year proves to be good. But by far the best time or the peak time for visiting Amsterdam is in the more pleasant months of July and August. Even off-season Amsterdam tours are quite popular.

If you found this information useful you can find out more at http://www.last-minute-holidays.me.uk. You will be able to watch holiday videos as well as find out more about holiday destinations and a Last Minute Holidays. Please feel free to republish this article provided a working hyperlink remains to our site - Simon Johnson

3 Caribbean Cruise Tips - Miss These at Your Peril!

Caribbean Cruise Tips - One:

Make your mind up where you want to go. Sounds simple doesn't it? But many struggle trying to finally choose their cruise destination.

There are plenty of options to choose from, but you won't get any further than your own front door before choosing which Caribbean cruise you want.

Caribbean Cruise Tips - Two:

Choose a Caribbean cruise that fits your personal budget. You can get yourself in financial trouble by going buck wild on a five star cruiser, or settle for the less expensive cruises aboard one of several Fun Ships. The choices are far and wide, with respective prices to match.

Remember, the last thing you want is huge bills upon your return home, so budget sensibly.

Caribbean Cruise Tips - Three:

Have you ever considered a Theme Cruise?

Many cruise companies, including Caribbean cruse destinations have answered to the cruisers demands for more niche targeted cruises. In other words, you can book so called theme cruises, where you'll meet people of similar character, hobbies, habits as you.

For example, they're are cruise just for singles, people of certain age groups, sexes and sexual tendencies (such as lesbian and or gay cruises. You name it, there is most likely a cruise for it.

Here's an Extra Tip:

Beware of here today, gone tomorrow (with your money) travel agents. Always check that they are certified travel agents.
If you get the gut feeling that something is not right, then you're probably right, walk away.

Use the internet as a starting point for your research. Print out what appeals to you and take that along to your local travel Caribbean cruise travel agent. Try to get at least three quotes before making a decision to book your Caribbean cruise.

Check out some of the online blogs and forums, they are full of useful information. By using a common sense approach to your research, you'll be able to find the best options for your dream Caribbean cruise.

FREE Luxury Cruises are much easier to get than you think. This free report called Free Luxury Cruises shows you exactly how. No email address required, download your complimentary copy today.

You may freely distribute this article (and your Free Luxury Cruises Report), as long as the content and signature file remain intact.

Travel Trailer Insurance

Even in family recreational activities like traveling with a trailer, safety is always your priority. Nothing can give you more peace of mind amid your camping or weekend vacations than knowing that your family, your property and the investment in your home on wheels (RVs) are secured and protected.

Whether its a long vacation, or a short one, or whether you plan for full-time traveling, travel trailer insurance policies will make you feel secure knowing that all your investments will not be put to waste in case you incur losses due to accident, theft, windstorms, or just about any kind of unwanted situation that might endanger your lives and that of your property.

Among the benefits of insurance are personal property coverage, trailer attached accessories coverage, towing assistance, guaranteed loss replacement, coverage for RV full timers, medical benefits, emergency expense coverage, purchase price protection, and campsite or vacation liability coverage. Many insurance providers also have specialized insurance programs that have optional policies that differ from these mentioned standard travel trailer insurance policies.

Many travel trailer insurance companies also feature discounts for owning multiple policies with them or for maintaining a good driving record. They also provide options to decrease your premium cash out by increasing your deductibles. Premiums are based on type, size, and cost of your trailer; your age; your gender; the address at which the vehicle is principally garaged; and the frequency of your trailer use. Renewal policies are usually based on a twelve-month period.

Since insurance policies vary from one state to another, you can always locate a provider near you, especially through online searches, and find out the available services offered in your area. Many companies also provide free insurance quotes and all the necessary information you need, so you have better options for getting the best insurance policy tailored to your needs.

A temporary or permanent RV lifestyle need not be risky or costly for you, just as long as you know the right security and insurance that you and your trailer need; you can always be reassured and have a rewarding and peaceful RV experience.

Travel Trailers provides detailed information on Travel Trailers, Used Travel Trailer, Travel Trailer Rental, Travel Trailer Manufacturer and more. Travel Trailers is affiliated with Truck Lift Kits.

Hello from Montreal - Mexican Delights at La Iguana and a Peak at the Montreal Jazz Festival

The Plateau area is one of the trendiest areas of Montreal, so I decided to explore it a little further after my discoveries of Old Montreal. From my hotel I hopped into the subway at Place dArmes and took the blue train north to Sherbrooke. I enjoyed a wonderful stroll through the St-Denis neighbourhood, considered by many to be the most typical of Montreals neighbourhoods. Hundreds of street cafs, restaurants and funky boutiques line the street.

The streets in the area are characterized by duplexes or triplexes that have the typical Montreal exterior staircases in the front, many of which are used as comfortable places of rest and relaxation by the local residents. Many of the houses also feature small balconies on the upper floors, most of which are accompanied by small bistro tables and chairs for the outdoor enjoyment of the apartment residents.

The rooflines of in this neighbourhood are also very unusual: dormers and fake mansards add interest to the architectural mix. The atmosphere is very relaxed, artsy and bohemian. I continued my walk west on a small street call rue Roy and came across a Mexican restaurant called La Iguana that also has a small outdoor sitting area. Every since my earlier trip to Mexico this year I have developed a taste for authentic Mexican food and La Iguana with its Mexican flair pulled me in.

I sat down at a comfortable table in the corner with a perfect view of the restaurant and the street outside. Unfortunately, the sky was clouding over and shortly after another tropical thunderstorm was unleashed on the city, the third one today.

To find out more about this restaurant I asked the owner, Fred Saunders, who jointly owns the restaurant with his wife Julie Chiasson, to join me for a bit. Over a mojito he started to tell me about La Iguana and how it all came about. Fred and Julie have travelled numerous times to Mexico together and fallen in love with the country and its flavours. Fred mentioned that they have visited many places on the coast, including Acapulco, Ixtapa, Playa del Carmen as well as Cozumel. Fred and Julie both enjoy scuba diving and have been enjoying underwater adventures in Mexico for the last four years.

They started dreaming of creating their own Mexican restaurant and finally three years ago, they opened La Iguana. Fred mentioned that it is open seven days a week for dinner and also opens Friday for lunch. Every Thursday to Saturday they feature live Cuban music that entertains the crowd with hot Latin rhythms. Fred mentioned that La Iguana also provides a catering service and a musician rental service for two to 21 musicians, a new service which they started a couple of months ago.

Fred further explained that the restaurant receives many guests from various hotels and tourism establishments. Just a week earlier, La Iguana hosted the British racing team which was in town for the Montreal Grand Prix. Fred mentioned that they referred to their experience at La Iguana as the "best Mexican food they have ever had".

La Iguana is actually quite a small restaurant. It seats 64 people in total, including the tables on the sidewalk and the enclosed terrace which is also heated in the winter. Fred indicated that there are many nights when he has to turn away 50 to 60 people since he simply does not have the capacity to accommodate all the guests. For this reason he and Julie came up with the idea of opening another La Iguana. The second location will be downtown, and even beyond that Fred and Julies dreams extend to opening more locations, later on even in Ontario and different parts of Canada. Their dreams are to open a chain of La Iguana restaurants that will bring their concept of Mexican food to Canadians from coast to coast.

Big plans are in store for the new edition of La Iguana which is scheduled to open next spring in downtown Montreal. The new restaurant will be more spacious and feature a grill, allowing guests to order a whole fish hot off the grill. In addition it will also house a museum with authentic artifacts that will be provided by the Mexican Embassy. In addition, the new location will showcase live iguanas and live parrots to create an authentic Mexican atmosphere.

Talking about the history of La Iguana, Fred shared with me that right from the start the restaurant got good reviews. Their interesting dishes and plentiful portions might have something to do with it. Fred indicated that their fajitas and burritos are extremely popular. Ceviche, an authentic Mexican dish with seafood marinated in lime juice and coriander has also become a favourite. La Iguanas Camarones Acapulco consist of a half a pound of giant shrimps in garlic butter with orange zest and flambed with Grand Marnier. This signature dish is a crowd pleaser and looks like a sun with yellow rays.

Fred describes the cuisine at La Iguana as upscale Mexican and adds that the wine list is extensive with bottles ranging in price anywhere from $28 to $800. In addition, he and Julie have gone on research trips to Mexico and come back with 35 different types of Tequila that are all privately imported, another unique feature of La Iguana.

Well, with all this talk of tasty delicacies I was getting hungry and I wanted a chance to sample some of La Iguanas food first-hand. I decided to order the La Iguana Special: a large platter featuring stuffed jalapeos, guacamole, potato skins, cheese quesadilla, chicken wings, nopales (cactus) and flautas (egg rolls), served with sour cream and a spicy sauce. This dish gave me a great overview of La Iguanas cuisine and I savoured the tastes of Mexico. Then Fred surprised me with Shrimps Acapulco, one of La Iguanas signature dishes featuring huge shrimp in a Grand Marnier sauce. My appetite was more than satiated but I just had to try La Iguanas fried icecream for dessert which was a sinful and delicious way to cap off a very satisfying meal.

After some relaxing and listening to the live Cuban music I thanked Fred and headed out into the warm summer night. I walked down Boulevard St. Laurent, or The Main, Montreals principal north-south connection that divides the city into an eastern (mostly francophone) and western (mostly Anglophone) part. The many restaurants were filled with people and street life was animated. I walked through the pedestrian area on Prince Arthur Street, another popular restaurant area, to head south to Sherbrooke Street, one of Montreals main east-west thoroughfares. From there I made it to St. Catharines Street, the headquarters of Montreals famous Jazz Festival.

Montreals Jazz Festival is in its 27th year and over the course of two weeks from June 28 to July 9, 2006 more than 400 concerts will have been held, the vast majority of them free. B.B. Kings 80th Birthday Event was held on June 28. It is the largest jazz festival in the world and a true signature event for the city, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors. The festival is centered around Place des Arts and the Complexe Desjardins and with my packed schedule over these next few days tonight was my only chance to get a sneak peak at Montreals Jazz Festival. The crowds in front of the main stage and on St. Catharines were filling the streets as far as the eye could see and the audience were swaying to the rhythms of Afrodizz, Montreals best Afrobeat group, in front of a huge audience at the Scne General Motors .

What started 27 years ago as the dream of jazz aficionado Alain Simard has become the worlds biggest jazz festival that has featured stars like Ray Charles, Chick Corea, John Lee Hooker, Dave Brubeck, Muddy Waters, Dizzy Gillespie, B.B. King, Ella Fitzgerald, Count Basie, Chuck Mangione, Tony Bennett, Branford Marsalis, Wynton Marsalis, George Benson, Holly Cole, Al Jareau and hundreds more. This years lineup included a tribute to Paul Simon, appearances by Dave Brubeck, Brad Mehldau, Etta James and The Neville Brothers. More than 2000 musicians will be coming to town to excite the crowds.

With African rhythms swirling through my head I strolled back slowly to my hotel, reflecting on Montreals superb qualifications as one of the worlds major festival cities. I needed to catch enough rest for my early morning bicycle tour of Montreal

Susanne Pacher is the publisher of a website called Travel and Transitions(http://www.travelandtransitions.com). Travel and Transitions deals with unconventional travel and is chock full of advice, tips, real life travel experiences & interesting life journeys, interviews with travellers and travel experts, cross-cultural issues, and many other features.

Susanne has recently published a series of FREE travel ebooks about destinations such as Spain, Cuba, Mexico, Sicily, New York City, Chicago, Montreal, Toronto, Nova Scotia and many more. Visit Travel and Transitions - FREE ebooks( http://www.travelandtransitions.com/ebooks.html )"Life is a Journey Explore New Horizons".

Vegas Five-Star Hotels - Luxury at Its Best

Las Vegas hotels have accommodated tons of celebrities, millionaires, gamblers, young couples, and other vacationers who come to the city to splurge money, and have the best time of their lives.

Being the 28th most populous city of the United States (and one of the most visited), Las Vegas is the foundation of many hotels. The hotel corporations have provided their clients with not just a room to stay in, but also a variety of amenities, including casinos and nightclubs. If you're headed to Las Vegas with luxury in mind, you can check-in at the five-star hotels that promise to give you the best accommodation you deserve. Here are some of recommended Las Vegas hotels that have long established themselves:

One famous hotel is Bellagio Las Vegas. Awarded as an AAA Five Diamond Hotel, Bellagio boasts of its elegant guest suites and rooms, and its European-inspired villas. Bellagio also provides clients the best pampering and rejuvenation on its spa and salon. You can select from a variety of services such as grooming for fathers, beauty makeover for mothers, pamper party, spa journey and couple's package. The hotel also houses the world-famous Cirque Du Soleil, a motley crew of international acrobats, divers and swimmers who leaves the audience in awe with their dreamlike, breath-taking performances.

Mandalay Bay, located on the south end of the Strip, is another magnificent Las Vegas hotel. The hotel knows that people are different, and their concept of comfort and entertainment vary. Mandalay Bay is built around the concept of individuality, and promises to provide services custom-fit to the unique person. There is a variety of suites that will fit your idea of a dream vacation. If you come to Vegas to play, Mandalay is complete with your favorite games such as blackjack, crap and roulette. Mandalay also offers rooms for you to play the ever-famous game poker, may it be Texas Hold 'em to Crazy Pineapple. If you come to Las Vegas to let down your hair and party till the wee hours of the morning, Mandalay's Rumjungle nightclub can satiate your thirst for rhum and dancing. The nightclub hosts different themes, from Pretty in Pink (80s rock and new wave), Vibe (Reggae tunes with Jamaican rhum, one of Las Vegas specials), to Visual Eyes (fusion of hip-hop, rock and R&B). Mandalay has restaurants, shopping and event centers targeted to vacationers who want to escape their normal routine.

Of course Las Vegas Ritz-Carlton, one of Ritz-Carlton hotel franchise, is an addition to the list. The hotel which sits 20 miles east of Las Vegas Strip has a breath-taking view of Las Vegas Lake. Perhaps inspired by the lake, Ritz-Carlton gives its client a taste of Mediterranean living. This Las Vegas hotel entices its clientele with year-round golf, water recreation, and an easy access to McCarran International Airport.'

Besides these three, you can also opt for other world-renowned Las Vegas five-star hotels like Four Seasons, Palazzo, Trump International Hotel and Tower, and Wynn Las Vegas. If you are looking for the best place to stay in Las Vegas, you can never go wrong with these reputable five-star hotels.

If you are going to Las Vegas be sure to find out what Las Vegas hotel promotions are available for your stay. You can find Las Vegas hotel promotions for the introduced hotels and for almost all other hotels in Las Vegas as well. The advantage of hotel promotions is that you are booking directly with your desired hotel and that you are saving money for your Las Vegas vacation.

Hiking Backpacks - High Quality At A Low Price

Spring is right around the corner, which means it's the perfect time to start planning for fun, exciting activities in the outdoors. This also means you have to start shopping for the ideal hiking backpack, and if you're like me, you just have to make sure that you're shopping specifically for discount hiking backpacks that won't compromise quality for a low price. First things first, though, you have to choose between the two different types of backpacks for your needs: An internal frame backpack or an external frame one?

Internal frame backpacks are more appropriate for women or men with small statures, since internal frame backpacks keep all the weight centered at the bottom and won't alter your center of balance. The mostly moldable frame also means it will conform closely to the wearer's body, resulting in a much smaller overall size of the hiker and decreased possibilities of the bag snagging branches and hitting low obstacles. Last but not the least, they tend to be lighter than external frame backpacks. I found that a lot of supposedly discount hiking backpacks have inexpensive tags not because they're sold cheap, but because they are very small and priced according to size, so be wary.

External backpacks on the other hand, can generally carry heavier loads. Packing in items is easier as well, as external frame packs are much more forgiving with awkwardly shaped items. Aside from its versatility, these backpacks tend to be more durable and last much longer than its internal frame counterparts, and last but not the least, external frame packs are usually less expensive than similarly sized internal frame backpacks, which means most discount hiking backpacks you will find have external frames.

As mentioned before, people with smaller statures will have a much easier time using internal frame backpacks, as they are generally smaller in size and will provide a more stable load than its external frame counterpart. External frame packs also have less women friendly features such as hip belt and awkward shoulder strap placements. Women in general should choose internal frame backpacks. Fortunately, there are more internal frame backpacks now than external ones, and you stand a greater chance of finding discount hiking backpacks for women.

Men with bulky frames will gravitate more towards external frame backpacks, since these types are considered manlier than the comparatively smaller internal framed ones, and will generally offer more space for all of their items. It's relatively cheap price makes it even more appealing to budget-conscious men, and chances are discounted hiking backpacks are easy to find despite a smaller number made.

Once you've made your choice of backpacks based on your body size, budget (be careful about choosing discounted hiking backpacks, make sure it's not discounted because of factory defects or compromised quality), and specific compartment needs (don't forget about the look as well), you are ready to start planning for your outdoor camping or hiking trip. Just make sure to bring all the necessary items for a safe trip, and always plan for the worst while hoping for the best. The beautiful outdoors and its many exciting facets are waiting for you.

Article Hiking Backpacks is written by Cassaundra Flores, owner of skyfireproducts.com

Alaska Cruise Or Florida Vacation Too Expensive?

How often have you heard something like this? Sure, we would love to travel, but we dont have the time or the money to travel now. Well do that later, when the kids are raised or when Dad retires. Suddenly the kids have flown the nest and we look back with some misgivings. Should we have taken more time with the kids and done something really special as a family? Did we miss out on something genuinely valuable? Will we be able now to personally enjoy travel?

Here are some common reasons why many of us miss the value and joys of travel.

1. We sometimes postpone our own recreational travel because we feel we just cant afford it. Often income does not stretch to cover the expenses. Its probably not a great idea usually to go into debt for a vacation; however, some would argue that point. Its certainly not wise to dig a pit of debt so deep that we are buried alive, but some families borrow from their savings now and again to fund unforgettable family experiences.

2. The job requires much of our time. When we do get a few days or a week off for vacation, the yard and the home demand attention. The kids are playing T-ball and soccer and basketball and play in the band and The results? We often wear out several minivans and SUVs running hurry scurry from town to city and state to state, and we fail to invest our lives in travel -- travel simply for the sake of enjoyment. We may be losing out on more than fun. Being busy is not always the best investment of our time.

3. Travel and vacation are not always easy. Worthwhile vacations require planning and effort. Sometimes a distant, exotic destination is not the best choice either. Half the battle is in our creativity and attitude! Travel does not always mean a trek across the nation or a transatlantic cruise. Travel is to decide on a destination, be it a neighboring county fair or a national shrine, and to enjoy both the journey and the destination. The travel experience may be practically in our own back yard.

4. In the final analysis we have to ask, Is a travel vacation worth the cost and the effort now, this year? More often than not, the carefully chosen vacation probably will be fun, increase our appreciation for the world we live in, increase family unity, and engrave memories that truly last a lifetime. Travel enriches our lives with meaning, and who can place monetary value on that? Travel snatches us out of our tiny corner in this wonderful world and hurls us into the human family, and there it can perform its magic.

That all sounds great! you say. But reality is reality. The bills tear holes in our bank account. The home begs a new coat of paint. We have to shell out $100 for our kids neighborhood party next week. And besides, it is expensive to travel! It costs a small fortune these days to fly to Florida and stay in a nice motel.

That is reality. Those are real demands that we encounter in the real world. However, others who do travel may have some answers. Some of those world travelers have learned travel tricks and can share some tips that will empower you to see over your backyard fence. If you dream of swimming in a blue lagoon in the company of curious dolphins or of standing on top of a 14,000 foot peak in the Rocky Mountains savoring the spectacle of hundreds of peaks and the cleanest air youve ever inhaled, then lets join hands, and give substance to your dreams, and vitalize your lives and your closest relationships with travel. Check out the articles at www.cedarviewtravelresources.com for further information.

Donald Pyle is a husband, father, and grandpa with experience in education and interpersonal relations. He specializes in helping others plan and realize their travel needs and their dream vacations. He is a certified referring travel agent, association specialist, and CLIA certified http://www.CedarViewTravelResources.com

Accessorizing Your Home For Summer Holidays

Two of my favorite holidays are nearly here! I'm very patriotic and love to celebrate Memorial Day and July 4th with my family and friends using as many patriotic accessories as I can find to decorate. Will you be having a picnic at your lake or beach house and want to wow your guests with your patriotic accessories using themed serving ware? I found some great serving pieces that have flags and stars on them, and they are made of food-safe aluminum using a sand-cast technique.

I love the beach and have a nautical theme throughout my house and the new serving ware complements my style well. To welcome my guests, I hang my American Flag by the front door and then get out all the American Flag accessories I have for inside my home as well as on the porch - chair cushions, table place-mats, dishes, glassware, napkins and more. I purchased a stars and stripes flag serving platter, which is a 3-D platter with a flag in the center with stars around the border. I'm also thinking of buying a stars and stripes waving flag platter as it's very cool looking!

Searching for some new patriotic serving ware was fun as I wanted to find not only patriotic pieces but wanted a classic design with modern trends for quality serving ware pieces that won't go out of style. The product I bought was hand-poured and hand-polished. With minimal care the sand cast aluminum products will shine forever. They should be hand washed, which is easy to do and contributes to keeping the shine.

Classic luxury. Casual elegance. Perfect style. I think you will be happy if you decide to purchase a stars and stripes piece of serving ware!

You can see some Keane nautical theme serving ware at http://www.homeatsea.com

Thanksgiving Travel Tips to Save Money on Gas

Thousands will be opting to take to the road instead of the air for their annual Thanksgiving Day visit to "grandmother's house." Joel Burrows, a.k.a. "The Car Doctor" and vice president of training/R&D at Precision Tune Auto Care, has timely advice to help travelers keep their cars in good working order while saving money at the gas pumps this holiday season.

Before heading out, check your vehicle's fluid levels oil, brake and radiator. Check all of the hoses. If any are frayed, cracked, mushy or leaking, have them replaced. If accessible, squeeze the hose. If a cracking sound is heard, this indicates internal wearing of the hose and necessitates replacement. For added peace of mind, The Car Doctor suggests having an air induction and fuel injection cleaning process performed. Especially if you notice that your car isn't performing as well as usual. Some service centers call it a fuel system service. Not only does this procedure help with many driveability issues, it is the one single procedure you can have performed that will make an immediate increase in fuel economy and performance. Check your tires' air pressure. When tires aren't inflated properly, it can cost a mile or two per gallon, according to the Car Care Council. Check your tires' air pressure when the tires are cold. Make sure they're all inflated according to the manufacturer's specifications. You can find this in your car's owner's manual or possibly on a chart inside one of the car's doors, on the gas cap, or on the trunk deck lid.

Use proper octane fuel. Higher-octane gas, which produces less energy, not only costs more, it also yields lower miles per gallon. Have a certified technician perform an engine and emissions analysis to ensure that the engine is running at maximum efficiency.

Maintain steady speeds; use over-drive and cruise control on the open road. Avoid making quick starts or stops. To avoid jamming on brakes, stay a good distance from the car in front of you. When possible, slow down simply by taking your foot off the gas. Every car has an optimum efficiency level, at which it operates best. However, most people drive at these speeds only 1 to 3 percent of the time. For most cars, the optimum speed is between 38 and 48 miles per hour, but any speed over 55 miles per hour causes your fuel efficiency to decrease. Plus, driving faster makes your tires heat up more, which causes them to wear out sooner. Drive smoothly. Whenever possible, avoid jerky stops and starts. If people drove more smoothly, they could increase their gas mileage from 300 miles per tank to 330, for example. Plus, driving more gently will decrease wear and tear on both your car's brakes and tires.

For safety bring a cell phone and road map. Once you arrive at your destination, have a wonderful holiday feast and remember to follow the above advice for the drive back home.

Leni Kass has been in marketing and public relations for over 15 years. Previously, she worked with teens, and facilitated a therapy group for adolescents with eating disorders. She is cofounder and CEO of Hey U.G.L.Y., Inc. NFP, a 501c3 nonprofit organization that empowers teens with self-esteem building tools, to help them counter challenges such as eating disorders, bullying, violence, substance abuse and suicide. U.G.L.Y. is an acronym that stands for meaning Unique Gifted Lovable You.

Wingfoot Air Express - The First Airship Disaster

On Monday 21st July 1919 the Wingfoot Air Express (owned by the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company) crashed into the Illinois Trust and Savings Building in Chicago, with the loss of 13 lives. This was the worst Airship disaster in the USA until the Zeppelin Airship, Hindenburg crashed in 1937. Of the 13 who died, one was a crew member, two were passengers whilst the remaining 10 were bank employees in the building below.
The Wingfoot Air Express was carrying passengers from Grant Park to the White City Amusement Park when, at an altitude of about 1200ft, the craft caught fire above the Chicago Loop. Once the crew realised that the Airship was lost, the Pilot and the Chief Mechanic parachuted to safety along with a third person who broke both legs and later died in hospital.
The Illinois Trust & Savings Bank building on the corner of LaSalle Street and Jackson Boulevard, housed 150 employees who were closing up after the days business (the fire being reported to have started at 4:55pm) in the main banking hall. The main hall was illuminated by a large skylight and the remains of the Wingfoot Air Express struck the banks skylight directly causing flaming debris to fall through to the hall below. As well as the ten employees who were killed, 27 members of staff were also reported injured.
After the crash, Chicago City Council imposed a ban on hydrogen filled dirigibles from flying over populated parts of the city. The Airships home base, Grant Park Airstrip, was also closed shortly after the crash.

Published in honor of those who lost their lives while at their work in the bank, in a catastrophe that left all officers and employes grief striken.
THE GREAT TRAGEDY
Out of the clear sky came a mass of flaming wreckage which crashed through the big skylight of this bank, bringing death and injury into the Illinois Trust family. A big dirigible sailing over the loop caught fire a thousand feet in the air and came rushing like a flaming comet, down to earth. The finger of fate had selected the skylight of this building among the hundreds of flat roofs surrounding, on which the dirigible was to strike.
This great tragedy resulted in the death of ten of the bank's people and the injury of twenty-seven others, leaving a never to be forgotten shadow over the entire institution. Employes and officers were busy closing up the day's business on July 21st. It had been a big day. Monday almost invariably brings more business than other days of the week. Many of the employes already were on their way home. Those still at work were putting the final touches on the day's work and would have departed for home very shortly.
Suddenly, as if the whole roof was caving in, there came a big crash and down through the skylight descended the huge, fiery blimp with its twisted iron and heavy mechanism, past the balcony and down to the first floor upon the heads of employes who were working underneath the large skylight.
from The Columns of the Illinois Trust & Savings Bank, Chicago [special memorial issue]: 3, July 1919,

Duncan Rice is the owner of a new Airship related website which goes by the name of Blimpship.com. The site is designed to be a new resource for those interested in airships, blimps, dirigibles or zeppelins.

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative

As of January 23, 2007 the new Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) requires all travelers to and from Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda to present a passport or other accepted document that establishes the bearers identity and nationality in order to enter or re-enter the United States. The goal is to strengthen border security and facilitate entry into the United States for U.S. citizens and legitimate international travelers.
Under this law the following documents are be acceptable to fulfill document requirements:

U.S. Passport: U.S. citizens may present a valid U.S. passport when traveling via air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda, and may also use a U.S. passport when traveling via sea and land borders (including ferry crossings).

The Passport Card (also referred to as the PASS Card): This limited-use passport in card format is currently under development and will be available for use for travel only via land or sea (including ferries) between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. Similar in size to a credit card, it will fit easily into a wallet.

DOS and DHS also anticipate that the following documents will continue to be acceptable for their current travel uses under WHTI: SENTRI, NEXUS, FAST, and the U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document. Members of the U.S. Armed Forces on active duty traveling on orders will continue to be exempt from the passport requirement

The passport requirement does NOT apply to U.S. citizens traveling to or returning directly from a U.S. territory. U.S. citizens returning directly from a U.S. territory are not considered to have left the United States and do not need to present a passport.

U.S. citizens traveling from U.S. territories need not to present a passport to re-enter the United States. As long as the territories are a part of the United States. U.S. citizens returning directly from a U.S. territory are not considered to have left the U.S. territory and do not need to present a passport. U.S. territories include the following: Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Swains Island and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
Children are also required to present passports under the rule. Yes, children will be required to present a passport when entering the United States at airports. More information on obtaining a passport for a minor can be found at http://travel.state.gov

Heres what will happen to you if you attempt to re-enter the U.S. without a passport or an alternative travel card. Under the law, the new documentation requirements may be waived under certain circumstances. These exceptions include individual cases of unforeseen emergency and individual cases based on humanitarian or national interest reasons. In addition, the State Department has processes to assist U.S. citizens overseas to obtain emergency travel documentation for those with lost or stolen passports. There was a time when if a U.S. Citizen lost or their pass port was stolen you could go to any U.S. Embassy and get a new one issued right on the spot.

For the general public, people who apply for entry but do not have appropriate documentation will be referred for secondary screening at the port. In secondary, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers will evaluate any evidence of citizenship or identity the individual may have and will verify all information against available databases. However, to prevent delay at the ports of entry, they encourage all U.S. citizens to obtain the appropriate documents before they travel.
What impact recent legislation may have on the deadline of implementation for the land and sea phase is unknown.

While recent legislative changes may permit a later deadline, both the Departments of State and Homeland Security are working to put all requirements in place to implement the land and sea phase by the original deadline of January 1, 2008. Advance notice will be provided to enable the public to meet the land/sea border requirement.

Over 70 million U.S. citizens hold valid passports, an estimated quarter of the eligible population. The number of passport applications and issuances continues to grow. In fiscal year 2006, the U.S. Department of State issued over 12.1 million passports.

DHS has prepared a separate economic analysis, known as the Regulatory Assessment (RA), which is summarized in the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) published August 11, 2006, and is available in full for review and public comment from the Federal Register docket. DHS has determined that the benefits facilitation of travel and increased security in the air and sea environments justify the potential costs. A complete and detailed Regulatory Assessment can be found in the docket for this rulemaking: www.regulations.gov; see also www.cbp.gov. For further information, please contact DHS.

Registration at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate (in the country you are visiting) makes your presence and whereabouts known, in case it is necessary for a consular officer to contact you in an emergency. During a disaster overseas, American consular officers can assist in evacuation were that to become necessary. But they cannot assist you if they do not know where you are.

Registration is particularly important for those who plan to stay in a country longer than one month, or who will travel to:

*A country that is experiencing civil unrest, has an unstable political climate, or is undergoing a natural disaster, such as an earthquake or a hurricane.

*A country where there are no U.S. officials. In such cases, you should register at the U.S. embassy or consulate in an adjacent country, leave an itinerary with the Consular Section, ask about conditions in the country that you will visit and ask about the third country that may represent U.S. interests there.

If you are traveling with an escorted tour to areas experiencing political uncertainty or other problems, find out if your tour operator is registering your trip through the State Departments travel registration website . If it is not, or if you are traveling on your own, you can still register with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate through the State Departments travel registration website .

In accordance with the Privacy Act, information on your welfare or whereabouts may not be released to inquirers without your expressed written authorizations. Registration through the website is not considered proof of citizenship. Remember to leave a detailed itinerary and the numbers or copies of your passport or other citizenship documents with a friend or relative in the United States.

Travel Warnings are issued when the State Department recommends that Americans avoid a certain country. The countries listed below are currently on that list. In addition to this list, the State Department issues Consular Information Sheets for every country of the world with information on such matters as the health conditions, crime, unusual currency or entry requirements, any areas of instability, and the location of the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate in the subject country.

Cte d'Ivoire 06/01/2007

Iran 05/31/2007

East Timor 05/11/2007

Nepal 05/07/2007

Eritrea 05/02/2007

Yemen 04/30/2007

Philippines 04/27/2007

Uzbekistan 04/25/2007

Congo, Democratic Republic of the 04/24/2007

Sri Lanka 04/05/2007

Afghanistan 04/04/2007

Algeria 03/22/2007

Central African Republic 03/06/2007

Liberia 02/16/2007

Kenya 02/06/2007

Burundi 01/24/2007

Nigeria 01/19/2007

Israel, the West Bank and Gaza 01/17/2007

Haiti 01/10/2007

Indonesia 01/09/2007

Lebanon 12/22/2006

Saudi Arabia 12/19/2006

Pakistan 12/05/2006

Chad 11/20/2006

Syria 11/13/2006

Sudan 10/05/2006

Iraq 08/28/2006

Somalia 06/05/2006

Bosnia-Herzegovina 03/30/2006

Colombia 01/18/2006

US Airways - International Travel Tips

For more articles by Michael Webster go to: http://www.lagunajournal.com

Michael Webster
301 Forest Ave., Laguna Beach, CA 92651. Ph. (949) 949-7121. Fx. (949) 583-0154. e-mail mvwsr@aol.com http://www.michaelwebster.net Mr. Webster is a United States Citizen of Native American Heritage.

America's leading authority on Venture Capital/Equity Funding, Trustee on some of the nations largest trade Union funds. Labor Law, Teamster Union Business Agent, General Organizer, Union Rank & File Member Representative, Grievances, NLRB Union Representative, Union Contract Negotiator, Workers Compensation Appeals Board Hearing Representative and a noted Author, Lecturer, Educator, Emergency Manager, Counter-Terrorist Specialist and Business Consultant. Michael Webster is a world-renowned expert on global economics, financing, emergency management, preparedness and terrorism. He is the author of Venture Capital, the Christian Covenant the RedRoad, the LemonFast. And the United States Civil Defense Emergency Training Manual. Mr. Webster has Collaborated on a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) course having over 300 plus page

Getting the Best Deal From On-line Travel Search Tools

Just type in the word 'travel' to your favourite search engine and you will be inundated with travel search tools asserting that they can get you the best deal. There are more and more on-line travel search engines springing up on the internet every day.

There is no doubt that using travel search tools for hotels, flights and car hire, can save you money and time, but it is important to remember that when you use a travel search, you will only be searching amongst the hotels, flights, car hire and other travel related businesses that the search company has established contracts with.

If you are looking to get the best deal, you will need to search across a selection of travel search engines to ensure you are looking at the widest cross section of travel companies to buy from.

To try this out for real I selected ten hotel search engines from which to book hotels in Sydney, Toronto, Paris, Cape Town and New Orleans. The same check in and check out dates, and the room requirements were entered into the search engines.

A count of the hotels offered revealed that just over 60% of the hotels were common to all the search engines, mainly the big hotel chains. Of the remaining 40%, only half the hotels were found on more than one search engine.

The best deals found in terms of price were those hotels unique to one or two of the search sites.

The same exercise was repeated for the flight search engines. Some of the flight search engines could not provide flights to the destinations selected, on the days that were input into the search engine.

Many of the travel search engines provide facility to find hotels, flights and car hire. When these search engines were used to hire a car, it was apparent that the best deals could be found by going directly to the car hire company offering services direct, at the destination.

To enable you to track down the best deal and put together a travel package that suits you, go to http://www.travel-tastic.net. On the site you can find a range of hotel, flight, car hire travel search engines to choose from. There are also many other resources to help you get the best price and check availability directly from travel companies of all kinds, ranging from theatre and events tickets to luxury cruises and package holidays.

Bill Bailey is a freelance travel writer. Bill's website http: http://www.travel-tastic.net contains more articles and practical tips and advice on travel.

Botanical Gardens of Costa Rica

On my last trip to Costa Rica in Feb. 05, while doing research for my botanical tour programs, I visited the three most important botanical gardens in this small Central American Republic Wilson Botanical Gardens, Lankester Gardens and Arenal Botanical Gardens. Each of these venues was quite different from each other in terms of design, location and focus. If you are botanical enthusiast, it wouldnt hurt to visit all three venues. To follow is a brief description of all three

Wilson Botanical Garden

Located in southern Costa Rica near the Panamanian border at an elevation of 4500 feet above sea level, Wilson Botanical Garden cover an area over 25 acres and were designed in part by the famous andscape designer and arhitect, Roberto-Burle Marx. The gardens are operated by the Organization of Tropical Studies (OTS) as a center for research, scientific study and public education in tropical botany. The gardens are terraced to give it sort of a natural feel; plants of the same culture requirements are grouped together - Bromeliads, marantas, heliconias, gingers in particular are well represented here. There are over 700 species of palms alone, the second largest collection worldwide. Easy to navigate walking trails circle the entire property which abuts a private biological reserve. Believe it or not, this is one of the most popular venues for the birdwatcher crowd. When I was there, a small group of real avid Birdwatchers from California and Massachusetts stayed at the lodge and were really stoked as they added many new bird species to their life history list. Nearby is the quaint little town of San Vito which was founded by Italian immigrants sometime after World War II; there are several great pasta and pizza ristorantes in the area.

Lankester Garden

Located in the Central Plateau near the historic colonial city of Cartago, Lankester Garden are operated by the University of Costa Rica. Its an easy 1-hour drive from San Jose. For several years, this facility was poorly maintained, however when I visited the gardens in Feb 2005,the gardens were in good shape as the University spent some money on upgrading the facility. The gardens are located on a relatively flat terrain at an elevation of about 3,000 feet above sea level; while it does not have the raw and wild look of Arenal Gardens or the classical natural terraced landscaping of Wilsons, it is still an absolutely delightful place to see and is especially popular with visiting Tico Families from San Jose.

Featuring over 1,100 different species of orchids including the most important collection in the world of the minature Pleurothallids, Lankester is definitely the place to go if youre an orchid enthusiast. Walking inside their Orchidarium, I saw many unusual and colorful species of cattleyas, ladyslippers (Phragmepidiums), moth orchids (Phaelonopsis) oncidiums, stanhopeas as well as the tiny looking dwarf orchids. Im not really an orchid enthusiast per se, but I have to admit some of the exotic orchids on display in the Orchidarium were real knockouts. For your information, The National Orchid show, a special weekend festival in San Jose takes place every year in March.

Arenal Botanical Garden and Serpentarium

Located about 3 1/2 hours northwest of San Jose, Arenal Botanical Garden is situated on a sloped hillside directly across from Arenal Lake. These gardens are primarily a native species preservation project; it definitely has the wildest feel of the three described venues and features many native Costa Rican plants, trees and flowers in addition to a good selection of imported and introduced species. Overall, 2,200 species are represented here including an extraordinary collection of Cycads and ferns. The trails climb a relatively steep grade and circle the entire facility. There is also a small Serpentarium on site - if youre interested in becoming familiar with some of the indigenous snakes of Costa Rica, this is definitely the place to visit. Boas, pythons and poisonous species are equally represented here

There lots of attractions in this region of Costa Rica, including the majestic Arenal Volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in the world; in addition there are some small butterfly gardens in the area and several venues with thermal hot springs. Sportfishing and windsurfing are two of the most popular activities at Arenal Lake, a large manmade lake, located just east of the volcano.

In addition, if youre staying in the San Jose Area, you must visit the lovely gardens at the Bougainvillea Hotel, located in the quiet San Jos suburb of Santo Domingo.

Bus Goldberg is a seasoned world traveler and the director of Calypso Island Tours, a travel company that specializes in botanical adventures and nature tours to such diverse destinations as Costa Rica, Thailand and the Caribbean. He also maintains his own travel blog, Calypso Island Chronicles

Cheap Travel Insurance For Over 65's - Getting The Right Policy

Part of the excitement of going on vacation is seeing new things. Another exciting part of traveling is never knowing what is going to happen next. But, as you get older traveling can become a bit scary. It can be scary to have things go wrong when you are away from the things you know and living in your comfort zone. To make matters worse, many people have developed a variety of medical conditions by the time they get into their later years.

While vacation is relaxing in the sense that it is a change from your routine, it can also be stressful at the same time. Your brain may be feeling rested because of the variation it brings to life, but you are also experiencing stress because of new things going on around you that you must deal with constantly. In such situations accidents can happen. It is good to have the reassurance of cheap travel insurance for over 65s when they happen.

Your health will have a lot to do with how much your senior coverage policy will cost. If you are in good health you can get a good price on a cheap over 65 annual travel insurance policy in spite of your age. The main thing is to make sure you compare many different policies from many companies to make sure you get the coverage you need at the best price available. If you shop around enough you can usually find a really good deal on a policy underwritten by a good insurer.

Shopping Around for cheap over 65 Travel Insurance Policies

In most cases you can purchase senior policies from a regular medical insurer or from a travel agent. You can also find a lot of senior plans on the Web. You will save a lot of time if you do your rate quote applications online or purchase your policy from your local agent.

The Importance of cheap Travel Insurance for over 65s

When you make a trip you never know what will happen, to a greater extent than when you are at home in your comfort zone. Whether you are a senior or not, it is important to purchase coverage when going on vacation. When the unexpected happens, you may need some money to buy new clothes or for a room or for a new airline ticket. If you have a serious injury, you may need an expensive medical evacuation, which can cost up to $100,000. You wouldn't want to have to pay that out of your pocket.

If you want to get rid of the insecurity of traveling so you can just enjoy the unique sites and sounds of your vacation, purchase a good cheap travel insurance for over 65s.

To learn all what you need to know about cheapest travel insurance policies try visiting also things to know about health insurance for overseas travel where you will find this and a lot of good tips on cheap international travel insurance plans.

About Cancun

Summer all year... gorgeously turquoise ocean... sandy white beaches... shopping from Mexican handicrafts to designer clothes... stunning hotels with interesting architecture, many right on the beach... world-class restaurants... nightlife and dance clubs that go till early morning... Mayan ruins in the middle of it all... that's Cancun!

Water sports include swimming, surfing, diving, boating, fishing, kayaking, and snorkeling. Day trips to Mayan archaeological sites offer you a glimpse of the fascinating civilization that was in the area for centuries.

No wonder Cancun is one of the most popular beach resorts in all of North and South America! With over three million visitors a year, the folks in Cancun have figured out how to provide what you want for a memorable vacation, whether it's total relaxation, going out dancing, water sports, enjoying spring break or a honeymoon, or whatever.

Cancun's history is short. In the early 1970s, the Mexican government had a study done to decide where to put a new resort. A little piece of land in the Caribbean sea, just off the coast of Yucatan, was chosen. It didn't take long before tourists were coming in ever-increasing numbers. Now Cancun (on the mainland just opposite that slip of land) has a population of something over half a million -- and the visitors keep coming!

Cancun is its own kind of place. It's hardly typical Mexico, but it's a lot of fun in its own way!

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Rosana Hart has traveled to Mexico many times. Her website, http://www.mexico-with-heart.com, contains the full text of a book she wrote about traveling in Mexico, as well as information and travel tipson a variety of Mexican cities popular with tourists.

Boating Holidays in France

With the vast amount of different rivers and canals in France, and having such a varied landscape, you can be sure that you will be able to find just the right type of holiday for you and your family.

So, as you cruise along one of the rivers or canals at a leisurely pace you will get to see things that most people will never experience and each region also offers you the chance to experience their fantastic and sometimes unusual cuisine along with the incredible French wine that is as varied as the different regions.

Only a boating holiday in France will enable you to fully appreciate the idyllic countryside and architecture from Roman to Renaissance periods, along with the beautiful chateaus that are dotted along the banks. With the added plus of the glorious weather to match, it is not like traveling along the Norfolk Broads in the United Kingdom most of the year, when you are guaranteed to get some rain or gloomy days!

There is such a wide choice available for your boating holiday and you can pick the area with the climate for you; the further down South you go, the warmer it gets, but don't forget that whilst cruising along, you need to be on the right hand side of the river or canal, just as the roads are in France!

One point, a license is required to be able to travel by boat on the French waterways, unless of course you only have something like a canoe! Basically, any boat that has a motor means that you have to have a license, although temporary permits called La Carte Plaisance are available and are issued by the boat rental company or charter firm that you book with.

A la Carte Plaisance is valid only for a set period of time for any habitable boat, which is under 15 metres in length, but there is also permit available for your children to drive the boat if they are between the ages of 14 and 16, if you feel they have a good sense of direction! but this is a great way to get all the family involved in the fun, but you must ask for a La Carte Junior in order to be allowed to do this.

With many of the river guides today available in English, you can be sure that you will not miss any of the local attractions or delights on offer. You can find these guides along with extra information from the regional tourist offices, but these are also normally issued to you by the charter boat company before you set off on your holiday.

Choosing the part of France you wish to visit is so important to get the best out of your holiday and in the North West of France there is Brittany, which is an area known for cider and crepes, to the East of France were there are rivers and canals throughout the regions of Alsace and Lorraine and you will find this area great for experiencing a diverse landscape from rolling hills to forests, whilst trying some of the local French beer and crisp white wines that this region produces.

How about Burgundy within the center of France which is a great place to experience local cuisine and fine wines. The quaint historical towns provide lovely afternoon walks taking a step back in time with the history.

Also, lets not forget the South of France, obviously with the more beautiful weather, you can experience traveling along the Canal du Midi, which is the oldest canal in Europe and runs from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic, and at the same time you will be able to take in the amazing variety of wildlife such as flamingos whilst on your canal boating holiday.

Yet as with any country, there are always rules and regulations on how you travel the waterways, whether it be the rivers or canals and before you embark on your boat trip you will be given some basic tuition, so that you can be issued with your license.

And did you realize that there are over 2000 locks in France, which are known as cluse? But don't worry to much as Some locks are automatic and some are still operated by a lockkeeper, however others will need to be operated by yourselves, so the general 'training' is very important, otherwise you could find yourselves in a bit of pickle initially, although most people on the canals are so very helpful and will come to your aid if you get stuck.

Although the rivers and canals are used extensively by pleasure boats these days, they are also still used by commercial vessels as well and it is these merchant vessels that have the priority on the waterways, plus also the traffic going up stream has priority over those travelling down stream.

As with road systems, the waterways have speed limits and although you are not likely to wish to speed along, these do have to be obeyed, but, it is the left-hand side that is used for overtaking just as it is on the French roads, and the slower boat must also slow down more to let the faster vessel pass.

The condition of the French rivers and canals is excellent and you will find that they even have designated areas for swimming and water sports, because, for obvious reasons, swimming is not permitted wherever you feel like going for a quick dip, yet if you are into fishing, then you can even do a spot of this while you are meandering down the river - just don't forget to get a license for that as well!

Along your chosen route you will find lots of fantastic areas where you can stop for lunch and stock up on supplies for that ever so important alfresco dining whilst you are cruising leisurely along. You will find additional facilities alone the way which are necessary, things like emptying your waste, which has to be done at specific points, but these are also fantastic and are very easily accessible, as it is illegal to dump waste into the river or canal system.

So even if you have never done this sort of thing before, you will without a doubt have an incredible fun time and when your boating holiday in France is nearing its end, you know that no one will want to leave.

http://www.placesinfrance.com

Martyn Davis European Traveler, Author, Photographer and Business Development Manager, For all your French holiday needs and travel guide to France, with tourist information, landmarks and attractions - Boating Holidays In France