Global travelling articles

The White Mountain National Forest is about a 4-hour drive north of Boston, Massachusetts. Deep in New Hampshire, the mountains are part of the Appalachian Mountain system that covers the Eastern United States. Within the forest park is the White Mountains Trail, and it’s a drive that’s arguably the most scenic 100 miles in New England. And so you’re in for a real treat. Let’s get started…

White Mountain National Forest Visitor Center…

Most people begin the drive from the White Mountains Visitor Center in North Woodstock on route 112 and head out on route 3N to the Franconia Notch area.

If you’re traveling with kids then you’ll want to pencil dates back in this area at the Clark’s Trading Post, and The Whale’s Tale attractions — both in Lincoln on route 3N. At Clark’s you can see Bears, ride a steam train, climb towers, and generally keep the young ones happy. The Whale’s Tale is a water park with a wave pool, picnic areas, changing areas, and live entertainment.

Back on the road head north towards Franconia Notch. This is a good stretch of road to have your camera at the ready. I can’t list all the stops you can make, but I’ll mention just two of my favorites in this area of the White Mountains.

The Flume Gorge was formed over 200 million years ago when the White Mountains were molten rock. It just so happens in this area when it cooled quickly, softer material was forced into the fractures that formed. These fractures wore down with natural erosion much quicker that the surrounding granite rock — leaving the gorge. And so now you get to enjoy a geological wonder at the base of beautiful Mount Liberty.

The Gorge has a visitor center where your tour starts and ends. And don’t forget to check out the covered bridge which crosses the Pemigewasset River — it’s one of the oldest on the White Mountains Trail.

The famous attraction you can’t see anymore…

You’re probably thinking why would I mention something you can’t see anymore? Well, the truth is… you can see some of it… but you’ll have to imagine the rest.

The Old Man of the Mountain was a jagged rock profile formed over 10,000 years ago during the last Ice Age.

On May 3, 2003, admirers of the White Mountains region around the world were devastated, when this world famous monument to nature crumbled and crashed to the bottom of Cannon Mountain. How could this be everybody asked? Aren’t rocks and mountains… forever? Well, this incident proves they aren’t. Despite years of gargantuan efforts by many people to preserve it, centuries of the harsh winter climate found in the White Mountains, finally took its toll. It’s worth a stop as you journey on the White Mountains Trail to look and wonder at what once was. To me it’s a reminder that nature doesn’t play favorites.

Continue to head north on Route 3 until it joins Route 302 and follow 302 towards Bretton Woods. Here the mountains get taller and taller until eventually you see the grand daddy of them all — Mount Washington at 6,288 feet.

The Roof of the White Mountain National Forest…

Depending on time available, you’ve got four options for experiencing this gift in the White Mountain National Forest. Just stare — hey, there’s nothing wrong with that. Take the Cog Railway train ride to the top. Drive the auto road to the summit — the quickest way. And of course you can hike if you’re well prepared. But just promise me you won’t hike to the top unless you are in great condition and with somebody. This mountain claims lives every year as conditions in this area can deteriorate dramatically within minutes.

Is it worth getting to the summit?

All I’ll say here is… the view is stunning. Visit the museum at the top and learn about the day in 1934 when the highest wind speed ever recorded on earth was taken — 231 MPH. You’ll learn why its unique geographic position provides the mountain with the worst weather on earth.

Now get back onto Route 302 and head south to the town of North Conway.

The North Conway Scenic Area…

Schedule enough time to take the scenic train, which you board in North Conway. The station is an authentic Victorian style — it’s hard to miss and smack in the town center.

The train rides are ambles and chugs along the scenic valleys and notches in the surrounding area. And as you wind through the rolling Mount Washington valley and squeeze through the notches under the gentle clatter of steel against steel, consider this was once the main form of transportation to the area, from Boston. Most of the trains they run are diesel locomotives now, but on special weekends and during fall they use their popular steam locomotive.

The valley train is a 55-minute roundtrip, and the Notch train is 5 hours. Both have a first-class car if you want to have a different experience. The notch train has a dome car as well, where you get magnificent views of the steep ravines and sheer bluffs. I’m not sure my kids have the patience for a 5-hour train ride so we’ve always taken the shorter excursion. But as I love trains — especially steam trains — one day…

The trains usually run from mid-June until mid-October. These scenic trains are very popular throughout the season and they accept advanced reservations for the Notch train and dinning cars on both trains.

This area of the White Mountains is full of shopping outlets, and also has plenty for the kids to do. Story Land and Heritage-New Hampshire, are right next to each other on route 16 in Glen. You and the kids will enjoy themed rides, live shows, play areas, and meeting storyboard characters.

The Kancamagus Highway…

Let’s finish up our White Mountains Trail tour by joining back up with route 112 at Conway and driving back to the White Mountain National Forest Visitor Center.

This part of the trail is known as the Kancamagus highway. There are just numerous photo shoot opportunities along this highway. In fact, your challenge is having enough daylight left in this trip so you can take pictures.

But you can always come back tomorrow, right? No prizes for doing and seeing everything in one day. You are booking your White Mountains vacation for at least a week… aren’t you?]]>

The Alamo
San Antonio… it’s the home of the Alamo … and so much more. One of the most interesting things to know is that The Alamo is in the middle of downtown San Antonio. The 18th-century mission church where Davy Crockett, Jim Bowie and 188 others waged their last stand against the Mexican army for Texas independence has become a state symbol. The most famous historical site in Texas, the mission has been restored to its original condition and offers tours, relics of the past, and a gift shop with memorabilia for history enthusiasts. Before you tour the Alamo, take in the IMAX movie, “The Price of Freedom” it is a 45-minute docudrama about the 13-day siege and fall of the Alamo. Watch the battle unfold, where 189 defenders who fought and died for the cause of Texas liberty. The immense screen and magnetic stereo sound system places the viewer in the middle of the action. It will tell the tale to your children, and stir your soul. After you’ve seen the Alamo and visited the souvenir shop (pick up some bluebonnet seeds) check out the Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum and the Plaza Wax Museum. Then take a horse-drawn carriage ride.

River Walk
San Antonio’s River Walk is just down the way from the Alamo. You descend, via stairs, to find yourself in another world –3 beautiful miles of shops, restaurants, clubs and artists. Along the horseshoe shaped riverbend, the river is shaded by towering cypresses, oaks and willows and bordered by gardens of flowering ornamental plants. Take a boat ride and get the historical tour of the City as you look up at the buildings you pass. Come at Christmas time and it’s all lit with Christmas-tree lights. So relaxing and beautiful and very romantic.

Theme Parks
Are you looking for exciting rides? How about water slides? Maybe a few animal shows? Well, look no further! SeaWorld San Antonio has everything you are looking for and more! This 250-acre park has something fun and entertaining for every member of the family. Featuring more than 25 amazing shows, thrilling rides, animal attractions, great shopping, and delicious food, this is the world’s largest marine life adventure park and family entertainment showplace. Six flags Fiesta Texas located just 15 minutes from downtown and the famous River Walk. Six Flags Fiesta Texas is a theme and water park that reflects the heritage and culture of its Southwest roots. The park occupies approximately 200 acres and features numerous adult and children’s rides. Shows, thrilling rides and skill games are built around themes celebrating Texas and the Southwest.

Whatever you’re looking for in a family vacation, San Antonio has it all and more! Thrilling rides, education encounters with marine life, shopping, dining and relaxation. Home to excellent San Antonio Hotels and accommodations, you’ll find that the atmosphere of San Antonio makes for the perfect vacation - endless shopping, interesting historic sites and a comfortable home away from home.

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The PGA MCI Heritage Classic is held each year in April at the Harbour Town Golf Links located inside Sea Pines Plantation. Thousands of golf enthusiasts enjoy the weekly activities with friends and family. Former winners include Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman, and this year’s winner Peter Lonard. This is a great golf tournament with a lot of history and is always an enjoyable experience for all who attend.

There are three golf courses in Sea Pines Plantation. Harbour Town Golf Links is ranked the #1 course in South Carolina by Golf Magazine and is the most sought after golf course to play on Hilton Head Island. The Ocean Course was the first golf course on Hilton Head Island, rebuilt in 1995 by Mark McCumber and features the signature oceanfront 15th hole with panoramic ocean views. Last is the Sea Marsh Course, which is my favorite. With length not a factor and very wide fairways, I recommend this course if you want to feel good about your golf game when you leave the course.

The Sea Pines Racquet Club has grown into one of the premier resources for tennis players. Under the guidance of Stan Smith, Director of U.S. Olympic Men’s Coach and former U.S. Open and Wimbledon Champion, everyone receives the personal attention that makes each guest feel important.

The great advantage of having a Hilton Head Island vacation is you have the liberty to stay wherever you want, there are great deals and golf packages and you can arrange for almost any type of activity on the island, whether it is bicycle rentals, tee times, free tennis, or water activities.]]>

Why should I shell on Sanibel?
Sanibel’s unique geography has made it a shelling hot spot. The island and surrounding land form a plateau that stretches for miles into the Gulf of Mexico. Waves moving across this plateau scoop up shells and move them across the plateau. When these tides hit Sanibel Island, the shells are scattered across the island’s beaches.

When should I shell on Sanibel?
The best time to collect sea shells is during low tide, when the water has retreated, exposing larger stretches of sand. During the low tide, the receding water has left many more shells along the beaches. In addition, during new or full moons, the water recedes further, allowing for better shelling. Traditionally, December and April tend to provide the most ample shelling opportunities. In addition, foul weather (including hurricanes) tends to sweep up more shells and scatter them across the beaches.

Where exactly should I shell on Sanibel?
Due to the island’s unique location, and sustained efforts at wildlife and beach preservation, all of Sanibel’s beaches on the island provide comparatively good shelling opportunities. In particular, however, the eastern end (near “Lighthouse point”) is better for smaller shells, while the western and northwestern end (near neighboring Captiva Island) is better for larger shells.]]>

Be A Travel Opportunist

The other approach is to be a true opportunist. This will be difficult for some of you, and entirely unacceptable to others. Nonetheless, the travelers who get to travel the most, go to the widest variety of places, learn the most and do the most, are the opportunists. This will be true until you are so wealthy that you have no monetary limits.

The first time I went to Ecuador, I went there because it was cheap. If it wasn’t, I would have had a great time - somewhere else. The trip lasted a month, and cost $1045, which included airfare and even the $130 fee for a guide to take me to the top of glacier-covered Mount Chimborazo.

I cut the cost by taking a bus from my home in Michigan to Miami, and back again when I returned from Ecuador. The round-trip ticket cost $158. The round-trip flight to Quito from Miami was only $256, because it was a courier flight, which meant I signed for some luggage (car parts), and could only take carry-on luggage.

Never did I feel deprived, or bored. I had a great time, eating wherever it was cheap and clean, doing all sorts of inexpensive, but interesting things, and traveling across the country to climb Chimborazo. I also met and fell in love with my wife Ana.

How To Become An Opportunist Traveler

Can you drink rum at a dollar per bottle, instead of your favorite beer? Can you eat chicken instead of steak? How about visiting the free sights first, and dancing in the street festival instead of the disco?

Being an opportunist means you’ll have just as much variety, and probably almost everything you want - eventually. You just have to stop trying to get exactly what you want exactly when you want it. If the guide that took me up Chimborazo hadn’t dropped his price from $200 to $130, I would have spent $2 for a bus and gone hiking on El Altar, another great Andean mountain. That would have left me with enough money for several other minor adventures.

More Secrets Of Cheap Travel

Plane Tickets: My wife and I were planning a trip to visit family in Ecuador. The cheapest airfare from Traverse City, Michigan to Quito, was $1720. Out of curiosity, I checked Miami to Quito, and it was only $404. Airfare from Traverse City to Miami was $300. Book two separate flights and save more than $2000! The discount sites aren’t set up to search in this way (yet), so you have to do this on your own. By the way, the whole six-week trip, which we took in 2004, cost $2400, including losing $100, and being robbed of $174.

Food: Whether traveling here or in other countries, it is usually cheaper to buy some healthy snacks in a grocery store, rather than eat every meal in a restaurant. When you do eat in restaurants, it can be cheaper to to order individual items on the menu from the list of appetizers or side dishes. You also may get more variety in that way.

Accomodations: For a long trip, you may want to rent an apartment in an interesting city. We did this for two months in Tucson, for about $600 less per month, compared to even the cheaper motels. Watch for hotel coupon-books in gas stations. The coupons will often save you $10 on a room you would have stayed in anyhow. If you have a conversion van or RV, you can camp a couple nights a week, like we do, to save on motels. We love the hotsprings we’ve stayed at, for a $3 fee to the BLM, instead of $40 for the cheapest motel in the area.

Travel Expenses: Do more and travel less. It is often the traveling part that costs the most, due to the cost of gas, convenient fast food, and expensive hotels you are forced to pay for when you just can’t drive any further. So if you find a place with a reasonable motel, and a lot to do in the area - stay for a while!]]>

Harbour Street, in Montego Bay, Jamaica, features an open-air craft market, where locals come to sell their wares. Among the many varied offerings, you’ll find hand-made jewelry of beads and semi-precious stones, textile products, including clothing of varying style and quality, some of which are richly colored cottons and sturdy natural fibers. There are often hand carved, wooden household items and small wood sculptures, created by some of the island’s many skilled artisans.

Island Village, at the Turtle beach Complex in Ocho Rios, is the perfect shopping area for those interested in reggae and island music culture. With more than 30 shops offering a variety of Bob Marley souvenir items, reggae culture inspired clothing, books, posters, and, of course, music, you’ll need a full day to explore this village. Staying the day, though, will be no problem. There are many cafes and restaurants, and an assortment of sights to be seen, including a museum devoted to reggae and island culture.

For those who prefer a more upscale shopping atmosphere, Gloucester Avenue in Montego Bay is sure to satisfy. This busy thoroughfare hosts an eclectic blend of boutiques and strip malls, set amongst some of the best hotels and eating establishments on the island. Taj Mahal in Ocho Rios is a shopping mall built on a grand scale, featuring a variety of upscale products, and also offers some of the best coffees, rums, and cigars on the island. Kingston is one of the best places in Jamaica to buy quality artwork by some of the nation’s best artists. Frame Center Gallery and the Mutual Life Gallery are among the best known, and are recognized even beyond the island for the quality of art made available for viewing and purchase.

Those desiring a degree of authenticity, something representative of the culture beyond the tourist industries would do well to pay attention to the small shops and stands to be found throughout the island. The further away from the tourist centers the better when it comes to finding those special, unique items that reflect native culture. Some of the unusual take home items to be found in this way include the spices used in native cuisine and home items that are both artistic and practical.

There are many wonderful areas for shopping in Jamaica, whether it is local crafts and creations or upscale bargains that interest you. It is important to note that a certain degree of haggling over prices is expected, and is just a part of the experience.]]>

To get there, do you just hop in your car and drive up to the front door? No way! There is no road to these Smokey Mountain rental cabins. If you want to stay there, the only way in is by hiking! Talk about Smokey Mountain secluded cabins - it is a hike of over 5 miles if you are up to it. Lots of folks do just that, as this Smokey Mountain cabins facility fills up fast during the summer. Not only does it fill up fast, you may have to wait months to get a cabin reservation.

Located at more than 6,500 feet elevation, these Smokies rental cabins are very popular. Prepare for a sponge bath. While there is running water for the toilets, there is no electricity. Kerosene lanterns will provide you with light. You will not be blow-drying your hair or watching reruns while here. It is life somewhat like it used to be many generations ago.

These Smokey Mountain cabins only have a capacity of up to fifty guests per night housed in either handcrafted log cabins or group sleeping lodges. The cabins have upper and lower double bunk beds, which are great for two couples or a family of four or five persons. Each of the larger cabin lodges can sleep from ten to thirteen persons.

For your Leconte stay, make sure you bring sturdy shoes that you have already broken in. Include more than one change of socks in case your feet get wet. Layered, lightweight clothing will give you the flexibility to add more or take it off as temperatures change. A warm sweater or jacket is advisable and a lightweight raincoat or poncho is absolutely essential. Nature shows no mercy for those unprepared for the sudden changes in weather. Summer nights can dip to 40 degrees or lower, while in spring and fall, night temperatures can drop into the teens with snowfall.

No need to bring suitcases and other cumbersome luggage. A light backpack should be what you use for your necessities since personal clothing and toiletries are all you really need. Remember, it is a 5-mile hike to enjoy these very special Smokey Mountain cabins.

The Great Smokey Mountain National Park is about half in North Carolina and half in Tennessee. Leconte Lodge is located on Leconte Mountain which is on the Tennessee side in the national park. But you will not know which state you are in. Does it really matter? You WILL know that you are away from civilization in a beautiful unspoiled mountain retreat. Whether you stay in Leconte Lodge or other Smokey Mountain log cabins outside the park, once you have been there, it is easy to see why the Great Smoky Mountain National Park is the #1 visited national park in the USA.

Copyright 2005 InfoSearch Publishing]]>

The best scam detector you have in your arsenal is your common sense. Before placing your money and property in someone else’s hands, it would be a good idea to do some research on that agency. Ask questions, check out their references, and contact the Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been filed against the agency. Remember the golden rule of buying and selling: if it’s too good to be true, then it probably is! Do not decide on a whim. Spontaneity may be a good quality in other aspects of life, but not when dealing with anything to do with money. Your goal isn’t to line someone else’s pockets. Your goal is to sell your timeshare for its full market value. Beware of companies who require a fee before the sale of your timeshare has transpired. Even if they claim this fee is refundable once the sale is made, the best thing to do is turn on your heels and leave. Remember the basic relationship between a company and a client. Pay only after the desired result is achieved. Once the agency has your money, you have taken away their incentive to work.

Selling a timeshare can be a difficult task since there are many factors that are involved. Not only are you selling a specific time during the year, you are also selling a location and a resort. These factors make finding a buyer a bit more difficult, since someone may be interested in the time and location, but not the resort or vice versa. In order to provide the buyer with the best timeshare option, you need to price the timeshare realistically. Find out the going market value for other timeshares in your area or during your allotted time. To find this information, contact the resort for their current selling prices or check out the real estate records for your area. Another way to obtain a price is through an appraisal of your timeshare. An appraisal company will charge a fee for their service and can readily be found in the telephone book or by contacting an appraiser’s association, such as the Appraisal Foundation.

Keep in mind, your goal is to sell your timeshare. Making a profit on your timeshare is a totally different matter. Remember, the key word to pricing is “realistic.” The realistic pricing for your timeshare may be considerably less than the original selling price. Keep in mind, you have used the timeshare for the length of your ownership and probably have fond memories attached to your time on vacation. If the price is less than you were hoping for, remember these good times and think of the difference in price as vacation costs.

After pricing your timeshare appropriately, you can choose an agent to sell your timeshare or sell it yourself. If you opt to sell your timeshare yourself, start by advertising. Take advantage of any local newspapers where your timeshare is based. A great tool is the Timeshare User’s Group at www.tug2.net. This website has great information on owning and selling a timeshare and is an excellent resource. Also check into advertising at the resort itself. Many resorts have publications, newsletters, or bulletin boards.

To learn more about selling your timeshare, just log on to the Internet and visit locations such as http://www.atimesharesz.com/sellingtimeshares to do a thorough search. However you choose to sell your timeshare, making well-planned decisions will ensure you will succeed in selling your timeshare and having the best possible experience.

© Copyright 2005 by Dana Sanders. All rights reserved.]]>

Why?

Well, it’s pretty simple, basically you get a house to stay in instead of a single room with four walls.

Plus, you get to enjoy privacy, you can cook, you get a full size refrigerator, you may also get many amenities that just don’t come with a hotel room, like a Jacuzzi and a game room.

If it’s just you and your wife you can get a single bedroom vacation cabin rental for about the same price as that of a hotel room.

If you want to bring your family along you might want to get two or up to five bedrooms. Large cabins such as these are much more economical than renting several hotel rooms.

You can also save money by buying and cooking most of your food instead of going out for nearly every meal.

Plus you can all eat together as a family or hang out in your cabin and watch a movie on the TV or play a variety of games such as pool, foosball, video games or other games that may come with your cabin.

And with many vacation cabin rentals you can just step out the door and you are in your own private little sanctuary in the woods. What could be better than that?

All That Room!
One of the cabins my wife and I recently stayed in is a good example of the amenities that come with a cabin. The living room and kitchen alone were much bigger than a hotel room. This one-bedroom cabin rented for a little over $100 a night. Try to find a hotel suite for that price!

A Room With A View…
A vacation cabin rental also offers scenery. You can be deep in the woods or overlooking a mountainside, whatever you choose. Many times in a hotel you will have the view overlooking the back of the hotel restaurant, that’s nice. No Thanks, I’ll take the mountain view any day.

Many of the best locations for a vacation cabin rental are near the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee, or North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio, Colorado, and the Lake Tahoe area in California.

These are some of the most beautiful locations in the country with lots of recreational activities waiting for you to enjoy, such as hiking, tubing, whitewater rafting, rock climbing, swimming, or just sitting on the porch of your vacation cabin rental and taking in the great outdoors.

So, why not spend your next vacation in a vacation cabin rental instead of a cramped hotel room? I know you will enjoy it!]]>

experiences you’ll have on your trip to Hawaii. An hour or
two spent above some of the planet’s most captivating
landscape sears itself into your memory for years to come. A
Hawaii helicopter tour is both safe and stupendous!

Some of the sights you’ll encounter aloft on your Hawaii
helicopter tour include of course Hawaii’s spectacular
volcanoes, Haleakala, Kilauea and the Pu’u O’o Vent. If
you’re lucky you’ll see lava flows! Other great sights seen
from above include Hana’s spectacular rain forests and
waterfalls, lush sugar cane and pineapple fields, pristine
valleys and remote inaccessible rain forests. Relax in the
comfort of your seat while you view and listen as your guide
gives you all the details on state-of-the-art sound systems,
allowing you to concentrate on all the beauty below! Videos
are usually available to impress your friends back home, as
they’d never believe this if you simply told it to them!

There are several fine Hawaii helicopter tour companies that
will take reservations and offer you all the amenities
you’ll require. Some of these companies include Hawaii
Helicopters, Maui Air, Alex Air, Pacific Wings, Volcano Air
Tours, Blue Hawaiian Helicopters, Sunshine Helicopters and
others. Some tours are as short as 30 minutes, to as
long as 3 hours, and run from $100-$500 depending of course
on the tour and times you choose. Do yourself a favor and
book a Hawaii helicopter tour on your next Hawaii vacation.
You’ll be glad you did!]]>