Tips For Getting Cheap Tickets!

Looking for cheap tickets for your airline trip this season? No need to worry because there are all sorts of companies out there looking to help you get the best bang for your buck. You’ll find that there are hundreds of new and outstanding pricings available to encourage people to fly. But, we need to take heed because we can still be overcharged if we don’t watch out. Instead of worrying about the cost of your tickets; check out these ideas to get cheap tickets.

• Tip one is that you need to book your ticket in advance. No need to wait until the last minute and have to find the only available seat on a jet. Instead, take the time to book in advance. The worst thing that you can do is to walk up to the counter at the airport and purchase a ticket. Unfortunately, you will not be seeing cheap tickets there.

• Be as flexible as you can be. Have you ever been lucky enough to be asked to take a later flight and given a voucher for free tickets next time? If not, you just might not be the lucky ones here. While this is not the only way of getting a great deal, if the opportunity arises, jump on it. Also, if you can choose the times and days that you plan to fly, look mid week and especially in the late nights. Flights during these times aren’t just cheap; they are also less hectic and take a lot less time to wait in line for.

• Compare and contrast the different companies. If you have a favorite that you always use, you might just be paying more than you should be. Instead, grab a seat and look at the different options that are available to you online. You can save a lot of money this way!

Getting cheap tickets isn’t just a great feeling. It is also a way to afford more trips later. If you take the opportunity to get outstanding values on the tickets that you want now, you will be pleased later as well. Cheap tickets are out there, you just have to get them!

About the author:
Find more information and tips about cheap tickets by visiting http://www.dailycheapticketsnews.info


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Great Exuma Island is the Perfect Caribbean Honeymoon Destination

For many newlyweds, deciding on where to spend their honeymoon vacation is as important as the wedding itself. A Caribbean honeymoon is a popular choice, but which one of the islands will make your "dream come true"? Each one is different in what it has to offer. Much like contemplating between hiring a DJ or a band, you need to know exactly what it is you are looking for. Great Exuma Island in the Bahamas is able to appeal to many tastes. Whether you are looking for relaxation, culture or adventure, this island has it all. Moreover, Great Exuma is a Caribbean island famous for perfect weather, stunning scenery and above all-romance.

Great Exuma Island has a population of fewer than 4,000 people and offers peace and serenity. In comparison to other Caribbean islands, Great Exuma is not overrun by tourists and cruise ships. On the contrary, the island is relatively secluded and offers you the chance to hide away on a pristine white sand beach, or enjoy a picnic in a private cay.

If culture is what you are looking for, Great Exuma has it in abundance. Visit the remains of cotton growing and salt farming plantations at Williams Town. Or, take a trip to the fascinating ancient salt ponds. History comes alive at Elizabeth Harbor which was once a favorite haunt for pirates. The harbor is home to the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, the first land and sea park in the world to be declared a national park.

Adventure seekers will be enticed by the endless amount of activities available on Great Exuma Island. Sailing, scuba diving, snorkeling and fishing are popular. Experienced guides are available for hire and they are most happy to inject extra adrenaline into your Caribbean honeymoon. For the more daring types, rent a boat or a sea kayak and explore the island on your own. Whatever your taste, Great Exuma can certainly cater to it.

The time spent on your romantic Caribbean honeymoon should be memorable. Every couple should be able to look back on that vacation and wish that they could do it again. The island of Great Exuma in the Bahamas guarantees lasting memories and days and nights of sun, fun and romance!

by Fred Coolridgeby
About the Author
Fred Coolridge is the content manager and author for the website Great Exuma Island, Bahamas - www.exumabahamas.org

Interesting 5 Tips that First-Timer Cruisers Need to Know

First-time cruisers sometimes confuse about choosing the destination
for neither cruising nor they aware about the hidden costs in the
cruise. So this cruising tip should help them to prepare about what
they need to know before they go for cruising:

1. Book early or late
You will get better deal by booking well in advance of your sailing date or at the last minute. Booking early in advance can save you between 15 to 50 percent and also lock in the cabin category of your choice. If you rather wait to book at the last minute, you will even get a better discount on a ship’s unsold cabin. But of course you will not be able to choose the cabin that you like, whatever is left is
available.

2. Drive rather than fly
You could save a lot if you just drive to the nearest port in the city rather than you fly. Nowadays there are more cruises than ever before departing from “close-to home” ports such as Boston, New York, Bayonne(New Jersey), Philadelphia, Baltimore, Charleston, Jacksonville,Tampa, New Orleans, Mobile, Galveston, Los Angeles, Long Beach, San Francisco and Seattle.

3. Take a short cruise first
If you are a first-timer cruiser, it is better for you to take short-cruise 3 to 4 days on the weekend. In this case, you will be able to “test the water” before you jump-in to the real cruise. There is a good selection of ships sailing on short cruises to various destinations in the Caribbean, as well as along the Mexican Rivieraand to New England/Canada.

4. Beware of added charges
You have to be prepared for added charges when you are on a cruise.
Expenses such as playing in the casinos, alcoholic beverages to photos snapped by the ship’s ubiquitous are not included in your cruise fare.
So, travel-smart by preparing your budget in advance when you are going on a cruise. If you must buy something, wait until the final day of the cruise—most of the stores will throw a sale then.

5. From ship to shore- savings on excursions
Perhaps the largest additional cost are escorted shore excursions offered in every port of call ranging in price from $25 per person for a tour by motor coach to as much as $300 for helicopter flight-seeing.
For two couples, it is less expensive to hire a cab or rent a car for a day than for each person to join an organized excursion. Also there is no requirement to leave the ship when in port. Some passengers prefer to relax on board and lounge by the pool as the ship is much
less crowded after most people have gone ashore. Shore excursions make the most sense when few attractions are within walking distance and local means of transportation are scarce.

Hope that this tip will be helpful for those first-timer cruiser. Bon
Voyage!!



About the author:
Yochention and his wife love to travel and they love to share their knowledge of travelling to couples. Visit their site at http://www.Romantic-Escape.comto get ideas for your next romantic getaways.


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Smart Kids: Use It Or Lose It This Summer

The brain is like a muscle -- you use it or lose it. During summer vacation is your child "losing it"?

Picture two different athletes. Athlete A is on a schedule where she trains ten months and then takes two months off. Athlete B trains year round. When Athlete A goes back to training after her two months of being a couch potato, she's going to feel sluggish, slow, and frustrated, while Athlete B is still in prime shape.

So, how do we, as parents, keep our children's brains in tip-top shape? Exercise your children's brains with these activities.

Writing Skills: Do your children have a favorite series of books, like The Magic Tree House or Harry Potter? They can write the next book in the series! Brainstorm the plot with your children. Provide them with a special notebook for writing the story -- and let their imagination take them on a journey. A chapter each week will really add up!

Reading: Enroll your children in your local library's summer reading program. These reading programs reward children for reading during the summer months, and are usually free to join. If your library doesn't offer a summer reading program, contact your local bookstore. Or make your own reading contest. Simply draw a chart with rewards at different levels. Every time your children reach a new level on the chart, celebrate their accomplishments!

Math: The easiest and most delicious place to incorporate math is in the kitchen. Doubling recipes, figuring fractions, adding, subtracting -- plus the experiments are yummy! It doesn't get much better than that.

Logic Skills: Teach your children the classic card games like Uno, Go Fish, Old Maid, Crazy Eights. Older kids can learn the basics of Poker and Gin Rummy.

Music: Introduce your children to new styles of music on a regular basis -- Classical, Reggae, Jazz, Blues, Opera, Soundtracks from Musicals, Classic Rock, Popular Music from the 60's-90's, Music from all over the World. Not only will it stimulate their minds, but it's a lot of fun!

Art: Go to the library and find a great book about famous works of art. With your children, look through the book and ask them which pieces they like and why. Then, give them the opportunity to recreate the art they saw in the book, using whatever materials they'd like -- chalk, paint, crayons, glue, etc. Your children will surely surprise you with their creativity.

Summer is a fun time of the year. Take these ideas and run with them. Not only will your children benefit from keeping their brains active and in tip-top shape, but you get the benefit of seeing their creative, brilliant minds at work. Have a great summer!

by ShowKidsTheFun
About the Author
Visit http://www.ShowKidsTheFun.com and Free Online Preschool Themes (link
to http://www.showmomthemoney.com/homeschooling.asp ) for more fun ideas to spend time with your children.

What you need to know about – Budget travel

Generally people deem traveling to be one amongst the most expensive event in their lives. But this can be proved wrong. A little judicious and cautious planning can save tremendous expenditure without compromising significantly on the fun and joy of your trip. There are various ways to do this.

1. What you first need to do is to prepare your budget-how much maximum you can spend on your outing and what is the minimum that you would want to consume.

2. The second best thing would be to choose the season to go. If it is an off-season, don’t be reluctant to pack your bags. For during off-season, not much people are traveling to that place. Like winter and rainy seasons are believed to be off seasons for the beach locations. At this time the costs of the hotels, the availability of rooms and reservations etc. all will be conveniently available and that too at remarkably less price.


3. If you traveling domestically, for instance if you are a student willing to enjoy a good and cheap vacation and looking forward for accommodation, the best you can do is to opt for a hostel or pitching up your tent. Tents can be pitched on those recreational grounds that welcome such stays. This saves the huge amount you would have to expend for your stay in a hotel room.

4. Even if you are traveling domestically don’t be shy in looking for discounts. There are many off-season discounts available. These are meant to lure customers even in the off-season. Various travel agencies (that offer excellent cheap package tours), hotels, restaurants, shopping malls etc. facilitate such discounts. If you plan to go through a travel agency, ask them about these beneficial discounts and do avail them.


5. If you think that distance can be commuted by a car and you do not require any travel agency then prefer to take your own car. Rented car can be a little more expensive. Try to work upon and minimize the consumption of gasoline (like less of air conditioner and excess speed etc.). For gasoline is costly and the cost varies from state to state. However, the best means to travel domestically is to catch up a bus or train. For that saves you from the weariness of driving and the expense of gasoline as well as the one for the wear and tear of your car.

6. If you propose to make a move internationally i.e. to take a destination abroad, the finest thing would be have a travel agent. An agent can help you in many ways. Ask your agent to go for those airlines that offer a good discount and offers like booking your lodging etc. Try not to make any last minute reservations for they are most often costly and you may not even find a seat.


7. You can also search the Internet for various airfares once you decide upon the dates to travel. Internet search can be very valuable in finding a suitable accommodation and eating joints that fit in your budget. Also try to know something about the domestic life of the place you are heading to. This can save you from many troubles later. Like if you have an idea of some restaurant that is hogged by the local residents, you have made your trip somewhat free of expenditure on food.

8. Last but not the least make sure you go with a travel insurance done. This insurance can make up for your cancelled fights, medical expenses, lost luggage etc. Travel insurance companies too provide various concessions especially when you are traveling internationally. Travel insurance is the best for your safety and happiness during your trip.

Remember, a little travel strategy and research will have a wonderful journey within your pocket.


About the author:
Mansi gupta writes about budget travel topics. Learn more at http://www.budgettravelhelp.com.


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Getting The Best Price On A Car Rental

Vacations are expensive; there is no doubt about it. But, when we have the opportunity to save money, we should jump at it. Car rentals are just the right way to save some money this vacation season. Sure, we all want to get off the plane and grab a great looking car, but if you can do this and save some money, who’s going to complain? Here are some hints and tips to keep you saving money on your next trip or whenever you need a car rental.

• Book them ahead of time. This is essential to saving money. If you plan to get off the plane and into a car, you will pay more, much more. Instead, get online and simply look for the best deal available. No more hassle than waiting in line at the car rental shop. You can choose just what you want and get a better price.

• Consider your need. There isn’t one of us that wouldn’t want to drive around all day in a luxury car, but if you plan to go sight seeing in that, how much time will you spend in the car in all reality? Most likely, you’ll be out of the car most of the time. It just makes sense to get an affordable car and pocket the extra money. A luxury car is just prone to be stolen too.

• The best way to get the best price on your car rental is to book online. Not just in advance, but online. Here’s the reason. When you book online, there are less people involved, less mistakes made and less overhead for the company. That helps to keep prices low. This savings can be passed on to you.

Car rentals are just one aspect of vacationing. They can be quite costly, but, they don’t have to be such a burden. You can drive around in a great looking car at a great price. Save that money for the vacation itself!

About the author:
Find more information and tips about car rental by visiting http://www.dailycarrentalnews.info


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10 Special Tips for Your Romantic Getaways

Taking a break by going for romantic getaways with your loved one is a precious moment. So all the things needed for the trips has to be prepared carefully especially when you travel abroad. Each country has its own requirement for visitors to visit the country. Here are the tips for preparing your romantic getaways that really could help you especially when it is your first time to travel abroad:

1. Research romantic getaways places
Research the romantic getaways places or honeymoon places that you want to go. You should discuss places to go for your romantic getaways with your partner to make sure that both of you will enjoy the trip. Discuss the budget that you both have in order to pick the best place to enjoy your honeymoon or romantic getaways within the budget.


2. Check the weather
When you travel to the tropical country, actually any time of the year is perfect because the tropical countries mostly have a stable weather all year long. The weather in the tropical countries is mostly warm and humid. When you want to travel to any four-season countries, you should check the weather on the country. Also, you need to check the weather of the time when you visit the country so that it will help you to decide either to bring thick clothes, t-shirts, short-pants or tank-tops.

3. Credit Card Frequent Flyer Program
Check whether your credit card has a frequent flyer program so you could get a discount or points for traveling. You could save a lot if you have a frequent flyer program credit card which eventually will grant you a free ticket after you reach a certain points. Especially if you are a frequent traveler or your job requires you to travel a lot then you definitely need to have that kind of credit card.

4. Book an airline ticket
There are a lot of airfare deals out there for you to choose. Usually the deals that most airlines offer are for a short time only, so whenever you are sure about your destination then you need to book it right a way. The other thing about the online travel deal is that you have to make sure that the date and the time of travel before you purchase the ticket because most of the good deals are usually non-refundable.

5. Rent a Car
One thing about renting a car, you might want to consider getting car insurance. That is usually also offered at the rental car place when you want to do one. The reason why you need this is because you don’t know that something will come up when you travel and you might find the liability insurance is really helpful and save you a lot.

6. International Driving Permit
Applying an international driving permit is one thing that you need to be considered when you are planning to rent a car during your romantic getaways. Especially when you are traveling abroad, international driving permit can really come in handy. You can get your international driver permit by applying from AAA.

7. Reserve a hotel
A good tip for couple who usually go on their honeymoon is that when you arrive at the hotel, you could tell the front desk that you are on your honeymoon. You don’t know something good might surprise you two just because you let the people know that you are on your honeymoon. Some hotels might prepare a bottle of wine in your room of maybe a bouquet of flowers. Just don’t forget to mention that you are on your honeymoon.

8. Apply for Passport and Visa
If you are going for international trips, then you should check the visa necessities and your passport whether it is still valid. It is best to apply for your passport at least eight weeks before you plan to leave. This will allow the time for processing and any possible complications.

9. Write up your honeymoon packing list
Write a list of things that you need to bring during your honeymoon. Most of the small general necessities like toothpaste, toothbrush, underwear and condom you could get it at the hotel. If you are traveling on your honeymoon, do not forget to bring lingerie, candles, bubble bath, sunscreen and motion sickness medicine.

10. Find out the easiest way to use money/credit
You might want to purchase Travelers Checks or get a "Travel Money" card from your local bank or currency exchange office. It is better to carry traveler’s check instead of large amounts of cash.



About the author:
Yochention and his wife love to travel and they love to share their knowledge of travelling to couples. Visit their site at http://www.Romantic-Escape.comto get ideas for your next romantic getaways.


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5 Simple Steps Guaranteed To Allow You To Spend More Time With Your Children This Summer

Look around: Your kids are counting sleeps until the last day of school, the local outdoor swimming pool is open, and the temperature has sky-rocketed. Summer is here! Are you still stuck in your winter routine? The one filled with rushing around to after school programs, play dates and endless birthday parties. Do you still feel the pressure of hurrying your kids to catch the school bus and rushing out after them to deliver the lunch that little Amanda forgot on the table? Summer is here! Time to relax!

Summertime is a time to relax some of our daily routines, allowing more flexibility into our lives. The holidays are often a time where we anticipate lots of wonderful family time together to create and share experiences that are timeless. Yet many parents dread some of the practical challenges of getting through the summer. Many people can't afford to totally disengage from the routine of work and adult commitments to spend as much time with their children as they would like. Don't get caught up in the "all or nothing" mindset - even small changes in your daily schedule can go a long way to helping your child feel like the priority in your day.

Creating more time in a busy adult life is easier if you follow these five simple steps:

1. Identify the barriers blocking flexibility in your schedule.<.b> Look for areas in your schedule that can be traded off for more time with your children.

2. Address each issue identified above and rate as flexible or inflexible. For example, a weekly team meeting would rank as an inflexible activity whereas an hour at the gym after dinner would rank as flexible.

3. Engage your child in the planning of shared time. Make sure the time you spend together is valuable. Plan activities that you both will enjoy and that allow for parent / child interactions.

4. Be Mindful. Remember, you can't be everything to everybody. Sometimes your commitments as an adult conflict with your commitments as a parent. When conflicts arise, talk to your children to explain the situation and let them know how you feel.

5. Respect. Everyone needs time alone. Remember to respect your and your child's need for "me" time

Let's look at an example:

Julie is a busy solo-entrepreneur running a web design business from home. She has an eleven year-old daughter, Sierra, who is days away from the start of her summer vacation. Julie has signed Sierra up for summer day camps but she also wants to spend more time with her this summer.

She looks at her schedule. Mondays are usually set aside to start new projects or meet with prospects. Tuesdays and Thursdays she goes out to a yoga class after dinner. Wednesday are usually pretty light, with mornings set aside for medical appointments or grocery shopping. Thursdays vary - some weeks busy, others are dedicated to business planning and strategizing for her own business. Fridays are traditionally project end and launch days.

Julie looks for holes in her schedule and finds that some activities can be combined with time with her child. Sierra loves dancing so Julie trades her yoga classes for ballet lessons with Sierra. As she has a fair bit of flexibility with her Wednesday and Thursday schedules, Julie decides to shorten her work week for two months of the year to free up Fridays to spend time with Sierra. From June 30th to September 1st, Thursday is the project end date. She contacts another freelance web designer to arrange for emergency coverage on Fridays. Julie's clients are notified of the summer hours and of the additional coverage available on Fridays should any emergencies arise.

Mother and daughter sit down and start planning activities for their first long weekend and decide on a trip to the water park. Now mom and daughter are both counting sleeps to the weekend!

Remember: It doesn’t take much effort to make small changes in your routine to allow more time with your children. The time that you spend (or don't spend) with your child has lasting effects on their self-esteem and self-worth. Though it may at times be challenging to affect lasting change, it’s worth the effort! After all, these are the days that create lasting memories.

by Dr. Charles Sophy
About the Author
Dr. Charles Sophy currently serves as Medical Director for the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services. He also has a private psychiatry practice.

Dr. Charles Sophy, author of the “Keep ‘Em Off My Couch” blog, provides real simple answers for solving life’s biggest problems. To contact Dr. Sophy, visit his blog at http://drsophy.com.

10 tips to for selecting the perfect Costa Rica vacation rental

Planning a Tropical vacation full of lush jungles, secluded beaches, and friendly people but not too expensive? Costa Rica is the place to go! But where do you stay, a resort or a private villa? Do you want long lines, crowded pools, kids running up and down the corridors? I think not.

Selecting the best Costa Rica vacation rental can be the difference between a great vacation and one where you feel like you are ‘doing without’.

Many vacationers consider the Costa Rica vacation rental as ‘just somewhere to stay’ since most of your time will be spent in or on the water, or enjoying local attractions. Don’t make that mistake. There is no reason to settle for less when, with a little planning, you can find a great Costa Rica vacation rental that you’ll enjoy as much or more than the other parts of your vacation.

Remember, your vacation home is where you’ll be sleeping, waking up, having many of your meals, and resting.

If it rains or is unseasonably hot outside, you may end up stretched out reading a book to while away the day or wanting to watch one of your favorite movies on the DVD – assuming there is a comfortable sofa. And when you meet new friends, you’ll want someplace nice for entertaining. Shouldn’t your vacation rental be a pleasant get-away with the amenities that make vacations a real treat? “A home away from home”

Here are 10 tips to for selecting the perfect Costa Rica vacation rental:

1. The single most important factor is whether or not you can “see” actual recent photos of the interior and exterior of the vacation rental. It’s one thing to read a great description – and some of them are quite ‘complimentary’ (sometimes overly so) - but you need to see what you are getting.

With the Internet, a website is the quickest most convenient way for you to get information on prospective Costa Rica vacation rentals. If there are no pictures, you’ll know right away to keep looking. Brochures, books and guides are nice, but may have out-dated information.

2. List the amenities that are important to you, the ones without which you will feel incomplete. Next, jot down those that are nice to have, but not deal-breakers if not available.

With these lists as a guide, you’ll be able to quickly eliminate those rentals that won’t meet your needs. Your list might include proximity to the water, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, type kitchen (full versus fridge and microwave), outdoor amenities such as decks and BBQ grills, ocean views, private pools, outdoor eating areas, tennis courts and other items important to you.

On your secondary list, you might have things like a hammock for lazing about, or pool waterfall for the relaxing sounds. Exterior stereo speakers, to enjoy your favorite music around the pool. Ice makers to mix your favorite drinks, especially in the heat of the day.

3. List the activities that you want to be able to enjoy while on vacation. A morning activity like scuba diving, snorkeling or canopy tour then coming back to the villa to relax may be a high priority for you.
You also need to consider how close the vacation rental is to the airport. It is very important to know how far the rental is from your arrival airport. Some rentals can take a half a day’s drive and after your flight even an hour’s drive can seem an eternity. Your travel time back to the airport at departure can also frustrate your entire vacation. Enjoying your last morning of your vacation by a private pool instead of traveling for hours to the airport can be very important to you. For Costa Rica vacation rentals that are only 20 minutes from the Liberia International airport visit http://www.costarica-vacation-getawy.com. This will help you in selecting a general location.

You also need to consider how close you want your vacation rental to be to the attractions.

Some people feel that a great vacation is being able to walk or bicycle everywhere. Others don’t mind a short drive, and still others think nothing of getting on a freeway to enjoy attractions.

If you prefer a vacation without the hassles of traffic, parking problems, crowds and long lines, select a villa located in the quaint waterfront town of Playa Panama, Costa Rica. Visit http://www.costarica-vacation-getaway.com to learn more.

4. Identify your first, second and third choice of dates for renting the villa.
With several dates, you’ll save time when making arrangements.

If you find a villa that you really want and you have some flexibility in scheduling, having alternate dates ready allows you to book right then, saving yourself the time and hassle of having to re-check everyone’s schedule and call back – and risking losing those dates in the interim.

5. Call the telephone numbers for the vacation rentals that seem to meet your needs and speak directly with either the owners or the person who is handling the property.

Be prepared with a list of questions. This allows you to compare apples to apples, and keeps you from forgetting something important during the conversation.

It also gives you a feel for the person who will be your contact should you rent the villa and then encounter a problem. If you don’t get a warm, friendly welcome to your inquiries, don’t expect anything different when you have a problem.

6. Ask what amenities are included.
You may learn of something that’s not on your list but is perfect for your plans.
Does the rental have maid service? Last thing you want to do is make the beds or clean the dishes, even if there is a dishwasher.
Does the rental have a washer and dryer? If so, you will not have to take as many cloths with you. Will the maid wash your cloths before your departure? Coming home with a suitcase full of clean cloths is certainly a benefit.

Other things to consider: Is there a welcome basket? Will the owner have essential items in the refrigerator for you, before your arrival? Can you make arrangements for tours? Are there plates, utensils, pots, pans and other essentials for eating and meal preparation – or will you have to bring your own?
Does the rental have air condition or do you have to depend on the winds to comfort you?

7. Inquire about restaurants, events and activities and other forms of local entertainment that are close by. Here’s where your list of preferred activities comes in handy. You should be able to find links to local attractions, calendars and restaurants on the website of your Costa Rica vacation rental.

8. Are the owners local or do they have a management team helping 24/7?
Owners are a wealth of information about the area and can give you tips on great out-of-the-way places that aren’t in the guidebooks. They also care about your enjoyment and comfort while at their villa.

This can make a huge difference; especially should something need immediate attention in the villa. There’s nothing worse than calling the rental company about a stopped-up toilet and getting somebody’s bored teenager who’s manning the phones for the summer.

9. How long has the owner been renting vacation rentals?
If the owner has worked with rental properties, they know what tenants expect and how to get things done.

If this is a new venture, beware. The owner may be in it for “fun” and have no idea how to prepare the villa so that you can have a great vacation.

10. And last, when you look at the pictures, can you see yourself having a great time there?

If the pictures make you want to go right now, and the answers to the questions above meet your satisfaction, you’ve found yourself a great Costa Rica vacation rental!

by Paul Orr
About the Author
Paul has been traveling to Costa Rica since 2001. Purchased property 2001 and built a villa in 2002. Handles villa rentals for five additional villas. Two, three, four and five bedroom villa's available.
www.costarica-vacation-getaway.com
info@costarica-vacation-getaway.com

How to Ease Travel Sickness this Summer

Travel sickness, whether brought on when travelling by air, sea or car is a nightmare. If you are unprepared then the resulting mess and smell can affect other people, spreading almost like a virulent virus. On a plane or in the car the smell can take ages to disappear - not ideal if you are at the start of a touring holiday.

Travel sickness and in particular car sickness is often thought to affect mostly children, however medical opinion estimates that 80% of the population suffer from motion sickness at some point in their lives. My daughter was fine until the age of 6, when we discovered that the delay between announcing feeling sick and actually vomiting is so small as to be insignificant. Now 10, she only reads on a motorway or dual carriageway.

Motion sickness occurs when the brain can’t match the information it is receiving from:
1) Inner ears, which sense in which directions you are moving
2) Eyes, which see what direction you are moving
3) Skin receptors, which detect which parts of your body are touching the ground
4) Muscles and joint sensory receptors, which tell you if you are moving muscles and what position you are in

For example, if you are reading in a moving car, your inner ears and skin receptors are telling your brain that you are moving forward, but your eyes are on a stationary book and your muscle receptors reporting that you are sitting still. For some people this is OK, but for others some form of motion sickness will start to build up.

Motion sickness can take the form of dizziness, fatigue, and nausea which may progress to vomiting. Fear of motion sickness can make these feelings a lot worse.

So what can be done to avoid motion sickness? When I was involved in rallying 15 years ago I was fine driving, but navigating was a real problem. I loved it dearly but suffered dreadfully with motion sickness. It got so bad on one event that I could hardly walk when I finally got out of the car. Whilst I was never actually sick, the only way I could stop the nausea was not to eat from getting up in the morning to the event, which generally started in the early evening. I think you will agree this is a bit extreme!

If you often suffer from motion sickness there are a few things to try to make a journey more comfortable.
1) Avoid heavy meals for two hours before the journey. Eat small amounts of something dry such as crackers, crisps or biscuits before the journey, don’t eat any dairy products and avoid salad and fruit as it can be acidic. If possible don’t eat whilst on the trip.
2) Drink small amounts of non natural drinks. Don’t drink milk or any natural juices such as orange juice and others with citric acid. Avoid alcohol.
3) Try anti motion sickness pills, either from you doctor or homeopath.
4) Acupressure bands work well for some people.
5) Studies have shown ginger root can be effective against motion sickness. Ginger capsules are available or you can try a dose of about 1/2 teaspoon of dry powdered ginger, which is equivalent to approximately 1/3 ounce of fresh ginger root, which is roughly a 1/4-inch slice.
6) Avoid staring out the window for long periods of time as this can create motion sickness.
7) Keep still and move gently. If possible stay where there is the least movement.
8) Don't read
9) Alternative remedies such as EFT (or tapping), hypnosis or acupuncture may help.

There are also a few things you can do to reduce the sensation of motion sickness, even when it has started.
1) Move to the point of least movement. Try and sit in the centre of the plane or in the middle of the boat. On boats it often helps to lie down, although it might feel like the last thing you want to do.
2) Sit facing forward.
3) Look at the distant scenery.
4) Get some fresh air, but keep warm.
5) Avoid talking but try not think about your motion sickness.
6) Move gently, don’t stand up or move suddenly.

Sometimes the preventatives don't work, so, particularly with children in your nice clean car, it's worth being prepared. Having been car sick into my grandmother's hat at a young age, as a child I was used to travelling with a quite frankly grotesque pink potty. Whilst this would catch the offending substance, it didn't contain it particularly well, meaning having to stop the car to remove the contents and smell.

This wasn't too difficult in the 60s and 70s, but with so much traffic now it's not always easy or safe to do. Plastic shopping bags offer little help. Designed to just about hold together for the trip home, they have holes in them, which prevent suffocation but reduce the ability to hold liquid. Another favourite, ice cream tubs work better than the pink potty, but rely on the child to get the lid on without spilling. Unfortunately they are wide but not very deep making spillage a distinct possibility. The best option is the sick bag, as used by airlines and ferries for many years. Sick bags work brilliantly. They are simple for children to use, they are deep so reduce spillage and the top can be rolled down, retaining the contents and the smell. Some sick bags have a clip securing the rolled down top and a flat bottom, meaning they can stand up on the floor of the car, further reducing the risk of spillage.

As companies fight to bring costs of air and ferry travel down sick bags are handed out almost on an as needed basis. The days of accumulating a stock of sick bags from an air flight seem to be over.

by Nigel West
Nigel West - having had car sick children and frustrated with not being able to find sick bags in the shops, Nigel and his wife set up Chuckie Bags, offering sick bags in small quantities to families with car sick children, and other sufferers of motion sickness, morning sickness and sudden nausea. Top quality sick bags can be bought online at www.chuckiebags.com

Tourist Season Again!

It is tourist season here in Guanajuato. The streets are once again crawling with pasty-white-legged gringos looking for a good time and wanting to blow a tremendous amount of money.

Here is where I come in as your humble, sincere, and most observant columnist. I would like to offer a few of today's observations on the 2005 Guanajuato Tourist Season.

Tourism—here is how it is supposed to work:

You spend many hours at your job and work lots of overtime to save up enough money to take the family to Mexico. You look at endless travel brochures, watch every special on the Discovery channel that has the name Mexico in it, and even start telling the boys down at Gipper's where you are taking the family this summer.

The summer vacation arrives. You are excited beyond your ability to express. You pack. You put the kids and wife on a plane and fly to Mexico. Your much-dreamed-of vacation has finally begun.

Everyone is sworn to be on his or her best and most humble behavior as a guest in someone else's country. And, that is, after all, what you are, as you all agree—a guest.

You would not go to Grandma's house and fart loudly in front of Granny and all her old crony sisters—of course not. You would excuse yourself and go to the bathroom. You would try using toilet paper as a muffler, mashing it ever so gently unto your delicate rectal tissues, so as not to gross out all the old folks as they are trying to eat their nice bread pudding when they are actually farting themselves but saying nothing.

You are a guest and you will not act in someone else's home as you would in your own. This, you know, applies to being in someone else's country as well.

Tourism—here is how it actually works:

The kids scream nonstop on the streets of Mexico because they cannot have a Happy Meal; the right cartoons are not on the NON-existent television set in a hotel room that resembles someone's bedroom from the 1700's; there are no playgrounds or theme parks. There is only a bunch of Baroque buildings that they think is a salad dressing when you try explaining to them the word, Baroque.

Their behavior escalates. They pitch a fit a minute, over what? They really don't know since there is nothing to demand to have and for you to deny them. They don't want to be in Mexico because there is nothing to do.

They begin hitting their parents and the parents tolerate this behavior. This typical American child behavior is seen all the time in America. When the child doesn't get what he or she wants they beat up Mom.

The local Mexicans look with horror-stricken faces and yet settle quickly into a kind of facial expression,

"Oh that's America for you."

The mother and father somehow find something to do with the children. I think they get some Actifed for children and drug them, and put them down for naps. Then the pair goes off to a park to have a knockdown drag-out, verbal donnybrook on a very public park bench with all of Mexico listening and watching.

The local Mexicans look with horror-stricken faces and yet settle quickly into a kind of facial expression,

"Oh that's America for you."

The sweet and loving American family finally gets their act together with one another. "It had to be culture shock, or the altitude," they reason. So, off they go to a restaurant.

In the restaurant, the father begins screaming,

"I know somebody here's got to speak that there English and I wants'em at this here table right now!"

The local Mexicans look with horror-stricken faces and yet settle quickly into a kind of facial expression,

"Oh that's America for you."

And that is today's report of the beginning of Guanajuato's 2005 Tourist Season.
by Doug Bower
About the Author
Doug Bower is a freelance writer and book author. He is a columnist with Cricketsoda.com and the Magic City Morning Star. He is also listed with Ezinearticles.com. He lives with his wife in Guanajuato, Mexico. His newest book Mexican Living: Blogging it from a Third World Country can now be seen at http://www.lulu.com/content/126241

Digital Camera News Feed - Released Digital Cameras

If your plans this summer is to go for a vacation and your looking for some of the best deals on digital cameras then purchasing from Amazon on www.bargainfindsonebay.com has never been easier.

Digital Cameras are cheaper online due to the overwhelming competition in todays market. With various compainies all attempting to achieve popularity like: Sony , Canon , Olympus , Nikon, Fuji, Casio, Pentax and many more price drops are becoming more common among wholesalers. The reason most of these cameras are cheaper online is the fact that more wholesalers can compete for you sales and ultimately the one that can produce you the product faster and at the cheapest price wins.

Amazon has made this a great deal easier than eBay since your purchase is made instantly and you don't have to dicker with biding or buying like online auction sites. The great thing about the digital camera reviews on www.bargainfindsonebay.com is with each one you get the lowest price available to buy from these wholesalers instantly and you know what your cost will be at the time of the sale.

Another reason your digital camera can be found cheaper online is the fact your eliminating sales staff, adding the savings to you . Take the time to check out our Digital Camera Buyers Guide to help you choose which camera might be right for you. Thank-you for helping us keep you informed and hope you will continue to keep us bookmarked as the leading authority in the digital camera review industry.

Newest Imaging Devices Reviewed for photography buffs that are looking for incredible savings on their next purchase

by Kyle Summers
About the Author
None

All Inclusive vacation specials are on the rise! With Internet access deals could not get any easier

It seems that nearly all the people that love to travel are searching the Internet these days to find All Inclusive vacation specials, and are having great success obtaining a great deal online!

Vacations are important to us, for many reasons, and an inclusive vacation is the best way to go where the value and pricing are important. Where local travel agency's don't have the time to monitor all the packages out there, you never know if you're getting the best available cheap all inclusive holidays for your money.

Many vacation agencies must resort to multiple searches within a variety of slow travel databases that take a lot of time, and that's what agents don't have these days is time to do last minute searches, so you normally end up with a quote that is much higher than what you saw on the Internet!

On the other hand, with the Internet, vacation specials are easy to find because you're tapping directly into the live vacation reservations system that is updated daily. With the amount of cancellations that occur, you have the luxury to tap into this mass inventory of travel deals that have to sell quickly to fill these voids.

If you happen to be wondering why they sell the vacation packages so cheap, I will give you an inside tip. Most of the Tour Operators pre-purchase resorts, airfare, and the other services in advance. The resort and airline company will normally give them a time frame to release the space without penalty, however, if it's cancelled too late, the Tour Company is responsible for the cost, and if it goes empty, they will lose the total revenue. This is why many people that cancel last minute get penalized, by either losing their deposit or full package amount.

This is where you and the Internet come into play. The Travel Suppliers rely on the online travel companies such as

11Hour Vacations.com, Last Minute Vacations.com, and expedia.uk, which have these massive databases that can update in minutes! They are the backbone in driving great deals online quickly to the public, and where you can enjoy fantastic savings. Sometimes you can book specials that come available up to two weeks prior to the date you would like to depart!

by William Lezubski
About the Author
About the author: William Lezubski (Accredited Cruise Counsellor (ACC), and Certified Travel Counsellor(CTC) -
William is a professional in the Travel Industry and is the owner and author of “Discount Caribbean Vacations Web Site”
available at www.discount-caribbean-vacations.com

Discount Lodging in Orlando Florida

Discount Lodging
Discount lodging can be obtained through many sources. Recently, the internet has become the major tool used for family vacation discounts research. Chances are you are already eligible for discounts and simply need to know where they can be found. Some easily attainable sources for Discount Lodging for your family vacation are:

AARP: AARP is a membership organization dedicated to enhancing the experience of aging through advocacy, information, and services. This service geared towards the senior citizens has many benefits which include travel.

AAA: This automotive assistance website can help you while on trips with any accidents and breakdowns that occur with rentals or your own vehicle. They also offer free and accurate travel maps and discounts towards discount lodging and rentals.

Employee Discounts – Many companies make discounts for travel and discount lodging available to its employees, check with your workplace to find out if this is available to you.

BJ’s Wholesale club – This discount retailer makes discount, coupons, and specials available to its members and employees.

Credit Unions – Many credit unions and banks offer discount lodging to their members and at times have specials for travel and booking reservations as well.

As with all discounts check your local areas near you to see what is available that you may already be eligible for or enrolled in.

Discount Lodging Memberships
If you are like many others out there you may travel often. Perhaps work keeps you on airplanes and in hotels on a regular basis. If this is the case you may have a great way to go on your next trip for free or very cheaply. Call the airlines you use regularly or all of the ones you use and register as a frequent flyer. You will earn miles as you fly which you can redeem for reduced low cost fares or free flights after accruing a certain number of miles. This can help offset many travel and vacation related costs. Next you will want to call the hotel chains you regularly use and register with them as an often returning guest. This membership or club will earn you reward points which are redeemable in the same was as frequent flyer miles for discount and free lodging for a certain period of time. This can qualify you for free or reduced cost discount lodging.

Hotel chains which regularly offer discount lodging:
Econo Lodges – 800-424-6423 www.hotelchoice.com
Hilton Hotels – 800-445-8667 www.hilton.com
Holiday Inn – 800-462-4329 www.holiday-inn.com
Howard Johnson's – 800-446-4656 www.hojo.com
Hyatt Hotels – 800-233-1234 www.hyatt.com
La Quinta Motor Inns – 800-257-5473
Marriott Hotels – 800-228-9290 www.marriott.com
Quality Inns – 800-424-6423 www.hotelchoice.com
Radisson Hotels – 800-333-3333 www.radisson.com
Ramada Inns – 800-228-2828 www.ramada.com
Sheraton Hotels – 800-325-3535 www.sheraton.com
Westin Hotels – 800-228-3000 www.westin.com
Hilton Honors- www.hilton.co.uk
Island Hideaway-877-257-2582 www.islandhideaway.net

Discount Lodging Online
Lodging discounts can be found online through a number of very good reliable sites that offer printable coupons and can even redeem reward points earned with different hotels and other memberships. Several sites that offer discount lodging and information on low cost rates include:

Travel.org – This site contains a wealth of information related to travel and costs. It includes a worldwide listing of hotels and discount lodging including their websites and contact information.

Travel.com – Another excellent site that also includes the ability to book reservations with villas, resorts, and attractions. You may also find special rates and discounts using this site.

Hotel Discounts.com – Vacation packages, family discount, group rates, and a browsing by city are all features of this site. Select your preferences and go.

Bid on Travel.com – One of the most informative sites online with information about how to obtain the cheapest rates and discount lodging available. Bid on Travel includes detailed information on hotels, rental cars, and airfare as well as sections dedicated to many other topics. There is a tutorial on last minute planning, as well as basics. This is a don’t miss site for your information needs.

Cheap Lodging Online
One of the best resources in your quest for cheap lodging is access to the internet. There are hundreds of thousands of internet sites with information available about travel and cost savings. In addition to each of the websites of the hotel chains with areas focused upon their low cost accommodations there are also dedicated sites to travel savings. Some of these include:

Orlando Hotels Cheap – This site lists area hotels near all of your favorite attractions. The lodging accommodations are ordered by star rating. Additionally the site lists hotel phone and address information, provides maps, and daily/weekly rate information on more than 70 hotels in the Orlando area.

Travelocity – A very popular internet site that will give you access to lodging, flight, and rental information in addition to sections dedicated to travel tips and a list of items commonly needed when planning a vacation.

Cheap Lodging
Cheap lodging doesn’t have to take a lot of time or effort to find. Getting low cost and discount lodging can be as simple as speaking to a travel agency, the hotel, or your AAA membership to find out what cheap lodging they offer.

To find cheap lodging you will need information about how to save costs. Sources for information are all over and range from your local library to online websites. A good suggestion is to take a trip to your local library where you will have access to a lot of magazine and paper based information as well as a computer with internet access. Most libraries have computers with access, if yours does not then simply use a friend’s computer or take a trip to the local internet café and spend some time surfing the web for information. Some common sources for low cost or special hotel lodging may be found right in your own home.

First you might want to take a look inside your wallet or records and see what memberships you already belong to and which might offer discount or cheap lodging. As with all other plans waiting till the last minute will cost you so be sure to plan ahead and start your inquiries well before your vacation.

Your local news paper, Sunday paper, or magazines in your home may have advertisements for holiday lodging accommodations or booking deals on reservations.
Search through and cut out advertisements, coupons, or information that can help you find the best prices.

There are many more means of finding cheap lodging for your vacation.

Cheap Lodging
So you want to take a vacation but you are short on time and are worried that your last minute planning will cost you. In order to minimize costs in this scenario you may have to invest some extra effort to locate and arrange cheap lodging for yourself and family. This does not have to be a losing proposition however; you can still manage to obtain discount lodging near or close to your main attractions during your vacation.
Check out what Travelocity, kayak.com or priceline.com has done for those with last minute needs in mind. There are even sites dedicated to vacation plans with minimal time. Of course planning in advance will help you find the best prices, but when time is short you will need to prioritize costs and find the best ways to locate low cost discount lodging. http://www.islandhideaway.net

by Art McCarty

About the Author
None

Find Many Cruise Deals That Suit Your Personal Style And Needs!

Finding Cruise Deals are half the battle when considering a cruise vacation! In order to maximize the value of your cruise, it's a good idea to do some research and find out what type of cruise ship is right for your personal needs, and the Internet is a great place to start!

Some questions you want to write down are: What appeals to you most in your vacation? What are your likes and dislikes? Are you very active, or do you like to sit on the beach all day and soak up the sun, while sipping on a refreshing cocktail? Are you adventurous? Do you love to shop till you drop? Do you prefer the ship experience, or do you prefer to visit a port a day to take in the endless variety of culture? There are so many other factors you can write down to determine what type of cruising experience is right for you, so grab your paper and pencil and start writing away.

Once you establish your requirements for your cruise holiday, the next step is to power-up your computer and do a little research on the types of vessels out there. See what types of itineraries they offer, and what types of Island ports they visit. Sometimes if you're not sure what you want, consider going against the norm, and if you usually choose a Caribbean vacation, think about doing a Mexican Cruise, or a Panama Canal cruise. Sometimes you will be pleasantly surprised with the outcome. There is a world out there to explore, and you should see it all if possible.

Depending if your traveling alone, with your partner, friends, or family will also be a determing factor on what type of cruise ship, and itinerary you choose. With the growth of the Cruise Line industry, the options are available to you in abundance, and sometimes overwhelming. So take the steps to find good Cruise Supplier's that can be found online, and view all the great cruising options for your vacation needs.

Below I have put together a list of the most popular cruise ship's that cater to a variety of needs and normally offer specials on many of their cruise products. Keep in mind that all the ships listed here provide great deals, but your decision will be based on your overall budget, and what you want for your overall vacation experience.

When searching each of the ships amenities, make sure you factor in what they include in their cruise packages so you can make a sound vacation decision. Sometimes you may want to cruise on a luxury vessel that costs more money than the others, so possibly consider if they have a shorter cruise duration with a pre or post add on. In most cases you can experience a high-end sailing, but will come easily come into your budget!

There's A Cruise Ship Out There With Your Name On It!

Carnival Cruise Lines

Carnival Cruise Lines has earned its position as the "Most Popular Cruise Line in the World" by offering more of what consumers desire in a vacation – a wide variety of on-board choices; a fun, relaxed atmosphere; outstanding value; and beautiful and exciting destinations.

Every one of Carnival's "Fun Ships"™ is a unique floating resort designed with your fun in mind. Venture out of your spacious stateroom and experience the outdoor areas, wonderful restaurants, and friendly casino, relaxing lounges, invigorating spa, exciting nightclubs and duty-free shopping. Go aboard and see for yourself!

Disney Cruise Line

From its inception, Disney Cruise Line was destined to be different. As the first owned and operated cruise line by the dream makers at Disney, Disney Cruise Line specifically designed its ships with areas and activities that appeal to the unique vacation needs of every member of the family.

As a result, Disney Cruise Line vacations offer guests an unbelievable cruise experience not found anywhere else. Disney Cruise Line offers guests an exciting new way to vacation with Disney. The Disney Magic cruise ship alternates weekly between an eastern and western Caribbean itinerary with new seven- and ten-night holiday itineraries.

The Disney Wonder offers one-of-a-kind land and sea vacations that combine the fun and excitement of the Walt Disney World Resort with a three- or four-night Disney Cruise Line voyage to The Bahamas. Cast off on an adventure that will capture the imagination of your entire family. Choose the ideal vacation that fits your needs and dreams.

Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises is a distinctively different cruise line. Two modern luxury ships carry just 684 guests. Nearly 70% of all staterooms feature private verandas and an extremely attentive European staff provides you exceptional service. At Oceania Cruises, the priority is an extraordinary cruise experience that will fit varied interests and will exceed all your expectations.

This includes the finest cuisine at sea, carefully crafted by world-renowned Master Chef Jacques Pepin. Each ship, Regatta and Insignia offers the flexibility of open-seating dining in four unique restaurants. Experience a country club atmosphere where the expectation is to dress comfortably and where suits, tuxedos and gowns are never required. Outstanding personal service is provided by a staff-to-guest ratio that is among the best in the industry!

There are two mid-size ships that afford incomparable luxury, including cuisine that is simply the finest at sea. With only 684 guests to pamper, our 400 staff members cater to your every whim, with highly personalized service. There's a sense of warmth and intimacy throughout, so the ambiance resembles that of a private country club - casual, yet elegant.

Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises, one of the best-known names in North American cruising, is a global cruise and tour company. It's operating a fleet of 14 ships and growing with two more by 2007! They offer over 150 different itineraries calling at nearly 260 ports around the globe. Princess is known for its Personal Choice Cruising program, a fleet-wide dedication to providing passengers with a wide variety of options with which to customize their vacations.

The line’s ships are designed to offer an array of choices in dining, entertainment and amenities, to enable passengers to create their own personalized cruise experience. Princess itineraries span the globe, with cruises ranging from seven to 72 days in length. Destinations include the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, Panama Canal, Mexico, South Pacific, South America, Hawaii/Tahiti, Asia, India, Africa, Holy Land, Canada/New England, Antarctica and World voyages.

Princess is one of the leaders in Alaska CruiseTour vacations, and owns five riverside wilderness lodges, plus a fleet of UltraDome railcars and luxury motorcoaches, which take passengers through the heart of the 49th state. Princess additionally operates cruise tours in China, Australia, Africa, India, Europe, the Canadian Rockies and the eastern United States.

If any of the cruise ships above are not what you desire in a cruise vacation, I recommend visiting our site to view a more extensive line of ships and itineraries that should satisfy everyone's needs. Cruising is the best way to experience a vacation with value in mind, and it provides you a variety activities, exotic ports, and food to die for that will create ever lasting memories!

by William Lezubski
About the Author
About the author: William Lezubski (Accredited Cruise Counsellor (ACC), and Certified Travel Counsellor(CTC) - William is the owner and author of “Discount Caribbean Vacations Web Site” available at www.discount-caribbean-vacations.com A great source for Discounted Caribbean Cruises!

Orlando, Florida, The New Nickelodeon Family Suites by Holiday Inn Offers Family Fun, Adventure & A Kids Spa

Summer vacation just got sweeter for kids visiting the New Nickelodeon Family Suites at the Holiday Inn Resort in Florida with their families. Dreamy decorations and a dedicated spa specialist await young guests at their very own vacation spa service in Orlando. The Sugar & Spice Kids Spa is a deluxe space complete with massage chairs and treatments for girls and boys alike.

A sweet treat for both the young and young-at-heart. The Sugar & Spice Kids Spa was a special treat for Atlanta, Ga., native Joan Cullity’s daughter after a long day at the theme parks.

"Visiting the spa was the perfect pampering experience for both of us. The prices were reasonable, the staff was great, and we thoroughly enjoyed the experience."

Girls can relax at the Sugar & Spice Kids Spa and enjoy special treatments like a pretty pastel polish manicure and a sparkly topcoat with a Manigirl treatment. Elegant French and acrylic Manigirl treatments are also available.

The Pedilady lets girls pamper their feet with soothing lotions, heated massage, pretty pastel polishes and flowery designs.

Fabulous and fresh avocado or oatmeal scrub coupled with a face massage, cucumber eye lift, cleanser and moisturizer are all part of the Fantasy Facial.

The Tasha Touchup adds a finishing touch with a dab of lip gloss, brush of blush, splash of glitter and a dash of perfume, plus a special surprise.

With a Glamour Photo girls can enjoy a fun photo shoot with gorgeous gowns, beautiful boas and haughty hats.

Jamaican Braids are a treat for girls who want to add a little spice to their vacation. The Jamaican braids or elegant up-do comes complete with butterfly barrettes and ribbons, topped off with glistening glitter.

The Maniguy Individual Spa Service for Boys includes fun manicures with temporary hand tattoos, finger massage, thumb wrestling and arm wrestling. Adventure awaits young men with the special Pirate, Commando, and Celebrity services.

Kids can let their imagination take to the high seas in an adventurous get-up including eye patch, red bandana, polished earring in one ear and an extraordinary temporary tattoo.

The sky’s the limit when it comes to fun at the New Nickelodeon Family Suites at the Holiday Inn Resort in Florida's Sugar & Spice Kids Spa. The spa specializes in birthday party packages for groups of six or more. The Princess and Pirate Parties include special spa services by experienced state certified technicians, group photo sessions, party games, pizza and cake for the occasion.

Party packages also include special treats for girls and boys. Girls at the Princess Party will be pampered in the spa, treated to a glamorous photo session, a beaded bracelet for each pampered princess, and a traditional tea party. The Pirate Party for boys includes a treasure chest of fun like leather armbands for all attending mates, who will also dress up for their group costume photo during their adventures. Special discounts are available off each child for guests who reserve a suite for parties.

The Nickelodeon Family Suites at the Holiday Inn Resort is recognized as the "next generation" of family travel. The unique family amenities like the world's first 2-Bedroom Kidsuites and special attention to guests of all ages make a visit to the resort an adventure for the whole family.

Among the family oriented values and features are the 1-Bedroom Kitchen or Whirlpool Suites, and Kidsuites with the choice of 2 or 3 Bedroom suites. Two unique pool courtyards are available for guests to enjoy. A zero-depth entry pool with interactive water park features, a kiddy pool, playground and Putt-Putt highlights the East Track courtyard. An Olympic-sized lap pool, two whirlpools and a complimentary fitness center await guests in the West Track courtyard or test your skills at the Junction, a 9-hole miniature golf course.

Upon arrival have the children drop by the Kids-only check-in desk to find out more about exciting activities available. After a day of excitement at the theme parks they'll enjoy a relaxing visit to The Sugar & Spice Kids Spa or the 1,400-square-foot Locomotion game room.

Other bonuses we've enjoyed are The Kids Eat Free Program for children 12 and under. A Free all-you-can-eat hot breakfast buffet will be available daily for every guest through 2004. Free scheduled transportation to all four Walt Disney World Resort theme parks is available throughout your stay. Families can also enjoy Free nightly family entertainment.
For more information about Holiday Inn Family Suites Resort call toll-free (877) 387-KIDS (5437) or (800) HOLIDAY, or visit the resort's Web site at www.hifamilysuites.com. For an exciting sneak peak of the Nickelodeon Family Suites by Holiday Inn you can take a virtual tour at www.nickhotel.com.

The Sugar & Spice Kids Spa's operating times vary by the seasons. For more information or to make reservations guests can call the resort at 1-(877) 387-KIDS.

Sugar & Spice Kids Spa originated in and is headquartered in Newark, Delaware. For more information about the Sugar & Spice Kids Spa visit www.kidsspa.com.

For more reviews on other destinations in the Sunshine State of Florida visit http://www.usatravelmagazine.com/gpage9.html.

by Melody Schubert
About the Author
Melody Schubert is a travel writer who looks for the intriguing & often overlooked destinations that express the heart of a region. She writes for print & online media, and may contact through the Editor at www.usatravelmagazine.com.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Summer Vacation

You’ve worked hard all year, and now that summer is here, you want to enjoy your time off with your friends and loved ones. You might not have the time nor the funds to travel to a faraway destination, but at the same time, the thought of more barbeques and museum trips isn’t exactly taking your breath away!

The Internet offers an easy way to look for fun, local activities that don’t require loads of expensive gas, from the comfort of your own home. Private recreation vendors and civic organizations in your area provide everything from ocean kayaking and paintball to wine tasting and salsa lessons, and in many cases, you can purchase tickets or vouchers online. Here are a few questions to consider as you select that perfect summer activity:

*Is your goal knowledge accumulation, personal development, or purely fun? Do you want this activity to be a learning experience where you have to do a little bit of work, or are you content to just kick back and enjoy it? Don’t forget to survey the others in your group to see what they think!

*What size group are you planning to go with? Ask about the amount of personal attention each participant will receive. An activity like surfing or golf requires substantial instruction, especially if you’ve never done it before!

*Is the activity something everyone can enjoy? Consider the ages and characteristics of the people in your party. Will you be bringing children or someone with a medical condition or disability? Find out in advance if there are restrictions on the activity and make sure that everyone in the group will be willing and able to participate.

*When can you schedule the activity? Before you begin your search, coordinate a range of potential dates with your group. Keep in mind that you’re likely to have much more flexibility in your activity choices (as well as lower prices) if you can get everyone together during the week.

*Is the weather likely to cooperate? Ask your vendor for advice. Thunderstorms are quite common in the summer, so if you choose an outdoor activity like sailing or rock climbing, you may run into a snag. Though most vendors will allow you to reschedule due to inclement weather, it might be difficult to coordinate another available date with the others in your party.

*Does the vendor have a good reputation? Research activity operators to find out how long they’ve been in business in the area, what type of customer feedback they’ve received, and if they have a secure method for processing payment. Make sure that they carry insurance, are certified for safety if appropriate, and have a satisfaction guarantee.

Once you’ve booked your activity, send your participants a confirmation as well as a checklist of things to keep in mind, such as appropriate dress, transportation details, and arrival time. If you’ve chosen a full-day activity that doesn’t involve food, consider arranging a potluck picnic.

Life in the 21st century is more hectic than ever. You may only have a few precious days off to spare, but don’t stay home and let the good stuff pass you by. Follow these guidelines to try something you’ve always wanted to do, and bring a few friends or family members along for the ride!

by Andrew Playford
About the Author
Andrew Playford is the Founder and CEO of Signature Days, a Chicago-based online retailer that allows Americans to celebrate the luxury of life. Its Internet site, www.signaturedays.com is a centralized service where customers can choose from a wide range of unusual and exclusive experiences and encounters in categories such as action and adventure, gourmet and wine, body and soul, and self-improvement.

Vacation Hassles? Take a Picture!

Looking for some fiction to read this summer? Try a travel brochure. Those beautiful glossy pamphlets promise you the time of your life, with nonstop fun. To illustrate their promises, they show pictures of perfect people with perfect bodies and perfect teeth, frolicking and smiling. No one has sunburn, sore feet or indigestion. The children always look squeaky clean, and they never have tantrums. There are no mosquitoes, no flat tires, no thunderstorms . . . and no inner brats!

Meanwhile, back on earth, your actual vacation may look something like this:

1. You've been driving for several hours, when you notice that the "check engine" light on your dashboard is illuminated. You get off the highway at the next exit and find a garage that can fix the car, but it won't be finished till the next day. And it's going to cost a small fortune.

2. You're on a camping trip. It's been raining for 2 days straight. The campground is one big mud puddle. And your matches are wet.

3. You splurge for a resort hotel, but when you get there they can't find your reservation, and the hotel is fully booked. You produce your travel agent's confirmation, but the reservations clerk merely says, "I'm sorry. There's nothing I can do."

4. Everything is crowded. You have to wait in line for food, for transportation, even for the bathroom. Other people are loud, pushy and rude.

You'll never see situations like these in a travel brochure. But I'll bet you've experienced at least one of them on your own trips. I know I have. And in retrospect I realize that my inner brat made things seem a lot worse than they were. It blamed and complained, making not only me miserable, but my family as well.

No vacation is perfect. Inevitably something will go wrong. Aside from real tragedies (which, fortunately, are rare) most vacation hassles are about inconvenience, bad weather and minor mishaps -- all temporary, none life-changing.

Predicaments such as delayed flights, sold-out attractions, small injuries and unexpected downpours can ruin your vacation if you allow your inner brat to gripe and grumble over every annoyance.

Instead, try this: Take a picture. Capture the mishaps. They may turn out to be your most precious and amusing memories.

I recall a sweltering summer day many years ago, when we ran out of gas on the highway because my husband was sure we had enough to bypass one rest stop and get to the next. He was right - almost. We made it just past the sign that said, "Fuel, Food: 2 miles." Instead of yelling at him with a thousand I-told-you-sos, I wish I had taken a picture of him standing in front of that sign, apologetically holding an empty gas can. It would have been the perfect souvenir from our trip.

If you happen to encounter frustrations on your upcoming vacation, get out your camera and take a picture. Looking through the lens will give you a less emotional, more objective view of the situation. Plus, you’ll have a souvenir that will later remind you that crises have a way of working themselves out.

by Pauline Wallin, Ph.D.
Copyright Pauline Wallin Ph.D., 2005
About the Author
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Pauline Wallin, Ph.D. is a psychologist in Camp Hill, PA, and author of "Taming Your Inner Brat: A Guide for Transforming Self-defeating Behavior" (Wildcat Canyon Press, 2004)

Visit http://www.innerbrat.com for more information, and subscribe to her free, monthly Inner Brat Newsletter.