Written by admin on August 31st, 2010
Your vacation is supposed to be the thing you look forward to all year. When it finally arrives and you find yourself sitting on a beach or skiing down the slopes you picture it to be the height of your year, not the worst time of your life. But when an emergency happens(and they happen all the time) you can easily finding yourself going from a dream vacation to a total nightmare. But as you know anything can happen on a vacation. So how do you safe guard against the inevitable or at least be prepared as possible when it arrives? These are some answers that you might find helpful
You can make a good start of things by calling the hotel where you will be staying and talking to someone at the front desk. Ask where the nearest hospital is? Do they have a first aid department on site? These are the kinds of questions you should be asking. If the front desk isn’t sure where the nearest hospital is, do a quick search of the area and find out for yourself. If they don’t have a first aid kit on site then it is a good idea, especially if you have little kids, to head to the local general store or major store so you can pick yourself up a kit to keep in the hotel room.
The next thing you can do has nothing to do with health but you can make sure not to carry your wallet and cash in the same place. While it might seem like a harmless thing keeping these things together can cause for real issues if your wallet is stolen. The thing you really want to do is carry as little cash as possible and make sure your phone has the number to call if your debit or credit card gets lost or stolen. Once the wallet is gone it will be hard to retrieve these numbers and it will save you from a useless call to information. These are just a couple of ways to prepare for vacation.
Posted in Tips and Tricks, Vacation | No Responses »
Tags: Credit card, First aid kit, Health, Hospital, Hotel, Medicine, Oceania, Recreation
Written by admin on August 30th, 2010
If you are planning an extended stay in the New York City area, you might consider staying at the New Jersey luxury apartments versus a hotel. While a hotel can be quite luxurious and nice, after a while you begin to miss the comforts of home. You desire surroundings that you can cook, and where hotel staff doesn’t come in to bother you at six in the morning.
Opting for an extended stay rental while traveling might be just the answer. Look for travel tips to make your trip more enjoyable and affordable too. You might be surprised what you find when you check out travel tips from friends and family who have visited the area you will be going. People love to share information and tell you about their own personal experiences. What they loved about a vacation or particular location and what they didn’t.
Look to other experienced travelers to give you great travel tips on places to stay, to see and where to dine with great entertainment. Those in the know, can recommend the best dining experiences for any kind of meal or budget. If you don’t know someone first hand who has recently traveled to an area you’ll be going, check out books or the Internet for some insider scoop.
There are plenty of travel forums online that readily offer all sorts of travel tips. Everything from how to pack to how to have a more local experience. You’ll get suggestions about all the haunts that locals enjoy frequenting. You can easily find travel tips any time of year to the most popular destination, you’ll have to dig if you’re going to a relatively unknown holiday spot. Some tips you may find invaluable, others you’ll ignore to make your own discoveries. Eventually, you’ll share your own travel tips once you return from your journey.
Posted in Ecotourism, Travel | No Responses »
Tags: Hotel, Recreation, Travel
Written by admin on August 29th, 2010
There isn’t quite another city like Chicago. While it has been named the “Second City” it is anything but if you’ve ever spent any time there. If you have never had the honor and privilege of spending time in that great city perhaps you should think about it for your next vacation. There are many vacations that offer you fun in the sun, warm beaches, great culture, and the best entertainment in the world, but there are very few places that can offer you all of that at the same time, but Chicago can. So here’s a way to experience a uniquely Chicago vacation.
Hit the Beach – You can explore the gorgeous lake front of the Windy City. Head down to North Avenue beach and play a little volley ball or head down to Ohio Street and swim the half mile. If you have the means and the access you can head over to Monroe Harbor and spend a day on a boat. And if you’re looking for a little mid day lunch you are right next to the world famous Navy Pier so you can grab lunch at one of the many great restaurants inside.
Shop The Mile – This is a time honored tradition for men and women alike. There is no better shopping in the country than shopping on Michigan Avenue. With some of the biggest stores in the world there you can virtually get lost on shopping there. And with the many great local restaurants you can stick around for a one of kind dinner experience. And if you have time during the day you can make a special trip to the Chicago river and take a boat ride.
Sample All The Food – Chicago is known for quite a few things but nothing is more prideful to the people of the Windy City than the food there so while you’re in town head over to Mr. Beef for a sandwich or the Wiener Circle for a unique hot dog experience but regardless of what you want Chicago has it all.
Posted in Other, Travel | No Responses »
Tags: Chicago, Hot dog, Illinois, Metro Areas, Michigan Avenue, Navy Pier, United States, Windy City
Written by admin on August 27th, 2010
Let’s hope you’re smart enough to make the trek to Chicago for your next vacation. Perhaps you have realized that Chicago is one of the best places on earth to visit because it has the best of everything you want and it’s all in one of the cleanest and friendliest major cities in the world. The question will be: what do you do in Chicago when you get here? Well you know about the Sears Tower and the Hancock Building and you know all too well about Navy Pier but maybe you should do something else than the obvious. While you’re in the City of Broad Shoulders you should take a look at some other things to do in Chicago.
The Second City – Sure, everyone knows of the world famous home for Comedy but do you know about the other resident company in the building? The Mainstage gets the glory but the members of the E.T.C stage are as talented as anyone in the city and their sketch comedy revues are some of the best in the world. Since Chicago is the birthplace of sketch comedy this is the time to embrace it and head over to see this lesser known company.
IO Improv – While Chicago is the home for great sketch comedy it is also the very best place in the world for Improvisational Comedy. Every night of the week IO features their resident “Harold” teams which is their long form improvisational piece. It’s like nothing you have ever seen and definitely worth a look. And if you are around on a Wednesday night you can come out see TJ and Dave and see the very best improvised show in the world.
The Metro – Right down the street from IO is The Metro. If you’re young and into music then this is a one of the great small venues for up and coming bands as well as established bands with smaller followings or looking to play to a smaller, more intimate crowd. The tickets are usually cheap and the place has a great energy. It’s uniquely Chicago.
Posted in Travel, Vacation | No Responses »
Tags: art, Chicago, Comedy, Improvisational theatre, Navy Pier, Performing Arts, Second City, Sketch comedy
Written by admin on August 26th, 2010
Taking a vacation is one of the best times of your year. You plan, and save, and take time off of work just so that when the time comes everything goes well. But sometimes when the vacation comes up you realize you don’t have quite the money you thought you would to take your vacation. Do you really want to go to a less attractive destination? Do you really want to wait until you have a little more money in your pocket? No. Your vacation is supposed to be about you but you also have to be smart and do the very best you can to save a dollar here or there. So how do you save a few dollars on your vacation? Food.
The first thing you should think about is booking with a different hotel. Chances are you have booked at a traditional hotel which means that everything is eating out or room service so what about changing things up and booking at a hotel with efficiencies? This means you’ll have a working kitchen or at least a microwave and stove meaning you can make yourself meals which should cut down greatly on the amount you spend on food. There is more than enough reason to just head to the local grocery store and stock up on some of the essentials. At the very least you can get breakfast and lunch food.
If getting a hotel room with a kitchen seems to be a little bit of trouble then just try and book a hotel room that has a free breakfast. This is a big marketing ploy in this day and age. People are offering everything from a free hot breakfast to a regular continental breakfast free of charge to the guests. Going out to eat a full breakfast everyday can add up over the course of a week so it might be a good idea to just order your breakfast in the hotel and not worry about forking over the money. There is more than one way to save on food on vacation.
Posted in Backpacking, Tips and Tricks | No Responses »
Tags: Breakfast, Cooking, Food, Grocery store, Hotel, Lodging, Money, Travel and Tourism
Written by admin on August 25th, 2010
One of the best strategies for having a quality vacation on the cheap is to travel in the off season. The benefits are measurable in terms of time and money saved. It’s easy to begin planning an affordable getaway to a place you’ve always dreamed of visiting.
First, pick the place you want to go. Then, do some research to find out when this locale is really hot and happening. That’s exactly when you don’t want to go. High season is when hotels and airlines charge outrageous rates because people are willing to pay them!
Maybe you’ve always wanted to visit Cape Cod. However, you know that accommodations are expensive, even more so if you want to stay near the beach. Many tourists head to this part of Massachusetts during the narrow window when the air and ocean water are warm. It’s literally a handful of weeks each year. If a rollicking beach vacation is what you want, then choose another destination. Go to Cape Cod to watch the sea oats wave in the wind, peek into quaint shops, and stumble upon intimate restaurants. Bonus: There’s no long wait for a table in the off season. Stay in towns like Falmouth, Hyannis, or Provincetown in late April, May, September, or early October. You can still stroll along the beautiful beaches–you just might need to wear a sweater. If you get giddy imagining a romantic stay at a seaside inn, then an off season vacation to Cape Cod is for you.
If you’re craving a sizzling beach experience, head to Miami, Florida in July or August. The summer heat sends most tourists running. So, hotels offer ridiculously low rates, and air transportation to Miami and nearby Fort Lauderdale is downright cheap. Even though it’s an off time for the city, there’s no shortage of eye candy on South Beach. Enjoy a leisurely walk down Collins Avenue without having to fight the crowds. You can easily beat the heat with frequent dips in the ocean or pool. Discover how affordable popular destinations can be when you travel in the off season.
Posted in Travel, Vacation | No Responses »
Tags: Barnstable, Cape Cod, Counties, Massachusetts, Miami, Provincetown Massachusetts, Tourism, United States
Written by admin on August 24th, 2010
Traveling with kids may not sound very fun. After all, how many times can you bear to answer the question, “Are we there yet?” However, with proper planning and an extra ounce of patience, trips with children can be smooth and (relatively) painless.
It doesn’t matter how quickly you’ll get to your destination, chances are good that your kids are going to get bored during the plane ride or car trip. Bored kids in confined spaces seldom make good choices. You can avert this potential meltdown-inducing situation by being prepared. First, consider what kinds of activities your kids rarely get to do at home. If any of these activities are appropriate for an airplane or car, bring along the necessary gear and let your kids have at it. Maybe they’re only allowed to watch 30 minutes of television at home. During the trip, let them zone out during a feature film on a portable DVD player or iPod. Or, perhaps you’ll let them wear calluses on their thumbs with a gaming device. Maybe they’re rarely given sweets or junk food. You can dole out small samplings of new and exciting treats every half hour, as long as they demonstrate good behavior. If you don’t want to load your kids up on sugar and salt, give a fun non-food prize every half hour. Items like stickers, dollar store toys, and coloring books make great rewards. Averting boredom might require introducing your kids to some old-fashioned but fun activities like car bingo, I Spy, and shared storytelling (a parent starts the tale and everyone takes turns adding a couple of lines).
Bring along equipment to allow your kids to engage in some physical activity when you make a stop. They can toss a Frisbee, play catch, or jump rope. Don’t forget to pack comfort items like a favorite pillow, stuffed animal, or blanket. Kids need plenty of food and drink during trips too. With airlines scaling back on complimentary offerings, it’s a good idea to take your own snacks and beverages for the kids to enjoy in flight.
Posted in Family Travel | No Responses »
Tags: Children, DVD, iPod, Junk food, Physical exercise, Shopping, Stuffed toy, Television
Written by admin on August 22nd, 2010
When was the last time you used a travel agent? If you’re like most people, it’s been a while. After all, there are so many do-it-yourself travel websites that calling an agent seems like a waste of time. However, there are some instances when working with a professional is better than booking your own trip.
More Options
Many websites offer great deals on airfare and hotels, but there are trade-offs. You might get a cheap room, but there’s no guarantee it will be non-smoking with a king bed. While a discount travel site offers that roundtrip ticket for $230, you’ll probably have little choice about the time you leave home and arrive at your destination. You may have an extra stop or two plus tight connections, increasing your chances of missing flights, having a segment cancelled, and arriving at your final destination without your luggage. Travel agents work to get a decent price on an itinerary that’s comfortable for you and your traveling companions. That means you’ll leave home when you want, have plenty of time to connect, and arrive with as few connections as possible.
Complicated Travel Plans
Some travel plans require more planning than just booking the cheapest flight to your destination. For example, visiting a sick relative or moving for a new job might require a one-way booking or flexible return options. Travel agents can direct you to airlines that offer the best prices for maximum flexibility.
Maybe you’d like to make the most of your international travel experience. If your trip requires a brief lay over in Los Angeles, Hong Kong, or Paris, a travel agent can book an itinerary that allows you to extend your lay over at minimal cost to include a couple of nights in one of these cities.
Expert Advice
While there are websites featuring restaurant reviews and accommodation ratings, nothing beats talking to someone who has been to the place you want to visit. Travel agents often specialize in particular destinations. They have the inside scoop on the best places to stay, shop, and eat.
Posted in Tips and Tricks, Travel | No Responses »
Tags: Hong Kong, Los Angeles, Paris, Tourism, Travel, Travel agency, Travel Agent, Travel and Tourism
Written by admin on August 20th, 2010
Baltimore City is a wondrous place with an intriguing name. Ever since 1729, people have come to Baltimore to get to the New World and make things happen in their lives. At one point, Baltimore’s Inner Harbor was second only to Ellis Island, when it came to processing new arrivals to the United States. And as the landscape has changed from a production based economy to a service based one, Baltimore has been on the cusp of it all. In a nearly 300 year history, this cultural crown of Maryland has seen people hustling and bustling in and around it like bees doing their thing in a hive.
Interestingly enough, all of the Baltimore condos have a bit of irony about their name. The original proprietor of the Maryland colony was a man named Lord Baltimore, whose title came from taking an Irish term for “Town of the Big House” and turning it into a British term. When the very name of your city implies that there are big houses aplenty for the people there, you are definitely onto something. Though the inhabitants of Baltimore may take trips all over the world, they will eventually return to their home town.
Considering that people come from all over the world for the excellent services of Baltimore’s two largest employers, Johns Hopkins University and Johns Hopkins Hospital, the fact is that there may not even be much of a reason to seek out a lot of foreign ports. When you have a city with a sampling or architecture from every major period over the past 200 years, a metropolitan area with almost three million people populating it, and a nearly tropical climate (where the average winter time low is only about 28 degrees Fahrenheit), Baltimore is something of a paradise on Earth. If you lived in a place with that many perks, why even consider leaving it?
Posted in General, Travel | No Responses »
Tags: Baltimore, Baltimore City, United States
Written by admin on August 20th, 2010
Europe is a vacation destination that promises charm, tourist attractions, and natural beauty. It may seem like a trip across the pond is beyond your budget, but there are affordable ways to explore the continent. You just have to be open-minded and creative. There’s so much more to Europe than London, Rome, and Paris.
France entices many travelers with its natural beauty, storied past, and rich culture. If you think your vacation in France requires an extended stay in Paris, think again. You can immerse yourself in local life and see a quieter side of France by staying outside the City of Lights. Prices for great food and accommodations are going to be much more affordable in smaller communities, and you may just find that the hospitality is better too. The quaint and picturesque town of Provins is a short drive or train ride away from Paris. The medieval structures in Provins are so well preserved, the town has earned the distinction of being an UNESCO World Heritage Site. You might also choose to stay in the small town of Versailles. This city is renowned for being home to the Palace of Versailles, which pre-dates the French Revolution. Staying in smaller communities outside Paris allows you to save money and still experience the culture of this amazing country.
Another strategy for saving money on a European excursion is to visit less popular countries. A list of these places might include Belgium, Poland, and the Netherlands. You’ll love discovering these places without having to contend with crowds. Flights from the U.S. to Amsterdam and Brussels can be cheaper than flights into Paris or London by several hundred dollars. Landing in Belgium and the Netherlands not only puts you in countries ripe for exploration, but also positions you well to get to Paris, London, and even Frankfurt by train. A trip to Krakow, Poland may not give you easy access to popular European destinations, but it will give you access to breathtaking architecture, historical landmarks, and excellent dining. Accommodations in Krakow are much more affordable than in places like Rome or Madrid.
Posted in Travel | No Responses »
Tags: France, Krakow, London, Netherlands, Palace of Versailles, Paris, Poland, Tourism
