Sailboat Chartering With or Without a Captain

You can choose from four types of sailboat vacation:

Leasing the sailboat without a captain or “Bareboat Chartering” – The sea has no secrets for you or your crew and you are capable of bringing the sailboat back to port even if a hitch happens during your trip.

Chartering a sailboat with a captain – You prefer to have a captain on board to help you with the bowline knot.

Sailboat training – You want to learn to navigate or you wish to enhance your knowledge. Charter companies offer courses at every level, for groups, couples, for a weekend or for the whole week.

Cruising with a captain and cook – You watch them raise the sails and manipulate the sauce pans, while you take it easy.

Choosing a Sailboat

The marinas cannot always accommodate boats that are too big. Also the draft of your boat should not exceed 4.5 to 5 feet and the beam 13.5 feet to 14 feet. We prefer mono hulls from 40 to 43 feet long. They combine space and comfort and generally find a spot in the small marinas of the Keys. These boats are also better equipped than the smaller sailboats. Catamarans rarely find a dock large enough and must anchor outside.

The boats are rented for a day, a weekend or for a week.

Best Time for Sailing the Keys

The Keys benefit from a subtropical climate. You can sail all year long but, like everywhere else, there is this fantastic time of the year and less favorable periods.

The best periods are: March, April, May, end of November and beginning of December.

The periods of tourism affluence are Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year

Possible cold front periods: End of December, January and February.

Hurricane, humidity and mosquitoes’ months are June to November, with a peak in August September, and October.

Books

Cruising Guide to the Florida Keys, by Captain Frank Papy.
Good basic information about places to visit, marinas, underwater activity, etc. Excellent maps describing the entrances to ports and marinas, usually difficult in access because of shallow waters.

Diving and Snorkeling guide to The Florida Keys, by Halas and Kincaid.
Excellent guide for skin diving and snorkeling. Description of coral reefs, exotic fish and sunken Spanish Galleons. Indication of depth and the level of difficulty of the different sites.

Sail the Florida Keys is a post from: Belem Tours And Travel

Air transport is capable of many things. While we think of airplanes as transportation for people to get back and forth, we also know that it is a way of flying all sorts of equipment and supplies from place to place as well. But, do you realize the large part that air transport plays in protection? What about in health related cases when air transport is the only way to get the patient to the doctor in time to save his or her life? Do you realize the importance of air transport in military expeditions? In fact, air transport is necessary for trade from country to country over huge seas of water as well.

But, for the most part, people think of airplanes as their main use of air transport during their lives. Now, it is possible to take a plane to virtually any place in the world that you wish to go. Some of them even have beds in the seats to allow passengers of overnight flights to get a little more comfortable as they enjoy their long journey. Some air transports aren’t as glamorous but they provide services that we all need.

Finding Air Transport is a post from: Belem Tours And Travel

And many people are realizing their dreams of working from home through this online travel business revenue stream at the same time. But many more could be joining in, too, but don’t know how or need a hand at the keyboard.

While it can be very profitable, you can struggle if you don’t know what you’re doing. So here are a few tips on how to succeed.

1. Automate your business. The one common thread among all internet businesses is mass quantities of potential customers. If you’re going to do well, you must learn to automate nearly everything. Just keeping up with a list of prospects can become a daunting task without the proper tools. For sending out emails, auto-responders are pretty much a must these days. It greatly decreases the amount of work involved.

2. Build relationships. Many people tend to forget that online business is still a business. They think just because they throw up a website that people will start buying from them. The truth is, people hate to be sold to. However, they will buy from those who build relationships with them. Gain their trust by giving them something with no strings attached. Unconditional giving is a great practice to get into.

3. Offer extras. Don’t just do what everyone else is doing. Give the prospect something extra. If you over-deliver, they’ll have every reason to buy from you. If you over-promise and under-deliver, you’ll likely end up being disappointed. Try to come up with unique ideas that others haven’t thought of. Don’t be content with giving away some free e-book that is so overused that everyone has read it twice. Continually think of innovative ways to help the customer.

4. Use your unique voice. Don’t try to sound like an encyclopedia or a robot. In all communications with the clients, be sure to use your individual voice. People like to deal with other people, not robots. Talk to them like you would talk to your best friend. Don’t talk down to them or sound redundant. Use a fresh style. It will be appreciated.

5. Know your stuff. No matter what you’re selling, you must know what you’re talking about. If a prospective buyer asks you a question and you can’t answer it, why would they want to buy from you? They probably wouldn’t. Do some research. Learn your craft. It will go a long way with the customer.

Keep these tips in mind while building your Coastal Vacations or other travel-related business. There is no reason why you can’t do as well as anyone else in the business. Just remember that online businesses are still businesses.

5 Ways To Help Build Your Coastal Vacations Or Other Travel-related Business is a post from: Belem Tours And Travel

Where is it?

Morocco is on the North West coast of Africa, just across the sea from the southern tip of Spain. This means that it’s easy for most Europeans to reach by plane and even by road or train. Its proximity, mixed with its unique style and culture make it an increasingly popular destination.

Where can I stay?

There are a number of small, exquisite boutique hotels in Morocco. It seems to have the boutique style and attention to detail all wrapped up, making it difficult for the traveller to choose which unique hotel to stay in. There’s the Dar Zemora in Marrakech which has just five rooms, but where the decoration, furnishing and service ensure that you have the best of both worlds – a perfect place to stay, with the many attractions of Marrakesh just around the corner. Alternatively, stay in the Kasbah du Toubkal in the Atlas Mountains, which reportedly has the best views in North Africa, and where your stay is enhanced by the informal feel of the hotel and the services offered. Surrounded by the peaceful beauty of the landscape, it is a place that has inspired anyone who’s stayed there. Whether you want to stay in the hustle and bustle of Marrakech, on the beaches of Essaouira or in the heart of the mountains, there’s a perfect hotel waiting for you.

What can I see?

Wherever you’re staying, you should make an effort to visit Marrakech. The coming together of civilisations, conquerors and craftsmen makes it a truly eclectic city, yet one that’s bound together by the beauty of its buildings, the simplicity of its crafts and the awe of its visitors. Its souks, or markets, which are organised by trade, are a fascinating insight into the life of Marrakech’s residents and an experience not to be missed. Spend some time in the Place Djemma El Fna – the city’s main square, where regular entertainment keep the crowds amused, and then walk through the streets of the old town, taking in the magnificent medieval buildings and romantic gardens. The rest of Morocco holds its own delights – the whitewashed buildings in the simple coastal resort of Essaouira, the regal buildings of Rabat or the market town of Tata in the Sahara – you will find plenty of reasons to return to Morocco.

How do I get around?

You can hire a car in Morocco, as driving is fairly easy and it will let you explore more of the area around your chosen destination. Petrol can be expensive, so it may be wise just to hire a car for a day or two rather than for your whole stay. Morocco operates a system of shared taxis, which works out pretty cheaply and is fairly straightforward to use. Alternatively, try the bus network, which is generally comfortable and, although they may reach their destination later than a shared taxi, it will be a smoother, safer ride. If you’re travelling between cities, then choose the trains, which are also comfortable and affordable.

A Quick Guide To Morocco is a post from: Belem Tours And Travel

As a matter of fact, camping is one of the most popular family activities, and many families enjoy camping together, sharing stories around a roaring fire, roasting marshmallows, swimming, fishing and all the other great things that come with a camping trip.

For many, camping brings back memories from childhood, and many parents want to give their children a taste of what their own childhood was like, back when things were so much simpler.

Another great thing about camping is that once the initial expenses are paid, there is little in the way of ongoing expenses. Unlike a traditional vacation, in which the money you spend on that great hotel is gone for good, with camping you buy your hotel room (also known as your tent) outright, and you own it forever.

After you have bought all the essential items, like the tent, a couple of good camping lanterns, a good camp stove, sleeping bags and the like, your only expenses may be the food for the trip and the gas it takes to get there.

And camping provides plenty for all members of the family to do. Dad may enjoy fishing in his favorite spot, or boating around the lake, while mom and the kids may enjoy a beautiful hike and bird watching trip. There are even campgrounds that feature movies, swimming pools and other amenities for those who prefer a level of comfort to their journey.

As a matter of fact, there are many ways to camp, from rough camping in the back country to cabins at campgrounds to even RV camping. The level is entirely up to you, and that is one thing that makes camping so attractive to budget travelers and families alike.

There is nothing quite like vacationing in the great outdoors to get back in touch with nature. From watching the wildlife to watching the stars, there is plenty to do on the average camping trip. Stargazing is particularly popular with city dwellers, who may never have seen the Milky Way in all its glory before. Getting away from the glare of city lights and see nature as it truly is.

We know that camping is one of the least expensive of all vacations, but lets take a quick look at the expenses associated with this type of budget travel. The centerpiece of the camping trip, of course, is the tent. Unless you plan to camp in an RV or rent a cabin, which is more expensive, you will need a sturdy, high quality tent. It is important that the tent be waterproof and that it close easily. Be sure the tent features a high quality zipper or other closure that is easy for every member of the family to operate. Test the zipper several times, and be sure you know how to set up the tent before you get to the woods.

Most campers will also want to invest in a few high quality sleeping bags. It is a good idea to choose a sleeping bag that is insulated, and to pick one that will be good for several seasons. Many sleeping bags are designed with removable liners and insulation. These are a good choice, since they can be used in cold weather and warm.

It is also a good idea to buy a couple of camp lanterns. These portable lights are great for lighting your way around in the dark. A cooler for drinks and food is a good idea as well, as is a portable charcoal grill or camp stove. If you are camping at a campground, however, you may be able to leave the camp stove and grill at home, since many campgrounds provide grills for their guests to use free of charge. It is important to find out what amenities each campground offers before you head out.

Camping – The Ultimate Budget Vacation is a post from: Belem Tours And Travel

Superstitions have it that the practical jokes are meant to be played before noon, and that those that are performed afterwards will bring bad luck to the perpetrator. This limitation is widely losing it’s value as a superstition as it is believed to have been conspired up by annoyed parents and school teachers who were wanting a respite from the day of pranks, as well due to the fact that many major hoaxes throughout history have appeared after noon. Another superstition is that anyone who fails to respond in the proper spirit of tolerance and amusement to the jokes played on them is also said to be liable to suffer from bad luck. Weaker sources indicated that being fooled by a pretty girl will be accompanied by marriage, or at bare minimum a friendship with her. That sounds like a good deal if she is truely pretty and it’s not just April Fools. Along the lines of relationships some people believe that being married on April Fools’ Day is not a good idea for a man, and that forever in the future he will be ruled by his wife.

The origin of April Fool’s day is not clearly known, but it is generally accepted to have come about as a result to the changes in the calendar system. The New Year celebrations used to begin on 25 March and last for a week, ending on 1 April. In 1582, King Charles IX of France brought in the new Gregorian calendar, in which the new year began on 1 January. Unfortunately, some people did not hear about the change, and many others simply refused to break the tradition. These people became the object of so-called ‘fool’s errands’ and tests of gullibility.

April Fools Day is a post from: Belem Tours And Travel

The cruise ship terminal is actually located near the south side of Old San Juan so instead of booking a hotel in the beach resort area of San Juan, we decided to book one right in the old section for close proximity to the terminal as well as the local sights. The $17 US taxi ride from San Juan’s airport to Old San Juan was about half an hour. During the ride, I was impressed by how developed the city was compared to many other cities I’ve visited in the Caribbean. The beach high-rise hotels along the north side of San Juan were visible from the highway. Our stay for the night was at the Hotel Milano which is right on Calle Fortaleza, which is one of the major commercial streets in Old San Juan. The hotel was clean and comfortable but not luxurious which was okay with us as the price was very affordable. Its quality was probably comparable to a Travelodge or Days Inn. A very pleasant surprise was the free continental breakfast at the hotel’s rooftop restaurant. It gave a nice view of the neighborhood from the top.

We spent the day and evening walking the many cobblestone streets and alleys in the area. There are over 400 restored colonial buildings from the 16th and 17th century here. There were also several plaza squares and parks. One of the nicest services offered in Old San Juan is a free shuttle bus which covers two different routes through the district. There was a bus stop about 1/2 block away from our hotel which was very convenient. Riding on the shuttle buses through both routes gave us a good overview of Old San Juan. We were able to stop off at several points of interest including the huge El Morro fort. After our visits to each attraction, we just had to
wait for the next bus to come by to continue our tour. In the evening, we did get lost while walking since many of the streets look very similar. But with our map, we eventually found our way back to the street where the Hotel Milano was. We decided to dine at one of the nearby restaurants for authentic Puerto Rican cuisine and were not disappointed. My lady especially adored the two different plantains we ordered.

When it was time to go to the cruise ship terminal, we just took a short five minute ride from our hotel. Our short stay in Old San Juan was definitely worthwhile and hassle free. A stay in Old San Juan is highly recommended for those who will be taking a Caribbean cruise with San Juan as the departure point. The only disappointment I had with San Juan was that I was hoping to do some scuba diving in the area but from the reports I read, the waters off the city are quite murky with limited marine life to see. This is likely the result of San Juan being such a busy port. The decent scuba diving sites are about 2 hours east of San Juan. So perhaps in a return trip to Puerto Rico, I will plan to make a trip to the east part of the island.

A Stay at Old San Juan in Puerto Rico is a post from: Belem Tours And Travel

In our fast-paced society, it’s an very cost-effective and time-efficient way to take a holiday. Think about the time involved in driving yourself to many different destinations, packing and unpacking at every hotel, and trying to find restaurants and personal services. On a cruise you don’t drive anywhere for 7, 10, 14 days or even more. Even if you were on a bus tour with someone else doing the driving , you haul around your suitcases and repack it all at each new destination. On a cruise, you check your luggage when you check in and it automatically appears in your cabin, stateroom, or suite. You’re at home and don’t have to pack for the duration of the cruise. And the food is legendary! Each ship has many restuarants staffed by world-class chefs, and the cost of the food is included in the cost of the cruise. At every port, guided tours are available so you won’t miss any of the local attractions. You won’t have to mind your children constantly, either. Supervised activities like water skiing are available to keep them occupied. And at the end of your holidy staff will retrieve your luggage and place it on shore at the intended pick-up point. Taking a cruise vacation frees you from so many of the worries associated with traveling, and leaves you with even more time to relax and enjoy your destination.

Celebrity Cruise Lines offers the most competitive deals in the travel industry. Conde Nast Traveler consistently rates Celebrity Cruises as one of the world’s best cruise ship lines. Services include informative lectures about your location, upscale boutiques, and Las Vegas style entertainment created for Celebrity by Cirque du Soleil. Try your luck in the Casino or even collect fine art at an onboad auction. Enjoy exotic nightlife at The Bar At The Edge of the Earth.

There’s an overdose of pampering awaiting you at the world-famous Aqua-Spa by Elemis. Try a deluxe manicure, a luxurious facial or even a relaxing massage. Celebrity offers acupuncture by a licensed acupuncturist and Chinese medicine as well. You’ll feel renewed and invigorated.

But Celebrity isn’t just for the grown-ups. Kids feel right at home on these cruises. The Celebrity X-Club Youth Program has age-specific activities and entertainment for each age group. Science and nature exploration, talent shows, treasure hunts, children’s dinner parties, slumber parties and a lot more are all arranged by professional staff. Favorite areas of the ship are set aside for the younger seafaring set only, like the Shipmates Fun Factory, teen center and pools. When the ship is docked, adults have the option of going on cultural tours by themselves without bored children tagging along. And the children can enjoy vigorous, noisy activities without wearing out the parents. What a relief for both generations!

Age or disability do not hamper cruising. Ships are designed for mobility-impaired passengers, and staff is always ready to help with passengers’ medical needs. Celebrity Cruise Lines accommodates those who want dialysis or supplemental oxygen, and more medical services can be arranged if requested beforehand. Emergency care is always available on board, saving you the trouble of finding a doctor who speaks your language in a foreign country.

Dinner is a vital event in itself on a cruise ship, a tradition dating back to the late 1800’s when cruises were for royalty and the wealthy who expected elegant formal dinners. Again, in today’s lifestyle the elegant dinner is optional, and for those who like to dine casually, food is available around the clock from cafeterias and room service . All the same, for those who like a ritzy event where they can show off their best attire and jewelry, there are optional formal dinners where ladies put on long formal evening dresses and gentlemen have on tuxedos.

And don’t forget the cruise destination itself! Celebrity Cruises dock at a different port of call every few days, depending upon distances and sailing time between points of interest. You are able to stay aboard the ship all day or go ashore. You are free to investigate each destination on your itinerary as long as you return to the ship in time for departure.

Optional activities are offered for a slight extra cost, and Celebrity offers adventures geared toward the unique features of every destination. As an illustration, Caribbean cruises offer snorkeling, diving or even beach excursions while Alaskan cruises offer helicopter tours or even sea kayaking. For the less adventuresome, normally there are bus tours or supervised shopping excursions in the local port. Each and every detail, including meals, is prearranged. All you have to do is line up at the correct spot onshore and an let anexperienced tour guide look after everything else.

With all these unique and wonderful services available at such a reasonable price, why not think about a Celebrity Cruise for your next vacation?

Celebrity Cruises, Your Most Wonderful Vacations. is a post from: Belem Tours And Travel

A rudder angle indicator is a nautical device which monitors your rudder’s horizontal position. It is also referred to as a rudder reference gauge, rudder locator, or a rudder position sensor. We took a look at several different types of rudder angle indicators and reviewed them for you in this article.

During testing we found that these rudder locators to be inaccurate and unreliable. Any time that the boat rocks from side to side, the needle swings back and forth making it virtually useless in choppy water. On vessels with hydraulic steering, these indicators give poor reference of the rudder angle due to variances in hydraulic fluid pressure. Our Score: 3/10

These mechanical indicators consist of a dashboard gauge and an arm (often sold separately) that connects to your rudder or outboard motor. A downside to these devices is that on some vessels the rudder moves further in one direction than another, this cannot be read by the mechanical arm. Otherwise, these units are accurate and reliable. They are somewhat pricey though, ranging from $350-$2000 and typically require expert installation. Our Score: 6/10

The SmarTrac rudder angle indicator has a sending unit (also
called a potentiometer) that is mounted near your rudder or outboard motor. A steel cable is then pulled from the sending unit and hooked to your rudder linkage. This unique cable driven system allows the device to measure the entire range of rudder movement.

The sensor sends data through a 3-conductor cable to the dashboard gauge which then calculates a reading using a built-in microprocessor. The microprocessor is easily programmed to match the specifics of your vessel. This product is effective for use on hydraulic steering systems because it connects directly to the rudder linkage. Accurate, inexpensive ($199), and easy to install, this new technology could make a big splash in the nautical electronics market. Our Score: 10/10

Rudder Angle Indicators: A Smarter Way to Dock is a post from: Belem Tours And Travel

Today’s most popular way to locate cheap tickets is through online discount sites like Expedia and Hotwire. These two sites and others like them are devoted to finding discount travel rates on cars, flights and hotels. You can type in a departure and arrival city and the dates you want to travel, and the site will search its databases and bring up a list of budget rates. The more flexible you are, the greater your chances of finding a cheap ticket.

There is a catch, however, when you book flights on Hotwire or Expedia. Most of the discount rates are available on unpopular flight times, typically with early morning or late night departures or arrivals. Also, if you have set dates and times that cannot be adjusted, it can be hard to find a cheaper rate. These website services work best if you have a two or three day window for both your departure and your return. That way, the site can choose from a wider variety of flight combinations, giving you the lowest ticket prices available.

Another cheap ticket seller on the Internet is Priceline.com. This website allows you to enter your travel dates and to offer your own ticket price. If your price is accepted by an airline, you can purchase the ticket at that guaranteed rate. This process can several hours, and if you receive the price you proposed, you are obligated to purchase the ticket. Because of this, you are not able to choose which airline you use. Though Priceline is not as flexible as other ways of purchasing cheap tickets, sometimes you can get amazing deals that you can’t find any other way.

Travel sites like Priceline and Hotwire do offer another advantage in addition to cheap airplane tickets. They also offer the options of booking hotels and car rentals at the same time as your flight. When you book all of your travel needs at once, you can save even more on your expenses, leaving you more money to spend once you reach your destination.

Some airlines offer cheap tickets directly through special web deals. Visit an airline website and locate links for special Internet offers, and you may be surprised at what you can find. Most offer weekly or monthly specials to particular destinations, and you can often save a lot of money by booking your flight online.

If you are a member of a frequent flier program, you can save money of flights not only by using your miles to purchase tickets, but also by taking advantage of the special rates offered to club members. Sign up for email updates from your affiliated airline, and you will become privy to many of their discount specials. On rare occasions, airlines may offer two for one tickets to certain destinations when you use frequent flier miles, or they may offer extra miles when you rent a car from a certain company or stay in a certain hotel. Take advantage of credit card affiliations, as well. You can often earn frequent flier miles by making purchases on a specific credit card affiliated with your airline of choice.

Finding A Cheap Ticket For Your Flight is a post from: Belem Tours And Travel