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Recording Memories on Your Vacation
Vacations are where dreams come alive and memories are made. Whether you capture your significant other catching their first wave or your child’s first time down the bunny slope, there are many ways to remember such events.
The most common way to capture a memory is to take a picture. This is a wonderful way to share your memories with family and friends. While pictures are the best way to capture memories there are many different types of cameras available.
To help you choose the best camera or cameras for your vacation I have put together a few of the most commonly used. These are some of the devices you can use to capture your memories on vacation this year.
Disposable 35mm Camera
While there are lots of fancy cameras on the market these days you can still get your hands on disposable 35mm film cameras. They are easy to use and basic so if you lose one it is not a huge financial loss. These cameras are great for giving the kids on vacation so you do not worry about expensive equipment.
Regular 35mm Camera
For those of you who prefer the original 35mm film then you should take along the old type of camera. They are perfect for artistic shots and good for experienced photographers. Film can be frustrating because you do not get a screen shot of what you just took and there is more room for error.
Digital Point and Shoot Camera
The basic and easy to navigate digital cameras are point and shoot cameras. Many different brands make these cameras and they are not all expensive. These digital cameras are perfect for capturing memories on vacation and many are very compact. You can throw it in your pocket and snap quick shots when the moments arise.
Digital SLR Camera
The more fancy digital cameras you can purchase for your trip are SLR cameras with multiple lenses. While one lens may be for taking pictures up close you would want another for taking landscape shots. To make your traveling bag a little lighter you can purchase a lense with a large range.
Waterproof Camera
If you are heading to a tropical destination or somewhere you will be in the water a lot the waterproof camera is a perfect choice. There are disposable and nice digital waterproof cameras that are built to get wet. The digital waterproof cameras are great for taking snorkeling, swimming and on a ride down a log chute.
Video Camera
For celebrating a special occasion or a new experience make sure you purchase a video camera for this vacation. They are perfect for capturing the sounds, live images and real emotion in a situation. Take one along on your vacation to make sure you get all the action packed excitement recorded.
Buy Wisely
Before you go out and purchase a camera do your research on the brand, price and reviews. There are so many different types of cameras that it can be overwhelming. If you know the type of camera you want for the vacation it will be a lot easier to pick one out. Enjoy shopping and have fun on your vacation.
Last Minute Items for Your Tropical Vacation
If you are planning on getting out of the cold weather and into the sunshine this holiday break there are some items you won’t want to forget. It is important to protect yourself from your head to your toes. With these last minute items you are sure to enjoy all aspects of a tropical vacation without repercussions. Read on to make sure you don’t leave any of these items behind.
Wide Brim Hat
If you are lacking in the hair department it is important to bring along a hat or two for long periods of sunshine. Also to keep your face from getting scorched on the first day you may want to wear a hat at the beach. Throw one in your carryon or wear it to the airport. Just make sure you don’t forget your hat.
Sunglasses
While you may have already packed your sunglasses you would be surprised how many forget them. Throw them in their case and in your bag the night before or you will end up in a corny pair from the airport or local convenient store. Those would be some entertaining photographs.
Sun Screen
To avoid becoming a lobster the first day at the beach make sure you rub on the sunscreen. Put a travel size in your carry-on and a large bottle in your luggage if you are checking a bag. You never know if they have your brand or SPF where you are staying at the destination.
Lip Balm
One of the places many forget to protect when they go out in the sun is their lips. Poor lips get burnt, blister and crack from too much sun exposure. Be kind to your lips and bring along a couple of SPF lip balms in your carryon. It will be a lot more pleasant for you if you do.
Board Shorts
To avoid getting too much sun while you are swimming in the water, bring a pair of board shorts along. There are plenty of cute board shorts available for men, women and children so the whole family can bring a pair. Women and girls can wear a pair over their bathing suit for the added protection.
Sun Shirts
When you are out sightseeing or relaxing in the warm weather it is nice to have a linen shirt or SPF shirt along to filter the rays. These are great at helping prevent unwanted sunburns. Whether you work indoors year round or have been stuck inside due to the cold weather it is important to protect yourself.
Practical Footwear
While you may have your flip flops packed in the luggage already make sure you wear or bring a pair of practical footwear. Strap on sandals with good support are perfect for long hours of walking on your feet. Stop by your local sports store or specialty outdoor store to find a pair for the trip.
Double Check
After you packed your bags make sure and double check that you have all the items listed above. They will help make your tropical vacation more enjoyable. If you need to run out and buy one or two make sure you do so before the day you leave. Enjoy your tropical vacation.
Ten Items that Make Air Travel Fly By
When traveling on airplanes some flight can seem like they take forever. With crying children, snoring adults and bright lights it seems as though you can never get any good sleep on airplanes. To help you pass the time when you are stuck in a small seat for hours on end I have come up with ten items that make air travel fly by.
1. Ear Plugs
With loud noises everywhere on airplanes you can hardly get any rest. The best solution to drown out the noise is to pack a good pair of ear plugs. The soft squishy ones that you squeeze and then they expand to fit your ear are best at blocking noise.
2. Eye Mask
Whether you are trying to sleep on a redeye flight with reading lights on or on a day flight airplanes can be very bright. Purchasing an eye mask is a life saver for those of you who have a hard time sleeping with light. They are lightweight and pack easily so you can fit it in your purse.
3. Sleeping Medicine
One trick to getting a nice solid nap on your long flight is to take a mild dose of sleeping medicine. This is only good if you do not have any children to take care of as you will fall into a deeper sleep than usual. Tylenol PM is great for six hour cross country flights.
4. MP3 Player
Packing your MP3 player is a great alternative to the music selection on most airplanes these days. They offer a decent selection on some of the larger and newer planes but most do not have the personal entertainment centers. Make yourself a mix of relaxation music to listen to for the flight and name it flight music so you can find it easily.
5. Headphones
A nice pair of sound eliminating headphones is a great investment for traveling. They reduce the background noise dramatically so you can hear your music clearly without turning the volume on high.
6. DVD Player
Watching a couple of movies on your flight really helps time fly as long as you really like the themes. The best thing to do is bring your own DVD player and headphones so you do not have to watch what the plane is watching unless you want to.
7. Books
Reading a good book is an easy way to pass the hours of a long airplane flight. Bringing along one or two chapter books that you have not had time to read at home is always nice. This is a great opportunity to get any pleasure reading done in your busy schedule.
8. Puzzle Books
Playing around in a puzzle book can really pass the time as well so make sure you bring one you enjoy. Things like Sudoku and crossword puzzles are fun to do when you are stuck in your seat for hours to take you mind off of the flight.
9. Computer Games
If you are into computer games and have a laptop than bringing it along for the flight can be fun. There are some simple games on computers like solitaire and spider solitaire that you can play. However, if you are into the more complex computer games it is possible to use them on most domestic flights now with the internet access.
10. Sketch Pad
For the aspiring artist or artist at heart it is always nice to pack a sketch pad and some pencils to draw. This is a lightweight and fun activity that is sure to pass the time of a long airplane flight.
While you may relate to a couple or more of the things listed above there is something for everyone. It can be difficult to sit in your small seat for long periods of time but with the things listed above your travel experience will not seem so long. Enjoy your flight and remember to pack the necessities to make your flight more enjoyable.
Tips for Staying Healthy On Travel
The travel season has begun. Staying healthy on the road can be difficult due to all the colds that circulate. To help avoid the ongoing colds and stay healthy in your travels this holiday season you can follow these easy tips.
Drink Liquids
It is extremely important to drink lots of liquids and stay hydrated during cold and flu season to flush away any germs you pick up. Also if you happen to get sick staying hydrated will help shorten the amount of time you are completely under the weather. Try stocking up on hot teas and 100% juices to mix half and half with water so that you always have something to sip on.
Stay Active
Just because you’re on the road, doesn’t mean you can get lazy. Working your body to stay fit will keep it strong and fighting germs. It will also stimulate blood to your brain. Even if its just a 30 minute session on a yoga mat in your hotel room, you’ll look better, feel better, and be in a better mood.
Humidifier
With the heat on these days you may notice how dry the air has gotten in your house if you do not already have a humidifier going. The dry air can dry out your sinuses causing cracks where viruses and bacteria will get into your system easier. Also it is not much fun to wake up to a bloody nose or stuffy head. Making sure there is plenty of moister in the air will help keep your sinuses moist.
Vitamin C
Taking a vitamin C supplement can also help you from getting sick during the holidays so it is a good idea to stock up. They have chewable tablets for both adults and children to make it easier to take. Another easy way to get extra vitamin C is to drink orange juice and cranberry juice.
Wash Hands
One of the best ways to avoid getting a cold is to wash your hands before you eat food, touch your children or touch your face. Washing your hands with regular soap is better because it allows the good bacteria to remain on your hands. Stock up on hand soap and place one at each sink in your house including the kitchen sink to encourage hand washing.
Wash Clothing
While it is nice to get plenty of wear out of your clothing it is important to wash the clothes you wear out in public and to work or school. This will help reduce the amount of germs you carry to your home. As an extra precaution you can take a shower when you get home and change clothes. This will help prevent the spread of colds your co-workers or fellow students have to your family.
Eat Healthy & Travel Safe
While all the sweets and snacks are popping up at the grocery store this time of year it is important to eat well balanced meals. Eating healthy will ensure you have the best opportunity to beat cold germs you pick up day to day. Hopefully eating healthy along with the other tips mentioned above will help you avoid getting sick for your travels.
Be safe when driving to visit family and friends and give yourself plenty of time to get to and from your travel destination no matter which form of transportation you are using. Airports are filled with germs just like any other public place and airplanes are filled with many people breathing in a small area. Keep your hands washed and take plenty of vitamin C to help prevent getting sick. Good luck and have a happy and healthy holidays.
Countries Where You Can Explore Beautiful Coral Reefs
By: Alexine
One of the most sought after attractions around the world are natural coral reefs. They are home to many exotic sea creatures and lots of colorful fish. People travel long distances to visit these remarkable places. Here are countries where you can find some of the most beautiful coral reefs in the world. Whether you dive, snorkel or are just looking to take a boat tour, anyone can enjoy one of these coral reefs.
Africa
Seychelles is home to some of the most beautiful coral reefs in the world. This cluster of islands is located off the east coast of Africa out in the Indian Ocean. If you are looking for multiple reefs in one place then this is the vacation spot for you. Here you will find one of the finest atolls in the world Aldabra Atoll along with Ste Anne Marine National Park.
Asia
Surrounded by several bodies of water, Indonesia is home to many beautiful coral reefs. The three most popular are Raja Ampats, Nusa Tenggara Island Reefs and Napoleon Reef.
India has one of the most beautiful ocean oases, the Andaman Sea Reefs. These clusters of coral reefs are some of the most diverse in the world. There is an abundance of fish, large sea creatures and even crocodiles.
The Philippines is home to the Tubbataha Reefs which shelters hundreds of beautiful sea creatures. These reefs are very popular because of their unique variety of coral and the diving and snorkeling is very accessible.
Japan has some of the largest coral in the world and the Shiraho Lagoon Reef has over one hundred species of coral. This reef is right off shore so you will not have to go far to explore this beautiful masterpiece.
Caribbean
The Bahamas has two of the best coral reefs in the world, San Salvador and The Great Bahama Banks. San Salvador is just a few yards off the shores of the beautiful island of Watling and is a diver’s paradise. The Great Bahama Banks is an old and slow growing coral reef that has both clear water and ancient coral skeletons.
If you are looking to snorkel with your children then the Curacao Underwater Park at Jan Thiel Bay in Netherlands Antilles is the place to go. It has miles of clear and calm water full of beautiful coral and underwater species.
With ship wrecks abundant, the Anegada Reef in the British Virgin Islands is a great place to explore. Bring your favorite underwater camera while you dive to document the amazing sights.
Central America
Belize has many gorgeous coral reefs to explore with your friends and family. The most popular is the Belize Barrier Reef, which is one of the largest in the world. The island of Caye Caulker is a small island that is part of the Belize Barrier Reef and perfect for snorkeling.
Two wonderful places in Mexico to dive are off the shores of Cancun and Cozumel. If you travel to Cancun in the Yucatan Peninsula be sure to visit the Great Mayan Reef. This is the second largest reef in the world. Also Cozumel is surrounded by beautiful coral reefs including Paso del Cedral Reef and The Palancar Reef.
South Pacific
Australia is known for the largest coral reef in the world, the Great Barrier Reef. This reef is home to many exotic species that are not found anywhere else in the world. Also if you are a historic diver then do not forget to explore the S.S. Yongala shipwreck as it is quite a site.
When traveling to the exotic islands of Fiji do not miss out on exquisite soft coral reefs in the Namena Marine Reserve. This reef is home to more than four hundred coral species and whales during breeding season in the summer.
Pick Your Place
Now that you have more places to choose from around the world it should be easy to find a beautiful coral reef to explore. Be sure to allow time for sightseeing and other fun activities when you make the long haul half way around the world.
Discover Culture and History in Downtown Chicago
Big City Class with a Charming Neighborhood Feel in West Manhattan
By Barbara Wade © 2010, All Rights Reserved
Between the garment district and Greenwich Village lies Chelsea, an inviting neighborhood teeming with art galleries, theaters and one-of-a-kind shops. City slickers will love the proximity to all the culture and entertainment Manhattan has to offer – including the New York theater district – hotels with all the amenities you expect and a vibrant night life. Those who prefer small-town living will appreciate the community spirit for which the neighborhood is famous.
The Epicenter of the Art World
ARTnews declared Chelsea “a vital art district,” and it has since overtaken SoHo in terms of the number of art galleries that call the neighborhood home. Whether you’re on the hunt for the next big thing, in the market for a Renoir, or simply love to immerse yourself in the art scene, you’ll find it in Chelsea.
More than 350 art galleries line the streets of Chelsea, so put on your walking shoes and be prepared to flood your senses with everything from acrylic on canvas to marble sculptures. You’ll have the opportunity to buy stunning artwork from up-and-coming artists and established masters alike. You might even find the perfect piece for that bare wall in the living room, or a Christmas gift your mother will adore.
For those who’d rather admire than own, Chelsea offers an array of museums featuring artwork from around the world. The Rubin Museum of Art is dedicated to the collection of Himalayan art and strives to bring the peace and tranquility of traditional Buddhist crafts to the former Barney’s department store. Once the center of the fashion world, the building is now home to more than 2,000 works of art and is one of the premier collections in the western world.
If you prefer a more modern feel, be sure to visit the Chelsea Art Museum, home of the Miotte Foundation, dedicated to preserving the works of New York’s Jean Miotte, a master of the abstract and famous for his use of bold brush strokes and primary colors. In addition to paintings, exhibits feature a variety of media, from photography to live music and dance performances.
Fine Dining with an Urban Feel
The Chelsea Market, built in a former Nabisco factory – the birthplace of the Oreo cookie – is the place to eat in Chelsea. With office, retail, manufacturing and wholesale markets all under one roof, there’s plenty for everyone. Locals find the best deals on fresh produce, meat and seafood at the shops in Chelsea Market, as do area restaurants.
Of course, if you prefer to let someone else do the cooking, you can’t do better than the upscale establishments you’ll find at Chelsea Market. Health-food lovers will get their fill of raw food made to order, and those with a sweet tooth can enjoy everything from gourmet popsicles to melt-in-your mouth brownies. Top it off with what’s been called the “best espresso in New York,” and your dinner will be one to remember.
Your vacation or business trip can be an exciting adventure filled with art, culture, music and food when you choose to stay in Chelsea, New York. Hotels catering to sophisticated travelers provide plenty of comforts, and the friendly neighborhood of Chelsea makes everyone feel at home.
Author Bio
Barbara Wade writes for Eventi, one of the finest Chelsea New York hotels, located in West Manhattan. Visit them online at www.eventihotel.com.
Ten Items You Don’t Want to Forget for a Road Trip
By: Alexine
Before you take off on a road trip there are some important things to consider like the weather and driving conditions. While you may be taking a road trip over the holidays or just for a fun family vacation, there is plenty of preparing to do. To make sure you have the essential items in addition to your favorite outfits and tent, I have come up with ten items you don’t want to forget on your road trip.
1. Cooler
This is one of the best things to have along on your road trip to keep beverages cold and food from spoiling. While traveling long distance you will want to have plenty of items on hand in case you break down or run into weather. Having a cooler along ensures you will have good food and drinks to enjoy.
2. Drinks
Making sure you drink plenty of water on long road trips is important, especially if you are changing altitude. Some people experience altitude sickness when traveling over mountain ranges so it is important to have ice cold water on hand to keep you from loosing focus. Ice water is also great when you are experiencing too much heat.
3. Snacks
While you can put perishable items in your cooler it is important to also bring along non-perishable snacks like trail mix, granola bars, dried fruit and nuts. These types of snacks are easy to eat on the road and stay fresh. Make sure you pack enough for the drive to and from your destination.
4. Pillows
Comfortable pillows are a necessity for long road trips across the country. Taking turns driving is a great way to get to your destination sooner and pillows help the person resting sleep better. Pack a few so you have enough for the whole family.
5. Blankets
If you plan on snoozing in the car at a truck stop or pitching a tent at a state park, blankets are defiantly a must. Warm and cozy blankets are a necessity when traveling long distance in your vehicle as they make great support when the seat gets uncomfortable.
6. Flashlights
It is important to keep a flashlight in your glove box or center counsel at all times in case you break down or need to see where you are walking in the dark. Flashlights also come in handy when you need to change a tire or check the directions.
7. Maps
If you have state maps or a road atlas you will be in good shape when it comes to finding your way around. The newest edition of the road atlas will also show you where food, gas and lodging are along your route. Make sure you have the maps in the front seat and easily available.
8. Money
Make sure you have plenty of cash and change available on your road trip for cash only stops and tolls. While it may not seem important because of cash machines available in most places, cash is nice when you run into a small town or truck stop to grab lunch and gas.
9. Music
To keep your mind off of the long journey ahead make sure you pack plenty of enjoyable music. Make sure a good amount of the music is upbeat to keep you awake when you get tired of driving and for driving in the dark. This will help keep your mind wide awake to drive safely for long periods of time.
10. Camera
For memories of the journey along the way don’t forget to pack your camera. It is fun to take pictures at different tourist sites and viewpoints when driving through places you have never been before. Then you can show your friends and family all the cool places you visited on your road trip.
Enjoy your road trip and remember to double check before you leave to make sure you have everything you need. If you are camping then don’t forget your tent and if you are staying at hotels then make sure you check maps for the best place is to stop along the way.
Tips for Preparing Your Holiday Travel Plans
By: Alexine
With children going back to school and fall weather beginning to set in there is much to think about. The November and December holidays will be here before you know it. While some people live close to their relatives, many do not. This requires lots of people to travel over the holidays. To ensure you get the best deals and make good traveling decisions I have come up with some tips for planning your holiday travels.
Check Schedules
This has got to be the most important part of making plans as everyone has different schedules and vacation availability. Making sure you check K-12 school schedules and college schedules if you have children and work vacation schedules for yourself and your spouse is very important. Sometimes there is a couple of day variance between high school and college break.
Checking the schedules of the people you are visiting is also equally important. This will ensure you all can make the ski trip or tropical vacation together. On the other hand it is important if the family is meeting up at Grandma’s house for the holidays. Because we all know Grandma likes to plan way in advance.
Choose Dates
Now that you have gathered everyone’s schedules it is time to pull the dates together. This may mean you have to be flexible by about two days on either end if you live far away and travel time is lengthy. Remember to give yourself plenty of time if you are driving to a distant airport in case of slick roads and snow storms.
Search Sites
With your dates finalized you now get to start playing with the different airline ticket search sites. You will notice that most offer a flexible date’s search mode that allows you to see dates before and after the ones you came up with. This will show you the rates around that date you enter. Sometimes leaving a day later or coming home a day earlier can cut your costs in half.
When searching on the different airfare sites you will also want to go to the airlines personal sites as well. Sometimes they offer better deals than the larger sites that offer multiple carriers.
Watch Rates
When planning ahead for holiday vacation it is wonderful if you can get started right away. The advantage of getting a head start is that you will be able to watch rates and check for deals with your local carriers. Sometimes buying too far in advance can be very expensive along with buying too close to your departure date. Somewhere in the middle is where the best deals are so watching the rates will really help save you money.
Book & Get Miles
The last steps to planning your holiday vacation are booking the flights and signing up for air miles if you do not already have an account. Once you see the rates and are comfortable with the price it is a good idea to book your flights. Sometimes people wait until it starts going up again which is good but if you can get the best rate go for it before the prices change.
When it comes to the air miles it is a wonderful thing to start accumulating them. After you accumulate many air miles you can cash them in for an airline ticket. There are also credit cards that the airlines have that offer you double miles when you purchase the ticket through them. Take advantage of specials like this to help save on your future travel plans.
Safe Travels
With your travel plans set I hope you can relax and enjoy the next couple of months before the holidays are in full gear. With shopping and prepping to look forward to it is nice to have the travels plans in order with plenty of time to spare. Good luck on your holiday vacation wherever it may be and have safe and happy travels.
Shows, Shopping and Sports: Find it all in the Chicago Loop
By Barbara Wade © 2010, All Rights Reserved
Vibrant. Glamorous. Enticing. Chicago has built a long-standing reputation as a city with its finger on the pulse of culture, history and entertainment. At no place does this become more obvious than the Chicago Loop. Hotel and business high-rises, multiple theaters, shopping on State Street and professional sports for all seasons make this town a magnet for business and recreational travelers worldwide.
Whether this is your first visit or a long-awaited return, there are certain must-sees that you’ll want on your to-do list.
The Historic Theater District
Your meetings have concluded. Shopping for your wedding dress is done. Whatever your day held for you, it’s now time to head out on the town. With numerous theaters to choose from in the Loop, one offers special significance. The Cadillac Palace Theater has a lineage filled with vaudeville and Versailles.
Designed to mimic a French palace, this 2,500-seat venue delivers everything you’d find on Broadway and more. Chuckle as animation comes to life before your eyes in shows like The Lion King and Shrek the Musical. Discover the history of the beautiful Glenda and her evil sister, the Wicked Witch of the West, in Wicked.
Located in the same building as the famous Chicago Loop Hotel Allegro, you’ll find convenience and an intriguing legacy as you take in all that downtown has to offer.
Shopping in the Loop or on the Mile
When it’s time for a little retail therapy, the Loop Retail Historic District is but one place within this area to shop till you drop. For over 150 years, State Street (Chicago’s Main Street) has anchored this historic district, boasting stores including Macy’s, Old Navy, Nordstrom Rack and others.
Not in the market for clothing? How about diamonds? With the largest jewelry district in the Midwest, the Loop Retail Historic District also delivers an exceptional selection of engagement rings, wedding rings, gold, silver and precious gems.
Just a short taxi ride away, you’ll also find the Magnificent Mile. With shopping, dining, beauty and more, the Magnificent Mile easily rivals 5th Avenue and Rodeo Drive. You’ll find hundreds of the most popular retailers including Bloomingdale’s, Gucci, Michael Kors, Lululemon Athletica and American Girl Place. Stop for a quick lunch street-side or indulge in a romantic dinner with you and your fiancé.
Year-round Sports
Basketball, football, hockey, baseball… whatever sports attraction you have, you’ll find a team in Chicago. Located just a few miles from the Chicago Loop is Wrigley Field, Soldier Field and other well-known sports venues.
Join in the excitement as the fans go wild over sports heroes that slam, sack and slug with amazement. From Blackhawks to Bears to Bulls, you can cheer your team to victory during your stay in Chicago.
Wedding Receptions and Rehearsal Dinners
Has your trip brought you to the Windy City for more personal reasons? When planning your special day, and all the events that lead up to it, variety is key. Within the district you’ll find a wide selection of places to host your bridal luncheon, rehearsal dinner and wedding reception. Many local hotels offer the convenience of packages designed to provide accommodations for your out-of-town guests as well as reception venues and catering.
Regardless of the reason for your visit to Chicago, the Loop is a district you must explore to find the best this city has to offer in shows, shopping and sports.
Author Bio
Barbara Wade writes articles for Allegro, a luxurious Chicago Loop hotel conveniently located in the historic downtown district. Visit Allegro online at http://www.allegrochicago.com.