Tips For Travel Trips

We love taking trips, whether it’s a short road trip, or a longer trip by air to some distant exotic place. But all too often we fail to plan for our trip and the result is frustration and annoyance.

1. For road trips, get the right maps and plan your route thoroughly. Everything won’t go exactly to plan, but at least you’ll have much fewer nasty surprises.

2. Never, ever make a joke about bombs or terrorists near security at an airport. Many people have jokingly mentioned they have a small bomb in their case as their luggage is being inspected. Later at the police station they deeply regretted their stupidity.

3. Be immediately suspicious in airports, railway or bus stations when someone bumps into you. It may be a pickpocket. Also be aware if something is spilled on you, or a spot on your clothing is pointed out to you. These things are designed to distract your attention from what is really going on: the theft of your valuables.

4. While cruises make planning easy with their all in charges, there is likely to be many extra items that you should budget for. These include, taxes, surcharges and fees, tipping, drinks, some shore excursions, shopping purchases, etc.

5. The most obvious thing to check on before setting off on a foreign trip is the state of the local weather where you are going. You don’t want to arrive in a tee shirt if it’s snowing, or in a fur coat if it’s in the 90s.

6. When travelling with children bring along recent photos of each one. If a child gets lost, the photo will prove invaluable in helping to locate the child again.

7. A trip to a theme park will suffer from a lack of careful planning. Some parks are so big that planning is essential. Get a list of all the rides and a map of the park, as well as opening and closing times, before setting off.

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African Safari Preparation

If you are planning on going on an African safari, the last thing you would want to do is spoil the trip right out of the chute by forgetting some essential things. Make yourself a list of things to do and check everything off as you go along. There are some important things to consider before you head to Africa.

You will want to wear comfortable, but protective clothing on your safari. Long sleeved shirts help protect your arms from the sun, and long pants will help protect you from mosquitoes. Wearing neutral colored clothing will help you blend in with the surroundings while you are admiring the wildlife, and will help to reflect the sun, keeping you cooler.

Remember, your transportation may not allow you to carry a lot of luggage, so be conservative. You may have to travel by a small plane or boat and not be able to carry more than a few pounds worth (maybe 20 or 25). Be sure your gear and clothing is packed in something waterproofed like a duffel bag. Most safari guide services recommend only 2 or 3 days worth of clothing be taken as there will be facilities to do laundry in most camps and lodges. If you are planning on being in any of the larger African cities with restaurants, they may require more 'dressy' attire, so take something appropriate.

Here are a few items you might want to take along on your African safari:

Clothing - sweater and jacket, raincoat, jeans, dress pants or skirts (if you plan on going into the city; you might even want to take a tie and some dress shoes), t-shirts, underwear, sports bra, sun protecting hats, socks, hiking shoes

Miscellaneous - large handkerchief or headband, oral hygiene supplies, hair care supplies, shaving gear, sun glasses, wash rag, plastic storage bags, sunscreen and insect repellent, medications for allergies, colds and headaches, flashlight, pocket knife, camera and film (this is important - don't count on getting it there), batteries, small first aid kit, eye drops, lip balm

You should plan on visiting your doctor several weeks before your trip to make sure you have the vaccinations and medications you may need. There are some things you may be susceptible to in Africa that you want to guard against.

A Yellow Fever Vaccination Card is required for entry into Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. Malaria prophylactics are advisable before entering into a malaria area (particularly Kruger). Malaria is spread by mosquitoes, so take other precautions, too. Avoid Bilharzia (caused by tiny parasites) by not swimming in stagnant rivers or streams.

If you are a non-resident of Africa, you will need a passport that does not expire for at least six months after your return home. Visas which are acquired before you travel are required in Egypt, Madagascar, Mozambique, and Tanzania. Visas can be obtained upon arrival in Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Also, plan on getting at least the minimum amount of travel insurance.

Many places outside of the African cities accept American currency as well as local currency. Also, take travellers cheques in small denominations for incidental expenses. Many establishments in the cities also accept international credit cards. Some banks have ATM machines where you can use an international credit card to obtain local currency. You will need to ensure you have some American cash for visas, airport departures, taxes, tipping, etc. Carry small denominations like $10 - $20 USD and plenty of $1 USD for tipping.

So, getting ready for your African Safari is a job in itself, but if you arrive prepared you will certainly have a much more enjoyable and hassle free trip.

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Aspen

Aspen, Colorado, best known as the ski resort for the rich and famous, is more than just that. Aspen is a complete vacation destination with four special resorts that provide you with unlimited recreation opportunities for all four seasons. It has a bit of everything for everyone: the ski slopes of Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Snowmass and Buttermilk; the Aspen Food and Wine Classic summer festival for the gastronome; loads of outdoor activities; scenic grandeur for the nature lover; and a dash of Hollywood glitz for the starry-eyed.

Apart from its world-renowned skiing and snowboarding, you can also indulge in snowmobiling, snow shoeing and snow camping. You could also go hiking, camping, mountain biking, fly-fishing, horseback riding, kayaking, whitewater rafting, hunting, and paragliding when the snow melts.

Aspen’s Maroon Bells mountains are a popular attraction for photographers from all over the world. Restored historic buildings in the town of Aspen and ghost towns in Ashcroft and Independence provide a glimpse into the area’s mining past. The Roaring Fork and Fryingpan Rivers make for some great trout fishing spots. Independence Pass, Castle Creek Road to Ashcroft, and Maroon Creek Road are splendid scenic routes. Some of the other attractions, albeit not of the natural kind, include the Wheeler Opera House, Hotel Jerome, and Ski Lift #1.

Aspen is located in west-central Colorado, forty miles southeast of Glenwood Springs on Colorado Highway 82. This highway is the only access into Aspen during winter. During summer, you can reach Aspen through Independence Pass on Highway 82. Independence Pass is closed from early November through May.

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The History of Kayaks

Canoeing and Kayaking go back to the dawn of human culture. The word "kayak" literally means "hunter's boat." The kayak was useful for transport, but it was a miraculous hunting tool, facilitating a quiet approach towards one's desired prey. The covered deck of the kayak made it more sea-worthy and better able to shed waves than the traditional canoe. Kayaks are mostly used during summer months, primarily for hunting and fishing.

Similar to the kayak, the umiak is a larger boat which can carry up to 20 people. The umiak and the kayak existed side by side, both finding useful niches for transporting and hunting throughout history.

Kayak design varied according to the specific needs of inhabitants of particular regions. For instance, early kayaks designed by inhabitants surrounding the Bering Straight were wider and shorter. Whereas the kayaks from Greenland were sleek and low. Kayaks from Baffin Island were wider and longer.

The kayak was first created by the Inuit, an artic people. Interestingly, despite being the birth place of the kayak, very little archaeological evidence of the covered kayak can be found on the Siberian Coast.

Early Eskimos made kayak frames using driftwood, and early kayaks were wrapped in sealskins.

In fact, most early kayaks were fabricated using wood for the frame and then tied together using sinew, or tendons, with a seal skin cover. Kayaks were virtually unsinkable with air-filled seal bladders. Today, very few traditional skin kayaks are still in use and the knowledge of their construction is quickly fading. Other early kayaks were made from whalebone or driftwood.

The materials that have been used to make a kayak have changed significantly with the years. Europeans eventually discovered the versatility of the kayak, and kayaks once designed with sealskins were designed by Europeans with fabric covers. This method continued until the 1950's when a company known as Valley Products began producing the first fiberglass kayak. Then in 1984, the first plastic kayak was introduced. Kayaks continue to become lighter, sturdier, and more versatile.

Now there are several types of kayaks designed with various materials suitable for a variety of sporting events. Today, kayaking is accessible to all skill levels, providing a quiet and gas-free form of breathtaking travel, exploration and exercise.

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Caribbean Cruise

Caribbean Aboard Royal Caribbean..........................

No one knows the Caribbean better than Royal Caribbean. After all, it is their middle name. And when it comes to beautiful beaches and sparkling blue waters, the Caribbean is really the place. There are countless adventures within reach when you cruise the caribbean. Snorkle with stingrays in Grand Cayman. Join in an actual race on one of New Zealand's former America's Cup yachts in the Bahamas. Then, there's the El Yunque Rain Forest in Puerto Rico, Christoffel National Park in Curaçao, and the Mayan Ruins in Cozumel, just a few of what can be done at the ports of call.

Highlights of Some Exciting Shore Excursion when Cruising:

-Climb Jamaica's Dunn's River Falls.
-Go mountain biking in Costa Rica's rain forests.
-Snorkel with stingrays.
-Go horseback riding on the beach.
-Dive 800 feet below sea level in a research submarine.
-Discover the inhabitants of a coral reef on a glass-bottomed boat.
-Visit Labadee®, one of Royal Caribbean's exclusive, private destinations.
-Explore ancient civilizations as you climb mysterious Mayan pyramids.

Snapshot of the 3 parts of the caribbean:

Western Caribbean
Besides their tropical paradise settings, the islands are home to rich culture and complex histories. Explore archaic ruins, beaches, rain forests and numerous waterfalls. Spend a fun-filled afternoon at Royal Caribbean floating Aqua Park in Labadee®, a private destination available only to Royal Caribbean guests.

Eastern Caribbean
Take in the Sun surrounded by the white-sand beaches and beautiful turquoise waters of the most beautiful islands on earth. Find adventure parasailing high above it all or at the Dolphin Encounter. Or visit Labadee®, one of Royal Caribbeans, tropical private destinations where nature brings striking mountains and pristine beaches within arm's reach.

Southern Caribbean
The most Fasinating Caribbean islands await you down south. Activities are endless in this area. You can navigate the Hato Caves in Curaçao. Take advantage of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to race an America's Cup sailboat. Kick back and take in some sun at Magens Bay Beach in beautiful St. Thomas. Walk down the streets of Old San Juan and explore the largest Spanish citadel built in the New World. And study the many cultures that make up these exotic islands

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