Looking Fab at The Beach!

It’s that time of year when we pack up our bags and head to the beach for the day to enjoy those warm sunrays and the refreshing sound of the lapping water.

So what constitutes a good beach wardrobe. Well there are certain essentials that none of us forget. On goes the swimsuit and bathing suit cover, flip flops on our feet. Beach bag has been packed with the essentials – sunglasses, floppy hat, towel and a good book. Great – got the basics covered but what about the rest.

So if we are so prepared for a day at the beach, why is it by the time we get home we look pretty worn. Here are some helpful tips to make your day at the beach fun and keep you looking fashion fresh all day and all the way home.

First before you leave home, if you’ve got long hair pull it into a high pony tail or fun knot. Use some funky hair accessories that will stay in place when you’re swimming. Try a fun colored bobble or some firm fastening clips in bright summer colors. If you pull your hair up your neck will stay cool and you’ll look fresh all day with your neat hairdo.

Second slather yourself in sunscreen before leaving the house, then toss the sunscreen in your bag so you can reapply after a swim or every few hours. A sunburn is not only unhealthy and painful, it’s unattractive, so don’t let yourself turn into the lobster of the day. Your sunscreen should be a SPF of 15. It doesn’t hurt to use a strong SPF on your face or your entire body if you burn easily.

Your beach bag should be large enough to hold your supplies for the day. Why not get something fun and fashionable to keep you looking fashion fresh. Make sure you’ve got all the daily essentials in your bag – sunglasses, sunscreen, a good book, a floppy hat, some lip gloss, and any other makeup touch ups you’ll want. If you plan to wear eye makeup make sure it’s waterproof. Stay away from heavy foundations. If you must apply something use a bronzer moisturizer. It’s also a good idea to bring lip balm with an SPF15 to protect your lips. It never hurts to put some moisturizer in the bag. Include a snack and plenty of fluids. It’s important not to get dehydrated.

Okay great we’ve got the basics covered now what about the wardrobe basics? If you’re planning to wear a swimsuit it’s usually easiest to put it on at home, that way you’re not chasing down change rooms. So great – first on goes the swimsuit. Now what to wear for a cover? Well you’ve got plenty of choices. A tank top and shorts, tank and skort, or a nice light cotton dress all work well over top. Choose something that’s easy to put on and take off, and choose fabrics that breathe to keep you cool. I also suggest including a long sleeved cotton blouse just incase you start to burn you can protect your shoulders and arms.

If you’re planning on heading out later in the day without returning home you might want to toss a pair of jeans or long skirt into your bag. If your outing is going to extend into the evening you’ll want to include a sweater for the cooler evening air. If you’re worried about your evening wear getting sandy or wet at the beach, then place them in a separate bag and leave them in the trunk of your car. That way you are guaranteed they’ll remain fresh.

My favorite beach look is this. And what’s perfect is it keeps me looking fashion fresh throughout the day and takes me right into the evening. First I like a swimsuit that’s got lots of support and is bright and cheerful. I throw a fitted tank on top and throw on a loose flouncy long skirt. The long skirt serves me through the evening and also works great to cover up if I’m starting to burn. I choose a lightweight material in a darker color with a pattern that accents the colors in my swimsuit. Flip flops are my footwear. Depending on where I’m heading after the beach I choose either a basic pair or one of my funky pair with rhinestones or crystals. Easy to walk in, feet breath, and terrific for an evening out. I keep a fitted light weight sweater in my car, and take a long sleeved cotton blouse down to the beach. I usually choose a long sleeved and long length blouse because it’s versatile. I can knot it to create a short blouse, wear it long as a beach cover, and put it on if I start to burn on my upper body. I usually choose white or a soft pastel depending on my other colors. I like white because it’s cool to wear and refreshing to look at. Every year I buy a fun new beach tote that’s big enough for the beach but not too big as to take it with me for an evening out. I like a fun bag that’s full of character.

Since I always feel naked without my jewelry I wear fashion jewelry to the beach. That way should I loose something I won’t be out a lot of money and I won’t feel so bad. I like to keep the earrings simple and elegant. I may or may not wear a necklace. Often I’ll toss a funky wood necklace in the bag to add to the evening outfit. I like to wear a couple of fashion rings just to add the finishing touches. Now if you’re fussy about tan lines you’ll probably want to forgo the rings. I toss my watch in the bottom of my bag so I can put it on later.

That’s it – simple is the key. Keep your beach wardrobe choices simple but fashionable. Think ahead so you can go from beach to an evening out without hassle. Remember to always make your fashion statement!

About Author

Sher from Estate Jewelry International has been serving customers for over 20 years, providing fashion, jewelry,and wedding help. Please visit us at http://www.estatejewelryinternational.com/

Source: ArticleTrader.com

Cruise vacations from dream to reality

People go cruising for different reasons. One thing is for sure that the experience of a cruise will always keep its unique images alive in your brain.
Here are some tips and guidelines you should take into account when you discuss the details of a cruise with your cruise travel agent. They would help you to organize your thoughts and ask direct and targeted questions without unnecessarily wasting your time, for a proper understanding of the situation.
- There are different types of packages (family packages or single travellers packages) offered by cruises line; choose the one that fits you best according to your individual requirements;
- Who comes with you? (your children, you need a romantic getaway, you are a honeymooner or plan to get married – some cruise lines offer wedding services, too);
- How long do you plan to cruise? (from three to fourteen nights, to world cruises which are the longest, lasting up to three months);
- Where and how to search? You have two alternatives: a cruise travel agent or agency or the websites of cruise lines;
- Port of departure. You can choose it by the proximity to your home, if you want to save money and avoid expensive airfare;
- Facilities offered during the cruise (for instance, if you like to gamble you may want to choose a cruise line that has casinos on board; maybe facilities for your children which are offered by all major cruise lines);
- Land and shore excursions (they are offered by all cruise lines, and last from two to three days, before, after or even during the cruise vacation). This kind of excursion gives you the opportunity to explore new cultures, destinations, visit new places, practice water sports, do some shopping etc.
- Destinations and suggestions:
Europe – a cruise in Europe is recommended to be taken for at least fourteen days of cruising, because of the long distance between the ports of embarkation;
Weekend Cruises – for at least three days;
Alaska – for summers only;
Mid Winter Cruise – The Caribbean (for a two weeks vacation one should choose a line that alternates between Eastern and Western Caribbean, thus you would have the chance to visit more islands), South America;

A Perfect Cruise Experience

A perfect cruise experience means no unwanted surprises. This depends on the seriousness and professionalism of the agent or agency you have chosen. Give honesty and require an honest opinion of your cruise travel agent, concerning the cruise you are about to choose. Ask your cruise agent for some tips and thorough details that might help you during the cruise and help you to avoid unexpected or completely new and unknown situations. It’s easier to get these pieces of information from relatives, friends, and acquaintances that have been there before you and have already experienced that particular cruise offer or perhaps a related one. Another source of information is made available by cruise reviews which are offered by Internet websites and forums (very subjective, but suggestive), magazines, newspapers etc.

Sometimes the decision for a vacation comes unexpectedly, so here are some guidelines that might help you to plan a proper cruise vacation. You might not have in mind all these details when you are about to take the decision so these guidelines are meant to be helpful. This cruise may give you years of pleasant recollections or years of misfortunes to forget.

About Author

For more resources on finding a cheap cruise or getting a deal on a last minute cruise, please visit Cruise-heaven.com
If you’re looking for romance on your vacation, make sure to read the following dating tips and advice.





Source: ArticleTrader.com

Top 5 Most Romantic Cities In The World

By Francois Botha

Whether you’re trying to find a vacation location to wow your new love, looking for a dream honeymoon destination or celebrating your 20th anniversary, here are the Top 5 Most Romantic Cities in the World to simplify your search.

Coming in at Number 5 - PARIS, FRANCE

It’s cliché, but you cannot leave the City of Love, Paris, off the list. People would complain. Especially French people. Although its ‘cheesy’ factor puts it at the bottom of our top 5 list, you cannot argue that the thought of writing sidewalk poetry, eating croissants at a café or enjoying genuine French cuisine and wine while dining in view of the Eiffel Tower does sound sigh-inducingly romantic…

Next at the door, Number 4 - VENICE, ITALY

Italy has long been touted as one of the leading romantic countries, and this fantasy-city of canals, bridges and gondoliers must rate as the most picturesque of the many Italian cities vying to be on the list. Venice has some of the most beautiful buildings in the world, with ornate palaces wherever you look. True chocolate-box country this.

Right in the middle at Number 3 - LAS VEGAS, NEVADA, USA

So tacky it’s actually cool, Las Vegas is for those couples who like the ‘bright lights, big city’ kind of holiday. For Elvis impersonators, luxury resorts, more bling than you can handle and of course all those casinos you can’t beat Las Vegas for a wild vacation destination… and if you’re trying to get your sweetie to tie the knot, feed him or her some of the champagne that practically flows in the streets of this party capital and soon the idea of nipping off the The Little White Chapel of Lurve will seem like a brilliantly romantic idea! (Hey, it worked for Brittney!)

Just missing the top spot, but still not too shabby at Number Two... JAMAICA (ok, it’s not a city; it’s an island, but play along…)

For an island-stylee holiday choose the largest English-speaking island in the Caribbean. Funky music, exciting new tastes in cuisine, enchanting views and fabulously friendly locals make Jamaica as exotically romantic a destination as you could ever wish for.

Drum roll please…in prime position at Number 1 - CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

Yes it’s now official – because it says so right here: Cape Town, the Mother City at the tip of the great African Continent, is The Most Romantic City in the World. If you want luxurious accommodation, awe-inspiring scenery, a world of fun and exciting activities, beautiful beaches, magnificent wildlife and the best shopping, eating, and nightlife venues then you can’t beat Cape Town. Which explains why so many couples choose to get married or go there on honeymoon.

It’s a wrap!

Get hold of your travel agent, get online, get brochures, get packing – get out of here! Don’t forget to take your loved one with you though! And if you’re single, who knows? You may just meet your soul-mate in one of these heavenly destinations!

Traveling to http://www.bookcapetown.com Cape Town, South Africa? Get the Best Deals on http://www.bloombergaccommodation.co.za/villas.html Cape Town accommodation by visiting Francois’s Book Cape Town website.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Francois_Botha

Cheap European Cruise Deals – How To Get Them?

By Jerrick Foo

Cruising to Europe is a wonderful experience. There are many cultural capitals, historic museums, great shopping malls and majestic European cities for you to see and explore in this region.

But the thing with European cruise packages is, most cruise lines do not offer you the price you expect to get. Unless you know how to get those discounts that others are lapping up, you will be plunking down the entire full fare for the cruise packages.

Let me share with you how you can find the best cruise fares and beat the cruise line in their own game.

Cruise Fare Tip #1 - Cruise on a brand, new ship

To draw crowds whenever a cruise ships debuts, many cruise liners have start to offer big discounts to entice new passengers. As competition and demand for cruising increases, more cruise ships are being built. As a consumer, it's a good thing as you get to enjoy more discounts and choices. The only challenge is that you need to keep up-to-date with the cruise industry to know what's coming up.

Cruise Fare Tip #2 - Group bookings

You may want to get your friends, colleagues, families or relatives to form a European cruise group tour. Traveling in groups can help to lower the fare for everybody. A group is define as 16 persons who in turn will book at least 8 cabins, in cruise industry context. You get to save for every ticket and sometimes, the cruise line may offer the 16th ticket free of charge as well.

Cruise Fare Tip #3 - For those 55 and above

You stand to enjoy some savings off your European cruise package if you are 55 and above - at least a minimum of 5% per person. You can enjoy further discounts if you are able to form a group and go for a group booking as well.

Cruise Fare Tip #3 - For Loyal Customers

If you can't get enough of a cruise ship and decides to go for another again, there are savings through loyalty programs like repeat-passenger programs in some cruise liners like Carnival. Discounts vary from 5% to as much as 20%.

Cruise Fare Tip #4 - Special Deals

On and off, you may get to see time sensitive cruise deals like two-for-one deals or free European hotel stays. To catch hold of such deals, sign up for the newsletters at websites that keep tracks of such bargains. If you are lucky, you can also catch hold of some attractive last-minute cruise deals too.

Cruise Fare Tip #5 - Book Another One

Most cruise ships would try their best to sell your more cruise packages while you are on the ship itself. You get to enjoy savings for your next cruise of up to 5% at the very minimum. It's good option for those cruisers who are very sure they want to go for another cruise soon.

Jerrick is a cruise expert who likes to hunt for cruise deals and frequently writes informational articles on cruise ships for the benefit of other cruisers. He pens for several cruise newsletters and is the author of Cruise Ships Vacations Guide.com. Please feel free to go to his website at http://www.cruise-ships-vacations-guide.com for more cruise ships reviews and tips.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jerrick_Foo

Pros And Cons Of Sunbathing With Contacts

By Aasheesh Jain

Eyes with a new color and the skin perfectly bronzed. That's heaven for the fashion freaks. The eyes, as we know, do not change colors automatically or naturally. Something needs to be done with them, and the same goes for the tanned skin. So, where do the two things meet, you might ask. They meet when you go out in the sun for tanning with your lenses on because you need your lenses to see clearly and you need to be in the sun to tan yourself.

There are no problems with sunbathing with your contacts on. They can stand that much of heat. However, you might feel slight discomfort in your eyes due to the swelling of your cornea, which makes the lenses sit tighter. Consequently, temporary irritation and redness may occur in the eyes. You need not worry about it, just put some kind of lubricating fluid in your eyes before going out so that the friction between the lens and your cornea is reduced lowering the irritation in your eyes.

Additionally, you may also consider wearing glasses in order to to block harmful UV radiation from damaging your eyes. UV rays are very harmful for the eyes and have been found to encourage cataract and other serious eye ailments.

Despite all precautions, if you are persistently getting your eyes red, do not ignore it. It may be something as simple as allergy to the lens cleaning solution or pollens or dirt itself. But, on the other hand, it might also be indicative of insufficient supply of oxygen to your eyes. Either way, you must approach your eye specialist right away in order to know the cause and the solution for it.

Forget not that despite their being used as cosmetic accessories, contact lenses are primarily medical devices. So, the proper way to wear them is under medical guidance. Therefore, before and during the use of contacts keep your eye specialist informed. Take no decision regarding the contacts without consulting a specialist. He is the best person to seek an advice from.

Eyes are precious, take no risks with them.

To get more information on best contact lenses, contact lens basics and cosmetic contact lens visit http://www.contactlenseclub.com/contacts/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Aasheesh_Jain

Make Your Next Travel Experience An Adventure

By Tom Sample

The word "adventure" has been a part of our lives in some minor or major experience. Travel has also been undertaken probably more frequently than we have had adventures. Now, when we combine these two words, a whole new vista of thrilling experiences come to our mind and understanding Adventure Travel becomes possible.

Adventure is usually thought of in terms of facing physical dangers, surpassing them and in the process there are some ups and downs that keep the suspense alive and finally either one feels a sense of achievement or disappointment. Well, adventure can be said to be a unique, out of the way experience that applies strictly to each one individually. The different kinds of adventures that one can think of can vary from being very passive to very active depending upon the nature of the individual. For example, for one, going for a walk in the countryside may spell adventure while to another, it could be whitewater rafting while a third may not be satisfied with anything less than a walk through an Amazon jungle!.

Mountaineering, rock-climbing, para-gliding, bungee jumping, sky-diving, bull-fighting, racing, etc can be termed as adventurous. The thrill and sense of danger that challenges a person's capacity may attract them to undertake daring feats. These are some of the physically active adventures. Unlike these, exploring the countryside, visiting new cities or remote places, camping, trekking, scuba diving, going off on safaris also involve physical activity but these may be considered a little passive when compared to the ones mentioned above. For children, learning to ride a bicycle, horse riding, exploring an abandoned house, taking a roller coaster ride, or getting onto a giant wheel for the first time, may all constitute an adventure.

There are people who seem to be bitten by the travel bug and cannot stay in a place for long. They yearn to try out new places, visit the wonders of the world or far off remote areas, museums, art galleries, gambling casinos, libraries, temples, shrines, etc just to get the feel of it and experience that high of having known the unknown first hand. Adventure is that experience which goes beyond the normal or common routine of one's life. It is exclusive to a particular individual depending on one's personality, nature and tastes. It has entirely to do with one's own imagination, physical and mental courage.

Sometimes, all the members of a family could have the same tastes as far as adventure is concerned. It makes traveling together that much easier. Sometimes, views within the family might differ. In which case, one might think going to Disney is an adventure while another might want to go up in a hot air balloon!

For some, adventure travel may be scaling the Mount Everest or mixing with the local people of an unknown village. Ultimately, the experience of making it adventurous lies totally within you as there is no yardstick to measure how adventurous an event has been for a person. It is your own, exclusive, personal experience!

More information about understanding adventure travel understanding adventure travel http://www.adventuretourfly.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tom_Sample

A travel dream becomes a life-changing journey

By: Carol White

Work life has a way of putting people in niches. Retirement gives us a way to climb out of those holes and go another direction. This is what my husband Phil and I discovered when we retired in our early 50s.

No longer stuck with who we had become over the years, and not yet ready to yield to being “seniors,” we decided to live our long-held dream of seeing the United States – not just a series of short trips here and there, not just a surface glance at a few important places, but a real, life-changing experience. Along the way, we found much more than we could ever have envisioned.

We decided on this course because we still had our good health and our adventuresome spirit. Now was the time to take off and see this great country as a start to this new phase of our lives. We wanted to do this before we became just as involved in our “new life” as we were in our old. Soon we would be too embroiled in a whole new set of commonplace activities – even if they were of our own choosing – to be able to live our dream trip.

We planned, we cajoled friends into helping us, we leased our house, we sold our cars and we kissed those precious grand-kiddies goodbye. Then we took off to spend a year just vagabonding around the lower 48 states. We had no reservations and virtually no itinerary other than to travel in each of the states, see every national park and have the time of our lives.

As we traveled along, we found our curiosity starting to creep out from someplace deep inside us, and we discovered that we really were turning into kids again. How freeing is it to decide what you are going to do each day with no interference from anyone else? People all along the way would say, “Oh, we’d love to do what you are doing, but what did you do about…” and the laundry list of questions would begin.

In the waning month of the trip, we were reminiscing about all we had learned, what a fabulous experience it had been, and how we had changed, both as individuals and as a couple. We kept thinking about all the people we had met who dreamed of doing the same thing, but hadn’t yet figured out how to make it happen. We wanted to help them live their dreams.

We discovered that there was no book or website that really addressed how to plan such an adventure. Of course hundreds of books exist that tell you what to see, but none on how to extricate yourself from your everyday lives and plan your own trip of a lifetime. We decided to write such a book, but there was one problem. Neither of us were writers, nor did we know anything about publishing.

With 78 million baby boomers reaching retirement, we knew we had a huge potential market just based on people we had talked with along the way. Our next step was learning the steps to writing and publishing a book.

We learned to write query letters to potential publishers, and worked with a major publisher for nearly a year. But we found ourselves right back at the beginning when the publisher decided not to publish the book.

Undaunted by the setback, we decided to learn about independent publishing. Our book, Live Your Road Trip Dream and its companion website, www.roadtripdream.com, were launched in 2004 under our company imprint, RLI Press.

The book has sold well from the beginning thanks to articles in such prestigious publications as The Boston Globe and The San Francisco Chronicle, websites including USA Today.com, ABCNews.com and many more. The travel editor for the Associated Press used us as sources for two different articles which appeared in hundreds of papers. We have spoken on radio and TV around the country and done live presentations to groups ranging from AAA to RV rallies to libraries and bookstores. We’ve taken our road trip expertise on the road!

Last year we were finalists in the ForeWord Magazine book of the Year competition in the travel category, and this year won the Benjamin Franklin Award for marketing excellence and innovation. Phil and I both have sales and marketing backgrounds, which have been invaluable to our success.

But a funny thing has happened along this new path. People are now asking us for help in making their book projects successful. We now are headed in a whole new direction: helping people with their own book journeys.

We can’t imagine where our road will lead next; we know only that we will be open to that roadmap too.

Article Source: http://www.travelarticlelibrary.com

Carol White is the co-author of the award-winning book, “Live Your Road Trip Dream” www.roadtripdream.com – the ultimate road trip planning guide for extended road trips. Carol and her husband Phil have traveled over 50,000 road miles in the past several years, visiting all forty-eight of the contiguous states and having visited all of the National Parks in those states. They now spend their days helping others to live their dreams.

Tips for Finding Airline Travel Deals

By Morgan Hamilton

Setting up a budget is usually the first step in planning for a dream vacation. You have to consider the costs of getting to, and staying at, a particular place, even if you may have a destination in mind. You may have to spend some time in search of some great airline travel deals if money is tight. Fortunately, finding airline travel deals is not as difficult as it used to be.

Booking a flight well in advance is one of the tricks to getting great deals. Airline tickets can be booked up to eleven months in advance. Early tickets are often cheaper than buying them just until a few weeks before your trip. However, you can have some problems if your trip is cancelled because these tickets are often non refundable.

You should call the airline directly if you are looking for airline travel deals. The airlines are the best source for discount prices. They may be eager to get you aboard because of a last minute flight that they would like to fill. They may also have some unadvertised specials that you can take advantage of.

Travel agents are also a good source of airline travel deals. You can ask them to search through all airline offers and find something to fit your needs. You will have a person who has your best interests at heart if you choose to deal with a travel agent.

In recent years, travel agents have lost a lot of business because online airfare sites have become very popular. They will be eager to help you find very best airline travel deals, so that you will still seek their service in the future.

The Internet is also a good source of airline travel deals. Try not to focus your search on just a few sites, search them all if you want the best deals. Since that ticket price change quite often, you should get a ticket if it has a fantastic price immediately. That great price could be gone in a few hours.

Remember that airline travel deals aren’t really deals if you aren’t getting what you think you are paying for. Read the fine print on any website before you make any ticket purchase. Otherwise, you may be stuck with the cost of the tickets if there is a mistake.

Always ask the travel agent or the airline’s representative to repeat all the information back to you so that you can double check your ticket. Don’t be afraid to speak up if you discover that there has been a mistake, or that you have not been given the airline travel deals that you should be getting.

Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning Airline Travel Deals. Visit our site for more helpful information about Airline Travel Deals and other similar topics.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Morgan_Hamilton

Unique Travel Destinations

By Richard Chapo

If you love traveling, you will soon reach a point where you get tired of the usual travel destinations and tourist traps. Yes, some things need to be seen, but unique destinations will soon top your list of things to see.

Unique Travel Destinations

So, what is a unique travel destination? Well, many people interpret the phrase differently. It can be a place where there is next to no infrastructure to accommodate travelers or a place that has such infrastructure, but isn’t overwhelmed with travelers. While everyone has their specific definition, the following spots offer a little of both.

If you are fanatical about both fishing and traveling, there is one very unique spot on the planet that will do the trick. In this case, we are talking about Siberia. Yes, that Siberia. The one with the gulags and harshest of winters. The little secret that most people don’t know about Siberia is it has incredible salmon fishing and the fishing is tremendous because there are few hearty souls working the fishing spots. Getting to Siberia is not particularly difficult, but there can be a lot of red tape involved. You want to hook up with a reputable online guide and work through them to get the appropriate papers from the Russian government.

If you consider cooking a hobby, you also might consider spending some time in Siena, Italy. Siena is a mountain top fortress that has converted into a town in our modern times. When you visit, it is like stepping back into the middle ages of Europe. The town is quaint and everything is cobblestones. Cars are rarely allowed onto the streets. While all of this might be enough reason to visit, you can also attend cooking classes. Verbena Blu Viaggi can set you up with one day classes.

If you like hiking, Iya Valley in Japan is definitely a place to visit. It is one of the three hidden valleys of Japan and is located on Shikoku. Hiking into the valley used to be a hike back into antiquity. The area is stunningly beautiful and the few people live by older Japanese customs. It used to be a major, difficult hike just to get to the launching point of the hike into the valley. In recent years, civilization has come to the area for better or worse. You can now practically take a bus up to the hike. Iya Valley is still worth the trip however as it is fairly pristine and not overrun.

Whatever your idea of a unique travel destination, the above three destinations should suffice. Given the size of our planet, however, there are certainly plenty of others as well!

Rick Chapo is with NomadJournals.com - makers of unique travel gifts.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_Chapo

How To Eat Good Quality Food While Traveling

By: Gregg Hall

When you are traveling whether on the road or airport hopping finding good food to eat at a reasonable price is an important consideration. When you are traveling eating out at fancy restaurants can take you over your budget in a hurry. Take a look at some ideas to help you keep your food costs down and still enjoy your dining experiences.

First off, always be sire to eat a healthy breakfast if at all possible. If you are on the road you can stop in at a spot like a Waffle House or even better yet a mom and pop spot that will fill you up without killing your wallet. Don't go for the quick fix of a bag of donuts from a convenience store. Eat something healthy like a bowl of oatmeal with some fruit and wheat toast. If you are lucky enough to be traveling in the Bahamas, try the local favorite, Fish and Grits!

Eat your largest meal at lunch time. Many establishments offer lunch specials that are bargains during this time. My advice is to sample the local cuisine, especially if you are in another country. This is always a cool experience and generally cheaper than try to find a burger! Also, you never know when you will be on a sightseeing tour and your stomach decides for you that it is time to stop and get something to eat. Take along some healthy snacks, like fruit, nuts, raisins, or peanut butter and crackers.

Many people think going to a grocery store while on vacation is totally taboo. The truth is you can save a ton of money and pick up some local favorites at a grocery store. If you are staying at a destination for more than a week or so grocery shopping pretty much becomes a necessity. When we stayed in the Bahamas last summer for a month we hit up the grocery store three days a week at least. With three teenage boys to feed, I had no choice!

If you are in an area that has small family owned or independent diners give them a try. You will often find much better process as well as better and friendlier service than the larger establishments. By taking advantage of the ideas I have shared with you, you will enjoy your vacation much more because you will not have to worry about the cost of each meal that you eat and hopefully I have convinced you to try the local fare.

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Gregg Hall is an author and internet marketing consultant living in Navarre Florida. Find more about Bahamian food and ethnic foods at www.ethnicfoodsplus.com
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Top 5 Safe Travel Locations

Submitted by tribune1

Holiday island Malta ranks as one of the top five locations for safety in the world, according to American travel writer Laura McKenzie.

In her report Ms McKenzie says of the Mediterranean holiday island 'In Malta there is no such thing as a dark and uninviting alley, while the police force is one of the oldest in the world'.

The report also praises New Zealand, Switzerland and Singapore as safe destinations.

Top was Monaco, with one police officer for every one hundred residents, and 24 hour cctv coverage of the entire principality.

Commenting on the report, local travel guide YourMalta.com were not surprised that Malta reached Ms Mckenzie's top five safest locations, nor that Monaco was top.

'Malta has her problems with the state of the roads and some other infrastructure, but when it comes to the people it's doubtful if you will find a friendlier more helpful island in the Mediterranean. This report from Ms McKenzie has come at around the same time as another survey showing that Malta is one of the best places in the world for retiring to. The Malta people and weather make for a great combination'.

Commenting on Monaco, who just beat Malta to top spot for safe destinations, YourMalta say that the reasons for moving to Malta and Monaco are very different.

'Monaco is for millionaires and billionaires, who often choose to live there because of the zero income tax. Malta is a low tax island and has her share of millionaires, but Monaco needs the security and does it well because it's what the wealthy expect - and they get it'.
Malta Holidays

The two surveys with positive news about Malta comes at a worrying time for the holidays in Malta industry.

The number of tourists visiting Malta this year is down on previous years, and some predictions are that it could be 100,000 less than 2005 - while the Malta Tourist Authority had hoped to see a similar figure in the opposite direction.

But recent news of low cost airlines gaining permission to fly to the island has given some hope in the Malta hotel and holiday industry that next year will see the decline reversed.

Hotel and resort owners have seen the Maltese government drag the negotiations out with the low cost airlines for some time, with delays in agreements losing Malta the potential of having extra tourists for this summer season.

Statements from Ryanair, the first low cost carrier to be flying to Malta, indicate that at one stage they were taking a booking a minute for their new Malta route.

'If the Malta government had the agreement in place six months ago, the tourist industry would be in a much better position today, after a good summer', add YourMalta.

Some of the anticipation of an increase in hotel and holiday bookings for Malta has been tempered recently after a survey in the UK - Malta's largest market - showed that package holidays in 2007 would be more expensive than comparable holidays in Spain and her islands.

About the Author

For Malta hotels and a Malta map visit YourMalta.com

Source: ArticleTrader.com

Tips and Advice for Long Flights

By Celia Namart

Everyone, at one point or the other, starts disliking flights, when we were kids it was so much fun, but now it looks like the worst few hours we can spend, and on long flights it is almost a catastrophic, spending hours in that very small space, and without much free movement or quality breathing air can make some people really edgy. However there are a few things that you can do to try and combat these long hour flights, and the boredom that comes with them, as well as take care of yourself while flying, here are a few things we thought can help.

Before the Flight

Pack early! Prepare everything days before your flight. Determine early the things you should place into your hand carry. To avoid trouble at the airport and eventually may cause you the flight, do not bring any sharp objects.

Bring personal things you need on-flight such as all your toiletries and medications. Bring toothbrush and toothpaste. Bring inflatable headrest to keep your head wilting from your seat once you decide to go to sleep.

Bring sweaters and long trousers since most planes have cold air-conditioning.

Bring earplugs and sleep mask (or something you can place over your eyes).

Get enough rest. Sleep early. If you are flying for the first time, do not get too excited and excuse yourself from resting a day before the flight.

Leave early from your house. Airlines would normally ask you to arrive 2 hours before the flight. This will give you enough time to find your terminal, check in, and leave your luggage. Passport, airport check, and security check may take too long. Make use of the time to get through all these procedure.

Also, international flights are often overbooked so it is hard to get into the next flight once you missed your original flight. Listen to announcements intently and look for computer monitors. There are instances wherein flight times and gate assignments change especially at large and busy airports.

Read more about flights, vacation, special vacation deals and Online Travel tips and advice at the travel, spa and recreation portal http://travelzupa.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Celia_Namart

Keeping Your Home Secure While On Vacation

By: C.F. Bettridge

Imagine returning from your holiday to find your windows broken, your cars and possessions stolen and your pets gone. Your space has been violated.

Relax it shouldn't be necessary to answer that because with the proper preparation you can discourage intruders and have a carefree vacation.

Worry shouldn't be on the agenda when you are vacationing. Your holiday is a treat that should be enjoyed without stressing about the safety of your home. By planning ahead you minimize your risk of something going wrong while you are gone.

Depending on how long you will be gone there are a few common sense things you can do for your home, pets and possessions.

Discourage thieves by getting a house sitter. This is the best way to ward off trouble. If you know someone who will regularly stop by your house - water your plants and turn on the lights you are lucky. If you have animals you might want to think about hiring a house sitter for while you are away. This way your pets are properly cared for and your home is safer. Peace of mind is worth some extra money. If you are going to hire a house sitter - make sure you use reliable and trustworthy service! Ask around.

If you can't get a house sitter the goal is to make your house look lived in. It's a good idea to have a trusted neighbor to look after your home. Someone who can keep an eye on your property and who has a contact number for you should anything go wrong.

There are all kinds of timers you can buy that make it seem like there are people in your house. Light timers and radio timers can be very effective in deterring criminals.

Think about the state of your lawn before you leave. Overgrown grass is a loud signal that there is nobody home.

If you are going to be gone long enough for your post to pile up make an arrangement with a neighbor to pick it up - a pile of unopened mail is an obvious signal to criminals that nobody is home.

Even if you aren't going away for a long time there are some things that you need to do every time you leave the house.
- Always lock your door and leave a key with someone to check on your home while you are gone.

- Turn on the radio/TV and leave some lights on

- Do not leave your spare key under the doormat or in any of the equally obvious hiding places. Rather give a copy to someone else and don't have a spare key anywhere in your garden while you are home. If you MUST hide your key on the property be creative! That blue rock in the backyard under the tree behind the shed is a better/safer bet.

-Develop a reciprocal relationship with your neighbors. Watch their houses when they are away; keep your eyes and ears open for strange happenings and ask them to do the same for you. Group0 together and form a neighborhood watch of some sort
.
If you follow these tips you can be sure your chances are good that you will return to a secure house. If something has happened while you were out; here are some signs to look for

- Broken windows or door should be a major alert that something is wrong. Don't go inside! Call the police and have them check the property.

- If you think you have been broken into don't touch anything; you want to keep the scene preserved for investigation.

Article Source: http://real-articles.com

Christine Bettridge has loved writing since childhood. She has written Plays, poetry and many articles on several topics. She is the editor of the article directory Above All Content She is also the author of the highly popular End Times e-book which has caused a stir in the religious world. It can be found at End Time Secrets Visit her blog at: The Bible Sound Blog

Becoming an Eco tourist

By Manju Dubey

As we see the setting sun we start wondering whether the sun is giving a final bow to this beautiful earth. Vast destruction of habitat and environment does create a sense of helplessness and loss. Well, there was a sadness within me, which prompted me to do what the fashionable thing to do. I am an eco-tourist by choice not compulsion or fashion. I believe in all things natural. I was born with an extreme case of curiosity and grew up in the bush in Eastern India. Father being a forest officer; often took us for jaunts deep into the forests, off the beaten tourist’s tracks. We did not have enough neighbors to so to the odd rabbits or mongoose used to be the only friend’s I ever had, and have course the tall trees, surrounding our bungalow.
I learned through observation. I watched and listened and before too many seasons had passed I knew first hand the life cycle of frogs, foxes, jackals etc. The lessons I learned didn't come with value judgments. These animals just "were" and their behavior was unique to each species and in some cases such as the three-legged mama jackal, unique to each individual. I loved the smell of wild flowers as we went for evening walks with my mother alongside the jheel in Hazaribagh. I learned to identify the wild berries from poisonous ones to the useful ones. Hazaribagh National Park was more or a bird sanctuary where we could get to see variety of birds. My father was an avid birder and would keep his field glasses on one side and Salim Ali’s book on the other. The moment we used to see an unusual bird my father would either one of us to identify it.
These were the days when spanking was still an acceptable method of disciplining a child. I brought home a bouquet of flowers for my mother and I got walloped because Dad was very annoyed when I plucked the flowers from his garden. Anyway this was nothing but value addition for me. Consequently, I learnt to admire the flowers only in their natural surroundings and to this day I never present a bouquet on any occasion.
Where to Begin

Let's talk about you. How do you start? You obviously can't live my childhood and have my parents so, the next best thing is to start in your backyard. If you live in an apartment, your local park will do and if you don't have one of those, any place birds are, like house sparrows or pigeons are good. Make a mental note of the surroundings. Every living creature needs three things for survival: Water, shelter and food.
Now observe what is living there from plant to animal life. The questions to ask and to observe for answers are:
· What shelter is there? Look for both natural and human provided
· What food source is there? Is it native, introduced or human provided
· Where does the wildlife get its water? Does rain collect in a low spot and if so is the plant matter of a different species or density? Does the low spot keep water in a puddle for a short time?
Becoming Curious and Arousing it
Your curiosity is piqued.
· You need more information and you probably want to go further a field.
· Look in your local bookstore for local plant and animal guides.
· Those written at a local level are extremely helpful in getting to know the broader ecosystem. The authors usually have favored spots where you can find some of the gems in the guide.
· Start looking at the history of your area. Both from a natural and a human point of view.
· Why did a community build up around your place? How is it different now?
· Their needs for water, shelter and food had to have been met. Go to another area and observe if it is different from your first. What are the differences? Is wildlife different? You are now beginning to look at the bigger picture and putting the smaller parts into the whole.

ECOTOURIST Is On His Way

You are on your way to becoming an Ecotourist.
· You have an understanding of your immediate area, now other areas are intriguing you.
· Look for clubs, continuing education courses, anything that will put you in touch with others who share the same interests as you.
· Continue reading. If a particular region fascinates you, say The Himalayas, or the islands of Andaman and Nicobar or Lakshadvip catches your fancy, read about birds, insects, plants, people. Get as much book knowledge as you can. You will be much better prepared.
On an ECO-TOUR

You need a vacation and an Ecotour is right up your street. You understand the principles of Ecotourism and are ready to go. Check out tour operators and ask pointed questions.
· Do they really practice what they claim they do?
· How much money goes back to the communities where you will be visiting?
· Will the group be small enough so you can ask questions of your guide?
Being an ecotourist makes you satisfied that at least you have done your bit in saving planet Earth.

About the author:
Manju Dubey
Internet and personal experience

Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

Cruise Tips For A Worry Free Vacation

By Jerrick Foo

There are a few cruise tips you should take note as it may just save you some hassle and frustrations before and during your cruise trip.

Getting to the Cruise Ship

Double checks to confirm you have the following documents ready.

1. Cruise lines tags on your suitcases indicating the sail date, ship name and cabin identification number
2. Cruise tickets
3. Cruise documents and passes
4. Valid passports

If your flight is delayed, inform the airline immediately that you need to catch a cruise ship. Provide them with the cruise line details and there may be a slim chance that there may be other cruisers on the same flight as you. If that is the case, the airline may just be able to help you hold the cruise ship. Otherwise, you may need to make arrangements to meet the cruise ship at the next port.

Check in to the Cruise Ships

Remember, there are many other cruisers just like you during the embarkation process waiting to board the ship. It is good to check in early to avoid the queue and the crowd. You can use the extra free time that you gain to explore the ship and sign up for popular spa treatments or shore excursion packages. Once you have checked in, you will be given your dining-room table assignments, so let the cruise crew know of your seating preference.

On board the Ship

There is a daily program inside your cabin that tells you the programs for entire cruise trip. Meals times are included as well. During this time, you may not have received your luggage yet. Do not worry as it does take some time for the luggage to be properly distributed to the respective passengers. Give the purser’s office a call if you still have no news of your luggage by the end of the day.

Remember to lock your valuables and keep any important documents inside the safe provided in your cabin. All you need to carry with you is the shipboard credit card and your cabin key with you. There is also a deck plan ready in most cruise ships for you to find your way around the cruise ship yourself.

Enjoying the Cruise

Time can passed very quickly when you cruise. Decide what attractions you want to see and what things you want to do on board the ship. Most cruisers would be exploring the islands when the ships docks at the port. With fewer people on board remaining, the ship may be quieter and if you are lucky, a few offerings such as live music, seminars and spa treatments may still be available.

Copyright 2006, Jerrick Foo and Cruise-Ships-Vacations-Guide.com

Reprinting this article is allowed provided all references and acknowledgment to the author, the website, and the URL remain intact.

Jerrick is a travel writer with keen interest in cruises. He has designed a website www.cruise-ships-vacations-guide.com especially for cruise lovers. Learn how to choose the right cruise ships for yourself.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jerrick_Foo

International Adventure Travel Ideas

Authored By: Steve Gillman

International adventure travel: Safaris, balloon tours, swimming with dolphins, bicycling down volcanos, trekking in the Himalayas, Walmart on Christmas Eve - the list is almost endless. This will not be a comprehensive listing of all the adventure opportunities out there. Instead, here is just enough to whet your appetite.

My Own International Adventure Travel

Long before hitchhiking across the country at sixteen-years-old, I had a taste for adventure. At fourteen, a friend and I bicycled 300 miles in a few days during one summer. At seventeen, I went international with my adventuring, hitchhiking from Michigan to half-way across Mexico. Over forty now, I no longer put out my thumb - not very often, anyhow - but I still love to travel.

More recently, my international adventure travel took me to Ecuador. While there I climbed to the furthest point from the center of the Earth. Everest is highest above sea level, but due to the Earth's bulge at the equator, the peak of Mount Chimborazo, at 20,600 feet, is farther from from the center of our planet. The top is all snow, ice, and glaciers.

My guide didn't speak English, and thought I was a mountaineer. I had once used an ice axe and crampons to go forty feet up a sledding hill, in Michigan. The rest of the story is on the website, but you can get information and a guide by talking to almost any hotel manager in Riobamba, Ecuador.

Go On A Jungle Book Safari

In southern Nepal, In the Royal Chitwan National Park, you can see tigers, leopards, rhinos, and sloth-bears. And where better to see them from than the back of a large elephant? The tours are lead by naturalists and park rangers. Stay in the comfortable Safari Lodge and take daily tours into the jungle.

Take A Mongolian Horseback Trek

Travel with one of the great nomadic and horse-based cultures of the world. The trips take you beyond tourist routes, and you can customize your trek to fit your schedule and budget. These tours are run from an office in Mongolia, and they provides experienced guides that are multi-lingual.

Go Rock Climbing In Rio

Want an outdoor adventure and city nightlife? Try a rock climbing tour in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. You'll find routes for all skill levels in the Sugar Loaf, Urca, Corcovado and Pedra da Gavea mountains. Tours include bilingual instructors, equipment rentals, and transportation, and start at under $100 per person.

Swim With Dolphins In The Croatian Sea

Escape from the cold this winter, to the Cres-Lošinj group of islands, which is known for it's mild climate. Mali Lošinj on the island of Lošinj is known for its health resort, but recently, the area is becoming famous for the bottle-nosed dolphins that have made their homes in the clear and clean waters of the Cres-Lošinj group of islands. Mingle with them by boat or in your swimsuit.

Climb Mount Kinabalu

Mt. Kinabalu (4101m) is the king of the Borneo sub-continent. It rises 3000 feet higher than other mountains in the area; far above the jungle. It attracts international climbers of all skill levels, who scramble, climb and trek in its unique jungle-alpine enviroment. Kinabalu is in a world heritage site that boasts a wide variety of plants and animals. Experienced guides will take you trekking, or take you to the top.

Steve Gillman hit the road at sixteen, and traveled the U.S. and Mexico alone at 17. Now 42, he travels with his wife Ana, whom he met in Ecuador. For travel stories, tips and a free Travel Secrets e-book, visit: www.EverythingAboutTravel.com

Article Source: Article Directory at http://www.ArticleSphere.com

Tips to Save Money When While Traveling

With all of the costs of getting to wherever you are going, wouldn’t it be nice to actually learn how to save money when you’re there? Besides hunting for the best tickets and times to travel, you also need to learn about how to make the most of every dollar/rupee/yen/euro/etc. when you’re actually there.

1. Learn the exchange rate – This seems like common sense, but knowing the exchange rate will allow you to tell when you’re paying too much or at least more than you want to be spending.


2. Make a budget – By just setting yourself a limit on what you can spend each day, you’ll start to subconsciously limit yourself.
   3. Make it a game – If you’re traveling with someone, try to make it a game to see who can spend the least amount of money. You’ll be surprised at what you can do.


3. Walk – Instead of paying for transportation and taxis, why not get a little exercise and save money at the same time? Or, you can always walk part of the way and pay for the rest – at a much lesser fee than you would have with the whole route.


4. Eat where the locals eat – Think about it. When you’re at home, you have certain places that you eat because they’re good and they’re cheap. So do people in other countries.


5. Take some risks – Head into the smaller stores that you find but aren’t all that crowded. You will find beautiful things at lower prices because they’re not catering to the tourists that are going to be there.


6. Talk to locals – When you’re interested in something, talk to the locals about where you might be able to find it. You will learn things that you wouldn’t get out of your guidebook as well as where these activities are cheaper.


7. Don’t drink your money away – Try to limit your alcohol wherever you can or save it for a few special days. It’s easy to spend too much.


8. Choose one thing – And then spend a lot of money on that. If you’re heading to Italy, for example, you might want to save your money up for a day of shopping, but be thrifty the rest of the time.


9. You only live once – When all else fails, just spend a little more than you thought that you would. You aren’t going to be there everyday, so why not make the most of it when you are?

Matt Reider is the manager of www.CanuckAbroad.com, a site for finding cheap flights, talking with other budget travelers and finding out everything you need to know before going abroad.

Holiday Travel

By Bonnie Moss

The airways, the hi-ways and the bi-ways are extra busy during the holiday season.

Travel for adults only is much easier. However, with children and at times pets in tow, travel at any time can be stressful.

Preparing all the things needed for the trip takes time. If you do not believe in To Do List, this is one time a list would be very helpful. With all the errands and preparation for the season, it's so easy to forget things. This is not the time to leave packing to the last minute and hope to get your rest during the travel.

Prepare a list of what is needed, things and clothes to pack, checklist to keep your home safe while you are away. Post this list on the refrigerator door, or on your desk. Write things down on the list that comes to your mind. Get all the members of the family involved.

Things to pack:

If you have the room, set aside an area to put stuff, or make room. Encourage the children to help. They have a good idea of what they will need. It's easier to set things aside than to go looking for these at the last minute.

Learn to travel light, this is always helpful. Do not carry stuff that will take room or add weight to your luggage.

Stuff for check-in luggage:

- suitcase, yours and children's

- clothes, underthings , socks, sweaters

- toys for the children

-prescription pills- there are compact pill

holders for convenience

-toiletries, toothbruses and shaving stuff

-gifts

-footwear-pack only the barest necessity

-camera, batteries and charger, films if you still use the old cameras. Some prefer to carry this item .

For carry–on, readily available to get at:

-car first aid kit, flashlights, spare blanket

-snacks/ drinks for children and you

-disposable wipes,

-some pills for headaches, cough , car sickness

-maps, directions, telephone numbers

-reading materials, in case of slowdown or delays

-for car travel- a spare radio

-charge your cell phone, keep the charger handy

-travel documents- with tightened security, make sure

you have these documents.

Vehicle

Don't wait till the last minute to fill up with gas. Check the tires, get that tune up and oil change if you are travelling any distance.

Your house:

Never leave your house unsecured at any time. If you will be away for any length of time, have a neighbor check in on the house, to pick up the mail and newspaper. Leave a number where you can be contacted

This is wintertime, make sure you will not come back to frozen water lines or sewer system. Do not forget to look after these.

A housecleaning before leaving would be in order. At least de-clutter and don't leave a pile of dirty dishes.

Make sure there is readily available food when you get back. You'll probably be too tired to worry about cooking. This is one time that microwable food will come in handy.

Money

If you still believe in using cash when you can, don't wait till the last hour to get some cash, or hope to come by an ATM on the run.

Get your traveler's cheques ahead of time.

Be organized and save yourself the stress of last minute planning and packing.

Have a safe and wonderful holiday season.

Bonnie Moss writes to inspire and to motivate her readers to explore the depths of their heart and soul and make a difference in this world. She draws from personal experience and her interest in metaphysical subjects. Visit her website : http://goldencupcafe.tripod.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bonnie_Moss

Business Travel Success Plan

Over the last eleven years of traveling the globe I have learned many different lessons about business travel. Whether you are a seasoned travel expert or a recent college graduate getting ready for that first trip, I am sure that you will learn a few things from my dissertation below.

Business travel is weary on the family and can cause hardships that are difficult to put into words. When you are out of town, life around your house carries on in every sense. Your grass continues to grow, your power continues to flow, your kids have recitals and ball practices, and your spouse has meetings. Don't forget the small things and check in with your family members. Your not being around means that they have to do the things that you normally accomplish.

During your travel make sure to make time to take care of yourself as well. You will be eating at fine restaurants all over the world. You will get to sample local cuisines that you have never before had. Your body will suffer from the overload of food and beverages. Make time to go to your hotels gyms between work hours and dinner. Simply working out for 30 mins. each afternoon should keep you in fighting form for the meetings that you have coming up during the trip. It will also limit the perpetual expansion of the waste line from the foods that you are eating.

For meetings and arrival times, make sure to plan on showing up fifteen to twenty minutes before your meeting time. Showing up late to meetings is unacceptable for both your clients and for your company.

Always dress for success, never show up to your meetings in anything less than a Shirt, Tie, and Coat. Showing up in less than that attire for many companies is a sign of disrespect. While they may be sporting the latest in Golf apparel you need to sport something more along the lines of Donald Trump.

During the travel stages of your event plan on staying in mid-level accommodations. Never try to hit your company up for first class accommodations. The mid-level accommodation shows that you are willing to save the company money while not sacrificing your personal well-being. The mid-level accommodation will provide you with acceptable bedding and laundry services and a good night sleep.

As a final point keep in mind that you are representing your company. Conduct yourself at all times as if you were trying to win that coveted job spot. Because just as you interviewed for your current job. You are interviewing your company for future business with your clients.

Charles Cater

Setting Sail in the South Seas

The idea of the perfect holiday differs for everyone. For some, it's the 'where' that matters - it's all about location: a quiet secluded beach, with no one around for miles. For others, it's all about the 'what': nothing but surfin', eatin' and sleepin'. And for many it's the 'who': it doesn't really matter where you are or what you do, as long as you're with your mates or loved ones.

But whatever your holiday style, Java Sea Charters offers one of the most appealing holiday getaways available in Indonesia. The 60-ft wooden ketch rigged sailing boat, the Cecelia Ann, offers it all.

With trips to Krakatau and Ujung Kulon, as well as the Thousand Islands, there's plenty of adventure on offer. And with a dive master on board, divers can enjoy unlimited dives, including wreck dives and night diving. For those wanting ultimate quiet and relaxation, the entire trip can be spent lazing on deck reading or snoozing.

But the Cecelia Ann is really perfect for those wanting to get away from Jakarta and spend quality time with family and friends. With ten air-conditioned sleeping bunks, you can round up a group of friends and have an amazing weekend away.

The ship's crew is unbelievably friendly and the food is quite respectable. The price includes all meals and soft drinks. If you wish, you can bring your own alcohol or you may order ahead of time from Java Sea Charters and they will have it ready for you when you board.

The Cecelia Ann is docked in Anyer, only three hours from Jakarta, which makes it an extremely convenient option for those who don't want to fuss with elaborate travel details.

The trip begins with everyone meeting in Anyer at around 10pm on the Friday evening. After getting settled, you fall asleep while the boat is still docked in the harbour. While you are fast asleep, the boat sets sail at about 4.30 am, so when you wake, you are already at your first destination, which is basically the middle of nowhere. You'll enjoy a beautiful breakfast of coffee, fresh tropical fruits, eggs and toast against a breathtaking backdrop of picturesque deserted islands.

After breakfast, guests do as they please: some dive, some snorkel, some are lulled back to sleep by the gentle rocking. In the evening before dinner, the cork pops and wine adds a gentle flush to everyone's already sun-kissed cheeks. The evening meals are beautiful with warm, fresh crusty bread, salad, and savoury meat.

With heavy lids and a full belly, sleep is next on the itinerary and if you like, you can sleep on deck and drift off enjoying the breeze and the stars.

The second day is much of the same with one major difference: Krakatau – a heavyweight in Indonesia's string of volcanic pearls. The hike up this giant is strenuous with the entire surface covered in volcanic sand. But the view once you're there makes it absolutely worth it.

After Krakatau the next stop is Sibuku Island, which boasts pristine white sand and crystal clear water. The island is perfect for exploring, snorkeling and shell collecting. After everyone is back on board, the 3-hour trip back to Anyer begins. After this great getaway, you will head back to Jakarta feeling relaxed and refreshed.

Backpack for a Cause

By: Vlad Ehrsam

A backpack is for all seasons and for all activities. Before you hit the market to buy a backpack, keep in mind several things that you may consider for your final decision. Some of the factors that you should look upon are the design, the price, the material used, the size, or perhaps the brand name.

If hiking is your style, then go for a backpack, that can store all your hiking treks. Make sure that the backpack can protect your gear in adverse environment conditions. Most hiking backpacks come with a top closing flap that prevents water from dripping inside while hiking in rainy conditions. An ideal backpack will feature an extendable top portion, so that you can increase the amount of gear and equipment to carry along. A backpack should have more than one compartment so that you can keep items separately.Lastly, make sure that the backpack has straps to carry along a sleeping bag.

Travel backpacks are available if you’re doing a lot of traveling and like to carry your items with you in one smooth packing device. Look for a backpack that has a pack that can be removed for you to take along on smaller excursions during your travel plans so that you don’t have to take along the entire pack. When you’re packing a travel backpack you’ll be storing your items as though you were using a suitcase however, the end result is the functionality of a backpack.

If you’re the kind of person who enjoys day or short trips then a smaller backpack, with all the benefits of a larger one, is ideal for you. Your backpack needs to be adjustable so that you can use the straps to adjust it to the required size to account for the storage space taken up by your belongings on a given trip. You might find it nicer and far more useful, in terms of organizing your things, to go for several compartments within your backpack instead of one.

You will pay varying prices on any backpack that you buy. Of course, the larger the backpack, the higher the price will be. You’ll be able to choose from many brand names, some that are well known and have high prices. It doesn’t matter where you buy your backpack so long as the manufacturer offers you a guarantee on both the materials and the way the pack is built. If there is no guarantee or warranty with the backpack, shop around until you find a pack that includes this service.

Article Source: http://www.articleatlas.com

Rudy Faruch strives to help people seeking information about backpacking. Why not go to his web site at: Love Backpack.

Bali Art and Culture on European Tour

The Gigir Manuk Cultural Dialogue in cooperation with the Indonesian Department of Culture and Tourism, the Bali Tourism Authority and the Bali Tourism Board are conducting a road tour of Balinese Art & Culture to Europe from November 11-27, 2006.

Land Under the Rainbow

The cultural program, entitled "Land Under the Rainbow", will form the backdrop for a series of cocktail receptions hosted for the international travel industry, during which art & cultural performances by the renowned Bajra Sandhi Group will be presented during visits to the following European cities:

1. Brussels and Antwerp,
2. Belgium Den Haag, The Netherlands
3. Luxemburg
4. Paris, France
5. Aachen, Germany

Bajra Sandhi Performance Troupe

Founded in 1991, the Sanggar Seni Kreativitas Bajra Sandhi, more commonly known as Bajra Sandhi, is a group of Balinese artists who emphasize the spiritual connection between God and the

arts. Striving for purity, truth and beauty through the arts - the troupe is comprised of 14 performers who alternate roles as dancers, musicians or singers " depending on the number being presented.

Past performance have brought the group to Athens, Greece where they performed in events paralleling the opening of the 2004 Olympic Games; to Hanoi where they helped celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Vietnam; and to numerous performance venues across Indonesia.

Among the highlights of the coming European tour, the group will present:

1. Gender Wayang - Music normally reserved as the accompaniment of a shadow puppet performance or for performance at a Balinese rites of passage - the Gender is based on a technically demanding rhythm motif, blending intertwined melodies with lively contrapuntal movements. Resonations created give a shimmering and vibrating quality, extremely rich in overtones, emanating from bronze keys struck with bare wooden mallets utilizing the pentatonic 'Slendro' tuning.
2. Baris Tunggal Dance - Inspired from the original Baris "Warrior" Dance, the name of this dance derives from the word "baris" meaning rows but also meaning troops of soldiers. With its recent development into a solo performance, the dance now describes the strength and grace of heroic movements of a soldier marching off to war.
3. Legong Keraton Dance - By legend, the Legong is the heavenly dance of divine nymphs. Of all classical Balinese dances, it remains the quintessence of femininity and grace. Girls from the age of five aspire to be selected to represent their community as Legong dancers. Foremost among the Legong repertoire is the Legong Kraton - formerly reserved for presentation only at Bali's royal courts. Highly stylized, the palace version of the dance enacts a drama performed by three dancers: the 'condong' - a female attendant of the court, and two identically dressed Legong dancers who adopt the roles of royal persons.
4. Jauk Dance - Taken from Bali's rich tradition of masked dance, the Jauk depicts a crooked and wicked giant king.
5. Sutasoma - A Balinese tari drama or dance-drama, the Sutasoma tells the story of the birth of Jinapati " the pure soul that arrives on earth with the birth of each newborn baby. Deriving his power from wisdom and peace, Sutasoma defeats the evil giant Purusadha through goodness and enlightenment.

The musical accompaniment in the dance drama derives from the rhythms of traditional lullabies for babies and children, where it at the same time also serves as a divine summon for the unseen 'good' forces to guard the infantile pure souls in this chaotic world.

Healthy Eating Starts With You

By: Patricia Zelkovsky

Believe it or not, the world will not bow to your commands of taking away the cholesterol and the saturated fats from all those potato chips.

The world will not make the effort to consistently cater to your want of a sugar-free donut if you suddenly have a craving for it in the middle of the night. What is available though is the kind of donut that will make you glaze over in sweets.

Real healthy living takes a lot of work. Real effort and real perseverance is needed to consume only the healthiest products and avoid the most convenient foods readily available in the market. Most of which are unhealthy and has preservatives that allow it to still be edible after a decade.

The following are basic tips and advice to make eating healthy a regular effort, the effects of which will probably last you additional years in your lifetime.

You are what you eat

Do tell what you put in your mouth and you will be told who you are. Eating foods that contain less cholesterol is a good way to prevent heart problems.

As much as possible, try to avoid foods that contain a lot of salt and fat. It would also be best if you choose various foods from the different food groups.

The following foods are recommended eating as according to the AHA or the American Heart Association: eggs, beans, fruits, cereal, the high fiber kind, fruit juice, milk, both low fat and non fat, peas, pasta, rice, vegetables, yogurt, the low fat and nonfat kind, and a small glass of wine.

How should one eat?

Vegetables and fruits should, as much as possible, be the staple food readily available in your fridge. It would be best if at least five servings or more of fruits and vegetables be eaten in a day.

Meanwhile, eating a lot of whole grains, the examples of which are whole grain pasta, cereal and brown rice and make sure to eat at least six servings in one day is also advisable.

Dairy products may also be taken in two servings or four in a day. Milk that is low in fat or one that contains no fat is advisable to be taken. However, if you are lactose intolerant a good alternative for milk is soy milk.

Ingesting proteins daily is also necessary as this provides the body with the needed strength for it to go through the day.

Eating peas and beans in as much as six ounces in a day, minus all the fat of course, is a great source of protein.

Cooking with vegetable oils that are unsaturated, such as olive oil, canola oil, sunflower, safflower is best compared to using saturated oils such as palm oil, coconut oil and kernel oil.

Drinking apple juice everyday has also been shown to make the levels of cholesterol very low. This type of juice has phenol, this in turn drastically reduces the oxidation of LDL,or commonly called as the bad cholesterol, commonly associated with heart disease.

Avoid the following foods

Now that you know the appropriate foods to be taken, the following are foods that should be avoided as much as it is possible, however difficult it may be.

Ice cream is one, whole milk, cheese and butter also. The organs of animals such as kidney, liver, brain, sweetbreads should also be avoided.

A reduction of the intake of processed meats like bologna, hot dogs, sausages is necessary. Duck and goose meat organs, even the famous foie gras is best to be steer clear from.

Cooking healthy

If there are available recipes and cook books that promote a low fat diet, try to purchase one. When the recipe calls for using eggs, use the egg whites instead of the yolks.

When cooking fried foods, drain off the fat using a rack. However, cooking with little fat like baking, broiling and boiling is always advisable.

Using lard, shortening, margarine should be limited. When basting, use fruit juice or wine.

Any fats found on meat must be removed and any skin from poultry must not be eaten as these contain lots of fats.

All in all, eating healthy is easy if you just put your mind to it and if you sincerely crave for a disease free life

How to Avoid Holiday Stress and Have a Happy & Relaxing Day this Year!

The only way to have a nice & relaxing Christmas this year (short of hiring a maid), is to prepare well ahead of time. Use this helpful list, to ensure you have a merry & jolly holiday (this list will also work for other holidays - New Years, Thanks Giving, Easter etc…).

1) Finish gift purchases 3 weeks prior to the holiday (that way you don’t need to be running around, & can avoid the holiday rush - those that weren’t prepared). If you haven’t already shopped, you should do the remainder of your shopping online - the shops are already crowded!

2) Get all of your frozen foods 3 weeks prior to the holidays. Get all of your fresh foods 2 days (some fruit (such as strawberries that don't keep) are only able to be purchased 1 day before) prior to the holiday. If you do need to buy produce, or meat the day before - know what you need to buy, get up early, and go as soon as the shop opens. Go to a food place, that is not in a group of shops, but is by itself - people will be out shopping for clothes, & gifts - you don’t want to be caught up in this.

3) Get the tree up & decorated 3 weeks prior to the Christmas holiday (if it’s a fake one - and for relaxation purposes - get a fake one). If you have kids, get them to help you & make it a “family” occasion. Choose a date - e.g. 3rd December - and put the tree up on this date every year - that way, you create a new “special day”, and you don’t stress about it. If it is a real tree, you won't be able to get this until the week before Christmas (at the earliest) - you should get this as close as possible to Xmas - otherwise you will end up with very dry & flammable timber (which is not good as it is a fire hazard).

4) Wrap the gifts 2 weeks prior to the holiday. Make sure you place them well under the tree, and tell the little ones they are “off bounds”. If the little ones are too tempted, place them in a cupboard (wrapped), and then place them under the tree when the children have gone to bed on Christmas Eve.

5) Allocate a “party room”, and get it ready the day before the holiday. Hang balloons & streamers up, get placemats on the table, lay the cutlery out etc. Short of placing the food on the table, get as much ready the day before. If possible, close the room off & make it “out of bounds” once ready.

6) Prepare all of the food you can the day before - put the drinks in the fridge, make trifle & put it back in the fridge, put the cranberry jelly in a bowl (and… back in the fridge). Even food that needs cooking can be prepared - for example - get the right number of potatoes out, & wash them (so all you need to do is cook them). Look at the food you have bought, think “what can I do today, that I don’t have to do tomorrow”? If you are having a cold ham - slice it the day before, and place it back in the fridge. A good idea for this day, is to hire a fridge - (this should be done 3 weeks in advance) - that way you can ensure you have plenty of room.

7) Wake up early on the day of the holiday - before the children (if possible). Place the meat in the oven to start cooking (this is only true if it is a big bird - such as a turkey). Look at the instructions for all of your food (before the day of the holiday), and know how long they are going to take to cook - don’t forget to allow for preparation. So if you are going to eat at midday, and your chicken takes two hours - give 1/2 hour for preparation, and start getting the bird ready at 9:30 - if you have lots of meat - write a list, so you know what you need to be doing and when (once again - write the list at least the day before, if not 2 days before the holiday).

8) Wake the kids up, & enjoy your holiday.

Sure… it’s a lot of hard work, preparing for the Christmas holiday (and indeed any), but if you do just that - PREPARE, you will find that you have a hard, but relaxing holiday - which you, and your kids will appreciate.

Shirlene

Grizzlynut - New Zealand Online Shopping - Thousands of nz online shops & global online shops, for a complete online shopping experience, no matter where you live in the world.

http://www.grizzlynut.co.nz

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shirlene_Moore

Hidden Beaches - Three Secret Hideaways For The Curious Traveler

A hidden beach. A deserted beach. A secluded beach. It sounds like the opening scene of a romance novel, doesn't it? I'm not a big romance reader, but I do love peace and quiet and I've spent many years seeking out the best beaches for an occasional escape from the world. These years of arduous research have led me to some general conclusions about the characteristics of a truly great hidden beach.

First and foremost, it must be a long way from everywhere, or difficult to reach -- ideally, both. No motorized vehicles of any kind will be allowed on the beach. It will be completely out of range of cell phones of any kind. There won't be a boardwalk, or carnival rides, or chairs to rent, or hotdog vendors. A beachside shack selling cold beer is, however, permissible and indeed preferred.

With these guidelines in mind, and conscious of the risk of losing my favorite hideaways to the madding crowd, I'd like to share three of my most treasured hidden beach discoveries.

Fakistra Beach in Pelion, Greece

The Pelion peninsula, north of Athens, is an extraordinarily beautiful region of mountains and valleys that slopes down to the Aegean coast. The tiny village of Damouchari, where no cars are allowed to mar the tranquility, is one of six in this region famed for its hospitality. As unspoiled as this hamlet is, it's a bustling metropolis compared with the tiny turquoise lagoon of Fakistra beach, a 90-minute walk from Damouchari.

Nestled between two rocky outcrops, this gorgeous beach of white sand stands before a waterfall and natural pool. At the northern end of Fakistra you should explore the two caves, rich with history. One has a magnificent display of stalactites, while the other once housed a secret school which taught Greek culture and language during the much-despised Ottoman occupation of the region.

Macushla Beach on Hinchinbrook Island, Australia

Sometimes you have to go a long way to discover a secluded beach. Macushla may not be quite the end of the earth, but you can almost see the end from there. Australia's largest island National Park, Hinchinbrook Island has only one settlement, an eco-tourism gem called the Wilderness Lodge. Guest rooms include finely-crafted tree houses, nestled in the rainforest and reached by a boardwalk, which are comfortably furnished yet deliberately free of both telephone and television. You go to Hinchinbrook to forget the world, not to let it intrude on you.

The walk from the resort to Macushla beach will last most of a morning, and will take you through old growth rainforest and across utterly deserted beaches. Spend the rest of the day relaxing and trying to spot ghost crabs as they scuttle across the sand; a ferry will stop by for you for a quick ride back to the resort. And a decision to spend time so far from home doesn't necessarily mean depriving yourself -- you can finish your day with a surprisingly good meal at the resort, capped off by a drink at the bar.

Kaupoa Beach on Molokai Island, Hawaii

Molokai Ranch was formerly owned by King Kamehameha V, so you're dipping into a royal heritage when you visit Kaupoa Beach. Since His Majesty moved on to other pursuits, Kaupoa became a fishing village and is now home to the Beach Village -- a small resort fronting directly onto the beach. Forty two-bedroom tentalows -- small canvas-roofed cabins on platforms -- are set amongst the trees that skirt the beach. Each is nicely equipped with a deck, seating, picnic table, and an outdoor bathroom with full amenities. Solar power accounts for much of the electricity and hot water on the tentalows, a touch that will appeal to eco-friendly travelers.

The white sands of Kaupoa Beach slope steeply, and the water quickly gets deep. Rocky outcrops form two natural coves and the one on the right offers the best swimming. Equipment for snorkeling, body-surfing, volleyball and other beach activities is available at the Beach Village, and the Kaupoa Dining Pavilion is a lovely spot to relax and chat with companions in the evening.

All three of these beaches will offer the tired traveler a wonderful break from the workaday world. Yes, they are a little harder to reach than some more popular resorts, but that is what makes them so perfect -- it should take a little effort to find the perfect hidden beach. Oh, and while you're there ... have a beer for me.

When he's not on the beach, Tuppy Glossop writes about great hidden beaches at vacation-on-the-beach.com, where you can also read about other wonderful destinations for your next beach vacation.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tuppy_Glossop

Traveling This Summer? Here Are Tips for Safe and Healthy Travel...

Each year millions of Americans travel abroad for vacation, business, or to visit friends and family. Unfortunately, about half of these international travelers get sick or injured during their trip. The good news is that most travel-related sickness and injury can be prevented. You are likely to be a traveler who has an enjoyable trip free from illness or injury when you follow these tips: Be informed: Learn about travel health risks and what to do to avoid them before your trip. Be ready: Get any vaccinations (shots) or medicines that you will need before your trip. Be smart while you travel: Make sure you follow travel safety tips while you are on your trip. 1. Be Informed Top Travel Tips Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand gel (with at least 60% alcohol) to clean your hands. Drink only boiled or bottled water or carbonated drinks from sources you trust. Avoid tap water, fountain drinks, and ice cubes. Eat only fully cooked food or fruits and vegetables you have peeled. Remember: boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it! Avoid poultry farms, bird markets, and other places where live poultry is raised or kept. If visiting an area where there is risk for malaria, take malaria prevention medication before, during, and after your trip, as directed. If you might be bitten by insects (like mosquitoes or ticks) use insect repellent (bug spray) with 30- 50% DEET. Know what to do to prevent injuries during your trip. Find out what you need to know about staying healthy and safe in the area where you are traveling by visiting the Travelers' Health website. Using the site is simple. Choose the destination (by country or region) you are traveling to and you will get information about: disease and safety risks and how to avoid them special notices about outbreaks or other disease activity what shots or preventive medications (prophylaxis) you should or will be required to get Important: some countries require you to present a certificate that says you have had a yellow fever vaccination before you can enter. Only authorized healthcare providers can give the yellow fever vaccine. The vaccine should be given at least 10 days before travel and a stamped vaccine certificate will be issued to you by the immunization center. Find out if you need a yellow fever vaccination Locate a certified yellow fever vaccination clinic If you are pregnant or traveling with children, traveling with pets, or if you are a traveler with special needs, do not forget to read the specific advice CDC has for you. To learn how to handle altitude sickness, extreme heat and cold, and other special situations, see "Non-Infectious Risks During Travel", chapter 6 of Health Information for International Travel, a CDC publication also known as the Yellow Book. To be on the safe side, before you go, visit the Illness and Injury Abroad page for information about what to do if you get sick or injured during your trip. On these pages you will also learn about planning for healthy travel and what to include in a travel health kit. If you are going on a cruise, see our cruise ship travel recommendations, and cruise ship inspection scores from the Vessel Sanitation Program. For health-care providers, textbook-style information is also available in the Yellow Book. The 2005-2006 edition includes new and updated maps, useful tables for special needs travelers, and new sections on jet lag, legionellosis, and norovirus infection to name a few. 2. Be Ready If you will need any vaccinations (shots) or medicines, go to your healthcare provider or a travel medicine clinic at least 4 to 6 weeks before your trip. This will give your shots time to work so that you will be protected during your trip. If it is less than four weeks before you leave, you should still see your doctor. It might not be too late to get your shots, medications, and other useful information. Prepare a traveler's health kit so you have all the medications and supplies you may need before you go. 3. Be Smart While You Travel Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available and your hands are not visibly dirty, use alcohol-based hand gel (with at least 60% alcohol) to clean your hands. If you are going on a cruise, read this fact sheet about handwashing (in Adobe PDF format), and reducing other health risks while on a cruise. Drink only bottled or boiled water or carbonated (bubbly) drinks from sources you trust. Do not drink tap water or fountain drinks, or eat ice cubes. Only eat food that has been fully cooked or fruits and vegetables that have been washed and peeled by you. Remember: boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it. If visiting an area where you might get malaria, make sure to take your malaria prevention medication before, during, and after your trip, as directed. If you might be bitten by insects (like mosquitoes or ticks) use insect repellent (bug spray) with 30-50% DEET. The label on the container will tell you the DEET content. Make sure you know how to protect yourself from injury while you travel. Motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of injury deaths in travelers. Swimming-related accidents are also a major cause of injury among travelers. Avoid poultry farms, bird markets, and other places where live poultry is raised or kept Do not handle animals, especially monkeys, dogs, and cats, to avoid bites and serious diseases (including rabies and plague). Follow the tips and recommendations your health-care provider and the CDC Travelers' Health site offer, and you are more likely to remain healthy and safe, so you can enjoy your time away from home. Happy traveling! Date: June 21, 2006 Content Source: National Center for Infectious Diseases, Division of Global Migration and Quarantine