Don’t change your mind

The fees of most airlines and many hotels have increased.  In this tight market, these providers are less likely to be forgiving on a change and are going to take the opportunity to extract more money from your wallet now that you are probably in panic mode.  WSJ says that American is now charging $150 on changes.

So before you hit the Buy button, make sure you have all the details figured out.

Ship your luggage

It may make sense to ship luggage to your destination. It also may make sense to buy or rent while you are there.  For instance, if the only reason that you are renting a minivan is to tote your clubs or luggage around, perhaps you can save a few bucks by renting the clubs at the golf course.  Also shipping your big items to your hotel or condo may allow you to save on the vehicle as well as save some airport fees.

As the Wall Street Journal points out:

Package shippers like FedEx Corp. or United Parcel Service Inc. or luggage shippers like Luggage Forward Inc. or Sports Express LLC may now be an attractive alternative. With FedEx, you can ship three bags — two 40-pounders and one 60-pound bag, from Dallas to Boston and back for about $250 if you use the three-business-day service, and the price might be a lot less if you have access to a corporate account with discounts at FedEx. Put the bags in shipping boxes or just use tags that shippers now have for luggage. Package shippers can track the bags, too — something airlines don’t do. On United, those same three bags would cost you $450 round trip if traveling alone.

What is the weather going to be like?

You should be looking at weather conditions all along your trip.  If there is bad weather expected you might get the airline to change your itinerary for free so that you can avoid the problems.  Dealing with weather and angry travelers is a huge cost for the airlines and sometimes they can work with you to avoid problems for you and them.

Check the status of airports

Some airports are an absolute zoo at certain times of day and on certain days.  Figure this out in advance and avoid those times or at least plan accordingly. There is nothing more frustrating than being caught in a long security line because you thought it was only going to take 15 minutes to get through security. 

TSA has some historical times for different airports that you can judge the wait time.  My personal experience is that this information is  a little too optimistic.  I suggest doubling the times.  Also, airports may post their wait times and usually these pages are listed on this TSA site.

Your best option is to assume the worst and get their early.  You can always enjoy a beverage in the concourse and start reading that great beach novel that you bought.

To make your security experience smoother:

1. Show ID and boarding pass.
2. Take out liquids (in a baggie) and laptops.
3. Take off shoes and jackets.

You should also check out this list of what is not allowed by TSA.

Pack something to eat

While you can’t pack liquids due to TSA regulations, you can pack food. Having a substantial snack with you will cut your costs and give you the energy to get through the day. You may also wish to purchase a bottled water or soft drink in the airport (after security) to take on the plane.  Unless you have purchased a first class ticket, don’t expect any food on the plane aside from peanuts or pretzels and a small cup of a soft drink.

The stadium is one of the nicest football venues that you will find. It holds over 65,000 screaming fans, it has fantastic scoreboards that show live video, and has plenty of restrooms. It is the only football stadium to make the “Americans’ Favorite Buildings” coming in at 101. Only 10 sporting structures made that list.

The nickname for the facility is “The Jungle” so named for the Guns N Roses song “Welcome to the Jungle”. The nickname carried over from the old stadium and is sometimes credited to the quarterback Boomer Esiason.

Overall the viewing experience of a Cincinnati Bengals game at Paul Brown Stadium is excellent. If you are a football fan and have an opportunity to be in Cincinnati on a football Sunday, you will enjoy your experience. Since many of those 65,000 seats are sold though, you may need to buy your tickets from a service or a scalper on the street (legal if not on the grounds of the stadium).

Technorati Tags: cincinnati+bengals,football,stadiums

By Benedict Smythe

Sometimes you just need to take a break and get away from everything. Deadlines, work pressure, your boss? Whatever your reason is, weekend trips often do wonders for your health, and relationships (if you are taking your friends or family with you).

As a weekend getaway, you may be content by going to a beach located just a two hour drive away from the city, or maybe consider a bed and breakfast in a place nearby. For some people however, they prefer far destinations out of town, or even out of the country. They would rather fly on a Friday night and return back home on a Sunday evening. If you are planning a weekend getaway like this, there is one big mistake that you could ever make: over packing!

Even if you are going on a three days and two nights vacation, it is still very possible to fit all your things in just one bag. Besides, how much clothes do you think you will need? Not much! There are many reasons to pack light:

• Security – checked-in baggage are sometimes lost, damaged or stolen.
• Economy – you don’t need porters to carry your stuff, and therefore eliminate the need to tip them. You will also be able to ride public transport rather than an expensive taxi. Or you can even take a walk to a nearby hotel, which will bring you to a more intimate contact with the place.
• Mobility – in your destination you will be the first to leave while others are still waiting for their checked-in baggage to go through the arrival claim area. You can save almost an hour of your time!
• Serenity- you have less time to pack/unpack and you don’t waste energy in hauling stuff.

Convinced? So how can you become a one-bag traveler? There are two key things you should consider:

What to pack

It is critically important to have a packing list that you should use every time you travel. It makes sure that you will not forget anything important. It also reminds you that the things on the list are only the essentials you need to bring. Remember that parkas are not needed in North Africa, nor can dressy shoes be helpful in an Amazon trek. Resist the temptation to bring things that you think you might need. Rather, bring things that you cannot survive without. These things can be underwear, clothes, toiletries, and travel documents.

How to pack it

We do not want to spend our vacation wearing wrinkled clothes. The art of packing makes sure our clothes have creases where they should be, rather than where they should not be. Much of this will depend on the material or fabric of the clothes (synthetic materials do not retain creases as much as natural materials do). But the way in which we fold or pack them will also play a major role.

Folding the clothes on top of one another is the worst kind of packing you can do. It produces obvious creases and wrinkles. Another popular style is rolling the clothes, but this will actually increase wrinkling even more. Fortunately, there is another alternative called bundle wrapping. It is a technique that involves careful wrapping of the clothes around a core object in the center, thereby eliminating the folds that result in creases and wrinkles.

For small items such as toiletries, use an organizer pouch to prevent a cluttered mess in the bag. Also, place your liquids inside a sealed plastic to prevent unexpected spills.

Now you are all set to go out and enjoy the weekend!

About the Author: Partingtons have a range of Caravan Parks across the UK for a great English holiday. Or if you are looking for a holiday home why not check out property in Tuscany

Source: www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=237268&ca=Travel

By Charles O’Ryan

With the increase in security and increase of people using today’s major airports, there is no getting around the fact that there will be hold ups and snags in your itinerary. It is extremely easy to become irritable, and for good reason, while at the airport. From long times, other rude passengers, missing luggage, or even getting held up in the random security checkpoints, there are numerous ways to make you go crazy. But you might be thinking to yourself, “What can I do about all this?” Well, sometimes there is nothing you can do and I’m not going to pretend I can get you in the airport and in your seat with a smile on your face in twenty minutes, but there are a few things you can do that will decrease your chances of running into problems.

The first step is getting to the airport early. One of the main reasons why travelers become so irritable and anxious is because they are cutting it short. Becoming stuck in an unusually long line at the check in desk when you have a half hour to be on the plane would drive a Nobel peace prize winner up the wall. Get to the airport at least an hour and half early for domestic flights and maybe even three hours early for international flights.

The second step is to take a morning flight. Many flight schedules reset in the early morning. If you book a flight before nine in the morning, there is a good chance it is the first flight of the day on that aircraft which means no delays are rolling over to affect your travel time. Often these flights will prove cheaper as well.

The third step is to do everything in your power not to fly during the peak hours. All airports have different rush hours, but as a general rule the morning rush starts after nine in the morning and runs to about noon. Then it starts up again from around four to seven in the afternoon. These rush hours only equate to longer lines, more people waiting, less seats, and more crowds.

Try to take non-stop flights. Taking a non-stop flight may be more expensive, but well worth it in the end. When you carry over several times and change airplanes, you have a higher risk of losing luggage or missing a connecting flight. With more stops you also run the increased risk of more weather related problems as you zigzag across the country.
The last step coincides with trying to take non-stop flights. If you cannot do so, at least book a connecting flight with plenty of time. As boring as an hour or two layover could be, the peace of mind you will gain by not missing a flight or feeling rushed is well worth it.

These steps are not a miracle fix to the airport headache. But they could really help you and those you travel with to make it to your destination with less speed bumps in your itinerary. Good Luck!

About the Author: Save on airline travel with airline credit cards where you can also find more of Charles’ work.

Source: www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=237026&ca=Travel

Technorati Tags: airlines,tips

By Kelley Falgout

When considering when, where, how, for how long and what type of vacation, trip or holiday venture to undertake, we all get caught up in the anticipation, excitement and exhilaration. Sometimes we let the more important financial side of things slip a little. After all, for most of us, taking a vacation may only happen once a year, for some, even more infrequently. We tend to indulge and forget about our pocket book a little.

There are many ways to save money, avoid unnecessary cost, ensure you take care of details end up a smart and perceptive traveler. Budget travel planning is easier that you might think Here are a few handy travel tips for making your travel dollar go further!

• Cushion your budget: When considering a trip or planning budget travel, it is important to plan for the unexpected and consider the financial side of things early on. This ensures affordability, liquidity and having the resources to enjoy it to the fullest! Plan for the worst-case financial scenario and prepare for things to cost a little more than you expected. Allow up to 20% increase in cost to be on the safe side of things.
• Emergency money: Carrying some spare cash somewhere can also be a lifesaver. The rule of thumb seems to be around $50-$100 in small bills. This can be used for incidentals, ground-transportation like cab fare and/or your return home, tips and more.
• Set your priorities: Set some spending priorities and criteria in advance, like eating at a special restaurant or attending a concert, even if this means sacrificing a bit on lodgings or visa versa, depending on what is more important to you.
• Keep an eye on your credit cards: It is extremely easy these days to have access to your financial resources through ATM’s and credit cards. Just remember that it is just as easy to overspend because of it being so readily available. A little discipline will go a long way to protect your financial interest and help you stick to your travel budget.
• Maximize gas mileage and efficiency: If you’re planning a road trip, make sure that your car has been serviced at least a week before your trip. A well-maintained vehicle will go a long way to ensure carefree driving. If your budget allows, you may consider renting a vehicle to save wear and tear on your own. Small economy cars are better on gas and are much more comfortable than they used to be. Minivans and sport utility vehicles are practical only if you have to transport a large family with a lot of equipment or luggage.
• Gas fill-ups: For filling up your car en route, avoid pushing to the limit until the gas runs out. Gas will obviously be more expensive when filling up in remote locations. If you miscalculated and the light on the dashboard indicates that you are really in need, opt for filling just half a tank until you reach the next more densely or major populated destination, where gas might be a little cheaper.
• Pack-a-snack: Bring your own refreshments and snacks. Gas station prices on drinks and snack food are high. Avoid these during a pit stop, if you are counting your travel dollars. A cooler packed with lots of cool drinks, water and ice and/or a thermos of coffee or hot water for tea, some fruit, granola bars, or a sandwich, goes a long way to still the hunger and save you money by avoiding all high priced stops en route.
• Travel necessities: It is advisable to travel with basic necessities, like a cell phone and a first aid kit, since both can prove to be essential in emergencies. Most people have cell phones at their disposal, but in the event that you are not one of them, a prepaid cell phone may be the answer for your trip. The peace of mind it offers is worth the small investment. Cell phones can also save on hefty surcharges and higher long distance rates that hotels and resorts often charge.

Budget travel requires close attention to all things financial before and during your trip. Planning a trip or vacation can be a little time consuming but following these travel tips will hopefully save you a lot of headaches as well as some unnecessary interest charges on your credit card balances later! You will thank yourself for your fiscal restraint and spending discipline

, up-front planning, foresight and forward thinking!

About the Author: Kelley Falgout is a theme park enthusiast and publisher of www.FamilyThemeParkVacations.com, a vacation planning tool and continuously growing database of all theme parks, amusement parks and water parks located across the United States.

Source: www.isnare.com

Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=238189&ca=Travel

Technorati Tags: gas,tips,food,budget

By Dave Text

Canton is one of those places where you can expect to do almost anything while vacationing here. Right from spectacular museums, libraries and ancient architectural edifices, you can find a whole lot here. If you are worried about which places to stay in during your vacation in Canton, here is a guide that provides the list of best hotels here.

Trip down memory lane

The Canton Classic Car museum is a masterpiece in itself. This nostalgic museum has cars spanning the period from 1904 till 1981. So if you like exploring vintage cars or collecting them, this place is a haven for you! Besides just cars you will also find plenty of interesting memorabilia here. If you are looking for some nice places to stay nearby then there are plenty of Canton Ohio Hotels nearby. If you hate to leave your pet behind during your vacation then consider booking some Canton Pet Friendly Hotels.

Exotic libraries

If you love reading books then this place is perfect for you! The First Ladies Library has a veritable collection of books spanning different periods. This house was once shared by the President of America and the First Lady Mrs. McKinley. Now this house has undergone restorative work and is now a library that is entirely dedicated to all the First Ladies of America. If you are searching for a suitable accommodation nearby there are many North Canton Hotels located nearby. If you wish to travel and stay in Canton on a budget then you will find plenty of Cheap Canton Motels located around this city.

For all the sports fans

If you absolutely love football then you’re going to love the Pro Football Hall of Fame! Located on the northwest drive of Canton this sports museum is a fitting tribute to all the famous footballers of the pro football era. You can browse through two massive galleries which showcase the pictures of the honorees of this era. If you want an accommodation near to the airport you will find plenty of Canton Airport Hotels located nearby. That way you can proceed from the airport to this place directly after leaving your luggage in the hotel. 

Spectacular theaters

The Canton Palace Theater is a spectacular attraction for most tourists to this place. It was constructed during 1926 and ever since it has earned its place in the National Register of Historic Places. The beautiful architecture of this place provides an illusion of standing right under the stars. You can even watch live performances here like stage events, concerts etc. Thus while planning out your next vacation to Canton make sure to take into account some of these nice hotels as well. They combine comfortable stays along with affordable choices.

About the Author: For detailed information, check out our website at Canton Hotels today!

Source: www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=238058&ca=Travel

By Dave Text

Gainesville is a beautiful and exotic tourist destination in the world. There is plenty of variety in terms of sightseeing opportunities. If you are with your friends or family you can be sure to expect attractions to please every palate. If you are looking for a suitable accommodation to stay in, worry not. Here is our take on some of the best hotels here in Gainesville.

Samuel P Harn Museum of Art

This is one place which has some of the most exquisite and extensive collections of fine art exhibits. There are several art collections as well as educational programs for tourists. If you have come to Gainesville with your kids for a vacation, then this place can be a fabulous delight! If you are looking for some nice comfortable hotels that also save you money then the Gainesville Florida Hotels are a good choice for you! If you have planned out on your vacation at the last moment then you can still get a good discount via some nice Last Minute Hotel Deals Gainsville, FL. 

Kanapaha Botanical Gardens

Have you always been fascinated with nature and plants? Have you wished there was a place that had some of the most unusual and exotic plants from the world? Well then the Kanapaha Botanical Gardens can be your dream come true! This is a one of a kind botanical and herb garden which has some of the most exotic and unusual plants from around the globe. If you wish to stay somewhere around the University of Florida then there are several nice University of Florida Hotels that will be within your budget. If you’re with a large gathering such as office colleagues etc. then the Convention Center Hotels are a good accommodation option for you.

Scenic hiking trails

The Florida National Scenic Trail is a beautiful place with picture postcard beauty that is sure to leave you stunned. It is an extensive stretch of land spanning the area from the Big Cypress Swamp to the region in Southwestern Florida. It even extends right up to the Panhandle located in the west coast of Tallahassee. So if you love nature and simply adore hiking expeditions this is a fantastic place to visit with both family and friends. If you wish to stay somewhere close to the airport area you can find plenty of Gainesville Florida Airport Hotels that offer you a good discount as well. If it’s a weekend vacation you are planning with your spouse or family then there is plenty of discounted Weekend Getaways Gainsville, FL available here.

State Theaters

The Hippodrome State Theater is a tribute to the historical past of Gainesville. The building has tremendous architectural beauty and it is so beautiful that it is featured in the National Registry containing the list of historical places. You’ll find some of the best theater experiences on this podium as well as plenty of exhibits inside the art gallery. There is also a cinema that contains some beautiful artistic and foreign language films. There are many beautiful Paramount Hotel in Gainsville, FL which will be within your budget. For a relaxing experience opt for some of the Gainesville Spa Packages that are sure to rejuvenate you. There are also many Golf Course Deals in Gainesville, FL if you wish to enjoy this game. If you hate to leave your pet behind you can find plenty of Pet-Friendly Hotels in Gainsville.

About the Author: For special discounts and information on hotels, check out Discount Gainesville Hotels

Source: www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=238410&ca=Travel

By Justin Burch

Though most travelers escape to the Caribbean during the winter months, the summer travel season can offer families with tighter budgets a chance to experience the most exciting islands. While many people assume that the Caribbean is too hot and humid to be enjoyed in the summer, the truth is that temperatures are consistent year-round throughout much of the region because of the prevailing trade winds. Instead of high temperatures, visitors can expect an incredible array of festivals and local celebrations wherever they travel. Most importantly for many families, room rates and recreation fees are typically much lower during the summer months, allowing conscientious travelers to plan an exciting and affordable Caribbean vacation.

With reduced room rates and smaller crowds, the summer season can be one of the best times for families to visit the Caribbean. Generally speaking, families with children will find that hotel reservations and airfare will be easier to secure for a summer vacation versus the peak travel season of November-April. Furthermore, many hotels and resorts also feature special travel packages for families that allow visitors to engage in exciting water sports, enjoy exceptional meals and participate in plenty of activities as part of their hotel stay or offered at a discount rate. Furthermore, after the end of high tourism season in April, many Caribbean islands feature exciting events such as jazz festivals, celebrations for local holidays and water sport competitions to entertain the locals and entice off-season travelers. Best of all, many of these events are free or priced very affordably, allowing families to stretch their travel dollar and enjoy vacations that may not have been possible during the winter months.

As one of the biggest draws of the Caribbean is the weather, the reasonable temperatures of the summer season will not scare off any visitors. In fact, just as many families visit the Caribbean in the winter to escape inclement weather, smart travelers have realized that the region’s summer weather is often more comfortable than the conditions at home. Throughout the year, high temperatures throughout the Caribbean typically range from 75°F and 85°F, while the nights and early mornings remain remarkably cool regardless of season. Based on your destination, you may experience different levels of precipitation and humidity, but most islands experience the beautiful weather the Caribbean is known for year-round.

Much like the misconceptions about the summer weather in the region, many tourists also avoid the Caribbean in the summer out of fear of hurricanes or tropical storms. However, there are many ways to travel during the summer months and avoid the inconvenience of tropical storms. While the hurricane season has occasionally posed problems for summer vacations in the Caribbean, it should be noted that forecasting prevents tourists from being in any danger and some of the most desirable islands – such as Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao – rest completely outside of the storm area. Furthermore, most hurricanes travel far north of the most visited Caribbean islands, meaning the threat of summer storms on islands like Grand Cayman and St. Thomas is actually far less serious than many travelers believe.

However, summer travel in the Caribbean might not be the best choice for every tourist. As not all Caribbean islands receive enough tourism business during the summer, travelers may find some restaurants, shops or other tourism-related businesses closed during their vacation. Also, many tourists enjoy the exciting atmosphere present throughout the region during the winter. In general, the summer off-season has become a popular for families to visit the Caribbean, while couples and more adventurous travelers often prefer to visit the region during the more-desirable winter months.

The time has come to throw your misconceptions about Caribbean summers out the window. Though everyone will have their favorite time to visit the Caribbean, there is no denying that the region has become an excellent year-round destination. While many people still believe that the Caribbean is hot, humid and boring during the summer, plenty of cost-conscious travelers have already found that the summer off-season offers incredible opportunities for affordable and exciting vacations.

About the Author: Justin Burch writes articles about travel in the Caribbean for the Marriott Resorts.

Source: www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=237429&ca=Travel

By Jason Law

A Bahamas Honeymoon sounds like a great idea, but an even better idea would be to also have your wedding there. The beautiful beaches of Andros, and the wonderful Kamaleme Cay could be the perfect double destination for both your wedding and your romantic honeymoon. It was recently described as a small slice of heaven on earth, and as such is a great choice for any romantic vacation.

Kamaleme Cay is a 96 acre all inclusive private island hideaway just off the coast of Andros Island. It has over three miles of beautiful soft sand beach, and is reachable only by the resort’s own ferry or seaplane, so this is a real hideaway for a wedding or a honeymoon, set as it is in one of the most beautiful parts of the Bahamas. For a romantic vacation, a honeymoon or a wedding in the Bahamas, what more could you want than great Caribbean cuisine, beautiful beaches, a freshwater pool, and some of the best fishing and diving in the Bahamas if not the whole Caribbean. Add to the mix a way of living whilst you are there that doesn’t need shoes, this being a barefoot sort of place.

In terms of your wedding in the Bahamas, then Kamaleme Cay has a reputation of hosting them quite brilliantly with as much publicity or anonymity as you could wish for. It isn’t only weddings that this Cay close to the island of Andros specialises in, because Kamaleme is also a great place for a Caribbean Honeymoon Vacation or just a romantic vacation for two. Amongst the many reasons are the small handful of beautifully and gracefully decorated private villas which are spaced out over the island, all facing the sea and within earshot of the waves crashing rhythmically onto the beach.

In addition Kamaleme takes great pains to make sure that every guest has this indefinable intimate and personal experience that you will only realize you have had, when you stay at a hotel which doesn’t give you this. It is almost subliminal, it is so well carried out.

You can have special menus, firework displays, Junkanoo parties, almost anything is possible , because Kamaleme strives to make sure your every expectation is not only met but if at all possible exceeded. In fact for the real romantic vacation there is nothing like a candlelit dinner for two on a starlit beach, ringed by flaming torches with your own personal chef, or what about a picnic for two on an uninhabited island. Kamaleme knows what a Bahamas Honeymoon should be like. The food by the way is spectacular, and not only that but so well presented, and is one of the things that makes Kamaleme almost the ultimate vacation spot.

As a recent summary said the location is gorgeous, the accommodation amazing, the staff not only friendly but very efficient and more importantly effective. There are enough activities to keep you occupied, but the urge to relax with no urge at all to use your mobile phone will be overwhelming. You come here to relax and enjoy the lush setting, the great private beach, the spa on the water, and an atmosphere quite unlike anywhere else.

If you have a decision to make choose not only a Bahamas honeymoon here at Kamaleme, but your wedding here in the Bahamas, and if you’re not the marrying kind, it is the perfect spot for a romantic vacation.

For more information about Bahamas Vacation Spots go to http://www.bahamas-vacationspots.com/pages/Site-Map.html

About the Author: Jason Law writes about Bahamas Vacation Spots as well as authoring several articles about Worldwide Vacation Spots and he recommends Caribbean Vacation Spots although The Bahamas is his favorite place on Earth

Source: www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=238192&ca=Travel

This hotel is exquisite! The furnishings are first rate, the bar is fun and often crowded with attractive people, and the shower is wonderful. Actually, wonderful is an understatement when describing this shower since it has 5 shower heads and it dumps so much water on you that you feel like you just finished a professional massage.

There are other fine hotels across the country that offer fantastic showers, beautiful bars, and top-notch furnishings. But those hotels tend to be in very large metropolitan centers or resort destinations, not in a town that grew on the banks of the Ohio River.  They also don’t have the free parking that is available at this hotel or the warmth and friendliness of staff that is unique to southern Indiana.

This site is dedicated to discussing places to visit on vacation but maybe we should consider Le Merigot as an evening vacation as we just try to get through the dreariness of life (and it definitely beats staying at the Holiday Inn Express).

The Embassy Suites that is just south of the Dallas-Fort Worth airport is very nice at first glance but tends to fall apart after a closer look. The lobby of this hotel is laid out in typical Embassy fashion - a very large atrium surrounded by floors of suites. This atrium is very well done featuring a large waterfall that fills the space with white noise. The waterfall lands into a very nice looking pond that is filled with koi.

However, entering your suite brings a different perspective. Here you will likely find outdated and worn furniture. A sink that doesn’t have a stopper. And worse yet, water damage on the ceiling of the bathroom that has been poorly plastered over and said plaster has never seen a brush with paint on it.

Water damage that has been poorly fixed and old furniture is what I expect at discount hotels along the interstates. It is not expected at a suite hotel that is part of the Hilton family and costs in excess of $150 per night. You can bet that Paris would never stay at this location!

In general the shops in this pavilion are quite forgettable. While you may find a carving that you admire or other such craft item, you will recognize nearly every item in every store.

Canada does feature a beautiful movie, O Canada!, that shows much of the gorgeous countryside of this vast nation. This movie will be very enjoyable to the adult members of your family but may not appeal to the children of your group.

There is a reasonable restaurant for snacks at this pavilion but the real attraction is the full service steakhouse, Le Cellier. While your food won’t be as good as the extremely high end steakhouse in your hometown, you will be happy with this choice if you crave steak for dinner when in the park.

While this pavilion is not my favorite within the World Showcase, you should make it one of your stops as you circle the lake.

Technorati Tags: EPCOT,Disney+World,Canada

There may be great advantages to leaving from Tampa Bay rather than the more traditional Miami, Florida. The most likely advantage is cost. Since Tampa Bay is farther north on the Florida peninsula, logic dictates that your cost to get to this port should be lower. Unfortunately, logic never seems to be a driving factor with airline prices!

The other major advantage is that it is easier to got to western ports of call from Tampa Bay rather than Miami. This can result in more exotic places to visit such as Cayman Islands, Mexico, and Jamaica. While other cruises from Miami may get you to these exotic locales, it will surely take longer and likely will include a stop at a “boring” place like the Florida Keys.

It is important to do a lot of price comparisons when looking for a cruise. Balance all of your costs as well as balance the hassle of getting to your debarkation port. Tampa Bay may just fit the bill when you balance all of this out.

At some point in the future, I will write about individual cruise itineraries.

Technorati Tags: cruise,Carnival,Grand Cayman,Mexico,Jamaica

The food in the arena is not fantastic but is typical of most professional basketball venues. The Starbuck’s and the gift shop are top notch.

Parking in the area is fairly affordable and convenient. You should be able to find a $5 spot within a couple of blocks (unless the Pacers are playing great and the rates go up). While you are in downtown Indy, make sure that you spend some time enjoying some of the great shops and restaurants that make up this thriving downtown. The city leaders of Indianapolis have done a great job in making the city vibrant and you would not expect that a city in the “rust belt” would have their act together so well.

Tickets to any professional basketball game will set you back considerably and the Pacers are not an exception. However if you can afford it, an evening at Conseco field while visiting Indianapolis is a great time!

Unlike most steakhouses, here you have more than just your choice of a fine cut of meat.  At this large, open restaurant you have the opportunity to grill your steak to the perfection that you desire. If you want the experts to grill the steak for you while you enjoy your salad and favorite beverage, that is fine as well.

The menu is fairly simple.  It is mostly different cuts of steak and a variety of sizes. It includes a few seafood fares and chicken but if you want a nice pasta then you are at the wrong place. Your sides of vegetables and potatoes are going to be ala carte. The wine list is decent but not extraordinary. The bar is stocked with an appropriate mix of beer in bottles and several on tap. The liquor assortment is typical for steak restaurant.  The overall prices are a bit on the expensive side but not unreasonable for a high end steak restaurant and quite comparable to Ruth Chris.

Don’t worry about saving room for desert as the menu is quite lean in that area. You are better off finding a local ice cream shop, if you still have room after your massive hunk of meat!

The wait staff is very courteous and actually quite fun. The restaurant is a bit of an adventure so they don’t get too stuffy. This is fairly typical service of a good Texas restaurant.

Probably the best advice to give is to come very hungry because when you leave you are going to be very full.

UPDATE: On a recent visit to Dallas, I was able to sit down at this old favorite.  Unfortunately, my visit was less than satisfying and I no longer recommend this establishment. The Butcher Shop is under new management and they have not kept up the status. In our group of 4 people, no one had an “awesome” steak and one of our members had to send it back.  Also, the waiter discouraged us from grilling our own steak. Even a simple substitution of type of potato with the meal was met with a “No - we can’t do that”.  Save your time and money and go to a different steak house when you are visiting Dallas.

The resort features 3 great golf courses. Bear by Jack Nicklaus, Wolverine by Gary Player, and Spruce Run by William Newcomb. These three amazing golf courses will thrill and challenge any golfer but offer fair play for the average or young golfer. Jim McLean also runs a great school on the facility which will help you work out that kink in your swing.

Speaking of kinks. Don’t forget to check out the spa! They will give you first-class treatment for a very affordable price so you have no excuse not to get a great massage after a long day on the links.

Nearby Traverse City is a family vacation destination and also has many dining and entertainment options. Make sure to take an afternoon’s adventure on a sailing schooner which can be easily rented from several establishments. While you are in Northern Michigan, enjoy an afternoon exploring the shifting sands and unusual ecosystem of Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes National Lakeshore.

Of course with Lake Michigan so close, hiking, fishing, sailing, scuba diving, and so much more make Grand Traverse a great spring and summer destination. Enjoy sunning and swimming at the Resort’s private Beach Club on East Grand Traverse Bay where personal watercraft are available to rent.

If you are more inclined to enjoy winter sports, the resort sits at the core of a ski country triangle of three of Michigan’s top ski areas. With a multitude of challenging downhill runs and miles of pristine cross-country trails, the Grand Traverse region is the perfect place for hours of snow-filled fun. With slopes ranging from bunny hills to black diamond runs, and touring trails, Traverse City offers variety for skiers of all abilities and fortitudes. Families will love the wide array of children’s activities, including group lessons and infant care.

Since you are deep in the heart of some Native American lands, it is also possible for you to enjoy world class gambling at some of the local casinos.  Most notable of these is Leelanau Sands. Here you will find your favorite games and a much friendlier dealer than you can find in Las Vegas.

The easiest way to do this is to contact your hotel that you are visiting.  Most of the better ones will hold your package for a reasonable time. If they don’t perform this service, you may want to consider a different establishment for your business!

You can also send it to the Post Office or to an American Express office.  Upgrade: Travel Better has a great article in how to do this.

The article was originally written on MSNBC by George Hobica.  George wrote a few paragraphs on each topic so if you are interested in what he was talking about, click through.

1. Making a reservation on the phone or in person

2. Re-banking frequent flyer miles

3. Cashing in frequent flyer miles without sufficient advance notice

4. Bringing a pet onboard in the cabin

5. Checking luggage

6. Getting a refund when a fare goes down

7. Flying standby on the same day of travel

8. Paying for lap children

9. Getting a seat assignment

10. Using the lavatory

Sure, you could stay at the standard chain hotels but they will look the same as the ones in your own hometown and all you will really get is a decent bed (maybe). The Glenn Hotel is different. It is designed to be a "boutique" hotel and is not like any chain hotel that you ever stayed in.

The building was supposedly converted from an office building and it shows a little but that isn’t a bad thing since it allows a departure from the chain concept. The name of the building and the hotel date back to a former mayor of Atlanta in the early 1900s. The lobby is very contemporary and lends a sense of fun to your stay.

The rooms offer WiFi and phones just like you would expect. The design and colors are very modern and will definitely not remind you of your favorite Hampton Inn. If you are staying with a partner, you may be a little surprised at the slightly opaque window in the shower!

This is not a family friendly hotel. While there is nothing that is R rated, there are several allusions to sexual situations that your older children may ask you about (or maybe explain to you). Even still, for its adult orientation one would think that it would have a larger workout room. During peak times, you may experience a wait for your favorite machine.

The bar on the roof is the highlight of the hotel. If the weather is decent, you should enjoy your favorite beverage (or two) on the roof and enjoy the beautiful view of downtown Atlanta.