If you are looking out for hotels with swimming pool and a big conference hall, larger hotels will provide you a number of additional guest facilities such as a restaurant, a swimming pool or childcare. You can consider such hotels for office get together, meetings as they have conference rooms and are also ideal for social function services. Break away from your routine life and unwind yourself.
If you have had a busy schedule in the past one month, then you deserve a break. Seek an escapade from your monotonous life style. Preparation is the key term for an enjoyable trip. Plan your destination, accommodation and your mode of transportation before hand to avoid any confusion and last minute delays. Planning ahead will save you a lot of trouble and money. Getting assistance from a tour operator will help you plan things better. This will also help you make your tour a memorable one. You can also get information from a reliable travel agency regarding travel packages. Travel agents will take care of all your needs and allow you to have a relaxed holiday. Establish how far you want to travel and the means of transportation. Will you be traveling by plane, car, train or by boat?
Keep all the information about your chosen place handy. Get a travel guide or a map to find out which are the nearest places to your chosen destination. Based on these details you can cover up more number of places in less time. Give due consideration to the amount you have set aside for your trip. Find out what are the ticket costs and accommodation charges. You can book your tickets before hand in order to procure better rates and discounts on your tickets. Plan your trip during off season as your accommodation costs are much cheaper.
Right from a luxury to budget friendly hotels, you can find them online. Seek expert’s advice on what would be the most appropriate accommodation type for you. If you want to make your trip an unusual one, choose unusual hotels such as a tree house hotels, capsule hotels, cave hotels, garden hotels, ice and snow hotels, resort type and underwater hotels.
Make all the necessary reservations, such as hotel rooms, airline and car rental reservations well in advance. By planning on time, you can have a hassle free trip to your favourite destination. Get in touch with the expert travel agent!
Gyan K, Expert author, platinum status. For more information on: Pune Hotels
Apr 5, 2009
A top class luxury hotel is expected to have a state of the art business Center at Your Disposal
In today's world, business people are searching for the 25th hour everyday. They have hectic schedules, they travel around the world, meet with people, and they can't afford to misplace even an hour in their busy schedule. So, wherever they go, they expect their places to be furnished with facilities that will help them feel comfortable and relaxed while they go about their business. This is where the hotel business centers come into play.
A top class luxury hotel is expected to have a state of the art business center to empower its customers with all the facilities that they need to make their business process a smooth and memorable one. Almost all the luxury hotels have good business centers that have all the technological facilities, where best business services are offered. They generally include a 24-hour multilingual concierge service, airline reservations, Internet access in guest accommodations, and complimentary newspapers and direct-dial multi-line telephones with voice mail, speaker and data port. Their facilities also include:
- 24-hour business services including fax delivery, photocopying, etc.
- Audiovisual equipment
- Cellular telephones
- Computers available
- International newspaper, periodicals
- Printers
- Secretarial services
- Wired or wireless, high-speed e-mail and Internet access in meeting rooms, and many more. Anyone using an Ethernet-equipped personal computer can use high-speed Internet access.
As an example, the Four Seasons hotels have made a reputation of offering one of the most advanced business centers for its guests. The business center at many Four Seasons hotels and resorts ensures secretarial and translation services and business support - from computers, printers and scanners to high-speed Internet access, photocopying and faxing facilities - are readily available.
You can download e-mails and connect to the Internet at up to 50 times the standard modem speed right from your Four Seasons meeting room. Whether a single PC or a boardroom full, this wired or wireless connection also allows you to:
- Send and receive e-mail at high speed
- Accelerate data transfer - uploads or downloads
- Connect with your company's Intranet or Extranet
- Deliver product demonstrations, training or presentations via Internet
- Offer high-tech services such as on-line registration.
So, wherever you go, you don't have the worry of your business lagging behind you, as you are always ahead of time, completely taken care of, when you stay in these luxury star hotels.
Did you find this article useful? For more useful tips and hints, points to ponder and keep in mind, techniques, and insights pertaining to Internet Business, do please browse for more information at our websites.
http://www.adsence-dollar-factory.com
A top class luxury hotel is expected to have a state of the art business center to empower its customers with all the facilities that they need to make their business process a smooth and memorable one. Almost all the luxury hotels have good business centers that have all the technological facilities, where best business services are offered. They generally include a 24-hour multilingual concierge service, airline reservations, Internet access in guest accommodations, and complimentary newspapers and direct-dial multi-line telephones with voice mail, speaker and data port. Their facilities also include:
- 24-hour business services including fax delivery, photocopying, etc.
- Audiovisual equipment
- Cellular telephones
- Computers available
- International newspaper, periodicals
- Printers
- Secretarial services
- Wired or wireless, high-speed e-mail and Internet access in meeting rooms, and many more. Anyone using an Ethernet-equipped personal computer can use high-speed Internet access.
As an example, the Four Seasons hotels have made a reputation of offering one of the most advanced business centers for its guests. The business center at many Four Seasons hotels and resorts ensures secretarial and translation services and business support - from computers, printers and scanners to high-speed Internet access, photocopying and faxing facilities - are readily available.
You can download e-mails and connect to the Internet at up to 50 times the standard modem speed right from your Four Seasons meeting room. Whether a single PC or a boardroom full, this wired or wireless connection also allows you to:
- Send and receive e-mail at high speed
- Accelerate data transfer - uploads or downloads
- Connect with your company's Intranet or Extranet
- Deliver product demonstrations, training or presentations via Internet
- Offer high-tech services such as on-line registration.
So, wherever you go, you don't have the worry of your business lagging behind you, as you are always ahead of time, completely taken care of, when you stay in these luxury star hotels.
Did you find this article useful? For more useful tips and hints, points to ponder and keep in mind, techniques, and insights pertaining to Internet Business, do please browse for more information at our websites.
http://www.adsence-dollar-factory.com
Mar 22, 2009
Top 10 All-Inclusive Vacation Destinations
Any kind of "top 10" list is bound to be subjective. There's no way around it. It is impossible to account for everyone's tastes and address every possible variable of a vacation and a resort. However, the following "Top 10 All-Inclusive Vacation Destinations" turn up again and again in listings on the Internet and in travel magazines, too. To make sure you are making the right choice, you should talk to as many people as you can who have actually been to the resort you are considering.
The idea of all-inclusive vacations is not that old, but it has caught on like wildfire because it takes much of the worry out of trip planning. It is not likely you could put together a vacation package for less than the "all inclusives" charge, but not everyone goes this route to save money. The high-end resorts of the all-inclusive variety are pricey, but there are also some bargains to be bad if you do not expect five-star amenities at three- or four-star prices. The following are not in any particular order, but many are clustered in the Caribbean because of its longstanding popularity. Princess Cruise
1. Goldeneye Resort, St. Mary, Jamaica: James Bond fans have made the Goldeneye a top pick in many resort listings. This Jamaican retreat was built by Bond novelist Ian Fleming in the 1950s and he is said to have written 14 of his "007" thrillers there. The "short report" on Goldeneye is that it is "a magical place" that provides simple luxury along with carefree, casual comfort. Many celebrities flock to this spot for the privacy, and Goldeneye’s main beach is clean, uncrowded and private with fluffy white sand and warm, crystalline waters. The 007 cachet, great privacy, good food and fabulous grounds combine to make Goldeneye a favorite all-inclusive resort.
2. Sandals Royal Bahamian, Bahamas: As a chain, the Sandals Resorts have been voted "World's Best" for the past 10+ years by travel professionals worldwide. Many longtime travel agents, who should know, believe that Sandals does "all-inclusive" better than anyone, and they should – they invented it. Sandals does everything with an unsurpassed emphasis on quality, so it is by no means a "budget" destination. This particular Sandals resort – with its offshore island, eight restaurants, seven pools, valet service and Rolls-Royce airport shuttles – will meet the demands of the most discriminating travelers.
3. Sandals Antigua Resort & Spa, Antigua: Situated on Dickenson Bay, the island's premier (and most famous) beach, this is the chain's "romantic getaway." It offers Caribbean village charm plus the refinement and luxury of a world-class, all-inclusive resort, and was voted the "World's Leading Honeymoon Resort" for four straight years. Crystal clear air and winding paths welcome you to hidden hammocks for the happy twosome.
4. Secrets Excellence, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic: Situated far from city crowds on a remote portion of Caribbean shoreline – in its own palm tree forest, no less – Secrets Excellence has everything from live stage shows, hot and happy Latin American music for dancing, a casino and horseback rides on the beach. It is perhaps the perfect adult playground, with two giant pools featuring swim-up bars a world-class spa/fitness center for workouts or relaxing massages. The resort is an adults only destination with a perfect beach and plenty to do – or not.
5. Gala Resort, Mayan Riviera, Mexico: This classically Mexican getaway is truly different, unique in every way, and proud of it. Gala offers an unparalleled vacation adventure, and its staff is committed to your enjoying your stay beyond all expectations. Featuring deluxe accommodations, attentive service, superlative dining, and activities for guests of all ages, the Gala Resort is a world-class destination that will be everything you expect, and probably more.
6. Beaches Negril, Negril, Jamaica: Set on 20 lush, jasmine-scented acres, on a prime stretch of Negril's world-famous, seven-mile beach, this resort is both charmed and charming. You are immediately enveloped in the awesome natural splendor, and when you factor in the gourmet dining, creative activities and first-class amenities, you just might think you've found paradise on earth.
7. Franklyn D Resort, Runaway Bay, Jamaica: The Franklyn D Resort wins many recommendations based on its family-friendly atmosphere and layout. This, in fact, is the resort that invented the "vacation nanny," who will look after you, your kids and your suite. The "FDR" is small and intimate, while still offering every amenity and doing so in a world-class manner. The resort has a special kids' buffet, decent adult food, an average beach and modest suite furnishings. In many visitors' opinions, the vacation nanny and staff make up for any and all shortcomings.
8. Royal Hideaway, Playacar, Mexico: This is a small gem of a resort with just 178 rooms, but there is a full activities program on a gorgeous, first-class property. Six restaurants, complete concierge service and doting poolside attendants bring a touch of luxury to the surroundings, and the champagne at check-in time signals you are in the right place. The stunning beach and the "seriously five-star" food service round out the attractions. "Classy and relaxing" is the way one reviewer described it. Although the whole family is welcome, the resort does cater to couples.
9. Harmony Club, Bermuda: The traditional Bermudan "cottage-style" architecture communicates intimacy at this private country resort. In a fabulous setting of exquisite gardens, this classic resort is near Bermuda's famed beaches, accessible to Hamilton's shops and nightspots, and boasts an abundance of elegance and a complete list of the expected amenities. Not too large, not too small, many guests have concluded that Harmony Club is "just right."
10. Iberostar Bavaro, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic: This is another all-inclusive resort in Punta Cana with high ratings from guests and good write-ups at the travel sites. The complex is dotted with buffets and restaurants, with cuisines from around the world. The disco is designed to emulate a DC6 airplane, with the nose acting as the DJ booth and the wings serving as the bars. Many visitors claim the Iberostar Bavaro has the best beach in the country, with flawless white sand and bright, turquoise waters. The individual villas are ensconced in lagoons with gardens overflowing with tropical flowers and palms. There are nine restaurants and a cozy casino, to boot.
Tourabout.com empowers your search of thousands of all inclusive vacations from the world's best vacation destinations. Visit us online and you won't need to spend hours searching dozens of websites to find your next vacation package.
Europe hotel reservation Europe travel advice, online hotels reservation, travel tips, vacation rentals. Amsterdam Hotels , Real Estate Lists , Rent moldova apartment cheap and lux aprtments for short term rental in Moldova
The idea of all-inclusive vacations is not that old, but it has caught on like wildfire because it takes much of the worry out of trip planning. It is not likely you could put together a vacation package for less than the "all inclusives" charge, but not everyone goes this route to save money. The high-end resorts of the all-inclusive variety are pricey, but there are also some bargains to be bad if you do not expect five-star amenities at three- or four-star prices. The following are not in any particular order, but many are clustered in the Caribbean because of its longstanding popularity. Princess Cruise
1. Goldeneye Resort, St. Mary, Jamaica: James Bond fans have made the Goldeneye a top pick in many resort listings. This Jamaican retreat was built by Bond novelist Ian Fleming in the 1950s and he is said to have written 14 of his "007" thrillers there. The "short report" on Goldeneye is that it is "a magical place" that provides simple luxury along with carefree, casual comfort. Many celebrities flock to this spot for the privacy, and Goldeneye’s main beach is clean, uncrowded and private with fluffy white sand and warm, crystalline waters. The 007 cachet, great privacy, good food and fabulous grounds combine to make Goldeneye a favorite all-inclusive resort.
2. Sandals Royal Bahamian, Bahamas: As a chain, the Sandals Resorts have been voted "World's Best" for the past 10+ years by travel professionals worldwide. Many longtime travel agents, who should know, believe that Sandals does "all-inclusive" better than anyone, and they should – they invented it. Sandals does everything with an unsurpassed emphasis on quality, so it is by no means a "budget" destination. This particular Sandals resort – with its offshore island, eight restaurants, seven pools, valet service and Rolls-Royce airport shuttles – will meet the demands of the most discriminating travelers.
3. Sandals Antigua Resort & Spa, Antigua: Situated on Dickenson Bay, the island's premier (and most famous) beach, this is the chain's "romantic getaway." It offers Caribbean village charm plus the refinement and luxury of a world-class, all-inclusive resort, and was voted the "World's Leading Honeymoon Resort" for four straight years. Crystal clear air and winding paths welcome you to hidden hammocks for the happy twosome.
4. Secrets Excellence, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic: Situated far from city crowds on a remote portion of Caribbean shoreline – in its own palm tree forest, no less – Secrets Excellence has everything from live stage shows, hot and happy Latin American music for dancing, a casino and horseback rides on the beach. It is perhaps the perfect adult playground, with two giant pools featuring swim-up bars a world-class spa/fitness center for workouts or relaxing massages. The resort is an adults only destination with a perfect beach and plenty to do – or not.
5. Gala Resort, Mayan Riviera, Mexico: This classically Mexican getaway is truly different, unique in every way, and proud of it. Gala offers an unparalleled vacation adventure, and its staff is committed to your enjoying your stay beyond all expectations. Featuring deluxe accommodations, attentive service, superlative dining, and activities for guests of all ages, the Gala Resort is a world-class destination that will be everything you expect, and probably more.
6. Beaches Negril, Negril, Jamaica: Set on 20 lush, jasmine-scented acres, on a prime stretch of Negril's world-famous, seven-mile beach, this resort is both charmed and charming. You are immediately enveloped in the awesome natural splendor, and when you factor in the gourmet dining, creative activities and first-class amenities, you just might think you've found paradise on earth.
7. Franklyn D Resort, Runaway Bay, Jamaica: The Franklyn D Resort wins many recommendations based on its family-friendly atmosphere and layout. This, in fact, is the resort that invented the "vacation nanny," who will look after you, your kids and your suite. The "FDR" is small and intimate, while still offering every amenity and doing so in a world-class manner. The resort has a special kids' buffet, decent adult food, an average beach and modest suite furnishings. In many visitors' opinions, the vacation nanny and staff make up for any and all shortcomings.
8. Royal Hideaway, Playacar, Mexico: This is a small gem of a resort with just 178 rooms, but there is a full activities program on a gorgeous, first-class property. Six restaurants, complete concierge service and doting poolside attendants bring a touch of luxury to the surroundings, and the champagne at check-in time signals you are in the right place. The stunning beach and the "seriously five-star" food service round out the attractions. "Classy and relaxing" is the way one reviewer described it. Although the whole family is welcome, the resort does cater to couples.
9. Harmony Club, Bermuda: The traditional Bermudan "cottage-style" architecture communicates intimacy at this private country resort. In a fabulous setting of exquisite gardens, this classic resort is near Bermuda's famed beaches, accessible to Hamilton's shops and nightspots, and boasts an abundance of elegance and a complete list of the expected amenities. Not too large, not too small, many guests have concluded that Harmony Club is "just right."
10. Iberostar Bavaro, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic: This is another all-inclusive resort in Punta Cana with high ratings from guests and good write-ups at the travel sites. The complex is dotted with buffets and restaurants, with cuisines from around the world. The disco is designed to emulate a DC6 airplane, with the nose acting as the DJ booth and the wings serving as the bars. Many visitors claim the Iberostar Bavaro has the best beach in the country, with flawless white sand and bright, turquoise waters. The individual villas are ensconced in lagoons with gardens overflowing with tropical flowers and palms. There are nine restaurants and a cozy casino, to boot.
Tourabout.com empowers your search of thousands of all inclusive vacations from the world's best vacation destinations. Visit us online and you won't need to spend hours searching dozens of websites to find your next vacation package.
Europe hotel reservation Europe travel advice, online hotels reservation, travel tips, vacation rentals. Amsterdam Hotels , Real Estate Lists , Rent moldova apartment cheap and lux aprtments for short term rental in Moldova
Feb 23, 2009
Choosing The Right Travel Company To Find The Right Vacation For You
You can count on spending a good deal of time and attending to a long list of details when you are planning any vacation. Besides the fact that you need to book flights or other transportation, and find room to pack all those “must-have” items, you need to figure out exactly what you’re going to do on that perfect vacation.
That’s where travel companies come into play. Travel companies can arrange all the details and get you to the right destination for the right price based on the specific details you give them. Naturally, doing the usual “comparison shopping” research before choosing a travel agent or company can pay off for you in a big way.
Using a travel agent or firm can even eliminate the hassle of deciding where to go if you can’t make up your mind. Why not let an expert put the time into finding the right location by researching different places, as well as helping you to get the best deals that you might not know how to make for yourself? Due to the fact that they do this for a living, good travel agents have contacts with other people in the same industry all over the world.
Just their professional planning skills alone make agents valuable, and their experience and contacts help them get lower prices than you could yourself. They can save you money on hotels, get special tour deals, arrange for vegetarian and other special menus, and get you where you're going with cheaper flights and even discount cruises. Experience travel planners know how to get first-rate travel, accommodations and service at a discount because it is their job to do so. They also know that establishing a good relationship with you, the customer, can bring them additional business in the future, from referrals as well as your own next vacation.
It’s always best not to go for the first travel company that you come across. Do your homework on this to find out if the company comes recommended by others that have used them before. Ask around and check with friends and family that might have used a particular travel agent or company, and read the travel section of a big-city newspaper to find any possible tips or suggestions.
The Internet is also a great tool to use when searching for a travel company, of course. Make sure to check in with the various travel forums and websites and keep an eye out for satisfied customers talking about the best agents and firms. It is important to establish a good working relationship quickly, and discuss your plans with someone that is easy to talk to. Communication is key and you must ensure that whoever helps you plan your trip understands what your goals (and dreams) are. When you find such a person and establish a candid relationship, you may just have found someone to help you again and again over the years.
When looking for a travel company or agent it is a good idea to search for an American Society of Travel Agents ASTA) member. This is an organization that is, in fact, a sort of cooperative “network” of travel-related businesses from all parts of the country and all niches of the travel industry. It includes not only agents and brokers, but airlines, cruise lines, hotels and concierge (personal service) firms. ASTA members can handle your vacation with a quality and professionalism that is unsurpassed. Relying on one of these professionals is a great way to reassure yourself that your vacation will go smoothly, and the ASTA connection ensures a certain level of expertise (and ethics). The ASTA will also respond quickly to any complaints about its members, so you have protection there, as well.
Remember, it is not just “okay,” but expected, for you to have questions. After all, it’s your money and vacation that are at risk. If you have found the right travel company, they will have all the right answers for you or know how to get them. Some companies even offer you the opportunity to speak with some of their past customers, whose experiences can give you valuable insight as to what you can expect with the firm.
Your travel company should always invest its full attention to the details of planning the right vacation for you and your family. Though the travel company should, first and foremost, attend to the numerous details of transportation and lodging traveling, you should always discuss the “little things” about the vacation you’re planning. Anyone helping you plan a “dream getaway” will need to know exactly what you like and what you don’t, and no issue is too small to mention. This kind of open and honest communication not only makes the planning a good experience, but will likely result in a vacation that is cost-effective, custom-tailored to your exact needs – and memorable, as well.
Tourabout.com empowers your search of thousands of all inclusive vacations from the world's best vacation destinations. Visit us online and you won't need to spend hours searching dozens of websites to find the trip you’re looking for. International Vacation Packages Book International Vacation Packages at lowest prices
That’s where travel companies come into play. Travel companies can arrange all the details and get you to the right destination for the right price based on the specific details you give them. Naturally, doing the usual “comparison shopping” research before choosing a travel agent or company can pay off for you in a big way.
Using a travel agent or firm can even eliminate the hassle of deciding where to go if you can’t make up your mind. Why not let an expert put the time into finding the right location by researching different places, as well as helping you to get the best deals that you might not know how to make for yourself? Due to the fact that they do this for a living, good travel agents have contacts with other people in the same industry all over the world.
Just their professional planning skills alone make agents valuable, and their experience and contacts help them get lower prices than you could yourself. They can save you money on hotels, get special tour deals, arrange for vegetarian and other special menus, and get you where you're going with cheaper flights and even discount cruises. Experience travel planners know how to get first-rate travel, accommodations and service at a discount because it is their job to do so. They also know that establishing a good relationship with you, the customer, can bring them additional business in the future, from referrals as well as your own next vacation.
It’s always best not to go for the first travel company that you come across. Do your homework on this to find out if the company comes recommended by others that have used them before. Ask around and check with friends and family that might have used a particular travel agent or company, and read the travel section of a big-city newspaper to find any possible tips or suggestions.
The Internet is also a great tool to use when searching for a travel company, of course. Make sure to check in with the various travel forums and websites and keep an eye out for satisfied customers talking about the best agents and firms. It is important to establish a good working relationship quickly, and discuss your plans with someone that is easy to talk to. Communication is key and you must ensure that whoever helps you plan your trip understands what your goals (and dreams) are. When you find such a person and establish a candid relationship, you may just have found someone to help you again and again over the years.
When looking for a travel company or agent it is a good idea to search for an American Society of Travel Agents ASTA) member. This is an organization that is, in fact, a sort of cooperative “network” of travel-related businesses from all parts of the country and all niches of the travel industry. It includes not only agents and brokers, but airlines, cruise lines, hotels and concierge (personal service) firms. ASTA members can handle your vacation with a quality and professionalism that is unsurpassed. Relying on one of these professionals is a great way to reassure yourself that your vacation will go smoothly, and the ASTA connection ensures a certain level of expertise (and ethics). The ASTA will also respond quickly to any complaints about its members, so you have protection there, as well.
Remember, it is not just “okay,” but expected, for you to have questions. After all, it’s your money and vacation that are at risk. If you have found the right travel company, they will have all the right answers for you or know how to get them. Some companies even offer you the opportunity to speak with some of their past customers, whose experiences can give you valuable insight as to what you can expect with the firm.
Your travel company should always invest its full attention to the details of planning the right vacation for you and your family. Though the travel company should, first and foremost, attend to the numerous details of transportation and lodging traveling, you should always discuss the “little things” about the vacation you’re planning. Anyone helping you plan a “dream getaway” will need to know exactly what you like and what you don’t, and no issue is too small to mention. This kind of open and honest communication not only makes the planning a good experience, but will likely result in a vacation that is cost-effective, custom-tailored to your exact needs – and memorable, as well.
Tourabout.com empowers your search of thousands of all inclusive vacations from the world's best vacation destinations. Visit us online and you won't need to spend hours searching dozens of websites to find the trip you’re looking for. International Vacation Packages Book International Vacation Packages at lowest prices
Feb 18, 2009
See How Easily You Can Skateboard Like a Pro
Even if you don’t become the next Tony Hawk, a multi-millionaire with video games featuring you as the main character, you can learn how to skateboard like a pro. It is not impossible as long as you have a clear understanding of what you are getting into, and how long it could take. You can’t be impatient if you want to be at the top level of any activity, whether sports, career or hobby.
If you happen to love skateboarding, and really are committed to doing whatever it takes to skateboard like a pro, or possibly even become one, then read the following steps. There is no magic to it, and there really are no secrets either. And to clear up any possible understanding about the headline, you can easily see how to skateboard like a pro, as the title says. There are plenty of books and websites to show you, and it’s easy to collect as many printed or “virtual” lessons as you need to get going with your practice. However, it will not be easy to succeed at it, because anything good (and hard to do) takes time.
Now, it would take many thousands of pages of writing and diagrams to teach you the 180 ollie, a shifty ollie, a frontside 360 and all the other moves. You can get all of that information at your own speed, and when you’re ready. For now, we’re talking about the basic action steps and attitudes that will get you a solid start. And this much is true, also, that the more disciplined, motivated and passionate you are, the easier it will seem. Even when you’re doing hard work, you don’t mind as much when you are sold out on the goal you’re working toward.
Action steps to pro skateboarding
Practice – Sure, it should go without saying, but in this day and age people seem to think that reading “a” book or watching “one” skater video is all it takes. The fact is that it takes practice, practice, and more practice. And after all that practice, you have to do one more thing – practice some more. You should skate http://www.ehow.com/how_2069886_become-pro-skateboarder.html to work, skate to school and back, hit the skateboard parks as much as possible and take your board with your at all times. You should be prepared to get in some skate time anywhere that skateboarding is allowed.
Safety – Pros are smart enough to protect their heads and limbs. You must always wear a helmet and pads (knees, elbows, perhaps gloves, too). Since you are on a mission, you will be excited at what you’re doing and may forget that the major part of learning is making mistakes. Remember, making mistakes when learning pro skateboarding techniques means falling down. Since you're going to experiment and try all kinds of new things, your need to protect yourself.
Watch videos, and make them, too – There are tons of YouTube clips and skateboarding videos to watch and study. Every one of the top pro skateboarders has videos, lots of them. While you’re learning all the moves, have a friend videotape what you’re doing so you can study yourself. Keep making videos as your skills keep getting better. Eventually, you may need to hire a real camera pro and editor so you can start posting your own clips online.
Attitude steps count, too
Have fun – You skateboard because you love it, right? If you are motivated by anything other than serious love of the board, you won’t make it to the top. And if that serious love of the board doesn’t have a big component of fun in it, you won’t make it even halfway. You won’t become a top skateboarder because you want a glamour life traveling around the world on your sponsor’s credit card. The joy in what you do, whatever it is, is infectious, and if you start moving up the ranks, it can make you really attractive to those sponsors.
First things first – Again, it seems like a no-brainer, but if you don’t have your priorities in order, you won’t make it. Practice, board knowledge, proper safety, correct exercise routines, healthy diet, clean living – all of this is part of the pro skater package. Keep things in order, and don’t forget that the only discipline that works is self-discipline. No one can do this for you, or give you what you have to practice for. The only way is hard work.
Stay balanced – Despite the fact that it is a hard road full of hard work and long hours and road rash and ankle sprains, you still have to keep balanced. Having fun, loving what you do, working hard, staying on track – all of these seemingly different things really can work together and get you where you want to go. It’s not easy to accomplish your dream, but it is easy enough to find out what to do. The difference with winners, as opposed to quitters, is that the winners take the difficulties as challenges to overcome, not obstacles to bounce off of.
Is it really you?
If you are really cut out to be a pro skater, you will be able to tackle all these steps and still be cool, still be yourself. Being centered and balanced, with family and friends behind you, is a powerful combination for success. These are the things that will help you in the long run and keep you going when times get hard, you become exhausted or you encounter new troubles along the way.
If you do start getting good, and standing out from the crowd skating around you, acting like you’re “all that” and being rude will only make you enemies. No matter how great your skateboarding http://www.ehow.com/how_2069886_become-pro-skateboarder.html skills become, there are always others who are just as good or better, so keep your ego in check. This is often difficult for young people who are also facing a lot of life changes during their teens and early 20s.
The bottom line is that you can learn to do anything you set your mind to, but you first have to find out if it’s “in your blood.” It needs to be more important than any other goal or activity if you want to work your way to the top of the pro ranks, and that’s true in business, entertainment and sports. For skateboarders working their way up, there will be dozens of moves to master, terms to know and techniques of their own to develop. With hard work and persistence, you really can do it.
Visit Skateboard-City.com to learn skateboard trick tips for guides, stances, cool moves & old school. Talk to others who share your passion for the grinds, slides and mini pipe. Bobo-Le-Forcat
If you happen to love skateboarding, and really are committed to doing whatever it takes to skateboard like a pro, or possibly even become one, then read the following steps. There is no magic to it, and there really are no secrets either. And to clear up any possible understanding about the headline, you can easily see how to skateboard like a pro, as the title says. There are plenty of books and websites to show you, and it’s easy to collect as many printed or “virtual” lessons as you need to get going with your practice. However, it will not be easy to succeed at it, because anything good (and hard to do) takes time.
Now, it would take many thousands of pages of writing and diagrams to teach you the 180 ollie, a shifty ollie, a frontside 360 and all the other moves. You can get all of that information at your own speed, and when you’re ready. For now, we’re talking about the basic action steps and attitudes that will get you a solid start. And this much is true, also, that the more disciplined, motivated and passionate you are, the easier it will seem. Even when you’re doing hard work, you don’t mind as much when you are sold out on the goal you’re working toward.
Action steps to pro skateboarding
Practice – Sure, it should go without saying, but in this day and age people seem to think that reading “a” book or watching “one” skater video is all it takes. The fact is that it takes practice, practice, and more practice. And after all that practice, you have to do one more thing – practice some more. You should skate http://www.ehow.com/how_2069886_become-pro-skateboarder.html to work, skate to school and back, hit the skateboard parks as much as possible and take your board with your at all times. You should be prepared to get in some skate time anywhere that skateboarding is allowed.
Safety – Pros are smart enough to protect their heads and limbs. You must always wear a helmet and pads (knees, elbows, perhaps gloves, too). Since you are on a mission, you will be excited at what you’re doing and may forget that the major part of learning is making mistakes. Remember, making mistakes when learning pro skateboarding techniques means falling down. Since you're going to experiment and try all kinds of new things, your need to protect yourself.
Watch videos, and make them, too – There are tons of YouTube clips and skateboarding videos to watch and study. Every one of the top pro skateboarders has videos, lots of them. While you’re learning all the moves, have a friend videotape what you’re doing so you can study yourself. Keep making videos as your skills keep getting better. Eventually, you may need to hire a real camera pro and editor so you can start posting your own clips online.
Attitude steps count, too
Have fun – You skateboard because you love it, right? If you are motivated by anything other than serious love of the board, you won’t make it to the top. And if that serious love of the board doesn’t have a big component of fun in it, you won’t make it even halfway. You won’t become a top skateboarder because you want a glamour life traveling around the world on your sponsor’s credit card. The joy in what you do, whatever it is, is infectious, and if you start moving up the ranks, it can make you really attractive to those sponsors.
First things first – Again, it seems like a no-brainer, but if you don’t have your priorities in order, you won’t make it. Practice, board knowledge, proper safety, correct exercise routines, healthy diet, clean living – all of this is part of the pro skater package. Keep things in order, and don’t forget that the only discipline that works is self-discipline. No one can do this for you, or give you what you have to practice for. The only way is hard work.
Stay balanced – Despite the fact that it is a hard road full of hard work and long hours and road rash and ankle sprains, you still have to keep balanced. Having fun, loving what you do, working hard, staying on track – all of these seemingly different things really can work together and get you where you want to go. It’s not easy to accomplish your dream, but it is easy enough to find out what to do. The difference with winners, as opposed to quitters, is that the winners take the difficulties as challenges to overcome, not obstacles to bounce off of.
Is it really you?
If you are really cut out to be a pro skater, you will be able to tackle all these steps and still be cool, still be yourself. Being centered and balanced, with family and friends behind you, is a powerful combination for success. These are the things that will help you in the long run and keep you going when times get hard, you become exhausted or you encounter new troubles along the way.
If you do start getting good, and standing out from the crowd skating around you, acting like you’re “all that” and being rude will only make you enemies. No matter how great your skateboarding http://www.ehow.com/how_2069886_become-pro-skateboarder.html skills become, there are always others who are just as good or better, so keep your ego in check. This is often difficult for young people who are also facing a lot of life changes during their teens and early 20s.
The bottom line is that you can learn to do anything you set your mind to, but you first have to find out if it’s “in your blood.” It needs to be more important than any other goal or activity if you want to work your way to the top of the pro ranks, and that’s true in business, entertainment and sports. For skateboarders working their way up, there will be dozens of moves to master, terms to know and techniques of their own to develop. With hard work and persistence, you really can do it.
Visit Skateboard-City.com to learn skateboard trick tips for guides, stances, cool moves & old school. Talk to others who share your passion for the grinds, slides and mini pipe. Bobo-Le-Forcat
Jan 23, 2009
12 Top Tips to Planning Your Holiday of a Lifetime
Many families take vacations during the holidays, but travel isn’t necessary for you and your family to enjoy a “holiday of a lifetime.” However, since interests range so widely among different people, we will break this article in half and give you six top tips for a holiday vacation, and six top tips for general holiday wonderfulness!
Since the first set of tips does involve some cost (perhaps a great deal), the tips will focus on getting the highest value for the money, which is a bit different than just trying to spend the least amount of money. For penny-pinchers, of course, these tips will serve as pointers to money-saving deals and ideas. There is a lot to be learned about traveling on a budget, by everyone, regardless of what you want to spend.
The other “general” holiday tips will concentrate on bringing the family together, as opposed to spending money and not getting involved in any more than wrapping a present. The holidays are for kids and families, first of all, so there will be some ideas on how to have fun and enjoy other. Since most people get to the end of their lives and wish they’d spent more time with family, following some of these general, family-oriented tips truly could be a life-changing experience.
Vacation and travel tips
Here are the best six tips for setting up a holiday vacation of a lifetime:
Stop searching and be found – The advent of RSS (Real Simple Syndication) news feeds means that news, information and web resources will be sent to you by subscription. When you find a great source for tickets, lodging or vacation packages, look for the small, orange, square button in your browser toolbar, or search the site for “RSS,” then click and set up your “feed.” In Internet Explorer, your feeds can be found in your IE favorites area.
Let your email help – These same sites may also send regular newsletter or sales announcements by email, and sites without RSS will normally offer this service. Subscribe to some good, reputable sites and the information will be delivered to you daily, weekly or (sometimes) on a schedule of your choosing.
Comparison shopping – There are various sites, like traveljungle.com or travelsupermarket.com, where you can compare offerings from travel agencies and brokers from around the world. That holiday vacation of a lifetime just might be part of a package deal that you will find this way.
Forget the hotel bill – The less you spend on accommodations, the more you can spend skiing or sailing or trekking around the island of Malta. If “home exchange” sounds like a strange concept to you, do some Googling and you will discover that it is a low-cost way for travelers to trade their house in New Jersey for a small villa in Spain. Homes can even come with a car, or household help, as part of a package deal, so check on this option carefully at such websites as Digsville. This site, like similar ones, has listings around the world. A beachfront bungalow in the South Pacific, a ranch home in the wilds of Australia or an apartment in central Tokyo can be yours with the right trade, the right timing and the right arrangements.
Skip the driving – If you're going to vacation in a big city, you can probably have a great time without a car. Driving a car overseas can be stressful and public transportation, bikes and taxis are all possible replacements. This is also a good way to “go native” and see how the locals really live day to day.
Discount dining – If your vacation trip will be a few weeks or more, consider preparing some of your own meals. You can save a good deal of money since eating out three times a day can add up quickly. Shopping at local markets and food stores is also a fabulous way to learn the language, interact with the local culture and meet the “real people” of the country, instead of the country’s tourism professionals.
Family holiday tips
There are more ways to create a memorable holiday season than traveling. Staying home and enjoying family is always a popular holiday plan. Here are some interesting tips on creating a holiday to remember.
Create gift certificates – You can make your own gift certificates to give people what they really want, or really need. Try giving a coworker a certificate for a home-cooked meal, or gift certificate of babysitting so a friend or family member can enjoy a day or night off. For children, you can make gift cards for family bike rides, board game tournaments or breakfast in bed. Not only are these gifts cost-effective, they promote the bonds of friendship, and isn’t that a great gift?
Turn on the tunes – After a holiday dinner, you can work off some of the pumpkin pie by dancing as a group, playing musical chairs or having “the youngsters” show the “old timers” all the new dance steps. Conversely, parents can teach their children the dance steps that were popular in “the old days.”
Energetic kid stuff – You can design a family “obstacle course” in the back yard that could include hula hoops, calisthenics, jumping jacks and other activities. No one has to compete with anyone else, it can just be for fun – as well as some great photo opportunities.
Walk together for a good cause – Find a charity walk-a-thon to join together, as a couple, a family or even in a neighborhood contingent. If you find an event a few months into the New Year, it can help participants stay motivated on their New Year's Resolutions.
Healthy cooking feast – Get the family and/or a group of friends together for a healthy holiday meal, where everyone can participate in making the holiday feast. You can enjoy a party atmosphere while learning healthy new recipes for the New Year.
Stories, new and old – Sit together around a fireplace, or the after-dinner table, and have everyone tell a personal story with a holiday theme. Even better, talk about the stories that you are creating that very day, and imagine how it will be 10 or 15 years hence to talk about this particular night.
It’s all about people
The holidays do not have to be an over-commercialized nightmare of buying, wrapping, giving and getting presents. Not all gifts come in packages, and people of all ages can stand to learn this lesson again, even if for the 100th time: Holidays are about people, the people you live with, love and would miss if they moved (or passed) away.
Be grateful for family, friends and community during the holidays. Whether you travel to the Bahamas, or no farther than your living room, what matters is being grateful for the time together and using it to best advantage. Be slow to anger, quick to forgive and ready to do a kindness, and your holidays will be special whether you have a dollar or a million of them. Remember what is truly valuable, and you will keep things in their proper perspective.
Tourabout.com empowers your search of thousands of all inclusive vacations from the world's best vacation destinations. Visit us online and you won't need to spend hours searching dozens of websites to find the trip you’re looking for.
Hotel Basel
Romantic hotel in historic castle with excellent restaurant, located in Binningen, near Basel, Switzerland.
Embassy Visa Consulate Information Allembassyonline – Directory and search engine for embassy, consulate, visa, travel search worldwide.
Since the first set of tips does involve some cost (perhaps a great deal), the tips will focus on getting the highest value for the money, which is a bit different than just trying to spend the least amount of money. For penny-pinchers, of course, these tips will serve as pointers to money-saving deals and ideas. There is a lot to be learned about traveling on a budget, by everyone, regardless of what you want to spend.
The other “general” holiday tips will concentrate on bringing the family together, as opposed to spending money and not getting involved in any more than wrapping a present. The holidays are for kids and families, first of all, so there will be some ideas on how to have fun and enjoy other. Since most people get to the end of their lives and wish they’d spent more time with family, following some of these general, family-oriented tips truly could be a life-changing experience.
Vacation and travel tips
Here are the best six tips for setting up a holiday vacation of a lifetime:
Stop searching and be found – The advent of RSS (Real Simple Syndication) news feeds means that news, information and web resources will be sent to you by subscription. When you find a great source for tickets, lodging or vacation packages, look for the small, orange, square button in your browser toolbar, or search the site for “RSS,” then click and set up your “feed.” In Internet Explorer, your feeds can be found in your IE favorites area.
Let your email help – These same sites may also send regular newsletter or sales announcements by email, and sites without RSS will normally offer this service. Subscribe to some good, reputable sites and the information will be delivered to you daily, weekly or (sometimes) on a schedule of your choosing.
Comparison shopping – There are various sites, like traveljungle.com or travelsupermarket.com, where you can compare offerings from travel agencies and brokers from around the world. That holiday vacation of a lifetime just might be part of a package deal that you will find this way.
Forget the hotel bill – The less you spend on accommodations, the more you can spend skiing or sailing or trekking around the island of Malta. If “home exchange” sounds like a strange concept to you, do some Googling and you will discover that it is a low-cost way for travelers to trade their house in New Jersey for a small villa in Spain. Homes can even come with a car, or household help, as part of a package deal, so check on this option carefully at such websites as Digsville. This site, like similar ones, has listings around the world. A beachfront bungalow in the South Pacific, a ranch home in the wilds of Australia or an apartment in central Tokyo can be yours with the right trade, the right timing and the right arrangements.
Skip the driving – If you're going to vacation in a big city, you can probably have a great time without a car. Driving a car overseas can be stressful and public transportation, bikes and taxis are all possible replacements. This is also a good way to “go native” and see how the locals really live day to day.
Discount dining – If your vacation trip will be a few weeks or more, consider preparing some of your own meals. You can save a good deal of money since eating out three times a day can add up quickly. Shopping at local markets and food stores is also a fabulous way to learn the language, interact with the local culture and meet the “real people” of the country, instead of the country’s tourism professionals.
Family holiday tips
There are more ways to create a memorable holiday season than traveling. Staying home and enjoying family is always a popular holiday plan. Here are some interesting tips on creating a holiday to remember.
Create gift certificates – You can make your own gift certificates to give people what they really want, or really need. Try giving a coworker a certificate for a home-cooked meal, or gift certificate of babysitting so a friend or family member can enjoy a day or night off. For children, you can make gift cards for family bike rides, board game tournaments or breakfast in bed. Not only are these gifts cost-effective, they promote the bonds of friendship, and isn’t that a great gift?
Turn on the tunes – After a holiday dinner, you can work off some of the pumpkin pie by dancing as a group, playing musical chairs or having “the youngsters” show the “old timers” all the new dance steps. Conversely, parents can teach their children the dance steps that were popular in “the old days.”
Energetic kid stuff – You can design a family “obstacle course” in the back yard that could include hula hoops, calisthenics, jumping jacks and other activities. No one has to compete with anyone else, it can just be for fun – as well as some great photo opportunities.
Walk together for a good cause – Find a charity walk-a-thon to join together, as a couple, a family or even in a neighborhood contingent. If you find an event a few months into the New Year, it can help participants stay motivated on their New Year's Resolutions.
Healthy cooking feast – Get the family and/or a group of friends together for a healthy holiday meal, where everyone can participate in making the holiday feast. You can enjoy a party atmosphere while learning healthy new recipes for the New Year.
Stories, new and old – Sit together around a fireplace, or the after-dinner table, and have everyone tell a personal story with a holiday theme. Even better, talk about the stories that you are creating that very day, and imagine how it will be 10 or 15 years hence to talk about this particular night.
It’s all about people
The holidays do not have to be an over-commercialized nightmare of buying, wrapping, giving and getting presents. Not all gifts come in packages, and people of all ages can stand to learn this lesson again, even if for the 100th time: Holidays are about people, the people you live with, love and would miss if they moved (or passed) away.
Be grateful for family, friends and community during the holidays. Whether you travel to the Bahamas, or no farther than your living room, what matters is being grateful for the time together and using it to best advantage. Be slow to anger, quick to forgive and ready to do a kindness, and your holidays will be special whether you have a dollar or a million of them. Remember what is truly valuable, and you will keep things in their proper perspective.
Tourabout.com empowers your search of thousands of all inclusive vacations from the world's best vacation destinations. Visit us online and you won't need to spend hours searching dozens of websites to find the trip you’re looking for.
Hotel Basel
Romantic hotel in historic castle with excellent restaurant, located in Binningen, near Basel, Switzerland.
Embassy Visa Consulate Information Allembassyonline – Directory and search engine for embassy, consulate, visa, travel search worldwide.
Jan 11, 2009
15 Things No Traveler Should Leave Home Without
Whether your trip is a three hour ride to Dublin, OH or a 13 hour flight to Dublin, Ireland, there are certain items that every traveler should pack. This list doesn’t include those essential items – passports, money, ID, prescriptions, eyeglasses, contacts, hearing aids, etc. – that we’ll assume you’re smart enough to think of on your own. This list covers the things you might not think about, as well as some items that will just make any trip to anywhere a little more enjoyable.
1.) Travel plan – Unless you’re taking a packaged tour of some sort, you’re going to have to put some thought into your holiday. Now, you don’t have to lay out every second of every day, but having a general idea of what you’d like to do, places you’d like to visit, events you’d like to attend and activities you’d like to try once you get there will make the trip much less stressful and more relaxing.
2.) Maps and guides – These will help you execute your travel plan. You can locate the sights, navigate the streets, motor the roads – in short, organize your travel plans so that you don’t waste time, miss any important times or “must see” items on your itinerary.
3.) Camera – A good, lightweight, small digital is the way to go. Just remember to pack an extra card or two, and batteries. Nothing ruins that perfect sunset like not being able to capture it for posterity.
4.) Portable electronic translator – Learning the language is always the best route to go, but even the best language course may not cover everything a traveler needs to say. Do your homework, though, as this is one item that can be a pricey waste of time and money, especially if it doesn’t include the language you need or is too cumbersome to use.
5.) Digital voice recorder –You can use it for everything from remembering what time you need to be at the train station to which market stall had the best price on souvenir t-shirts. They come in handy for recording directions given by the concierge, the guy on the street or the cab driver, too.
6.) iPod, mp3 player, handheld video game, novels, puzzle books or other personal entertainments of your choice – From waiting at the airport or train station to avoiding talking to the guy next to you on the bus, these can make the time go by that much faster. Don’t forget to bring batteries, chargers and other necessities to make your electronic “toys” last the trip.
7.) Power converter kit – If you travel out of country to various destinations a great deal, one of the multi-unit kits would be your best option. Otherwise, you can just get the converters specific to your destination. There’s nothing like remembering the hair dryer, then not being able to use it.
8.) Snacks and water bottles – These aren’t just good for the airplane, train or bus. When that “great” little restaurant turns out to be a disappointment, or the rain ruins your planned day at the beach, having some comfort food from home can ease your pains. Traveling can be very dehydrating, too. Remember to drink adequate water.
9.) First Aid kit – You don’t have to be stuck in the wilds of Africa to need emergency medical supplies. Traveling can involve scrapes, sprains, headaches, dry eyes, chapped lips – you name it. Taking your own supplies can save you the trouble of finding what you need in a strange place when you’re not at your best.
10.) LED pen – These nifty little critters have many uses to the traveler. They are smaller and lighter than your average flashlight and don’t require batteries. They can illuminate your book on the plane so you don’t disturb your seatmate, light your way in an unfamiliar hotel room or ship cabin, or guide you down a dark beach path without worry.
11.) Microfiber wash cloth and towel – Lightweight and easy to roll or fold into compact sizes, these make an excellent addition to your carry on. Hotel towels can be scratchy or thin. You can avoid an unexpected allergy to foreign laundry soap. You can even enjoy a refreshing wash-up in a public washroom without having to worry about drip drying or using paper towels. Add a bottle of hand sanitizer or wet wipes to your carry on, too, just in case there’s no water available.
12.) Laundry wash kit and clothes pins – Several travel companies sell wash kits so you can hand wash your clothing and hang it up in your room to dry. Not only does this save on laundry service fees, but it allows you the luxury of packing less clothing for the trip. The clothes pins aren’t just for your socks, either. Hold curtains closed, clip receipts together, convert hangers for pants or skirts – you name it.
13.) Handle scale – While not as essential as some items, if you tend to over pack, or under pack and purchase items while you are traveling, one of these can really save you time and money. With the newer airline weight restrictions, paying $10 for a scale you attach to your luggage handle is certainly better than the $25 or $30 dollar fine for overweight bags.
14.) Travel alarm clock – Jet lag is no one’s friend, and oversleeping is always a possibility when your body is out of sync with the local time zone. Most of these cost less than $10, and some even have a snooze function, for when those 5 extra minutes make all the difference.
15.) Pen and journal – The low tech essential every traveler should include on their “must have” list. Don’t trust your memory to safe-guarding your holiday experiences. You don’t have to be Hemingway to jot down your impressions of a new sight, sound, taste or adventure, either. A few words a day can create a lasting memento no photo or postcard could ever match. 12-volt-Travel.com offers everything you could ever think of in travel needs. From the 12 volt lcd tv, jumpstart systems, flashlights & accessories. Visit us online.
1.) Travel plan – Unless you’re taking a packaged tour of some sort, you’re going to have to put some thought into your holiday. Now, you don’t have to lay out every second of every day, but having a general idea of what you’d like to do, places you’d like to visit, events you’d like to attend and activities you’d like to try once you get there will make the trip much less stressful and more relaxing.
2.) Maps and guides – These will help you execute your travel plan. You can locate the sights, navigate the streets, motor the roads – in short, organize your travel plans so that you don’t waste time, miss any important times or “must see” items on your itinerary.
3.) Camera – A good, lightweight, small digital is the way to go. Just remember to pack an extra card or two, and batteries. Nothing ruins that perfect sunset like not being able to capture it for posterity.
4.) Portable electronic translator – Learning the language is always the best route to go, but even the best language course may not cover everything a traveler needs to say. Do your homework, though, as this is one item that can be a pricey waste of time and money, especially if it doesn’t include the language you need or is too cumbersome to use.
5.) Digital voice recorder –You can use it for everything from remembering what time you need to be at the train station to which market stall had the best price on souvenir t-shirts. They come in handy for recording directions given by the concierge, the guy on the street or the cab driver, too.
6.) iPod, mp3 player, handheld video game, novels, puzzle books or other personal entertainments of your choice – From waiting at the airport or train station to avoiding talking to the guy next to you on the bus, these can make the time go by that much faster. Don’t forget to bring batteries, chargers and other necessities to make your electronic “toys” last the trip.
7.) Power converter kit – If you travel out of country to various destinations a great deal, one of the multi-unit kits would be your best option. Otherwise, you can just get the converters specific to your destination. There’s nothing like remembering the hair dryer, then not being able to use it.
8.) Snacks and water bottles – These aren’t just good for the airplane, train or bus. When that “great” little restaurant turns out to be a disappointment, or the rain ruins your planned day at the beach, having some comfort food from home can ease your pains. Traveling can be very dehydrating, too. Remember to drink adequate water.
9.) First Aid kit – You don’t have to be stuck in the wilds of Africa to need emergency medical supplies. Traveling can involve scrapes, sprains, headaches, dry eyes, chapped lips – you name it. Taking your own supplies can save you the trouble of finding what you need in a strange place when you’re not at your best.
10.) LED pen – These nifty little critters have many uses to the traveler. They are smaller and lighter than your average flashlight and don’t require batteries. They can illuminate your book on the plane so you don’t disturb your seatmate, light your way in an unfamiliar hotel room or ship cabin, or guide you down a dark beach path without worry.
11.) Microfiber wash cloth and towel – Lightweight and easy to roll or fold into compact sizes, these make an excellent addition to your carry on. Hotel towels can be scratchy or thin. You can avoid an unexpected allergy to foreign laundry soap. You can even enjoy a refreshing wash-up in a public washroom without having to worry about drip drying or using paper towels. Add a bottle of hand sanitizer or wet wipes to your carry on, too, just in case there’s no water available.
12.) Laundry wash kit and clothes pins – Several travel companies sell wash kits so you can hand wash your clothing and hang it up in your room to dry. Not only does this save on laundry service fees, but it allows you the luxury of packing less clothing for the trip. The clothes pins aren’t just for your socks, either. Hold curtains closed, clip receipts together, convert hangers for pants or skirts – you name it.
13.) Handle scale – While not as essential as some items, if you tend to over pack, or under pack and purchase items while you are traveling, one of these can really save you time and money. With the newer airline weight restrictions, paying $10 for a scale you attach to your luggage handle is certainly better than the $25 or $30 dollar fine for overweight bags.
14.) Travel alarm clock – Jet lag is no one’s friend, and oversleeping is always a possibility when your body is out of sync with the local time zone. Most of these cost less than $10, and some even have a snooze function, for when those 5 extra minutes make all the difference.
15.) Pen and journal – The low tech essential every traveler should include on their “must have” list. Don’t trust your memory to safe-guarding your holiday experiences. You don’t have to be Hemingway to jot down your impressions of a new sight, sound, taste or adventure, either. A few words a day can create a lasting memento no photo or postcard could ever match. 12-volt-Travel.com offers everything you could ever think of in travel needs. From the 12 volt lcd tv, jumpstart systems, flashlights & accessories. Visit us online.
Dec 22, 2008
11 Tips to Make Traveling Fun
Packing a bag and hitting the road with family is always a fun and exciting adventure. It’s also a great way to spend quality time with your loved ones that seems harder and harder to come by these days.
Whether you are renting an RV for a cross-country trip or you are catching a flight to a far-off destination, it is always best to plan ahead. People are used to making lists – of what clothes, personal items, books, medicine, etc., to pack – to ensure that the trip starts smoothly. But here we have a list for you to read, of 11 tips that may help the family trip go smoothly from start to finish.
1. Allow your family, especially the kids, to help plan the trip. This can be fun for the entire family to be involved in, and starts things out with a common effort toward a common goal.
2. Have both a travel itinerary and an activity itinerary. The first one, of course, tells you where your flight departs from or what roads you’ll be driving. The latter is just a simple list of activities that you and your family plan on doing after you arrive. It can help things go a little smoother at times, especially if you are able to choose from several different activities for each day.
3. Bring a snack or picnic lunch if you’re traveling on the road. All parents know that kids can get hungry fast. Bringing snacks and drinks can assure you that they won’t be hungry. It is also nice to stop off at a park or rest stop and have a picnic lunch together outside.
4. Packing your luggage the night before you leave may not sound like fun. But packing ahead of time is essential, especially with kids, and getting them involved in the packing is what can make it fun (particularly for them). Packing the night before the trip will help you to remember what you need, and making a list beforehand of items that you will need to bring also speeds the process.
5. Bring lots of activities for long road trips or flights, as these can be boring for anyone, and again, especially for the kids. Puzzles, magazines, coloring books and/or a CD or DVD player can help ease the tension of a long trip.
6. Stop along the way. Take some time out to stop along the way at some of the sites that you are sure to pass on your adventuresome road trip. Depending on where you are, and if you’re driving through new and fascinating territory, this can be very exciting for the entire family. Don’t forget to take pictures of any famous or unique landmarks or scenery, which leads to the next point.
7. Take lots of photos, period. Taking pictures on your trip will capture memories that will last a lifetime, and it’s great fun, too. Allow your entire family to be involved in the picture taking (yes, even the kids). This way they have the opportunity to capture some of the excitement on film, too. If you also bring a video camera, you can teach your children the proper way to use it and that will make them feel more involved. And don’t forget to ham it up and mug for the camera!
8. Why not take the train? If you’re traveling with children, a train might be a better choice than either a car or a plane. Everyone knows how confined an airplane can be. When it comes to kids, they like as much freedom to move as possible. A train can provide a comfortable, safe and roomy way for the whole family to travel, and it’s a rare adventure these days.
9. Research your trip and destination on the Internet. Doing some research before the trip can be a time-saver. If you have teenagers that love to be on the Internet, have them take some time to research your destination. This will give them some useful knowledge of the place, as well as make them feel like they are helping with the trip planning. It will also be fun for them to be the “expert” upon your arrival, teaching the rest of the family what they found out.
10. Booking child-friendly accommodations will allow you to use all the other ideas you’ve developed with the help of this article. If you plan to stay in a hotel at your flight destination, or one or more along the way on a road trip, find out what activities are available for your children. Check on spas and other services for yourself, too, since you will want to have fun, also.
11. Finally, if you expect the unexpected, and prepare for adversity, you will not allow unforeseen events to spoil your fun. You never know what you might be getting into when planning a vacation, as there are so many things to consider. Using these tips can help your vacation be a successful one, just as following a simple list can make a huge difference. Think of as many details as possible, from extra batteries and a first-aid kit to plastic garbage bags for dirty laundry and a couple of rolls of quarters for video game arcades.
In addition to these 11 tips, it is also recommended that a good vacation plan include a budget, preferably one that will be paid for with money that was put away just for this purpose. Saving up for the trip is also something that the whole family can get behind, and even make enjoyable. You can set up a common savings jar at home, or one for each child so they can compete with their nickels and dimes. Both kids and parents can contribute, and the smallest bit pocket change can help build a healthy vacation fund.
Although tedious at times, traveling is also very exciting and a source of great, good fun for the entire family. This is true before, during and even after the vacation. You have seen how fun it can be to plan and save for the vacation beforehand, and during the trip you can all get to know one another better while having fun with both planned and unplanned activities. And finally, after your vacation, you will bring home pictures, souvenirs, stories and some great memories to share with others.Tag My Bags is a supplier of personalized luggage tags online. When you want to find your back quickly and easily – visit TagMyBags.com. The only supplier of licensed Disney luggage tags.
Whether you are renting an RV for a cross-country trip or you are catching a flight to a far-off destination, it is always best to plan ahead. People are used to making lists – of what clothes, personal items, books, medicine, etc., to pack – to ensure that the trip starts smoothly. But here we have a list for you to read, of 11 tips that may help the family trip go smoothly from start to finish.
1. Allow your family, especially the kids, to help plan the trip. This can be fun for the entire family to be involved in, and starts things out with a common effort toward a common goal.
2. Have both a travel itinerary and an activity itinerary. The first one, of course, tells you where your flight departs from or what roads you’ll be driving. The latter is just a simple list of activities that you and your family plan on doing after you arrive. It can help things go a little smoother at times, especially if you are able to choose from several different activities for each day.
3. Bring a snack or picnic lunch if you’re traveling on the road. All parents know that kids can get hungry fast. Bringing snacks and drinks can assure you that they won’t be hungry. It is also nice to stop off at a park or rest stop and have a picnic lunch together outside.
4. Packing your luggage the night before you leave may not sound like fun. But packing ahead of time is essential, especially with kids, and getting them involved in the packing is what can make it fun (particularly for them). Packing the night before the trip will help you to remember what you need, and making a list beforehand of items that you will need to bring also speeds the process.
5. Bring lots of activities for long road trips or flights, as these can be boring for anyone, and again, especially for the kids. Puzzles, magazines, coloring books and/or a CD or DVD player can help ease the tension of a long trip.
6. Stop along the way. Take some time out to stop along the way at some of the sites that you are sure to pass on your adventuresome road trip. Depending on where you are, and if you’re driving through new and fascinating territory, this can be very exciting for the entire family. Don’t forget to take pictures of any famous or unique landmarks or scenery, which leads to the next point.
7. Take lots of photos, period. Taking pictures on your trip will capture memories that will last a lifetime, and it’s great fun, too. Allow your entire family to be involved in the picture taking (yes, even the kids). This way they have the opportunity to capture some of the excitement on film, too. If you also bring a video camera, you can teach your children the proper way to use it and that will make them feel more involved. And don’t forget to ham it up and mug for the camera!
8. Why not take the train? If you’re traveling with children, a train might be a better choice than either a car or a plane. Everyone knows how confined an airplane can be. When it comes to kids, they like as much freedom to move as possible. A train can provide a comfortable, safe and roomy way for the whole family to travel, and it’s a rare adventure these days.
9. Research your trip and destination on the Internet. Doing some research before the trip can be a time-saver. If you have teenagers that love to be on the Internet, have them take some time to research your destination. This will give them some useful knowledge of the place, as well as make them feel like they are helping with the trip planning. It will also be fun for them to be the “expert” upon your arrival, teaching the rest of the family what they found out.
10. Booking child-friendly accommodations will allow you to use all the other ideas you’ve developed with the help of this article. If you plan to stay in a hotel at your flight destination, or one or more along the way on a road trip, find out what activities are available for your children. Check on spas and other services for yourself, too, since you will want to have fun, also.
11. Finally, if you expect the unexpected, and prepare for adversity, you will not allow unforeseen events to spoil your fun. You never know what you might be getting into when planning a vacation, as there are so many things to consider. Using these tips can help your vacation be a successful one, just as following a simple list can make a huge difference. Think of as many details as possible, from extra batteries and a first-aid kit to plastic garbage bags for dirty laundry and a couple of rolls of quarters for video game arcades.
In addition to these 11 tips, it is also recommended that a good vacation plan include a budget, preferably one that will be paid for with money that was put away just for this purpose. Saving up for the trip is also something that the whole family can get behind, and even make enjoyable. You can set up a common savings jar at home, or one for each child so they can compete with their nickels and dimes. Both kids and parents can contribute, and the smallest bit pocket change can help build a healthy vacation fund.
Although tedious at times, traveling is also very exciting and a source of great, good fun for the entire family. This is true before, during and even after the vacation. You have seen how fun it can be to plan and save for the vacation beforehand, and during the trip you can all get to know one another better while having fun with both planned and unplanned activities. And finally, after your vacation, you will bring home pictures, souvenirs, stories and some great memories to share with others.Tag My Bags is a supplier of personalized luggage tags online. When you want to find your back quickly and easily – visit TagMyBags.com. The only supplier of licensed Disney luggage tags.
Nov 20, 2008
Memorable Festivals
The earliest is the San Sebastian Drum Festival during the month of January. The celebration is marked by a parade of people marching while playing drums on the first night of the month. The participants usually paraded through the entire city. The following day, the Child Drummer’ Ceremony commenced also called Tamborrada Infantil.In Valencia, the spring starts with the Fallas de San Jose festival. Gigantic cardboard monuments called ninots are carefully made in a competition that involves art. Around 700 of the ninots are erected on streets and will be lightened up on the 19th showing off a spectacle of light, sounds and firework displays. The most voted ninots will not be burned with the others and will be later on the collection of the Fallero Museum.Red wine and seafoods are free during the celebration of the Romeria Vikinga, a marvelous celebration in Pontevedra in honor of the Christian natives who fought against the attack of Vikings. After the free food and wine, celebrants dances with the sounds from bagpipes. Everyone participates in the re-enactment of this invasion. Locals come dressed in pirates and native attire.Other dancing activities are held in La Borbollal, Asturias for their fiesta. Musicians and dancers perform and sing for the Virgin. This festival is celebrated in the middle of the month of August until September.In addition, of course found here is the famous food fight, La Tomatina. Both local and tourist happily enjoy tomato wars during the last Wednesday of August. Prime targets by this tomato-throwing crowd are those people wearing a cap or holding a camera. It is a whole day of fun.Other Spain festivals that interesting are the fiesta de Verano, Festes de Sants, Dia de Asturias and Misterio de Elche. Read More.....
12 Key Tips on Investing in Real Estate
The idea of owning a piece of real estate has always been popular, but once again it seems to be gaining a lot of new fans. Many investors have grown tired of the ups and downs of the stock market, and see the current slump in real estate prices as an obvious “buying opportunity.”
Owning real estate used to be the easiest way to climb your way to the top of the money tree. It may not be so easy now, and you should probably forget about the once-popular practice of “flipping” properties. It is probably advisable to look at real estate the way our grandparents did, as something to hold onto. This doesn’t mean a lifelong investment, necessarily, but in today’s soft markets you are not going to buy one week and sell at a profit the next. Those days are gone, perhaps for a very long time. Time, of course, will tell!
Once you have made the final decision to purchase property as an investment, the real hard work begins. Finding a piece of property that is going to be right for you and your particular needs takes time. It also takes a lot of reading, talking, using connections – and a whole lot of research. Here are 12 tips to help you get started, whatever the market conditions and wherever you happen to be, both financially and geographically:
1. When investing in real estate don’t be shy about taking advice from the experts and the financial institutions that are more knowledgeable. Getting good advice and the proper guidance will assure that your buying experience will be positive one. Therefore it is important to gather good, current, usable information from reliable sources.
2. Planning ahead is a key element in a successful real estate investment. Before you decide to put a good portion (or all) of your life savings into property, be meticulous about the planning of the entire venture. This includes the location of the property, the development and how it will eventually profit you.
3. Buy a fixer-upper. This can be a worthy investment in the longer-term sense, as you will be investing “sweat equity” over time rather than cash right away. Your time has value, certainly, but there is greater flexibility when you do the work yourself.
4. Once you acquire a property, use it as a rental. This is a pretty straightforward way of obtaining a steady monthly income. If you decide to do this, make sure that you have an arrangement with the tenants in the form of a legal lease agreement. That way there is no confusion on how the property should be maintained. If you can have tenants ready as soon as the property is secured, all the better.
5. Find a motivated seller. Sellers usually are more inclined to sell faster when there are other factors involved. Usually this includes the loss of employment, relocation, divorce or illness. Keep your eyes and ears open, and talk to as many people as possible.
6. Make an offer. After you’ve invested all of those long hard hours into the research, it’s finally time to put the pen to paper. Be sure that you have at least two contingency plans in place just in case things don’t go as planned. That way if you can’t rent or sell the property, you are not stuck with you finger in the dam and have the wherewithal to survive a delay in your timeline.
7. Have your financing arranged. Once the seller has agreed to your offer, the deal is almost at the closing point. If you’re planning on closing the deal alone, have the financing lined up with the lender so there are no last-minute snags that provide an “out” for the buyer.
8. Follow through with the deal. Usually investing in property leads to three things for investors: buying, fixing and selling. The offer, and the underlying plan, will be based on certain assumptions about the sale price and the renovation plans, and will operate best on a fixed timetable. Follow through and don’t delay.
9. Purchase a property that is in foreclosure. This can make for a lucrative investment, as the property will sell below the actual market value. Be prepared for lots of competition for these kinds of listings.
10. Buy two properties in one. A duplex, for example, is a good investment for someone looking to own property, live on it and make some rental income, as well. You end up with two small homes for the price of one larger house, in many cases.
11. Know the condition of the property before purchasing. Invest a little time and money to have the appropriate professionals come out and do an overall evaluation of the property to ensure that you are not setting yourself up for total disaster.
12. The final and most important tip is, LEARN! Gain as much knowledge as possible about investing in real estate. The more you know the better. Getting into buying and selling property without having all your ducks in a row, especially in the volatile markets we are now facing around the world, can put you in a rut that may be hard to escape.
Overall, the idea is to read, listen, ask questions, do your homework and learn all you can before plunking down your hard-earned dough. You might even be able to make a living with real estate investments. It is dangerous and volatile, as mentioned, but some people thrive on that kind of challenge.
If you don’t thrive on fast-paced wheeling and dealing, and still want a house, just buy the one you can see living in the rest of your life. All the same advice applies, whether you are buying one home to live in forever, or starting your own real estate empire. It all comes down to common sense, getting the right information, talking to the right people – then making all the right moves. Just keep your wits about you, ask the tough questions and, when you’re ready to “pull the trigger” on a deal, take your best shot.
John Dale is a leader in Maple Ridge, BC real estate and investing in the region. Looking for beautiful property in BC – look no further than JohnDale.ca. John Dale: your Maple Ridge real estate properties expert.
Owning real estate used to be the easiest way to climb your way to the top of the money tree. It may not be so easy now, and you should probably forget about the once-popular practice of “flipping” properties. It is probably advisable to look at real estate the way our grandparents did, as something to hold onto. This doesn’t mean a lifelong investment, necessarily, but in today’s soft markets you are not going to buy one week and sell at a profit the next. Those days are gone, perhaps for a very long time. Time, of course, will tell!
Once you have made the final decision to purchase property as an investment, the real hard work begins. Finding a piece of property that is going to be right for you and your particular needs takes time. It also takes a lot of reading, talking, using connections – and a whole lot of research. Here are 12 tips to help you get started, whatever the market conditions and wherever you happen to be, both financially and geographically:
1. When investing in real estate don’t be shy about taking advice from the experts and the financial institutions that are more knowledgeable. Getting good advice and the proper guidance will assure that your buying experience will be positive one. Therefore it is important to gather good, current, usable information from reliable sources.
2. Planning ahead is a key element in a successful real estate investment. Before you decide to put a good portion (or all) of your life savings into property, be meticulous about the planning of the entire venture. This includes the location of the property, the development and how it will eventually profit you.
3. Buy a fixer-upper. This can be a worthy investment in the longer-term sense, as you will be investing “sweat equity” over time rather than cash right away. Your time has value, certainly, but there is greater flexibility when you do the work yourself.
4. Once you acquire a property, use it as a rental. This is a pretty straightforward way of obtaining a steady monthly income. If you decide to do this, make sure that you have an arrangement with the tenants in the form of a legal lease agreement. That way there is no confusion on how the property should be maintained. If you can have tenants ready as soon as the property is secured, all the better.
5. Find a motivated seller. Sellers usually are more inclined to sell faster when there are other factors involved. Usually this includes the loss of employment, relocation, divorce or illness. Keep your eyes and ears open, and talk to as many people as possible.
6. Make an offer. After you’ve invested all of those long hard hours into the research, it’s finally time to put the pen to paper. Be sure that you have at least two contingency plans in place just in case things don’t go as planned. That way if you can’t rent or sell the property, you are not stuck with you finger in the dam and have the wherewithal to survive a delay in your timeline.
7. Have your financing arranged. Once the seller has agreed to your offer, the deal is almost at the closing point. If you’re planning on closing the deal alone, have the financing lined up with the lender so there are no last-minute snags that provide an “out” for the buyer.
8. Follow through with the deal. Usually investing in property leads to three things for investors: buying, fixing and selling. The offer, and the underlying plan, will be based on certain assumptions about the sale price and the renovation plans, and will operate best on a fixed timetable. Follow through and don’t delay.
9. Purchase a property that is in foreclosure. This can make for a lucrative investment, as the property will sell below the actual market value. Be prepared for lots of competition for these kinds of listings.
10. Buy two properties in one. A duplex, for example, is a good investment for someone looking to own property, live on it and make some rental income, as well. You end up with two small homes for the price of one larger house, in many cases.
11. Know the condition of the property before purchasing. Invest a little time and money to have the appropriate professionals come out and do an overall evaluation of the property to ensure that you are not setting yourself up for total disaster.
12. The final and most important tip is, LEARN! Gain as much knowledge as possible about investing in real estate. The more you know the better. Getting into buying and selling property without having all your ducks in a row, especially in the volatile markets we are now facing around the world, can put you in a rut that may be hard to escape.
Overall, the idea is to read, listen, ask questions, do your homework and learn all you can before plunking down your hard-earned dough. You might even be able to make a living with real estate investments. It is dangerous and volatile, as mentioned, but some people thrive on that kind of challenge.
If you don’t thrive on fast-paced wheeling and dealing, and still want a house, just buy the one you can see living in the rest of your life. All the same advice applies, whether you are buying one home to live in forever, or starting your own real estate empire. It all comes down to common sense, getting the right information, talking to the right people – then making all the right moves. Just keep your wits about you, ask the tough questions and, when you’re ready to “pull the trigger” on a deal, take your best shot.
John Dale is a leader in Maple Ridge, BC real estate and investing in the region. Looking for beautiful property in BC – look no further than JohnDale.ca. John Dale: your Maple Ridge real estate properties expert.
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