There are popular tourist towns right up to the gates of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, each of them filled with hotels and motels, as well as more secluded Smoky Mountain cabins and chalets stretching into the outskirts. Among these towns, Gatlinburg is the one through which the most park visitors pass. Near Sevierville and Pigeon Forge (the former being the birthplace of Dolly Parton, and the latter home to her Dollywood amusement park), Gatlinburg will strike you as one-of-a-kind - outrageously indulgent, truly memorable and downright hilarious fun. I kid you not - you will find countless pancake houses, a ski lift that transports you to an ice rink and captive bears, and an Aquarium of the Smokies, which boasts the highest attendance of any aquarium in the country. I love it all! In what other town can you buy a Jesus money clip from the gift shop of a religious wax museum, take in a haunted house or two, re-energize your body at an oxygen bar, and wrap up the day by entering a glass tunnel surrounded by sawtooth sharks and rays? Go there and have some fun - wallow in the joys of the American tourist town. Try some of the barbecue, sip some microbrew. I recommend the Tuckaleechee Porter.
Gatlinburg sports an abundance of shops, which tend to be a little more straight-laced or high-end than those in Pigeon Forge - if that's what you're into. Personally, I look for the truly bizarre, borderline-offensive gift shops and for that, Pigeon Forge is the answer! Do you want to find a bear-held toilet paper dispenser? Who doesn't?! Pigeon Forge's strip of go-cart joints, Hillbilly-themed trinket stores and dinner theaters is as incredible as the sheer number of Ripley's operations and fudge shoppes in Gatlinburg. Look for the backyard moonshine museum.
Pigeon Forge, as mentioned earlier, is also home to Dollywood! Have you ever seen someone prepare pork rinds? Have you ever gone down a waterslide in a fishtailing foam raft? Have you ridden on an authentic steam-powered train? Come enjoy the rides and the entertainment at this Appalachian gem! For more information on Dollywood, visit How To Plan a Dollywood Theme Park Vacation.
Be sure to invest in some Dolly Dollars when you enter the park. The exchange rate is 1 Dolly Dollar to 1 U.S. Dollar, and probably always will be. 1 Dolly Dollar equals 0.7777 Euros.
Cherokee is North Carolina's answer to Gatlinburg, but you'll find it much quieter than its fudge-filled neighbor to the north. Owned by the Cherokee tribe, it's not the built-up extravaganza that you encounter elsewhere around the Smoky Mountains; the change of pace can be quite refreshing. Children will enjoy getting their picture taken with Cherokee 'chiefs' in front of teepees, and you'll enjoy the casino.
If you're interested in getting away from it all (people, sharks, t-shirts featuring giant confederate-flag-adorned stags), you could consider camping in the Smoky Mountains park itself and visiting town only when you need a night with a bed and shower! I say that because you won't find showers at the campsites.
There are about ten campgrounds scattered through the park, evenly divided between Tennessee and North Carolina. The three most popular campgrounds in the park are Smokemont, Elkmont and Cades Cove (not surprisingly). They're open from mid-May to the end of October and you can reserve space months in advance. If you're visiting in the summer or fall, you might want to reserve your space instead of leaving it to chance. Backcountry camping is also an option, although you won't be able to remain sedentary as long in the backcountry as you would at the other campsites. You can call 865-436-1200 for more information on camping in the Smoky Mountains, or visit ImagesBuilder.com, a great site loaded with camping information.
Outdoor recreation.
With more than 800 miles of trails, hiking is one of the primary outdoor activities in the park and you'll find hikes to accommodate every level of endurance and physical ability. Check out the Great Smoky Mountains National Park's website for a list of popular hikes. You can also visit the Sugarlands and Oconaluftee Visitor Centers for more hiking information and trail ideas when you arrive. Check out the stretch of the Appalachian Trail from Newfound Gap to Clingman's Dome - the highest you'll get on the Appalachian Trail and the highest trail in the Smoky Mountains.
There are many hikes that will remove you further from crowds. A guide book or a trail map will be a valuable investment when choosing hikes from the multitude in the park. But no matter what hike you choose, you'll get away from most of the crowds when you move away from the road and onto a trail - particularly an unpaved one.
Fishing in the Smoky Mountains consists mainly of trout. You can fish year-round here, and can purchase a license in any of the towns at the gates of the park. If you catch a brook trout, remember that you must release it.
By talking to the Park Service, horse owners can get permission to camp with their horses in the park. For the rest of us, there are horse rentals at Smokemont, Cades Cove and the park headquarters.
Soaking up the history. Care to learn more about what life used to be like for settlers and farmers in the pre-park Smoky Mountains? Consider visiting some of these sites.
Cades Cove. The most visited destination in the park, Cades Cove offers a working mill and some of the churches and buildings that remain from the farming community that once resided there. You'll also find a visitor center and lots of informative stops along the way. The small road can get quite congested in the heavy season. If you can walk or bike the road, you'll have a much smoother visit before 10 a.m. on Saturdays and Wednesdays between May and September; at those times, the road is only open to walkers and bikers!
Cataloochee Valley. Like Cades Cove, this destination rewards you with glimpses into a bygone time in the Smoky Mountains. But unlike Cades Cove, it isn't crowded. There are two good indications that Cataloochee is worth a trip. First of all, you have to hike just to get into the place. And second, this is where trapped bears are taken to be released. It's that isolated.
You'll surely have a memorable Smoky Mountain time here viewing the old remaining buildings, a small forgotten slice of history just basking in quiet.
Mingus Mill. Unlike other operating mills in the area, this one sports a horizontal wheel.
Oconaluftee Mountain Farm Museum. Watch and learn as old-time farming techniques are shown to you.
Now, do you wonder what really causes the Smoky Mountains to be so characteristically smoky? Is it rain? Fire? Noxious tourist fumes? The hot air of parental advice?
Wonder will likely give way to a primal appreciation and awe when you see it for yourself - ridge upon blue ridge of mountain cresting over the mist and retreating into the distance. Smoky wisps rising from the mountaintops and, nearer, the dewdrops almost too crisp to process, and the fresh smell that even nine million annual visitors can't ever befoul - a description of a Smoky Mountain morning inevitably falls short of what you'll experience. 'Is this the same place,' you might wonder, 'that two nights ago sounded as though thunder was carving new mountains out of the earth?'
There's more to the haunting smokiness than rain, just as there's a greater reason for the park's popularity than its proximity to big east coast cities. My dad might have been technically right, but you see he also missed the mark a bit; evaporating moisture rising from a landfill doesn't elicit irrepressible awe. You can't find this at home, unless you're extremely lucky. You can't look at the halos drifting from their ancient mountains and not be moved. The Smoky Mountains possess a deep, old earthy power, deeper than root and taller than treetop. So let's all thank Coolidge for setting the land aside. Let's thank the Appalachian settlers who gave up their property. Let's thank Ripley's for the sharks.
2008-04-18
How To Pack for a Family Beach Vacation
Use separate bags. If you don't already have luggage for the entire family, invest in some. For a beach vacation, even large duffel bags are appropriate. By allotting a separate bag for each person in your family, you will keep yourself organized and it will make the job of unpacking at the beach all that much easier.
Must-haves. Of course you should pack a swimsuit or two for everyone in your family for your beach vacation. If you have a hooded terry cloth beach cover, pack that too! Make sure to pack enough underwear, shorts and t-shirts for everyday wear. Pack at least one dress-up outfit per person, even if you think you're not going anywhere fancy-- you never know what's going to happen!
Consider the weather. A vacation at the beach means warm sunny days, right? Not necessarily. Nighttime at the beach can be downright chilly. Be sure to pack a good mix of summer essentials as well as some cold-weather clothes. Pack at least one jacket or sweatshirt, a long sleeved shirt and a pair of long pants for every member of the family.
Toiletries. If you're renting a beach house, you may not be sure if items like shampoo and soap will be available. To play it safe, pack all of these essentials: shampoo, conditioner, lotion, toothpaste, mouthwash, razors and shaving cream. Be sure to pack all of your favorite facial cleansers, moisturizers, makeup and deodorant, too.
Beach safety. It is essential that you pack plenty of sunscreen. If you have young children in tow, pack a sunblock that is 45 to 50 SPF. Chapstick with SPF protection will help keep lips from getting burned. Also, be sure to pack sunglasses for every member of your family-- UV rays are everywhere, and they can damage your eyes. Pack a sun hat for young children-- and wide brimmed hats for adults aren't a bad idea either. Make sure you pack some family-friendly bug spray-- depending on the weather, the biting flies on some beaches can be quite nasty! Also, if you are planning to spend long days on the beach, be sure to pack a small cooler that can be loaded up with drinks, snacks and bottled water.
Shoes. You will need more than just a pair of flip flops for the beach. Consider bringing a pair of water shoes for everyone in your family-- some beaches are loaded with shells and water shoes can be great protection. Also pack a pair of sneakers in case you have an urge to go for an early-morning run on the beach (you never know). Flip flops are acceptable footwear for most beach restaurants and shops.
Other items you may want to include: beach chairs, a beach umbrella, boogie or surf boards, a kite for the kids, beach toys like sand buckets and shovels, reading material (magazines and books) and a blanket for the beach. Also, make sure to pack plenty of beach towels. A small first aid kit containing sunburn spray or aloe vera cream, pain relievers, band aids and antibacterial ointment could also come in handy. And don't forget to pack your camera and/or camcorder to catch all of those special moments that are bound to occur on your family vacation!
Must-haves. Of course you should pack a swimsuit or two for everyone in your family for your beach vacation. If you have a hooded terry cloth beach cover, pack that too! Make sure to pack enough underwear, shorts and t-shirts for everyday wear. Pack at least one dress-up outfit per person, even if you think you're not going anywhere fancy-- you never know what's going to happen!
Consider the weather. A vacation at the beach means warm sunny days, right? Not necessarily. Nighttime at the beach can be downright chilly. Be sure to pack a good mix of summer essentials as well as some cold-weather clothes. Pack at least one jacket or sweatshirt, a long sleeved shirt and a pair of long pants for every member of the family.
Toiletries. If you're renting a beach house, you may not be sure if items like shampoo and soap will be available. To play it safe, pack all of these essentials: shampoo, conditioner, lotion, toothpaste, mouthwash, razors and shaving cream. Be sure to pack all of your favorite facial cleansers, moisturizers, makeup and deodorant, too.
Beach safety. It is essential that you pack plenty of sunscreen. If you have young children in tow, pack a sunblock that is 45 to 50 SPF. Chapstick with SPF protection will help keep lips from getting burned. Also, be sure to pack sunglasses for every member of your family-- UV rays are everywhere, and they can damage your eyes. Pack a sun hat for young children-- and wide brimmed hats for adults aren't a bad idea either. Make sure you pack some family-friendly bug spray-- depending on the weather, the biting flies on some beaches can be quite nasty! Also, if you are planning to spend long days on the beach, be sure to pack a small cooler that can be loaded up with drinks, snacks and bottled water.
Shoes. You will need more than just a pair of flip flops for the beach. Consider bringing a pair of water shoes for everyone in your family-- some beaches are loaded with shells and water shoes can be great protection. Also pack a pair of sneakers in case you have an urge to go for an early-morning run on the beach (you never know). Flip flops are acceptable footwear for most beach restaurants and shops.
Other items you may want to include: beach chairs, a beach umbrella, boogie or surf boards, a kite for the kids, beach toys like sand buckets and shovels, reading material (magazines and books) and a blanket for the beach. Also, make sure to pack plenty of beach towels. A small first aid kit containing sunburn spray or aloe vera cream, pain relievers, band aids and antibacterial ointment could also come in handy. And don't forget to pack your camera and/or camcorder to catch all of those special moments that are bound to occur on your family vacation!
How To Download and Fill Out a Passport Application
Downloading the passport application: The passport application, Form DS-11, is available for download on the US Department of State's website.
The passport application form is a Portable Document Format (PDF) file, and your computer must have Adobe Acrobat Reader to open it. If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader, you must first download the Adobe Acrobat software. You can do so by clicking here.
If you would like to download a blank application, click here. If you would like to fill out the application online, then print it, click here.
Printing the passport application: When printing the passport application, there are several requirements that must be followed.
You must use standard paper that is sized 8 1/2 inches by 11 inches.
The printing must be clear and legible.
The paper must be a standard medium weight, matte white (not shiny), and ink must be black.
The printer's ink must be black and there may not be any holes or perforations in the paper.
After printing, make sure that the box for pasting on your passport photo is the correct size of 2 inches by 2 inches.
It is important to print the application on one-sided paper. An application that is printed on double-sided paper will not be accepted.
For more information on these guidelines, visit the US Department of State's website.
Filling out the passport application: As stated above, there are two ways to fill out the passport application: 1) typing your answers into the online form 2) writing answers by hand, in black ink, or by use of a typewriter. In both cases, you will need to provide the following information.
Your full name
Age
Date of birth
Place of birth
Phone number
Hair color
Social security number
Mailing address
Permanent Address.
Occupation
Employer
Your parents' names and birth information
Your spouse's name and birth information
Any other names you have used previously
Your travel plans
Emergency contact information
Signing the application: It is important that you do not sign the application until you take the oath administered only by an authorized passport acceptance agent.
Submitting the passport application: Along with the completed passport application, you must submit the following:
Proof of US Citizenship
Proof of Identity
Two recent passport sized (2x2 inches) photographs
The passport application fee
The passport application form is a Portable Document Format (PDF) file, and your computer must have Adobe Acrobat Reader to open it. If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader, you must first download the Adobe Acrobat software. You can do so by clicking here.
If you would like to download a blank application, click here. If you would like to fill out the application online, then print it, click here.
Printing the passport application: When printing the passport application, there are several requirements that must be followed.
You must use standard paper that is sized 8 1/2 inches by 11 inches.
The printing must be clear and legible.
The paper must be a standard medium weight, matte white (not shiny), and ink must be black.
The printer's ink must be black and there may not be any holes or perforations in the paper.
After printing, make sure that the box for pasting on your passport photo is the correct size of 2 inches by 2 inches.
It is important to print the application on one-sided paper. An application that is printed on double-sided paper will not be accepted.
For more information on these guidelines, visit the US Department of State's website.
Filling out the passport application: As stated above, there are two ways to fill out the passport application: 1) typing your answers into the online form 2) writing answers by hand, in black ink, or by use of a typewriter. In both cases, you will need to provide the following information.
Your full name
Age
Date of birth
Place of birth
Phone number
Hair color
Social security number
Mailing address
Permanent Address.
Occupation
Employer
Your parents' names and birth information
Your spouse's name and birth information
Any other names you have used previously
Your travel plans
Emergency contact information
Signing the application: It is important that you do not sign the application until you take the oath administered only by an authorized passport acceptance agent.
Submitting the passport application: Along with the completed passport application, you must submit the following:
Proof of US Citizenship
Proof of Identity
Two recent passport sized (2x2 inches) photographs
The passport application fee
How To Find Road Maps
Visit the Travel section of your local bookstore and check out its selection of road maps. Open them up, look them over, and do a comparison of its layout and contents. You don't want to find yourself in the middle of a trip and discover yourself on a road that's not on the map! Also, it is very important to choose a map--whether a single-page foldout or a much bigger, bound version--that's easy for you to use.
Online booksellers, such as Powell's or Amazon, also offer lots of options for your road map needs. They also have customer reviews, so you can get other people's opinions on the best maps out there, as well as share your findings with other customers. Amazon has a feature that allows to you search inside a publication before you buy it, which affords you the same privilege as going to a physical bookstore without having to get out of your sweatpants.
Members of the American Automobile Association can get free maps at any AAA office. AAA can also provide you with free travel guides and coupons, as well as an extensive selection of road maps. A road map from AAA is always a safe bet; they guarantee the quality of their publications, which are updated annually and are accurate and comprehensive.
City tourist bureaus carry road maps (as well as city and state maps and guides). Pop in and ask a few questions; the employees are there to give you all the information you could want about local travel. They might not have as as many maps as a bookstore, but often they carry more regionally specific maps. If you're in search of the road less traveled, see what city hall has to say.
If you need more help planning your trip, go to a travel agency. For a fee, they can outfit you with everything you need in the way of travel, including road maps.
In a pinch, you can usually pick up a local or statewide road map at a gas station convenience store. They won't have the broad selection of a bookstore, but any road map is more help than no road map, especially if you're not entirely sure where you are!
Make sure you give your map a thorough once-over before heading out on the road. Check out the roads you want to take, and any alternate routes. Being familiar with the map's layout will help you to avoid any unintentional detours, or at least get you back to where you want to be in case of a wrong turn.
Online booksellers, such as Powell's or Amazon, also offer lots of options for your road map needs. They also have customer reviews, so you can get other people's opinions on the best maps out there, as well as share your findings with other customers. Amazon has a feature that allows to you search inside a publication before you buy it, which affords you the same privilege as going to a physical bookstore without having to get out of your sweatpants.
Members of the American Automobile Association can get free maps at any AAA office. AAA can also provide you with free travel guides and coupons, as well as an extensive selection of road maps. A road map from AAA is always a safe bet; they guarantee the quality of their publications, which are updated annually and are accurate and comprehensive.
City tourist bureaus carry road maps (as well as city and state maps and guides). Pop in and ask a few questions; the employees are there to give you all the information you could want about local travel. They might not have as as many maps as a bookstore, but often they carry more regionally specific maps. If you're in search of the road less traveled, see what city hall has to say.
If you need more help planning your trip, go to a travel agency. For a fee, they can outfit you with everything you need in the way of travel, including road maps.
In a pinch, you can usually pick up a local or statewide road map at a gas station convenience store. They won't have the broad selection of a bookstore, but any road map is more help than no road map, especially if you're not entirely sure where you are!
Make sure you give your map a thorough once-over before heading out on the road. Check out the roads you want to take, and any alternate routes. Being familiar with the map's layout will help you to avoid any unintentional detours, or at least get you back to where you want to be in case of a wrong turn.
How To Buy Travel Accessories
How to decide what to buy? Of course this depends on the length of the trip and how much space you have in your suitcase. Some essentials I have found to be necessary regardless of trip length and location are the travel alarm clock, money belt, quick drying towel, and plug adapter along with voltage converter.
Safety and security: TSA approved metal locks are a necessity if you want to lock up your luggage. Another option is the plastic flight lock which helps avoid getting your metal locks broken by security but will still provide some safety. A money-belt or neck pouch is essential when traveling abroad and can safely store your cash, credit cards, plane tickets and passport.
The weather at your destination: Check weather.com for up to the minute details and be sure to bring along a hat and sunscreen if it is sunny or an umbrella and waterproof jacket if it's rainy.
In flight needs: As the air on the airplane is recycled and flights are usually packed, you may want to take some precautions against getting sick. Airborne is one product that I always bring along, but Vitamin C is another option. The air on board planes is also much drier than what we're used to, so a small bottle of moisturizer and some chapstick would also come in handy.
Packing: Special plastic bags for compressing your clothes do indeed save a lot of space in your suitcase. These are easily found at Target or any specialty travel store. Plastic organizers or nylon bags are helpful for keeping shoes and dirty laundry in their own compartments. Miniature plastic bottles for your shampoo and soaps also save space.
Guidebooks and maps: Being prepared is essential when traveling to a new city or country, and having a guidebook will allow you some comfort. Barnes and Noble, Borders, and Amazon have the best selection of the latest guidebooks and maps for wherever you're going.
Specialty travel stores will have all that you need and more, but I also like to stop by my local REI (or shop online) for essentials like backpacks, water bottles, my fast drying towel, money belt, and other organizers. Fry's or any electronics store will sell plug adapters and voltage converters. Flight 001 sells both frivolous items and essentials, all updated in cute colors and fun patterns.
Safety and security: TSA approved metal locks are a necessity if you want to lock up your luggage. Another option is the plastic flight lock which helps avoid getting your metal locks broken by security but will still provide some safety. A money-belt or neck pouch is essential when traveling abroad and can safely store your cash, credit cards, plane tickets and passport.
The weather at your destination: Check weather.com for up to the minute details and be sure to bring along a hat and sunscreen if it is sunny or an umbrella and waterproof jacket if it's rainy.
In flight needs: As the air on the airplane is recycled and flights are usually packed, you may want to take some precautions against getting sick. Airborne is one product that I always bring along, but Vitamin C is another option. The air on board planes is also much drier than what we're used to, so a small bottle of moisturizer and some chapstick would also come in handy.
Packing: Special plastic bags for compressing your clothes do indeed save a lot of space in your suitcase. These are easily found at Target or any specialty travel store. Plastic organizers or nylon bags are helpful for keeping shoes and dirty laundry in their own compartments. Miniature plastic bottles for your shampoo and soaps also save space.
Guidebooks and maps: Being prepared is essential when traveling to a new city or country, and having a guidebook will allow you some comfort. Barnes and Noble, Borders, and Amazon have the best selection of the latest guidebooks and maps for wherever you're going.
Specialty travel stores will have all that you need and more, but I also like to stop by my local REI (or shop online) for essentials like backpacks, water bottles, my fast drying towel, money belt, and other organizers. Fry's or any electronics store will sell plug adapters and voltage converters. Flight 001 sells both frivolous items and essentials, all updated in cute colors and fun patterns.
How To Find Discount Airline Tickets
Everyone knows of the usual discount internet airfare sites such as Expedia, Orbitz, and Travelocity, and while prices don't vary much between sites, they are worth a look. Two newer sites that offer price comparisons to try are Kayak and Mobissimo.
If flying within the United States, first check prices on the websites of budget airlines such as Jetblue, Southwest, America West, and Ted. Full priced airfares on these airlines are often found to be cheaper than a discounted ticket on a major carrier, and even better when on sale.
Sign up for email newsletters from the airlines you frequently use as oftentimes airlines will send out advance notice of fare sales to their loyal readers. Other e-newsletters to sign up for are Smarter Travel or Airfare Watch Dog, which are both catch-all travel websites with up to date listings of fare sales.
If flying abroad, it's best to double check fares with a good old fashioned travel agent because an agent can search for tickets in the cheapest fare class. Some of the best deals can be found at agencies that specialize in tickets to a certain area, for example: a travel agency in Chinatown might be the best place to buy an airline ticket if you are heading to Asia.
Anyone who is under the age of 26 and/or a student should first search for discounted student tickets. One of the best places to do so is STA Travel, a worldwide agency that specializes in student airfares. They often have airfare sales and a chat with one of their agents (on the phone, in their office, or an through an online search) may yield a hugely discounted ticket, especially if heading to Europe. Another useful website with listings of discounted student airfares is Smarter Travel, which compiles all current airfare sales of different airlines.
If flying within the United States, first check prices on the websites of budget airlines such as Jetblue, Southwest, America West, and Ted. Full priced airfares on these airlines are often found to be cheaper than a discounted ticket on a major carrier, and even better when on sale.
Sign up for email newsletters from the airlines you frequently use as oftentimes airlines will send out advance notice of fare sales to their loyal readers. Other e-newsletters to sign up for are Smarter Travel or Airfare Watch Dog, which are both catch-all travel websites with up to date listings of fare sales.
If flying abroad, it's best to double check fares with a good old fashioned travel agent because an agent can search for tickets in the cheapest fare class. Some of the best deals can be found at agencies that specialize in tickets to a certain area, for example: a travel agency in Chinatown might be the best place to buy an airline ticket if you are heading to Asia.
Anyone who is under the age of 26 and/or a student should first search for discounted student tickets. One of the best places to do so is STA Travel, a worldwide agency that specializes in student airfares. They often have airfare sales and a chat with one of their agents (on the phone, in their office, or an through an online search) may yield a hugely discounted ticket, especially if heading to Europe. Another useful website with listings of discounted student airfares is Smarter Travel, which compiles all current airfare sales of different airlines.
How To Find the Perfect Ski Chalet
Choose your ski resort wisely. Not all resorts offer European-style catered ski chalets - there are more and more each year in Colorado, particularly in the larger resorts, which offer a greater choice of accommodations. Winter Park, Vail, Beaver Creek and Breckenridge all have these types of chalets and are also great resorts to ski in.
Decide how many people are going. Different chalets can hold different size groups. Chalet Bluebell for example in Winter Park holds 8-9 people, but others take more. If you have a group of 8 people you would be able to book the whole chalet and have "sole occupancy" so your group can take over the whole house and have it to yourselves.
Look for group discounts. Some companies offer group discounts for groups of 6 or more. If 2 families are travelling together you'll really want to take advantage of these deals.
Location. Check out exactly where the chalet is. Is it in the middle of town, near the shops, bars, restaurants and kids playgrounds or in the middle of nowhere so you can't walk to local amenities? Does it have easy access to the ski slopes? Is there a free ski bus? If so, does it stop near the ski chalet or do you have to walk miles lugging your skis? And do the buses go frequently? If the chalet is on the main street there should be buses going past every few minutes. As with everything, location is key.
Who are the owners? Find out whether the chalet is independently run or part of a big chain. Generally speaking the owner / independently run chalets care a great deal about customer service and have clients returning year after year. The owners often live in the ski town, know the locals and really have a great deal of local knowledge. The staff tends to be more mature, have significant cooking experience and will really look after your every need!
Amenities. Compare amenities at different chalets. Go for ensuite / private bathrooms. See if they have hairdryers, humidifiers, fans and toiletries provided for you. Look at the living areas - do they have a couple of living rooms - one where you can relax in front of the fire and one where the kids can disappear to and watch TV? What about videos, DVD, stereos, an Xbox? All great entertainment for the little ones. Hot tubs are fantastic on a skiing holiday to really relax and strectch those aching limbs. After a tough day on the slopes, what's better than that? And the kids love to play in them. Check for internet access, not that you'll want to be in touch with the office on this vacation, but it may come in handy!
Decide how many people are going. Different chalets can hold different size groups. Chalet Bluebell for example in Winter Park holds 8-9 people, but others take more. If you have a group of 8 people you would be able to book the whole chalet and have "sole occupancy" so your group can take over the whole house and have it to yourselves.
Look for group discounts. Some companies offer group discounts for groups of 6 or more. If 2 families are travelling together you'll really want to take advantage of these deals.
Location. Check out exactly where the chalet is. Is it in the middle of town, near the shops, bars, restaurants and kids playgrounds or in the middle of nowhere so you can't walk to local amenities? Does it have easy access to the ski slopes? Is there a free ski bus? If so, does it stop near the ski chalet or do you have to walk miles lugging your skis? And do the buses go frequently? If the chalet is on the main street there should be buses going past every few minutes. As with everything, location is key.
Who are the owners? Find out whether the chalet is independently run or part of a big chain. Generally speaking the owner / independently run chalets care a great deal about customer service and have clients returning year after year. The owners often live in the ski town, know the locals and really have a great deal of local knowledge. The staff tends to be more mature, have significant cooking experience and will really look after your every need!
Amenities. Compare amenities at different chalets. Go for ensuite / private bathrooms. See if they have hairdryers, humidifiers, fans and toiletries provided for you. Look at the living areas - do they have a couple of living rooms - one where you can relax in front of the fire and one where the kids can disappear to and watch TV? What about videos, DVD, stereos, an Xbox? All great entertainment for the little ones. Hot tubs are fantastic on a skiing holiday to really relax and strectch those aching limbs. After a tough day on the slopes, what's better than that? And the kids love to play in them. Check for internet access, not that you'll want to be in touch with the office on this vacation, but it may come in handy!
How To Find Tourist Information
First, you'll need to decide how detailed you want your information to be. Are you traveling to a new city? Doing a tour of a particular region or perhaps a country? Where you want to travel will dictate what kind of information you need to get.
You can find guides to cities, states, regions, countries and even continents in the "Travel" section of your local bookstore. Many larger chains also have websites with an even wider selection of books to choose from, as well as online-only retailers such as Powell's or Amazon.
Travel agencies also carry guides and maps should you choose to utilize their services for planning your trip.
American Automobile Association members get free tourist information at any AAA office. AAA carries an extensive number of maps, as well as guides to cities and states, and coupons for discounts to attractions within the place (or places) you plan to visit.
The Internet also provides a wealth of information on all kinds of travel destinations. Foreign countries offer tourist guides in English, and most states have "Information for visitors" links on their official sites. These are good sources for travel ideas and inspiration.
If you find yourself in a new city without any information about it at all, stop by the city hall. There you should be able to find inexpensive city guides and maps, as well as information about local attractions.
You can find guides to cities, states, regions, countries and even continents in the "Travel" section of your local bookstore. Many larger chains also have websites with an even wider selection of books to choose from, as well as online-only retailers such as Powell's or Amazon.
Travel agencies also carry guides and maps should you choose to utilize their services for planning your trip.
American Automobile Association members get free tourist information at any AAA office. AAA carries an extensive number of maps, as well as guides to cities and states, and coupons for discounts to attractions within the place (or places) you plan to visit.
The Internet also provides a wealth of information on all kinds of travel destinations. Foreign countries offer tourist guides in English, and most states have "Information for visitors" links on their official sites. These are good sources for travel ideas and inspiration.
If you find yourself in a new city without any information about it at all, stop by the city hall. There you should be able to find inexpensive city guides and maps, as well as information about local attractions.
How To Find the Perfect Ski Chalet
Choose your ski resort wisely. Not all resorts offer European-style catered ski chalets - there are more and more each year in Colorado, particularly in the larger resorts, which offer a greater choice of accommodations. Winter Park, Vail, Beaver Creek and Breckenridge all have these types of chalets and are also great resorts to ski in.
Decide how many people are going. Different chalets can hold different size groups. Chalet Bluebell for example in Winter Park holds 8-9 people, but others take more. If you have a group of 8 people you would be able to book the whole chalet and have "sole occupancy" so your group can take over the whole house and have it to yourselves.
Look for group discounts. Some companies offer group discounts for groups of 6 or more. If 2 families are travelling together you'll really want to take advantage of these deals.
Location. Check out exactly where the chalet is. Is it in the middle of town, near the shops, bars, restaurants and kids playgrounds or in the middle of nowhere so you can't walk to local amenities? Does it have easy access to the ski slopes? Is there a free ski bus? If so, does it stop near the ski chalet or do you have to walk miles lugging your skis? And do the buses go frequently? If the chalet is on the main street there should be buses going past every few minutes. As with everything, location is key.
Who are the owners? Find out whether the chalet is independently run or part of a big chain. Generally speaking the owner / independently run chalets care a great deal about customer service and have clients returning year after year. The owners often live in the ski town, know the locals and really have a great deal of local knowledge. The staff tends to be more mature, have significant cooking experience and will really look after your every need!
Amenities. Compare amenities at different chalets. Go for ensuite / private bathrooms. See if they have hairdryers, humidifiers, fans and toiletries provided for you. Look at the living areas - do they have a couple of living rooms - one where you can relax in front of the fire and one where the kids can disappear to and watch TV? What about videos, DVD, stereos, an Xbox? All great entertainment for the little ones. Hot tubs are fantastic on a skiing holiday to really relax and strectch those aching limbs. After a tough day on the slopes, what's better than that? And the kids love to play in them. Check for internet access, not that you'll want to be in touch with the office on this vacation, but it may come in handy!
Decide how many people are going. Different chalets can hold different size groups. Chalet Bluebell for example in Winter Park holds 8-9 people, but others take more. If you have a group of 8 people you would be able to book the whole chalet and have "sole occupancy" so your group can take over the whole house and have it to yourselves.
Look for group discounts. Some companies offer group discounts for groups of 6 or more. If 2 families are travelling together you'll really want to take advantage of these deals.
Location. Check out exactly where the chalet is. Is it in the middle of town, near the shops, bars, restaurants and kids playgrounds or in the middle of nowhere so you can't walk to local amenities? Does it have easy access to the ski slopes? Is there a free ski bus? If so, does it stop near the ski chalet or do you have to walk miles lugging your skis? And do the buses go frequently? If the chalet is on the main street there should be buses going past every few minutes. As with everything, location is key.
Who are the owners? Find out whether the chalet is independently run or part of a big chain. Generally speaking the owner / independently run chalets care a great deal about customer service and have clients returning year after year. The owners often live in the ski town, know the locals and really have a great deal of local knowledge. The staff tends to be more mature, have significant cooking experience and will really look after your every need!
Amenities. Compare amenities at different chalets. Go for ensuite / private bathrooms. See if they have hairdryers, humidifiers, fans and toiletries provided for you. Look at the living areas - do they have a couple of living rooms - one where you can relax in front of the fire and one where the kids can disappear to and watch TV? What about videos, DVD, stereos, an Xbox? All great entertainment for the little ones. Hot tubs are fantastic on a skiing holiday to really relax and strectch those aching limbs. After a tough day on the slopes, what's better than that? And the kids love to play in them. Check for internet access, not that you'll want to be in touch with the office on this vacation, but it may come in handy!
How To Take a Panama Canal Cruise
Where to go. Cruise lines offer the traditional transcanal trip, which means that you cross from one ocean to the other. Some cruise lines also offer partial passage, in which the ship passes through one lock (the Gatun Lock), across Gatun Lake and then lets passengers off in Gamboa. In Gamboa, passengers can experience the canal from land, or take a much smaller excursion boat. Still other cruise lines offer excursions that do not enter the canal at all but dock at Colon.
Size of boat. Some Panama Canal cruise passengers feel that a smaller boat provides a more intimate experience. Windjammer can take you through the canal on a sailboat holding anywhere from 64-122 passengers, which will make for a different experience than the 1500+ passengers you might find on other Panama Canal cruise ships.
Departure city. Miami and Fort Lauderdale are the primary departure cities in Florida. Primary departure cities on the west coast are Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco. There are variations on these standard itineraries which include departures from Vancouver, B.C., Seattle, New Orleans, Acapulco and so on.
Season. The season for Panama Canal cruises runs from October through April. Keep in mind that the rainy season ends sometime in November.
Now that you've decided on these points, here's what you can expect from your Panama Canal cruise:
As of the last day of last century, control of the canal was ceded to Panama. Thus don't be surprised when you are boarded by a Panamanian pilot, who will have control of your boat during transit. This fact should put you at ease since the Panamanian pilot will have the technical skill and know-how to make it through the sometimes-narrow canal.
Remember your passport. Thanks to the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004, you will be required to have a passport or other accepted form of identification to re-enter the United States.
Don't be surprised to see a large number of boats in a waiting area for boats without reservations. If you're on a big cruise ship, you will definitely have a reservation, and will begin your journey through the canal right on time.
The biggest size boat that can fit through the canal is 108 feet by approximately 950 feet. If you're on one of the bigger Panama Canal cruises, chances are that your boat is close to this size, thus making it likely you may bump or scrape the edge of the canal. No worries, mate. The crew will paint those scrapes at your next stop.
Be on deck early for your planned arrival at the Panama Canal. Unless you have a balcony suite, you'll want to reserve a good spot on deck as the crowd there gets rather large for the actual canal crossing.
Close to 14,000 ships cross the Panama Canal yearly, paying tolls that depend upon the ship's weight. Your cruise ship will probably be paying more than $100,000 in tolls, which might just help you feel better about the cost of your Panama Canal cruise.
Size of boat. Some Panama Canal cruise passengers feel that a smaller boat provides a more intimate experience. Windjammer can take you through the canal on a sailboat holding anywhere from 64-122 passengers, which will make for a different experience than the 1500+ passengers you might find on other Panama Canal cruise ships.
Departure city. Miami and Fort Lauderdale are the primary departure cities in Florida. Primary departure cities on the west coast are Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco. There are variations on these standard itineraries which include departures from Vancouver, B.C., Seattle, New Orleans, Acapulco and so on.
Season. The season for Panama Canal cruises runs from October through April. Keep in mind that the rainy season ends sometime in November.
Now that you've decided on these points, here's what you can expect from your Panama Canal cruise:
As of the last day of last century, control of the canal was ceded to Panama. Thus don't be surprised when you are boarded by a Panamanian pilot, who will have control of your boat during transit. This fact should put you at ease since the Panamanian pilot will have the technical skill and know-how to make it through the sometimes-narrow canal.
Remember your passport. Thanks to the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004, you will be required to have a passport or other accepted form of identification to re-enter the United States.
Don't be surprised to see a large number of boats in a waiting area for boats without reservations. If you're on a big cruise ship, you will definitely have a reservation, and will begin your journey through the canal right on time.
The biggest size boat that can fit through the canal is 108 feet by approximately 950 feet. If you're on one of the bigger Panama Canal cruises, chances are that your boat is close to this size, thus making it likely you may bump or scrape the edge of the canal. No worries, mate. The crew will paint those scrapes at your next stop.
Be on deck early for your planned arrival at the Panama Canal. Unless you have a balcony suite, you'll want to reserve a good spot on deck as the crowd there gets rather large for the actual canal crossing.
Close to 14,000 ships cross the Panama Canal yearly, paying tolls that depend upon the ship's weight. Your cruise ship will probably be paying more than $100,000 in tolls, which might just help you feel better about the cost of your Panama Canal cruise.
Home › Travel › Transportation › Alternative › How To Pack a Tank Bag for a 6-Day Motorcycle Trip
Fold flat two pairs of shorts and one pair of denims or slacks to the perimeter dimensions of the inside of the bag and place in bottom of bag.
Fold flat five tops (either long-sleeve or short-sleeve, depending on your comfort level while riding) to the same perimeter dimensions of the inside of the bag and place on top of shorts and slacks. If folded as flat as possible, you have now used approximately four inches of the bag. At this point, you have not even filled half the bag and you are all set for clothing needs. At the end of each day, pull out a clean top to wear to dinner, then use that top the next day for riding.
Taking one pair of shoes, tuck one shoe at each edge, with a pair of riding socks firmly stuffed into each shoe. Now you have shoes to wear to dinner and three pairs of socks (counting the pair you will start out with). Conserve space by every other day turning a used pair of socks inside out so they can be used twice.
Now consider your toiletries. After shopping at your local grocery store and finding travel sizes for everything from toothpaste to hand lotion to mouthwash, invest in a zippered, waterproof pouch that will securely hold these items without the possibility of leakage. After packing this with only your barest essentials, place between the shoes. There will probably be room at each end, unless your pouch is larger than what you really need -- think about it. And remember, if you are staying at a hotel or motel each night, there will probably be complimentary toiletries.
Place five pairs of underwear in a baggie and securely close after pressing out as much air as possible. Repeat with either undershirts or bras in another bag. Place one at each end of bag, completing a layer of shoes, toiletries and underwear. You now have enough clothing and personal items to last you the remaining five days of your motorcycle trip. Remember, what you wear the first day may also be layered and reused.
Next, additional riding equipment. If the jacket and pants you use for riding are not waterproof, pack a waterproof riding suit and waterproof gloves -- you may end up motorcycling in the rain. With proper folding and storage in a bag, these items can be flattened to about three inches. Around the edges, tuck in a small cleaning rag and visor cleaner for use throughout the day or each morning. No matter where you ride or what time of year, your visor will get dirty.
If you have done the above as described, you will have a couple remaining inches to fill in with items you now deem necessary -- a pencil and notepad to record your adventure, camera in a waterproof case, eyeglasses, etc. All of these items will be easily accessible at the top of the bag.
I recommend carrying your wallet, cell phone and any other important personal papers in an inside pocket of your jacket for safekeeping. Your jacket will always be with you, whereas you will leave your tail or tank bag secured to your bike throughout the day.
Fold flat five tops (either long-sleeve or short-sleeve, depending on your comfort level while riding) to the same perimeter dimensions of the inside of the bag and place on top of shorts and slacks. If folded as flat as possible, you have now used approximately four inches of the bag. At this point, you have not even filled half the bag and you are all set for clothing needs. At the end of each day, pull out a clean top to wear to dinner, then use that top the next day for riding.
Taking one pair of shoes, tuck one shoe at each edge, with a pair of riding socks firmly stuffed into each shoe. Now you have shoes to wear to dinner and three pairs of socks (counting the pair you will start out with). Conserve space by every other day turning a used pair of socks inside out so they can be used twice.
Now consider your toiletries. After shopping at your local grocery store and finding travel sizes for everything from toothpaste to hand lotion to mouthwash, invest in a zippered, waterproof pouch that will securely hold these items without the possibility of leakage. After packing this with only your barest essentials, place between the shoes. There will probably be room at each end, unless your pouch is larger than what you really need -- think about it. And remember, if you are staying at a hotel or motel each night, there will probably be complimentary toiletries.
Place five pairs of underwear in a baggie and securely close after pressing out as much air as possible. Repeat with either undershirts or bras in another bag. Place one at each end of bag, completing a layer of shoes, toiletries and underwear. You now have enough clothing and personal items to last you the remaining five days of your motorcycle trip. Remember, what you wear the first day may also be layered and reused.
Next, additional riding equipment. If the jacket and pants you use for riding are not waterproof, pack a waterproof riding suit and waterproof gloves -- you may end up motorcycling in the rain. With proper folding and storage in a bag, these items can be flattened to about three inches. Around the edges, tuck in a small cleaning rag and visor cleaner for use throughout the day or each morning. No matter where you ride or what time of year, your visor will get dirty.
If you have done the above as described, you will have a couple remaining inches to fill in with items you now deem necessary -- a pencil and notepad to record your adventure, camera in a waterproof case, eyeglasses, etc. All of these items will be easily accessible at the top of the bag.
I recommend carrying your wallet, cell phone and any other important personal papers in an inside pocket of your jacket for safekeeping. Your jacket will always be with you, whereas you will leave your tail or tank bag secured to your bike throughout the day.
How To Find the Perfect Ski Chalet
Ski chalets are the perfect place to stay for your winter ski vacation - you get hassle-free skiing for all the family: your personal chef shops, cooks and serves your meals; the chalet hosts clean you rooms and the chalet plus have all the local knowledge you could ever need. They'll organize your lift passes, ski school and ski hire for you too. When you're planning the perfect ski vacation, you should make sure to find the perfect chalet:
Choose your ski resort wisely. Not all resorts offer European-style catered ski chalets - there are more and more each year in Colorado, particularly in the larger resorts, which offer a greater choice of accommodations. Winter Park, Vail, Beaver Creek and Breckenridge all have these types of chalets and are also great resorts to ski in.
Decide how many people are going. Different chalets can hold different size groups. Chalet Bluebell for example in Winter Park holds 8-9 people, but others take more. If you have a group of 8 people you would be able to book the whole chalet and have "sole occupancy" so your group can take over the whole house and have it to yourselves.
Look for group discounts. Some companies offer group discounts for groups of 6 or more. If 2 families are travelling together you'll really want to take advantage of these deals.
Location. Check out exactly where the chalet is. Is it in the middle of town, near the shops, bars, restaurants and kids playgrounds or in the middle of nowhere so you can't walk to local amenities? Does it have easy access to the ski slopes? Is there a free ski bus? If so, does it stop near the ski chalet or do you have to walk miles lugging your skis? And do the buses go frequently? If the chalet is on the main street there should be buses going past every few minutes. As with everything, location is key.
Who are the owners? Find out whether the chalet is independently run or part of a big chain. Generally speaking the owner / independently run chalets care a great deal about customer service and have clients returning year after year. The owners often live in the ski town, know the locals and really have a great deal of local knowledge. The staff tends to be more mature, have significant cooking experience and will really look after your every need!
Amenities. Compare amenities at different chalets. Go for ensuite / private bathrooms. See if they have hairdryers, humidifiers, fans and toiletries provided for you. Look at the living areas - do they have a couple of living rooms - one where you can relax in front of the fire and one where the kids can disappear to and watch TV? What about videos, DVD, stereos, an Xbox? All great entertainment for the little ones. Hot tubs are fantastic on a skiing holiday to really relax and strectch those aching limbs. After a tough day on the slopes, what's better than that? And the kids love to play in them. Check for internet access, not that you'll want to be in touch with the office on this vacation, but it may come in handy!
So there it is - check out these 6 points, choose your chalet carefully and sit back, relax and enjoy your ski chalet vacation!
Choose your ski resort wisely. Not all resorts offer European-style catered ski chalets - there are more and more each year in Colorado, particularly in the larger resorts, which offer a greater choice of accommodations. Winter Park, Vail, Beaver Creek and Breckenridge all have these types of chalets and are also great resorts to ski in.
Decide how many people are going. Different chalets can hold different size groups. Chalet Bluebell for example in Winter Park holds 8-9 people, but others take more. If you have a group of 8 people you would be able to book the whole chalet and have "sole occupancy" so your group can take over the whole house and have it to yourselves.
Look for group discounts. Some companies offer group discounts for groups of 6 or more. If 2 families are travelling together you'll really want to take advantage of these deals.
Location. Check out exactly where the chalet is. Is it in the middle of town, near the shops, bars, restaurants and kids playgrounds or in the middle of nowhere so you can't walk to local amenities? Does it have easy access to the ski slopes? Is there a free ski bus? If so, does it stop near the ski chalet or do you have to walk miles lugging your skis? And do the buses go frequently? If the chalet is on the main street there should be buses going past every few minutes. As with everything, location is key.
Who are the owners? Find out whether the chalet is independently run or part of a big chain. Generally speaking the owner / independently run chalets care a great deal about customer service and have clients returning year after year. The owners often live in the ski town, know the locals and really have a great deal of local knowledge. The staff tends to be more mature, have significant cooking experience and will really look after your every need!
Amenities. Compare amenities at different chalets. Go for ensuite / private bathrooms. See if they have hairdryers, humidifiers, fans and toiletries provided for you. Look at the living areas - do they have a couple of living rooms - one where you can relax in front of the fire and one where the kids can disappear to and watch TV? What about videos, DVD, stereos, an Xbox? All great entertainment for the little ones. Hot tubs are fantastic on a skiing holiday to really relax and strectch those aching limbs. After a tough day on the slopes, what's better than that? And the kids love to play in them. Check for internet access, not that you'll want to be in touch with the office on this vacation, but it may come in handy!
So there it is - check out these 6 points, choose your chalet carefully and sit back, relax and enjoy your ski chalet vacation!
How To Prepare for a Stay at a Bed and Breakfast - 7 Tips
Do you have any allergies or sensitivities to food, smoke, or pets? If so, be sure to let the innkeepers know well in advance. Many B&Bs are pet-free. Nowadays, most do not allow smoking indoors. They can often prepare special menus for food-sensitive guests.
Will you be taking your children with you? Some inns have antiques, velvet wall coverings, breakable ornaments, and plush carpeting. Children are often discouraged or prohibited.
Do you intend to travel with your cat or dog? There are a few pet-friendly inns. However, if an inn does not permit pets, innkeepers can often recommend a local boarding kennel or refer you to another nearby bed and breakfast.
Do you need your room held for late arrival? Be sure to let the innkeepers know. If something delays your arrival unexpectedly for any reason, call ahead to inform your hosts. If they expect you at 6 p.m., but you have not arrived at midnight, they will be a little cross. Many B&Bs are run part time by people who cannot go to bed until you have checked in.
Are the bathroom facilities private or shared? Unlike hotels, many small inns provide shared facilities. You may have to share a bathroom with the innkeepers or with other guests. Know what to expect before you arrive.
What is on the breakfast menu? Bed and breakfasts include breakfast in their price, which is part of the reason they are so popular. However, breakfast in one lodging establishment may be muffins, fruit, coffee, and milk; in another, it might be hot entrees served in your room, or a gourmet breakfast buffet.
What kind of cancellation policy does the inn offer? Cancellation fees can be quite high, compared to a hotel or motel. B&Bs have a limited number of rooms. If you decide to cancel at the last minute, the bed and breakfast may charge you the full amount of your stay. Be aware. The best policy is to purchase comprehensive travel insurance that covers trip cancellation.
Will you be taking your children with you? Some inns have antiques, velvet wall coverings, breakable ornaments, and plush carpeting. Children are often discouraged or prohibited.
Do you intend to travel with your cat or dog? There are a few pet-friendly inns. However, if an inn does not permit pets, innkeepers can often recommend a local boarding kennel or refer you to another nearby bed and breakfast.
Do you need your room held for late arrival? Be sure to let the innkeepers know. If something delays your arrival unexpectedly for any reason, call ahead to inform your hosts. If they expect you at 6 p.m., but you have not arrived at midnight, they will be a little cross. Many B&Bs are run part time by people who cannot go to bed until you have checked in.
Are the bathroom facilities private or shared? Unlike hotels, many small inns provide shared facilities. You may have to share a bathroom with the innkeepers or with other guests. Know what to expect before you arrive.
What is on the breakfast menu? Bed and breakfasts include breakfast in their price, which is part of the reason they are so popular. However, breakfast in one lodging establishment may be muffins, fruit, coffee, and milk; in another, it might be hot entrees served in your room, or a gourmet breakfast buffet.
What kind of cancellation policy does the inn offer? Cancellation fees can be quite high, compared to a hotel or motel. B&Bs have a limited number of rooms. If you decide to cancel at the last minute, the bed and breakfast may charge you the full amount of your stay. Be aware. The best policy is to purchase comprehensive travel insurance that covers trip cancellation.
How To Plan a Whitewater Rafting Trip
Half-Day, Full Day or Multi-Day Whitewater Rafting Trip? Depending upon where you're planning to go whitewater rafting, you'll have the option to choose from a half-day (usually 3-4 hours), a full day (about 5-6 hours) and a multi-day trip. Not all rivers offer all of these options, so if the duration of your whitewater rafting trip is important, make sure the rivers and outfitters that you're choosing from offer the trip length you want. For example, on the American River (in California) you can choose from half-day, full day and 2-day trips. However, on the Colorado River (through the Grand Canyon) the shortest trip available at least 5 days.
Half-Day: A half-day whitewater rafting trip is perfect for families with small children, people who have never whitewater rafted before and those who simply don't have the time for a longer trip. Whitewater rafting outfitters typically offer two half-day trips each day, the first starting around 9am and ending around noon, the second starting at noon or 1pm and ending around 3 or 4pm. Oftentimes the whitewater rafting outfitter will provide you with lunch either before or after your trip, depending on whether you opt for a morning or afternoon paddle.
Full Day: If you're staying in the area and want to make a full day out of your whitewater rafting trip, there are many rivers and rafting companies that offer full day packages. A full day whitewater rafting trip will usually start at 8 or 9am, you'll stop for lunch around noon and eat with your rafting guides and other passengers on the river, and you'll get back on the river after lunch to finish your trip by 3 or 4pm.
Multi-Day: Multi-day whitewater rafting trips are available on many rivers for you hard-core camping and whitewater rafting enthusiasts. On these trips you'll spend anywhere from 2 to 22 days on the river. Most likely you'll opt for something closer to the 2-day mark, but you can choose much longer trips on rivers like the Colorado (through the Grand Canyon) or the Sun Kosi River in Nepal if you're interested in making a long vacation out of it.
With multi-day whitewater rafting trips you will almost always camp out and the rafting outfitter you choose should provide you with meals and possibly tents and sleeping bags as well. Check with a few different whitewater rafting companies on the river you want to raft because some may offer better amenities than others.
Class of Rapids. When it comes to whitewater, rapids are classified from I - IV. Generally speaking, Class I - Class III are relatively tame, but can still be a lot of fun. Class I rapids are small, low waves with no obstructions. Class III rapids start to become a little challenging and may require some maneuvering of the raft-they include larger waves up to 4ft. high. If you're into more serious thrills you may want to opt for a river with some Class IV and V rapids. These are big, long rapids that require maneuvering around obstacles, involve unavoidable waves and may require scouting. Class VI rapids are typically considered un-navigable. Most commercial whitewater rafting trips will only offer trips up to a Class V.
So choose your trip accordingly. If you're looking for an exciting, adrenaline-pumping trip, you should opt for a river that offers rapids between Class III and Class V. If you're with small children or you're more interested in a float trip you may want to stick to Class III rapids and below. It's important to decide upon the level of trip you want to take before you start looking at rivers. Knowing your parameters when it comes to rapids will make it easier to narrow down your choices.
Where do you want to go? Once you've decided on the Class of rapids you're looking for and how long you plan to spend on the river, you can start thinking about location. There are many great whitewater rafting trips throughout the US. States like Washington, Oregon, California and Colorado boast some of the best whitewater rafting trips and their rivers are fairly easily accessible if you live nearby or if you're willing to fly into a nearby city. The same goes for the east coast and some of the southwest. Rivers in New Mexico, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, the Carolinas and Maine are all on the list of whitewater rafting "rivers to visit."
If you're hoping to travel internationally, it's likely that you'll opt for a multi-day trip, raft more than one section (or "fork") of a river, or even raft more than one river. South America boasts legendary whitewater as do countries like Nepal and Turkey. On an international trip you'll likely be considering more than just the whitewater rafting hotspots when you're deciding where to go, but some of these rivers, like the Zambezi in Zimbabwe/Zambia, are destinations in and of themselves for the whitewater rafting enthusiast. Below you'll find a list of some of the most popular rivers to raft (this list is by no means complete):
River Location Trip Duration
(in or near) (in days)
American Sacramento, CA ½-3
Colorado Flagstaff, AZ 5-22
Salmon Lewiston, ID 4-6
Wenatchee Seattle, WA ½-2
Rogue Southwestern, OR ½-4
Arkansas Buena Vista, CO ½-5
San Juan Blanding, UT 3-4
New River Hico, WV ½-2
Penobscot Baxter State Park, ME 1
Cheat Ohiopyle, PA ½-1
Deerfield Boston, MA 1
Chatooga GA/SC Border ½-2
Zambezi Zimbabwe/Zambia 1 day or multi-day
Alsek/Tatshenshini Alaska/British Columbia Multi-Day
Pacuare Costa Rica 1-3
Bio Bio Chile Multi-Day
Sun Kosi Nepal Multi-Day
Coruh Turkey Multi-Day
North Johnstone Queensland, Australia Multi-Day
Guided Whitewater Rafting Trip vs. Planning Your Own. For most people this isn't even a consideration. Unless you have a lot of whitewater rafting experience you're probably not going to, nor should you, plan your own trip. However, it is doable. If you choose to guide your own whitewater rafting make sure that you've rafted the river before or you're with someone who has. Whitewater rafting is a dangerous sport, so ensure that you have the appropriate experience before attempting to run a river on your own.
There are many advantages to booking your trip with a whitewater rafting company/outfitter with skilled guides. Obviously safety should be your primary concern, so make sure that the rafting company you choose is reputable and its guides are knowledgeable. Another perk is that whitewater rafting companies typically provide their clients with wetsuits, booties, helmets, paddles, life jackets and, of course, the rafts themselves. You won't have to worry about bringing anything, with the exception of your bathing suit, some sunscreen and a strap for your glasses. Check with your whitewater rafting outfitter to confirm that they provide you with the above items-the vast majority do. You will also likely get fed on your trip. It's a guarantee if you're going on a multi-day trip, but it's still pretty likely if you're only out for half a day. For a multi-day trip, check with your outfitter to determine what you need to bring and exactly what they will provide for you, especially when it comes to tents, sleeping bags, eating utensils and other camping and rafting-related equipment.
Half-Day: A half-day whitewater rafting trip is perfect for families with small children, people who have never whitewater rafted before and those who simply don't have the time for a longer trip. Whitewater rafting outfitters typically offer two half-day trips each day, the first starting around 9am and ending around noon, the second starting at noon or 1pm and ending around 3 or 4pm. Oftentimes the whitewater rafting outfitter will provide you with lunch either before or after your trip, depending on whether you opt for a morning or afternoon paddle.
Full Day: If you're staying in the area and want to make a full day out of your whitewater rafting trip, there are many rivers and rafting companies that offer full day packages. A full day whitewater rafting trip will usually start at 8 or 9am, you'll stop for lunch around noon and eat with your rafting guides and other passengers on the river, and you'll get back on the river after lunch to finish your trip by 3 or 4pm.
Multi-Day: Multi-day whitewater rafting trips are available on many rivers for you hard-core camping and whitewater rafting enthusiasts. On these trips you'll spend anywhere from 2 to 22 days on the river. Most likely you'll opt for something closer to the 2-day mark, but you can choose much longer trips on rivers like the Colorado (through the Grand Canyon) or the Sun Kosi River in Nepal if you're interested in making a long vacation out of it.
With multi-day whitewater rafting trips you will almost always camp out and the rafting outfitter you choose should provide you with meals and possibly tents and sleeping bags as well. Check with a few different whitewater rafting companies on the river you want to raft because some may offer better amenities than others.
Class of Rapids. When it comes to whitewater, rapids are classified from I - IV. Generally speaking, Class I - Class III are relatively tame, but can still be a lot of fun. Class I rapids are small, low waves with no obstructions. Class III rapids start to become a little challenging and may require some maneuvering of the raft-they include larger waves up to 4ft. high. If you're into more serious thrills you may want to opt for a river with some Class IV and V rapids. These are big, long rapids that require maneuvering around obstacles, involve unavoidable waves and may require scouting. Class VI rapids are typically considered un-navigable. Most commercial whitewater rafting trips will only offer trips up to a Class V.
So choose your trip accordingly. If you're looking for an exciting, adrenaline-pumping trip, you should opt for a river that offers rapids between Class III and Class V. If you're with small children or you're more interested in a float trip you may want to stick to Class III rapids and below. It's important to decide upon the level of trip you want to take before you start looking at rivers. Knowing your parameters when it comes to rapids will make it easier to narrow down your choices.
Where do you want to go? Once you've decided on the Class of rapids you're looking for and how long you plan to spend on the river, you can start thinking about location. There are many great whitewater rafting trips throughout the US. States like Washington, Oregon, California and Colorado boast some of the best whitewater rafting trips and their rivers are fairly easily accessible if you live nearby or if you're willing to fly into a nearby city. The same goes for the east coast and some of the southwest. Rivers in New Mexico, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, the Carolinas and Maine are all on the list of whitewater rafting "rivers to visit."
If you're hoping to travel internationally, it's likely that you'll opt for a multi-day trip, raft more than one section (or "fork") of a river, or even raft more than one river. South America boasts legendary whitewater as do countries like Nepal and Turkey. On an international trip you'll likely be considering more than just the whitewater rafting hotspots when you're deciding where to go, but some of these rivers, like the Zambezi in Zimbabwe/Zambia, are destinations in and of themselves for the whitewater rafting enthusiast. Below you'll find a list of some of the most popular rivers to raft (this list is by no means complete):
River Location Trip Duration
(in or near) (in days)
American Sacramento, CA ½-3
Colorado Flagstaff, AZ 5-22
Salmon Lewiston, ID 4-6
Wenatchee Seattle, WA ½-2
Rogue Southwestern, OR ½-4
Arkansas Buena Vista, CO ½-5
San Juan Blanding, UT 3-4
New River Hico, WV ½-2
Penobscot Baxter State Park, ME 1
Cheat Ohiopyle, PA ½-1
Deerfield Boston, MA 1
Chatooga GA/SC Border ½-2
Zambezi Zimbabwe/Zambia 1 day or multi-day
Alsek/Tatshenshini Alaska/British Columbia Multi-Day
Pacuare Costa Rica 1-3
Bio Bio Chile Multi-Day
Sun Kosi Nepal Multi-Day
Coruh Turkey Multi-Day
North Johnstone Queensland, Australia Multi-Day
Guided Whitewater Rafting Trip vs. Planning Your Own. For most people this isn't even a consideration. Unless you have a lot of whitewater rafting experience you're probably not going to, nor should you, plan your own trip. However, it is doable. If you choose to guide your own whitewater rafting make sure that you've rafted the river before or you're with someone who has. Whitewater rafting is a dangerous sport, so ensure that you have the appropriate experience before attempting to run a river on your own.
There are many advantages to booking your trip with a whitewater rafting company/outfitter with skilled guides. Obviously safety should be your primary concern, so make sure that the rafting company you choose is reputable and its guides are knowledgeable. Another perk is that whitewater rafting companies typically provide their clients with wetsuits, booties, helmets, paddles, life jackets and, of course, the rafts themselves. You won't have to worry about bringing anything, with the exception of your bathing suit, some sunscreen and a strap for your glasses. Check with your whitewater rafting outfitter to confirm that they provide you with the above items-the vast majority do. You will also likely get fed on your trip. It's a guarantee if you're going on a multi-day trip, but it's still pretty likely if you're only out for half a day. For a multi-day trip, check with your outfitter to determine what you need to bring and exactly what they will provide for you, especially when it comes to tents, sleeping bags, eating utensils and other camping and rafting-related equipment.
How To Redeem Frequent Flyer Miles
Scoring that frequent flyer award seat is an elusive goal for many people. If you are not a road warrior, you may have spent months or years accumulating enough miles, only to find out that your airline tells you there are no award seats available when you want to travel. Here are some tips, tricks and strategies to help you score that seat. Flying for free is attainable! Smart travelers know, though, that the preparation for getting that award seat begins long before you ever decide to travel.
Preparation
Choose your program wisely: Does your program of choice have credit cards and other ways to earn miles even when you are not flying? Most do, but check out the frequent flyer program thoroughly to make sure your airline actually flies where you want to go and has ways of earning miles that you might actually use.
Credit cards are your friend: Don't take this as financial advice, but having an airline credit card is one of the easiest ways of earning miles. Even if you pay cash for everything, it may be worth using an airline credit card which you pay off in full every month. You can earn several hundred to several thousand miles each month, getting you closer to your trip even without flying.
Put all your eggs in one basket: Most travelers these days shop solely on price. Sometimes, though, it may be worth paying a little more to fly consistently on the same airline. If you spread your mileage earning among many airlines, you may never accumulate enough miles in any one program to do you any good. Paying $10 or $20 more for a flight to ensure that next time you travel free can be worth it.
Booking
Book early! Airlines release award seats one year in advance. Plan as early as you can and book your award seat as early as you can. Most programs don't charge you a fee for changing your award dates (depending on award availability) unless you are within 21 days of travel, so it is a good strategy to book the dates you think you will fly and then change them if necessary.
Use the internet: Use internet booking engines to check prices across many carriers at once. Pricing can give you a rough guess as to whether award travel is going to be available. It is not foolproof but, generally speaking, if loads are low, prices go down and award availability goes up.
Choose your program wisely: Yes, I said it before, but your choice of programs is very important. Research airlines. Some are known for being very stingy on award availability while others are fairly liberal. Most airlines will let you use your award on any available seat, but will charge a hefty premium to do so (usually double the number of miles).
Be flexible: Want to go to New York and there are no seats? Change your dates or fly into a neighboring city such as Newark. Just because Tuesday into JFK isn't available doesn't meant that Wednesday into EWR isn't either.
Check back often: Airlines release new award inventory based on ever-changing load factors (demand for seats), so just because you didn't get your preferred dates the first time, doesn't mean you won't get them later.
My family and I fly using awards very often and, following the above rules, have very little difficulty flying for free, both in coach and first class. The names of the game are flexibility and patience.
Preparation
Choose your program wisely: Does your program of choice have credit cards and other ways to earn miles even when you are not flying? Most do, but check out the frequent flyer program thoroughly to make sure your airline actually flies where you want to go and has ways of earning miles that you might actually use.
Credit cards are your friend: Don't take this as financial advice, but having an airline credit card is one of the easiest ways of earning miles. Even if you pay cash for everything, it may be worth using an airline credit card which you pay off in full every month. You can earn several hundred to several thousand miles each month, getting you closer to your trip even without flying.
Put all your eggs in one basket: Most travelers these days shop solely on price. Sometimes, though, it may be worth paying a little more to fly consistently on the same airline. If you spread your mileage earning among many airlines, you may never accumulate enough miles in any one program to do you any good. Paying $10 or $20 more for a flight to ensure that next time you travel free can be worth it.
Booking
Book early! Airlines release award seats one year in advance. Plan as early as you can and book your award seat as early as you can. Most programs don't charge you a fee for changing your award dates (depending on award availability) unless you are within 21 days of travel, so it is a good strategy to book the dates you think you will fly and then change them if necessary.
Use the internet: Use internet booking engines to check prices across many carriers at once. Pricing can give you a rough guess as to whether award travel is going to be available. It is not foolproof but, generally speaking, if loads are low, prices go down and award availability goes up.
Choose your program wisely: Yes, I said it before, but your choice of programs is very important. Research airlines. Some are known for being very stingy on award availability while others are fairly liberal. Most airlines will let you use your award on any available seat, but will charge a hefty premium to do so (usually double the number of miles).
Be flexible: Want to go to New York and there are no seats? Change your dates or fly into a neighboring city such as Newark. Just because Tuesday into JFK isn't available doesn't meant that Wednesday into EWR isn't either.
Check back often: Airlines release new award inventory based on ever-changing load factors (demand for seats), so just because you didn't get your preferred dates the first time, doesn't mean you won't get them later.
My family and I fly using awards very often and, following the above rules, have very little difficulty flying for free, both in coach and first class. The names of the game are flexibility and patience.
Home › Travel › Transportation › Air › How To Cope with Increasing Travel Restrictions
Transport carriers and governments are continually adding and revising security measures. Although they have developed many safeguards over recent years, they amend the rules and guidelines with every new terrorism attempt. Post 9-11 safeguards include:
Increased security training for screening and processing staff.
Installation of sophisticated electronic scanning equipment.
Improved public awareness due to enhanced media and Internet coverage.
Expansion of 'prohibited items' lists by all carriers.
Addition of incognito air marshals with weapons and special training.
Nationwide alert systems in some countries.
Growing cooperation and knowledge pooling by law enforcement agencies.
Continuing development of new profiling and electronic systems.
Carriers have completely banned some items - even from checked luggage. Increased security and concern about public safety has resulted in a huge list of items that travelers may no longer transport.
There are no standard rules. Unfortunately, transportation venues, communities, and countries have developed different regulations. What may be permitted in one country will be taboo in another.
Here are some items that you can immediately remove from your carry-on bag:
Most knives made out of metal.
Large metal scissors.
Fuel (gasoline, lamp oil, etc.).
Lighters, lighter fluid, and butane refills.
All weapons and ammunition.
Lighters, toys, or anything that looks like a real weapon.
Liquid bleach.
Aerosol products, including spray paint.
Liquid or gel products in containers larger than 3 ounces.
Months before you travel, gather information from websites like the following and BOOKMARK THEM IN YOUR BROWSER. Create a packing list based on what you find.
United States: Go to the Transportation Security Administration website and use their site search engine to search for 'prohibited items' or 'restricted items'. Try the same searches for the countries below as well.
Canada: Visit Transport Canada.
United Kingdom: Go to the UK Government's website.
Australia: Check out the Civil Aviation Safety Authority website.
Other Countries: You may have to do a combined search for country (or region) + carrier; for example: 'Europe restricted items rail'.
Airlines: Try to find the main website for each airline. Otherwise, use your favorite search engine to perform searches like 'restricted items Korean Air', etc.
Other Carriers: Attempt to search for 'restricted items Greyhound', 'prohibited items New York subway' and so forth.
National Monuments: Many monuments and tourist attractions have specific regulations for visitors. You can search for them by name, or try a generic search like 'prohibited items Washington'.
A couple of days before you leave, visit your bookmarked websites and search for current regulations. Be especially vigilant and check your packing list for anything that may have changed since you first accessed the information.
Unpack anything that does not comply with regulations. Now you should be reasonably confident that you will get through security with a minimum of fuss.
Pay attention to your amount of luggage. To avoid hassle and fees, make sure you have not exceeded the amount of luggage permitted for an individual.
Be sure to carry extra cash. If the authorities confiscate any of your belongings, you will be able to replace them quickly.
Some simple advance preparation will help to ensure an enjoyable trip with a minimum of delay.
Increased security training for screening and processing staff.
Installation of sophisticated electronic scanning equipment.
Improved public awareness due to enhanced media and Internet coverage.
Expansion of 'prohibited items' lists by all carriers.
Addition of incognito air marshals with weapons and special training.
Nationwide alert systems in some countries.
Growing cooperation and knowledge pooling by law enforcement agencies.
Continuing development of new profiling and electronic systems.
Carriers have completely banned some items - even from checked luggage. Increased security and concern about public safety has resulted in a huge list of items that travelers may no longer transport.
There are no standard rules. Unfortunately, transportation venues, communities, and countries have developed different regulations. What may be permitted in one country will be taboo in another.
Here are some items that you can immediately remove from your carry-on bag:
Most knives made out of metal.
Large metal scissors.
Fuel (gasoline, lamp oil, etc.).
Lighters, lighter fluid, and butane refills.
All weapons and ammunition.
Lighters, toys, or anything that looks like a real weapon.
Liquid bleach.
Aerosol products, including spray paint.
Liquid or gel products in containers larger than 3 ounces.
Months before you travel, gather information from websites like the following and BOOKMARK THEM IN YOUR BROWSER. Create a packing list based on what you find.
United States: Go to the Transportation Security Administration website and use their site search engine to search for 'prohibited items' or 'restricted items'. Try the same searches for the countries below as well.
Canada: Visit Transport Canada.
United Kingdom: Go to the UK Government's website.
Australia: Check out the Civil Aviation Safety Authority website.
Other Countries: You may have to do a combined search for country (or region) + carrier; for example: 'Europe restricted items rail'.
Airlines: Try to find the main website for each airline. Otherwise, use your favorite search engine to perform searches like 'restricted items Korean Air', etc.
Other Carriers: Attempt to search for 'restricted items Greyhound', 'prohibited items New York subway' and so forth.
National Monuments: Many monuments and tourist attractions have specific regulations for visitors. You can search for them by name, or try a generic search like 'prohibited items Washington'.
A couple of days before you leave, visit your bookmarked websites and search for current regulations. Be especially vigilant and check your packing list for anything that may have changed since you first accessed the information.
Unpack anything that does not comply with regulations. Now you should be reasonably confident that you will get through security with a minimum of fuss.
Pay attention to your amount of luggage. To avoid hassle and fees, make sure you have not exceeded the amount of luggage permitted for an individual.
Be sure to carry extra cash. If the authorities confiscate any of your belongings, you will be able to replace them quickly.
Some simple advance preparation will help to ensure an enjoyable trip with a minimum of delay.
How To Ride a Motorcycle in the Rain
Maintain traffic speed. Never linger in a car driver's blind spots (back left corner and back right corner of their car). Your best bet to be seen is to stay in front of traffic packs. Unfortunately, car drivers are looking for "big blocks" instead of motorcycles -- always keep this in mind.
Keep your distance. Keep a slightly larger distance from the car ahead of you to minimize spray coming off their tires.
Spot to stop. Be aware you will not be able to stop as quickly as on dry pavement so maintain a larger braking distance between vehicles. Always keep vigilant for a place to come to a stop if the need arises.
No sudden moves. Provided you are keeping them up-to-date with fresh rubber when necessary, your tires will serve you well. Street tires are meant to grip in both dry and wet but, just like in a car, the possibility exists of skidding on wet pavement.
Brake before a corner. If you are turning a corner, do all of your braking in the upright position before getting to the corner. When you have slowed down properly, make the turn. Always make sure you are not dragging your brakes -- this pertains to wet and dry conditions.
Trust yourself. Your motorcycle and street tires are designed to handle well in both wet and dry situations. Trust your motorcycle, but most of all, trust your ability. Ride conservatively on wet pavement and use good judgment to make it to your destination safely.
Keep your distance. Keep a slightly larger distance from the car ahead of you to minimize spray coming off their tires.
Spot to stop. Be aware you will not be able to stop as quickly as on dry pavement so maintain a larger braking distance between vehicles. Always keep vigilant for a place to come to a stop if the need arises.
No sudden moves. Provided you are keeping them up-to-date with fresh rubber when necessary, your tires will serve you well. Street tires are meant to grip in both dry and wet but, just like in a car, the possibility exists of skidding on wet pavement.
Brake before a corner. If you are turning a corner, do all of your braking in the upright position before getting to the corner. When you have slowed down properly, make the turn. Always make sure you are not dragging your brakes -- this pertains to wet and dry conditions.
Trust yourself. Your motorcycle and street tires are designed to handle well in both wet and dry situations. Trust your motorcycle, but most of all, trust your ability. Ride conservatively on wet pavement and use good judgment to make it to your destination safely.
How To Dress for Skiing
Skiing holidays are such fun and can be the perfect holiday for all the family to enjoy. But without the right clothing, the perfect holiday can turn into a cold, miserable fiasco. Plus weather can vary so much in the mountains and a hot spring skiing day can turn into a nasty storm very quickly. Make sure you and your family are prepared for all eventualities to keep your holiday enjoyable and to keep everyone safe. Nobody wants frostbite or hypothermia. Here's what to wear when skiing:
Layers of clothing are best. They can be added and removed in order to better regulate your body temperature, as weather conditions change throughout the day. Extra layers can be stuffed in coat pockets ready for when it gets really cold.
Base layers: Long underwear, preferably, polyester or wool/poly blend are perfect for wearing next to your skin. There are some pretty stylish brands nowadays of thermal pants and long sleeve tops. Then layer on a turtleneck or long sleeve shirt, then sweater, fleece, or sweatshirt.
Outer layers: Your ski jacket and salopettes should be warm, water resistant and comfortable. Don't buy one that's too tight; you need to make sure you have lots of room to put layers on underneath and have plenty of movement so you can ski your best.
Socks: Wear thin wool or poly socks for skiing or snowboarding; thick ones are too bulky, and don’t keep your feet as warm. Smartwool has a great selection nowadays of warm, but not itchy socks to keep your toes toasty.
Gloves or mittens: Obviously gloves or mittens are a must. Mittens are warmer if you tend to get cold hands, but you can get mittens with finger section inside if you have trouble holding onto your ski poles with mittens. Also handwarmers are widely available. Looking like packets of sugar, you shake them to release the warmth and then put them inside your gloves or mittens to keep you warm. Some gloves even have pockets specially made for these handwarmers.
Neck gaiters and facemasks: Neck gaiters are a more functional than scarves when it comes to keeping your neck warm; scarves can easily unravel when you're traveling fast and can get caught in the lifts. Neck gaiters are also great for pulling up and keeping your mouth and nose warm if it's particularly chilly or windy. Facemasks are usually made of neoprene and can help cover every remaining inch of your face, whilst allowing you to breathe. Perfect for those perishing days.
Headgear: 80% of heat is lost though your head. You lose so much heat through your head that a good hat is essential. The hat should cover your ears and stay on your head easily during physical activity. Helmets are even warmer and safer, and you can often get removable ear pieces for occasions when you get too warm.
Goggles and sunglasses: Ultraviolet radiation is 36% higher at high altitude than at sea level. Plus, the sun reflects off the snow and can be harsh. You must wear good eye protection, goggles or sunglasses, as snowblindness is not fun or pretty and can cause permanent damage.
Layers of clothing are best. They can be added and removed in order to better regulate your body temperature, as weather conditions change throughout the day. Extra layers can be stuffed in coat pockets ready for when it gets really cold.
Base layers: Long underwear, preferably, polyester or wool/poly blend are perfect for wearing next to your skin. There are some pretty stylish brands nowadays of thermal pants and long sleeve tops. Then layer on a turtleneck or long sleeve shirt, then sweater, fleece, or sweatshirt.
Outer layers: Your ski jacket and salopettes should be warm, water resistant and comfortable. Don't buy one that's too tight; you need to make sure you have lots of room to put layers on underneath and have plenty of movement so you can ski your best.
Socks: Wear thin wool or poly socks for skiing or snowboarding; thick ones are too bulky, and don’t keep your feet as warm. Smartwool has a great selection nowadays of warm, but not itchy socks to keep your toes toasty.
Gloves or mittens: Obviously gloves or mittens are a must. Mittens are warmer if you tend to get cold hands, but you can get mittens with finger section inside if you have trouble holding onto your ski poles with mittens. Also handwarmers are widely available. Looking like packets of sugar, you shake them to release the warmth and then put them inside your gloves or mittens to keep you warm. Some gloves even have pockets specially made for these handwarmers.
Neck gaiters and facemasks: Neck gaiters are a more functional than scarves when it comes to keeping your neck warm; scarves can easily unravel when you're traveling fast and can get caught in the lifts. Neck gaiters are also great for pulling up and keeping your mouth and nose warm if it's particularly chilly or windy. Facemasks are usually made of neoprene and can help cover every remaining inch of your face, whilst allowing you to breathe. Perfect for those perishing days.
Headgear: 80% of heat is lost though your head. You lose so much heat through your head that a good hat is essential. The hat should cover your ears and stay on your head easily during physical activity. Helmets are even warmer and safer, and you can often get removable ear pieces for occasions when you get too warm.
Goggles and sunglasses: Ultraviolet radiation is 36% higher at high altitude than at sea level. Plus, the sun reflects off the snow and can be harsh. You must wear good eye protection, goggles or sunglasses, as snowblindness is not fun or pretty and can cause permanent damage.
How To Avoid Altitude Sickness from High Altitude Skiing
To get guaranteed snow and great skiing or snowboarding, you often need to go to high altitude resorts! Many of these resorts, particularly in the USA, get very early snow, often starting in September and continuing into June the next year. These resorts open in November and are perfect for early season skiing as well as deep powder snow later in the season.
Winter Park Resort, Colorado, USA, for example, has its base at 9000 feet. This means great snow conditions, but the air is thinner and less oxygen is available. People coming from lower elevations may experience altitude sickness when skiing at this altitude. It usually occurs within the first 48 hours and you may experience headaches, nausea, insomnia and loss of appetite.
Here's what to do to prevent altitude sickness:
Drink lots of water. You need to drink much more than at sea level - 4 liters a day is recommended. Carry a hydration pack such as a Camelback or stop often to drink water available at water stations in all the restaurants.
Avoid caffeine and alcohol, as they dehydrate you. Probably not what you want to hear, but it really will lead to a more enjoyable ski trip if you can stay off the booze and limit your coffee stops for the first few days at least.
Select high carbohydrate, low fat foods for lunch stops and buy or take healthy snacks with you (such as granola bars). Also avoid salty foods as they also dehydrate you.
Take it easy on your first day. Chances are you're skiing for at least a few days, so there's no need to go mad and ski from opening lift until closing lift on the first day. It's harder to breathe at higher altitude and even if you're very fit, you can still feel the effects if you push yourself too hard too quickly.
If symptoms persist or get worse, seek medical assistance. Altitude sickness can become very serious and can be fatal. If you experience symptoms which just keep getting worse, you should go down to a lower elevation or seek medical help immediately.
Follow these 5 steps to prevent getting sick, but do take this illness seriously and if in doubt seek medical help immediately.
Winter Park Resort, Colorado, USA, for example, has its base at 9000 feet. This means great snow conditions, but the air is thinner and less oxygen is available. People coming from lower elevations may experience altitude sickness when skiing at this altitude. It usually occurs within the first 48 hours and you may experience headaches, nausea, insomnia and loss of appetite.
Here's what to do to prevent altitude sickness:
Drink lots of water. You need to drink much more than at sea level - 4 liters a day is recommended. Carry a hydration pack such as a Camelback or stop often to drink water available at water stations in all the restaurants.
Avoid caffeine and alcohol, as they dehydrate you. Probably not what you want to hear, but it really will lead to a more enjoyable ski trip if you can stay off the booze and limit your coffee stops for the first few days at least.
Select high carbohydrate, low fat foods for lunch stops and buy or take healthy snacks with you (such as granola bars). Also avoid salty foods as they also dehydrate you.
Take it easy on your first day. Chances are you're skiing for at least a few days, so there's no need to go mad and ski from opening lift until closing lift on the first day. It's harder to breathe at higher altitude and even if you're very fit, you can still feel the effects if you push yourself too hard too quickly.
If symptoms persist or get worse, seek medical assistance. Altitude sickness can become very serious and can be fatal. If you experience symptoms which just keep getting worse, you should go down to a lower elevation or seek medical help immediately.
Follow these 5 steps to prevent getting sick, but do take this illness seriously and if in doubt seek medical help immediately.
How To Save Money on Accommodations by Hostelling
Backpackers and students have known about hostels for generations. Nowadays, the differences between hostels and hotels are diminishing. Many adults, including those with families, save money by staying in these cheap accommodations.
Modern establishments often provide many unexpected extras like:
Shuttle service to and from airports, railway terminals, etc.;
Comfortable guest 'common areas' with cable or satellite TV;
DVD players and extensive DVD libraries;
High-speed Internet access - free or at a price;
Safety deposit boxes for guests' possessions;
Guided city tours;
Building or guestroom access doors with computer key-cards;
Private rooms and private bathrooms.
Many of these amenities are what you might expect from a high-class hotel. However, accommodations do differ.
Check carefully before you book your hostel.
You may have to share sleeping facilities with several other people. Night quarters might vary from a couple of people per room to dorm rooms with several sets of bunk beds.
Facilities may not be coed. Shared sleeping rooms are often restricted to same-sex guests. In this case, adult couples traveling together will not be able to stay in the same room.
Private bathrooms are uncommon. It is usual to share bathroom facilities with other guests. There may be a bathroom in the sleeping room, or down the hall, and the 'bathroom' may consist of toilet(s) only.
You may have to supply your own linens. This includes bed linens, towels, and washcloths. If you are traveling abroad, be sure to pack bathroom linens (especially washcloths) even for hotel lodgings. Some hotels in other countries do not provide them.
A hostel may not have laundry facilities. If it does, you will probably have to do your own laundry in coin-operated machines. Be sure to exchange some cash for an appropriate supply of coins.
Sometimes a hostel will provide breakfast. It may be part of the price. Alternatively, there is often a guest kitchen, where you can prepare your own meals.
Many hostels do not accept credit cards. If booking online, a credit card is required to make your reservation. However, onsite services often require cash payment.
A few useful tips:
Beware of 'party' hostels if traveling with a family. Some hostels cater to young adults with a noisy party atmosphere that may last well into the wee hours of the morning.
Be sure to advance-book your hostel room. Although you might be lucky enough to find a vacant bed at the last minute, you could just as easily discover that there are no rooms available.
Check for online guest reviews before you make a reservation. Unless you are familiar with a particular hostel, do some research to find out what other guests have to say about the rooms.
Find out if the hostel belongs to a recognized organization. Groups like Hostelling International provide a certain degree of assurance that the accommodations will meet quality guidelines.
Purchase travel insurance. If you pay in advance with certain credit cards, you may automatically get travel insurance through your credit card company. Read the fine print. If necessary, purchase extra insurance to cover contingencies such as extended hospitalization and emergency transport.
Always carry an internationally recognized ATM card. You will not have to worry about being mugged because you are carrying excessive quantities of cash. You will also get the best currency exchange rates from an ATM machine.
Photocopy or scan your important documents before you leave home. You can leave photocopies with a friend or relative. Alternatively, upload scanned documents to a secure online e-mail address so that your copies are readily available to you via the Internet. If you lose your passport or ID, replacement will be much simpler and faster with this information at hand.
Be sure that someone back home has a copy of your itinerary. Arrange to get in touch at regular intervals. Establish a procedure to follow if you do not keep a certain contact deadline.
If you approach hostelling in an organized manner and do your research, you can save money - and have a great travel experience!
Modern establishments often provide many unexpected extras like:
Shuttle service to and from airports, railway terminals, etc.;
Comfortable guest 'common areas' with cable or satellite TV;
DVD players and extensive DVD libraries;
High-speed Internet access - free or at a price;
Safety deposit boxes for guests' possessions;
Guided city tours;
Building or guestroom access doors with computer key-cards;
Private rooms and private bathrooms.
Many of these amenities are what you might expect from a high-class hotel. However, accommodations do differ.
Check carefully before you book your hostel.
You may have to share sleeping facilities with several other people. Night quarters might vary from a couple of people per room to dorm rooms with several sets of bunk beds.
Facilities may not be coed. Shared sleeping rooms are often restricted to same-sex guests. In this case, adult couples traveling together will not be able to stay in the same room.
Private bathrooms are uncommon. It is usual to share bathroom facilities with other guests. There may be a bathroom in the sleeping room, or down the hall, and the 'bathroom' may consist of toilet(s) only.
You may have to supply your own linens. This includes bed linens, towels, and washcloths. If you are traveling abroad, be sure to pack bathroom linens (especially washcloths) even for hotel lodgings. Some hotels in other countries do not provide them.
A hostel may not have laundry facilities. If it does, you will probably have to do your own laundry in coin-operated machines. Be sure to exchange some cash for an appropriate supply of coins.
Sometimes a hostel will provide breakfast. It may be part of the price. Alternatively, there is often a guest kitchen, where you can prepare your own meals.
Many hostels do not accept credit cards. If booking online, a credit card is required to make your reservation. However, onsite services often require cash payment.
A few useful tips:
Beware of 'party' hostels if traveling with a family. Some hostels cater to young adults with a noisy party atmosphere that may last well into the wee hours of the morning.
Be sure to advance-book your hostel room. Although you might be lucky enough to find a vacant bed at the last minute, you could just as easily discover that there are no rooms available.
Check for online guest reviews before you make a reservation. Unless you are familiar with a particular hostel, do some research to find out what other guests have to say about the rooms.
Find out if the hostel belongs to a recognized organization. Groups like Hostelling International provide a certain degree of assurance that the accommodations will meet quality guidelines.
Purchase travel insurance. If you pay in advance with certain credit cards, you may automatically get travel insurance through your credit card company. Read the fine print. If necessary, purchase extra insurance to cover contingencies such as extended hospitalization and emergency transport.
Always carry an internationally recognized ATM card. You will not have to worry about being mugged because you are carrying excessive quantities of cash. You will also get the best currency exchange rates from an ATM machine.
Photocopy or scan your important documents before you leave home. You can leave photocopies with a friend or relative. Alternatively, upload scanned documents to a secure online e-mail address so that your copies are readily available to you via the Internet. If you lose your passport or ID, replacement will be much simpler and faster with this information at hand.
Be sure that someone back home has a copy of your itinerary. Arrange to get in touch at regular intervals. Establish a procedure to follow if you do not keep a certain contact deadline.
If you approach hostelling in an organized manner and do your research, you can save money - and have a great travel experience!
How To Exchange Foreign Currency
Banks. Most banks offer at least a few foreign currencies for exchange. The advantage of exchanging your currency at a bank is that they are close to home, which makes them very convenient. You can also exchange your currency the same day, so if you've waited until the last minute, it's not a problem. The biggest disadvantage is that depending upon your location, they may have quite a lot of many currencies on hand, or practically nothing. Because of this, call your local bank before you count on being able to fulfill all of your foreign currency needs through them.
Airports. Every international airport has a foreign currency exchange counter where you can obtain currency for every location to which flight service is provided. They will also buy back foreign currency when you return from overseas. Airports are also a very convenient way to exchange foreign currency, but the rates that they charge can be high.
Online. There are a plethora of websites which offer the option to exhange currency online. Most of them offer quite reasonable rates, but there is usually an additional delivery charge. In addition, you will have to allow at least one business day for the currency to be delivered, and possibly as long as five days. Some websites offer the option of picking up your currency at a nearby location, which avoids the delivery charges. Two of the most popular websites are Travelex Worldwide Money and Wells Fargo Foreign Exchange Services.
No matter which source you choose for foreign currency exchange, they all work in similar ways. You trade in U.S. dollars for an equal amount of foreign currency. The currency exchange service calculates the currency exchange rate and gives you this amount of foreign currency in exchange. They will either add a set charge to this exchange or will adjust the exchange rate to include a surcharge. As mentioned above, there may also be a shipping and handling charge in some cases.
Another factor to consider when you're getting ready to travel to a foreign country is how the exchange rate fluctuates. If you have a very favorable exchange rate before your departure, you may wish to estimate how much local currency you will need for the entire trip and exchange it all at once. On the other hand, if the exchange rate is very unfavorable and you think it may improve while you're abroad, buy just enough foreign currency for the first few days of your trip and exchange the rest after you arrive.
If you are unfamiliar with how the exchange rate varies in the country to which you are traveling, visit the Federal Reserve Historical Exchange Rate website. This site gives the exchange rate over the last six years for twenty-three foreign countries, plus the members of the European Union. Remember, you want a low exchange factor when trading from U.S. to foreign currency, and a high exchange factor when you trade foreign currency for U.S. dollars.
Airports. Every international airport has a foreign currency exchange counter where you can obtain currency for every location to which flight service is provided. They will also buy back foreign currency when you return from overseas. Airports are also a very convenient way to exchange foreign currency, but the rates that they charge can be high.
Online. There are a plethora of websites which offer the option to exhange currency online. Most of them offer quite reasonable rates, but there is usually an additional delivery charge. In addition, you will have to allow at least one business day for the currency to be delivered, and possibly as long as five days. Some websites offer the option of picking up your currency at a nearby location, which avoids the delivery charges. Two of the most popular websites are Travelex Worldwide Money and Wells Fargo Foreign Exchange Services.
No matter which source you choose for foreign currency exchange, they all work in similar ways. You trade in U.S. dollars for an equal amount of foreign currency. The currency exchange service calculates the currency exchange rate and gives you this amount of foreign currency in exchange. They will either add a set charge to this exchange or will adjust the exchange rate to include a surcharge. As mentioned above, there may also be a shipping and handling charge in some cases.
Another factor to consider when you're getting ready to travel to a foreign country is how the exchange rate fluctuates. If you have a very favorable exchange rate before your departure, you may wish to estimate how much local currency you will need for the entire trip and exchange it all at once. On the other hand, if the exchange rate is very unfavorable and you think it may improve while you're abroad, buy just enough foreign currency for the first few days of your trip and exchange the rest after you arrive.
If you are unfamiliar with how the exchange rate varies in the country to which you are traveling, visit the Federal Reserve Historical Exchange Rate website. This site gives the exchange rate over the last six years for twenty-three foreign countries, plus the members of the European Union. Remember, you want a low exchange factor when trading from U.S. to foreign currency, and a high exchange factor when you trade foreign currency for U.S. dollars.
Home › Travel › Trip Preparation & Tips › Planning › How To Have a Great First Day in London
When you arrive at Heathrow Airport, make your way to the Underground Train station. Buy a 6 zone Travelcard, which will cover all your travel needs for the rest of the day. See my detailed article on the London Underground for information about tickets for the remainder of your stay.
Take any train on any platform. They all travel toward Central London on the Piccadilly Line.
Get off the train at Hammersmith Station and take a few steps to the other side of the platform. Take the first train that comes along, which will be on the District Line. Alight at Embankment.
If you arrive at Gatwick Airport, take the train to Victoria Station. You will need to buy a Zone 1 travel card in the Underground Station and take the District Line two stops going Eastbound, and alight at Embankment.
When you arrive at Embankment, pass through the ticket barrier and turn right. You will see the River Thames right in front of you and the Festival Hall on the opposite bank. Take that exit and go up the stairs to the pedestrian bridge called the Golden Jubilee Bridge. It’s a very modern structure held up with bits of string and wire and takes you right into the heart of South Bank. There's loads of free stuff going on, especially at weekends and throughout the summer months.
Once you have had your fill of South Bank, you can cross back over the Golden Jubilee Bridge, back through the foyer of Embankment station and walk up Villiers Street toward Charing Cross station. When you reach the top you can either turn left towards Trafalgar Square, Nelsons Column and the National Gallery, or turn right onto The Strand, from which you can walk to Covent Garden.
Have a great first day in London.
Take any train on any platform. They all travel toward Central London on the Piccadilly Line.
Get off the train at Hammersmith Station and take a few steps to the other side of the platform. Take the first train that comes along, which will be on the District Line. Alight at Embankment.
If you arrive at Gatwick Airport, take the train to Victoria Station. You will need to buy a Zone 1 travel card in the Underground Station and take the District Line two stops going Eastbound, and alight at Embankment.
When you arrive at Embankment, pass through the ticket barrier and turn right. You will see the River Thames right in front of you and the Festival Hall on the opposite bank. Take that exit and go up the stairs to the pedestrian bridge called the Golden Jubilee Bridge. It’s a very modern structure held up with bits of string and wire and takes you right into the heart of South Bank. There's loads of free stuff going on, especially at weekends and throughout the summer months.
Once you have had your fill of South Bank, you can cross back over the Golden Jubilee Bridge, back through the foyer of Embankment station and walk up Villiers Street toward Charing Cross station. When you reach the top you can either turn left towards Trafalgar Square, Nelsons Column and the National Gallery, or turn right onto The Strand, from which you can walk to Covent Garden.
Have a great first day in London.
How To Cope with Increasing Travel Restrictions
Unfortunately, rules and policies for public transportation evolve with every new terrorism threat. If you print out a list of restricted items six months prior to your vacation, it may be completely out of date when you are ready to pack your suitcase. Here are some important facts and tips.
Transport carriers and governments are continually adding and revising security measures. Although they have developed many safeguards over recent years, they amend the rules and guidelines with every new terrorism attempt. Post 9-11 safeguards include:
Increased security training for screening and processing staff.
Installation of sophisticated electronic scanning equipment.
Improved public awareness due to enhanced media and Internet coverage.
Expansion of 'prohibited items' lists by all carriers.
Addition of incognito air marshals with weapons and special training.
Nationwide alert systems in some countries.
Growing cooperation and knowledge pooling by law enforcement agencies.
Continuing development of new profiling and electronic systems.
Carriers have completely banned some items - even from checked luggage. Increased security and concern about public safety has resulted in a huge list of items that travelers may no longer transport.
There are no standard rules. Unfortunately, transportation venues, communities, and countries have developed different regulations. What may be permitted in one country will be taboo in another.
Here are some items that you can immediately remove from your carry-on bag:
Most knives made out of metal.
Large metal scissors.
Fuel (gasoline, lamp oil, etc.).
Lighters, lighter fluid, and butane refills.
All weapons and ammunition.
Lighters, toys, or anything that looks like a real weapon.
Liquid bleach.
Aerosol products, including spray paint.
Liquid or gel products in containers larger than 3 ounces.
Months before you travel, gather information from websites like the following and BOOKMARK THEM IN YOUR BROWSER. Create a packing list based on what you find.
United States: Go to the Transportation Security Administration website and use their site search engine to search for 'prohibited items' or 'restricted items'. Try the same searches for the countries below as well.
Canada: Visit Transport Canada.
United Kingdom: Go to the UK Government's website.
Australia: Check out the Civil Aviation Safety Authority website.
Other Countries: You may have to do a combined search for country (or region) + carrier; for example: 'Europe restricted items rail'.
Airlines: Try to find the main website for each airline. Otherwise, use your favorite search engine to perform searches like 'restricted items Korean Air', etc.
Other Carriers: Attempt to search for 'restricted items Greyhound', 'prohibited items New York subway' and so forth.
National Monuments: Many monuments and tourist attractions have specific regulations for visitors. You can search for them by name, or try a generic search like 'prohibited items Washington'.
A couple of days before you leave, visit your bookmarked websites and search for current regulations. Be especially vigilant and check your packing list for anything that may have changed since you first accessed the information.
Unpack anything that does not comply with regulations. Now you should be reasonably confident that you will get through security with a minimum of fuss.
Pay attention to your amount of luggage. To avoid hassle and fees, make sure you have not exceeded the amount of luggage permitted for an individual.
Be sure to carry extra cash. If the authorities confiscate any of your belongings, you will be able to replace them quickly.
Transport carriers and governments are continually adding and revising security measures. Although they have developed many safeguards over recent years, they amend the rules and guidelines with every new terrorism attempt. Post 9-11 safeguards include:
Increased security training for screening and processing staff.
Installation of sophisticated electronic scanning equipment.
Improved public awareness due to enhanced media and Internet coverage.
Expansion of 'prohibited items' lists by all carriers.
Addition of incognito air marshals with weapons and special training.
Nationwide alert systems in some countries.
Growing cooperation and knowledge pooling by law enforcement agencies.
Continuing development of new profiling and electronic systems.
Carriers have completely banned some items - even from checked luggage. Increased security and concern about public safety has resulted in a huge list of items that travelers may no longer transport.
There are no standard rules. Unfortunately, transportation venues, communities, and countries have developed different regulations. What may be permitted in one country will be taboo in another.
Here are some items that you can immediately remove from your carry-on bag:
Most knives made out of metal.
Large metal scissors.
Fuel (gasoline, lamp oil, etc.).
Lighters, lighter fluid, and butane refills.
All weapons and ammunition.
Lighters, toys, or anything that looks like a real weapon.
Liquid bleach.
Aerosol products, including spray paint.
Liquid or gel products in containers larger than 3 ounces.
Months before you travel, gather information from websites like the following and BOOKMARK THEM IN YOUR BROWSER. Create a packing list based on what you find.
United States: Go to the Transportation Security Administration website and use their site search engine to search for 'prohibited items' or 'restricted items'. Try the same searches for the countries below as well.
Canada: Visit Transport Canada.
United Kingdom: Go to the UK Government's website.
Australia: Check out the Civil Aviation Safety Authority website.
Other Countries: You may have to do a combined search for country (or region) + carrier; for example: 'Europe restricted items rail'.
Airlines: Try to find the main website for each airline. Otherwise, use your favorite search engine to perform searches like 'restricted items Korean Air', etc.
Other Carriers: Attempt to search for 'restricted items Greyhound', 'prohibited items New York subway' and so forth.
National Monuments: Many monuments and tourist attractions have specific regulations for visitors. You can search for them by name, or try a generic search like 'prohibited items Washington'.
A couple of days before you leave, visit your bookmarked websites and search for current regulations. Be especially vigilant and check your packing list for anything that may have changed since you first accessed the information.
Unpack anything that does not comply with regulations. Now you should be reasonably confident that you will get through security with a minimum of fuss.
Pay attention to your amount of luggage. To avoid hassle and fees, make sure you have not exceeded the amount of luggage permitted for an individual.
Be sure to carry extra cash. If the authorities confiscate any of your belongings, you will be able to replace them quickly.
Destinations
Fox Island – Seward, Alaska. Located about 14 miles from Seward, Alaska, Fox Island may well be one of the best kayaking destinations in the world. Fox Island is known for its scenic views and unspoiled natural beauty. Kayakers are often graced with sightings of local wildlife, such as sea lions and sea otters, whales, peregrine falcons, and bald eagles. The backdrop is nothing to sneeze at, either: Fox Island offers many miles of beautiful pebbled beaches, rainforests, cliffs, and coves, so don’t forget to bring a waterproof disposable camera!
Prince William Sound – Alaska. Prince William Sound is located at the northernmost end of the Gulf of Alaska. Almost completely surrounded by rugged mountains, glaciers, and barrier islands, the cove offers breathtaking scenery combined with sheltered waters that makes kayaking easy for beginners.
Prince William Sound offers plenty of opportunity for exploration, both in the kayak and out. The cove boasts a white sand beach, the Seventeen-Mile Beach, which is a rare occurrence in Canada, while nearby Bull’s Head is home to a sea lion colony. Columbia Glacier – North America’s second-largest tidewater glacier – and the Chugach Mountains provide a picturesque backdrop for wildlife such as bald eagles, kittiwakes, and brown bears.
Down East Islands – Maine. If you prefer a kayaking destination with an adventurous feel, Maine’s Down East Islands may offer exactly what you are looking for. Maine’s 920 miles of coastline is reputedly some of the most rugged along North America’s East Coast. The 255 islands that make up Maine’s Down East Islands are ripe for exploration with their many hidden coves and cobble beaches.
Pictured Rocks Lakeshore – Lake Superior, Michigan. Pictured Rocks Lakeshore is a national park that stretches along 43 miles of Lake Superior’s southern shore. With white sand beaches, waterfalls, and sandstone cliffs that range from 50 to 200 feet in height, this kayaking destination is just as picturesque as its name indicates. Explore the park’s caves and coves via kayak, and take the opportunity to camp and hike in the park.
“The Emerald Island” – Kauai, Hawaii. Most of us are familiar with Kauai’s scenic Na Pali Coast as the lushly breathtaking backdrop for the JurassicPark movies. This same shoreline, which is reputedly the most beautiful in the world, is uninhabited and virtually inaccessible, making it best explored via kayak. However, the 17-mile journey is also known as one of the more difficult kayaking routes, which has earned it recognition as the “Mt. Everest” of kayaking.
If you want the experience of kayaking Hawaii’s beautiful island of Kauai, but don’t have the skill or the experience to feel comfortable kayaking the Na Pali Coast, the gentler waters of the island’s South Shore offer an experience more suited to beginning kayakers. Regardless of which route you choose, you will be surrounded by natural phenomena and wildlife, such as waterfalls, caves, sea lions, dolphins, sea turtles, and humpback whales.
Rosarito Beach – Mexico. Mexico’s Rosarito Beach is a local favorite among Californians and college students, but as a kayaking destination it is one of the area’s best-kept secrets. Rosarito Beach offers perfect waters and picturesque scenery for a fun and relaxing kayaking vacation, while its close proximity to Baja, California makes it perfect for a weekend – or longer – getaway.
One of Rosarito Beach’s highlights is its population of grey whales. Kayakers are most likely to spot the whales during the morning hours. Sightings of sea lions, manatee, and tropical birds are also common. Those who choose to do so can fish around the Coronado Islands; other popular activities include surfing, water skiing, snorkeling, and scuba diving.
The Best Sea Kayaking Destinations
There are, of course, many fine destinations for sea kayaking in North America and the rest of the world. The best destinations are often chosen for not only the quality of kayaking and the possibility of exploration, but also for the scenic backdrops that are unlike anything you can find anywhere else. All of these six sea kayaking destinations offer not only great kayaking and natural opportunities for exploration, but also the beautiful coastlines and wildlife sightings that will make your kayaking vacation a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Prince William Sound – Alaska. Prince William Sound is located at the northernmost end of the Gulf of Alaska. Almost completely surrounded by rugged mountains, glaciers, and barrier islands, the cove offers breathtaking scenery combined with sheltered waters that makes kayaking easy for beginners.
Prince William Sound offers plenty of opportunity for exploration, both in the kayak and out. The cove boasts a white sand beach, the Seventeen-Mile Beach, which is a rare occurrence in Canada, while nearby Bull’s Head is home to a sea lion colony. Columbia Glacier – North America’s second-largest tidewater glacier – and the Chugach Mountains provide a picturesque backdrop for wildlife such as bald eagles, kittiwakes, and brown bears.
Down East Islands – Maine. If you prefer a kayaking destination with an adventurous feel, Maine’s Down East Islands may offer exactly what you are looking for. Maine’s 920 miles of coastline is reputedly some of the most rugged along North America’s East Coast. The 255 islands that make up Maine’s Down East Islands are ripe for exploration with their many hidden coves and cobble beaches.
Pictured Rocks Lakeshore – Lake Superior, Michigan. Pictured Rocks Lakeshore is a national park that stretches along 43 miles of Lake Superior’s southern shore. With white sand beaches, waterfalls, and sandstone cliffs that range from 50 to 200 feet in height, this kayaking destination is just as picturesque as its name indicates. Explore the park’s caves and coves via kayak, and take the opportunity to camp and hike in the park.
“The Emerald Island” – Kauai, Hawaii. Most of us are familiar with Kauai’s scenic Na Pali Coast as the lushly breathtaking backdrop for the JurassicPark movies. This same shoreline, which is reputedly the most beautiful in the world, is uninhabited and virtually inaccessible, making it best explored via kayak. However, the 17-mile journey is also known as one of the more difficult kayaking routes, which has earned it recognition as the “Mt. Everest” of kayaking.
If you want the experience of kayaking Hawaii’s beautiful island of Kauai, but don’t have the skill or the experience to feel comfortable kayaking the Na Pali Coast, the gentler waters of the island’s South Shore offer an experience more suited to beginning kayakers. Regardless of which route you choose, you will be surrounded by natural phenomena and wildlife, such as waterfalls, caves, sea lions, dolphins, sea turtles, and humpback whales.
Rosarito Beach – Mexico. Mexico’s Rosarito Beach is a local favorite among Californians and college students, but as a kayaking destination it is one of the area’s best-kept secrets. Rosarito Beach offers perfect waters and picturesque scenery for a fun and relaxing kayaking vacation, while its close proximity to Baja, California makes it perfect for a weekend – or longer – getaway.
One of Rosarito Beach’s highlights is its population of grey whales. Kayakers are most likely to spot the whales during the morning hours. Sightings of sea lions, manatee, and tropical birds are also common. Those who choose to do so can fish around the Coronado Islands; other popular activities include surfing, water skiing, snorkeling, and scuba diving.
The Best Sea Kayaking Destinations
There are, of course, many fine destinations for sea kayaking in North America and the rest of the world. The best destinations are often chosen for not only the quality of kayaking and the possibility of exploration, but also for the scenic backdrops that are unlike anything you can find anywhere else. All of these six sea kayaking destinations offer not only great kayaking and natural opportunities for exploration, but also the beautiful coastlines and wildlife sightings that will make your kayaking vacation a once in a lifetime opportunity.
How To Ride a Motorcycle in the Rain
Experience will always be the best teacher when motorcycle riding. And this is never truer than when having to ride on wet pavement. But that doesn't mean with added experience you can ride as fast as or as aggressively as you might normally on dry pavement.
Maintain traffic speed. Never linger in a car driver's blind spots (back left corner and back right corner of their car). Your best bet to be seen is to stay in front of traffic packs. Unfortunately, car drivers are looking for "big blocks" instead of motorcycles -- always keep this in mind.
Keep your distance. Keep a slightly larger distance from the car ahead of you to minimize spray coming off their tires.
Spot to stop. Be aware you will not be able to stop as quickly as on dry pavement so maintain a larger braking distance between vehicles. Always keep vigilant for a place to come to a stop if the need arises.
No sudden moves. Provided you are keeping them up-to-date with fresh rubber when necessary, your tires will serve you well. Street tires are meant to grip in both dry and wet but, just like in a car, the possibility exists of skidding on wet pavement.
Brake before a corner. If you are turning a corner, do all of your braking in the upright position before getting to the corner. When you have slowed down properly, make the turn. Always make sure you are not dragging your brakes -- this pertains to wet and dry conditions.
Trust yourself. Your motorcycle and street tires are designed to handle well in both wet and dry situations. Trust your motorcycle, but most of all, trust your ability. Ride conservatively on wet pavement and use good judgment to make it to your destination safely.
Reminders:
Use a spot-resistant cleaner, such as Rain-X, on both your windshield and face shield. This will help to deflect raindrops when you are riding.
Carry waterproof gloves in the carrier below the passenger seat in case you get caught in the rain. If you're packing for a motorcycle trip, don't forget these. The temperature will, no doubt, drop and your hands will feel the cold first -- especially if your gloves are soaking wet!
And, most importantly, if the weather is just too much to handle, find a cozy, warm coffee shop, snuggle in until the rain lets up, and enjoy the ambiance as well as a cup of coffee. No ride is worth risking your life when the weather throws us a curve ball. Ride safely and as noted before, "rubber side down."
Maintain traffic speed. Never linger in a car driver's blind spots (back left corner and back right corner of their car). Your best bet to be seen is to stay in front of traffic packs. Unfortunately, car drivers are looking for "big blocks" instead of motorcycles -- always keep this in mind.
Keep your distance. Keep a slightly larger distance from the car ahead of you to minimize spray coming off their tires.
Spot to stop. Be aware you will not be able to stop as quickly as on dry pavement so maintain a larger braking distance between vehicles. Always keep vigilant for a place to come to a stop if the need arises.
No sudden moves. Provided you are keeping them up-to-date with fresh rubber when necessary, your tires will serve you well. Street tires are meant to grip in both dry and wet but, just like in a car, the possibility exists of skidding on wet pavement.
Brake before a corner. If you are turning a corner, do all of your braking in the upright position before getting to the corner. When you have slowed down properly, make the turn. Always make sure you are not dragging your brakes -- this pertains to wet and dry conditions.
Trust yourself. Your motorcycle and street tires are designed to handle well in both wet and dry situations. Trust your motorcycle, but most of all, trust your ability. Ride conservatively on wet pavement and use good judgment to make it to your destination safely.
Reminders:
Use a spot-resistant cleaner, such as Rain-X, on both your windshield and face shield. This will help to deflect raindrops when you are riding.
Carry waterproof gloves in the carrier below the passenger seat in case you get caught in the rain. If you're packing for a motorcycle trip, don't forget these. The temperature will, no doubt, drop and your hands will feel the cold first -- especially if your gloves are soaking wet!
And, most importantly, if the weather is just too much to handle, find a cozy, warm coffee shop, snuggle in until the rain lets up, and enjoy the ambiance as well as a cup of coffee. No ride is worth risking your life when the weather throws us a curve ball. Ride safely and as noted before, "rubber side down."
How To Pack Light
Put together the outfits, including undergarments, and roll them. This will prevent wrinkles.
Use the shoes to store your accessories and stuff with a sock or a bath puff to prevent them from getting lost.
Start putting the "rolls" of clothes in your bag, working your way from the outside in.
Don't overpack. Only take basics. DO overindulge in your accessories, since they are small and fit in your shoe--you can change your outfits instantly just by changing your bling
Talking about shoes.... I know we love them. But it's not necessary to take all of them. Depending on your destination, you should be fine with just ballerina flats. Adjust according to your needs.
Since you packed lightly, you will have a space in the middle of your carry-on. You can use that space to store your hot rollers (sexy hair is always in).
Don't take a flat iron, as your hotel will most likely have a blow dryer that you can use to blow out your hair.
Take toiletry-sized essentials with you. Buy the normal version once you arrive and leave them there.
Wear a pair of jeans and your jacket so that you don't have to pack the heavier things on your way back.
You can apply the above principles if you are packing for your family. Trim down multiple cases into just a couple. The less you take, the less your head aches, and the more you actually enjoy!
Use the shoes to store your accessories and stuff with a sock or a bath puff to prevent them from getting lost.
Start putting the "rolls" of clothes in your bag, working your way from the outside in.
Don't overpack. Only take basics. DO overindulge in your accessories, since they are small and fit in your shoe--you can change your outfits instantly just by changing your bling
Talking about shoes.... I know we love them. But it's not necessary to take all of them. Depending on your destination, you should be fine with just ballerina flats. Adjust according to your needs.
Since you packed lightly, you will have a space in the middle of your carry-on. You can use that space to store your hot rollers (sexy hair is always in).
Don't take a flat iron, as your hotel will most likely have a blow dryer that you can use to blow out your hair.
Take toiletry-sized essentials with you. Buy the normal version once you arrive and leave them there.
Wear a pair of jeans and your jacket so that you don't have to pack the heavier things on your way back.
You can apply the above principles if you are packing for your family. Trim down multiple cases into just a couple. The less you take, the less your head aches, and the more you actually enjoy!
How To Travel with Children
Plan for stops. Shaving half an hour off of a long drive time won't do any good if everyone is miserable. Check out your map and plan stops along the way. Pay special attention to attractions or landmarks that might be of interest. Such stops will break up the trip into segments and turn a long drive into an adventure.
Check out online coupons and special offers for your destination. Nothing is more stressful on a vacation than money worries. Knowing you're being thrifty will help alleviate some of that stress. Using deal-finding websites such as kayak.com or travelcoupons.com is very helpful, but you can also type in the name of any restaurant, hotel or destination into your search browser, followed by the words "discounts" or "coupons," to find specific deals.
Stock up on stuff. Let's face it--driving for long stretches can be boring, and when you're a kid, it's nearly unbearable. You can solve this dilemma by packing a few things that each child likes. Some families rely heavily on portable DVD players, but there are less expensive options, too, like books and travel games. There are also some really creative travel activity books out there. Among them, John Lithgow's Paloozas! Boredom Blasters: Travel Edition.
Make sure your car is as ready as you are. The last thing you need is a flat tire or a stalled engine, so be sure to plan time for an oil change and check-up before you leave. Prepare your car with emergency supplies (especially in cold weather), including blankets, a flashlight, a cell phone charger and a comprehensive map.
Bring a few munchies. You'll save a lot of money and calories by avoiding fast food fare and gas station treats by packing things like sandwiches, granola bars, apples, pop tarts, flavored water and other family favorites. Even if you don't lean toward healthy treats, your trip costs will slim down.
Keep away the crabby. No matter how well planned your trip, someone is going to complain about something. Make up a funny code word or sentence to use when someone does complain. It will lighten the mood and may incite a few laughs. Our last trip included the silly phrase, "That's right, Home Slice," (made up by our teenaged son), and it's still a family joke.
Keep the mood light. Recognize that parents control much of the mood. If you're showing stress, everyone will feel it, just as everyone will feel if you choose to be lighthearted. It's sometimes tough to do, but it really does make a difference.
Be flexible, be flexible ... and be flexible. No one likes a highly regimented vacation. What's the point? Everyone will have more fun if you veer off of the path a little. Try new things and be open to ideas. After all, it's not your travel time you will remember when your kids are grown, but the memories you will have created.
Check out online coupons and special offers for your destination. Nothing is more stressful on a vacation than money worries. Knowing you're being thrifty will help alleviate some of that stress. Using deal-finding websites such as kayak.com or travelcoupons.com is very helpful, but you can also type in the name of any restaurant, hotel or destination into your search browser, followed by the words "discounts" or "coupons," to find specific deals.
Stock up on stuff. Let's face it--driving for long stretches can be boring, and when you're a kid, it's nearly unbearable. You can solve this dilemma by packing a few things that each child likes. Some families rely heavily on portable DVD players, but there are less expensive options, too, like books and travel games. There are also some really creative travel activity books out there. Among them, John Lithgow's Paloozas! Boredom Blasters: Travel Edition.
Make sure your car is as ready as you are. The last thing you need is a flat tire or a stalled engine, so be sure to plan time for an oil change and check-up before you leave. Prepare your car with emergency supplies (especially in cold weather), including blankets, a flashlight, a cell phone charger and a comprehensive map.
Bring a few munchies. You'll save a lot of money and calories by avoiding fast food fare and gas station treats by packing things like sandwiches, granola bars, apples, pop tarts, flavored water and other family favorites. Even if you don't lean toward healthy treats, your trip costs will slim down.
Keep away the crabby. No matter how well planned your trip, someone is going to complain about something. Make up a funny code word or sentence to use when someone does complain. It will lighten the mood and may incite a few laughs. Our last trip included the silly phrase, "That's right, Home Slice," (made up by our teenaged son), and it's still a family joke.
Keep the mood light. Recognize that parents control much of the mood. If you're showing stress, everyone will feel it, just as everyone will feel if you choose to be lighthearted. It's sometimes tough to do, but it really does make a difference.
Be flexible, be flexible ... and be flexible. No one likes a highly regimented vacation. What's the point? Everyone will have more fun if you veer off of the path a little. Try new things and be open to ideas. After all, it's not your travel time you will remember when your kids are grown, but the memories you will have created.
How To Have a Great First Day in London
If you have never been to London before, what do you do on your first day? Visit Buckingham Palace, see the Changing of the Guard, take a tour of the Tower of London?
No, that’s stuff is strictly for tourists. What you should do is get immersed in London’s unique cosmopolitan atmosphere. London is as much about people as monuments, spectacular though they are. The best place to experience this is in London’s great cultural hub called the South Bank Centre. There you will find the Festival Hall, our newly refurbished concert hall, the National Theatre, The Hayward art gallery and the British Film Institute. Even if you are not interested in seeing a show on your first day, the life that surrounds these great institutions is a performance in itself. And the location is perfect with wonderful promenades along the Thames Embankment and views across to St. Paul's Cathedral. You could even take a spin in the London Eye, the world's tallest observation wheel. South Bank is also a short walk from The Houses of Parliament, Covent Garden and Trafalgar Square. There are lots of bars and restaurants to choose from, both inside and outside the arts centres. In the summer months, you can dine al fresco and simply watch the world go by.
When you arrive at Heathrow Airport, make your way to the Underground Train station. Buy a 6 zone Travelcard, which will cover all your travel needs for the rest of the day. See my detailed article on the London Underground for information about tickets for the remainder of your stay.
Take any train on any platform. They all travel toward Central London on the Piccadilly Line.
Get off the train at Hammersmith Station and take a few steps to the other side of the platform. Take the first train that comes along, which will be on the District Line. Alight at Embankment.
If you arrive at Gatwick Airport, take the train to Victoria Station. You will need to buy a Zone 1 travel card in the Underground Station and take the District Line two stops going Eastbound, and alight at Embankment.
When you arrive at Embankment, pass through the ticket barrier and turn right. You will see the River Thames right in front of you and the Festival Hall on the opposite bank. Take that exit and go up the stairs to the pedestrian bridge called the Golden Jubilee Bridge. It’s a very modern structure held up with bits of string and wire and takes you right into the heart of South Bank. There's loads of free stuff going on, especially at weekends and throughout the summer months.
Once you have had your fill of South Bank, you can cross back over the Golden Jubilee Bridge, back through the foyer of Embankment station and walk up Villiers Street toward Charing Cross station. When you reach the top you can either turn left towards Trafalgar Square, Nelsons Column and the National Gallery, or turn right onto The Strand, from which you can walk to Covent Garden.
Have a great first day in London.
No, that’s stuff is strictly for tourists. What you should do is get immersed in London’s unique cosmopolitan atmosphere. London is as much about people as monuments, spectacular though they are. The best place to experience this is in London’s great cultural hub called the South Bank Centre. There you will find the Festival Hall, our newly refurbished concert hall, the National Theatre, The Hayward art gallery and the British Film Institute. Even if you are not interested in seeing a show on your first day, the life that surrounds these great institutions is a performance in itself. And the location is perfect with wonderful promenades along the Thames Embankment and views across to St. Paul's Cathedral. You could even take a spin in the London Eye, the world's tallest observation wheel. South Bank is also a short walk from The Houses of Parliament, Covent Garden and Trafalgar Square. There are lots of bars and restaurants to choose from, both inside and outside the arts centres. In the summer months, you can dine al fresco and simply watch the world go by.
When you arrive at Heathrow Airport, make your way to the Underground Train station. Buy a 6 zone Travelcard, which will cover all your travel needs for the rest of the day. See my detailed article on the London Underground for information about tickets for the remainder of your stay.
Take any train on any platform. They all travel toward Central London on the Piccadilly Line.
Get off the train at Hammersmith Station and take a few steps to the other side of the platform. Take the first train that comes along, which will be on the District Line. Alight at Embankment.
If you arrive at Gatwick Airport, take the train to Victoria Station. You will need to buy a Zone 1 travel card in the Underground Station and take the District Line two stops going Eastbound, and alight at Embankment.
When you arrive at Embankment, pass through the ticket barrier and turn right. You will see the River Thames right in front of you and the Festival Hall on the opposite bank. Take that exit and go up the stairs to the pedestrian bridge called the Golden Jubilee Bridge. It’s a very modern structure held up with bits of string and wire and takes you right into the heart of South Bank. There's loads of free stuff going on, especially at weekends and throughout the summer months.
Once you have had your fill of South Bank, you can cross back over the Golden Jubilee Bridge, back through the foyer of Embankment station and walk up Villiers Street toward Charing Cross station. When you reach the top you can either turn left towards Trafalgar Square, Nelsons Column and the National Gallery, or turn right onto The Strand, from which you can walk to Covent Garden.
Have a great first day in London.
How To Find the Best Sea Kayaking Destinations
Fox Island – Seward, Alaska. Located about 14 miles from Seward, Alaska, Fox Island may well be one of the best kayaking destinations in the world. Fox Island is known for its scenic views and unspoiled natural beauty. Kayakers are often graced with sightings of local wildlife, such as sea lions and sea otters, whales, peregrine falcons, and bald eagles. The backdrop is nothing to sneeze at, either: Fox Island offers many miles of beautiful pebbled beaches, rainforests, cliffs, and coves, so don’t forget to bring a waterproof disposable camera!
Prince William Sound – Alaska. Prince William Sound is located at the northernmost end of the Gulf of Alaska. Almost completely surrounded by rugged mountains, glaciers, and barrier islands, the cove offers breathtaking scenery combined with sheltered waters that makes kayaking easy for beginners.
Prince William Sound offers plenty of opportunity for exploration, both in the kayak and out. The cove boasts a white sand beach, the Seventeen-Mile Beach, which is a rare occurrence in Canada, while nearby Bull’s Head is home to a sea lion colony. Columbia Glacier – North America’s second-largest tidewater glacier – and the Chugach Mountains provide a picturesque backdrop for wildlife such as bald eagles, kittiwakes, and brown bears.
Down East Islands – Maine. If you prefer a kayaking destination with an adventurous feel, Maine’s Down East Islands may offer exactly what you are looking for. Maine’s 920 miles of coastline is reputedly some of the most rugged along North America’s East Coast. The 255 islands that make up Maine’s Down East Islands are ripe for exploration with their many hidden coves and cobble beaches.
Pictured Rocks Lakeshore – Lake Superior, Michigan. Pictured Rocks Lakeshore is a national park that stretches along 43 miles of Lake Superior’s southern shore. With white sand beaches, waterfalls, and sandstone cliffs that range from 50 to 200 feet in height, this kayaking destination is just as picturesque as its name indicates. Explore the park’s caves and coves via kayak, and take the opportunity to camp and hike in the park.
“The Emerald Island” – Kauai, Hawaii. Most of us are familiar with Kauai’s scenic Na Pali Coast as the lushly breathtaking backdrop for the JurassicPark movies. This same shoreline, which is reputedly the most beautiful in the world, is uninhabited and virtually inaccessible, making it best explored via kayak. However, the 17-mile journey is also known as one of the more difficult kayaking routes, which has earned it recognition as the “Mt. Everest” of kayaking.
If you want the experience of kayaking Hawaii’s beautiful island of Kauai, but don’t have the skill or the experience to feel comfortable kayaking the Na Pali Coast, the gentler waters of the island’s South Shore offer an experience more suited to beginning kayakers. Regardless of which route you choose, you will be surrounded by natural phenomena and wildlife, such as waterfalls, caves, sea lions, dolphins, sea turtles, and humpback whales.
Rosarito Beach – Mexico. Mexico’s Rosarito Beach is a local favorite among Californians and college students, but as a kayaking destination it is one of the area’s best-kept secrets. Rosarito Beach offers perfect waters and picturesque scenery for a fun and relaxing kayaking vacation, while its close proximity to Baja, California makes it perfect for a weekend – or longer – getaway.
One of Rosarito Beach’s highlights is its population of grey whales. Kayakers are most likely to spot the whales during the morning hours. Sightings of sea lions, manatee, and tropical birds are also common. Those who choose to do so can fish around the Coronado Islands; other popular activities include surfing, water skiing, snorkeling, and scuba diving.
The Best Sea Kayaking Destinations
There are, of course, many fine destinations for sea kayaking in North America and the rest of the world. The best destinations are often chosen for not only the quality of kayaking and the possibility of exploration, but also for the scenic backdrops that are unlike anything you can find anywhere else. All of these six sea kayaking destinations offer not only great kayaking and natural opportunities for exploration, but also the beautiful coastlines and wildlife sightings that will make your kayaking vacation a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Prince William Sound – Alaska. Prince William Sound is located at the northernmost end of the Gulf of Alaska. Almost completely surrounded by rugged mountains, glaciers, and barrier islands, the cove offers breathtaking scenery combined with sheltered waters that makes kayaking easy for beginners.
Prince William Sound offers plenty of opportunity for exploration, both in the kayak and out. The cove boasts a white sand beach, the Seventeen-Mile Beach, which is a rare occurrence in Canada, while nearby Bull’s Head is home to a sea lion colony. Columbia Glacier – North America’s second-largest tidewater glacier – and the Chugach Mountains provide a picturesque backdrop for wildlife such as bald eagles, kittiwakes, and brown bears.
Down East Islands – Maine. If you prefer a kayaking destination with an adventurous feel, Maine’s Down East Islands may offer exactly what you are looking for. Maine’s 920 miles of coastline is reputedly some of the most rugged along North America’s East Coast. The 255 islands that make up Maine’s Down East Islands are ripe for exploration with their many hidden coves and cobble beaches.
Pictured Rocks Lakeshore – Lake Superior, Michigan. Pictured Rocks Lakeshore is a national park that stretches along 43 miles of Lake Superior’s southern shore. With white sand beaches, waterfalls, and sandstone cliffs that range from 50 to 200 feet in height, this kayaking destination is just as picturesque as its name indicates. Explore the park’s caves and coves via kayak, and take the opportunity to camp and hike in the park.
“The Emerald Island” – Kauai, Hawaii. Most of us are familiar with Kauai’s scenic Na Pali Coast as the lushly breathtaking backdrop for the JurassicPark movies. This same shoreline, which is reputedly the most beautiful in the world, is uninhabited and virtually inaccessible, making it best explored via kayak. However, the 17-mile journey is also known as one of the more difficult kayaking routes, which has earned it recognition as the “Mt. Everest” of kayaking.
If you want the experience of kayaking Hawaii’s beautiful island of Kauai, but don’t have the skill or the experience to feel comfortable kayaking the Na Pali Coast, the gentler waters of the island’s South Shore offer an experience more suited to beginning kayakers. Regardless of which route you choose, you will be surrounded by natural phenomena and wildlife, such as waterfalls, caves, sea lions, dolphins, sea turtles, and humpback whales.
Rosarito Beach – Mexico. Mexico’s Rosarito Beach is a local favorite among Californians and college students, but as a kayaking destination it is one of the area’s best-kept secrets. Rosarito Beach offers perfect waters and picturesque scenery for a fun and relaxing kayaking vacation, while its close proximity to Baja, California makes it perfect for a weekend – or longer – getaway.
One of Rosarito Beach’s highlights is its population of grey whales. Kayakers are most likely to spot the whales during the morning hours. Sightings of sea lions, manatee, and tropical birds are also common. Those who choose to do so can fish around the Coronado Islands; other popular activities include surfing, water skiing, snorkeling, and scuba diving.
The Best Sea Kayaking Destinations
There are, of course, many fine destinations for sea kayaking in North America and the rest of the world. The best destinations are often chosen for not only the quality of kayaking and the possibility of exploration, but also for the scenic backdrops that are unlike anything you can find anywhere else. All of these six sea kayaking destinations offer not only great kayaking and natural opportunities for exploration, but also the beautiful coastlines and wildlife sightings that will make your kayaking vacation a once in a lifetime opportunity.
How To Pack Light
Put together the outfits, including undergarments, and roll them. This will prevent wrinkles.
Use the shoes to store your accessories and stuff with a sock or a bath puff to prevent them from getting lost.
Start putting the "rolls" of clothes in your bag, working your way from the outside in.
Don't overpack. Only take basics. DO overindulge in your accessories, since they are small and fit in your shoe--you can change your outfits instantly just by changing your bling
Talking about shoes.... I know we love them. But it's not necessary to take all of them. Depending on your destination, you should be fine with just ballerina flats. Adjust according to your needs.
Since you packed lightly, you will have a space in the middle of your carry-on. You can use that space to store your hot rollers (sexy hair is always in).
Don't take a flat iron, as your hotel will most likely have a blow dryer that you can use to blow out your hair.
Take toiletry-sized essentials with you. Buy the normal version once you arrive and leave them there.
Wear a pair of jeans and your jacket so that you don't have to pack the heavier things on your way back.
You can apply the above principles if you are packing for your family. Trim down multiple cases into just a couple. The less you take, the less your head aches, and the more you actually enjoy!
Use the shoes to store your accessories and stuff with a sock or a bath puff to prevent them from getting lost.
Start putting the "rolls" of clothes in your bag, working your way from the outside in.
Don't overpack. Only take basics. DO overindulge in your accessories, since they are small and fit in your shoe--you can change your outfits instantly just by changing your bling
Talking about shoes.... I know we love them. But it's not necessary to take all of them. Depending on your destination, you should be fine with just ballerina flats. Adjust according to your needs.
Since you packed lightly, you will have a space in the middle of your carry-on. You can use that space to store your hot rollers (sexy hair is always in).
Don't take a flat iron, as your hotel will most likely have a blow dryer that you can use to blow out your hair.
Take toiletry-sized essentials with you. Buy the normal version once you arrive and leave them there.
Wear a pair of jeans and your jacket so that you don't have to pack the heavier things on your way back.
You can apply the above principles if you are packing for your family. Trim down multiple cases into just a couple. The less you take, the less your head aches, and the more you actually enjoy!
How To Hire a Motorhome in New Zealand
Getting Started. Try to plan as far ahead as possible to get the best selection of van sizes, layouts and prices. This is especially important over the December/January period when everything is totally booked. Planning six months ahead is usually ideal.
When to go. Anytime is great, although winter weather is variable and temperatures can get to below Zero with snow and icy conditions. On the plus side, there are some spectacular snowy scenes on a crisp, sunny winter day. The vans are also half the price that they are in the summer and some excellent specials are usually offered. December/January is the busiest time of year, with the Kiwis on holiday as well. The roads, attractions and campsites are filled to teh breaking point. February/March is the best time to come, as the weather is settled, the vans are slightly cheaper and the Kiwi kids have gone back to school. Spring and Autumn can also be nice, with the changing foliage colours.
How long do you need? Try and spend at least two weeks in the South Island and one week in the North. Everyone returns saying they wish they had booked for longer. You can either start your trip in Auckland and drop off in Christchurch or vice versa. Book the ferry to cross between Islands. If you're on a limited time frame, just stick to one island.
Booking direct or using an agent. It depends whether you enjoy spending your spare time on the internet, sifting through mountains of info, or sending your details to an agent, who can do the shopping around to get the best deal for you.
Some other tips. Kiwis drive on the left and most vans come with manual transmission, so make sure you have some sort of travel insurance. You may need to leave a bond on your cedit card on pick up, so check this out before you get to the rental agency. You need a valid driver's license. Check with your agency to determine whether your current dirver's license will work or you need to get an international one.
There are a few areas where you can free camp if you have a toilet on board, but these are slowly disappearing as some travelers ruin it for others, leaving litter, etc. Motorcamps and Campgrounds are the safer alternative. They cost around NZD 30.00 per night for the van and two people, have great facilities and are very, very social. Happy Camping.
When to go. Anytime is great, although winter weather is variable and temperatures can get to below Zero with snow and icy conditions. On the plus side, there are some spectacular snowy scenes on a crisp, sunny winter day. The vans are also half the price that they are in the summer and some excellent specials are usually offered. December/January is the busiest time of year, with the Kiwis on holiday as well. The roads, attractions and campsites are filled to teh breaking point. February/March is the best time to come, as the weather is settled, the vans are slightly cheaper and the Kiwi kids have gone back to school. Spring and Autumn can also be nice, with the changing foliage colours.
How long do you need? Try and spend at least two weeks in the South Island and one week in the North. Everyone returns saying they wish they had booked for longer. You can either start your trip in Auckland and drop off in Christchurch or vice versa. Book the ferry to cross between Islands. If you're on a limited time frame, just stick to one island.
Booking direct or using an agent. It depends whether you enjoy spending your spare time on the internet, sifting through mountains of info, or sending your details to an agent, who can do the shopping around to get the best deal for you.
Some other tips. Kiwis drive on the left and most vans come with manual transmission, so make sure you have some sort of travel insurance. You may need to leave a bond on your cedit card on pick up, so check this out before you get to the rental agency. You need a valid driver's license. Check with your agency to determine whether your current dirver's license will work or you need to get an international one.
There are a few areas where you can free camp if you have a toilet on board, but these are slowly disappearing as some travelers ruin it for others, leaving litter, etc. Motorcamps and Campgrounds are the safer alternative. They cost around NZD 30.00 per night for the van and two people, have great facilities and are very, very social. Happy Camping.
Home › Travel › Getaways & Vacations › Family Travel › How To Travel with Children
Traveling is one of our family's favorite activities, but it hasn't always been that way. When I was a child, each Christmas we'd take a long road trip to see each set of grandparents. By the end of the trip, my brother and I were covered with war wounds from our back seat fighting, and my parents were no longer talking to each other. What started as a happy holiday trip would inevitably turn into a scene out of "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation."
Family travel can be enjoyable and instill memories that will last a lifetime if you take a little time to plan. Here are a few simple tips that will help:
Plan for stops. Shaving half an hour off of a long drive time won't do any good if everyone is miserable. Check out your map and plan stops along the way. Pay special attention to attractions or landmarks that might be of interest. Such stops will break up the trip into segments and turn a long drive into an adventure.
Check out online coupons and special offers for your destination. Nothing is more stressful on a vacation than money worries. Knowing you're being thrifty will help alleviate some of that stress. Using deal-finding websites such as kayak.com or travelcoupons.com is very helpful, but you can also type in the name of any restaurant, hotel or destination into your search browser, followed by the words "discounts" or "coupons," to find specific deals.
Stock up on stuff. Let's face it--driving for long stretches can be boring, and when you're a kid, it's nearly unbearable. You can solve this dilemma by packing a few things that each child likes. Some families rely heavily on portable DVD players, but there are less expensive options, too, like books and travel games. There are also some really creative travel activity books out there. Among them, John Lithgow's Paloozas! Boredom Blasters: Travel Edition.
Make sure your car is as ready as you are. The last thing you need is a flat tire or a stalled engine, so be sure to plan time for an oil change and check-up before you leave. Prepare your car with emergency supplies (especially in cold weather), including blankets, a flashlight, a cell phone charger and a comprehensive map.
Bring a few munchies. You'll save a lot of money and calories by avoiding fast food fare and gas station treats by packing things like sandwiches, granola bars, apples, pop tarts, flavored water and other family favorites. Even if you don't lean toward healthy treats, your trip costs will slim down.
Keep away the crabby. No matter how well planned your trip, someone is going to complain about something. Make up a funny code word or sentence to use when someone does complain. It will lighten the mood and may incite a few laughs. Our last trip included the silly phrase, "That's right, Home Slice," (made up by our teenaged son), and it's still a family joke.
Keep the mood light. Recognize that parents control much of the mood. If you're showing stress, everyone will feel it, just as everyone will feel if you choose to be lighthearted. It's sometimes tough to do, but it really does make a difference.
Be flexible, be flexible ... and be flexible. No one likes a highly regimented vacation. What's the point? Everyone will have more fun if you veer off of the path a little. Try new things and be open to ideas. After all, it's not your travel time you will remember when your kids are grown, but the memories you will have created.
Family travel can be enjoyable and instill memories that will last a lifetime if you take a little time to plan. Here are a few simple tips that will help:
Plan for stops. Shaving half an hour off of a long drive time won't do any good if everyone is miserable. Check out your map and plan stops along the way. Pay special attention to attractions or landmarks that might be of interest. Such stops will break up the trip into segments and turn a long drive into an adventure.
Check out online coupons and special offers for your destination. Nothing is more stressful on a vacation than money worries. Knowing you're being thrifty will help alleviate some of that stress. Using deal-finding websites such as kayak.com or travelcoupons.com is very helpful, but you can also type in the name of any restaurant, hotel or destination into your search browser, followed by the words "discounts" or "coupons," to find specific deals.
Stock up on stuff. Let's face it--driving for long stretches can be boring, and when you're a kid, it's nearly unbearable. You can solve this dilemma by packing a few things that each child likes. Some families rely heavily on portable DVD players, but there are less expensive options, too, like books and travel games. There are also some really creative travel activity books out there. Among them, John Lithgow's Paloozas! Boredom Blasters: Travel Edition.
Make sure your car is as ready as you are. The last thing you need is a flat tire or a stalled engine, so be sure to plan time for an oil change and check-up before you leave. Prepare your car with emergency supplies (especially in cold weather), including blankets, a flashlight, a cell phone charger and a comprehensive map.
Bring a few munchies. You'll save a lot of money and calories by avoiding fast food fare and gas station treats by packing things like sandwiches, granola bars, apples, pop tarts, flavored water and other family favorites. Even if you don't lean toward healthy treats, your trip costs will slim down.
Keep away the crabby. No matter how well planned your trip, someone is going to complain about something. Make up a funny code word or sentence to use when someone does complain. It will lighten the mood and may incite a few laughs. Our last trip included the silly phrase, "That's right, Home Slice," (made up by our teenaged son), and it's still a family joke.
Keep the mood light. Recognize that parents control much of the mood. If you're showing stress, everyone will feel it, just as everyone will feel if you choose to be lighthearted. It's sometimes tough to do, but it really does make a difference.
Be flexible, be flexible ... and be flexible. No one likes a highly regimented vacation. What's the point? Everyone will have more fun if you veer off of the path a little. Try new things and be open to ideas. After all, it's not your travel time you will remember when your kids are grown, but the memories you will have created.
How To Discover the Beauties of Rome
Book a hotel near the Termini Station. This region has a nice infrastructure for tourists and it´s near everything. At the Termini Station you can always take a bus, a taxi or a train to other cities in Italy, like Venice, Milan and Naples.
Visit the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore. Leave your hotel and walk until via Cavour. Keep walking until you find this amazing church. This incredible construction is a paradise for those who like architecture, since it has passed through all kinds of influences during the centuries. The sculpture of Pope Pius IX is a work in marble. Pay attention to his vests. Don´t forget to look at the ceiling. It´s fantastic. It was made with gold that came from South America during the discovery period.
Enter in the Colosseum. Even if you've seen documentaries, pictures and videos, the Colosseum impresses anyone who enters for the first time. You can almost hear the crowd around you. The arena has an underground area where the animals were held for combat with the gladiators. Look for the space reserved for the emperor and his family. Also, the gesture of putting the thumb down... It was a reference to put the sword on the ground and release the looser. Not the opposite, as many people think.
Take a walk through the Roman Forum. The Roman Forum was the center of ancient Rome. People used to discuss politics and religion in this area. There are plenty of fantastic buildings. Don´t forget to pay attention to Caesar´s altar, the place of the cremation of Julius Caesar. The temples of Castor and Pollux deserve attention as well. Look for the House of the Vestal Virgins, where virgins guarded the sacred fire of Vesta, which could never extinguish. The three arches in this region are worth special attention: the arch of Constantino, near the Colosseum, constructed to celebrate the conquer of Jerusalem (pay attention to the sculptures on the arch) and the arches of Tito and Septimus Severus, inside the area of the Forum.
Be Nero´s guest at Domus Aurea. Go inside Nero´s Golden House (Domus Aurea). The main room had a rotating ceiling where roses dropped on the heads of the guests. The area that is now the Colosseum was once a lake near this magnificent building that Nero made for himself. The paintings discovered inside the Domus Aurea during the first excavation were found in grottoes. Thus, this artistic style of animals and humans became known as "grotesque".
Go upstairs to the Campidoglio hill. The design of the square of the Campidoglio and the stairs up to the hill were Michelangelo´s project. Go upstairs and visit the Musei Capitolini. The etruscan wolf with Romulus and Remus is there and it´s a must see.
Throw out a coin in Fontana di Trevi. It is always crowded in front of the fountain, but since it is a tradition... you have to do it! The small streets around the square are magnificent to see. Stop there and have a lunch!
Pray for the Gods in the Pantheon. The temple, originally built by Marcus Aripa, the architect of the emperor Octavian (nephew of Julius Caesar, also known as Caesar Augusto) was reformed much later by the emperor Adriano. It is the best preserved building of the empire. We can still perfectly read the signature above the entrance: "M.AGRIPPA.L.F.COS.TERTIUM.FECIT.", which means: "Marcus Agripa, son of Lucius, consul for the third time, built this." The sun entering in the hole in the ceiling, called "rotonda", is a fantastic view. That´s why the square is called Piazza della Rotonda.
Go to the Piazza di Spagna at the end of the afternoon. See the fancy stores at via dei Condoti, like Cartier, Armani, Prada and many others just in front of Bernini´s Fontana della Barcaccia. Remember to have a cappuccino in the traditional Cafe Grecco. Don´t go away without visiting the church of Trinita dei Monti, only a few steps upstairs. The view from there is unique and the paintings inside the church are worth this small sacrifice.
Have a pizza at Piazza Navona at night. You can eat there amidst the sound of Italian songs. Take a deep look at the three fountains in the square: Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi, Fontana del Moro and Fontana di Netuno. The sculptures are very nice and the impression of movement of the human and animal figures are amazing.
The square is full of artists and tourists. There is an interesting museum in the Pallazzo Braschi, with medieval and baroque reliefs. The building is beautiful inside and you can take a very nice picture of the square from one of the windows of the palace. The building of the Brazilian embassy is also noticeable.
Go to Rome and not see the Pope? You have to go to the Vatican, otherwise, who would believe you went to Rome? ;-). Start by looking at the architecture of Saint Peter´s square. It embraces everyone who enters it. Looking from above, it has the format of a key, referring to Saint Peter´s Key of Heaven. The Egyptian obelisk in the square and the two fountains are very beautiful. Take a deep look at Saint Peter´s Church. Pay attention to Pieta´s (Peter's) face, just at the right side in the entrance. You´ll never forget it. The chapels around the main aisle are very beautiful as well. Look carefully at the angels in the baptismal bowl. The bronze baldaquin made by Bernini right above the altar is incredible.
At the right side of the aisle is the entrance to the crypta, where most of the popes are buried, including John Paul II and Saint Peter, bellow the altar. There is also a museum of ancient tombs of the roman period (necropolis) recently discovered when a parking lot was under construction.
Take an elevator to see the roof of the church. From the there, if you are not afraid of small places and are physically prepared to go upstairs, you can reach the dome. It is an amazing view of the city of Rome.
Finally, go to the Musei Vaticani (Vatican Museum) and prepare to be astonished . It´s a pity they don´t rent stretchers at the Sistine Chapel. It´s definitely the best way to see it. The room of Raphael right before entering the Sistine Chapel is very beautiful as well.
Have an ice cream at the roof of Castel Sant´Angelo. This castle in the Vatican was the shelter of the pope when things were not going well for him. There is a corridor called Passeto di Borgo, connecting the castle to the old Vatican palace at the basilica of Saint Peter. You can see the passage from the streets. This castle was originally the tomb of the emperor Adriano. The angels in the bridge in front of the castle were also made by Bernini. There is a nice restaurant on the roof where you can enjoy another angle of the city skyline while eating a delicious Italian ice cream.
See the Roman empire in the Museo Nationale Romano. This museum is near the Termini Station and Piazza della Republica. It´s full of sculptures, coins and artifacts of ancient Rome. There are also some bronze sculptures, made using a very interesting technique. You can be face-to-face with old emperors like Julius Caesar, Octavian, Vespaziano, Caracala and many others. The mosaics and frescoes are also a unique opportunity to enjoy Roman art.
Explore Piazza della Republica. The Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri, the galleries and the fountain in the center of the square deserve your attention. Enter the basilica of Santa Maria and see this extraordinary construction made among Roman therms. By the way, this region was full of therms (public baths). That´s why it´s called Termini.
What about shopping at Trajano´s Market? Trajano was an emperor who constructed a complex of consecutive stores along with his forum. It was the first shopping center in history. It is very curious to see how the stores were organized and the corridors arranged. Look familiar? ;-)
Breath art at Galleria Borghese. The Bernini Sculptures on the first floor of Galeria Borghese are almost human. Apollo and Daphne, David, Pluto and Prosperina are some of Bernini´s masterpieces exposed there. I wonder if Pluto, Prosperina and Kerberos were the real models for the sculpture. Paolina Borghese, sister of Napoleon, was the model for Canova in the sculpture called Venus Reclined. Look carefully at the details of her body and also at her pillow and see if you can tell if it is real marble. The second floor is full of Caravagio´s work along with many other paintings.
Be a Witness of Caesar´s Murderer. In the middle of the Largo di Torre Argentina, four temples were discovered during the demolition of the old buildings. Near these temples are the ruins of Pompeii´s Theather, the place where the roman senate was working during the reform of the main building in the forum area. Here is where Julius Caesar was murdered.
Visit the Ara Pacis. After Julius Caesar´s death, a dispute between Octavian and Marco Antonio took place to define who was the next leader of Rome. After many battles and the involvement of Cleopatra with Marco Antonio, Octavian finally won during the naval battle of Actium. After that, Rome faced a period of relative peace, known as the Pax Augusta. To celebrate that, Octavian, now Casar Augustus, ordered the construction of a monument called Ara Pacis (Altar of Peace). It is exposed in Lungotevere in Augusta. Worth the visit.
Visit the first Catholic church of Rome in Trastevere. The church of Santa Maria in Trastevere was the first Roman Catholic church. The ancient Roman inscriptions found during the construction of the church are kept along the walls together with Bizantine art.
Rent a car and visit the Castelli Romani. It´s a very nice region a few kilometers from Rome. There are some enchanted small cities or "paeses" in this area. Don´t miss Frascati and its famous white wine; Castel Galdonfo, where the Pope spends his vacations (he knows what´s good); Ariccia with its famous bridge (don´t worry, they have put a net below it); Grottaferrata with its very beautiful Bizantine mosaics in the monastery of Santa Maria and many others.
There is much more to see. Rome is full of hidden surprises. There are many places not included here that you have to discover by yourself, like walking in Via Veneto, the Galleria Alberto Sordi at via del Corso, the exposition inside the Monument to Victorio Emmanuelle, and many others. Just go there, taste and feel the pleasure of being lost in this fantastic city.
Visit the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore. Leave your hotel and walk until via Cavour. Keep walking until you find this amazing church. This incredible construction is a paradise for those who like architecture, since it has passed through all kinds of influences during the centuries. The sculpture of Pope Pius IX is a work in marble. Pay attention to his vests. Don´t forget to look at the ceiling. It´s fantastic. It was made with gold that came from South America during the discovery period.
Enter in the Colosseum. Even if you've seen documentaries, pictures and videos, the Colosseum impresses anyone who enters for the first time. You can almost hear the crowd around you. The arena has an underground area where the animals were held for combat with the gladiators. Look for the space reserved for the emperor and his family. Also, the gesture of putting the thumb down... It was a reference to put the sword on the ground and release the looser. Not the opposite, as many people think.
Take a walk through the Roman Forum. The Roman Forum was the center of ancient Rome. People used to discuss politics and religion in this area. There are plenty of fantastic buildings. Don´t forget to pay attention to Caesar´s altar, the place of the cremation of Julius Caesar. The temples of Castor and Pollux deserve attention as well. Look for the House of the Vestal Virgins, where virgins guarded the sacred fire of Vesta, which could never extinguish. The three arches in this region are worth special attention: the arch of Constantino, near the Colosseum, constructed to celebrate the conquer of Jerusalem (pay attention to the sculptures on the arch) and the arches of Tito and Septimus Severus, inside the area of the Forum.
Be Nero´s guest at Domus Aurea. Go inside Nero´s Golden House (Domus Aurea). The main room had a rotating ceiling where roses dropped on the heads of the guests. The area that is now the Colosseum was once a lake near this magnificent building that Nero made for himself. The paintings discovered inside the Domus Aurea during the first excavation were found in grottoes. Thus, this artistic style of animals and humans became known as "grotesque".
Go upstairs to the Campidoglio hill. The design of the square of the Campidoglio and the stairs up to the hill were Michelangelo´s project. Go upstairs and visit the Musei Capitolini. The etruscan wolf with Romulus and Remus is there and it´s a must see.
Throw out a coin in Fontana di Trevi. It is always crowded in front of the fountain, but since it is a tradition... you have to do it! The small streets around the square are magnificent to see. Stop there and have a lunch!
Pray for the Gods in the Pantheon. The temple, originally built by Marcus Aripa, the architect of the emperor Octavian (nephew of Julius Caesar, also known as Caesar Augusto) was reformed much later by the emperor Adriano. It is the best preserved building of the empire. We can still perfectly read the signature above the entrance: "M.AGRIPPA.L.F.COS.TERTIUM.FECIT.", which means: "Marcus Agripa, son of Lucius, consul for the third time, built this." The sun entering in the hole in the ceiling, called "rotonda", is a fantastic view. That´s why the square is called Piazza della Rotonda.
Go to the Piazza di Spagna at the end of the afternoon. See the fancy stores at via dei Condoti, like Cartier, Armani, Prada and many others just in front of Bernini´s Fontana della Barcaccia. Remember to have a cappuccino in the traditional Cafe Grecco. Don´t go away without visiting the church of Trinita dei Monti, only a few steps upstairs. The view from there is unique and the paintings inside the church are worth this small sacrifice.
Have a pizza at Piazza Navona at night. You can eat there amidst the sound of Italian songs. Take a deep look at the three fountains in the square: Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi, Fontana del Moro and Fontana di Netuno. The sculptures are very nice and the impression of movement of the human and animal figures are amazing.
The square is full of artists and tourists. There is an interesting museum in the Pallazzo Braschi, with medieval and baroque reliefs. The building is beautiful inside and you can take a very nice picture of the square from one of the windows of the palace. The building of the Brazilian embassy is also noticeable.
Go to Rome and not see the Pope? You have to go to the Vatican, otherwise, who would believe you went to Rome? ;-). Start by looking at the architecture of Saint Peter´s square. It embraces everyone who enters it. Looking from above, it has the format of a key, referring to Saint Peter´s Key of Heaven. The Egyptian obelisk in the square and the two fountains are very beautiful. Take a deep look at Saint Peter´s Church. Pay attention to Pieta´s (Peter's) face, just at the right side in the entrance. You´ll never forget it. The chapels around the main aisle are very beautiful as well. Look carefully at the angels in the baptismal bowl. The bronze baldaquin made by Bernini right above the altar is incredible.
At the right side of the aisle is the entrance to the crypta, where most of the popes are buried, including John Paul II and Saint Peter, bellow the altar. There is also a museum of ancient tombs of the roman period (necropolis) recently discovered when a parking lot was under construction.
Take an elevator to see the roof of the church. From the there, if you are not afraid of small places and are physically prepared to go upstairs, you can reach the dome. It is an amazing view of the city of Rome.
Finally, go to the Musei Vaticani (Vatican Museum) and prepare to be astonished . It´s a pity they don´t rent stretchers at the Sistine Chapel. It´s definitely the best way to see it. The room of Raphael right before entering the Sistine Chapel is very beautiful as well.
Have an ice cream at the roof of Castel Sant´Angelo. This castle in the Vatican was the shelter of the pope when things were not going well for him. There is a corridor called Passeto di Borgo, connecting the castle to the old Vatican palace at the basilica of Saint Peter. You can see the passage from the streets. This castle was originally the tomb of the emperor Adriano. The angels in the bridge in front of the castle were also made by Bernini. There is a nice restaurant on the roof where you can enjoy another angle of the city skyline while eating a delicious Italian ice cream.
See the Roman empire in the Museo Nationale Romano. This museum is near the Termini Station and Piazza della Republica. It´s full of sculptures, coins and artifacts of ancient Rome. There are also some bronze sculptures, made using a very interesting technique. You can be face-to-face with old emperors like Julius Caesar, Octavian, Vespaziano, Caracala and many others. The mosaics and frescoes are also a unique opportunity to enjoy Roman art.
Explore Piazza della Republica. The Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri, the galleries and the fountain in the center of the square deserve your attention. Enter the basilica of Santa Maria and see this extraordinary construction made among Roman therms. By the way, this region was full of therms (public baths). That´s why it´s called Termini.
What about shopping at Trajano´s Market? Trajano was an emperor who constructed a complex of consecutive stores along with his forum. It was the first shopping center in history. It is very curious to see how the stores were organized and the corridors arranged. Look familiar? ;-)
Breath art at Galleria Borghese. The Bernini Sculptures on the first floor of Galeria Borghese are almost human. Apollo and Daphne, David, Pluto and Prosperina are some of Bernini´s masterpieces exposed there. I wonder if Pluto, Prosperina and Kerberos were the real models for the sculpture. Paolina Borghese, sister of Napoleon, was the model for Canova in the sculpture called Venus Reclined. Look carefully at the details of her body and also at her pillow and see if you can tell if it is real marble. The second floor is full of Caravagio´s work along with many other paintings.
Be a Witness of Caesar´s Murderer. In the middle of the Largo di Torre Argentina, four temples were discovered during the demolition of the old buildings. Near these temples are the ruins of Pompeii´s Theather, the place where the roman senate was working during the reform of the main building in the forum area. Here is where Julius Caesar was murdered.
Visit the Ara Pacis. After Julius Caesar´s death, a dispute between Octavian and Marco Antonio took place to define who was the next leader of Rome. After many battles and the involvement of Cleopatra with Marco Antonio, Octavian finally won during the naval battle of Actium. After that, Rome faced a period of relative peace, known as the Pax Augusta. To celebrate that, Octavian, now Casar Augustus, ordered the construction of a monument called Ara Pacis (Altar of Peace). It is exposed in Lungotevere in Augusta. Worth the visit.
Visit the first Catholic church of Rome in Trastevere. The church of Santa Maria in Trastevere was the first Roman Catholic church. The ancient Roman inscriptions found during the construction of the church are kept along the walls together with Bizantine art.
Rent a car and visit the Castelli Romani. It´s a very nice region a few kilometers from Rome. There are some enchanted small cities or "paeses" in this area. Don´t miss Frascati and its famous white wine; Castel Galdonfo, where the Pope spends his vacations (he knows what´s good); Ariccia with its famous bridge (don´t worry, they have put a net below it); Grottaferrata with its very beautiful Bizantine mosaics in the monastery of Santa Maria and many others.
There is much more to see. Rome is full of hidden surprises. There are many places not included here that you have to discover by yourself, like walking in Via Veneto, the Galleria Alberto Sordi at via del Corso, the exposition inside the Monument to Victorio Emmanuelle, and many others. Just go there, taste and feel the pleasure of being lost in this fantastic city.
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