How To Safely And Legally Travel With A Gun

How To Safely And Legally Travel With A Firearm

Complying with the TSA requirements is something you don’t want to worry about after you arrive at the airport. It is important that you fully understand the TSA requirements for transporting your firearm from destination to destination. This will not only provide for a faster, easier, more hassle-free experience when you arrive, but it’s also important for other reasons, like the threat of weapon confiscation, a run in with the law, and not following the rules is a crime with stiff penelaties of nto only criminal prosecution, but cival penalites up to $10,000 per violation.

Rules and Regulations for safely and legally transporting your firearm*

The key regulatory requirements to transporting firearms, firearm parts or ammunition in checked baggage are: (taken from the TSA website)

* You must declare all firearms to the airline during the ticket counter check-in process.
* The firearm must be unloaded.
* The firearm must be in a hard-sided container.
* The container must be locked.
* We recommend that you provide the key or combination to the security officer if he or she needs to open the container. You should remain present during screening to take the key back after the container is cleared. If you are not present and the security officer must open the container, we or the airline will make a reasonable attempt to contact you. If we can’t contact you, the container will not be placed on the plane. Federal regulations prohibit unlocked gun cases (or cases with broken locks) on aircraft.
* You must securely pack any ammunition in fiber (such as cardboard), wood or metal boxes or other packaging that is specifically designed to carry small amounts of ammunition.
* You can’t use firearm magazines/clips for packing ammunition unless they completely and securely enclose the ammunition (e.g., by securely covering the exposed portions of the magazine or by securely placing the magazine in a pouch, holder, holster or lanyard).
* You may carry the ammunition in the same hard-sided case as the firearm, as long as you pack it as described above.
* You can’t bring black powder or percussion caps used with black-powder type firearms in either your carry-on or checked baggage.

Additional restrictions and regulations for transporting a firearm

Violations can result in criminal prosecution and civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation. Airlines may have their own additional requirements on the carriage of firearms and the amount of ammunition that you may have in your checked baggage. Therefore, travelers should also contact the airline regarding its firearm and ammunition carriage policies. Also, please note that many other countries have different laws that address transportation and possession of firearms. If you are traveling internationally, please check with the authorities at your destination about their requirements.
The best travel gun cases are made with a high-impact ABS plastic reinforced with fiberglass that provides superior strength and durability. Many have an outside that is rugged and strong while the inside may come with a foam bottom and top lid, and a soft center of “pick & pluck” foam. This foam is a block of foam that has been pre-scored, all the way through so that you litterally just “pick” out the individual pieces of foam you don’t want, and “pluck them out leaving the negative space behind to softly cradle your contents.

What Not To Wear

What makes certain styles of pants so popular? One reason is fashion and the other comfort. Two examples of pants bought for comfort are tapered leg jeans or pants and Capri pants. Younger women flock low-rise jeans because they are fashionable. Both Capri pants and low-rise jeans look best on tall, slim silhouettes - how many 'real' women are tall and slim? The truth is that the majority of the female population does not have 'Barbie' figures so those styles instead of looking great actually accentuate flaws.
To look your best take your body type into consideration before choosing to wear the latest fashion. You will appear slimmer and more fashionable if you wear clothing that suits your body type. Lets look at cropped pants, low-rise jeans and high-rise tapered jeans and decide what to wear and what not to wear.
Cropped pants (pedal pushers, Capri, clam diggers) end usually somewhere in-between the knee and the ankle, What they do:

* Make you look shorter

* Make you hips look larger

* Your legs look shorter

* Your ankles thicker

However, some of these problems can be avoided depending on the style of Capri pant. Capris that are the best choice:

* Dark in color

* Plain color (no prints)

* End just below the knee

* Have tapered legs (more fitted at the bottom)

* Worn with a tiny sandal

* Without cuffs

Most young women like to wear low-rise jeans despite how ill fitting they might be. Low- rise jeans sit below the hips about 3 inches below the belly button. Low-rise jeans can:

* Make a thick waist look thicker

* Narrow hips look more narrow

* A long waist look longer

* Short legs, shorter

* Can make you look 10 lbs larger

This style (low-rise) is flattering only to those who are absolutely slim. Don't be discouraged. You can still wear jeans that look great and wear them low, but not low enough that they create bulges. Wear them:

* Not too tight

* Approximately 1 inch below the belly button.

High-rise, tapered pants fit snuggly around the waist with a leg that tapers in close to the ankle. If you own and wear high-rise tapered pants or jeans get rid of them now unless you want your:

* Hips to look wider and larger

* Tummy to look bigger

A better choice is straight or wide leg pant with a flat front.

Choosing the Right Hotel

Whenever you book a vacation, choosing a hotel is key to your level of enjoyment. Hotels are usually rated with a star system, and this generally correlates with the hotels' price. When choosing a place to stay, ask yourself the following questions: How much time will I spend in the hotel? What amenities are most important to me? Am I looking for a home away from home or just a place to lay my head for the night? Knowing your own expectations can make choosing among hotels a lot easier.
Five-star hotels generally are the most expensive. You are paying for luxury. These hotels usually offer butler service, large bathrooms with soaking tubs, spa-inspired bath products, and high-end bed linens. Lobbies in five-star hotels are laden with marble and fresh flowers. Service is impeccable.
Still quite elegant are four-star hotels. Usually the difference is slight. Maybe the rooms are a bit smaller, the linens a slightly lower thread count, and the shampoos less expensive. The biggest difference seems to be in the price.
Three-star hotels offer clean and comfortable accommodations but may not offer the same amenities as their pricier cousins. Guest rooms are less elegant, but comfortable nevertheless. Bathrooms are generally pretty standard. (If you're looking for a rain shower, you probably won't find it here.) Service is fine, though the staff doesn't bow at your feet quite the same way. Many guests find this level of service more comfortable; others miss being treated like royalty. Down in the two-star range you will find hotels that serve as a bed for the night but offer little else in the way of comfort. These hotels are good for driving trips where you only plan to spend a limited amount of time and then hit the road again. Count on "plain." No fancy sheets or down comforters, probably a stall shower instead of a big bathtub, and definitely no champagne and strawberries. Room service? Maybe, but it's probably more likely that you'll ask the lobby for the local pizza joint's menu.
One-star hotels are best for budget travelers who aren't too picky about where they sleep as long as it's cheap. Not usually the cleanest or most updated places, these are meant for those guests who don't plan to spend a whole lot of time in their hotel room. If you're far more interested in the sightseeing than the size of your pillow, these hotels might suit you just fine. If you've chosen to stay in hotels during your travels, choose wisely based on your own personal needs. As long as you're willing to pay a price equal to your expectations, you won't be disappointed.

Apartments are Good for Your Health

Work-rate, health and even personal relationships may be affected if you stay in hotel accommodation for longer than 4 nights on business. Natalie Wakefield of The Apartment Service states her case. Business Travellers will spend significantly more to secure a seat in the First Class cabin of an aircraft and the reasons are beyond question: they can catch up on work or stretch out and relax - and besides, haven't you heard of Economy Class Syndrome? Yet when they arrive at their destination, they will often stay for several nights, weeks or even months confined within the same four walls. "Let's call it Hotel Accommodation Syndrome."
When work takes you away from home for even longer periods - training courses, temporary or perhaps permanent relocation - the situation becomes almost grave. Individuals need a lot more than simply a pillow on which to lay their tired heads, although every little helps. They need to spread out, relax, just like in the aircraft. And with the restaurant and Room Service menus exhausted, they pine for the taste of home. Arguably worse still, work begins to suffer. More time and effort is spent escaping from the hotel room than on work, which has become disjointed and disorganised. Irritability sets in and relationships at work and at home both suffer.
The problem with hotels is that they are for sleeping in. The business traveller, especially with family, needs somewhere to sit and relax, make a snack or a meal, have a meeting or spread out the paperwork. Serviced apartments will always offer much better value-for-money compared with a hotel, if public areas are less important to the guest. It is upon this cost-saving, that this very model is based. And what is good for the individual is good for the company.
Today, Executive Roomspace (ERS), a market leader in short term serviced apartments, ensures that business travellers can confidently book an apartment. Specialising in stays of 1-month plus where even greater savings are possible. ERS offer properties throughout Greater London, including, Canary Wharf, Clerkenwell, Fleet Street, Kingston, Marylebone, South Kensington, The City, Twickenham, Victoria and Wimbledon as well as throughout the Home Counties, the M4 Corridor to Swindon and Bristol beyond.
By the very nature of the beast, the flexibility required to offer something different for every client makes it difficult to meet demands for a standardised and consistent product. At Executive Roomspace (ERS) they believe they have found the solution. Charles McCrow comments "ERS promises consistent standards together with a pledge that, should a client express dissatisfaction with the accommodation within 48 hours of arrival, alternative accommodation or a full refund will be offered - this offers complete peace of mind to both booker and agent".
The same value extends across the board and broadly speaking equates to a 30% saving on rates in hotels of a comparable standard. Branded apartment accommodation usually targets the mid-market, short to medium stay clients. The accommodation you can expect is functional with achievable rates of around £65 per person per night with possible discounts for weekly or monthly stays in a one-bedroom apartment, although lower rates are possible in a studio. At the upper end of the market, the rates will approximately double. One of the major factors affecting savings in apartment accommodation is that the charges are per room and not per person. The apartment is already reasonably priced. Add to this the economies when you stay with a family of four or on business with a colleague in a two-bedroomed apartment and the savings increase still further. To achieve maximum savings for your specific requirements, it is advisable to contact one of the booking agencies providing expert advice in this area, as the benefits of their advice will out weigh any perceived savings of choosing an apartment and negotiating direct. The serviced apartment market has emerged as a most cost-effective alternative to hotel accommodation and, at times the only option to consider. High in comfort, low in cost with complete consistency. Three C's that provide a good benchmark for anyone needing to stay, for whatever length of time, away from home, proving Vitamin C really is good for your health.

The Land Of The Sun

I'm sure you've heard of the land of the free, but the phrase "land of the sun" is a lot less common. Or at least, you'd think so. Strangely enough, a lot of people are familiar with the area. Certainly more then you would expect. Costa del Sol, whose name translates as "coast of the sun", is a very popular retirement and holiday destination. Whether you are just looking for a holiday destination, or for somewhere to buy a holiday home, the Costa del Sol is ideal. In most cases, there is usually some reason not to visit a particular area- some downside to consider. There is none here.
Whatever you want to do on holiday, you can do it in the Costa del Sol. If you just want to lounge on the beach, well, I suppose you coud do that- although there is really so much more on offer. If this is all you want to do, then I suggest you go down in the winter. It's sunny and warm all year round, but there are fewer tourists in the winter months. So don't worry abou it being cold there. No snow in spain, unless you want some- and then you just have to head up a nearby mountain.
To be fair, there is a downside. Once you get there, you might never want to leave! The capital city of Costa del Sol is the third biggest in Spain, and a world-class center of art and culture, while the nearby city of Marbella is host to an incredible array of high-quality theatres, restaurants, and classy clubs of all descriptions. In addition to the more common holiday options, there are also a variety of more unusual options. the most obvious being the ever popular mountains, of course, where you can ski in the winter, or hang glide and mountain bike in the summer. Or even just go on a long hike through the verdant forests. Whatever you desire, its your holiday.
If you don't particularly like mountains, there are plenty of things you can do closer to the sea. For example, Costa del Sol has Tivoli world, one of Spain's largest fun parks, and somewhere you simply must visit while your there. You know that if you don't, your inner child will never let you hear the end of it. Besides Tivoli, there are a number of zoos and safari parks, as well as other wide ranging activities such as golf. Then down by the sea there is every watersport imaginable, from water-skiing to scuba diving to swimming with dolphins, although I'm not sure that qualifies as a sport! Plus, from the shores of Costa del Sol, you can see some incredible scenery. The nearby mountains fill the horizon, while across the water the shores Africa are visible.
If you only intend on taking one holiday in your life, and want to go somewhere special, then go to Spain. The Costa del sol can be reached via a single flight from any major city in the world, and property there is going so fast that if you want to buy a place, you had better do so now- before the costs rise beyond all belief. Of course, that makes it a very good investment, which you can use as a holiday home while you wait to profit. In any case, it's a great place to visit. Author Property Scount is an extremely well travelled explorer, familiar with the world in general and properties in Costa del Sol in particular. Click to visit his properties for sale Costa del Sol web site.

Make Your Ideal Honeymoon

!p>First Things First – Define Your Ideal Honeymoon
Most people grow up with a preconceived notion of what an ideal honeymoon should involve. However, a bride’s idea of tropical paradise and a groom’s idea of a ski resort could conflict.

Consider these questions as soon as honeymoon talks begin:
What is most important? Sun and surf or the privacy of a cozy mountain retreat?

Are you looking to experience new cultures in distant lands or do you just want to get away from it all?

Do you want to go around the corner or around the world?

Do you want to spend more on the wedding or the honeymoon?

Niagara Falls like your parents? The Caribbean like your friends? Europe like your ancestors?

What sounds better: a cruise, a package vacation or an all-inclusive resort?

Types of Honeymoons
Unless your dream destination has already been set in stone, first decide what type of vacation you want and then narrow down your list of destinations accordingly.
Resorts are the most popular honeymoon destinations, for they transport you into another world for a miraculous escape from the daily grind. Often set in the most picturesque places in the world, they include pools, private beaches and golf courses, as well as culinary delights and relaxing spas.
All-inclusive resorts streamline the enjoyment process by including everything — your room, transfers, recreational facilities, meals and drinks — all in one price. Without the worries of wondering how much everything little thing will cost, you are free to live the high life and experience everything you want as often as you want it. If an all-inclusive resort sounds tempting but too stationary, consider taking a cruise. Cruises are floating resorts that whisk you away to one exotic port after another.
Looking for adventure? Ask us to help find you and your fiance' some outdoor exhilaration! Whether it’s white-water rafting in Colorado, hiking through the Alps or taking an African safari, sharing the experience will become a vital bond you both will share forever.
Cultural and historical trips are fascinating and romantic ways to reconnect with the past. Visit a famous European city — Paris, London, Rome…the list goes on — and inhale the culture, soak in the sights and experience the art of living. Or dive into the rich history of the old world country from which your family originated. The unique perspective you gain will become a central root for your future family tree.

Want Stress Free? Leave it to a Professional

We can save you money as well as time — two enormous factors for a couple trying to plan a wedding and a honeymoon simultaneously. We specialize in providing personalized suggestions to suit your interests and your budget.
Begin early and share the planning. To ensure that you both enjoy the honeymoon, make all the decisions together. Make time for yourselves. Pad your honeymoon schedule with generous amounts of free time, for a rushed and overly organized honeymoon might feel too much like your wedding. Instead, plan a few enjoyable activities and leave lots of opportunities to just enjoy each other's company.
Set a tentative budget. Talk about your expectations and priorities from the very beginning and decide what you might splurge on and where you might cut corners.
Splurge on whatever accommodations you choose. No matter what type of vacation package you choose, you will spend an enormous amount of time in your room or cabin. Make it special — make it unforgettable. Use your maiden name. Unless you’re taking a delayed honeymoon, you won’t have time to change the name on your passport and driver’s license. Use your maiden name on visas, airline tickets, etc., so they match as it appears on your official documents.
Tell the world you’re on your honeymoon. Stand up on every chair, on every rock and shout, “We’re on our honeymoon!” Everyone from strangers to airlines to hotels will take notice and cheerfully offer you such special treatment such as complimentary champagne in-flight or a gift basket in your room. Go ahead, it’s your honeymoon.

The Problem With Timeshares And Vacation Rentals

Timeshares are becoming obsolete. As more people want to get away to exotic locations around the world, the demand for timeshares purchases and rentals have gone up. Because of this, prices have also skyrocketed. It is not uncommon to see timeshares going for over $10,000. This high front end cost, plus an annual maintenance fee which can range from several hundred to several thousands, can really do damage to a person's wallet.
A timeshare is a bad investment for several reasons. Not only is the cost enormous, they also depreciate in value. Unless you have a timeshare in a very desirable, exotic location, you can never regain the initial capital that was needed to invest in the first place.
Many other vacationers decide that perhaps renting is the better choice and when it comes down to price, it most definately is. However, due to high demands, it is near impossible to get your specific resort, in the location that you prefer. Many timeshare owner's, trying to recover their initial fees, charge high rental prices. This has been very discouraging for travelers, as they try to find the best deal for the time that they desire. If you look at the various wanted ads online, you will see that there are people who are posting many months ahead of when they need the resort because of this frustrating circumstance.
In this day and age, people are looking for convenience at low cost. No one is interested in paying high fee's and staying at sub-par resorts anymore. There has to be a balance between quality and cost.
Up until now, there has not been an alternative to all of this. Throughout the years, many different memberships and clubs have invaded the market, trying to snatch up the customers who are not willing to pay ridiculous sums of money for one week of vacation. Unfortunately, many vacation clubs and memberships operate in the same way. The Upfront cost with continuing membership fees, not to mention having to pay for the vacation, saving perhaps only a few dollars here and there. They receive more variety, but the cost is still out of sync.
Searching for the perfect vacation can be extremely difficult, especially when you are on a budget. Travel agents can be very helpful in locating a resort at decent prices, but you still have to pay for their commission. Unfortunately, some businesses will take advantage of a customer, if they see that they are less inclined to object to high prices.
Fortunately, there are new businesses that allow people to travel for less, at high quality resorts. These full service operations ensure that the customer has every need filled and every question answered. As these alternative choices for travel increase in popularity, the purchasing of timeshares and the need for travel agents will decline at the same time. Why spend thousands of dollars to pay out the profit and commissions, when wholesale prices are available for all aspects of travel?
Sometime's it just takes awhile to find the best resource, but when you find it, it is worth it.

David Anderson Giles operates a website that help's vacationer's solve their travel problems. You can visit the website at dag.myglobaltravelnetwork.com or call him at 403-256-9092

European Car Rental - Top Ten Tips for Europe Travel

Many people believe that the first thing you should do to plan a trip is to figure out where you want to go. In a way this is correct, but only in a general sense. For example, say on your next trip to Europe you want to visit France, Spain and Italy. This is fine and you should have an idea of this to begin with. The reason that I wrote the previous three articles in the order I did: Car Size & Type, Price and Insurance, is that I feel you should have a good idea of what it is you need before you decide on what it is you want. The same is true of airfare and hotel accommodations as well but here we are only talking about planning the car rental part of the trip.
Once you know your requirements in relation to your budget. It's time to decide how much time you'll have and how far you can drive, and the routes you want to take. There are several excellent programs on the internet for determining driving times and distances between two locations. For Europe, I recommend Mappy, since it is very detailed and will give you some idea of landmarks to look for while driving, along with toll information for longer stretches. If you have the processing power, Google Earth is also a really neat program to work with, although it is much more complicated. Make sure you have the address (including postal code) of the place you are leaving from and arriving to. Most of the time this will be from one hotel to the next, or between the hotel and the car rental company. Try to find a rental location that is both near to your hotel and a highway on-ramp. This is increasingly important depending on the size and population of the city you are driving into. Surprisingly enough I have yet to find a program that easily maps from one European airport to another, although MapoRama hits it sometimes. Route 66 software will get you the distances between airports but not the written out directions or toll information.
Now that you know how to get where you are going, it's time to figure how how much and how long it will take to get there. If you are doing pretty straightforward highway driving you can take the distance given to you in the mapping program and divide it by 60 (or 96 if it was given to you in kilometers) and this will give you a rough approximation of travel time. Remember that if you are planning on doing some sightseeing, allow yourself at least twice this number. Although you did rent a car to get from one place to the other in the most efficient way, it doesn't do you any good to miss all the sights. That's what you came to Europe for, right?
The other factor in this case is how much gas is going to cost you. The first thing you have to know in this case is how many miles (or kilometers) per gallon the vehicle you are renting is going to get. A good number to work with is about 30 mpg for 1.6 litre engine vehicles (typically intermediate or standard sedans) and 40 mpg for 1.4 litre engines (economy and compact). These numbers are actually a little low but it's better to err on the side of caution. Considering these are highway numbers and not city, in-town driving will bring this figure down a bit. This is also based on a manual transmission. Also it is not uncommon to receive either an upgrade at the counter to a larger car class due to a lack of the size you reserved, nor is it rare to receive a compact car with a 1.6 litre engine. These things do happen and it's better not to be caught unawares. Once you know this, just apply this simple equation:

Cost = (Distance / Mpg) * Price per Gallon

Also be aware that as most things in Europe are in Euros, kilometers, and litres, you may need to do some additional conversions. There are 1.6094 kilometers to every mile, and there are 3.8 litres to every gallon. To find out what the current exchange rate is from the dollar to Euro, consult your favorite on-line currency converter. A quick example of this to go by, let's say you have to drive from Vienna, Austria to Paris, France (about 775 miles) in a 1.6 litre engine Renault Laguna. The resulting cost would be about $120 dollars since the current price per litre in Austria is about 1.01 euros or $4.67 USD per gallon, which is then multiplied by 25.83 (775 miles divided by 30 mpg). So you can tell now that this is a major expense, not to mention adding the toll fees on top of that! This might seem exorbitant at first but try checking out railpasses for 4 people and then you'll see not only is this pretty modest but you won't have to change trains, miss scenic opportunities or travel on someone else's schedule.
So are you ready to enjoy your new-found freedom? Well before you go, let's talk about big city driving. Most travelers fly into a major airport, get their vehicle and head straight into the city. It's probably a better idea to take the train or a taxi into town first, establish yourself at your hotel, get your bearings and then make your way to the rental agency to pick up your car. If you have ever driven in NYC, Los Angeles or even Boston, then you have an idea of what it can be like, but you still need to stay alert at all times. Each city has its own quirks, such as London (left hand driving, congestion zone charges), Barcelona (one way streets), Paris (traffic, no parking), Rome and Florence (also remember in Venice you have to drop the car outside of town). Believe the hype about the Italian driving style if you haven't been privy to it. Extremely aggressive, with a case-by-case attitude towards obeying traffic signs, stoplights, etc. It isn't bad driving per se (some would call it exciting) but hard to adapt to. Make sure you know where your arrival airport is in relation to the place you are staying. Consult the tourist boards for public transportation.
All in all, taking a rental car through Europe is a unique experience. As tourists from another continent, we must respect all rules and regulations concurrent to the country we are driving in. I urge you to learn all the signs and at least some of the road language. Remember that most of the time they are not in English! Ignorance of the law does not make you exempt from it, so if you get pulled over, politely explain that you were unaware but don't expect special treatment for it (if anything expect a bigger fine) since you are an American. After that you can speed back onto the Autobahn and join the everyday race. Just remember to pass on the left..

Vacationing with Children

Traveling with children will be a memorable event the question is "What kind?" Your chances of a lifetime memory you will cherish increase significantly with some advance communication and preparation.
The book, Love It or Lose It: Living Clutter-Free Forever, outlines a five-step process you can apply to organizing any area of your life including traveling with children of any age. Make the children a part of the trip by letting them help you plan. Your children will enjoy the trip more if they feel they have some say about the agenda. Get books from the library, or do an Internet search, on the area you plan to visit. Give them some options of what to do and actually use some of their suggestions. Who knows? You may enjoy their suggestions more than you think.

Here is a guide to vacationing with children, using the 5 steps:

1. Design your vision.

The first step to happy memories is good communication. Start scheduling family meetings to plan the earlier the better. At the first meeting, ask each member of the family to describe what he or she would like to have in order to have a wildly successful vacation. It's a great idea to put some structure into this discussion. Use a flip chart and have family members take turns recording answers. Subsequent meetings can be used to work out each of the next steps.

2. Eliminate your obstacles.

Mark Twain is credited with saying "Progress starts with the truth." Certainly that applies in this situation. For example, some teens simply do not think it's "cool" to travel with mom and dad. If you want your teens to enjoy their travel experience, make sure you understand what they like and dislike. With young children, keep in mind "less is more." A swim in the hotel pool may be a much better choice than another two hours at the theme park.

3. Commit your time.

There could be several issues here. If your teens are working, they may resent having to miss work or they may be delighted. In either case, find out their preferences, and see what you can do to accommodate them without jeopardizing your own needs. One of the issues likely to come up is the daily travel schedule itself. Young children need naps, teens may want to sleep late, while parents relish the idea of "getting an early start." Compromise is probably the best solution here.

4. Select your tools

Growing up on a farm in Nebraska, one of the things my daddy taught me was "Half of any job is having the right tool." While you may think it's ridiculous to think about "tools" for a vacation, it is really essential. For example, if it is impossible to reach a compromise about the music on the car CD player, headphones for individual players could be a godsend!

Tools can also include systems for the way you handle situations. One of the major keys to success in organizing any activity is focusing on individual strengths if one child is particularly adept at photography, make them the official family photographer, while another might be a great navigator.

5. Maintain your success

At the end of each day, take a few minutes for a "Check-In" session. What was the best thing that happened that day? Why? How can we make sure we have more like it? What didn't work? Why? How can we eliminate the situation in the future? Make sure you use this process at the end of the vacation make some notes and put them in your GO System File (LINK HERE to http://productiveenvironment.com/index.asp?name= GO%5FSEMINARS&new=true&leftnav=true&lid=66) for next year's planning.

Here are some general tips you can use to ensure a great vacation:

* Choose age appropriate destinations. This doesn't mean every trip has to involve a theme park or sports event; it simply means keep the trip's educational value at a level they can comprehend and appreciate. If your children's ages span a wide range, have at least one activity geared to each child. Picking a hotel with a pool can make a big difference!

* Lay the ground rules early. Before you even leave the house, make sure your children know what is and isn't acceptable behavior on the road. As elementary as this may seem, if you don't tell your children what you expect, how can they oblige?

* Let the children pack their own suitcases as much as possible. Make sure each child has a small carry-on bag for which they are responsible. Include things they can do on the road or in the air--a walkman and tapes, comic books, handheld video games, etc.

* Decide ahead of time about seating arrangements and make contingency plans in case requested seats are not available.

* Establish a meeting place at each stop. Nothing could be worse that having a child get lost in an unfamiliar environment. Whenever you visit a location, identify a spot where the family can meet if you happen to get separated, or carry cell phones or pagers.

* Carry current photos of your children. That way others can help you locate your lost child. If your child can tell time, make sure they take a watch!

* Pack a first aid kit. Face it. Kids will be kids. That means scraped knees, bug bites, and cuts and bruises. When traveling with children, always keep a first aid kit handy.

* Check for children travel specials. Pre-planning can save you lots of money. Many airlines, restaurants, and hotels offer discounts for children, whether it's a "kids stay or eat free" deal or a "half-off children's rate." Let Internet-savvy children put their mouse to work for a happier vacation.

The most important thing to remember flexibility. Traveling with children of any age is always a challenge. Spend more time enjoying the precious memories you will be creating and less time fretting over what could go wrong. Keep your sense of humor in full swing and happy traveling.

The Bed and Breakfast Experience

The bed and breakfast experience is unique. You get the benefits of living at home with service that rivals the best hotels. If you travel to the biggest cities or the smallest towns, there is a good chance there is a Bed and Breakfast available to you.
The best bed and breakfasts are small and privately owned. The owner usually lives in the same home and will do everything they can to make sure your stay is a pleasant one. Each owner brings their own special skills to the experience. In some cases the owner was a gourmet chef and his skills make meals truly enjoyable. Warmth, coziness and good food aren't the only benefits to staying at a B&B though. Your host can fill you in on local tourist attractions, restaurants, hiking trails and other interesting things to do on your stay.
The bed and breakfast industry is huge. With over 9000 bed and breakfasts in Canada alone finding one that meets your needs can be a challenge. That's where bed and breakfast directories such as The Bed and Breakfast Connector (www.bbconnector.com) come in. They provide easy to navigate websites that help narrow down your choices to the select few you are interested in. Other good sources of information are tourism sites and regional search engines.
Once you've picked the bed and breakfast you're interested in, your next step is to make a reservation. Most bed and breakfast websites provide reservation details and contact information to make this easy. In some cases you can even make your reservation on-line. Most reservation policies require you to cancel your reservation at least several days in advance. Unlike a hotel most B&B's are small enough that a canceled reservation usually means they've missed out on other opportunities.
This is just a little sample the bed and breakfast experience. Hopefully it will encourage you to stay at a bed and breakfast in the future and not just an uncomfortable hotel room with noisy neighbors.

Top Ten Reasons To Pick A Vacation Rental

We are planning a family trip for just a few days. That is my family, my brother's family, and my other brother's family. Our mother will be joining us, too. That makes four households, seven adults and six children all under three years old. Praise to my brave (foolish?) wife who has somehow volunteered to coordinate the arrangements.

Even reserving months in advance, we were unable to get four rooms adjoining at the motel, all with the right view and on the right level. If we were going for longer, we would probably rent a house as we have done before. There are vacation rentals in almost every corner of the world, but they are particularly common in high-tourist areas like Florida, California and the Mediterranean countries.

Here is my top ten list of why a family should pick a vacation rental (and specifically a vacation rental home):

1. Not toiling to find ideal, adjoining rooms.

2. Everybody gets privacy, without having to worry about where the kids are.

3. You don't have to share the common area with strangers, but you can still lounge around together.

4. More than one bathroom. Need I say more?

5. Lots and lots and lots of more room. This is usually the main selling feature.

6. Private pool, in most cases. "Great to swim with the sound of insects....fortunately outside the 'cage'", wrote one visitor in the guestbook of Lesley & Gerry's villa. http://www.lastminutevillas.net/villa/?villa_id=15&x=21&y=7

7. Usually cost less than hotels.

8. Store cold drinks, ice creams, fresh fruit or any other snacks you fancy, which is a huge cost saver, suggests villa owner Christine Creasy. And a great convenience, too. http://www.lastminutevillas.net/villa/?villa_id=65&x=26&y=7

9. Barbecue any time you want. You can still eat out, but you don't HAVE to.

10. You don't have to take home several weeks' supply of dirty laundry.

Top Family Vacation Destinations

Planning a family beach vacation? Looking for destinations with family resorts that have fun sports and activities for the whole family, all inclusive resorts where meals are included and kid clubs? Here are some of the most popular beach destinations for families to unwind and relax:
Mexico
Mexico, especially the Cancun area, and Mayan Riviera, an hour's drive south of Cancun, is a popular place for family beach vacations. The Mayan Riviera is one of the regions of Mexico - and the world- which offers the richest variety of landscapes and archaeological treasures including Mayan ruins, coral reef, snorkelling lagoons, and eco-theme parks such as Xcaret. Hotels, resorts, restaurants, and attractions throughout Mexico welcome families with open arms.
Jamaica
Jamaica is considered by many to be the most beautiful of all the Caribbean Islands and is one of the top family-vacation destinations in the Caribbean. Many of Jamaica's resorts offer supervised children's activities, babysitters, family discounts, and kid's meals. Jamaica has an abundance of top all-inclusive chains including: Sandals Beaches, SuperClubs Breezes resorts and Club Med. There are also many other family vacation options such as the Franklyn D. Resort in Runaway Bay, Jamaica, where families have their own vacation nanny during their stay.
Turks and Caicos
On a 12-mile stretch of satiny white-sand, Beaches Turks & Caicos is one of the premier family resorts on the island.With separate programs for infants, toddlers and teens, each is designed to give each age the activities they love. So when you're off doing your thing, they're off doing theirs. There are many other resorts to stay at this idyllic family beach destination
Bahamas
Home to the Atlantis Bahamas resort and many other excellent family resorts, there will not be a dull moment on your Bahamas family vacation. Blessed with the perfect location-less than 100 miles off the coast of Florida, the perfect climate- averaging a little over 75 degrees, and the perfect surroundings-crystal clear turquoise blue waters and pearly white beaches, the Islands of the Bahamas is the perfect destination for your next family beach vacation.
Hawaii A Family Hawaii Vacation has it all. Beautiful beaches, world-class golf, surfing, shopping, swimming, top notch hotels, condominiums, eco tours, national parks, warm weather, and cool ocean breezes. The four islands that are popular for a family Hawaii Vacation are Oahu, Maui, the Big Island and Kauai.
Florida
Florida is a popular family beach destination because the climate is warm year round, it is easy to get to, it offers good value for your money, there are endless options for sightseeing and attractions for you family depending on what area you are in, and the beaches in Florida are numerous. In addition to beach destinations and of course Walt Disney World, there are tons of other family outings including Universal Studios, Sea World, Bush Gardens and many more.
Don't forget about kid cruises
This is a very popular family vacation option and my personal favorite. Cruises with kids offer great value, choice and freedom! There are a lot of misconceptions about cruising such as it is only for older people and not suited for families, it is too rigid, there is nothing to do, you'll feel trapped, you'll get seasick, it's too expensive! All is these statements are false and could not be further from the truth. Bring your kids along on almost any cruise and they'll have the time of their lives.

Is A Disneyland Vacation Right For You?

Disneyland became the very definition of a theme park and family vacation when it opened in California in July, 1955.
For decades, it has amazed kids and parents alike, with its enchanting atmosphere, great attractions and shows. It soon became a popular vacation spot for families, allowing the parent to enjoy a soothing vacation at the nearby resort, but still allowing the kids to have a blast at the park.
First-time visitors will be able to take in the Disneyland Resort with a three- or four-day visit, as opposed to the full week or more that a first-timer would need to see Disney World. That leaves a visitor with a few extra days to visit some of Southern California's other attractions, including Knott's Berry Farm, Universal Studios, and the beaches.
When going to Disneyland, think about the hotel you will stay at. It is best to stay at a hotel inside Disneyland, or in some of the Harbor Blvd hotels, which are not far from the front entrances of the park, rather than in an on- property hotel.
On the other hand, some of the on-property hotels, like Disneylands Grand California Hotel or Candy Cane Inn have done miracles to preserve the Disneyland theme. These hotels provide such an exciting experience that it would be a shame to miss.
Although getting up early is hardly what you dream about while on vacation, try to arrive early at Disney~s and use their FastPass system. FastPasses are available at the distribution center for each ride. Arriving early is advisable because only this way you can enjoy most of the rides and have unforgettable days at Disney~s.
Just put a valid park admission ticket in the machine, and it gives you a FastPass ticket for that ride. Unfortunately, it is not available for all rides, only the larger, more popular ones.
If you go to Disney~s with very young children, you can still enjoy all park~s attractions. Consider a child swap ~ i.e. one of the adults stays with the children, who are too young for a particular ride. The others from the group enjoy the ride and when they return from there, they stay with the children, while the other guy or lady has fun at the ride.
Disneyland is a great place to go to anytime of the year, since there are great shows all the time. A popular show is parades. This is a chance for kids to meet their beloved Disneyland characters and above all ~ to have their picture taken with them. Another attraction is floats of dancers, musicians, and horses. The astonishing fireworks are another great show to see at Disney~s.
Whatever rides and attractions inside Disney you visit, there is no doubt that it will be a memorable vacation for the whole family. Certainly, for children it will be a really exciting experience to visit a dream place like Disney~s but for parents, too, the time at Disney~s (and the resorts inside it) will also be a remarkable experience. And why not repeat it again next year?

Cheap Family Vacations

The real secret to cheap family vacations is to be opportunistic. When a friend offers you their cabin on the lake, say yes. Can you have as much fun at the cheaper, closer amusement park? Then that's where you need to be. Do the kids like the idea of cooking dinner over a campfire? Drive right on by that reastaurant. Find out what everyone really enjoys. It's sad to spend MORE on a trip for LESS enjoyment.
Examples Of Cheap Family Vacations
In Michigan, and many other places, you can find reasonable motels on the beach. Cheaper, and usually more scenic, are the numerous campgrounds on the beaches of Lakes Michigan, Superior, and Huron. You can find these in Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and in Ontario, Canada. Below are a couple beach-based vacation ideas.
Treasure Hunting Vacations
Two metal detectors will cost less than a few nights with the family in a hotel. Why not camp near a ghost town or beach, and spend your days hiking, exploring, and hunting buried treasure? We always find interesting things when we take our metal detector to the beach. The kids will love the adventure, and when they get bored with digging up quarters, they have swimming nearby.
Beachcombing Vacations
This is cheap, and the whole family can enjoy it. You can find all sorts of things washed up on the beaches of the Great Lakes and the Oceans. In Michigan, we used to find bouys, parts of houses, and light bulbs. The light bulbs actually worked, a mystery solved years later when a sailor told me they throw them overboard for target practice. We were finding the ones that escaped the bullets.
We also found chunks of coal that had fallen off freighters. We burned them in the campfire. We found balloons with messages attached, sea shells, fossil rocks, odd-shaped driftwood, pieces of styrofoam big enough to use as rafts, and - you get the point.
Camping Vacations
If your family is willing to live in tents for a few days, or if you already own an RV, camping is the cheapest of cheap family vacations. We recently stayed at Williams Landing in Florida for eight days. We stalked alligators, watched armadillos walk through camp, saw a dozen other forms of wildlife, and sat around the fire trading stories with new friends from England and Texas every night. The cost, including the hot showers: zero. Woodall's catalog, available at any big RV dealer has listings of free campgrounds.
Other Cheap Family Vacations
How about a Montana testicle festival? Festival vacations can keep the whole family happy. You'll usually find carnival rides, music, events, contests, and more. By the way, Montana's testicle festivals are billed as family events, but good luck trying to get the kids to eat the "Rocky Mountain Oysters."
Boondocking is all about parking your recreational vehicle where you don't have to pay. If you aren't sure that kids will enjoy being in the middle of nowhere, find a ghost town or other treasure hunting locale. In Arizona, an old Mayan Indian showed us where to look for arrowheads, semi-precious stones, and ancient pottery. The desert is a great place to escape to in the winter, and treasure hunting is cheap vacation as well.
There are many more cheap family vacations, and many ways to keep any vacation cheaper. Stock the cooler with 25 cent pop instead of paying pop-machine prices. Keep the kids full on healthy snacks to avoid restaurants. Be an opportunistic vacationer.
Steve Gillman hit the road at sixteen, and traveled the U.S. and Mexico alone at 17. Now 40, he travels with his wife Ana, whom he met in Ecuador. For more cheap vacation ideas, and to read their stories, tips and travel information, visit: http://www.EverythingAboutTravel.com

Finding Vacation Destinations

Many times, when we plan a vacation, we know where we want to go. But, perhaps you don't have a specific place in mind and are looking for some vacation destinations to choose from. The first order of business is to decide your budget. Yes, you'll have to number crunch and find out how much you want to spend. From there, finding vacation destinations is simple.
Perhaps you are looking for information on some of the big name vacation destinations such as Disney World, Las Vegas, or the Bahamas? Finding information on these vacation destinations is simple as it is everywhere you look. Or, perhaps you want a specific kind of vacation like a tropical island, a beach, or a ski resort? There are exotic vacation destinations and family oriented vacation destinations. The sky is the limit.
To find information regarding different vacation destinations, it is no longer necessary to visit the travel agent or even the library. There is a wealth of information right on the internet that you can get right from your home. It's as simple as doing a web search for one of the many vacation planning websites. One great example is www.e-travelpromos.com where you can find many choices in vacation destinations.
Now, back to the budget we go. While we can look at all kinds of vacation destinations and set our dreams high, remember to realize that all vacation destinations will cost you something. Remember to consider hotel accommodations, airfare or transportation to the location, car rentals, meals, drinks, taxes, tips, and spending money. You may choose to visit a vacation destination where there are a lot of sites to see. Realize that most likely you will need to pay a per person fee to see attractions or to rent equipment. There are many items to include in your budget. Once you have done this you can consider which vacation destination will be right for you.

Why You Should Travel

Traveling should be a part of everyone lifetime goals. Though, if it isn't a part of yours, then there's probably something you're missing. Maybe you don't realize just why traveling should be something that everyone should experience.If you want to truly experience life, you'll need to get different people's views. This will naturally come to a lot of people, but only on a limited basis. How many people do you really know? There are people at school and work and maybe you even know people at stores you shop at regularly or from church. You might know people from lots of different races too, but usually the majority of people associates with are all from the same place. This will never give you a true representation of the whole world.If you drive down to Mexico, you'll quickly feel like you've stepped into another world. People act differently in different countries and have all sorts of different traditions. If you learn to interact with different types of people, you'll be expanding yourself for the better. Better yet, if you learn and even take part in their traditions, you'll start to appreciate a new culture and have a greater understanding of the world.Once you start traveling a lot, you may start to really enjoy it and you'll definitely have favorite places. If there's someplace that you really like, maybe you should try living abroad. Learn a new language on top of new traditions. Being able to fully communicate with others is a key element in feeling like you're a part of them. You'll feel accepted and liked and you'll have a new home.Traveling has other benefits, too. Just by visiting other countries you'll get to see all the famous landmarks that you've seen on television or read about throughout your life. And not only will you get to see them, but you'll probably learn a lot about their history and have a better understanding of them when they're brought up in conversation.Eventually, after traveling enough, you'll start to appreciate a lot of things more. Even turning on the news or reading through a newspaper will become a different experience because you'll understand the places that they're talking about.Okay, so what are some places you need to visit? Everyone always right away says Europe, but Europe is a huge place with lots of countries. There really isn't a set list of places you have to visit but some of the major ones include England, Italy, France, Germany and Spain. With the current world situation it's also a good idea to visit a major country in the Middle East. Next up are Ireland and all the colder places like Switzerland and Denmark. Don't forget about Asia, too. Japan, the Philippine Islands, Malaysia. There are also plenty of places in South America.So what are you waiting for? Head down to your local travel agency and start looking through brochures or start a conversation with the travel guide and maybe you'll soon be on your way to a tropical getaway!

Vacation Packing List

The ultimate A-Z packing list for travelers heading for vacation. Every successful vacation starts with a packing list and luggage that's right for the trip. By drawing up a packing list, you can prepare ahead of time and have the confidence of knowing you are unlikely to leave anything important behind. Having a vacation packing list will allow you to stay organized, and hopefully prevent you from packing items that you don't need on vacation or are too heavy to carry. I recommend that couples divide their vacation packing list into three categories: His, Hers, and Ours. If you're going on a trip of any length, you may find that having three suitcases - his, hers, and ours - and a carry-on with mutual valuables - is the way to go.Top Tips for Packing - What to Take!b>Clothing - Choose clothes appropriate for the climate. If you are going somewhere warm and leaving a cold climate consider leaving a set of warm clothes in the car if you are leaving it at the airport, or with friends if you are being collected. - Stick with one basic colour scheme preferably a dark one which won't show marks and wrinkles so much. - Make clothing items do double duty, men's shorts can be double as swimming trunks, a woman's tankini top can be an evening top. A shirt can layer over a dress in place of a jacket. - Take multiple thinner items which can be layered instead of one bulky heavier piece. Thermal underwear is fantastic for cooler climates. - A sarong can be the most useful item you take doubling as a skirt, dress, shawl, beach towel, top sheet and a tablecloth. You can even use it as a bag in a pinch!- Shoes are always difficult: heavy and bulky. Try to wear your heaviest/bulkiest pair on the plane. I try to limit myself to 3 pairs: a pair comfortable for walking extended distances, a pair of sandals or flip flops and a dresser pair for evening!
Other Items-
A travel alarm if you don't have the function on a watch or cellphone that you are taking with you. - Prescription medicines and a copy of the prescription in case you loose your bags. If you need glasses to see make sure you have a back up: an old pair, contacts or prescription sunglasses. - Toiletries: take a minimum. If you are only going on a short trip take sample sizes or buy small containers and decant some to take with you. If, however, you are traveling for a long time then don't take 6 months supply - you can buy almost anything anywhere these days.- Liquid soap and shampoo can be used interchangeably - you don't need both. You can buy solid shave soap which is lot more compact than carrying a shaving foam aerosol. - If flying don't take brand new bottles of liquid - the liquid will expand slightly as the lower pressures on the plane and leak - use each bottle once to avoid this problem. Creams and aerosols are OK. - Make sure your toiletries bag is actually waterproof - a surprising number aren't and bottles do break. - Credit cards -preferably two in case one is lost or broken or eaten by the ATM. - Details of your insurance policy. Important phone numbers or email addresses of medical specialists, family, work, anyone you may need to contact if something occurs to delay your return.
What Not to Pack! -
Anything you are taking "just in case". If you happen to get a last minute invite to the Queen's Garden Party in England ladies will need a hat - take the opportunity to go shopping! - A cellphone unless you know it work at your destination and you know what the roaming charges are. - Anything electronic unless you are sure you can plug them in / charge them at your destination. - Anything you are sentimentally attached to or is particularly jewellery - you may have it stolen but far more likely you may just misplace it or leave it behind.
How to Pack your Bags-
Before you start lay everything out on a spare bed or other space so that you can see it all. Now might be a good time to reassess what you actually need to take! - Start collecting items a few days early - particularly if you are taking out of season clothing this is easy to do. If you are taking items you are regularly wearing it will remind you to add them to the pile as you launder them and to stop you accidentally wearing them before departure! Remember that what you are wearing on departure day is included in the pile too!
Tips for Packing a Backpack -
To get the correct weight distribution heavier items should be near your back and higher in the pack. - Use plastic bags or packing cubes to keep similar items together. - Pack electronic and breakables near the centre padding them with clothing. Putting small items inside socks can work.
Packing a suitcase -
Place heaviest items at the bottom, especially for pull along bags this adds stability. - Pack fragile items towards the centre. - Fold similar clothes together e.g. all trousers, all shirts folded together to minimise creasing and pack efficiently
What to Carry on the Aircraft -
Check what is provided by the airline before taking a lot of stuff on board. Many international airlines, particularly Asian carriers, provide an enormous number of TV channels, movies and audio options, even in coach class. There is no point bringing the DVD player or Ipod on board with them! Others typically American carriers and budget airlines provide nothing, but entertainment can be hired for a reasonable fee -which might save you carrying a DVD player all trip just to entertain the kids for the return flight! - Also check for food and drinks service - same applies - its struggle not to over-eat on airlines such as Singapore Air, Cathy Pacific and Thai - Be cautious of bringing food on flights into Australia and New Zealand, there are substantial fines for importing banned items, even inadvertently, they take their agriculture industry seriously there. - Carry on sufficient clothing in case your luggage goes AWOL for 24 hours. If you are going to a beach location or a hotel with a pool you might want to include your swimsuit as well - Carry on essential prescription medicines and their prescriptions, spare glasses if you need them. A book or two in case of delays. - If you are taking a laptop you will need to carry it on Also make sure that you can power it up if you are requested to do by security. If you have a camera or video I carry those on two just to protect them from damage or theftOther
Tips before Leaving Home-
Arrange for mail to be held or collected by neighbours. Let your neighbours know if you are going to be away. - Inform your insurance company you are going to be away - you can void your policy if you leave the house unoccupied without telling them. - Think about any bills that may come due while you are away and make arrangements - you don' want to come home to discover the power has been cut off! - Check the fridge / kitchen for perishables and dispose of them. Take the garbage out! - Clean- there is nothing worse that coming back to a dirty house - especially if you are already depressed about coming home! Even better arrange for cleaning service while you are away! - Arrange for suspension of services you are paying for but won't be using: pay-TV, broadband Internet and the 2 obvious ones. - Consider your home's security - consider a timer to turn lights on/off, ask neighbors to park their car in your drive, use your washing line. Arrange for a security patrol. Inform your security monitoring company that you will be away. Leave an emergency contact number with key people.
Media-
Cellphone and charger (compare prices) - Digital camera (compare prices), batteries, memory cards, manual - iPod (compare prices) /MP3 player and headphones, batteries, mini-speakers - Camera case - Foreign-language dictionary or phrase book - Journal/notebook and pen - Maps and directions - Mini-DVD player or DVD-capable laptop and DVDs - Reading material - Travel guide(s) - Underwater camera (compare prices)- Medical
Antibiotic cream -
Anti-diarrheal medication - Band-Aids - Birth control - Bug repellent - Cortisone 1% anti-itch cream - Extra pair of eyeglasses - For cruisers: Sea-sickness bands or pills (compare prices) - Lubricant (compare prices) - Pain reliever - Prescription medicines
Money & Documents-
Addresses for sending postcards/e-mail - Auto insurance card - Business cards - Cash - Copy of marriage license - Copy of medical history, if necessary - Copy of vacation packing list - Driver's license/international driver's license - Emergency numbers and embassy address - Frequent flyer/frequent guest cards - Paper airline tickets or e-ticket confirmation - Passports and visas, if necessary - Photo ID - Pre-paid phone card - Travelers checks and receipt (keep separate) - Vaccination certificates, if required - Vouchers/coupons/tickets - Your itinerary- Miscellaneous/
ExtrasAnti-bacterial wipes -
Bubble bath - Binoculars - Currency converter - Duct tape - Keys - Krazy Glue - Lint roller - Luggage locks approved by TSA (compare prices) - Massage oil - Plastic Zip-Loc bags - Playing cards - Q-Tips - Sports gear (tennis racquets, golf clubs, swim goggles) - Sunscreen/SPF - Sunglasses - Travel alarm clock - Travel candles - Umbrella - Zip ties (vendor's site) Menswear- Athletic shoes (vendor's site) - Belts - Boxers / Briefs - Casual shirts - Dress shoes - Hat - Oxford shirts - Pants - Pajamas / Robe - Sandals - Shirts - Shorts - Sports jacket - Swim wear - Tie - T-shirts / Undershirts - Workout clothes- Men's Toiletries- Comb / Brush - Deodorant - Floss - Lip balm - Rogaine (compare prices) , if necessary - Shaving kit / Shaving Cream - Shampoo / Conditioner / Styling Products - Toothbrush/toothpaste/mouthwash
Women's Clothing and Accessories-
Bathing suit - Bras - Panties and/or thongs - Lingerie - Costume jewelry -- earrings, necklace, bracelets - Fake diamond engagement ring (leave the real one in a safety-deposit box till you return) - Dress - Heels - Pareo/sarong/big scarf - Robe - Sandals - Shorts/Capris - Skirt - Slacks - Slip/Bodyslimmer/Spanx (compare prices) - Sneakers (vendor's site) or walking shoes - Socks - Stylish shirt - Sweater - Straw/wide-brimmed hat - Tank/halter/sleeveless tops - Workout clothes- Sundries - Baby powder - Blow dryer/straightening iron - Comb/Brush - Cosmetic case/makeup bag - Deodorant - Depilatory - Eye Shadow - Lipsticks - Blush - Mascara - Makeup remover - Facial cleanser - Moisturizer/SPF - Tampons - Toothbrush/toothpaste/mouthwash - Dental floss - Shampoo/conditioner/styling products - Scrunchies - Tweezers A vacation packing list is especially important when you're traveling to a new place for the first time.While most items left behind can be secured elsewhere, you may not have the time or budget to shop for them on your vacation. It's unlikely you'll need everything on this A-to-Z packing list, but I've tried to make it as comprehensive as possible to help you get organized. Obviously, the same vacation destination may not call for both a bathing suit and gloves or mittens...but you never know. It may occur to you that I've left jeans off the list. In tropical climates, they're too hot to wear. In Europe, they're too informal. But if you're going to some place casual, pack a pair. Good luck, and happy packing.In the worst-case scenario, your luggage disappears. Forever. But if you have a copy of your vacation packing list on you - or leave a packing list with a trusted friend or family member while on vacation, you'll have a complete record of any loss.

Luxury Packages Still Strong in Travelling

Despite the uncertain economic climate, there is still a strong appeal among well-to-do travelers for vacation packages that provide uncompromising luxury and style. This can be noted in the demand for luxury accommodations on round-the-world cruises, the appearance of new airlines specializing in Business Class and First Class seating and the occupancy rates of luxury hotels all over the world. So it’s not surprising that the South of France, a destination associated with travel elegance since the mid-1800’s, should remain popular with travel epicureans. !br> “Our bookings were very solid last year and we see the same strength in 2008,” observed Cecile Carletti, responsible for sales at the exclusive Chateau de la Chevre d’Or in Eze, France. The hotel and restaurant which has two Michelin stars and offers breath taking views of the Mediterranean Sea has three restaurants and each of its rooms and suites are individually decorated in fine, antique furniture. When asked about the weakness of the dollar against the euro Ms. Carletti shrugs her well tanned shoulders and replies, “Yes, we are aware of it of course but our guests don’t appear to be greatly affected.” Nor do the guests at another French Riviera landmark, the famous Carlton Intercontinental Hotel in Cannes. Built in 1911, the Carlton is a historic monument of Belle Époque design and construction and was the backdrop for Alfred Hitchcock’s 1956 classic movie “To Catch a Thief” with Cary Grant and the soon to be Princess Grace of Monaco. But if the luxury hotels are crowded and the top restaurants all have long waiting lists, how can discriminating travelers organize their vacation in the South of France? To serve these demanding visitors, companies like Luxury Riviera Travel have pulled together special tours. These tours are usually limited to a small number of travelers and feature four star hotel accommodations. For example, luxury tours generally feature basic programs that can be adapted to meet the needs and wants of its customers. These packages range from a gastronomic tour of Provence with stops in Michelin star properties and specially organized cooking classes by award winning chefs to packages that rent luxury yachts for a week and combines this with private on-shore visits to key points of interest. All the travelers’ needs are taken care of before they leave the States. Some programs are so all-inclusive that they include not only the top rooms in the top hotels, gourmet meals in Michelin restaurants that with drinks and wine but also private driver/guides that assure all ground transportation and excursions in luxury air-conditioned vehicles. Another major advantage of ‘super deluxe’ packages is that clients are treated as V.I.P. guests in each property. There is no language problem and, as many packages are paid in advance in U.S. dollars, no hassle over exchange rates. However, should any problems arrive it’s good to select a travel packager that is on the spot and can immediately resolve any issues without having to call the States for instructions. Paul Lacter is Director of European Operations for Luxury Riviera Travel, a leader in all-inclusive luxury vacation travel packages to the French Riviera and Provence. More information is available on luxury packages on the company website.
Luxury Riviera Travel is a leader in all-inclusive luxury vacation travel packages to the French Riviera and Provence. Learn more about us at www.luxuryriviera.com

Travel With Train

Here are some tips for planning to ride the rails as part of a family vacation: If the trip involves visiting friends or family, then your train route should probably be the most direct route available. Look for the most direct route to a destination to reduce or avoid the necessity of changing trains. This will reduce stress of the trip and the chances of missing a connecting train as a result of delays. It also reduces the risk of losing luggage. If you haven't chosen a final destination for the vacation, do some research and look into scenic train routes that will add picturesque views to the trip. For example, taking the train from Edmonton to Vancouver through the Mountains can be a thrilling adventure for kids as they watch the mountains pass by, go through tunnels and over train tressels. Children under two years and not occupying a seat are usually free on most trains - check with the rail company - when riding in parent's lap. If booking a seat, consider taking a car seat for children under two years of age. Most rail companies offer reduced rates for children under 12 years of age and if purchasing a seat for children under two. Check with the rail company for packages that may include accommodations, rental cars and discounts. If the trip is longer than six hours, consider travelling at night and booking a sleeper car - most children really enjoy sleeping in the bunks. It is more expensive to book sleepers, but it is worth it for a long trip. Take a trial run - look for a local heritage or site-seeing short duration train trip (one that is about an hour in length) to take the kids for a ride on. This gives you a chance to familiarize all of you with a train, and perhaps go over some guidelines for safety and behaviour on the train prior to the actual trip. Reserve a window seat. Ask if the seats allow seats facing each other if travelling as a family of four (2 adults/ 2 Children). This way each child has a window seat. Inquire if a dining car is available and if you can reserve a seating time - take an early seating if possible. Some trains offer special domed cars or cafe cars that may have lounges offering a chance for families to walk through the train for a change of pace. Book seats at either end of the car - especially if travelling with toddlers - this allows for walks to one end and back again. It may be a bit louder at the ends, but this may work to your advantage to muffle any noise children may be making. Ask ahead of time for priority boarding. !b>PACKING TIPSPacking for a rail trip is similar to travel by air - you may have a little more room if booking a sleeper car but most luggage should be stored in baggage. See Air Travel Tips for additional tips along with these additional suggestions for packing on a train ride: Limit each member to one carry-on piece - while the size restrictions are not as limiting as airlines, especially when travelling in a sleeper. Bring along some snacks, toys and activities to keep children occupied. Some rail lines now have activity cars that may offer board games, scheduled activities and even video games and movies. Bring comfortable shoes and a change of clothing for each member of the family. Carry all medication on board. Pack a toothbrush for each member in carryon luggage. Delays can occur so be prepared, especially if meeting a connecting flight, bus or train at your destination. Bring all baby-care items if you are travelling with an infant, including food. Bring headphones for a tape player.

ON THE TRIP:

When your family is ready and set to go on a trip, take advantage of these tips to help make your adventure an enjoyable and safe trip for all: Arrive at least an hour before your train's scheduled departure to check your luggage and give your family time to find the departure gate and familiarize yourself with the train station. Take the time to find out where you will also depart the train and pick up luggage on your return trip. If you have arranged to pre-board, or even if you haven't, ask the Ticket handler if you can pre-board with children. Review Safety Concerns with children before boarding and after you have boarded. Supervise young children when using the restroom - see Safety tips for Using Public Washrooms Settle into your seats as soon as possible to allow other passengers to settle in. Remind children to respect other passengers and Service Attendants at all times. Locate the washroom facilities. Introduce yourself to the Service Attendant and inquire where any special cars that you can visit may be and particulars of any meal service. Try to respect other passengers that may be napping or sleeping on the train - especially during the late evening and early morning hours. Feel free to tip Service Attendants. Take advantage of train stops that allow passengers to disembark for some fresh air and to stretch your legs - but make sure you reboard the train on time. Avoid high sugar and caffeine snacks and drinks for children. Ask the Service Attendant if any activity books or toys are available for children.

Travel agents

Travel agents are not considering as often as in the past due to the beginning of the Internet. However, they are still a great resource of information and provide you with an entire range of services, which will make your trip, run easily, as well as save you time, problem, and cash. Here is the process you should follow when choosing a travel agent.

Things you will need to do:

1. Date, Place, and price range of Your Trip.
2. List of agencies in your near by area.
3. List of query