Your Digital Photo Says it All

A picture may say a thousand words. Sometimes even if without verbal information there is already an exchange of thoughts and attributes. As a result, it is applicable to have the developments that way to give break with digital photo printing.

To achieve the versatile and easy-to-use way of printing avail of the latest digital photo printer ready to be used just for you and your growing needs. Take note that if the digital photo printer will be compatible to use with different kinds of camera the better. Nowadays it is necessary to be practical in any ways.

Most of the cameras on the market are packed with their own software. Sony and Kodak cams are just two of the cameras that are virtually packed and the majority of its users find the software satisfying and efficient but incomplete when it comes to their skill of using it.

What does the software can do for you?

The software can basically provide you with a slick camera that simply allow you to dump the photos of onto your hard drive then usually a single directory created upon instillation of the digital photo software.

Problems may arise but make sure that it will be just fine and you will not be discouraged along the way. This can be annoying especially when you are searching for a specific photo. A better system allows the user to have the ability to place your photos in an appropriate category for easy access on things.

A family picture for instance would not just be jumped in the same place as with the friends and vacation pictures. Have it arranged well so that there will be no hassle in finding the needed photos.

You may also find it valuable though it does not take extra time to rename your photo software to download it so that there will be an easy access on things that you are working on.

Any program is designed to provide you the capacity to tell the computer the task you wanted to do for the day. You should find a computer that has a narrow range that you don’t have to sift through a variety of possible commends. Since there are products that missed the mark were those where to much emphasis was placed on fancy graphics and not enough on simply being intuitive to an average client.

With regards the other side of digital photo software often overlooked is the program designed to interface with a creative endeavor. The photography and some amazing photos with the real eye for aesthetic value has been captured by digital photo imaging and printing. What can you ask for? It is a very good way to edit and print photos in creative ways.

by Kristine Llabres

About the Author
For Comments and Questions about the Article you may Log - on to http://www.printingshoppers.com

Cheap Travel Secrets

There are two ways to save money traveling. The first way is
to get the best deals on the specific things you want. There
is a limitation to this type of approach though. If , for
example, you find the lowest price on the best hotel in
Honolulu at the height of the season, you will save
money, but still have a very expensive vacation. Trying to
get exactly what you want, or what you think you want, will
generally be an expensive proposition, in travel and in
life.
Be A Travel Opportunist


The other approach is to be a true opportunist. This will be
difficult for some of you, and entirely unacceptable to
others. Nonetheless, the travelers who get to travel the
most, go to the widest variety of places, learn the most and
do the most, are the opportunists. This will be true until
you are so wealthy that you have no monetary limits.

The first time I went to Ecuador, I went there because it
was cheap. If it wasn't, I would have had a great time -
somewhere else. The trip lasted a month, and cost $1045,
which included airfare and even the $130 fee for a guide to
take me to the top of glacier-covered Mount Chimborazo.

I cut the cost by taking a bus from my home in Michigan to
Miami, and back again when I returned from Ecuador. The
round-trip ticket cost $158. The round-trip flight to Quito
from Miami was only $256, because it was a courier flight,
which meant I signed for some luggage (car parts), and could
only take carry-on luggage.

Never did I feel deprived, or bored. I had a great time,
eating wherever it was cheap and clean, doing all sorts of
inexpensive, but interesting things, and traveling across
the country to climb Chimborazo. I also met and fell in love
with my wife Ana.
How To Become An Opportunist Traveler


Can you drink rum at a dollar per bottle, instead of your
favorite beer? Can you eat chicken instead of steak? How
about visiting the free sights first, and dancing in the
street festival instead of the disco?

Being an opportunist means you'll have just as much variety,
and probably almost everything you want - eventually. You
just have to stop trying to get exactly what you want
exactly when you want it. If the guide that took me up
Chimborazo hadn't dropped his price from $200 to $130, I
would have spent $2 for a bus and gone hiking on El Altar,
another great Andean mountain. That would have left me with
enough money for several other minor adventures.
More Secrets Of Cheap Travel


Plane Tickets: My wife and I were planning a trip to
visit family in Ecuador. The cheapest airfare from Traverse
City, Michigan to Quito, was $1720. Out of curiosity, I
checked Miami to Quito, and it was only $404. Airfare from
Traverse City to Miami was $300. Book two separate flights
and save more than $2000! The discount sites aren't set up
to search in this way (yet), so you have to do this on your
own. By the way, the whole six-week trip, which we took in
2004, cost $2400, including losing $100, and being robbed of
$174.

Food: Whether traveling here or in other countries,
it is usually cheaper to buy some healthy snacks in a
grocery store, rather than eat every meal in a restaurant.
When you do eat in restaurants, it can be cheaper to to
order individual items on the menu from the list of
appetizers or side dishes. You also may get more variety in
that way.

Accomodations: For a long trip, you may want to rent
an apartment in an interesting city. We did this for two
months in Tucson, for about $600 less per month, compared to
even the cheaper motels. Watch for hotel coupon-books in gas
stations. The coupons will often save you $10 on a room you
would have stayed in anyhow. If you have a conversion van or
RV, you can camp a couple nights a week, like we do, to save
on motels. We love the hotsprings we've stayed at, for a $3
fee to the BLM, instead of $40 for the cheapest motel in the
area.

Travel Expenses: Do more and travel less. It is often
the traveling part that costs the most, due to the cost of
gas, convenient fast food, and expensive hotels you are
forced to pay for when you just can't drive any further. So
if you find a place with a reasonable motel, and a lot to do
in the area - stay for a while!

by Steve Gillman

About the Author
Steve Gillman traveled alone across the U. S. and Mexico at
17. Now 40, he travels with his wife Ana, whom he met in
Ecuador. His stories, tips and information on travel and
backpacking, can be found on his websites,
http://www.EverythingAboutTravel.com, and http://www.TheUltralightBackpackingSite.com

Finding Cheap Airfare Is Easy

Finding Cheap airfare is easy

Every wonder how the guy next to you on the plane found his cheap airfare? What you have never asked the guy what he paid for his seat! This is the best way to find cheap airfare when you travel let me explain:

The last time I flew to Atlanta I got one of the last seats on the plane. I actually surfed the internet for a bit and when I seen that there were no low fares available I went right to Delta's website and got the last seat. You can see this before you select the flights on Delta's website. I think they call it seatpointer or something similiar.

When I got on the plane I asked the guy next to me what he paid and he bragged oh I got this round trip for $220.00 and he told me the site which I won't name. My round trip seat cost me $178.00. Of course I didnt want to make the guy feel bad so I told him I paid $275.00 and told him I booked last minute.

That is when the lady in front of us turned around and joined the conversation. She told us that we were both dummies that if you plan to fly you have to go to the major travel search engines on tuesday nights around midnight this is when the airlines change their fares based on seat availabitiy.

So if they see a flight that isn't filling up they lower the prices just to get more bodies on the plane. Sounded logigcal to me so I tried this the next time I flew and found an amazing price on my trip to Las Vegas. I used A1-Airfare-Hotel.com which gave me not only a great price on the flight but also on the hotel.

So my advice is ask the person sitting next to you how they found cheap airfare. The people on the plane usually fly a lot and they know what they are doing.


by Vince Ohare

About the Author
Vince Ohare is a freelance writer for many websites. These articles can be reprinted as long as the article stays intact

Finding great deals on Cheap Airline Tickets!

Finding the best deals for cheap tickets has just become easier. In the past, if you wanted to find cheap tickets and discount airfares you had to contact a travel agent and explain where and when you wanted to go. They would do some research and eventually get back to you with a deal. Well, not anymore!

Today you can seek out and find cheap tickets and discount airfares offering the best deal, just by entering a few words into a computer right from your own home. Are you looking for cheap cruises, Hawaiian vacations or an exciting Las Vegas vacation? Well, in a few minutes you can find a plane ticket that will take you anywhere you want to go. You can search out the Cheapest, most Discounted airfare originating from anywhere and going to anywhere...literally in the world.

You choose your destination, you choose your schedule, you choose which ticket price suits YOU best and when you're finished, you complete the transaction, right from the comfort of your own home. Cheap tickets and discount airfares, it can't get any easier than that!

The best Cheap Tickets and Discount Airfares resource you'll find.

When shopping online for cheap tickets and discount airfares, be sure to compare prices with flight departure times and schedules. Seasonal variations can affect travel prices and flight schedules. You'll find that searching for and purchasing a plane ticket online is easy and fun.
http://www.a1-travel-4u.com/

by Mike Yeager

About the Author
Mike Yeager
Publisher
http://www.a1-travel-4u.com/

A Cruise may be just what you need!

Do you ever want to escape from reality, just Get Away? Then finding cheap cruises and discount cruises from among several different cruise ships is what you need to do. Cruise ships come in all sizes and themes. It doesn't matter what your age is, what your background is, everyone can enjoy the fun and luxury of being on a cruise. Searching for cheap cruises and discount cruises can save you a lot of money when planning your vacation. After all, why not take the money you save on sailing and spend it on shore?

One of the unique aspects of cruising is that after spending a day sightseeing, shopping and visiting local sites, you can enjoy the luxury of coming back on board your floating, 1st class hotel. Shopping for cheap cruises and discount cruises is the way to go whether you're planning for Alaska cruises, carribbean cruises or cruises that take you around the world.



About the Author
Mike Yeager
Publisher
http://www.a1-travel-4u.com

The Hotel Room Issue

Two items of utmost importance are at the forefront of any search for the perfect holiday! Where to go and where to stay! All the other little details like sun, sand, snow or sex are so very unimportant when faced with these two rather large and cumbersome issues. It is the second item that I am going to discuss here, the “where to stay” part of the holiday, the piece of the jigsaw that can make or break that once yearly trip that has so long been saved for and so long looked forward to.

Only last week I went for a three-day trip to the Southern Coast of Taiwan (a bit like a trip to Brighton Beach for those living in England) to the holiday town of Kenting. It is not the first time that I have been there and it certainly won’t be the last but it might be the last time that I stay at this particular hotel! For some reason this hotel that has five-stars liberally plastered over all the walls and doors took vengeance against I, my wife and son. The television had no sound and the subsequent fix did not last five minutes, nor the second one or third. They seemed reluctant to change the set, the remote or the room. The hair dryer had a mind of its own and twice started itself, the shower kept on falling off the hook and I have witness to this by the lumps and bumps on my crown and the smell of wet paint was just a bit too much to bear! At the swimming pool an arrogant lifeguard made me see red by suggesting that we should leave the pool or wear a swimming cap. This in itself was understandable but the insistence that my six-month old son wear one too was pushing the limits of my temper. Oh, and don’t tell everybody but the soup had a cockroach in it!

I don’t let little things in life get me down, but that was taking poor service to extremes. In any hotel of any rating one half expects that something will blemish the stay, two mistakes are tolerated but three is pushing the limit. Simply put, I will find somewhere else to stay next time I am in town.

Anywhere in the world it is easier to find a place to stay if one has prior knowledge of the town or city. It is very hard to find the ideal room if the holiday is blind, to a new and unexplored city in a foreign country and especially were the language is Double Dutch!

Choosing a hotel is further complicated by the stars, a system that was developed to help those searching for a place to stay by giving an idea as to what lies behind the doors. But the rating system is so subjective, so open to taste, area and to individual opinion! A simple two-star can be an extremely friendly, clean, comfortable and central place to stay, yet the five-star resort down the road might be cold, large and so out of it all as to be characterless! The real Ritz Hotel certainly bears no resemblance to the Hotel Ritz in another country that I stayed in once upon a time - this one was cockroach infested, had an un-lockable door, no window and with extremely holy (in the literal sense) sheets that had seen many a guest falling asleep with a fag in his mouth! Yet both have five stars!

The price range of a hotel is a better indication of what might be found across the threshold! Not the price when compared to those found back home but to other hotels in the region or town that is to be visited. Photographs or pictures supposedly taken of the subject matter are no good, a wide angle lens might have been used, the shots might even be of another hotel completely and the building site next door might have been cleverly etched out!

An excellent check, one that has served me well in the past is to give the prospective hotel a quick call under the pretense of being an awkward customer, planning to arrive with a vegetarian and hyper active grandmother, a sick and large dog of indeterminate breed and with thirteen children and the kitchen sink! In other words ask questions, see how they respond. If they are polite and try to accommodate then things are looking good. If they get defensive or upset then ………. of course give a false name! Maybe also make two calls, one in the evening to check that no loud music is playing in the background and one in the daytime to check that no construction work is going on.

Magazine advertisements and articles more often than not tend to exaggerate a hotels stature and benefits.

A couple of years ago my wife and I decided to go to Bali. She booked the flights and I went all-out for the perfect place to stay. I researched and browsed, I studied and sweated through piles of information so that I would end up with the most perfect and ideal room, one that was cheap at half the price, central, cozy and safe. I eventually got around to booking one, a four-star villa, native style, including breakfast and in the heart of town. I can honestly say that prior to arriving I was a satisfied man but when I saw the bath at the end of the bed I realized that all was not as it seemed. How was I to know that “native style” meant that the bath was in the same room as the toilet and the bed, how was I too know that half the population of mosquitoes in Bali resided in our ‘native style’, open top villa? Lucky it was central though as we needed to get some insect repellant urgently!

Another means to gaining a good idea as to the value of a place is to ask somebody! Word of mouth is amazing and can give a far better idea as to what might be lurking in the shadows. Good places generally get bandied about; bad places never seem to be heard of! A good place for reviews is on the web. Certainly don’t believe everything that is written about the hotel, as the manager himself is quite capable of writings his own reviews which ultimately make his establishment fit for kings. Go to websites that are general or travel orientated and without advertisements, if the hotel receives one negative report and five good ones you might be onto a winner!

When on business I tend to stay at the chain hotels, the Holiday Inns, the Sheratons and the Meridians of this world. Either I book or my company books, simply because whether one is in Cairo, Canberra or Cape Town the hotels are identical, the standards are similar and the service repeated. It is not until passing out through the hotel doors that a person’s whereabouts in the world can be determined. These chain hotels are built like a Ford production line, “you can stay at any hotel you like as long as it is green”, without character or setting but certainly with a standard that can be easily slid into, a service that is ideal for what is required and a room that provides a comfortable pillow to rest the head on. These hotels give anonymity to all who stay; they provide a businessman the knowledge of were his mini-bar will be located even if he has never stayed at that particular hotel before! They don’t provide water games at 1800 with a host who speaks twelve languages very badly indeed or a discothèque that plays the latest in dance music but they give security and guarantee at a price.

If this is what is suitable, a service with a false smile, then these hotels might fit the bill for a holiday – just ignore the stuffy suited guys who meander around with brief cases and don’t trip over the wires of laptops perched on bony knees in the lobby – they give what is required, prior knowledge of a standard!

Well, in summary: do a bit of research. Get on the phone and do a bit of class acting. Sift around the Internet and pull out the hopefully honest opinions and if friends can give advice open the ears and listen carefully. Don’t believe all that the travel agents say as they want their commission as much as the next person. Don’t believe all that advertisements tell you, as they never give the negative points! Don’t believe all those lovely glossy pictures – strange to see a Black Cab taxi in Beijing and why is the New York skyline behind that lovely Hotel in Istanbul – pictures can be stolen, appropriated or cleverly altered to suit. If still in doubt opt for the chain hotels, if still in doubt cancel the holiday or find another town or country to visit!

Oh and when you get back from your holiday get on the internet and post some stories or anecdotes of your holiday. Tell people what the hotel was like; give out so that others may find it easier to locate the ideal place to stay. And hopefully if the hotel gets a bad name it will soon go out of business!

Hope you have a good holiday!

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About the author:

Author and Webmaster of Seamania. As a Chief Engineer in the Merchant Navy he has sailed the world for fifteen years. Now living in Taiwan he writes about cultures across the globe and life as he sees it.


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Cruising for $100 a Day

Cruising for $100 a Day
Some people love all-inclusive vacations because they're convenient, but they're not always a good deal. A notable exception: Some cruises now offer economy along with ease and comfort....

Best Florida Beaches

Why choose a beach vacation in Florida? One good reason is because wherever you go in Florida, you're never more than 60 miles from the beach!

Florida is also easy to get to, the temperature is pleasurable year round, it offers good value for your money and that’s just for starters. So whether you are looking for a family vacation, a romantic vacation, a relaxing vacation or getting in some golf time, there is a Florida beach vacation area for you.

Best Florida Beach Areas for Families

Siesta Public Beach
Siesta Public Beach in Sarasota makes a great family beach because of its gradual slopes, shallow waters, lifeguards on duty, fine white sand and tranquil waters. It has won awards for best beach based on sand, water quality and facilities. The beach facilities include picnic areas, rest rooms, concession stands, playground, trails, and tennis and volleyball courts. If you enjoy collecting shells, try Turtle Beach, at the south end of the island.

Tampa Bay Area - St. Petes/Clearwater
Located on the West Coast of Florida, on the Gulf of Mexico, the Tampa Bay area is a waterfront heaven! Miles and miles of white sandy beaches along the Gulf Coast offer unlimited options for a fun and relaxing vacation. When you need a break from the surf and sand, there are plenty of nearby activities to keep the kids amused including the Florida Aquarium, the Museum of Science and Industry, and the Lowry Park Zoo.

Daytona
With twenty-three miles of sparkling white sandy beaches and beautiful blue-green waters there is no shortage of beach fun for whole family. The beach is up to 500 feet wide at low tide and is perfect for castle building, cycling, jogging, fishing or just relaxing in the sun. The Atlantic Ocean is great for swimming, especially during the spring and summer when water temperatures range from 74 to 80 degrees. And you are only an hour’s drive from Orlando if you are so inclined.

Best Florida Beach Areas for Romance

Miami Beach
A Miami romantic vacation has everything from relaxing on the beach by day and dancing by night. There are lots of art deco and interesting hotels on South Beach. A short drive west will bring you to the Everglades, where you can take a Scenic Boat Tour and see plenty of wildlife, including alligators. You can shop at the ritzy Bal Harbor shops, and at night choose from plenty of dance clubs or mellow jazz bars and restaurants.


Marco Island
Marco Island is located at the southern tip of Southwest Florida's Gulf Coast at the western entrance to Everglades National Park. The island is surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico on one side and natural wilderness on the other. There are miles of white-sand beaches, lavish real estate, shopping, dining, nightlife, attractions and lots of outdoor activities. Your recreation choices include swimming, sunbathing fishing, golf, tennis, and more. Enjoy the subtropical ambience that exists in Southwest Florida's Gulf Coast.

Cocoa Beach
Cocoa Beach has beautiful sandy beaches and a great pier that is available for fishing, dining & dancing. There is a large promenade leading to the beach with an observation deck overlooking the ocean, perfect for romantic walks. While you're on the Space Coast you can visit the Kennedy Space Center, go deep-sea fishing, surf, windsurf, rent a jet ski, golf our take a take a river tour. At night there is lots of nightlife and great dining for you to enjoy.

Best Florida Beach Areas for Relaxing

New Smyrna Beach
New Smyrna Beach is a laid-back beach town without the crowds, noise or pollution, which gives visitors a relaxing beach experience. Although the northern beach is accessible to cars, the majority is traffic free, allowing for peaceful sunbathing and strolls along the beach. New Smyrna has a small town feel in its architecture and atmosphere. There are no high-rises along the beach, only low-rise buildings and these accommodations range from bed and breakfast inns, family-size condominiums or oceanfront motels.

Sanibel Island
Sanibel Island is one of the unique barrier islands of the world, having an east-west orientation when most islands are north south. This gives the island great sandy beaches with plenty of shells. Check out Bowman's Beach for peach and quiet, you won't find any hotels here. You can park and walk over a bridge to secluded white beach. There are barbecue grills in the area so it is a great spot to have a picnic and enjoy the beach.

Punta Gorda
Punta Gorda is located about 30 miles north of Fort Myers. There is plenty of waterfront in this town, and a very nice riverfront beach area. Here you can enjoy swimming, fishing, canoeing, hiking and walking in the woods, it is a great place to get away from the crowds. The town of Punta Gorda has street art, water views and interesting murals that enrich the historic downtown district that also has cobblestone streets and gaslights, and many fine shops and restaurants.

Best Florida Beach Areas for Golf

Sarasota
Sarasota is a sophisticated resort town near the Gulf of Mexico. For beach lovers there is Sarasota’s 35 miles of fine, pure, sparkling white sand beach to enjoy. As far as golf is concerned there are 32 golf courses in the Sarasota area and almost 20 more if you include the surrounding cities of Bradenton and Venice. You will find one for every level of ability available for your golfing pleasure.

Jacksonville
Jacksonville has twenty miles of Atlantic Ocean beaches and lots of nearby state parks to explore. You will find lots of things to do and lots of beaches to explore in Jacksonville. For golfers there are over 25 golf courses in the area. Several championship golf courses are located nearby; many of which are ranked among the top in the country offering challenges for players of every skill level, ranging from top ocean side resorts to popular public courses.

Naples
Naples, located on a stretch of southwest Florida that is not bordered by barrier islands, has seven miles of silky, white sand beach that overlooks the tranquil waters of the Gulf of Mexico. There is plenty of shopping and dining in the area once the sun goes down beachfront. There are also dozens of excellent golf courses in the area. From May through October, the golf courses are not as crowded and you can pick your tee time and be assured of a leisurely round. Also, many private courses are open to the public during these months.

This is only a sampling of some of the great beaches located along the shores of Florida. There are many more that can fill your Florida beach vacation needs year round.

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About the author:

Jolana Klobouk is a former travel agent who has traveled extensively for work and vacations with her family. For more travel information, visit her travel websites: http://www.best-family-beach-vacations.comand http://www.FlyFromCanada.com



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Traveling to Europe with your digital camera?

The Vacation Season is fast approaching and naturally you will be taking your digital camera along for the journey. After all your vacations are far and few between and it is nice to look back on those memories as you slave away at your job. However, when you travel with a digital camera, it is a completely different experience from that of traveling with a film camera. This is a lesson that far too many travelers seem to be learning the hard way, especially if you’re traveling to Europe. After a couples years of relying mostly on digital for taking photos when I travel, there are things you should consider before you head off on your next trip.

Charging Batteries is one of the biggest stumbling blocks you'll face when you travel. Outlets can be scarce in hotels. On a recent trip to Europe, only one of the five modern hotels I stayed in had more than one outlet available for use when charging up electronics. Charging your battery can be more of a hassle if you're traveling by train: If you take an overnight train in Europe, they don't have power adapters at the seats (certain trains do, but it's not something you can count on). I suggest bringing at least two rechargeable batteries, three if you plan to travel with overnight trains, or don't think you'll be able to charge every night. If your camera uses regular AA batteries, consider yourself lucky-you'll find those everywhere. Scope out the situation in your room when you check in: You should get at least one usable outlet, but don't count on more than that.

Bring your plugs. Some digital cameras typically come with a power brick that can handle international voltages, so you won't need a voltage adapter. However, you will need a power plug adapter to convert a US outlet plug to the local plug. Most of Europe is on the same outlet now-but not all countries accept the general "Europe" plug. Be sure to research what you'll need to jack in, and try to buy it before you leave (try CompUSA, Radio Shack, Rand McNally, or your local luggage store). If you don't have a chance to get what you need Stateside, don't fret: You should have no trouble finding an outlet converter overseas.

How do I offload my images? For fellow travelers using digicams, this was the number one problem I have heard repeatedly. Many comments from folks traveling for a week or more are: "I'm taking more pictures than I expected to." "I'm not shooting at the best resolution, because I need the room on my memory card." "I'm only halfway through my trip, and I have only 50 shots left." When you travel, odds are you'll take more pictures than you expect to also. A 1 GB card is very useful, and should suffice for low-usage shooters. But for those of us, who can go through a gigabyte or more in a day, not a week? Whether it's because your a high-volume shooter, shooting in RAW format, or a combination of the two. What I discovered is many who had digital SLRs, that had 5 megapixel or more reported they were traveling with a laptop to off load their images. None of these folks were traveling on business, so they didn't need to bring a laptop along. The sad fact is, for now, a laptop remains the most efficient and usable means of off loading images. Epson and Nikon have dedicated handheld units with a hard drive, card reader, and LCD display for copying over and viewing your images. But neither has a full-blown keyboard. If you're first buying a laptop, and intend to travel with it, I suggest going for the smallest one you can. Fujitsu, Panasonic, Sharp, and Sony all have models under four pounds. A laptop provides several additional advantages. For one thing, you can see your pictures on a big screen-to view how you're doing, and if you see any problems you want to correct with your exposure, for example, or if your pictures are being affected by dirt. For another thing, you can properly label your folders, so you know which pictures were taken where. Most newer laptops have integrated memory card readers, but otherwise, you can buy a small external card reader. For the wire-free approach, use a PC Card slot adapter for your memory card; and invest in a 32-bit Cardbus adapter (Delkin and Lexar Media offer these), for speedier transfers. Nothing's worse than coming back to the hotel after a long day of sightseeing, and needing to stay awake another 40 minutes just to off -load two 1 GB cards, at about 20 minutes a pop. If you bring a laptop, I also suggest investing in a portable hard drive. A portable hard drive can serve multiple purposes: It can be a means of backing up your photos on the go; a means of giving you a way to take your photos with you if you have to leave your laptop unattended; and a means of expansion, if you somehow manage to fill up your laptop's built-in hard disk. If you don't want to bring a laptop, and already have an Apple iPod, Belkin sells an attachment for using your iPod with memory cards; or, consider the pricey units from Nikon and Epson. And if you're in a bind, remember you can always buy memory overseas. I was surprised that when I went to Europe, the prices were high, but not so outrageously so that I wouldn't buy another card if I were in a bind. Cards were more readily available, too, than they were when I last traveled through Europe three years ago. Look at it this way: Even if you overpay on the card, you can still reuse it-which beats overpaying for a single use 35mm film cartridge when you were in a bind in years' past.

Be prepared for problems. Things happen when you travel and I've had more things go awry carrying my digital SLR than I have had with my 35mm over the years. Lens paper is always useful to have on hand, but if you have a digital SLR, another supply is absolutely critical: An air blower bulb, to blast out the dust and dirt that will inevitably get trapped inside your camera. I never had problems with my 35mm SLR, but with my digital SLR, I constantly find dirt gets trapped inside, when I change lenses. And there's nothing worse than having a splotch marring your otherwise awesome shots. Finally, remember the philosophy of redundancy. Whether your battery dies and you have no way to charge it, or you run out of space on your memory card(s), and don't want to buy another at a higher-than-usual price, I suggest packing a second camera if you can. A digital point and shoot is a good option but I usually carry a point and shoot 35mm to use if I run into any problems just so I won’t lose any precious pictures.

by Doug Rogers

About the Author
Doug Rogers has worked as a freelance photographer for the past 25 years in various fields of photography. In the past two years he has become an avid and devoted fan of digital photography. For tips on better digital photography and the latest reviews on the newest digital equipment that hits the market, Subscribe to his monthly Newsletter “The ViewFinder” at http://www.best-digital-cameras-review.com

“What You Must Know if You’re Taking a Cruise,”

Being a coach, I speak on cruises. I took my first cruise about 4 years ago. I asked a friend who’d cruised a lot what I needed to know and she said, “Nothing. Just have fun.” I disagree. Having cruised many times since then, I’d like to pass on some tips to help you enjoy your cruise more.

INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL INSURANCE

Medicare doesn’t cover expenses incurred outside the US. Many insurance plans provide little or no coverage for international or out-of-network travel medical expenses. Find out about yours before you go. Then fill in the gaps with travel insurance.

Also investigate:
1.Insurance to cover cancellations and interruptions, and cost of delayed or lost baggage
2.Financial Default Coverage for financial failure of airline, cruise line or tour operator
3.Terrorism Coverage for reimbursement if you cancel trip due to terrorist incident in departure city or itinerary city
4.Medical Evacuation Coverage, Medical Reunion and Return of Mortal Remains, all of which can be very costly.

PACKING

Pack the “little” things because they get “big” on a trip. Bandages or Neosporin will cost you 5 times as much and also waste hours of pleasure time while you search for them.

Take along a small basic first-aid kit and comfort kit. Yes, the ship has an infirmary, but it’s a long trip down there, and an expensive one.

Think of things you use over a week’s time – antihistimine, eyedrops, lotion, aloe Vera, anti-diarrhea medication, hair dryer, needle and thread.

If it’s important to you, bring it. The last cruise I was on supplied numerous toiletries, but no hair dryer.

WARDROBE

Formal night! It’s the reason some cruise. It’s the reason some won’t.

Let me set your mind at ease. If you don’t want to go to formal night, you can avoid it. Most cruises have a casual buffet option with delicious food every night, 24 hour hot dogs and pizza, and 24 hour room service.

If you want to participate in formal night, tux rental is available - http://www.cruiselineformal.com . Most ships keep some inventory onboard, but it’s best to order early. There are usually tailors on board.

What will others be wearing? The last cruise I went on, I saw very few tuxes. What do you see? Everything. Western formal, including the cowboy hat and boots, dark suits, nice slacks and coats. Cocktail dresses for women, pantsuits, prom dresses.

The Captain’s Cocktail Party or Reception is another chance to dress, mix and mingle if you like. It is also completely optional. Dress is generally dark suits for men, and cocktail dresses for ladies.

It’s slippery on deck, so bring some good gripping shoes. Don’t try and break in a new pair of shoes on your vacation. Some excursions require a lot of walking, and so does getting around on the ship.

Day wear is resort casual. No need to spend a fortune on clothes unless you want to. Some cruise lines provide bathrobes, or bring your own for poolside and dining in buffet.

If you get a sunburn, or if you want protection, bring along a light shirt with long sleeves.

Hot tubs often contain enough bromide to bleach out your bathing suit and also relax the elastic. Bring an old suit, or an inexpensive one if you plan to sit in the hot tub a lot.

LUGGAGE

Between airline, dock and ship, it’s unrealistic to assume nothing will happen to your luggage. Common sense would dictate buying the most sturdy and least expensive baggage you can find, i.e., don’t give a crystal goblet to a toddler and then be “surprised” it gets broken.

PHOTOGRAPHS – AN UNDERUSED OPPORTUNITY

They want to sell photos! Photographers are operating nightly, with various backgrounds (including traditional), black and white as well as color. They are pleased to photograph you as many times, in as many ways, as you like. If you’re in need of a new professional head shot, bring along your suit.

HEALTH

You don’t have to gain 20 lbs. unless you want to. Cruises offer tracks, workout rooms, exercise programs, dancing, lite menus, low-calorie menu options, low-fat desserts, salad bars, and plenty of active excursions ashore, including just plain vigorous walking.

You can also do the thing you do at home to effortlessly increase your activity level. Take the stairs instnead of using the elevators. Get up and get your own drinks. Offer to get people seconds at the buffet. Volunteer to go back to the room for forgotten items.

by Susan Dunn, Personal & Professional Development Coach

About the Author
©Susan Dunn, MA, The EQ Coach, http://www.susandunn.cc . Coaching, distance learning courses and ebooks around emotional intelligence for your personal and professional development. Mailto:sdunn@susandunn.cc for free ezine. Susan is the author of “How to Get to Present on a Cruise,” http://www.webstrategies.cc/acruise.html . Become a certified EQ coach. Start tomorrow, no residence requirement.

Getting The Most Out Of Family Vacation Planning

(NC)—A recent Travel Activities & Motivation Survey indicates that 77 per cent of Canadians cited rest, relaxation and recuperation as the most commonly sought out experiences during a vacation. But, because this is often the only time families are able to spend together, how can you take a summer trip that allows you to relax and get the most out of your time with the kids?

With research and proper planning, you can have a relaxing, enjoyable summer vacation that won't keep you up at night stressing about making everyone happy and stretching the budget.

First, make sure to involve the kids in the entire planning process. The more they feel like they have had a say about the destination and activities, the more co-operative they will be during the vacation.

Next, check out the Internet for your vacation destination possibilities. You will be able to find a lot of free planning materials to help put together the perfect trip. The majority of provincial tourism departments have travel kits complete with informational guides, brochures and maps that they will send you free of charge. Once you have compiled your information and packages, gather the family, research your options and decide where to go together.

Family vacations can be real budget-busters, therefore, plan a trip you can afford so that there are not any stressful or embarrassing moments while on the road. Know what is included in the vacation package and what will cost you over and above so that you can budget wisely. Booking early and being flexible with travel dates and times allows you to capitalize on various airlines and hotel specials, which can equal big savings.

Also, look for hotels that cater to families. National hotel chains, such as Holiday Inn Hotels and Resorts, help to ensure that you will find a comfortable stay anywhere during your trip. And, family hotels like Holiday Inn also offer specific value programs. For example, not only do kids 12 and under eat for free from the restaurant kid's menu when accompanied by an adult, but this summer, until September 7, 2003, Holiday Inn can help you get the most out of your summer getaway with their new Dinner's On Us program, where adults can also eat for free, up to $24 per night.
In terms of vacation activities, call ahead to avoid disappointment. Make sure to book family attractions, entertainment and sporting adventures well in advance.
And finally, let kids help create memories. Giving them disposable cameras will not only empower them, but it will help capture more great moments from your family summer vacation.

by News Canada

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

Beach Vacation Photo Tips – Make Your Vacation AND Photos Memorable

Most people, who go on a family beach vacation, take plenty of photographs. Once you're home and you view or print them out; are you ecstatic, bored, or disappointed? Be honest, now!

Does this sound familiar… You arrive at your destination, check the place out, and quickly change to go to the beach. Happily, you've remembered to take your sun block, nose plugs, and bathing suit. Maybe you remembered your camera, maybe you didn't.

Going on a family beach vacation brings up contradicting desires. On the one hand, you want everyone to have a wonderful, fun, relaxing, memorable vacation. On the other hand, most people don't want to do what's required to preserve the memories.

We will show you how to have the best of both worlds. By providing photography tips, you can capture outstanding beach vacation pictures, enjoy taking the photos, and ensure that when you look at the photos at home, you won't be thinking: "Was this OUR vacation!?!"

Can’t-Miss Beach Vacation Photo Tips

1) Packing the Right Equipment

When you pack for your dream beach vacation, remember these essential items: Camera, batteries, memory cards, camera case, battery chargers, external flash (if available), tripod, and portable digital storage device. If you have an abundance of memory, you can leave the storage device at home.

2) Consider These Purchases

I know… you’re already spending more than you want to on the vacation. So the last thing you want is some stranger suggesting you spend more on photo accessories. But, read on and find out what these low cost accessories will do for you before you skip to Tip #3.

Consider purchasing a circular polarizer filter for your lens. STRONGLY consider it! It will be one of the least expensive accessories you can buy, and you will LOVE the results. What are the results? A bluer sky, the ability to see objects under water, and creating colors that will “pop” off the page.

3) Insurance

Do you have insurance on your possessions? Did your camera cost more than $25.00? Then do yourself a big favor and buy a UV filter to place over your lens for protection. If your lens becomes damaged, your camera is ruined. You can probably get a good UV filter for under $20.00.

4) The Magical Landscape Shot

If there are colorful bluffs, harbors, or other landscape picture opportunities on your beach vacation, you want to capture them, of course. Not only that, but wouldn't it also be impressive to add some family member(s) to the shot and have the people AND the background in focus?

Set your F-stop for a high number (at least F-11, or at the "infinity" or "landscape" setting of your camera). Position the people in the foreground, the landscape in the background. Focus on your human subject(s), while being at least 15 feet away (25 is even better, if you have a telephoto).

Adjust the circular polarizer filter to obtain the desired shade of blue in the sky. Skip this step if you didn’t purchase a filter. Don’t worry, though. If you don’t like the vividness of the sky after the print is developed, you can always take out a magic marker and color the sky. (You didn’t hear that from me.)

Finally, gently squeeze the shutter and… voila! A perfect “postcard” photograph.

5) Silhouettes

Silhouette beach vacation pictures (or, non-beach vacation pictures for that matter) produce one of the most artistic and/or emotional-looking photographs possible. Most people never take silhouette photographs, and yet, they are just as easy as photographs taken during the day light.

The best time to take silhouette photos is from approximately 1 hour before sunset, to ½ hour after sunset. Use evaluative or matrix metering (which is probably your default metering mode anyway), and focus on the HUMAN SUBJECTS, with plenty of the cloud-filled sky in the background. Then compose the shot, as desired.

Did I mention that sunset shots without clouds are fairly disappointing? Sort of like winning the lottery and losing the ticket.

The silhouette effect results from the camera thinking the overall scene is brighter than it is, and therefore under-exposes the dark areas (human subjects).

To see sample photos and additional tips, check out http://www.best-family-photography-tips.com/beach-vacation.html .

Article courtesy of http://www.best-family-photography-tips.com , where you can see numerous sample pictures & photography tips on many subjects and events.

Copyright 2005 Robert Bezman. All rights reserved.

by Robert Bezman

About the Author
Robert Bezman is a professional photographer and owner of Custom Photographic Expressions. Robert has created http://www.best-family-photography-tips.com to help the digital photography users create better photographs. Robert has a blog at
http://www.best-family-photography-tips.com/family-photography-news.html

African Safari Adventure

In the remote eastern corner of Botswana, at the confluence of the Limpopo and Shashe rivers, lies an area known historically as the Tuli enclave - a diverse wilderness of savannah, riverine forests, marshland, open plains and sandstone outcrops. The reserve name is derived from the magnificent Mashatu trees, which are prevalent throughout this immense tract of privately owned land. Mashatu is also the home to no less than seven of Africa’s giants: the African elephant, the lion, the giraffe, the baobab tree, the eland, the ostrich, and the kori bustard. It is fitting therefore, that some 75,000 acres/30,000 hectares of pristine game land be set aside for these unique, prodigious features of this exhilarating continent.

It’s here that you will experience a unique and spectacular safari experience – and many would argue that you have not lived until you have cycled in the Land of the Giants!

Head out early morning and late afternoon - push yourself to your physical limits on ancient elephant-trodden pathways, over rough gravel, and through cool streams of water. In a land as diverse as Mashatu, you are guaranteed new mediums and trails around every corner. The panoramic vistas are enhanced ten-fold as your adrenalin courses through your veins.

Your safety is secured in the hands of the armed rangers who head-and-tail the team of cyclists – and who remain in radio contact with a support vehicle which travels a close distance behind (and out of earshot of) the cyclists at all times.

Mashatu Game Reserve, an area of history and legend, offers some of the most exciting game viewing in Africa. It is a place of exceptional beauty where one can explore the rugged, unspoiled African landscapes guided by experienced rangers and trackers. In addition to the game experience, Mashatu offers a view of Africa, unchanged since the days of early visitors such as Kipling, Selous and artist/explorer Sir Thomas Baines. Historic and archeological sites abound; notable are the Motloutse Ruins and the Pitsani Koppie sites.

The excitement of Mashatu has not changed over time. It is still home to large herds of elephant, prides of lion and cheetah. Along the river courses, huge Mashatu trees provide shade for eland, impala, wildebeest, giraffe and zebra, whilst at night, the bat eared fox, African wild cat and the magnificent leopard search for prey. Some 350 species of birds may be seen. Mashatu Game Reserve proudly provides a refuge for the largest single population of elephant on privately-owned land in Africa. Known as the relic herds of Shashe, these elephants are the last living testament to the great herds that once populated the meandering Limpopo valley. Today the population on Mashatu Game Reserve alone, is estimated to number in excess of 700.

The wildlife experience at Mashatu is personalized. Dedicated and experienced Tswana rangers and trackers are keen to show you their world. The Cycle Teams set out at dawn and again at dusk in search of the diverse variety of fauna and flora which abound throughout the reserve.

The richness of the Mashatu experience has been considerably enhanced with the continuous development of new adventure activities, like the unique Cycle Safari. The bush may now be enjoyed from the added vantage points of mountain bike and on foot.

Whether you visit Mashatu for the excitement of the big game viewing, the relaxation of unspoilt Africa, the adrenalin of adventure in the wild or to simply experience a pace of life that beats to the rhythm of a different drum – your Safari Expedition will change your life!

by Bret

Contact TerraSea Travel & Tours for your next adventure: 1-800-403-8488
www.terrasea.net; E-mail: info@terrasea.net

About the Author
None

Your Hawaii Vacation – Five Islands, Infinite Variety

Hawaiian vacation packages give you more flexibility than any other type of tropical beach vacation around. With five islands to choose from, each with its own distinct personality and amenities, you can plan a Hawaiian vacation that suits you perfectly no matter what you’re looking for.

And with no worries about passports, exchange rates or import taxes on souvenirs, it’s a surprisingly cheap way to get to experience the tropics without ever leaving the country.

There are several ways to afford Hawaii on a budget so that you can enjoy anything from a few days to a month or two in paradise. If you’re looking for the ease of staying in a hotel, look into several levels of accommodations. Hawaii has everything from the most luxurious five-star resorts to relatively cheap hotels that offer the basics of a good, clean, air conditioned room and adjacent restaurant and everything in between.

It’s entirely up to you how you want to travel – if you’re only interested in using your hotel as a base for sleeping, you can find some great deals on chain hotels that are safe and consistent that offer great packages. If you prefer a bit of pampering, look into some of the finer resorts’ special deals for couples, families and themed trips that can save you money, especially when bundled with activities like day sailing excursions and fishing trips.

For beach vacations in Hawaii, you should also consider condo rentals. For families traveling together, these are a great money-saving option, especially if you have a large family. You can get great deals on condos when you rent with an eye toward using roll-away beds or fold-out couches for the kids and prepare some of your meals yourself. If you plan on spending a lot of time soaking up the sun, a beach-front condo is an excellent choice.

Hawaii is considered by many people to be one of the most beautiful places on earth. This cluster of islands is completely surrounded by turquoise waters and has islands ranging in size from only a few miles across to over 250 miles wide, each with beaches from rocky coral coves to soft, white sand beaches depending upon location. There are sheer mountain cliffs with roaring waterfalls and undulating, semitropical rainforests. The difficult part of planning a Hawaiian vacation isn’t finding cheap deals – there are plenty of great packages out there – it’s deciding which package to go with!

Maui – Paradise on the Beach

The second largest island in the chain, Maui is also home to the most fabulous beaches in the world. If your Hawaii vacation includes lounging surf-side or walking on powdery sand with salt-water tickling your toes, then Maui is the best choice for relaxing and soaking up the sun.

It’s also home to Napili Bay and Big Beach, both wide swathes of family-friendly beaches with plenty of opportunities for boogie-boarding and body surfing.

Snorkeling opportunities abound for visitors at Molokini, a tiny island off the coast that’s surrounded by tropical fish and fascinating sea creatures. You can also go dolphin spotting and whale watching on one of the many chartered catamarans or glass bottom boats.

Kauai – The Emerald Isle of the Pacific

Kauai is often referred to as the Garden Isle or the Green Island because of the incredibly lush flora on this small island. The North Shore in particular is a fabulous wealth of natural beauty, with incredible waterfalls and tropical foliage everywhere.

Kauai is an island suited to those looking for kicking back in natural surroundings. The accommodations are pleasing and casual, but there are no casinos and little night life here. If you want to go horseback riding, hiking or follow some of the most beautiful nature trails you’ll ever see, though, this is the island you’ll want to stay on. Waimea Canyon is a hiker’s dream, with incredible views and challenging climbs leading to a curve of gorgeous beach.

Oahu – History’s Home

Oahu is home of the largest cities in Hawaii, including Waikiki and Honolulu, so if you’d enjoy some nightlife and culture, don’t miss this island. Museums, theaters and plenty of restaurants and clubs. The shopping is great and you’ll find the latest fashions next to local arts and crafts in boutiques around the island.

Oahu’s also awash in history, home to Pearl Harbor and the site of the U.S.S. Arizona as well as a variety of other historical sites, including the Missouri and Diamond Head Crater. Want to learn more about Polynesian customs? Attend one of the many luaus and experience Samoan dancers, the hula (traditional dance of Hawaii), a re-enactment of a royal Hawaiian procession and a pig roast.

Molokai – The Forbidden Island

The story behind Molokai is a grim one, but the island itself is an unspoiled gem. Called the forbidden island by natives because of Father Damien’s leper colony in the previous century, Molokai has few hotels and fewer residents. In fact, it’s so small there isn’t a street light anywhere on the island!

Molokai is a plaice to go fishing, take long walks on seclude beaches and relax…It’s the closest thing you can get to your own deserted island, but with all the amenities still in place.

The Big Island

The big island of Hawaii has just about everything imaginable you could ask for in a vacation. In fact, depending on the time of year your vacation could encompass a visit to the beach on one end of the island and, if you trek of one of the dormant volcanic mountains at the other end, an invigorating afternoon of snowboarding on snow-dusted slopes!

Volcanoes National Park has one of the world’s largest rings of natural volcanoes both dormant and active and you will often see spectacular lava flows that demonstrate the full power of nature’s potentially destructive forces.

On the Kona side of the island, visit Hawaii’s famous coffee plantations and horse and cattle ranches. On the Hilo side, take in the beauty of orchid-filled rainforests and majestic waterfalls. And of course, the big island has plenty of nightlife and shopping!

With so many great Hawaii vacation package deals to choose from, you’re guaranteed to find the perfect trip to paradise!

by Lori Wilkerson

About the Author
Lori Wilkerson is a full-time freelance writer who loves her job because it gives her the opportunity to learn more about the world every day. Right now, she knows a little bit about almost everything, and a lot about Hawaii Vacations, Beach Vacation Deals, and Cheap Beach Vacations. Lori once led a Conga line to the tune, "Hot, Hot, Hot," throughout an entire cruise ship sailing to Nassau. beach-vacations-4u.com
(True story!)

Cruise Packages have Something for Everyone!

The traditional view of cruises has been that they’re for couples who are getting away for romance and adventure. More recently people have also begun thinking about cruises as a way for singles to meet each other and have a great time as well. But even that is a limited view of cruising. The reality is that there are cruise packages available today for everybody – if you like to travel and are looking for a unique vacation opportunity, a cruise offers more diversity and choice than any other kind vacation out there!

Cruise Packages Cater to Every Group and Need

There are cruise packages for couples, singles, groups of friends and families, and each of these take into consideration the specific needs and interests of these groups. This is what makes a cruise vacation so special – the attention to detail and specialized service. Most vacation packages simply can’t provide this kind of service.

Family cruises can be amazing bargains when you’re traveling with your children because the cruise ship staff takes care of your children’s entertainment needs from the moment they step aboard ship. Kid-rated movies, live kid-friendly theaters, pizza parlors, organized games and activities and free baby sitting for the younger ones mean you’ll have the opportunity to have some couples time while your kids have a blast! The best part is the all-inclusive price – they can play, watch, swim and eat to their hearts’ content! How many hotels give you that?

Worried that teens will be bored? Not a problem! Cruise packages with families in mind have age-specific activities planned that range from crafts for the younger set to karaoke and coffee houses for the teens, so you’re practically guaranteed to find something for every age group.

Honeymoon cruises cater to your desire for romance and pampering. Little extras like champagne and chocolates are typically included in the price of your cruise, and discounts are usually offered for luxury accommodations onshore when you get to your port of call if you are staying there a few days. You can also upgrade for a small fee and get extras that really stand out, such as chocolate covered strawberries and canapés in your room, breakfast in bed and matching robes to take home with you.

Let the cruise ship know ahead of time that you’re on your honeymoon and you’ll almost always receive some free gifts as well, and a special invitation to dine at the Captain’s table one evening. It’s thoughtful touches like this that make a honeymoon cruise such a popular choice.

Cruise ship staff members are some of the most highly trained in the world, and excel at being both unobtrusive and ever-present to cater to your needs, making your honeymoon magical in every way. For a romantic vacation getaway, a honeymoon cruise can’t be beat. Fine dining, spas, world class entertainment, sumptuous rooms and moonlit nights with sea breezes all combine to make these romantic cruise packages a honeymoon vacation you’ll never forget.

Girlfriends’ Getaway Cruises are the newest alternative to Girls Night Out. Hey, we all have those days when we throw up our hands and say, “I can’t take it anymore!” don’t we? Why not take a two or three day discount cruise for the weekend? It’s so much nicer than the yearly trip to the outlet malls! Pack up your bathing suits and get ready to relax!

A three-day vacation with the girls can be all about you – spas, saunas, drinks on the deck while reading a great paperback. Nights of relaxing and chatting or seeing a great show; or maybe playing the slots in the casino. It’s three days of just the girls, and when you go home you’ll be refreshed, relaxed and full of great memories!

You can get a great discount on three day cruises that will bring in the weekend at a lower cost than driving to those outlets, renting a hotel room and buying all of your meals in restaurants – and the food will be better, too. No driving around looking for the nearest movie theater, no looking for something to do – it’s all right there on board ship.

Singles Cruises are usually booked as groups of singles onboard cruise ships that may have other groups as well, but because the singles group organizer is buying a block of rooms to keep the singles all together you can get a great discount on this kind of vacation. If you’re looking to meet and mingle with other singles, these cruise packages offer activities, dining and dancing with other singles onboard.

These have become increasingly popular and are also a great way to enjoy great vacation destinations – why not go snorkeling off Nassau or shopping in the Bahamas and meet some great eligible singles, too? Today’s single professionals don’t want to wait until they find someone special to enjoy the finer things in life, and a singles cruise means they can enjoy an amazing vacation and find someone special at the same time!

Cruise Packages to Fit Your Vacation Schedule

Cruise packages come in several different sizes to fit your budget and your time constraints. You can even start with a day cruise if you’d like to try out your “sea legs” and see what cruises are all about. But be warned – once you’ve tried a day cruise, you’ll be ready to book the next step up, and you’ll be looking at four day, seven day or longer cruises!

If you’re looking for a great getaway for a long weekend, check into the three- and four-day cruise packages that are available; you can find savings of up to 50% on these if you book in advance and are flexible on which port you leave from.

For a longer vacation, there are cruise packages of a variety of lengths, with the most common lengths being seven day, eleven day, and then two and three week cruises. For seriously intense vacations, you can even book a discount cruise that’s a month or two months long (travel around the world on a cruise ship, anyone?). The fabulous thing about a really long cruise is that the discount is often substantial – an empty cabin is expensive for a cruise ship, so they’ll offer it a significant discount rather than have it sit empty for two months, so be sure to check out all possibilities – you may be surprised by what you can afford!

by Lori Wilkerson

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

Looking for a vacation in Paradise? Try a Bahamas vacation.

Plan your next vacation where most people call paradise...the Bahamas Islands. Choose from the many islands such as Grand Bahama Island, Nassau, Paradise Island, Abaco and Eleuthera. The Bahamas is an archipelago of over 700 islands. Find a perfect Bahamas vacation rental and enjoy all that a Bahamas vacation has to offer. Experience the unique cuisine, culture and nightlife of these historic islands. Whether you’re planning a family vacation, wedding, or romantic getaway, a Bahamas vacation offers it all.

There are a number of reasons people select a vacation rental in the Bahamas. Islands such as the Grand Bahamas Island, Nassau, Eleuthera, and Abaco offer some of the best climates, beaches, sun, and fun places to vacation in the world. Eleuthera is famous for it's pineapple - Nassau and Paradise Island boast some of the most beautiful beaches - Abaco offers world-class sailing. However, the biggest attractions by far are the powder-white beaches and sparkling, turquoise water. All of these combine to keep vacationers coming back year after year. There are many great beach resorts on the islands, but you can also plan a vacation getaway with a very private vacation rental in the Bahamas.

The Bahamas Islands are full of exciting activities. Vacationers can learn to scuba dive or snorkel on some of the most beautiful beaches in the world - Paradise Island, Nassau, Eleuthera, and Abaco. Grand Bahamas Island is the center of outdoor nature activities, including horseback riding, nature tours, kayaking, National Parks, and more. The steady tradewinds make these waters great for wind surfing and sailing. Let’s don’t forget to mention shopping, sightseeing, cycling, and even nature tours.

Let’s go Fishing! All of the Bahamas Islands - Paradise Island, Eleuthera, Abaco - have their secret spots that the local guides are willing to share with vacationing fisherman. There are plenty of charter boats available that engage in sport fishing such as sailfish, marlin, tuna and tarpon. However, the sportfishing meca is on Bimini Island, just 50 miles south of Florida.

Whether you’re planning a relaxing family vacation, romantic getaway, or a corporate outing, a Bahamas vacation has a lot to offer for everyone.

by D. Fowler

About the Author
Doug Fowler is an Internet Consultant for numerous vacation rental websites, such as www.vrul.com. VRUL.com offers worldwide vacation rentals by owner.

Hilton Head Island is Golf Heaven - and the Ocean Too

Hilton Head Island is Golf Heaven - and the Ocean Too
Mark Ridgway, Hilton Head Island Golf Professional

Imagine, 42 square miles of golf and surf

Hilton Head Island is appropriately called Golf Island.
Located just off the coast of South Carolina, the semi-
tropical 12-mile barrier island is devoted to providing
world-class golf, tennis or water-recreation activities to
the 2.5 million visitors who arrive annually. The majority
are seniors, who faithfully return each year during the
balmy winter months.

Hilton Head Island was the first eco-planned destination in
the United States, in the mid-1950s. Those early efforts to
protect the unique, scenic ecosystem have served as historic
models for contemporary land-use planning. Any visitor today
encounters the same fertile salt marshes, forests of moss-
draped oaks, and pristine beaches enjoyed by the island’s
early settlers.

Golf Island’s total devotion to pleasing travelers didn’t
just happen on its own. It was painstakingly designed to
create a first-class resort and recreational mecca. The
island is warmed by the Gulf Stream (how about the golf
stream?), which keeps average temperatures about 70 degrees.
That assures a year-round golf season, with a million rounds
of golf played annually in Hilton Head, SC.

Let’s Talk some Serious Golf

There are 24 golf courses on the Hilton Head Island (10 of
them private). Some of these are world-class championship
courses (hosting major tournaments like the Heritage and the
Celebrity Golf Tournament). And if that’s not enough choices
for you, there’s easy access to another 40 courses
conveniently reached off the island, in the Hilton Head, SC
area.

But don’t feel like you’ve got to be an outstanding golfer
to get the most enjoyment out of the available courses.
Facilities exist for every skill level. And the Golf
Coordinator at Hilton Head Rentals & Golf can match your own
personal style and skills to the best courses for you.

The range of packages offered keeps golfing holidays
affordable. There’s no such thing as a charge for a golf
cart. They’re always included, along with guaranteed tee
times and green fees.

Tennis also provides another major attraction for tourists.
Tennis lovers can enjoy over 300 tennis courts, along with
an abundance of tennis training professionals and
tournaments.

No Interest in Golf or Tennis? There’s still the Ocean

Start with twelve miles of sandy, year-around beaches that
overlook the Atlantic Ocean. Add eight marinas. You’re ready for fishing and water sports. For a person hankering for something more strenuous than sightseeing, waterskiing, windsurfing, scuba diving,and crabbing beckon. Or just try stretching out on the sand. There’s a lot to be said for doing nothing but soaking up the sun and sand - as much as you can.

Capturing Memorable Experiences

A person can’t play golf or tennis (or even fish) all the
time - no matter how pleasant. So relaxation-seeking
visitors are enticed by a huge selection of enjoyable
amusements or cultural events. Start with the island’s 250
plus restaurants that cater to every taste, ethnic cuisine,
and price range. And don’t overlook the array of freshly
caught seafood.

You’re looking for a total experience, much like a symphony.
All the parts (lodging, recreation, quality of service,
dining) merge harmoniously together - without a single sour
note. That’s what every visitor stores up and takes back
home, once the vacation is over.

Enjoy a Symphony of Pleasures

If you’re expecting the finest "symphony" of experiences,
where you choose to stay needs to be just as unforgettable
as the island’s first-rate recreational offerings.
Accommodations can be found to match every taste and price
range.

Choose from:
- 6,000 villas
- 3,000 hotel or motel rooms
- 1,000 timeshare units
- 2 RV resorts
- 1 Campground (off-island)

But if you really want to pamper yourself, start at Hilton
Head Rentals & Golf, with over 250 premier Hilton Head
condos, villas and homes for rent on the island.

Picture this. You’re waking up with your sweetie beside you,
languidly looking forward to a day on the golf course. And
not just any golf course - a legendary one. You can smell
the ocean, without even seeing it. You’ll do that later,
after your leisurely breakfast on the verandah. There’s not
a thing that needs doing, except figuring out what amusement
takes your fancy - and where you want to dine. No need to
rush. Remember you’re on holiday. One you won’t soon forget.

Come join us at Hilton Head Rentals & Golf for an island
vacation you’ll never forget! Visit us at
http://www.hiltonheadvacation.com or call us toll free at
800-445-8664 for exciting golf packages and more.
©Mark Ridgway, 2004

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About the author:

-Mark Ridgway, Hilton Head Island Golf Professional Voted Top 10 Golf Destinations in the World by Golf Digest toll free 800-445-8664 Largest selection of luxury condos on the island http://www.hiltonheadvacation.commark@hiltonheadvacation.com


Circulated by Article Emporium

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Fabulous Beach Vacations Appeal to the Whole Family

It¡¦s time to plan the family vacation and you¡¦re running into trouble again. Just once you¡¦d like to find something that everyone will love, but you don¡¦t think you can find it; after all, you have the twins who are six years old, a terminally bored teenager, and a preteen daughter whose idea of the perfect vacation is a trip to the mall. Your husband loves to golf, and your idea of a vacation, frankly, is anywhere you can just relax and take it easy for a change!

You could try asking the whole family where they¡¦d like to go for a vacation, but you could get answers like this:

„« Somewhere I can go shopping for some really cool stuff!
„« The beach, so I can get some surfing in.
„« A golf resort would be nice ¡V I¡¦d like to improve my handicap.
„« Can we go someplace where there are rides? And lots of games?
„« I think the kids should learn something on this trip; let¡¦s go someplace cultural.

There¡¦s no place that meets those standards anywhere in the world better than Mexico! If you want to everyone to enjoy themselves and spend a week or two without ever hearing, ¡§There¡¦s nothing to do,¡¨ then Mexican beach vacations are the perfect choice!

Sun, sand and surf

Family beach vacations have always appealed to every generation, and for good reason. There¡¦s something universal about the pull of the ocean. Warm, white sands that are soft under your feet and lapis blue waters that are crystal clear invoke relaxation and a sense of peace and renewal that can¡¦t be found anywhere else. Mexico has thousands of miles of soft white beaches that are family-friendly with miles of gorgeous surf.

While you relax with a Pina Colada and a good book and enjoy the sea breeze, the twins can be dashing in and out of the tide, collecting sea shells and admiring hermit crabs as they dart into their holes. Your daughter can work on her tan or stroll over to one of the booths where locals wait to cornrow her hair.

And don¡¦t forget the terminal case of boredom ¡V he¡¦s trying out a surfboard that he rented from the cabana at the hotel. Tomorrow he plans to try his hand at windsurfing or parasailing. Your husband is catching everything on film for later.

And when evening rolls around¡K

When night falls there¡¦s still plenty to do on a beach vacation. Most resorts offer a choice or restaurants from family-friendly pizza parlors to fine dining with a great wine cellar. Or you can explore the local town for a sampling of local cuisine that¡¦s sure to surprise and delight you and your children. If you enjoy seafood, there¡¦s nothing that beats finding a local seafood joint with seating on the beach for atmosphere and fun.

After the sun goes down, take a stroll on the beach at night and look for sea turtles if the season is right. These magnificent creatures are an unforgettable experience for young and old alike.

If you head to the boardwalks that abound along most beaches, you¡¦re sure to find games and rides for the whole family. Your six year olds will be delighted with a Ferris wheel ride with a spectacular view of the ocean while your daughter gets her caricature done by a local artist.

When you step away from the beach, there¡¦s still plenty to do

Beach vacations in Mexico don¡¦t stop at the edge of the water. All of those fabulous beach resorts are located near wonderful little resort towns that have colorful bazaars and market districts, so the shopping is fantastic! Remember to do some holiday shopping, and look for a few colorful pieces of clothing to show off when you get back home!

Mexico is full of cultural and historical bounty, so don¡¦t forget to visit some of the rich historical treasures of the area while you¡¦re visiting. Your family will be amazed by the impressive size and grandeur of Mayan ruins just miles from the beaches. These ancient ruins are a reminder of the area¡¦s rich heritage and shouldn¡¦t be missed.

When visiting the ruins take the time to admire the villages and towns you pass through; Mexico is a rich mix of heritages. Descendants of the Maya, Inca and Spanish settlers all make up the rich heritage of today¡¦s Mexico.

Meanwhile, back on the beach¡K

After a few days of sightseeing, shopping, and golfing even the most energetic family members will want to relax, and that¡¦s why beach vacations are the best thing going ¡V total relaxation!

Close your eyes and think about the beach and you can almost feel yourself relax, can¡¦t you? Imagine your children building elaborate sand castles in toasted white sands and decorating them with delicate sea shells they¡¦ve collected along the shore. Picture your teenagers lazily swimming on the rolling waves, ducking under the crystal-clear blue of tropical waters to watch fish flicking about around their legs.

Beach vacations can also give you the opportunity to learn something new and exciting together. Try parasailing ¡V there¡¦s nothing as exhilarating as sailing through the sea breezes as you look down on the coast from the air like a seagull! If you¡¦ve always wanted to try sailing, a beach vacation will give your whole family the opportunity to go out on a sailboat for the day.

There are so many tremendous opportunities to do things when your family takes a beach vacation to Mexico. Whether you want to enjoy the sand and sun, try a little bit of adventure, sample great local foods and wines or make the kids squeal with laughter, you¡¦ll find more than enough to fill every day on our fabulous Mexico beach vacation packages!

Finally, keep in mind that, since family vacations usually mean traveling in the summer months, a Mexico beach vacation can be a great bargain. Since these months are considered ¡§off season¡¨ in this area of the country, you¡¦ll be surprised by just how affordable a really fabulous stay on a stretch of white sand beach in Mexico can be while your kids are on summer break.

by Lori Wilkerson

About the Author
Lori Wilkerson is a full-time freelance writer who loves her job because it gives her the opportunity to learn more about the world every day. Right now, she knows a little bit about almost everything, and a lot about Hawaii Vacations, Beach Vacation Deals, and Cheap Beach Vacations. Lori once led a Conga line to the tune, "Hot, Hot, Hot," throughout an entire cruise ship sailing to Nassau. beach-vacations-4u.com
(True story!)

Finding discount prices on European vacations.

Imagine saving 30%-40% in airfare expenses as you get ready to travel to an exciting, exotic location. How exciting would that be? Inexpensive European vacations to travel Italy and Ireland travel can be found if you're willing to do just a little research. You don't have to be an expert at hunting down the most discount airfare, just spend a little time comparing departure dates and times.

European vacations to travel Italy and Ireland travel and traveling overseas is an activity that more and more people are engaging in these days, and, believe me, you can find some incredible bargains on the internet.

If you're schedule is flexible, you'll find Fantastic prices on European vacations to travel Italy and Ireland travel.

For example, when traveling to London England, you'll save a lot of money if you can go before June and after September. The summer months are the busiest. But, if you search for European vacations to travel Italy and Ireland travel during the shoulder or off-season, you'll find some cheap flights that will save you a lot of money. Why give that money to the airlines when you can use it for sightseeing or eating in nicer restaurants? When traveling overseas be sure to allow plenty of time to obtain your passport. In addition, international travel will usually require longer check-in times at the airports. You'll need to pass through customs when you arrive at your foreign destination and you'll need to do it again when returning back to the U.S.

Spend a little time doing some research on the internet and you'll be very excited with the great European vacations to travel Italy and Ireland travel prices offered. You'll be in control of how much you pay and that'll make your vacation that much better.

by: Mike Yeager

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

Vacation Insurance... Saves Your Money, Time And Frustrations!

Don't forget your vacation insurance before you take off for any travel.
I am very serious when it comes to insurance, I do not want to take any chances, I grew up in a family with my mother as a sole bread winner, my Dad passed away when I was 10 years old without any insurance. Life was very very difficult then.
So the same goes with vacation insurance too!

It can cost you an extra few thousands of dollars if the cruise or tour operator goes bankrupt, or if you need to shorten your vacation due to sickness or injury.

Quick Tip
The biggest myth would be that your normal health insurance covers you when you are away, or that since many travelers visit an area or region, access to medical care is easy or affordable.
Here's a quick guide to understanding what a good vacation insurance should cover for any travel.

1. Travel Curtailment
If you or an immediate family member becomes seriously ill or is injured during the vacation most vacation insurance companies would reimburse you for the unused portion of the vacation.

2. Travel Cancellation
You would be reimbursed if the cruise line or tour operator goes out of business. It would also reimburse you if you have to cancel the vacation due to sickness, a death in the family or other calamity listed in the insurance policy.
Travel cancellation is very different from a Cancellation Waiver that many cruise and tour operators offer. Waivers are relatively inexpensive. They provide coverage if you have to cancel the trip, but they have many restrictions.
They must be purchased when you book the trip and will usually not cover you immediately before departure. Most importantly, waiver is not insurance.

2. Personal liability
Personal Liability is important in case of legal liability, arising out of one's negligence in causing a third party injury (or death) and/or third party property damage.
Some traveler insurance companies even insure against the loss or theft of golfing equipment and laptops.


3. Luggage/Baggage/Flight Delay
This feature comes along with a "Time" excess, meaning that the traveler insurance companies only compensate when the delay exceeds a certain time frame. The limit for loss of luggage/baggage/flight varies, usually with a cap for individual items.

4. Emergency & Medical Assistance and Information Service
Look for those 24-hour services that offer information on visa requirements, foreign exchange, weather forecasts and medical advice et cetera.

Emergency evacuation is very helpful indeed for inexperienced travelers or travelers with medical conditions or for those who are traveling to more remote and less traveled places.

These service centers may also offer emergency assistance in the form of embassy, legal, interpreter and medical referrals.

Most vacation insurance policies would compensate a couple of hundred dollars for each day of hospitalization up to the maximum limit indicated in their respective packages.

This is solely to compensate the traveler for the number of days spent in a hospital overseas and should not be mistaken as hospital or medical reimbursement, which takes care of the hospital and ward charges.

4. Accidental Death insurance
Personal accident coverage, which is to compensate the insured for permanent or temporary disablement or death as a result of an accident.

2 Main Types of Vacation Insurance

Annual Policy
Most traveler insurance companies offer vacation insurance on annual basis as well as per trip basis. Annual policies cover unlimited trips made by the insured during the entire year provided that each trip does not exceed a certain number of days, usually 90 days.
No declaration is required.
For frequent flyers, this type of cover would be most ideal in terms of cost and convenience.

Family Vacation Insurance
Family packages are also designed to cater for immediate families traveling together. Definition of immediate families would mean you, your spouse and your children.

Family vacation insurance are usually priced lower premium than if individual insurance policies were to be taken up for the whole family.
Special Features ALERT!

Go for vacation insurance policies come with higher deductible and this translates into lower premium.

The worst case scenario is you may end up having to bear the first $40 or $50 of every claim that you make.

Deductible: (Also known as Excess in UK, NZ, AU) This is the amount that the insured must pay before the vacation insurance starts paying for your claim.
This may be an annual amount, an amount for the duration of the policy, or an amount for each incident. Choose the latter.

For those of you who intend to engage in water or winter sports during your vacation, it would be wise to take up your insurers who offer free coverage for such activities.

Some traveler insurance companies may charge an additional premium for this extension, so it is better to check this point before you effect your cover.
Unfortunately, the definition of water sports in the typical travel policy does not include scuba diving.

Not surprisingly, bungee jumping is excluded from most policies. Watch out for age limits imposed by some traveler insurance companies, meaning that persons exceeding a certain age are excluded from their coverage. But if you belong to this elderly group, fret not.

There are traveler insurance companies that do not impose any age limit and offer the same coverage at no additional premium loading.

A unique coverage that is being offered in the traveler insurance market is the "Car Rental Excess". This feature takes care of the excess amount that the insured normally has to bear (under the motor policy taken up at car rental companies) in the event of damage to the rented vehicle while driving overseas.

Price of Vacation Insurance also known as Premium - Premium Computation
For "per-trip" policies, the premium payable hinges considerably on the number of days of travel, the country of destination and choice of plan.

For example, if you are from Europe, a vacation in USA warrants a much higher premium than a trip within Europe for the same number of days.

Some traveler insurance companies provide the option of higher limits of coverage at of course, a higher premium.

If price is of concern, it is advisable to keep on hand the premium schedule from a few traveler insurance companies for comparison before you activate your insurance before each trip.

Claim Procedure
I consider this the most important aspect of buying a vacation insurance.
All traveler insurance companies will require you to lodge your claims within a certain time frame. You would be required to complete and submit a claim form, which can be obtained from the traveler insurance company.

In almost all instances, your claims must be accompanied by relevant documents, such as medical receipts for medical reimbursement or hospital cash; a police report for loss of money or personal documents; an official letter from the airline in cases of flight or lugguage delay and loss of lugguage if within custody of the airline.
In all cases, call up and inform your traveler insurance company immediately for necessary advice.

There you are... now with a basic knowledge of vacation insurance, you are equipped to choose the best suited to your travel needs and you are all set to fly!

by Jonathan Tan

As a business traveler, Jonathan has traveled extensively within America, across Asia and Europe. Last minute travel is the norm for him, you can check out his Last Minute Vacations Guide at http://www.last-minute-vacation-guide.com

jonathan@last-minute-vacation-guide.com

Cheap Tickets, Discount Airfare, Cheap Cruises, Hawaiian Vacations, Las Vegas Vacations or Cancun Vacations.

Finding the best deals for cheap tickets has just become easier. In the past, if you wanted to find cheap tickets and discount airfares you had to contact a travel agent and explain where and when you wanted to go. They would do some research and eventually get back to you with a deal. Well, not anymore!

Today you can seek out and find cheap tickets and discount airfares offering the best deal, just by entering a few words into a computer right from your own home. Are you looking for cheap cruises, Hawaiian vacations or an exciting Las Vegas vacation? Well, in a few minutes you can find a plane ticket that will take you anywhere you want to go. You can search out the Cheapest, most Discounted airfare originating from anywhere and going to anywhere...literally in the world.

You choose your destination, you choose your schedule, you choose which ticket price suits YOU best and when you're finished, you complete the transaction, right from the comfort of your own home. Cheap tickets and discount airfares, it can't get any easier than that!

The best Cheap Tickets and Discount Airfares resource you'll find.

When shopping online for cheap tickets and discount airfares, be sure to compare prices with flight departure times and schedules. Seasonal variations can affect travel prices and flight schedules. You'll find that searching for and purchasing a plane ticket online is easy and fun.

by Mike Yeager

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

World Cruise - a Relaxing Experience

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

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

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

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

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


by Colin Hartness

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

Tips for Better Vacation Photos

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

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

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

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

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

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

by Valerie Goettsch

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

Costa Rica Vacation Packages

Are you planning your next family vacation? Are you want to discover an exotic, wonferful and tropical paradise? You have to go to Costa Rica.

Costa Rica offers plenty of pleasant choices like these, especially if you're interested in nature and outdoor activities. That's why so many people have chosen to go there: In the past decade, the number of visitors has quadrupled, and tourism has become a big part of the nation's economy.

Costa Rica is practically synonymous with ecotourism -- travel that incorporates education about the environment and promotes preservation of natural resources. The country has a large number of national parks and nature preserves that boast a rich array of birds, mammals, reptiles and rain-forest plants. The variety of birds, in particular, is astounding: Some 850 species are packed into a relatively small area. Approximately 25% of the country's land has been set aside in protected areas, earning Costa Rica a reputation as an environmentally sensitive country and leader in ecological conservation.

The country has excellent conditions for a number of adventure sports, among them surfing, river rafting, hiking and scuba diving. Those who prefer a less strenuous vacation can view active volcanoes, take boat trips down jungle rivers and float through the treetops in the world's first Rain Forest Aerial Tram.
On this Costa Rica Travel Guide you will find important information for your Costa Rica vacations: costa rica hotels, costa rica tours, costa rica travel areas and much more.

by Andy Bezara

Andy Bezara. I came to Costa Rica in 1998 to study my MBA at INCAE. I love this country... It is very small, but it is a land of natural wonders. If you come with your family you will enjoy a magical experience. Visit www.mytraveltocostarica.com They can help us to organize your Costa Rica vacation.

andybezara@hotmail.com

Ten Tips for Planning Your Vacation

I hope that by sharing my personal experiences, you will avoid learning similar lessons the hard way. And it goes to show that those little details in the planning of a vacation can make a huge difference in the outcome. You can make your next vacation relaxing and enjoyable by following these simple vacation planning tips.

1. Keep your vacation planning information in one place. Create a labeled file
folder ("Hawaii Vacation") and use it to keep your airline, hotel, car rental information, as well as maps or AAA guide books, tourist information, contact information for people you know in that city, etc. You can find all this information at Holidays, Vacations and Traveling

2. Plan ahead for your wardrobe. Think about all of the activities you might do, and imagine what you'd want to wear for each activity. For example, on the beach you might want a swimsuit, cover-up, slip-on footwear or water shoes, a sun hat, sunglasses... maybe even a face mask, snorkel, and some flippers. Will the kids want shovels and buckets to build a sand castle? Do you need to supply your own beach towel, or will you be staying somewhere that supplies this for you? What about waterproof sunscreen? The more you can visualize yourself on the beach, the better prepared you will be.

3. Use a travel checklist. I've created a Packing List to get you started. Once you've tailored this to your needs, keep it in the travel file you've created. This will help you remember to pack both the basic necessities, as well as some of the more obscure things you might not remember but would want to take with you.

4. Let children pack their own travel bags, and make sure their bag is small enough that they can carry it themselves. Help them select things they can do on the road or in the air: Walkman and cassettes or CDs, books, handheld video games, portable crafts, card games. Talk about seating arrangements ahead of time to avoid conflict among siblings about who will sit where.

5. Pack a carry-on that is small enough to stay with you at all times. Include necessities that you must have, in the event that you get separated from your other luggage for a day. If you need to take medication on a regular basis, be sure this is with you, and not in your checked luggage. If you are combining a business and vacation trip and need something for a presentation the next day, take it in your carry-on rather than checking it.

6. Plan early to get the best selection and to get early booking discounts. If you're really adventuresome and are not particular about where you want to go, you can also book reservations last-minute. There is some risk involved in doing this, but you can also get some great deals this way. Find some great bargains at airline tickets.

7. If you're driving, you may wish to map out your trip ahead of time and make hotel reservations along the way if you are traveling during peak vacation time. Mapquest offers a helpful Website for mapping out your route and estimating travel time under normal driving conditions.

8. If you're traveling to another country, check out the Currency Converter for International Exchange Rates.
If you'd like to master a few useful phrases in a foreign language, visit the Foreign Language Assistance Website. It even contains some sound clips so you can pronounce words properly.

9. If your vacation plans include staying home rather than traveling, plan how you will spend your vacation to rejuvenate yourself. Perhaps there are some local attractions that you've been wanting to experience but have not had the time to experience. Are there people you want to connect with? Get clear about what you want to do and who you want to do it with, and then plan to make it happen. If your vacation includes having a friend or relative flying in to visit you, you can check the status of a flight to see if they will arrive on time.

10. This is the most important tip of all: pack the right attitude. Let go of the "what if" and enjoy the moment. Remind yourself what matters most, and focus on that. If this is a vacation to get away and relax, then focus on activities and thoughts that will be relaxing. If your goal is to reconnect with family and build memories together, that can be done regardless of circumstances (missing a flight, not getting tickets to an event you wanted to attend, etc.). If your goal is to sight-see and take in some special attractions or shows, then plan ahead and make the reservations necessary to ensure that you can do what you want to do when you get there.

by Kathy Paauw

Kathy Paauw, President of Paauwerfully Organized, specializes in helping busy executives, professionals, and entrepreneurs declutter their schedules, spaces and minds. She is a certified business/personal coach and professional organizer. Contact her at mailto:orgcoach@gte.net or visit her Website at http://www.orgcoach.net and learn how you can Find ANYTHING in 5 Seconds - Guaranteed!

The Enchanted Galapagos Islands

THE ENCHANTED GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

The Galapagos Islands were named after the giant Galapagos tortoises. The archipelago emerged six million years ago as a result of volcanic activity in the bottom of the Pacific Ocean.

This enchanted place on earth is composed of 19 islands and more than 40 islets, with white sand beaches, dark and solid rocks, unique landscapes, deep crystal clear waters, you can enjoy yourself swimming with playful sea lions around you, watching friendly sharks cruise six feet under you. All these wonderful nature makes you feel as if you are part of it all.

It has a world record of especial titles and management categories: the islands are Ecuador's first National Park; UNESCO World natural heritage Site, both the terrestrial Park and the Reserve, (the second largest and possibly the most unique in the world); Biosphere Reserve and a Whale Sanctuary.


GALAPAGOS ISLANDS LOCATION. This alluring complex ecosystem is located 1,000 kilometers (600 miles) off the coast of Ecuador, northwest of South America in the Pacific Ocean.


WILDLIFE OBSERVATION.- Some of the most unusual and fascinating species in the world, both terrestrial and marine, are found in the Galapagos islands. Here most of the surface (96%) is a National Park, surrounded by a protected Marine Reserve, both UNESCO World Heritages Sites.

On Santa Cruz island, the Giant tortoises can be seen at the Charles Darwin Research Station (including famous Lonesome George, the only remaining tortoise from "Pinta" island) and also in the wild, in the highlands of this Galapagos island.

There are 15 sub-species of giant tortoises. Some prefer the upland zones of the large islands because of humidity, grassy pastures and small ponds to drink and stagger about. Others prefer islands with low elevations, dry terrain, and with lots of prickly vegetation like cactus. The largest populations are found in Alcedo Volcano on Isabela Island, and in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island.


Tortoises keep growing for 30 or 40 years to almost 5 feet (1.5 m.) and weigh about 500 pounds (230 kg.). It is worth mentioning that no one knows exactly how long giant tortoises live, but it seems they can easily reach 150 years!


BIRD WATCHING.- A total of 140 species of birds have been registered in Galapagos. About half of the resident birds cannot be seen anywhere else in the world. You can observe shore and lagoon birds such as ducks, stilts, herons, warblers, pelicans and frigates all easily approachable, just like all the Galapagos animals.


Eight species of Darwin's Finches are found on Santa Cruz island; most of which can be observed all around the island. Charles Darwin's concepts were founded by modern evolutionists by studying the different beaks of these finches.

SNORKELING AND DIVING.- The Galapagos islands are considered a world premier destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. The protected waters of its Marine Reserve have been well preserved, nearly untouched by external sources. Here the crossroads of marine currents has resulted in a unique marine ecosystem.

GALAPAGOS WEATHER.- Although the islands are tropical, there are two markedly different seasons: the warm, humid and sunny season from December to May and the dry, windy and not-so-sunny season from June to November.

Transitional months are January, April and May. The Warm Season offers hardly any wind (so the sea is usually very calm) and the visibility tends to be better. In the Dry Season there is more wind, sometimes the sea tends to be choppy and the visibility lower.

WATER TEMPERATURE.- Surprisingly, its water temperatures range from 16°C to 27°C degrees Celsius (61°F - 80°F); divers use full wet (6mm) suits all year around and hoods in the cold season. Regardless season, a thermo cline is commonly found below 12-15 meters (37-45 feet)


THE MEANING OF GALAPAGOS.- Amongst the first groups that came to Galapagos, we had many of Spanish origin. In traditional Castilian language, the word Galapago was used to describe the frontal piece of the riding saddle, and upon seeing the many tortoises the islands had in earlier years, but more important, the shape of their carapace (shell), they named this archipelago "Islands of the Galapagos". And this is the official story of the name of these exotic islands.

For more information about Galapagos and Ecuador, please visit my Site:

http://www.galapagos-islands-tourguide.com

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About the author:

My name is Eduardo Landazuri better known as Zuri. I run my own travel business company and I write about the Galapagos Islands, mainly to let people around the world know more about this wonderful set of islands and to welcome all its visitors.

http://www.galapagos-islands-tourguide.com


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The Best of Walt Disney World

So you’re headed to Walt Disney World ... but where to start? Disney offers such a wealth of fantastic resorts, restaurants, and top-drawer entertainment experiences it can be difficult to choose which fantasy you wish to indulge. How best can you plan a visit in which each day comes with the finest Disney has to offer? Here are a few tips that can make the difference between a mediocre trip and a fantastic one:

Best Time of Year for a Disney Vacation

If at all possible plan a trip to Disney during the slower seasons of the year when you’ll find half-filled parks, little waiting in line, and lower resort rates. If you can stand the guilt and your children are good students, take them out of school, whatever, to avoid the busiest times of the year. If not, the summer months or holidays are certainly better than nothing and, with a bit of planning and a lot of energy, can be more than enjoyable. These are the least busy times of the year: the second week of January through the first week of February (avoiding the Martin Luther King holiday weekend in January); the third week of August until the beginning of October; the month of November excluding Thanksgiving weekend; the week after Thanksgiving until the week of Christmas, a special time when the parks and resorts are festively decorated for the holidays.

Best Deluxe Resort

Disney’s flagship resort, The Grand Floridian, with its red-gabled roofs and Victorian elegance, draws inspiration from the grand Florida seaside “palace hotels” of 19th-century America’s Gilded Age. Just a short monorail ride to the Magic Kingdom, it spreads along the shore of the Seven Seas Lagoon, offering spectacular views of Cinderella’s Castle and the Wishes fireworks display.

Best Home Away From Home Property

Disney’s Home Away From Home Resorts are a great choice for those who want a vacation with all the amenities including a full kitchen, living room, and a bath for each bedroom. For outstanding atmosphere choose the Villas at Wilderness Lodge with its Bay Lake location and national park character or the new Beach Club Villas conveniently located next door to Epcot’s International Gateway.

Best Resort For Access to the Parks

Disney’s Contemporary, Polynesian, and Grand Floridian Resorts offer monorail access to the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and the Ticket & Transportation Center.

Best Resort For Nature Lovers

Wilderness Lodge is Disney’s dramatic depiction of an early 1900s national park resort. In its awesome eight-story lobby are walls of ponderosa pine logs, a massive 82-foot tall fireplace, and two authentic 55-foot Pacific Northwest totem poles. Outside is a breathtaking scene of sparkling waterfalls, rushing creeks, towering pines, and Disney’s very own geyser. And it’s all only a boat ride away from the Magic Kingdom.

Best Resort Pool

Stormalong Bay, the eye-popping free form, mini-water park complex at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club, is simply divine. Three acres of winding, watery delight, it offers sandy bottom pools, a giant “shipwreck” water slide, a tidal whirlpool, bubbling hot tubs, a kiddie pool with its own slide next to the beach, and enough waterway to float lazily in inner tubes to your heart’s content.

Best Resort Lounge

California Grill Lounge on the 15th floor at Disney’s Contemporary Resort offers unrivaled views of the Magic Kingdom and the Seven Seas Lagoon along with cocktails, sushi, and a view of the Wishes fireworks display.

Best Disney Attractions For Thrill Seekers

For a shot of adrenaline head to Disney-MGM Studios, where thrill junkies beeline it to the Tower of Terror for a 13-story bungee-style plummet. Next-door is the Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster that rockets from 0 to 60 mph in less than 3 seconds then loops and corkscrews in the dark through a Hollywood night. It’s a scream come true

Best Way to Spend an Evening Without the Kids

If you’re a registered guest of a Disney resort, drop off the kids at one of their child care centers for around $10 an hour per child where they are given dinner along with classic Disney movies, arts and crafts, and video games. If your child is under 4 or not potty trained, call Kid’s Nite Out at 407-827-5444 for in-room childcare. Then head to one of Disney’s world-class restaurants. For fine dining in a stunning setting combined with virtually flawless service choose Victoria and Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort. Here you’ll dine on white linen covered tables set with Royal Doulton china and crystal wine glasses to the strains of enchanting harp music.

Best Way to Spend an Evening Away From the Parks

The addition of the West Side and Pleasure Island to Disney Marketplace created what is now known as the wildly successful Downtown Disney, a combination of over 70 scene-setting restaurants, shops, and nightclubs. During the day it’s a perfect getaway from the parks, but at night after the parks close, Downtown Disney comes alive. At Disney Marketplace you’ll find A-plus shopping, the largest Disney Store in the world, and the volcano-smoking Rainforest Cafe. Pleasure Island is a nighttime mecca with 8 clubs and a nightly New Year’s Eve celebration. And then there’s the West Side, loaded with dining and entertainment venues including Wolfgang Puck Cafe, House of Blues, Gloria Estefan’s Bongos, Cirque du Soleil, and Disney Quest.

Best Restaurant For Kids

Dine among crashing waterfalls, lush tropical foliage, and dripping vines while being bombarded with thunderstorms and noisy Audio-Animatronic wildlife at the Rainforest Cafe. Or head to the Whispering Canyon Cafe at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge for an all-you-care-to-eat blow-out of rib-stickin’ barbecue served piping hot in iron skillets accompanied by plenty of hootin’ and hollerin’. Kids love the crazy show put on by the hobby horse-racing waiters outfitted in western attire who can’t resist making a huge production out of serving food, birthday celebrations, and those unfortunate enough to leave for the restroom.

Best Disney Resort Restaurant

The California Grill on the 15th floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort is a definite highlight for any connoisseur of cutting-edge cuisine. The immense windows present an unbeatable panorama of the Magic Kingdom and the Seven Seas Lagoon and on many nights picture-perfect views of the Wishes fireworks show. From pristinely fresh sushi to the exceptional New American Cuisine to sensational desserts and the outstanding California wine list, this place has it all.

Best Theme Park Restaurant

In Epcot’s France Pavilion is Bistro de Paris, a charming Belle Époque dining room with an air of exclusivity. Filled with gilded mirrors and crimson banquettes, its billowy white drapes frame windows that overlook the World Showcase Lagoon. Servers with delicious French accents roll out sensational dishes prepared with only the freshest ingredients. Afterward order a dessert of crepes prepared and flamed at your table while lingering over cordials and coffee in anticipation of the nightly Illuminations spectacle.

Best Way to View the Epcot Fireworks Presentation

Each evening boatloads of visitors depart from the docks of Disney’s Boardwalk Inn and Disney’s Yacht Club headed for Epcot where, from a prime position under the bridge between the United Kingdom and France, is a view of the Illuminations fireworks spectacular that can’t be beat. Cruises are offered nightly with your choice of either a pontoon boat seating 10 or a beautiful reproduction of a 1930s Chris Craft accommodating 6-7 people. Although reservations can be made up to 90 days in advance, they sometimes sell out on the first day. Call 407-WDW-PLAY.

Best Way to Spend a Lazy Afternoon

When your muscles are aching and your body is screaming for rest after days at the parks, sooth your jangled nerves at Disney’s Grand Floridian Spa. Immerse yourself in luxury with one or two feel-good treatments guaranteed to rejuvenate and swiftly get you back on your feet and ready for another long day of walking. For the ultimate in romance consider the Grand Romantic Evening where, in a candle-lit couple’s room, each person receives an aromatherapy massage.

Most importantly slow down and enjoy the magic. Resist the urge to see everything at breakneck speed. You can’t possibly cover it all, so think of this as your first trip to Disney, not your last. There will be time to pick up all the things you missed on the next go-round. Be spontaneous. If something catches your eye, even if it’s not on your daily list of things to do, stop and explore or else you may miss something wonderful.

by Cara Goldsbury

Cara Goldsbury is the author of The Luxury Guide to Walt Disney World: How to Get the Most Out of the Best Disney Has to Offer available at 800-247-6553, www.luxurydisneyguide.com, Amazon.com, or your local bookstore. Visit her at www.luxurydisneyguide.com.