For the Air and Space Enthusiast
June 30, 2007
For the Air and Space Enthusiast
by: Dennis Watson
If you are looking for a vacation idea and are an air and space enthusiast, look no further. The National Air and Space Museum, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center near Washington Dulles International Airport is the place for you.
I am fortunate enough to live in the Washington, DC area, so I can take advantage of all the available free attractions offered. Today (2/19/2006) I wend on a field trip to the National Air and Space Museum, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. This center is full of historical aircraft and spacecraft enough to fill a modern building the size of 3 to 4 football fields.
The center has two I-Max theaters, one space walk simulator and two flight simulators in which I enjoyed immensely.
But the attractions I enjoyed most was the he Enola Gay, the B-29 bomber used in the atomic mission that destroyed Hiroshima, the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird and of course the Space Shuttle, Enterprise.
If you love aviation like I do, I highly recommend you taking your next vacation to Washington, DC to visit this center and the downtown space museum as well.
Important Information:
Travel To China And See What All The Fuss Is About
June 29, 2007
Travel To China And See What All The Fuss Is About
by: John Rivers
China is one of the most glorious countries to visit and this year you can see it all. China is a magical country full of old and historical sights and many wonders. There is no other country that has sights as fantastic as the Great Wall of China and all of the old places where the monks used to live thousands of years ago. Add to all of this beauty the supreme glory that is the scenery and you have a place that dreams are made of.
China is the type of place that you think only exists in real until you see it for yourself. When you step out onto one of the many mountain peaks and look down on the mist and the world below you will find that your breath is completely taken away. It is stunning and if you do not take cameras and camcorders and tons of extra batteries you are going to be sorry for it. You need to capture these sights on camera so that you can always remember and share those memories with those who were not lucky enough to come with you on this magnificent trip.
Cruising Alaska by Ferry
June 29, 2007
Cruising Alaska by Ferry
by: Mike Miller
Here’s an all-Alaskan suggestion for cruisers who would like to:
• travel at their own pace;
• choose their own ports-of-call;
• lay over in any port for as many days as they desire;
• share their travel with Alaskan locals;
• have the option to bring along the family RV or auto; and
• cruise to Alaska one way and drive home by highway.
If this sounds good to you, Alaska’s state-owned ferries may be just the ticket for one of life’s most memorable cruise vacations. The Alaska Marine Highway System, as it is called, is composed of 11 modern ferryliners, all with motor vehicle decks, observation lounges, and food service. Most have cabins and cocktail bars.
The ferries cruise Southeast Alaska’s protected Inside Passage waterways in a region speckled with more than a thousand big and tiny islands, alpine and sea-level glaciers, imposing snow-capped mountains, lush forests, and picturesque towns and villages. They serve, as well, the glacier-rich waters of southcentral Alaska’s Prince William Sound.
Safe Driving on Ski Trips — Part 2 — If You Get in Trouble
June 28, 2007
Safe Driving on Ski Trips — Part 2 — If You Get in Trouble
by: Loren Varner
Whether you’re leaving the city heading to the Mammoth Mountain/Lake Tahoe High Sierra country for its beauty and relaxation, or planning that ski trip from Scottsdale to Snowbowl, here are some tips for a safe and pleasant journey, and how to deal with trouble, should it arise.
Slow down. A highway speed of 65 miles per hour may be safe in dry weather, but an invitation for trouble on snow and ice. Snow and ice make stopping distances much longer, so keep your seat belt buckled and leave more distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead. Look farther ahead in traffic. Actions by other drivers will alert you to problems and give you extra seconds to react. Remember to avoid sudden stops and quick direction changes. Do everything slowly and gently. Anticipate turns and stops. Leave plenty of distance between you and other cars. Drive as if there were eggs on the bottom of your feet; step on the gas and the brake pedals so gently that you don’t break the eggshell. Trucks take longer to stop, so don’t cut in front of them.
Have A HolidayTo Remember In Galway, Ireland
June 27, 2007
Have A HolidayTo Remember In Galway, Ireland
by: Niall Cinneide
For a truly unique holiday, try Galway, Ireland for your next vacation. It will prove to be a special time that the whole family will enjoy and have you returning to. Ireland is becoming more and more popular as a vacation spot, and Galway is one of the reasons why.
The island of Ireland is approximately the same size as England or Scotland, and it sits directly to the west of them, with the Irish Sea separating England/Scotland from Ireland. The Atlantic Ocean borders Ireland on the other side and this is where Galway County is - right in the middle of the country surrounded by Galway Bay. Actually Galway City is directly across the island from Dublin, the capital of Ireland. This makes an easy access for tourists in Galway City, to take a short ride over to Dublin for the day, or the evening, or whatever!
Tips For Travellers To The Tropics
June 26, 2007
Tips For Travellers To The Tropics
by: T. O’ Donnell
I went on my first holiday to the tropics recently. I was afraid of catching a disease, so I did a bit of research, and took some precautions. Here are some tips I found useful.
1. Get your shots.
I spent a short time in areas relatively free of mosquito-borne disease. The key word is ‘relatively’. A two week holiday in an urban area is probably alright. If you’re staying for months, or in an area flagged as dangerous, get your shots well in advance. Don’t leave it until the last minute, as by then it’ll be too late! The drugs need some time to ‘kick in’, and your doctor may have to order them in advance.
2. Get an insect repellent.
I made one for mosquitoes by mixing citronella with olive oil. Citronella is an essential oil (an essence). I rubbed the mixture on all exposed areas morning and night, and after washing. Seemed to do the trick. I put too much oil in, I think, so it smelled a bit. Better that, than being bitten, I say!
3. Wear long sleeved shirts and trousers.
Have You Ever Watched a Flame Thrower While Eating a Taco?
June 25, 2007
Have You Ever Watched a Flame Thrower While Eating a Taco?
by: Shawn Bishop
Those who visit the Hotel Playa Mazatlan have the option of attending one of the longest running dinner shows in Mexico. The Fiesta Mexicana has been delighting guests of the Hotel Playa Mazatlan for nearly forty years. This night of food, drink and entertainment is a night of enjoyment that all who attend are sure to remember. Currently the Fiesta Mexicana takes place three nights a week at the Hotel Playa Mazatlan. Each Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday night the staff of the hotel delight the guests with this night of authentic food and entertainment.
The food is only part of the experience at Fiesta Mexicana but it is definitely a part that you shouldn’t miss. Fiesta Mexicana would not be complete without the scrumptious buffet that offers a variety of authentic Mexican cuisine. Some of the savory dishes offered in this seemingly endless buffet include carne asada, pineapple tamales, cheese enchiladas and smoked marlin tostadas. The variety of mouth watering dishes available in the Fiesta Mexicana buffet makes it difficult to decide what to eat. Luckily this buffet is available three nights of week so if you are staying for a few days you will likely have at least two opportunities to indulge in this feast.
Why Sydney Is The Best City In The World In Summer
June 24, 2007
Why Sydney Is The Best City In The World In Summer
by: Ron Erdos
Sydney is the best city in the world in summer.
Why?
Because everything can be done in the open air. There’s open air cinema, open air concerts and open air dining.
Let’s look at each in detail.
1) Open air cinemas
There are three stunning outdoor cinemas in Sydney in summer. The OpenAir Cinema at Sydney Harbour (to be seen to be believed), the Moonlight Cinema at Centennial Park and the Starlight Cinema at Manly Beach. Ever since the death of the drive-in, there’s no better way to go to the movies than under the stars in a beautiful natural setting.
2) Open air concerts
There are thirty plus outdoor concerts in Sydney each summer. There’s the Big Day Out at the Sydney Showground, featuring international bands and DJs. There’s Homebake, featuring Australian bands. There are outdoor concerts by big name performers, such as Bob Dylan, U2 and Jack Johnson. There are free jazz, opera and classical concerts in a city park on Saturday nights in summer.
3) Open air dining
Destination Wedding - Maui’s Maluaka Beach Park
June 24, 2007
Destination Wedding - Maui’s Maluaka Beach Park
by: Diane Page
A couple seeking a truly magical wedding may opt for a destination wedding on the beautiful Maluaka Beach in Maui. Maluaka Beach is an ideal location for a destination wedding because it offers the picturesque scenery of a typical beach that is also adjacent to a beautifully landscaped park and picnic area that is ideal for the reception of your destination wedding. The landscaped area serves as a wonderful place for the guests to convene and mingle after the wedding.
The couple may wish to incorporate the location of their destination wedding into the jewelry they exchange as they exchange their vows. A destination wedding on a tropical beach is the perfect opportunity to incorporate beach glass jewelry into the theme of the wedding. Beach glass jewelry is created from discarded materials that are pounded and smoothed by the waves and sand until they become smooth and beautiful pieces of glass that can be created into beautiful pieces of jewelry. A destination wedding on a beach is the perfect location to exchange rings made of beach glass jewelry. These rings are not only extremely beautiful but they will also serve as constant reminders to the couple of the location of their destination wedding.
Alps and the Neuschwanstein Castle
June 23, 2007
Alps and the Neuschwanstein Castle
by: Joy Cagil
My love affair with the Alps began inside the tight cabin of the now defunct Pan Am airlines. When I saw the wrinkled, craggy mountain tops breaking through thick clouds, I held my breath. Nothing like this majestic splendor had ever crossed my eyes. Immediately, I took a few pictures, not minding that a 126 box camera wasn’t the proper tool for such a sight. Ever since then, we got lucky enough to pay our respects to the Alps with a few trips.
The best resorts in the Alps for me, since I am not a climber or a mountain goat, are the lakeside towns and fishing villages. Most of the Alpine lakes are carved by glaciers; the water inside the lakes sparkles like a gemstone, be it a blue topaz, emerald, or lapis lazuli, and the lakes are edged by fancy gardens and all sorts of greenery.
In nice weather when the strong sun shines on the mountains and the area, compassionate peaks embrace the lakes and send cool breezes down on their protégés. These are the times to live for, whether one takes a short hike through the woods or by the lakeside or moves higher up to climb.
