Airmail in the Early Days

All over the USA, Seventy foot concrete arrows can be found in remote locations. Follow them, and they’ll point you out of the desert.


 
They come courtesy of the US Postal Service’s Air Force and will point you all the way across the continental United States.


 
They were constructed in 1924 to guide postal planes in the right direction as they carried mail from coast to coast.


 
These old planes couldn’t rely on radio as much at the time, so they used these arrows, along with beacon towers, to navigate.
 

 
 

 
 
The arrows and beacons bisect the United States
from San Francisco to New York City.

The towers were 50 feet tall and fixed with gas lights
that could be seen from 10 miles away, in order to help
lost pilots find their way.
 
 
This is a model of the arrows and towers in their heyday.

 
World War II brought new advances in radio technology effectively making the towers and arrows system obsolete. The towers were mostly dismantled.


 
There has been an effort to restore and preserve some of them, however. Like this one in New Mexico complete with its generator shack.


 
 

This is a pretty cool piece of history, even if it was short lived. To think of those early postal pilots navigating like this from coast to coast is mind blowing.


 
 
 

Flight Visualization over Europe Video

This data visualization was created from real flight data. It shows the air traffic which flies on a typical summer day and highlights the intensity of the operation in Europe - an operation which runs 24x7x365.

New Orleans Summertime Blues? Try These Vacation Destinations

Summertime is full of barbecues, shorts and river walks. New Orleans is an exciting city this time of year. Everyone seems to have summer fever and is out and about. The only problem is that hot, sticky New Orleans summer weather! You might enjoy this year’s steamy months a little better if you took a break. A cost-conscious, fun-filled vacation is just the ticket if you want a month, week or even a long weekend away from The Big Easy.

The Everglades

Enjoy fishing, boating, hiking, eating and drinking in one of the most unique locations. Stay in Florida City’s Everglades International Hostel and enjoy breezy accommodations at great rates: dorm beds are $28 per person, and a group of six can book a private room with bathroom for $168, according to evergladeshostel.com. They can set you up with tours for any time of day. Prepare to share space with gators the size of tanks and heavy-artillery mosquitoes … it’s all part of the fun!



Photo by Bogeskov via Flickr

Europe

Although it might seem like an ambitious goal, seeing 10 or even 20 countries in a summer is completely doable, as long as you know where the deals are. A Eurail pass for up to 3 months starts at $494, according to eurail.com. Save by staying in hostels and eating cheaply at markets and street stalls instead of restaurants. One of the best sites to check the cheapest flight deals is Skyscanner.com. Round-trip flights from New Orleans to the U.K. start around $1300.



Photo by Terrazzo via Flickr

Charlotte, North Carolina

So you can’t be Katniss Everdeen, but you can at least travel to the state where much of "The Hunger Games" was filmed. Take a day trip to the ghost town of Henry River, where several District 12 scenes were set or catch a show at the Knight Theater, also a filming location, according to romanticasheville.com. Looking for adrenaline boosters? Check out the Charlotte Motor Speedway.



Photo by James Willamor via Flickr

Carnival Dream Cruise

Set sail on the high seas with a cruise through Carnival Dream. Their all-inclusive packages include 24-hour room service and multiple dining options, among them a coffee bar, steakhouse, chef’s table and tasting bar. Entertainment doesn’t lack, either. Packages come with a comedy brunch, access to the art gallery, “dive-in” movies, concerts and an Internet café. If you have a sweet tooth, don’t forget the candy shop. And when you’re done there, head to a yoga or Pilates classes to work off the extra calories before hitting the pool. Depending on your room choice, cruises can cost as little as $40 per night, according to carnival.com. There are cruises departing from the Port of New Orleans year-round.



Photo by El coleccionista de instantes

A quick word of advice: When traveling a lot, protect your identity with security measures while dealing with money or personal information. According to Lifelock, in 2011 there were more than 11 million victims of identity fraud. According to usa.gov, must-dos include keeping receipts or tearing them up, shielding your PIN with your hand while at ATMS and storing personal information in a safe place.

Packing List For Your Next Trip

Hi everyone,

I came across this great packing list that you can use to help you get ready for your next trip. Click here to download the packing list.

Small Town USA Day Trippin' Itinerary

When planning your next vacation, thoughts of New York City or Los Angeles often jump to the top of the list. While these large cities are popular destinations, visiting a small town often provides a better vacation experience. America’s small towns are its treasures, offering more affordable prices and unique experiences lacking in many bigger cities. Head off of the beaten tourist track to find charming small towns with plenty of sites to see.

Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin (Wisconsin Dells Hotels)

At first glance, Wisconsin might not seem like the most obvious state for a water park mecca. However, Wisconsin Dells (population 2,678) draws millions of tourists each year to its world-class resorts. Dells.com reports that Wisconsin Dells offers a variety of adventurous activities, including zip lines, fishing, spelunking, or jet skiing. One of the primary attractions in the town is Noah’s Ark, the largest water park in the United States. Although summer is peak season, off-peak visitors often find lower prices and can enjoy the Kalahari Resort, one of the largest indoor water parks in America.

Taos, New Mexico (Taos Hotels)

Anyone interested in early American history or different cultures is sure to enjoy Taos, New Mexico. The town of 5,716 is located in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in north-central New Mexico, providing stunning natural beauty. One of the main attractions is the Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the oldest continuously inhabited community in the United States, reports Taos.org. Taos is an excellent place to learn more about the culture and customs of Native Americans in the Southwest. While you would think the desert would be sweltering in the summer months, the 7,000-foot elevation of Taos keeps it a cooler, pleasant place to visit year-round.

Camden, Maine (Camden Hotels)

If the sea is calling you, Camden, Maine, is the perfect destination. With just 4,850 year-round residents, Camden offers classic maritime charm. Many visitors come to Camden to stroll its beautiful streets, enjoy local art galleries and spend time sailing, according to Lonely Planet. Its close proximity to a state park provides opportunities to hike and camp. Prices rise in the summer months as visitors flock to Midcoast Maine. Visiting in the spring or autumn months brings gorgeous weather, fewer crowds, and more affordable prices.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming (Jackson Hole Hotels)

Many tourists pass through Jackson Hole, Wyoming, without spending time to take in its natural beauty. The town of 8,647 is found in west-central Wyoming near the Idaho border. In addition to being a natural jumping-off point to visit Grand Teton or Yellowstone National Parks, Jackson Hole is a tourist destination in its own right. The Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce recommends staying in a mountain lodge to enjoy white-water rafting, hiking, and world-class skiing.

Gulf Shores, Alabama (Gulf Shores Hotels)

If a beach getaway is your idea of a relaxation vacation, Gulf Shores, Alabama, is a fantastic option. Home to about 5,000 people, Gulf Shores offers some of the best quality public beaches in the United States, reports GulfShoresAL.gov. With recent tourism disruptions due to hurricanes and the BP oil spill in 2010, look for discounted prices at local resorts.

No matter what your idea of the perfect vacation, small town America is prepared to deliver. Although smaller towns may lack hot nightclubs or five-star restaurants, the smaller crowds and relaxed pace make them excellent choices for your next getaway.

Tips on Hiring Taxis at Airports

After a long and tiring flight, the last thing you want to worry about is the possibility of being defrauded by greedy, illegal and unscrupulous taxi drivers. Airports in unfamiliar countries are often vast and confusing places, even for seasoned travelers. It's wise to learn as much about the value of the currency as possible, so look online to check the latest exchange rates and try to become familiar with the terminology. Looking after your spending money will obviously be one of your main priorities as a traveller, after securing your most affordable airfare, and sourcing the best possible accommodation for your money.


Groups of persistently hustling taxi drivers are to be found at all busy places, even at the world's best airports and the most secured ones. It's a good idea to avoid them at all costs, for your personal safety. Ask airport officials for location of the main taxi ranks. At Miami, for example, official advice is to find a taxi cab that is clearly marked with the words "taxi" or "taxicab" prominently displayed on both sides of the vehicle. The licence number must also be clearly visible in at least six locations within the car, as should the driver's identification documents. This advice is valid for taxis in most cities, in the west.


Knowledge is power. It's a good idea to prepare for the trip by reading accounts on popular travel websites, where other people review and write about their experiences. They can provide you with a wealth of useful information, such as how much to expect to pay for your journey. Most taxi firms are metered, although sometimes it can be a good idea to agree a flat rate at the start of your journey if it is some distance. Make sure you have plenty of cash in the local currency as your driver will find it annoying if you don't have any, and you will find it stressful. Be polite and don't forget to give a tip if you think he or she has done a good job. How much will depend on the location, but between five and ten percent should be adequate. Lastly, relax and enjoy your stay!

Global Humanitarian Experiences for Philanthropic Travelers

As long as you have a spirit to serve and passion for volunteering, you have what it takes to be a humanitarian.

"Whether you're an accomplished physician, a student in nursing school, or someone with zero medical training, there are plenty of organizations (religious and otherwise) looking for volunteers," explains the travel blog of HCCMIS. You can help treat and improve the living conditions of third-world nations by learning more about the following organizations and embarking on the trip of a lifetime. 

Project Hope

Medical volunteers for HOPE participate in ship-based care in partnership with the U.S. Navy. HOPE volunteers also participate in land-based projects that provide medical assistance to needy people worldwide, including major disaster relief efforts. In 2004, volunteers helped mitigate the Tsunami devastation in Southeast Asia. HOPE volunteers provided aid to Katrina victims in Gulf States during 2005. Five years later, HOPE relief workers assisted Haitian earthquake victims.

Volunteers in Latin America, West Africa and Oceania also participated in health education and humanitarian assistance missions. The goal: remediate disasters and improve the quality of life for people throughout the globe by executing educational and health care services.

Embark of any of the current HOPE opportunities: 

• Nurse Educators (Shanghai): Qualified graduate-level nurses will teach undergraduate nursing students.

• Physical & Occupational Therapists (Haiti): Volunteers will train and mentor local techs specializing in PT and OT.
  
   



• Physician Faculty and ESL Teachers (Shanghai): Qualified recruits will teach students about basic medicine, physical sciences and comprehensive English.
  
   



• Various Volunteers (South Africa): Recruits will carry out the HOPE Centre chronic disease project.
  
   



• Health of Women and Children Program (Dominican Republic): Team of diverse volunteers will promote global health program.
  
   



• Physician Specialists (Haiti): Physician Specialists will assist with Hôpital Albert Schweitzer and the health system. 

Global Crossroad: Nepal & Other Destinations

The Himalayan country of Nepal suffers from severe poverty and sickness. Global Crossroad offers life-changing Nepali experiences for volunteers who want to embark on an adventure as well as help heal the sick or make a difference in an orphanage.

Nepal volunteer programs include:

• Teaching English to Buddhist Monks



• Working in an orphanage



• Volunteering in nature conservation or medical/health care



• Becoming a photojournalist



• Impacting the lives of underprivileged children through Mini-Venture Nepal programs 



• Discovering the beauty of Nepal through Summer Escapes program, including community work   

Volunteers will participate in a language and cultural immersion orientation program in Nepal's capital, Kathmandu. During two phases, you'll learn about the county's history and the negative wear-and-tear effects of the modern world. Volunteers become submerged in Nepali culture and way of life for a more rewarding experience. 

Fees include meal plans and accommodations for projects and traveling. You'll receive three meals a day full of local ingredients and traditional cuisine. GlobalCrossroad.com also explains that international volunteers will stay in a permanent residence called a "home base, either with a host family or in a project hostel." 

Individuals with a passion for traveling, new experiences and humanitarian service can also venture to an array of worldwide destinations through Global Crossroad services. Help disadvantaged and at-risk children in Argentina. Care for individuals in Kenya who are infected with HIV/AIDS. Support Thailand locals as they strive to achieve economic opportunity by generating projects, such as a fish farm and animal husbandry. Other countries include Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, Uganda and more.

Basic Preparations for International Business Travel

Traveling abroad for business can be beneficial, productive and exciting for your company. It can produce new business and networking opportunities, but it can also be hard on you. Especially if you are a business-travel novice.


Stay Connected
One of your most important considerations, especially for international business travel, is staying connected— to your office, to your contacts overseas and to anyone in the States who you rely on to conduct business. Start by managing your technology to preserve your ability to communicate en route: put your laptop, tablet, digital camera and anything else electronic in your carry-on luggage, rather than in your checked luggage. To make sure you have access to smartphone technology while traveling abroad, your best bet will be Internet-based solutions, which depend on data instead of cell technology. Voice-over-Internet Protocol (VOIP) applications like Skype let you make free calls to other users of these apps and very inexpensive calls to land lines and mobile phones— anywhere in the world. For text messaging, use free services like Google Voice.

Send Things Ahead
Sending materials ahead of time if you’ll be presenting at a conference may be a necessity or simply a convenience. Either way, one of the most important steps in the shipping process is international address verification. The last thing you want to worry about is undelivered mail.

Take Care of You
Jetlag is a common problem for business travelers. Drink plenty of water in the days before your trip, and cut back on alcohol and caffeine. If you’re going to a destination that requires more than 12 hours of air travel, stopping in a city en route for a night or a few hours or arriving early at your destination can help to break up your trip and allow your body to adjust to the time differences. Try to sleep and eat according to your new time zone, not the one you’re coming from.

Protection
To protect your data, files and presentation materials while traveling, Microsoft recommends these precautions:

• Don’t carry your laptop in a designated computer bag— it’s a dead giveaway that you’re carrying a laptop. Instead, consider a suitcase or a padded briefcase.
• Create strong passwords with capital letters, numbers and symbols. Don’t carry them anywhere near your laptop.
• Encrypt your files.
• Use a screen guard to make it difficult or impossible for anyone to see what you’re looking at on your computer.

Acclimate
Familiarize yourself of common cultural practices through books and videos before your trip. Take note of idioms (whether or not you speak the language of the country) and customs. You can even pass the time on the plane by reading up on the culture of your destination. If you can do this, you and the people you meet will all feel much more relaxed.

5 Family-Friendly Summer Vacation Destinations

If you were to ask your family of five where they want to spend their summer vacation, you'd probably end up with five different locations. Together as you decide where to go next here are five more ideas to add to the list:

Little Cottonwood Canyon, Utah

Just 25 miles outside of Salt Lake City, Little Cottonwood Canyon boasts excellent hiking, biking, picnicking, fishing, climbing and more. The two resorts in the canyon, Alta and Snowbird, offer numerous summer activities for families, including camps and hikes, zip lines and horseback riding. Camp Snowbird, open for kids ages 4-12, hosts nature hikes and science experiments. Not to leave mom and dad out, there's also a variety of restaurants, shopping and festivals to choose from.

Tip: When packing, put each of your children's outfits — including socks, underwear and bows — in a plastic bag before tucking them into your suitcase. This makes it easier to get dressed in the morning without losing anything or unpacking the whole bag.

Cruise to Alaska (view Alaskan Cruises)

Instead of worrying about flights, hotels, car rentals and dinner reservations, book a cruise instead. Many ships cater to children, with miniature golf courses, water slides, clubs for the kids and entertainment. While you can cruise pretty much anywhere, we chose Alaska because what kid wouldn't want to have a close encounter with a humpback whale or watch other sea animals bob in and out of the ship's wake?

Tip: Though several cruise lines are making Wi-Fi hotspots more available to patrons, logging on while you're at sea is still pretty expensive. If you want to check in at home or the office, wait until you disembark and visit an Internet cafe instead.

San Diego, California (view San Diego Hotels)

With enough sandy beaches to keep your kids occupied for hours, San Diego is a beautiful summer destination. Museum hop at Balboa Park, then visit the thousands of animals at the famous San Diego Zoo. Build a campfire on one of the county's several bonfire-friendly beaches, then enjoy dinner and a walk through The Gaslamp Quarter, known as the historic heart of San Diego.

Tip: Before you leave, ask a neighbor to collect your mail and a friend to watch your home. Consider investing in a security system that you can access remotely, such as LifeShield.com alarm systems. These provide a smartphone app that allows you to view security cameras and arm or disarm alarms.

Las Vegas, Nevada (view Las Vegas Hotels)

You might not think of Vegas as a kid-friendly destination, but there are plenty of places in and around Sin City to enjoy the whole family. Visit Discovery Children's Museum and walk through the nine themed exhibition halls then head to Circus Circus for roller coasters, 3-D videos and other carnival thrills. Spend an afternoon hiking across the trails of Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, but be sure to make it back to the strip by nightfall to watch the Bellagio water show.

Tip: The fountain show runs regularly between 3 p.m. and midnight on weekdays and noon to midnight on weekends, according to Bellagio.com.

Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida (view Walt Disney World Area Hotels)

Of course in a list of family-friendly vacations, we can't leave out Disney. There's something for everyone at the resort, including four theme parks and two water parks.

Tip: If you have small children, use the parent swap. It allows parties of two or more to experience the attraction while one adult waits with the child. Then you can "swap" to enable the other adult to enjoy the attraction without the wait. Just ask the cast member working at the entrance of the attraction for a rider switch.

Cruising 101: The Caribbean

Venturing to far-off places, snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, extraordinary cuisine and first-class treatment is what cruising is all about. You've researched and found amazing Caribbean cruises, but now what? Taking a cruise is definitely not a last-minute vacation. You need the proper paperwork, current passports and up-to-date vaccinations, depending on your location. Below are things to consider before exploring the sights and culture of the Caribbean:

Passport

Your cruise can be denied for the simplest of reasons, like misplacing your passport. Your passport can't need to be renewed in less than six months. A valid passport is essential when traveling so if it needs to be renewed, do it now.

Visa

Visas are required, depending on your location. This generally doesn't include the Caribbean but does in Europe, Central and South Americas.

Sea Travel

For voyages that begin and end in the same U.S. Port, U.S. citizens may travel with both a Government-issued birth certificate and Government-issued picture ID card, preferably your driver's license.

Browse Discount Cruises

Luggage Tags

Make sure every piece of your luggage (including carry-on and purses) have luggage tags. That way it will be very clear which ship you're sailing on, the dates you're going and the stateroom you're occupying. With easy-to-read luggage tags you decrease the change your luggage will be lost or stolen. When checking in to your first port, generally there will be a porter to take your luggage and an attendee to give you luggage tags and tell you your stateroom number.

Documentation

Make sure the name on the cruise reservation is exactly as it is stated on the passport or other citizenship document. If your name has changed for any reason, it is required that the documentation be updated with the new name. If you do not, you could run into delay or possible denial of boarding.

Vaccinations

Be up-to-date on all your vaccines, especially when traveling out of the country. If you think you might be due for a vaccine, contact your doctor's office of your cruise line on recommendations.

Special Health Concerns

If you or anyone you know is traveling with disabilities, you need to notify the cruise line so proper measures can be taken. Services that require advanced notice include raised toilet seat, large print material, shower stool, service animal relief area, oxygen and dialysis supply and medical refrigerator.

Payments

Payment for your cruise should be made during your booking process online and sent to your travel agent or cruise line. Final payment is due 75 days prior to sailing for standard and holiday departures and other select departures require final payment 90 days prior to sailing date, according to celebritycruises.com.
Guests who do not bring the proper documentation with them may be prevented from boarding their flight or ship or from disembarking or entering a country and may be subject to fines and will not be reimbursed any amount of money. So before you book those Celebrity Caribbean cruises, make sure you have all the required documentation.

Choose Dallas: 4 Types of Trips to Take in the Big D

Going away on business or planning a couples retreat? Either way, Dallas has something for everyone. If you're heading to the land of big hair, big egos and big guns, here's a few ideas of where (and how) to spend time.

For a Relaxing Retreat:

If wouldn't be Texas without rustic beauty, hunting and luxurious amenities. Nestled on 11,000 acres in the foothills of Texas Hill Country, Rough Creek Lodge and Resort is equipped with 57-guest rooms and suites with exclusive cabins and guest houses. The resort is equipped with fine dining, a spa and facilities for shooting, fishing, golf, horseback riding and more. The lodge resort is located about 70 miles (90 minutes) from Dallas, but Toyota rental cars are available around the city and airport.

If traveling outside of the city isn't what you have in mind, look to stay closer to the heart of Dallas by reserving a room at the Maple Manor Hotel. It's rated the '#1 romantic hotel in Dallas,' and with all the weddings held there, the five-suite bed and breakfast oasis is sure to be conducive to love.

For Those Away on Business:

One of the most recognizable landmarks and unofficial symbols of Dallas, Reunion Tower offers sight-seers a 360-degree view of Dallas and the surrounding areas. The tower stands 561-feet tall, according to Emporis.com, a global provider of building information, and houses an observation deck and revolving restaurant Five Sixty by Wolfgang Puck. Though it should be noted, the tower opens at 5:30 PM and is only available for those to participate in the (rather expensive) lounge and dining experience, while taking in the view.

For Relationship Training:

If a relaxing retreat isn't enough and it often isn't enjoy Dallas while helping your relationship heal at a couples counseling camp. According to Marriagebootcamp.com, director Jim Carroll designed the program to help couples work through issues using games, drills, competitions and skits. Focusing on application instead of lecture, the purpose of the intense four-day camp is to help couples solve root problems and decide "whether to stay and heal or make peace with the outcome," according to the site.

*In 2013, Marriage Boot Camp will be held in Dallas on the following dates: Jan 23-26, March 6-9, April 10-13, June 12-15, July 17-20, Sept 11-13 and Nov. 13-16.

For History Buffs:

Housed in the building where the (in)famous shots were fired, the Sixth Floor Museum is a historic exhibition of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. The museum is located on the sixth floor of the Dallas County Administration Building, formerly the Texas School Book Depository. Using footage, audio clips and eyewitness accounts to reconstruct the tragic event, museum-goers can get a good idea of what happened the day of, and even see the exact window Lee Harvey Oswald opened fire upon the motorcade. If you have doubts about Oswald being the true shooter don't worry, a travel review guide, Lonely Planet, noted the museum doesn't shy away from conspiracy theories. Open daily except for Thanksgiving and Xmas day, adult admission is $16 with discounts for seniors, youth and children.

Packing Tips for Getting Through Airport Security Quickly

We all know the difficulties of maneuvering the security zones at airports nowadays. You feel you've timed the trip just right only to be thwarted by the long lines of clueless travelers that are most certainly the opposite of prepared. But it's difficult not to feel just as clueless as the next guy when our friends at the TSA are constantly altering the rules. It seems all but the most frequent of travelers tend to find themselves reading (and re-reading) the regulations the night before a flight. 

Questions abound. Will the x-ray's harm my camera? What about my laptop? Should I wear these knee-high lace-up boots? And perhaps, most importantly, what do I do with this bottle of water I just bought? Lucky for you, we have some packing tips to get you through security quickly and with some semblance of sanity remaining when you reach the gate. 

Don't Over Pack

With most items under some element of scrutiny and checked baggage becoming pricier per pound, be sure to pack only what you need. Not only will this clear clutter for your own sake, neatly packed layers allow items to be seen more clearly during scanning. A jumble of clothes and innocent items can be easily mistaken for contraband. 

Tote Your Technology

Pack your digital cameras, computers and i-everything in your carry-on rather than checked baggage and pack it on top. You will need to take these out for screening, so keep e-items accessible. If you're still lugging around undeveloped film, be sure to let security workers in on the secret to prevent exposure during the x-ray process. 

Liquid Courage

The TSA's standing on liquids has been as fluid as your Ziploc bag's contents. Currently, the ruling is a catchy "3-1-1." One plastic bag that is one quart in size containing only 3.4 oz size containers of liquids or gels. Products such as lotion, hairspray, and liquid makeup are all included in the rule. Luckily the beauty product industry is hip to the rule and now sells most products in true travel sizes of 3.4 ounces or less. Certain items, such as medications or baby formula aren't subject to the size rule, but be prepared to declare them. For all liquids, ensconced in clear plastic or not, keep them handy so they can be sent through the screener with the rest of your items. 

Dress to Impress

The security team that is. After all that careful packing, be sure to wear clothing that will cause the fewest snags as you snail through the line. Rather than donning that pull-over sweater, opt for a cardigan that can easily be removed. Tuck metal items into coat or sweater pockets so when it comes off, they come off. Please wear shoes without laces. No one wants to wait for the time it takes to untie and then retie a pair of shoes, least of all you. Pick a pair of boots that zip, or better yet, slip-ons. They're the simplest option and offer the added bonus of allowing you to slide them off and settle in on long flights.

Hopefully, with a bit of preparation and some forward thinking, the security area of your home airport won't be the most exhausting part of your trip. Unfortunately, however, you will have to toss that bottle of water. 
---------------
This article was contributed by Kyle Telenko, a writer for a website providing homeowners insurance quotes, homeownersinsurance-qutoes.org. Kyle primarily writes about home and travel insurance, but also writes about home maintenance tips and travel safety.

It's Never Too Early to Plan Your Honeymoon

You're engaged. You're meeting with wedding planners and caterers, and you're browsing in bridal shops and touring potential venues. You think planning the wedding is the hardest part and the honeymoon should be a piece of cake. It's just a matter of deciding where you want to go and booking a flight. Right? Wrong.

Even if you think that planning the honeymoon is easy as pie, plan that in advance too. A year or more before the wedding, start thinking about when you'd like to travel.  Some people like to honeymoon immediately after their weddings, while others prefer to wait a while. This is also the time to discuss where you'd like to go, what you can afford, and what sort of accommodations interest you. Think about it, talk it through together, and do your research—but don't dawdle, because scheduled flights can only be confirmed up to eleven months in advance.

Plan Ahead

One of the most common pitfalls engaged couples face is failing to attack their honeymoon planning with the same enthusiasm they're dedicating to wedding plans. Failing to start honeymoon planning in time could mean that you might have to spend this one-in-a-lifetime trip in a place that wasn't your first choice, or that you can't afford, or that your dream property is booked up. Also, if you don't have enough time to compare travel insurance policies, you might run into trouble if you have to cancel or reschedule anything, or if bad weather hits. Anything and everything could go wrong.
Is there a timeline we should use when planning our honeymoon?

Book the Transportation

Up to 9 months before the wedding, you should have booked your flight and accommodations, and secured them with a credit card. Set up a folder to keep all your documents organized, and check into whether you'll need any immunizations or special medications. Be sure to tell your travel agent or booking specialists that you're going on a honeymoon—you may qualify for better deals. To save some money (after all, weddings are expensive), you can compare travel insurance rates and prepare ahead.

Renew ID

3 to 6 months before the wedding, make arrangements to obtain or renew your passport and visas if you're traveling internationally. Ask a friend to watch your house, and reserve a place for Kitty and Fido at the kennel. Get any immunizations you might need, and book any excursions you plan to take or shows you plan to see.

One to two months before the wedding, confirm all your reservations and put a hold on your wedding registries, so gifts don't arrive when you're not home. Organize your luggage, read through government websites so you know what you can't take with you, and buy guidebooks. Prepare a list of items you need to pack, and make sure you have enough money in your bank accounts to cover your expenses.

Pack Your Bags

One week before the wedding, pack your bags and make sure you have all the cash and traveler's checks you need. Photocopy your government documents, like passports, and leave them with a trustworthy friend or family member. Place your mail on 'hold' at the Post Office, and deter burglars by canceling the newspaper and putting timers on your lights.

It takes a lot to pull off a major trip like a honeymoon, and you can never begin planning too soon! Use these tips and enjoy your time in the sun. Before you know it, the honeymoon is over and it's time to settle into the everyday hum-drum of being married.

How To Find A Secret Hotel

For some travelers it is a bargain, for others it is a bit of fun. Over the last few years, four and five star hotels in capital cities have been offering what appear to be superb deals. Online booking agents provide a brief description of anonymous hotels in various locations. Take a gamble, book into a hotel that appears to suit your needs and receive a discount of between 35% and 50% on the room price. You find out the name of the hotel only after your booking is accepted.

Secret hotel deals work on customer and seller psychology. Hotels can`t cut their room prices like a high street discount store is able to. They have fixed costs whatever their room occupancy. They don`t want to have unsalable, empty rooms, but if they fill their rooms at deeply cut prices, their running costs increase and they stand to make a loss.

Four and five star hotels build a reputation on the back of quality and service, rather than price. Customers gambling on a secret deal are looking for this service. Those travelers who just want to find a cut price hotel for the night tend to opt for a budget chain hostelry in a less elegant part of town. If the secret hotel offers a free bottle of wine on arrival, their customers may be tempted to use the hotel`s restaurant rather than going out for dinner.

Major city hotels depend highly on business traveller trade and tend to adjust room prices to reflect this. Prices are higher during the week than at weekends. If a city centre hotel has weekend rooms on offer via an online agency, the discount may not be as great in cash terms as its seems as a percentage of the perceived room price. Customers, for their part, can easily find out the name of a hotel from the booking agency`s online description, hotel websites in the city in question and a variety of search engines. So they may not be opting for too secret a deal, but they keep the perception that they are buying value for money.

Mystery hotel deals began as weekend room offers by capital city-based hotels. The business is spreading to regional cities, as well as countryside and beach resort hotels that have greater mid-week room availability than at weekends. Booking times vary. Customers may be able to reserve a room up to three months ahead in some hotels, or just a day ahead in others to take advantage of a sudden cancellation. Just fill in the online booking form and sites such as secrethotels.org will arrange your bargain break.

A Somewhat Stress-Free Airport Departure is an Achievable Dream

Traveling through an airport is no piece of cake, but if you prepare for everything well in advance and decide to travel light, the odds are that things will go swimmingly. Every traveler's dream is to get from the sliding doors, through check-in, past security, and to the plane in ten minutes. With everything from security checks to problems with your ticket as possible curve balls, your airport adventure has a 50/50 chance of being an experience from hell. Instead of clicking your heels together and wishing it all just came true for you, it's a good rule of thumb to be prepared. Like a well-oiled machine, using these tips will help runs things a little more smoothly when you're trying to catch your flight.

Take Carry-On Luggage Only

USA Today highly recommends traveling with carry-on luggage exclusively. This eliminates wasting time on check in and saves time by avoiding the huge wait for luggage. Weight limits for many airlines have been decreased. Some airlines have a weight limit of 50 pounds total for checked luggage. You might as well pack carefully and save time with an efficient carry-on package.

Keep Electronics Secure

When you are at the airport, be careful not to use a Wi-Fi public hotspot with insufficient encryption. If you do, someone could possibly discover your personal information and try to use it. When you use a public wireless network, you should assume that anyone can access your computer. Lifelock's experts provide advice on how to secure your computer and protect your data from hackers while using a wireless device.

• Use a Firewall -Those users who have Windows XP with Service Pack 2, Windows Vista and Windows 7 have firewalls built into their operating systems.


• Hide Your files – Check the network's website and read their privacy statement to learn about the type of encryption they use. If they lack this information, you would be wise not to use the network. If you don't have an operating system with encryption tools, consider getting one.


• Don't Type Personal Information – When on a public network, don't ever enter your credit card, banking information, social security number or password.
  


• Disable Wireless - If you are not using the Internet, simply turn off your wireless network.

Dress For Success

USA Today also recommends dressing for the easiest passage through security. Avoid metallic jewelry and other metallic items. Wear shoes that easily slide off. Shoes with complex lacing and buckles can leave you barefoot and hopping around for more minutes than they're worth. Don't forget to wear socks to protect your feet from being totally bare and exposed to airport bacteria. Make sure you have a convenient, but safe, place to stow your ID and boarding pass, which may be asked for more than once.

Know TSA Rules

TSA has many rules regarding security. Those who are not aware of them can slow down the process for everyone else. The TSA rules, which can be downloaded for viewing, change frequently, so it's a smart idea to regularly keep up on them. The categories for prohibited items are:

• Sharp objects


• Sporting goods


• Guns and firearms


• Tools


• Martial arts and self defense items


• Explosive and flammable materials, disabling chemicals and other dangerous items


• Other items

See, airport experiences don't have to be so hard. A well-planned, well-prepared traveler is a happy one. Heeding these tips will help you go from stop to stop in no time and off to your destination.

Hawaii's Enchanting All-Day Farmers' Markets

Most people don't need their arms twisted to consider visiting Hawaii. The beautiful beaches, laid back atmosphere, amazing scenery, and warm weather attracts tourists year-round to the Hawaiian Islands. What many people may not know is that when the sun goes down and the sunbathers and surfers abandon the shores, there is still plenty to do in Hawaii. The islands are home to enchanting nighttime farmers' markets that are a must-see for tourists.

What to Expect at a Farmers' Market

Farmers' markets are a place for the local vendors to set-up concession stands and make goods available for purchase. Although local produce and other food items from local farms are staple items for sale at farmers' markets- visitors may find a range of goods for sale from used farm equipment to flowers.

Farmers' markets are a great place for people who enjoy fresh, organic food to shop. Farmers all also on hand to answer any questions about growing practices.

A typical farmers' market is not just a place to pick up groceries. Travelers and locals in Hawaii can find ready-to-eat Hawaiian specialties next to stalls selling locally grown fruits and vegetables. Flowers, craft items, and clothing may also be found. The charm of a farmers' market is not limited to delicious food. Storytellers, musicians, artists and performers contribute to a festival-like atmosphere. Attending Hawaiian markets can be equally relaxing as entertaining.
Farmers' markets are important for the local economy in Hawaii and all over the United States. Small farms rely on these markets to bring in a significant portion of profits. Locals also view markets as opportunities to catch-up with the news of their friends and community, and opportunities to meet new people.

What to Bring to a Farmers' Market

When traveling to a Farmers' Market, be sure to have a personal shopping cart and some canvas shopping bags. This will free your hands and make shopping a real pleasure, not just a rush to empty your hands from all those bags of produce you are sure to buy.

Summer Holiday Locations

Summer is the ideal time to go away on holiday. The school holidays coincide with the summer, so this is usually the time that families with children pack their leisure wear and head for somewhere exciting. Even young couples or singles take to the road at this time as the weather is generally great and places look their best.

Scotland in the summer is an exciting place with an extraordinary variety of activities. The cities have excellent accommodation ranging from cheap hostels to luxurious hotels. Public transport is on hand and cars are easy to rent. The nightlife is vibrant and there are a large number of very good restaurants, pubs and clubs to entertain you. The Edinburgh Festival is one of the most popular in the world.

But the true charm of the country probably lies in its stunning natural beauty. Lochs and hills, cliffs and forests form part of the only remaining true wilderness in the UK. Whether you live in one of the many charming self catering cottages, a farm house or a comfortable caravan, your day trips will excite and amaze you. Beach cottages are the ultimate homes in which to relax. Visiting the islands will enchant you with interesting archaeological sites and snow white beaches. Golfers will rejoice to know that there are 550 courses to choose from. And whisky lovers will find enough distilleries to visit to last them for a lifetime.

"When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life". Samuel Johnson was right - the capital has so much to see and do that it would take you an entire year to explore it all. The Natural History Museum and the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew are just two of the fascinating places to visit; and of course the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, the London Eye and many more. The shops in London are legendary - whether you visit the famous ones like Harrods or the quaint little shops in Camden Town, you can spend days in a daze of retail therapy.

Visiting the theaters for the many excellent plays will keep you busy every night for weeks. Some of the longest-running plays can still be seen, such as The Phantom of the Opera. Transport to and in London is varied and very well-developed. Accommodation outside the city centre is cheaper yet still very good.

Alternative places to visit for a great summer holiday include the coast of Spain with its stunning beaches and lively party life. Portugal will give you much of the same but at a fraction of the cost. France offers a fascinating contrast between the sophisticated cities and the rural towns. Italy and Germany are also geared towards tourists. For a cheaper and very different experience, visit Romania or any other of the previously communist countries.

For those holiday makers who enjoy activity weekends, going backpacking or cycling in the UK or Europe, or camping in nature could be the ideal holiday. You could either join a tour group or grab a map and compass and go off by yourself. Stopping to swim in the heat of the afternoon or fishing for your supper that you can fry over your own fire is adventurous yet relaxing.

Finding the Right Accommodation

Holidays are the high point of most people's year, however finding the right accommodation can be stressful to say the least. There is an almost bewildering range of accommodation options out there so the question is how do you go about finding the right accommodation for your needs.

Finding the right accommodation depends very much on what you want from your holiday. If you want to spend your break lounging around in the lap of luxury then a youth hostel is definitely not the right option for you. However if you are young and traveling on a budget with a group of friends a youth hostel can be an ideal, low cost option.

Hotels are a popular choice for the vast majority of people. They can offer a wide range of facilities to ensure that your stay is both relaxing and indulgent and the chances are that you can get at least some of your meals included in the tariff. Hotels also tend to have regular tours and excursions departing from their lobbies which can provide you with a great opportunity to see all the sites and attractions of your holiday destination.

If you are traveling in a small group or as a couple, hotels can be a very cost effective place to stay with a wide range of facilities. For larger groups of friends or for family holidays, however, staying in a hotel can have its drawbacks.

Not only can they be expensive for larger groups, but it can also be more difficult to really enjoy the freedom of your holiday when you are staying in a hotel. If your friends want to have a late night of partying in your room, or if you have young children who want the freedom to run around and be noisy but need peace and quiet to get to sleep, staying in a hotel surrounded by other guests can make for a stressful vacation.

A far better option for this kind of group is to stay in a private villa. They can be found at a wide variety of different locations which makes it possible to choose accommodation with everything you need to enjoy your holiday right on your doorstep.

A private villa gives you the option to spend an evening in with your friends or family without being disturbed by other people. They are a great option for larger groups and you will often find that they have additional facilities such as private swimming pools and meals that can be pre cooked to order. A wide variety of all the different options on offer can be found at www.privatevilla.co.uk so you will be able to find exactly the right accommodation to help you get the most out of your holiday.

Scotland Holiday Guide

As a holiday destination there are fewer places which offer greater contrasts than Scotland.
Although just a couple of hours flying time from much of Europe and a simple train journey from much of the UK, this ancient kingdom contains the last wilderness to be found in the British Isles. It's a land of mists, myths and legends, yet this nation of fable and fantasy gave the world some of its most hard-headed, pragmatic and stunningly brilliant people - soldiers and scientists, explorers and engineers, poets and politicians.

It's home to exciting cities, too. There's the Victorian industrial virility of Glasgow and the River Clyde; Aberdeen - the 'Granite City'; Inverness, the Capital of the Highlands and, of course, Scotland's capital, Edinburgh, surrounded by its seven hills and presided over by its formidable castle.

Yet this same small land is home, in the far north, to the unpeopled and desolate beauty of Cape Wrath and the highest cliffs in the UK which plunge 900ft down into the wild and unfettered North Atlantic. Just down the western coast, though, the residue of the Gulf Stream waters lap sandy beaches in sheltered coves which, on a hot day of summer, could be anywhere in the Mediterranean.

Scotland is a land that can take a lifetime to discover and yet is ideal for both weekend-breaks and longer stay holidays. Its towns and cities make excellent bases from which to venture out and explore some of the most dramatic landscapes in the UK.

There's Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis and the Great Glen which runs from Inverness on the east coast to Fort William on the west coast. Part of the Glen is the long, narrow, very deep and always mysterious Loch Ness which still draws thousands of people every year hoping to catch a glimpse of the monster said to live somewhere down in the dark waters.

Scotland has a rich history with an army of ancient and strikingly beautiful castles, many of them built in seemingly impossible locations high on cliffs or overlooking lochs and rivers, a reminder of the country's volatile, violent and bloody past.

Today, though, the welcome extended to visitors from 'outside the borders' is a warm one and the Scots are known as some of the friendliest and most hospitable people in the world.

Tour a distillery and see how Scotch whisky is made - it's Scotland's second greatest export after its people! Try haggis; experience the raw passion of a football derby match in Glasgow or Edinburgh on a Saturday afternoon; go skiing at Aviemore; travel the beautiful West Highland Line from Glasgow to Fort William and on to Mallaig; see the salmon leaping and the golden eagle hunting.

Whenever you go and however long you get to spend there, Scotland is easily accessed with direct flights from all over Europe and the UK, too.

There's no better place to begin your discovery of Scotland than in the historic capital city. Hop into an Edinburgh airport taxi, get a good night's sleep in your chosen hotel and dream of exploring this amazing country.

London City Break Guide

London is a beautiful and busy city, perfect for a weekend break or a longer stay. There is plenty to see and do for all kinds of people, from singles to families. For those with an interest in history there are a number of museums to visit, many of which are free to enter. The Victoria and Albert Museum, the British Museum and the Natural History Museum are just a few that are world famous and have fascinating exhibits from throughout history and from all around the world. Likewise Kew Gardens, or to give it its full title, The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, is an interesting place to visit and explore. It`s not just about plants as it has many interactive activities for adults and children, including a tree-top walk and art exhibitions.

Of course, London is also well known for its shops. Most high-street clothes shops have their largest main branches in the city. There are many designer shops as well, but also the smaller, quirky boutique and vintage shops where you can find one-of-a-kind items, not just of clothing but just about anything from music to collectibles. Take a walk down Oxford Street for the larger stores or wander around Camden Town for the more unusual shops. And, of course, there is the world-famous market that takes place on Portobello Road, which is also the world`s largest antique market.

But what many people visit London for is its theatre. London`s theatrical shows are also world famous and have great variety. There are so many types of stage shows in the capital, from famous musicals and plays to the less well-known acts at smaller venues. A visit to London is not complete without at least one trip to the theatre.

There are also many old favorites that have been running for years, such as The Phantom of the Opera and new shows that crop up every year. There are shows based on films that have been turned into musicals, such as Legally Blonde and Ghost and shows that have been created using the music of pop and rock groups, such as Mamma Mia! and We Will Rock You. Theatre in London has become something everyone can enjoy (and afford), with shows for children which they will love, such as The Lion King or Matilda.

Traveling to London is easy, it can be reached by coach, train or plane and accommodation in the city ranges from the reasonably priced to the extravagant. With so much choice, many people find themselves returning to London again and again.

Information and tickets for any show people might be interested in can be found easily, either online or at the boxoffice and there is a range of ticket prices available.