It is good to have your kids with you when you travel; this would surely open their eyes to a lot more of new knowledge and discovery. When you bring along your kids in your trips, this is not only a way of bringing them close to your heart but also through this, your child would definitely make him or her more aware about the world around him or her.
Well, when kids are with you, you need to be more prepared because as we all know they have special needs and we have to respond to such needs. With the tips provided below, it would surely help you get yourself prepared for the entire travel.
You have to bring with you some of the most useful things you could carry with you as you travel and as you reach destinations:
• Band-Aids
• antiseptic hand gel
• small tissue packs
• sun screen
• Dr.'s phone numbers
• Tylenol - children's & adults
• a rubber door stop can provide extra security for a hotel room door
• small plug in nightlight - to help find the bathroom in the middle of the night
* These things re for the activities you could have together in order not get bored and to get their attention fully
• Crayons
• mechanical pencils
• highlighter - good for word search games
• paper
• deck of cards
• zip lock bags (collecting shells, storing food, wet clothes)
* These are other things for travel uses:
• sun glasses
• hats/visors
• light weight wind breaker
• umbrella
• camera with extra film
• keep a photo of your child in your wallet - incase you loose them in a crowded area
• extra copy of birth certificates, photo id, travel reservations, airline tickets
With these pointers in mind, you would not surely miss the thrill and the fun, you would also be able to good at preparing for traveling like from the simple trips to those that require loads of planning.
Showing posts with label Vacation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Vacation. Show all posts
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Travel and cruises: Searching for LOVE?
Nostalgic but she is gone? No arms to hold, no eyes to stare at… loveless or maybe broken-hearted? Do not be too hard on your self. Take a break, stay away from the so busy city streets, free your spirit and meet new people.
Go cruising down the smooth blue waters of the earth. Explore love the way nature tells it. Your sentiments will surely fade away… feelings of resentments will change into the excitement of meeting a new “mate”.
Through cruises for singles, there are organized cocktail parties, games, group dynamics, one-on-one dining and an access to their singles chat site where one can get to know other singles. This is a venue for meeting new people and a prospect partner in the future. All you need to do is drop off your hesitation and actively participate n the process of match-making. Romance blooms in the most unexpected places, right
These are three of the most popular Singles Cruise:
* 7 Night Greek Isles Cruise
You could sail from Venice Italy to Bari, Italy, same with Santorini, Mykonos and Corfu Greece and Dubrovnik Croatia. Spend money from $1,622.
* 7 Night Hawaiian Islands Cruise
For $1,990 or more, one is able to join the singles cruise to Hawaii. It sails from Honolulu to Kauai to Maui.
* 8 Night Exotic Western Caribbean after Thanksgiving Cruise
In just a cheap $749 or more, one can have at his hands the marvelous Western Caribbean Cruise.
Cruises for singles were created to cater the needs of the single community of individuals in the world. If you are just willing to spend some amount, sincere time, pure intentions, this project must continue going to school.
Not only socializing activities is being stressed but also single cruises prepare activities that would enhance skills like teamwork, self-confidence and establishing of good intrapersonal relationship. The cruises for singles prepare sports activities. Professional cruise directors are the ones who organize these activities. Lectures and other worthwhile sharing of thoughts are also significant parts. Indeed, not merely all-fun.
Deposit commonly ranges from $250-$300 and all are charged according to double occupancy. Actually, couples do not stay on the entire ship, but they have one common spot where they mingle and try love searching.
Most people who have experienced joining the cruise are working professionals from mid 20s to mid 60s.
There is this sparkling hope that somebody meant for them is on board, they try cruising the Singles. This is a way of traveling and finding love, both at the same time.
Go cruising down the smooth blue waters of the earth. Explore love the way nature tells it. Your sentiments will surely fade away… feelings of resentments will change into the excitement of meeting a new “mate”.
Through cruises for singles, there are organized cocktail parties, games, group dynamics, one-on-one dining and an access to their singles chat site where one can get to know other singles. This is a venue for meeting new people and a prospect partner in the future. All you need to do is drop off your hesitation and actively participate n the process of match-making. Romance blooms in the most unexpected places, right
These are three of the most popular Singles Cruise:
* 7 Night Greek Isles Cruise
You could sail from Venice Italy to Bari, Italy, same with Santorini, Mykonos and Corfu Greece and Dubrovnik Croatia. Spend money from $1,622.
* 7 Night Hawaiian Islands Cruise
For $1,990 or more, one is able to join the singles cruise to Hawaii. It sails from Honolulu to Kauai to Maui.
* 8 Night Exotic Western Caribbean after Thanksgiving Cruise
In just a cheap $749 or more, one can have at his hands the marvelous Western Caribbean Cruise.
Cruises for singles were created to cater the needs of the single community of individuals in the world. If you are just willing to spend some amount, sincere time, pure intentions, this project must continue going to school.
Not only socializing activities is being stressed but also single cruises prepare activities that would enhance skills like teamwork, self-confidence and establishing of good intrapersonal relationship. The cruises for singles prepare sports activities. Professional cruise directors are the ones who organize these activities. Lectures and other worthwhile sharing of thoughts are also significant parts. Indeed, not merely all-fun.
Deposit commonly ranges from $250-$300 and all are charged according to double occupancy. Actually, couples do not stay on the entire ship, but they have one common spot where they mingle and try love searching.
Most people who have experienced joining the cruise are working professionals from mid 20s to mid 60s.
There is this sparkling hope that somebody meant for them is on board, they try cruising the Singles. This is a way of traveling and finding love, both at the same time.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Looking for yachts to rent or to buy, travel wise!
You can afford. And you think that owning one is possible for you considering that you have the financial resources and you believe that you could count on a yacht as a very good property or investment. If you think what you have is not that sufficient, you could always have the other option which is to rent a yacht instead.
There is a wide market for yacht selling and renting but how would you know that you are buying it from a reliable source? What are the considerations that you are going to buy it from that of good quality?
Since yachts are included in the family of boats, it would be better if the sources would be narrowed down. From the World Wide Web, there are sites you could visit that would lead you to better options in order for you to weigh choices and make the best decision. Having these purchased or rented, you would surely be glad and satisfied, realize how much fun travel could be.
The following are the sites you could navigate through:
Boats.com- This is the most reliable source of all the lists you need. This site has a lot of features that makes it as then best, most updated, most reliable source for your yacht information. It has this section which shows the latest models and creations of boats such as fishing boats, water sports, sailing boats and so forth.
This also includes pontoon, pleasure boating and of course, yachting. These categories are also broken down to more specific sub-categories like manufacturers’ listings. These listings include the details about the manufacturer. Moreover, photos of the products are also shown.
This site also sells second-hand boats.
Searay.com-
Rangerboats.com- these are all other sites where you could navigate and look for the
Regalboats.com- boat you want to have. These websites have updated information, Larsonboats.com- photos, reviews and price comparisons as well. This is of very big help to you since you will not only get to know the product but as well as how is it doing in the market.
Ebay.com- the best auction site in the world, it would respond to your needs of looking for used yachts. This site offers products not only in a state or country but in all parts of the world.
With these sites to visit to, what are you waiting for? This would mean making your mind-boggling task a bit easier and it is just right on you fingertips.
There is a wide market for yacht selling and renting but how would you know that you are buying it from a reliable source? What are the considerations that you are going to buy it from that of good quality?
Since yachts are included in the family of boats, it would be better if the sources would be narrowed down. From the World Wide Web, there are sites you could visit that would lead you to better options in order for you to weigh choices and make the best decision. Having these purchased or rented, you would surely be glad and satisfied, realize how much fun travel could be.
The following are the sites you could navigate through:
Boats.com- This is the most reliable source of all the lists you need. This site has a lot of features that makes it as then best, most updated, most reliable source for your yacht information. It has this section which shows the latest models and creations of boats such as fishing boats, water sports, sailing boats and so forth.
This also includes pontoon, pleasure boating and of course, yachting. These categories are also broken down to more specific sub-categories like manufacturers’ listings. These listings include the details about the manufacturer. Moreover, photos of the products are also shown.
This site also sells second-hand boats.
Searay.com-
Rangerboats.com- these are all other sites where you could navigate and look for the
Regalboats.com- boat you want to have. These websites have updated information, Larsonboats.com- photos, reviews and price comparisons as well. This is of very big help to you since you will not only get to know the product but as well as how is it doing in the market.
Ebay.com- the best auction site in the world, it would respond to your needs of looking for used yachts. This site offers products not only in a state or country but in all parts of the world.
With these sites to visit to, what are you waiting for? This would mean making your mind-boggling task a bit easier and it is just right on you fingertips.
Monday, October 13, 2008
10 tips for selecting the perfect Costa Rica vacation rental
by: Paul Orr
Planning a Tropical vacation full of lush jungles, secluded beaches, and friendly people but not too expensive? Costa Rica is the place to go! But where do you stay, a resort or a private villa? Do you want long lines, crowded pools, kids running up and down the corridors? I think not.
Selecting the best Costa Rica vacation rental can be the difference between a great vacation and one where you feel like you are ‘doing without’.
Many vacationers consider the Costa Rica vacation rental as ‘just somewhere to stay’ since most of your time will be spent in or on the water, or enjoying local attractions. Don’t make that mistake. There is no reason to settle for less when, with a little planning, you can find a great Costa Rica vacation rental that you’ll enjoy as much or more than the other parts of your vacation.
Remember, your vacation home is where you’ll be sleeping, waking up, having many of your meals, and resting.
If it rains or is unseasonably hot outside, you may end up stretched out reading a book to while away the day or wanting to watch one of your favorite movies on the DVD – assuming there is a comfortable sofa. And when you meet new friends, you’ll want someplace nice for entertaining. Shouldn’t your vacation rental be a pleasant get-away with the amenities that make vacations a real treat? “A home away from home”
Here are 10 tips for selecting the perfect Costa Rica vacation rental:
1. The single most important factor is whether or not you can “see” actual recent photos of the interior and exterior of the vacation rental. It’s one thing to read a great description – and some of them are quite ‘complimentary’ (sometimes overly so) - but you need to see what you are getting.
With the Internet, a website is the quickest most convenient way for you to get information on prospective Costa Rica vacation rentals. If there are no pictures, you’ll know right away to keep looking. Brochures, books and guides are nice, but may have out-dated information.
2. List the amenities that are important to you, the ones without which you will feel incomplete. Next, jot down those that are nice to have, but not deal-breakers if not available.
With these lists as a guide, you’ll be able to quickly eliminate those rentals that won’t meet your needs. Your list might include proximity to the water, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, type kitchen (full versus fridge and microwave), outdoor amenities such as decks and BBQ grills, ocean views, private pools, outdoor eating areas, tennis courts and other items important to you.
On your secondary list, you might have things like a hammock for lazing about, or pool waterfall for the relaxing sounds. Exterior stereo speakers, to enjoy your favorite music around the pool. Ice makers to mix your favorite drinks, especially in the heat of the day.
3. List the activities that you want to be able to enjoy while on vacation. A morning activity like scuba diving, snorkeling or canopy tour then coming back to the villa to relax may be a high priority for you.
You also need to consider how close the vacation rental is to the airport. It is very important to know how far the rental is from your arrival airport. Some rentals can take a half a day’s drive and after your flight even an hour’s drive can seem an eternity. Your travel time back to the airport at departure can also frustrate your entire vacation. Enjoying your last morning of your vacation by a private pool instead of traveling for hours to the airport can be very important to you. For Costa Rica vacation rentals that are only 20 minutes from the Liberia International airport visit http://www.costarica-vacation-getaway.com. This will help you in selecting a general location.
You also need to consider how close you want your vacation rental to be to the attractions.
Some people feel that a great vacation is being able to walk or bicycle everywhere. Others don’t mind a short drive, and still others think nothing of getting on a freeway to enjoy attractions.
If you prefer a vacation without the hassles of traffic, parking problems, crowds and long lines, select a villa located in the quaint waterfront town of Playa Panama, Costa Rica. Visit http://www.costarica-vacation-getaway.com to learn more.
4. Identify your first, second and third choice of dates for renting the villa.
With several dates, you’ll save time when making arrangements.
If you find a villa that you really want and you have some flexibility in scheduling, having alternate dates ready allows you to book right then, saving yourself the time and hassle of having to re-check everyone’s schedule and call back – and risking losing those dates in the interim.
5. Call the telephone numbers for the vacation rentals that seem to meet your needs and speak directly with either the owners or the person who is handling the property.
Be prepared with a list of questions. This allows you to compare apples to apples, and keeps you from forgetting something important during the conversation.
It also gives you a feel for the person who will be your contact should you rent the villa and then encounter a problem. If you don’t get a warm, friendly welcome to your inquiries, don’t expect anything different when you have a problem.
6. Ask what amenities are included.
You may learn of something that’s not on your list but is perfect for your plans.
Does the rental have maid service? Last thing you want to do is make the beds or clean the dishes, even if there is a dishwasher.
Does the rental have a washer and dryer? If so, you will not have to take as many cloths with you. Will the maid wash your cloths before your departure? Coming home with a suitcase full of clean cloths is certainly a benefit.
Other things to consider: Is there a welcome basket? Will the owner have essential items in the refrigerator for you, before your arrival? Can you make arrangements for tours? Are there plates, utensils, pots, pans and other essentials for eating and meal preparation – or will you have to bring your own?
Does the rental have air condition or do you have to depend on the winds to comfort you?
7. Inquire about restaurants, events and activities and other forms of local entertainment that are close by. Here’s where your list of preferred activities comes in handy. You should be able to find links to local attractions, calendars and restaurants on the website of your Costa Rica vacation rental.
8. Are the owners local or do they have a management team helping 24/7?
Owners are a wealth of information about the area and can give you tips on great out-of-the-way places that aren’t in the guidebooks. They also care about your enjoyment and comfort while at their villa.
This can make a huge difference; especially should something need immediate attention in the villa. There’s nothing worse than calling the rental company about a stopped-up toilet and getting somebody’s bored teenager who’s manning the phones for the summer.
9. How long has the owner been renting vacation rentals?
If the owner has worked with rental properties, they know what tenants expect and how to get things done.
If this is a new venture, beware. The owner may be in it for “fun” and have no idea how to prepare the villa so that you can have a great vacation.
10. And last, when you look at the pictures, can you see yourself having a great time there?
If the pictures make you want to go right now, and the answers to the questions above meet your satisfaction, you’ve found yourself a great Costa Rica vacation rental!
Paul has been traveling to Costa Rica since 2001. Purchased property 2001 and built a villa in 2002. Handles villa rentals for five additional villas. Two, three, four and five bedroom villa's available. www.costarica-vacation-getaway.com info@costarica-vacation-getaway.com
Planning a Tropical vacation full of lush jungles, secluded beaches, and friendly people but not too expensive? Costa Rica is the place to go! But where do you stay, a resort or a private villa? Do you want long lines, crowded pools, kids running up and down the corridors? I think not.
Selecting the best Costa Rica vacation rental can be the difference between a great vacation and one where you feel like you are ‘doing without’.
Many vacationers consider the Costa Rica vacation rental as ‘just somewhere to stay’ since most of your time will be spent in or on the water, or enjoying local attractions. Don’t make that mistake. There is no reason to settle for less when, with a little planning, you can find a great Costa Rica vacation rental that you’ll enjoy as much or more than the other parts of your vacation.
Remember, your vacation home is where you’ll be sleeping, waking up, having many of your meals, and resting.
If it rains or is unseasonably hot outside, you may end up stretched out reading a book to while away the day or wanting to watch one of your favorite movies on the DVD – assuming there is a comfortable sofa. And when you meet new friends, you’ll want someplace nice for entertaining. Shouldn’t your vacation rental be a pleasant get-away with the amenities that make vacations a real treat? “A home away from home”
Here are 10 tips for selecting the perfect Costa Rica vacation rental:
1. The single most important factor is whether or not you can “see” actual recent photos of the interior and exterior of the vacation rental. It’s one thing to read a great description – and some of them are quite ‘complimentary’ (sometimes overly so) - but you need to see what you are getting.
With the Internet, a website is the quickest most convenient way for you to get information on prospective Costa Rica vacation rentals. If there are no pictures, you’ll know right away to keep looking. Brochures, books and guides are nice, but may have out-dated information.
2. List the amenities that are important to you, the ones without which you will feel incomplete. Next, jot down those that are nice to have, but not deal-breakers if not available.
With these lists as a guide, you’ll be able to quickly eliminate those rentals that won’t meet your needs. Your list might include proximity to the water, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, type kitchen (full versus fridge and microwave), outdoor amenities such as decks and BBQ grills, ocean views, private pools, outdoor eating areas, tennis courts and other items important to you.
On your secondary list, you might have things like a hammock for lazing about, or pool waterfall for the relaxing sounds. Exterior stereo speakers, to enjoy your favorite music around the pool. Ice makers to mix your favorite drinks, especially in the heat of the day.
3. List the activities that you want to be able to enjoy while on vacation. A morning activity like scuba diving, snorkeling or canopy tour then coming back to the villa to relax may be a high priority for you.
You also need to consider how close the vacation rental is to the airport. It is very important to know how far the rental is from your arrival airport. Some rentals can take a half a day’s drive and after your flight even an hour’s drive can seem an eternity. Your travel time back to the airport at departure can also frustrate your entire vacation. Enjoying your last morning of your vacation by a private pool instead of traveling for hours to the airport can be very important to you. For Costa Rica vacation rentals that are only 20 minutes from the Liberia International airport visit http://www.costarica-vacation-getaway.com. This will help you in selecting a general location.
You also need to consider how close you want your vacation rental to be to the attractions.
Some people feel that a great vacation is being able to walk or bicycle everywhere. Others don’t mind a short drive, and still others think nothing of getting on a freeway to enjoy attractions.
If you prefer a vacation without the hassles of traffic, parking problems, crowds and long lines, select a villa located in the quaint waterfront town of Playa Panama, Costa Rica. Visit http://www.costarica-vacation-getaway.com to learn more.
4. Identify your first, second and third choice of dates for renting the villa.
With several dates, you’ll save time when making arrangements.
If you find a villa that you really want and you have some flexibility in scheduling, having alternate dates ready allows you to book right then, saving yourself the time and hassle of having to re-check everyone’s schedule and call back – and risking losing those dates in the interim.
5. Call the telephone numbers for the vacation rentals that seem to meet your needs and speak directly with either the owners or the person who is handling the property.
Be prepared with a list of questions. This allows you to compare apples to apples, and keeps you from forgetting something important during the conversation.
It also gives you a feel for the person who will be your contact should you rent the villa and then encounter a problem. If you don’t get a warm, friendly welcome to your inquiries, don’t expect anything different when you have a problem.
6. Ask what amenities are included.
You may learn of something that’s not on your list but is perfect for your plans.
Does the rental have maid service? Last thing you want to do is make the beds or clean the dishes, even if there is a dishwasher.
Does the rental have a washer and dryer? If so, you will not have to take as many cloths with you. Will the maid wash your cloths before your departure? Coming home with a suitcase full of clean cloths is certainly a benefit.
Other things to consider: Is there a welcome basket? Will the owner have essential items in the refrigerator for you, before your arrival? Can you make arrangements for tours? Are there plates, utensils, pots, pans and other essentials for eating and meal preparation – or will you have to bring your own?
Does the rental have air condition or do you have to depend on the winds to comfort you?
7. Inquire about restaurants, events and activities and other forms of local entertainment that are close by. Here’s where your list of preferred activities comes in handy. You should be able to find links to local attractions, calendars and restaurants on the website of your Costa Rica vacation rental.
8. Are the owners local or do they have a management team helping 24/7?
Owners are a wealth of information about the area and can give you tips on great out-of-the-way places that aren’t in the guidebooks. They also care about your enjoyment and comfort while at their villa.
This can make a huge difference; especially should something need immediate attention in the villa. There’s nothing worse than calling the rental company about a stopped-up toilet and getting somebody’s bored teenager who’s manning the phones for the summer.
9. How long has the owner been renting vacation rentals?
If the owner has worked with rental properties, they know what tenants expect and how to get things done.
If this is a new venture, beware. The owner may be in it for “fun” and have no idea how to prepare the villa so that you can have a great vacation.
10. And last, when you look at the pictures, can you see yourself having a great time there?
If the pictures make you want to go right now, and the answers to the questions above meet your satisfaction, you’ve found yourself a great Costa Rica vacation rental!
Paul has been traveling to Costa Rica since 2001. Purchased property 2001 and built a villa in 2002. Handles villa rentals for five additional villas. Two, three, four and five bedroom villa's available. www.costarica-vacation-getaway.com info@costarica-vacation-getaway.com
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Ten Tips for Planning Your Vacation
by: Kathy Paauw
I hope that by sharing my personal experiences, you will avoid learning similar lessons the hard way. And it goes to show that those little details in the planning of a vacation can make a huge difference in the outcome. You can make your next vacation relaxing and enjoyable by following these simple vacation planning tips.
1. Keep your vacation planning information in one place. Create a labeled file folder ("Hawaii Vacation") and use it to keep your airline, hotel, car rental information, as well as maps or AAA guide books, tourist information, contact information for people you know in that city, etc. You can find all this information at Holidays, Vacations and Traveling
2. Plan ahead for your wardrobe. Think about all of the activities you might do, and imagine what you'd want to wear for each activity. For example, on the beach you might want a swimsuit, cover-up, slip-on footwear or water shoes, a sun hat, sunglasses... maybe even a face mask, snorkel, and some flippers. Will the kids want shovels and buckets to build a sand castle? Do you need to supply your own beach towel, or will you be staying somewhere that supplies this for you? What about waterproof sunscreen? The more you can visualize yourself on the beach, the better prepared you will be.
3. Use a travel checklist. I've created a Packing List to get you started. Once you've tailored this to your needs, keep it in the travel file you've created. This will help you remember to pack both the basic necessities, as well as some of the more obscure things you might not remember but would want to take with you.
4. Let children pack their own travel bags, and make sure their bag is small enough that they can carry it themselves. Help them select things they can do on the road or in the air: Walkman and cassettes or CDs, books, handheld video games, portable crafts, card games. Talk about seating arrangements ahead of time to avoid conflict among siblings about who will sit where.
5. Pack a carry-on that is small enough to stay with you at all times. Include necessities that you must have, in the event that you get separated from your other luggage for a day. If you need to take medication on a regular basis, be sure this is with you, and not in your checked luggage. If you are combining a business and vacation trip and need something for a presentation the next day, take it in your carry-on rather than checking it.
6. Plan early to get the best selection and to get early booking discounts. If you're really adventuresome and are not particular about where you want to go, you can also book reservations last-minute. There is some risk involved in doing this, but you can also get some great deals this way. Find some great bargains at airline tickets.
7. If you're driving, you may wish to map out your trip ahead of time and make hotel reservations along the way if you are traveling during peak vacation time. Mapquest offers a helpful Website for mapping out your route and estimating travel time under normal driving conditions.
8. If you're traveling to another country, check out the Currency Converter for International Exchange Rates.
If you'd like to master a few useful phrases in a foreign language, visit the Foreign Language Assistance Website. It even contains some sound clips so you can pronounce words properly.
9. If your vacation plans include staying home rather than traveling, plan how you will spend your vacation to rejuvenate yourself. Perhaps there are some local attractions that you've been wanting to experience but have not had the time to experience. Are there people you want to connect with? Get clear about what you want to do and who you want to do it with, and then plan to make it happen. If your vacation includes having a friend or relative flying in to visit you, you can check the status of a flight to see if they will arrive on time.
10. This is the most important tip of all: pack the right attitude. Let go of the "what if" and enjoy the moment. Remind yourself what matters most, and focus on that. If this is a vacation to get away and relax, then focus on activities and thoughts that will be relaxing. If your goal is to reconnect with family and build memories together, that can be done regardless of circumstances (missing a flight, not getting tickets to an event you wanted to attend, etc.). If your goal is to sight-see and take in some special attractions or shows, then plan ahead and make the reservations necessary to ensure that you can do what you want to do when you get there.
Kathy Paauw, President of Paauwerfully Organized, specializes in helping busy executives, professionals, and entrepreneurs declutter their schedules, spaces and minds. She is a certified business/personal coach and professional organizer. Contact her at mailto:orgcoach@gte.net or visit her Website at http://www.orgcoach.net and learn how you can Find ANYTHING in 5 Seconds - Guaranteed!
I hope that by sharing my personal experiences, you will avoid learning similar lessons the hard way. And it goes to show that those little details in the planning of a vacation can make a huge difference in the outcome. You can make your next vacation relaxing and enjoyable by following these simple vacation planning tips.
1. Keep your vacation planning information in one place. Create a labeled file folder ("Hawaii Vacation") and use it to keep your airline, hotel, car rental information, as well as maps or AAA guide books, tourist information, contact information for people you know in that city, etc. You can find all this information at Holidays, Vacations and Traveling
2. Plan ahead for your wardrobe. Think about all of the activities you might do, and imagine what you'd want to wear for each activity. For example, on the beach you might want a swimsuit, cover-up, slip-on footwear or water shoes, a sun hat, sunglasses... maybe even a face mask, snorkel, and some flippers. Will the kids want shovels and buckets to build a sand castle? Do you need to supply your own beach towel, or will you be staying somewhere that supplies this for you? What about waterproof sunscreen? The more you can visualize yourself on the beach, the better prepared you will be.
3. Use a travel checklist. I've created a Packing List to get you started. Once you've tailored this to your needs, keep it in the travel file you've created. This will help you remember to pack both the basic necessities, as well as some of the more obscure things you might not remember but would want to take with you.
4. Let children pack their own travel bags, and make sure their bag is small enough that they can carry it themselves. Help them select things they can do on the road or in the air: Walkman and cassettes or CDs, books, handheld video games, portable crafts, card games. Talk about seating arrangements ahead of time to avoid conflict among siblings about who will sit where.
5. Pack a carry-on that is small enough to stay with you at all times. Include necessities that you must have, in the event that you get separated from your other luggage for a day. If you need to take medication on a regular basis, be sure this is with you, and not in your checked luggage. If you are combining a business and vacation trip and need something for a presentation the next day, take it in your carry-on rather than checking it.
6. Plan early to get the best selection and to get early booking discounts. If you're really adventuresome and are not particular about where you want to go, you can also book reservations last-minute. There is some risk involved in doing this, but you can also get some great deals this way. Find some great bargains at airline tickets.
7. If you're driving, you may wish to map out your trip ahead of time and make hotel reservations along the way if you are traveling during peak vacation time. Mapquest offers a helpful Website for mapping out your route and estimating travel time under normal driving conditions.
8. If you're traveling to another country, check out the Currency Converter for International Exchange Rates.
If you'd like to master a few useful phrases in a foreign language, visit the Foreign Language Assistance Website. It even contains some sound clips so you can pronounce words properly.
9. If your vacation plans include staying home rather than traveling, plan how you will spend your vacation to rejuvenate yourself. Perhaps there are some local attractions that you've been wanting to experience but have not had the time to experience. Are there people you want to connect with? Get clear about what you want to do and who you want to do it with, and then plan to make it happen. If your vacation includes having a friend or relative flying in to visit you, you can check the status of a flight to see if they will arrive on time.
10. This is the most important tip of all: pack the right attitude. Let go of the "what if" and enjoy the moment. Remind yourself what matters most, and focus on that. If this is a vacation to get away and relax, then focus on activities and thoughts that will be relaxing. If your goal is to reconnect with family and build memories together, that can be done regardless of circumstances (missing a flight, not getting tickets to an event you wanted to attend, etc.). If your goal is to sight-see and take in some special attractions or shows, then plan ahead and make the reservations necessary to ensure that you can do what you want to do when you get there.
Kathy Paauw, President of Paauwerfully Organized, specializes in helping busy executives, professionals, and entrepreneurs declutter their schedules, spaces and minds. She is a certified business/personal coach and professional organizer. Contact her at mailto:orgcoach@gte.net or visit her Website at http://www.orgcoach.net and learn how you can Find ANYTHING in 5 Seconds - Guaranteed!
Sunday, December 9, 2007
A Cat Island Bahamas Vacation
by: Simon Harris
One of the outer islands of the Bahamas, Cat Island is a quiet vacation destination for those who are really looking to relax. Among its varied pleasures and activities, a little exploration will turn up a historical oddity or two that add to the individual character of the place. Beautiful beaches in natural settings welcome the nature lover and peace seeker alike.
The Hermitage is a bit of an historical oddity, fascinating and strange. The hike up to see this religious site will take visitors through small villages along beautiful trails, full of island flora and fauna. It is located at the top of Mt. Alvernia, which is 206 feet above the sea and the highest point in the Bahamas. The Hermitage itself is made from the limestone of the cliffs, with each piece painstakingly extracted, shaped and set by hand by the Canadian mule-skinner turned Anglican turned Roman Catholic priest known as Father Jerome. The Father built the structure to scale, designed it to fit his rather diminutive form. Beloved by the island people, the priest passed away in 1956 after reaching the ripe age of 80.
Other historical sites include an Arawak cave, found at Columbus point, and plantation ruins, left over from the islands efforts at joining the worlds cotton growers. Deveaux mansion was once the residence of Andrew Deveaux of the US Navy, who participated in the 1873 battles to get Nassau back from Spain. Another well known ruins is the remains of the Ambrister plantation, near Port Howe.
For those interested in water sports, the Cat Island Dive Center is the place to contact. They operate out of the Greenwood Beach Resort and have a variety of diving and snorkeling packages available, and there are many fine areas to explore, offering a wealth of marine life and fascinating geological formations. They also have water sport equipment to rent.
Cat Island is the sixth largest island in the Bahamas, and boasts extraordinary beaches. There are literally miles and miles of virtually undisturbed beaches, where swimming and relaxing can be done in near complete privacy.
Fine meals can be had at several locations on Cat Island. Hawk's Nest Resort and Marina serves a variety of dishes, but among the best are the fresh, grilled fish and the roasted rack of lamb. Fernandez Bay Village is the place to go for creative and delicious native dishes, served either in the dining room or a patio table by the beach. Greenwood Beach Resort's Bahaman cuisine is complemented by their marvelous breads, which are baked every day.
Cat Island is an excellent choice for vacationers who are seeking a natural beach experience, and enjoy a peaceful and very laid-back atmosphere. The island can be explored at a leisurely pace, which is a much better way to enjoy the local flora and fauna, as well as to enjoy the local culture. Because it is so much smaller in population than many of the other islands, it's easier to get a real feel for the people and their way of life. Cat Island is an interesting place that will make a lasting impression on its guests.
About the Author
This article provided courtesy of http://www.bahamas-holiday-guide.com
One of the outer islands of the Bahamas, Cat Island is a quiet vacation destination for those who are really looking to relax. Among its varied pleasures and activities, a little exploration will turn up a historical oddity or two that add to the individual character of the place. Beautiful beaches in natural settings welcome the nature lover and peace seeker alike.
The Hermitage is a bit of an historical oddity, fascinating and strange. The hike up to see this religious site will take visitors through small villages along beautiful trails, full of island flora and fauna. It is located at the top of Mt. Alvernia, which is 206 feet above the sea and the highest point in the Bahamas. The Hermitage itself is made from the limestone of the cliffs, with each piece painstakingly extracted, shaped and set by hand by the Canadian mule-skinner turned Anglican turned Roman Catholic priest known as Father Jerome. The Father built the structure to scale, designed it to fit his rather diminutive form. Beloved by the island people, the priest passed away in 1956 after reaching the ripe age of 80.
Other historical sites include an Arawak cave, found at Columbus point, and plantation ruins, left over from the islands efforts at joining the worlds cotton growers. Deveaux mansion was once the residence of Andrew Deveaux of the US Navy, who participated in the 1873 battles to get Nassau back from Spain. Another well known ruins is the remains of the Ambrister plantation, near Port Howe.
For those interested in water sports, the Cat Island Dive Center is the place to contact. They operate out of the Greenwood Beach Resort and have a variety of diving and snorkeling packages available, and there are many fine areas to explore, offering a wealth of marine life and fascinating geological formations. They also have water sport equipment to rent.
Cat Island is the sixth largest island in the Bahamas, and boasts extraordinary beaches. There are literally miles and miles of virtually undisturbed beaches, where swimming and relaxing can be done in near complete privacy.
Fine meals can be had at several locations on Cat Island. Hawk's Nest Resort and Marina serves a variety of dishes, but among the best are the fresh, grilled fish and the roasted rack of lamb. Fernandez Bay Village is the place to go for creative and delicious native dishes, served either in the dining room or a patio table by the beach. Greenwood Beach Resort's Bahaman cuisine is complemented by their marvelous breads, which are baked every day.
Cat Island is an excellent choice for vacationers who are seeking a natural beach experience, and enjoy a peaceful and very laid-back atmosphere. The island can be explored at a leisurely pace, which is a much better way to enjoy the local flora and fauna, as well as to enjoy the local culture. Because it is so much smaller in population than many of the other islands, it's easier to get a real feel for the people and their way of life. Cat Island is an interesting place that will make a lasting impression on its guests.
About the Author
This article provided courtesy of http://www.bahamas-holiday-guide.com
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