Archive for the ‘Travel and Leisure’ Category
Posted on Friday, December 19, 2008 at 3:33 am
by Alix Montoya
We all know New Jersey isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when somebody mentions adventure. Top vacation spots in the country are hogged by Florida, Hawaii, or Alaska. Although, it doesn’t have to be this way all the time. Sure it’s not clogged by hundreds of hotels and resorts, but the Graden State still has a few tricks up its outdoors sleeve that’s sure to catch the attention of thrill seekers everywhere.
You can try the ten mile long island between the historical Barnegat Bay and the amazing Atlantic and get your fix of sunset picnics on the beach or hitch a ride on the back of a dolphin with your snorkels. The Island Beach State Park boasts more than three thousand acres of pure beach adventures and activities for saltwater fishing trips or just overall family fun.
The diverse New Jersey wildlife offers many species of birds, not for hunting, but for bird watching. The great birding sites all over the Atlantic Flyway offers an excellent view of our fine feathered friends. So whether you’re looking for northern diamondback terrapins or just enjoying the sight of herons and shore birds, these sites are a sight for sore eyes.
If you’re of the camping type, Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge boasts 42,000 acres of pure woodlands adventures for the thrill seeker in all of us. Or take part in the daily wolf watches in Lakota Wolf Reserve in Camp Taylor. Get to know these misunderstood pack animals and experience the natural adventure of a lifetime in wide wild New Jersey.
Take your skis and ski your way down the snowcapped mountain ranges that New Jersey offers in its winter activities. Go fly fishing for salmon during their season in the spring. Take your friends kayaking along the many rivers that flow to the Atlantic in the summer. Or go hiking along the thousand mile treks and trails in the beautiful autumn woodlands. All year round there are activities to be done and fun to be had in New Jersey.
This little historical state doesn’t always have to be that state connecting New York and Philadelphia. If you just take the moment to notice, it can also serve you the adventure you’re looking for.
About the Author:
Have fun outdoors with your family and be sure to check more New Jersey Family Activities to get the best out of your holidays.
Posted on Tuesday, December 16, 2008 at 3:17 am
by Ada Denis
Las Vegas hotels vary from the most elite and expensive to the sleaziest and most inexpensive. When people think of Las Vegas, most people think of large casinos and hotels on the famous “strip”. There are many other Las Vegas hotels, however, that are not located on the strip. Depending on your reasons for traveling to Vegas, your hotel selection could change as well. This article will help you choose between the many Las Vegas hotels.
1. Decide what you want to do with your time in Las Vegas. If you want to spend most or all of your time on the strip, there are plenty of Las Vegas hotels located right on the strip. If you want to spend time in Vegas away from the hustle and the bustle, a hotel off the strip is advised.
2. Consider your budget. Hotels such as the Bellagio and Venetian may be beautiful and lavish, but they cost a pretty penny. Instead, try a smaller end hotel on the strip if that is where you want to stay. Las Vegas hotels such as the Flamingo offer affordable rooms, but still allow you to stay right in the middle of the strip.
3. Choose your location wisely if you want to stay on the strip. Although there are many hotels on the strip, not all of them are located near each other. In fact, if you stay in the Stratosphere or Stardust on the stip you will be located no where near New York, New York, MGM Grand, the Bellagio, Paris, and other Las Vegas Hotels located on the other end. If you want to be near the most happening hotels, stay near the MGM Grand side of the strip.
4. Decide if you might want to splurge a little to stay in a fancy hotel with fancy amenities for at least 1 night. Who says you need to stay at 1 hotel the whole time you stay in Vegas. Why not try out several Las Vegas Hotels. This way you can splurge 1 night, and budget on the rest.
Posted on Monday, December 15, 2008 at 3:29 am
by Ada Denis
It is not difficult to save money on a hotel stay. You may be surprised to find out that a hotel room can be cheaper than staying at a campground or renting a cabin or chalet. Here are some tips on how to save money on a hotel stay.
1. Decide when and where you would like to go. Consider visiting your destination and staying in a hotel on the offseason. For example, summer destinations will offer travelers discounts during the winter months to attract more guests.
2. Stay two or more nights at the same hotel. Often this can result in savings or a rebate in the form of cash back or a gas card. If nothing else, you will save on booking fees, as they are the same for one night as they are for two or more nights. You can often save more money if you book seven or more consecutive nights at the same hotel.
3. Look up hotel coupons and discounts in the Entertainment Book. Often you can save money by presenting the card attached to the front cover of the Entertainment Book. There is an index of hotels with date and time restrictions in the Entertainment Book.
4. Book a hotel with a flight or as part of a tour package. You can save a substantial amount of money at many hotels.
5. Visit various travel websites. Booking your hotel through one of them can save money. This is especially helpful for high-demand tourist areas and in the busy tourist season in most vacation and travel hot spots. There are links located within this article.
6. Look for a hotel gift card on eBay or craigslist.com and purchase at a discount. There can be a few listings for many of the hotel chains in the country such as Best Western, Sheraton, Marriott, Days Inn or Motel 6.
7. Join a frequent stay hotel club. Guests receive free or discounted visits and perks based on past visits. For example, stay five nights and get the sixth night free.
8. Sign up for an email list such as TripAdvisor. These will alert you to good deals on hotel stays for your travel destination. You can save quite a bit of money if you stay during the specified date.
9. Use your travel club card when you book a hotel room either online, by telephone or in person. You could save 10 percent or more off posted room rates.
Posted on Sunday, December 14, 2008 at 3:20 am
by Aldo Dennison
You’re raring to go. You want to get away from it all. It’s been a year and you need to reward yourself with a nice vacation for the Christmas holidays, and Florida is the place you’ve never gone to in your entire life, but you got one dilemma. You can’t decide which places to visit or what to do in Florida. Have no fear, a list is here to help you manage your vacation itinerary and spend more time enjoying your stay than planning for it.
If you love Christmas carols, don’t miss the Historic Bok Sanctuary, where the carillon plays every 30 minutes. There are daily performances for the entire month of December at 1:00 and 3:00 in the afternoon. Entrance to the gardens is free.
Okay, so you’ve lost all that energy and you need to put some sugar into your system. Walt Disney World’s culinary experts showcase their sweet masterpieces at the Beach Club Resort, Epcot, Animal Kingdom Lodge, Boardwalk, Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, the Contemporary and Polynesian resorts, and at the Yacht Club Resort’s lobby. Oh, and yes, you can eat the displays.
One place you must really go to while in Florida is Fort Christmas Historical Park. The park is a replica of the fort that was built in 1837 sometime during the Second Seminole War, which started from a battle called the Dades Massacre. History enthusiasts won’t want to miss this Fort Christmas recreation.
Okay, so you’ve lost all that energy and you need to get some sugar into your system. Walt Disney World’s culinary experts showcase their sweet masterpieces at the Beach Club Resort, Epcot, Animal Kingdom Lodge, Boardwalk, Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, the Contemporary and Polynesian resorts, and at the Yacht Club Resort’s lobby. Oh, and yes, you can eat the displays.
One place you must really go to while in Florida is Fort Christmas Historical Park. The park is a replica of the fort that was built in 1837 sometime during the Second Seminole War, which started from a battle called the Dades Massacre. History buffs won’t want to miss this Fort Christmas recreation.
Christmas won’t be complete without gifts, and one really memorable place to go shopping in west central Florida is at Rogers’ Christmas House and Village. You’d swear that that Santa Claus was a Florida native after you’ve visited this winsome village. Rogers’ Christmas House and Village consists of five houses, namely the Main Christmas House, Storybook Land, the Magnolia House, the Country Cottage, and the Little House under the Oak Tree.
Christmas won’t be complete without presents, and one really memorable place to go shopping in west central Florida is at Rogers’ Christmas House and Village. You’d swear that that Santa Claus was a Florida native after you’ve toured this captivating village. Rogers’ Christmas House and Village consists of five houses, namely the Main Christmas House, the Magnolia House, the Country Cottage, Storybook Land, and the Little House under the Oak Tree.
About the Author:
There’s really a lot to do in Florida this Christmas season, especially for lovers of history, arts and crafts, and there are activities and events for everyone lined up the whole year round. Whether you live in Florida or you’re planning for a visit, you’d surely want to check out this comprehensive calendar of Florida craft shows.
Posted on Sunday, December 14, 2008 at 3:08 am
by Ada Denis
We all need to get away. Our vacations are the one thing that we look forward to all year. Unfortunately what happens sometimes is that we tend to feel the stress of how am I going to afford the vacation that I’ve been dreaming about? Well I hope that with a few of my tips, you will be able to get some airline travel discounts.
Here are some tips to find the lowest fare air ticket:
Buy tickets 3-5 months before your departure date
Some airlines offer discounts for early buyers. It’s also best to buy your tickets at least 20 days in advance to ensure the best seating possible, most discounted tickets sell out fast. You should also know that Airline Tickets are subject to price increase, especially during Christmas season, so buying early avoids further ticket increase.
Never fly on weekends
If you’re planning a trip, plan to leave on weekdays, preferable Monday to Wednesday. Weekends are high traffic times, for travelers and would probably cost you an additional $25-$40 increase.
Don’t travel During Peak season
Airlines tend to increase ticket prices during Peak travel season due to the increase in demand. Traveling during low season is also advantageous if you want to avoid airport and tourist spot crowds. If you really have to travel during peak season, consider leaving home early and going home late to avoid the rush.
How long to Stay
Yes your travel stay also affects airline ticket prices. Airlines give discounts if you stay at least a week at your destination and return within 90 days.
Consider a Connecting Flight
Contrary to popular belief, direct flights aren’t always the cheapest. Some people have saved up to $1000 dollars on booking connecting instead of Direct flights. If you don’t have a lot of luggage, and aren’t very particular with time, it is best, and a lot cheaper to book a connecting flight instead of direct.
Use the senior citizen discount
Some Airlines offer the same senior Citizen discount for the companions of the Senior Citizen. Ask if it’s available.
The Early Bird gets the Airline Ticket
Call Airlines at 12:01 am on Wednesday mornings. This is when airlines release all the new fares and seat plans. You can be first and choose the best and cheapest tickets at this time.
Shop on the Internet
The best feature of the internet is that you see all available Prices from a very convenient place, your home. You won’t have to canvass travel agencies. Some internet sites even offer internet only discounts that you can benefit from if you use their services.
When you do shop on the internet
Check first with travel agents regarding prices, Internet prices aren’t always the cheapest, it’s best to ask a good old travel agent. It won’t hurt to look at news papers too, as some airlines publish discounts on print. If you’re planning to buy more than 6 months in advance, it’s probably best to ask a travel guide as internet sites don’t usually have schedules for longer than six months.
Airline travel discounts are everywhere; you just need to know how to find them! I hope that with these tips, that’s exactly what you are going to be able to do. Now go out there and get that lowest fare air ticket! Happy travels.
Tropical Beach Destinations specializes in giving you an exhilarating tropical vacation for travel destinations around the world. We are experienced travelers who have lived across the globe and our dream is to provide you with everything you need in order to have the ultimate dream vacation. Learn how to travel with Sarah and Jason, your tropical adventure couple!
Posted on Saturday, December 13, 2008 at 5:32 am
by Ada Denis
If you want to really see Europe, train travel is by far the best choice. There is no better way to see a place than a leisurely train ride where you can see everything, from the countryside to the mountains to the dazzling lights of European cities.
Furthermore, Europe is made for train travel. Trains conveniently link every city from Athens to Helsinki (and everything in between).
There are many ways to organize a European railroad trip. There are Eurail passes that cover the entire continent, as well as more limited ones if you only want to visit certain parts of Europe. Which you should choose depends, of course, on your schedule, preferences and budget.
There is no “best time” to visit Europe, as there are advantages to going in every season. Summer is most convenient for many people, though it will be crowded and more expensive. Winter is great if you like sports like skiing. Fall and Spring offer both moderate temperatures and fewer crowds. But there are unlimited activities throughout the year in Europe.
If you plan a train trip to Europe, the most challenging thing is choosing the right train ticket or pass, as there are many choices. If you only get to visit Europe rarely, or if this is a once in a lifetime trip, you should see as much as you possibly can.
The great thing about Europe is that you have many countries close together with distinct language and cultures (even if most of them use the same currency now).
If you are traveling to Europe from another continent, you may want to fly into London and take the Eurostar to Paris. England and other parts of the UK are not part of the same train system as continental Europe, so your Eurail passes will not be honored there. Still, a trip to Europe is not complete without seeing London.
You can visit Eastern Europe as well as Western, though you will have to get a separate train pass for some of these countries. There is one pass that allows you to go to Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, Poland and the Czech Republic.
If you get a train pass in Europe, make sure that any train you board will honor it. Not all trains do, and if you find yourself on a train that does not accept your pass you will have to pay for an extra ticket.
When visiting Europe, train travel is the way to see the most scenery, meet the most people and absorb as much as possible of the continent’s myriad of natural and cultural sites.
Posted on Saturday, December 13, 2008 at 5:10 am
by Alix Montoya
Planning an adventure that doesn’t have to be a plane ride away? Why not take your pick on your very own New Jersey’s outdoor options? New Jersey isn’t just an average suburban state. It definitely is not. It has more to offer the adventurer inside all of us than anyone could’ve ever given it credit for. From kayaking to camping, whale watching to bird viewing, the Garden State’s recreational pride is really one for the record books.
One hundred twenty-seven miles of beach along the state coastline facing the Atlantic. Cargo ships aren’t the only ones calling the beaches of New Jersey home. So does whales and dolphins. Take a boat ride and watch the whales frolic around in their natural habitat. Or why not take a snorkeling trip and swim with the dolphins while your at it. The saltwater activities also include camping out on the beach, surfing and fishing.
Watch whales swim around the deep blue and let their majestic forms take your breath away. New Jersey’s Atlantic shoreline is no longer just for the myriads of trade ships heading to its commercial ports, it also offers plenty of boat rides to let the mariner inside experience the whales on a whole new level. Don’t just take your friend’s word for it. Try it for yourself and you’re set for a sight you won’t soon forget.
Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge just one of the many national parks and wildlife reserves that offer its camping grounds for an outdoor adventure in the lively woods and great mountains. Hike through the woods and follow the many trails that take you to places you couldn’t imagine was in your backyard all along. New Jersey is the place to be for outdoor enthusiasts.
You can strap your skis for a skiing adventures in the snow counties or pedal a path through unexplred woods and mountainlands, the abundance of activities never end for both you and New Jersey. Go fishing in the rivers that flow to the Atlantic and share salmons with the bears or ride your canoe to meet the ocean. New Jersey is the ideal place to get a natural vacation.
This little historical state doesn’t always have to be that state connecting New York and Philadelphia. If you just take the moment to notice, it can also serve you the adventure you’re looking for.
About the Author:
Go on an adventure with your friends and be sure to check more New Jersey friends Activities choices to get the most out of your holidays.
Posted on Friday, December 12, 2008 at 7:33 am
by Ada Denis
These are simply listed in point format to make it easier for you to read right through to the end. Of all the reviews I’ve written online these are my major points to consider.
Book in advance
The best way to find a cheap flight is by booking early. Do not wait until the last minute or else you will be charged “last minute” fees, which are normally exorbitant. The earlier you book the better. Try 10 weeks in advance if you can.
Travel midweek
The best time to travel is midweek. That is, from Monday to Thursday. After this it can get really costly. I mean the weekends are considered peak time since everyone is traveling - if you want to fly cheap to SA, avoid weekend flights.
Book indirect flights
One thing is certain - direct flights are pricey. This comes with the convenience of direct flying. If you are looking for the cheapest flight then do not even think about direct flights.
Travel in winter
If you ever compared flights in summer and winter then you’d know that winter prices are cheaper. This is because winter is considered off peak in South Africa i.e. midyear since we are in the Southern Hemisphere.
Travel at night
Actually most of the flights are night flights. However there are also day-flights, which you must avoid if you want to fly cheap. However, it is always best to compare these flights just incase there is a discount being offered by the day-flights.
Posted on Friday, December 12, 2008 at 7:28 am
by Ada Denis
When you look into a cruise holiday, the prospect of wakening every day to a new location is very exciting. Cruises are a great way to have multiple mini-holidays without having to worry about hiring a car or packing up your belongings each day to travel to a new destination. The cruise ship is your floating hotel room, leaving you free to enjoy the new adventures of every day.
1. The Caribbean
If fun, sun, and tropical breezes are what you seek, you can’t go wrong with a Caribbean cruise. The Caribbean cruise is perhaps the most-pictured location when someone thinks of cruising. Caribbean destinations on your cruise can include: Dominica, Barbados, Grand Cayman Island, the Bahamas, Saba, St. Bart’s, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the British Virgin Islands, Grenada, or Puerto Rico.
2. The Mexican Riviera
Also full of sandy beaches and refreshing water, the Mexican Riviera is comprised of several cities and ports on the west coast of Mexico. Cruise ships may visit three or four of the following spots along the Riviera: Ensenada, Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta, Manzanillo, or Acapulco.
3. Alaska
The majestic and icy vistas of Alaska are a sight to behold. There’s simply nothing else like it, unless you visit the poles. Alaska’s temperatures are far milder and the landscapes will leave you in absolute awe. Destinations can include: Juneau (the capital of Alaska), Skagway, the Yukon Territory, Ketchikan, Sitka, and Glacier Bay.
4. European Cruises on the Atlantic
European cruises is a category so large it has to be divided into regions! Destinations on the Atlantic may include: Gibraltar, Spain, Lisbon, Madeira, Porto Santo, and Paris. These cruises are fun for everyone, but intellects and fashionistas will have a real treat!
5. European Cruises of the North
Excluding ports-of-call along the Baltic Sea, destinations for these cruises can include: Belgium, Amsterdam, Dublin, London, Glasgow, and various spots in Norway. With this range of tourist spots, the whole family is sure to get an education in one way or another.
6. European Cruises of the Baltic Sea
European cruises in this region may include these great destinations: St. Petersburg, Poland, Finland, Stockholm, Oslo, and Copenhagen. So much heritage and tradition, so little time.
7. Western Mediterranean Cruises
Also a part of Europe, these cruise destinations can include the following: Barcelona, Ibiza, Cannes, Marseille, Provence, Monaco, Monte Carlo, Florence, Pompeii, the Vatican Museum, the Sistine Chapel, Rome, and Malta. Beauty, art, religion, and majesty are yours for the taking.
8. Eastern Mediterranean Cruises
This region may include cruise destinations of: Venice, Murano, Dubrovnik, the Greek Islands, Istanbul, and Turkey. There’s a good reason many have been inspired to write songs and make art featuring these locales!
9. Hawaiian Cruises
Another popular cruise for those looking for warmth and water! Destinations can include these hotspots: Maui, Kona, Kaneohe Bay, and Diamond Head. Surf, swim, sun, and gorgeous nature - how can you go wrong?
10. Australia and New Zealand
In the land of Down Under, your cruise may visit these top places: Sydney, the Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef (Hamilton in the Whitsunday Islands), Cairns, and Kuranda. The Land of Oz is better than a fairy tale!
Posted on Friday, December 12, 2008 at 7:24 am
by Jerremy Grey
Are you taking a summer vacation this year? If you are, have you already started preparing for your trip? Online, there are a large number of preparation tips available for summer travelers. While preparation advice and tips may be of assistance to you, they are often hard to go by. This is because not everyone vacations at the same location. When preparing for your summer vacation, you are encouraged to keep your destination in mind.
When preparing for your cruise, it is important to keep in mind where your ship will be headed and what stops are planned along the way. When on international waters or traveling to a foreign country, a passport is required. If you do not already have a passport you will need to obtain one. Passports can easily be obtained, but they do require approval. That is why you should apply for a passport as soon as you make your cruise ship reservation.
When camping, you will need to determine where you will be sleeping. If you are camping with an RV, you will need to make sure that it is stocked full of supplies. If you plan on camping outdoors, you will need to make sure that you have your tents ready to go and that all of the pieces are accounted for. If you plan on boating, hiking, or fishing, you will want to bring the appropriate gear with you. Many campgrounds are in secluded areas; therefore, if you forget something, you often have to go without.
Summer Vacation Destination Selection
Planning a summer vacation can be an easy task, but at the same time it can be difficult. It all depends on what you need and want to get out of your summer vacation. The first step in planning your summer vacation is not necessarily to choose a destination, but to choose a scenery. Would you like to go camping in the woods, sailing on the water, or be relaxing at the beach? The things that you want to do on your vacation are vital to the selecting the perfect summer vacation destination.
It is likely that you already know a number of popular summer vacation destinations off the top of your head. You are encouraged to perform a standard internet search on each of these destinations. You may also want to order a number of travel brochures. It is important to remember that it may take a few weeks for your travel packets to arrive.
If you and your family are interested in a simple vacation, you could vacation at an amusement park. There are a large number of amusement parks located all across the United States. You could visit a local amusement park or you could travel across the country to find one; your options are literally unlimited. Some of the well-known amusement parks in the United States include Six Flags, Bush Gardens, and Sea World.
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