Travel Writers Need Compelling Reasons To Travel

by: Justine Richards

Just think of the greatest adventurers who ever lived and the greatest journeys ever undertaken: the Jews, Marco Polo, Christopher Columbus and Charles Darwin come to mind. All of them had compelling reasons for setting off on dangerous journeys into the unknown. What they found (in their cases the Promised Land, China, America and evolution respectively) soldered them into history and made them famous, but also opened the world to travel as never before.

Travel writing ever since has echoed the odysseys of these great people. Writers still feel it incumbent on them to have some higher purpose to their journeys beyond mere self-indulgence or curiosity. On the rare occasions when travel writers break this rule they tend to fall ill or become irredeemably cranky when they sit down to put their experiences on paper.

The range of reasons travel writers dream up to focus their journeys range from the absurd to the sublime. Take that outstanding wordsmith Bill Bryson. This man literally thought up journeys he could take, to create fodder for his witty irony and superb humorous descriptions. A walk along the Appalachian Trail with an old school friend (do you remember Katz?) became much more than 'A Walk in the Woods' as it was entitled. It was a humorous ramble through the American nature tourist culture and a lambasting of the authorities responsible for the national parks of the United States. It did not matter that Bryson completed only a tiny part of the trail. This incredibly long hike (Bryson spends a few pages embarrassing all the authorities who cannot agree on its exact length) served one purpose and one purpose only; it gave Bryson something to write about.

Similarly Bryson's book about rural America entitled 'The Lost Continent' has a very thin basis to it: Bryson vaguely travels the roads his parents followed, when they took their children on madcap long haul treks across the United States to see the sights (and sites of famous battles and historical occurrences) and generally scrounged their way along on a shoestring budget, to the mystification of the Bryson children. Again Bryson gets his teeth into a subject without much justification. Not that he needs it, you understand.

Bryson made a career of taking whole continents and wrapping them around his tongue, as in 'Down Under', his dry yet informative take on Australia. He went there because he had always wanted to see it and, as the subtext suggests, he was looking for an alternative place to live. He and his family had already done England and New England. As it happened, the Bryson family returned from New Hampshire to Britain, giving down under the thumbs down. Just too many snakes per square kilometer I suppose.

Now we come to the sublime reasons for travel. There are tales of pilgrimage, such as Shirley MacLaine's account of her walk the length of the Santiago de Compostela Camino in northern Spain, the ancient 500 mile pilgrimage route initiated by St James de Compostela ending at Santiago. 'Camino: a journey of the spirit' never reaches any conclusions and elicits no discernible greatness of spirit in the writer, but it surely gave Ms MacLaine fodder for a bestselling book in the bland genre of Californian spiritualism.

Ineffably more substantial is the marvelous book by William Dalrymple 'From the Holy Mountain' in which this handsome young Scot journeys to the places visited by John Moschos some 1500 hundred years before. His beautiful journey through the dying remnants of Byzantium in our own age (he traveled in 1997) is an unforgettable book by a marvelously intelligent Catholic probing the embers of Eastern Orthodox religion.

Between the absurd and the sublime reasons for travel lie many others. In 'African Rainbow' Lorenzo and Mirella Ricciardi traveled along the waterways in Africa, evidently searching for the ultimate noble savage in the European mold. They never found him or her but their book was published. It ends up being an uneasy journey of a couple to a continent they didn't understand.

In 'The Great Railway Bazaar' Paul Theroux travels on the Orient Express, the Khyber Pass Local, the Golden Arrow, the Mandalay Express, an odyssey on great trains from London through Europe and Asia, across Siberia. And his eye misses nothing as he describes this travel mode of a bygone age and these out-of-the-way places, but I always feel that Theroux travels and writes under duress rather than from compulsion, rather like Shiva Naipaul in 'North of South'.

Naipaul visited the insalubrious African countries: Zambia, Tanzania and Kenya, where Asians have been personae non grata in the past, and in some places still are, to find out what makes Africa tick. Of course no one does know what makes Africa tick, not even Naipaul.

Never mind that these men seem to have been uncomfortable about their journeys. Both are renowned travel writers, not least due to their dogged purposefulness. The point, it seems, is to have some intention when moving across the landscape. A traveler without intention is merely a wanderer.


About The Author

Justine Richards has been a journalist for 20 years and is a contributor to http://www.justtheplanet.com, the online luxury travel magazine for independent travelers.

The Lure of the Timeshare

Written by: Yana Berlin

You planned this trip a long time ago. You anticipated this day for weeks or months, and finally the plane is about to land. You arrive at this airport every year, and every year the same things shock you. Rather than disembarking through a nice, air-conditioned ramp, you get dropped off in the middle of the runway, amazed that the distance to the gate is at least a quarter of a mile.

As you clear customs, you can’t hide a smile as to how primitive things remain here, and yet you keep coming year after year because you love Mexico. As soon as you walk out, you are bombarded with 10 muchachas inviting you to their special resort, a resort of your dreams -- a resort that will introduce you to a concept called “timeshare.”

There’s no obligation other than 90 minutes of your precious time, and they offer all kinds of frills, including cash. One of the amigos looks very sincere, and doesn’t seem to push or yell as the others do. You sympathize, thinking he is new, and the next thing you know you are sitting in a private limo watching your kids, who are obliviously happy sipping their coca colas, compliments of the amigo and the resort.

As you enter your hotel lobby for check-in, you are told that your room is not yet ready because this year they overbooked by 30%-- a typical Mexican error that by now you are accustomed to. So you take everyone out to a late lunch and enjoy the view. A few hours and many drinks later, you really don’t care that the room is not to your liking. After all, how many hours will you actually be there?

You finally unpack, get everyone situated, and begin to relax.

A Spur of the Moment Decision

In the morning you are awakened by a phone call from the same nice amigo, who today sounds loud and obnoxious and reminds you that you are late for your presentation. You look at the clock and see that it’s not even 8:00 a.m. But the cab is waiting outside, so you frantically pull on your jeans and rush out the door, cursing the day that you agreed to this arrangement.

You arrive at the timeshare resort, where your promised breakfast consists of beans and potatoes. You respectfully decline their offer to eat, and instead settle for a cold cerveza. After all, it’s almost 8:30 and you are on vacation. You are shown luxurious rooms, restaurants and a beautiful spa that can all be yours for a small fee. No more overbooking and other inconveniences at the hotel every year. You can now own your own room!

To introduce you to the concept of timeshare, a salesperson skillfully draws charts, calculates numbers and designs your future vacation plans for the next 30 years. The agent assures you that this purchase can be deducted on your income tax as a second residence. He also points out that your ownership is transferable to your children and other family members. And should you decide to vacation anywhere else in the world, you can simply change destinations with one phone call.

You start to hyperventilate when you hear that the price of this “great deal” costs more than the brand new Lexus that you just passed on. But then the agent explains how much money you will save over the years, the convenience of being the owner, and the 50% savings on all future accommodations should you choose to stay in their resorts at this or any other destination.

As you sip your third margarita and look over the numbers, you can’t help yourself. To your surprise and amazement, you reach for your credit card and start signing.

All That Glitters is Not Gold

Fast-forward six months later.

You just received a schedule for the kids’ school year, with the exact dates of their summer, winter, and spring vacations. You decide to book that holiday trip you bought and started paying for six month ago. You dial the number and listen as the senorita on the other end pleasantly tells you that summer, winter, spring breaks, and major holidays must be booked one year in advance. Yes, she understands your frustration and concern, but she is unable to help in this matter.

You then inquire about your discounted rate for the room and the availability. When she quotes a price of $525 a night, you gasp for air and hang up the phone. Next, you try several other options that were promised at the time of the sale, but they fail to generate any fruitful results.

But don’t be devastated just yet. Here’s the good news:

Timeshare is a system that works very well if you know how to use it. Yes, you need to call on November 21 of 2006 to book your room for Thanksgiving of 2007. Rest assured that if you wait even one day, they will be sold out. Also, plan on spending a few hours on the phone to get through because there are thousands of “owners” just like you trying to book their reservations for those same dates.

If you decide to bank your week in hopes of visiting a new destination, understand that it might not happen on the date or at the place you would like. However, if you’re okay with booking a reservation two years ahead, you should not have a problem.

Know that your room comes with an annual maintenance fee, which usually runs between $500 and $900, depending on the size of your room. This fee needs to be paid regardless of whether or not you use your week.

Most of all, be aware that what you are told during the sale is not always true. For example, when we were suckered into buying our timeshare, we were told that the ocean was okay to swim in. We later found out that was a lie; that the Pacific side of the ocean is too dangerous for swimming.

If you have a large family and plan to visit the same spot year after year, timeshare can offer some advantages if you plan ahead and know how to use the system. However, if you are spontaneous and adventurous, don’t be in a hurry to pull out your credit card. It may be a decision you will later regret.

If you decide to buy a timeshare, never do it on the spur of the moment. Consider all the ramifications of such a major purchase and then shop, shop, shop! There’s a huge market of second hand time-shares available on the Internet and through private parties, and these often offer much better deals.

If you need help or have any questions, please email me. I learned a trick or two over the last few years, and would be glad to help you.

All the best,

Yana

We are always eager to hear from you. Feel free to comment on articles, post your blogs and send us your suggestions. . info@fabulously40.com

About The Author

Yana Berlin is the founder and CEO of www.fabulously40.com, devoted to the celebration of all things, primarily women and the challenges and joys they face juggling their careers, children, relationships, and life’s other issues. Fabulously 40.com is a social network for women that catalyzes its members to celebrate and embrace their life. Since launching www.fabulously40.com. Join us as we embark on our journey to the best times of our lives at www.fabulously40.com.

http://www.fabulously40.com

Source: articlecity

Jazz Man

Written by: Robert O'Connor
Edited by: Kate Kliner
Joboja Staff Writers

Lift me, won’t you lift me above the old routine

The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is divided into two campuses, one in northwest St. Paul and the other in northeast Minneapolis. During the school year, a free bus service runs between them every five to ten minutes, and it takes about a half hour to go from one end to the other. Of the many different bus drivers on this route, one speaks poetry on the loudspeaker that changes depending on the day of the week (“Fat frogs frolicking freely in the fog on Fridays”).

However, one stands out among the rest: Rob Thompson, known simply as the Jazz Man. Few people ask his name and barely anyone knows his real name, but the Jazz Man is a famous and beloved figure. And to accomplish this notoriety serving a campus of 100,000 students, faculty and staff, this is quite a feat. The Jazz Man acquired this nickname because for the past seven years, he has brought a boom box on the bus and plays jazz for the riders. He plays upbeat jazz in the afternoon and slower jazz in the evening. When the weather gets cold, he gets into some Latin to distract people.

Besides the music, he happily greets everyone who gets on and engages in friendly conversation with those in the front. If he recognizes you, he’ll honk his horn (always “shave and a haircut”) and wave at you as he drives by. All of this, he says, is done because he believes that jazz brings people together. He tried R&B and soul for a while, but says people really connected with jazz more than anything else.

He’s become such a beloved figure that a former student made a painting of a saxophone blowing the words “Jazz man” out of its horn. The painting hangs above the front door of his bus. When his bus went in for repairs, the Minnesota Daily ran a notice reassuring riders that he wasn’t gone. Daily advice columnist "Dr. Date" once wrote that saying you’re a fan of the Jazz Man "is a big turn-on for dates."

And there aren’t many drivers like Jazz Man in the Twin Cities. Many bus drivers greet you as you get on and off their bus, and every once in a blue moon you’ll run across one who talks to the bus and tries to get it to sing. But none of them have the fame or personality of the Jazz Man.

Of course, in many cities, the drivers don’t talk at all. They sit behind the change slot with an iron expression and a bulletproof window over them. A pre-recorded voice announces all of the stops, and neither the driver nor the canned voice says “good morning” when you get on or “have a good day” when you get off.

The Jazz Man says he wants to retire to Jamaica and run a jazz radio station down there, but for now, and for the better, he is brightening the day of thousands of people and helping to inspire a love for great music.

Constant togetherness is fine, but only for siamese twins

Written by: Robert O'Connor
Edited by: Kate Kliner
Joboja Staff Writers

The “Twin Cities” of Minneapolis and St. Paul are twins in many senses of the word. They were founded around the same time (St. Paul is officially older by about ten years), they are located right next to each other, and the people look and sound alike although the accents portrayed in the movie Fargo are a slight exaggeration. But any native will tell you that differences abound between the two cities, and we can talk for days about their unique qualities (hopefully persuading you to agree that our city is better).

Now, I’m from St. Paul, the less flashy and less visited of the two cities. It sometimes seems like all the tourists who go to the Twin Cities drive less than a mile from the airport to the Mall of America and then go home. Minneapolis, to its credit, tries to attract visitors with tall, shiny buildings and a logical street system.

However, I strongly believe that there are many advantages to being a native to St. Paul, especially growing up as I did near a beautiful view of the Minneapolis skyline. It’s like living in a place like Hoboken, New Jersey, and seeing the New York skyline across the river. That inner romantic stirs in some people (especially when you’re a little kid) and you imagine yourself being successful over there.

Then you get a little older and gain a sense of how wide the world is, and focus these dreams on even bigger places. I’m quite certain that this doesn’t happen to Minneapolis kids. That’s the trouble with living in a world-class city; your immediate neighbors look at you in wonder, but you’ve got no one within eyeshot to wonder at.

To be fair, St. Paul occasionally looks for national recognition, to come out of Minneapolis’ shadow. The recently opened Xcel Energy Center is the home of the Minnesota Wild hockey team, giving the Twin Cities a hockey team for the first time since the North Stars left for Texas seven years before the Wild was inaugurated. The Xcel will also host the upcoming Republican National Convention in September.

But St. Paul is still wary of tourists, and its legendarily confusing road design has never been fixed. Minneapolis streets are numerical and alphabetical. St. Paul’s numbered streets change their names outside of downtown, some named streets change their names, and many are not straight lines. Jesse Ventura, when governor, famously said the streets were designed by a drunk Irishman (cheers) and, despite criticism, he had a point.

St. Paul also hosts the Winter Carnival celebrations each winter. The Carnival is an annual tradition that started because a New York Times reporter compared the Twin Cities in wintertime to Siberia and called it uninhabitable. So each year, St. Paul teaches that reporter a lesson and holds a celebration of winter each… well, winter. Snow sculptures and ice forts are common attractions, but every once in awhile organizers get ambitious and build a gigantic ice palace, the most recent one being built in 2004.

The myth of the origin of the carnival (the above story is factual) shows St. Paul’s scholarly bend, featuring Boreas of Greek mythology as the main character in establishing the carnival. King Boreas and each of the characters are nominated each year through their respective fraternal organizations, making it much more than just a popularity contest.

Minneapolis has its own festivals, events and quirks. This sister city has its own mobster-related and political history, and a few other peculiar facts that are deeply interesting and well worth a read. However, I’m not up to helping the other side and I have a certain measure of hometown pride, at least for the moment. When I’m safely away from home, I’ll write again about Minneapolis. But that’s another story for another time.

Trains

Written by: Robert O'Connor
Edited by: Julia Wolfe
Joboja Staff Writers

A straight line may be the shortest distance between two points, but is by no means the most interesting.

It’s been four months since I moved to Chicago. I recently took a train back to St. Paul to visit instead of a plane. I’m especially glad I made that decision after hearing the harrowing experiences so many people have had flying in the last few days.

I met up with a friend and we talked about our overseas adventures. Eventually we came to the topic of how much we hated long airplane rides.

“I can only imagine what traveling must have been like before airplanes,” she said. Neither of us—nor our parents—know what that was like. My grandfather, though, had plenty of stories from the era when trains were the fastest mode of travel.

The old train from Chicago to St. Paul was called “The Four Hundred” because travel between took 400 minutes (about 6 and a half hours). It took me 480 minutes—or eight hours. Knowing my grandfather, when he took that trip, he kept track of how many minutes had passed and how many were left.

Smoke stops along the way slow down the trip. The first is in Milwaukee, then Winona, Minnesota, and there’s another stop somewhere else along the way.

Normally, the train stops for a few minutes while the people get off and others (if any) board. At a smoke stop, in addition to the normal detraining and boarding, many people get off for a smoke break.

My grandfather said this was not the case on the 400 (probably because they allowed smoking ON the train). Some members of my family suspect that the tobacco lobby pressured Amtrak to allow smoking on trains, just as the lobby pushed the airlines to allow lighters on the planes—even after Richard Reid tried lighting his shoe on fire.

Neither I nor anybody else is concerned about a terrorist on a train. People at Chicago’s Union Station or the St. Paul Depot don’t think everyone is a possible threat (I don’t know about New York or Washington). With trains, non-passengers can actually walk to the train to wish their loved-ones good-bye. Wouldn’t it be nice to go back to the days when you could accompany your loved one to the boarding gate of an airplane?

Trains do have their problems, I’ll admit. The snacks and other food are way too expensive.

Then again, I’m a thrifty person, so of course I complain about that. If it were up to me, there would be five dollar a night hostels in major cities and music would be a nickel per track, instead of the dollar we pay on IPods.

“I can only imagine what traveling must have been like before airplanes.” When she said that, I thought of how many months or years travel used to take from the west coast to the east. A flight from Chicago to Minneapolis is about two hours, but a train ride between the two takes eight. There are advantages to taking a journey that slowly. I enjoy seeing the farm fields, and businesses and houses in the small towns we pass through. From the air, they are all meaningless specks and the fields are wide patches of color.

A few years ago, 60 Minutes did a story about the retiring of the Queen Mary 2, a cruise liner that crossed the Atlantic from Southampton to New York. The ride was six days long and no one’s cell phone got a signal. Everyone relaxed and enjoyed the ride.

We could use a little of that on land. Sit back, forget about your job and enjoy the snow-capped farmlands rolling by.

Snow, Sleet, and Freezing Rain: They’re All the Same, Right?!

by: Kevin Wiggin

We have all heard the terms freezing rain, sleet, and snow when tuning into our local weather person on the television before, but do you really know the difference between these elements? Some of you may ask: Why do I need to know the difference? Well, the difference between freezing rain, sleet, or snow event could be the difference between knowing you have a chance to make it to work in the morning or whether you should really prepare to work from home. A brief snow may have moderate impacts on your travel, but a brief freezing rain event could wreak havoc on everyone’s travel plans.

Snow occurs when a snowflake falls from the upper levels of the atmosphere and does not encounter any layers enough above freezing throughout its journey to the earth that would melt the snowflake. There are many classifications of snow and most travels are well aware of the impacts from high accumulations of snow. The difficulty comes in differentiating between other types of freezing precipitation.

Sleet occurs when a snowflake falls from a cloud then enters into a warm layer and melts. The now melted snowflake then continues to fall then it enters into a cold layer near the surface of the earth and freezes again. When the frozen droplet impacts the earth, it is usually in the form of ice and does not freeze upon impact. High accumulations of sleet may cause problems for the road travelers, but is typically not as devastating as a freezing rain event.

Freezing rain occurs when a droplet starts as snow as it falls through the atmosphere. Then, this snowflake melts as it falls through layers of the atmosphere. The now melted snowflake encounters a below freezing layer of air near the surface of the earth which quickly supercools the droplet. With the droplet now supercooled, it will then freeze upon impact of the earth’s surface or any other surface along its way. Freezing rain is one of the culprits that brings down power lines in the winter, puts highways at a standstill, and turns any location into a crystal city.

At times you may hear your local weather person use the term “mix”. The forecaster is usually referring to an area that could see any combination of rain, freezing rain, sleet, and/or snow. These areas typically are some of the most dangerous areas to travel due to the possibility of freezing rain and sleet. Defining the exact lines of freezing rain, sleet, snow, or rain can be very difficult for forecasters.

Whether you will encounter snow, sleet, or freezing rain, you are bound to have some delays in your travel. Hopefully this will help you to better understand the differences and what to expect when you wake up in the morning to head to your destination. Keep a close eye on the weather along your route when the next storm system is pushing through.

Drive safe,

Kevin Wiggin


About The Author

Kevin Wiggin is a founding member of http://WiperWeather.com. WiperWeather provides top-quality road weather forecasting services. They combine your route with weather information so you can plan ahead. You can also share pictures and road trip experiences with others in the WiperWeather community. WiperWeather is a start-up limited liability company consisting of four principle officers with combined industry experience of 40 years.

Source: articlecity

Green Getaway

Written by: Kristina Hughes
Edited by: Olga Z
Joboja Staff Writers

Most tourists spend the greens, but some think "green" when they travel. As the green movement becomes a lifestyle choice, with new hybrid cars, clothing lines and organic foods—travel is going green.
The growing green tourism industry encourages environmentally friendly travel throughout the world. Environmental tourism—ecotourism or nature tourism—provides an opportunity to visit undisturbed natural areas, scenic vistas and observe plants and wildlife. The tourism is often linked to non-motorized outdoor recreational activities like hiking, bicycling and camping and even more exotic adventures including safaris and snorkeling.

Sustainable tourism emerged in response to concerns about traditional travel and tourism. According to the World Tourism Organization, sustainable tourism should "make optimal use of environmental resources," and "respect the socio-cultural authenticity of host communities."

Tourism is the world's largest and fastest-growing industry with total spending of about $523 billion in 2003 (According to the World Travel & Tourism, Sowing the Seeds of Growth: The 2005 Travel and Tourism report). The industry is also the world's largest employer, providing about 200 million jobs—or about 8 percent of total global employment.

People's travel choices contribute to the negative environmental impact of tourism. While things like emissions from cars and planes and the inefficient use of water and energy are fairly common, some companies are making progress to reverse these trends.

Orbitz redesigned its website to include a new eco-friendly travel microsite. The company's goal is to encourage "travelers to consider the environment during the planning and booking, and within the course of the journey itself. Whether you decide to offset your travel emissions with our partners at Carbonfund.org, choose a hotel that embraces environmentally-friendly operating policies or dedicate a few days to clean up a national park anywhere in America, we hope that you make every day
Earth Day during your travels."

The site promotes eco-friendly tours by including offers to rent hybrids, stay at environmentally friendly hotels and plan eco tours. The website features tips for traveling green and the green list featuring “the best in sustainable travel, from Africa's new safari camp to fuel-efficient jets to a float down Chile's threatened Río Baker."
Google also added a special feature to their Map service that helps travelers find green travel options and provides virtual tours of certain locations.

Ecotourism companies also offer complete ecotour packages. Stateside, the countries park systems are becoming a vacation destination. Instead of family RVs, hybrid cars and tents are dotting campsites. Many state parks have programs designed for families and young kids, helping instill conservational values by teaching kids about habitats, flora, the world of creepy crawlers and nocturnal wildlife.

Our Great Lakes neighbor, Michigan, is on board. Paddling the snaking Jordan River, hiking the trails at Avalanche Park and basking in the sun at area beaches, Northern Michigan's great outdoors is a green travelers dream. The four season tours are booming in popularity, even in the winter months when tourists come for cross country skiing and ice fishing.
The movement is being promoted by area chambers of commerce, and overall it's expanding Michigan's tourism dollars by creating businesses. It's also drawing scant criticism from environmental groups who want to preserve nature's wonders by fostering a love for the area.

Responsible Tourism, a web based travel agent, produced a hand picked directory of 1000s of stunning eco holidays run by 265 specialist tour operators and 100s of accommodations . The site includes opportunities to book accommodations and trips, from safaris to scuba diving. The budget features include a stay at an eco lodge in the Andes for $25 a day, walking expeditions in Scotland for $399 to $449 for 6 to 7 days (not including airfare) and sea kayaking in Croatia for $344 to $529 for 8 days (not including airfare).

More resorts, hotels and motels see the advantages of going green. Recently, IndependentTraveler.com named its top 10 green hotels. Among the list included Orchard Garden Hotel in downtown San Francisco opened in November 2006 as the only hotel in the city to be certified by the U.S. Green Building Council for environmentally friendly design. The Independent Traveler recognized the hotels, electric key card system which automatically stops power to each room when a guest leaves and turns it back on when he returns.

The Independent Traveler also listed the Midwest location, the Pinehurst Inn in Bayfield, Wisconsin. The 19th-century inn is equipped with energy-efficient appliances and solar panels to heat water in the newly built Garden House, and organic cotton linens and towels are in all rooms. Locally grown organic food is served at breakfast. Doubles are from $99 per night.
The partnership of environmentally conscious travel helps promote greater conservation. Ecotourism businesses realize to maintain a healthy client base and a viable business into the future they need to protect the environment.

Turkey Time Travel

Written by: Kristina Hughes
Joboja Staff Writer

Millions of people will make the annual turkey trot. But the commute to grandma's house is no longer over the hills and into the woods.

Packed airports, train stations and highways are as common as the cranberry sauce and stuffing. During the Thanksgiving trek, travelers can expect to rub elbows with more people at airports and hit gridlock on the highways.

AAA estimates that 37.2 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home during the holiday, up 3.1 percent from last year.

Despite higher prices leaving a hole in the pocket, people are still coming home to mom. According to CNN Money, "U.S. consumers are overlooking high gasoline prices and falling home values when it comes to plane tickets and road trips. According to the AAA Fuel Gauge Report, the average national gas prices are $3.09 a galloon up from $2.235 a galloon last year.

The great flee begins Tuesday for the early birds, but most travelers will end up in peak traffic on Wednesday and the Sunday, following Thanksgiving.

Once your tickets and bags are packed, the fun begins. If you're traveling by air, tracks or the road, hopefully these tips will keep the hassle in the kitchen.

Ahh, the experience of bumper to bumper traffic and the thrill of kids in the backseat (It's the perfect birth control). Every few minutes they repeat, "Are we there yet," No wonder, why Wednesday has turned into the biggest bar night of the year.

If you're going by car, these tips could make the trip more bearable. Remember to pack snacks and water bottles; also try to make stops every few hours. Break up the monotony by downloading your favorite road tunes (I recommend anything from the 80's) and make sure the kids have God's gift (MP3 players and video games.)

If by air is your forte, allow yourself a few hours to check in and go through security. Remember to pack light and put duct tape or tie a bright bow on your luggage to save time at the baggage terminal.

Keep an open mind, who knows Mr. Right could be just around the corner. I know a few friends who have met their significant other's at the airport. But, if you don't feel like making conversation with strangers, go Hollywood by donning sunglasses and hiding yourself in magazines.

At the airport remember to expect delays and packed gates. The ATA estimates as many as 2.7 million passengers will fly on U.S. airlines, approximately 600,000 more than the average day. The ATA expects airlines to fill 90 percent of their planes' available seats during the holiday. According to AAA, air travel is expected to increase by 4 percent this year, to 4.6 million travelers.

Train and bus stations are projected to see an increase in passengers. AAA estimates 2 million holiday travelers will travel by train, bus or other mode of transportation, up from 1.9 million last year

But not everyone is coming home. Some travelers are replacing the turkey with French cuisine or daiquiris. According to AAA a growing number of travelers are using the Thanksgiving week for a Caribbean and European vacation. Packages priced just right are cashing in on the American holiday. Gate1Travel, an online travel agent offers a affordable air and hotel packages with Thanksgiving departures. A six-day vacation to Paris or Vienna start at $399 per person while six-day London packages begin at $449.

If a European vacation is not in the budget, why not opt to be a tourist in your own backyard. Pre Thanksgiving bar crawls, one of the largest Thanksgiving parades and home cooked meals by chefs make Chicago my kind of town.

After feasting on turkey, why not tuck in with the John Hughes classic, " Planes, Trains & Automobiles." Their tale of travel woe is like surviving the magnificent mile on Black Friday.

Holiday Travel Hints: Tackle Road Trip Setback

By Greg Chapman   

Embarking on lengthy road trips to spend holidays with faraway loved ones has become a coveted pastime for many families. For those whose holiday tradition includes hours traveling the unpredictable open highway, the excitement surrounding the holiday season is tinged with the inevitable strain of road travel—is the vehicle going to make it without problems? Will we spend countless hours in a traffic jam? Though not all of life’s travel inconveniences are avoidable, you can take precautions to reduce the chance that your family’s holiday travels will involve some of the most dreaded road travel setbacks.

In the scurry to pack, get children ready, wrap gifts and arrange for pet and plant care, many holiday travelers neglect getting the adequate number of hours of sleep before a long trip. Since drowsiness contributes to thousands of automobile accidents, having a cautious, alert driver is perhaps the most important safety measure a family can take to prepare for an accident free trip. Planning and packing in advance can help alleviate the last minute rush that leads too many drivers to miss out on valuable sleep prior to a long trip. 

One important step that cannot be overemphasized is preparing your vehicle for the trip—ahead of time. Even newer vehicles need to be inspected by a trained eye to ensure that they are in road trip condition. Do not wait until the last minute to have your vehicle checked. Allow enough time to have any repairs performed if needed. If you will be traveling in an area where severe winter weather is probable, ensure that your vehicle is equipped with proper gear for the climate, such as snow tires or chains. If everyone took these simple precautions before traveling, less stranded vehicles would clog the roadways and create another major travel foe—the traffic jam. 

Traffic jams evoke frustration and disrupt travel plans for many holiday travelers. Sometimes, encountering heavy traffic during the holiday travel season cannot be avoided. However, it is becoming more feasible than ever to learn what traffic conditions lay ahead so that you can redirect your planned route when conditions are adverse. Research whether there are travel information websites or phone numbers in your travel area, useful resources which provide information about routes that have traffic delays caused by construction, an accident, or unfavorable weather, for instance. Modern GPS devices are even beginning to incorporate live traffic information features that allow motorists to avert traffic jams altogether.

Even after your vehicle has been thoroughly checked and undergone any necessary repairs, it is still a good idea to have an emergency kit that contains items such as flashlights, blankets, a first aid kit, jumper cables, and an inflated spare tire to protect the family if all does not go as planned. 

About the author:
About the Author: Greg Chapman, of Greg Chapman Motors, is a leading provider of used cars in Austin. For more information please visitGreg Chapman Motors.

Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

How to Get the Best Possible Beach Vacation Home

by: Terry Roberts

There is nothing more relaxing than having a week or two to spend at the beach. Vacation homes are a wonderful change from staying at a large or impersonal motel or hotel, plus they have the added convenience of being close to or even right on the water, having all the amenities of a house, as well as being much larger than a hotel room or even a suite would be.

Many of the beach vacation homes available offer all the features of a hotel vacation. If you are considering a rental and are going through an agency or property management company, it is usually possible to have a rental car provided for you upon arrival. In addition, many companies and agencies can also offer bonded and professional cleaning staff, chefs and even tour guides that will personalize your beach vacation and really make it a holiday for everyone in the family.

If you would prefer to just be able to relax and enjoy the warm weather, beach vacation homes can offer a quiet, stress-free holiday environment. To ensure that you get the best possible rental property, be sure to check the following:

* Ensure that you know the full amount of the rental and any additional expenses that may be included. Most beach vacation homes, especially those that are right on the beach or at the water will book up at least one season in advance. Holiday times such as summer vacation, spring break and even Christmas holidays may be booked several seasons in advance.

* Before sending a deposit or providing a credit card number for a deposit or reservation, fully understand the cancellation policy or any insurance that you may need to have on the property.

* Whether you are renting beach vacation homes from an individual or a company, be sure to get everything in writing before supplying a deposit or credit card information, especially if you have not rented through the company or from the individual before. A verbal agreement is not binding or legally valid in a court but a written, signed contract is a legal document.

* Finally, check the area in which the beach vacation home is located. While property right on the beach is great in quiet or secluded places, on busy beaches it can be a bit more stressful and noisy, especially if you are wanting a quiet vacation spot.

Doing some advanced research on beach vacation homes is simple through the internet or making a few phone calls. Planning your vacation is half the fun and knowing what you want and finding just the right beach vacation homes makes the holiday perfect for the whole family.

About The Author

Terry Roberts is a professional translator and linguist, with a wide range of interests. To read more about beach vacation homes, and vacation homes in general, please visit his website: http://vacation.home-and-garden-now.com.

Source: articlecity

Websites for Best Travel Deals

If you really want to find the best deal fast, use Kayak.com or Sidestep. These sites are extremely powerful travel search engines that will crawl EVERY airline and travel agency's web site (including Orbitz, Expedia, and Priceline) for the cheapest deal in about 15 seconds.

Using these two mega-sites to book airline tickets, hotels, and rental cars will save you time because you get to look at everything all at once. You don't have to visit several web sites to get quotes.

You don't have to wonder if Expedia has a better deal than Priceline, or if JetBlue has a better deal than American Airlines. You will know because its all there in one place.

Its 100% free to use. Give it a shot, and be sure to sign up to their free email lists that will alert you about travel deals from your local airport.

Southwest Airline Travel Specials

Holiday Travel Now on Sale from $49 to $99 one-way!

Good for travel December 20, 2007 through January 6, 2008.

southwest

Southwest Airline Travel Specials

Southwest Nationwide Sale

Fly from $49 to $109 one-way
on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Saturday!

($54 to $179 one-way on all other days.)

Book by October 29 for travel October 26, 2007 through February 13, 2008
with 14-day advance purchase. Blackout dates apply.

Fares do not include federal excise tax of $3.40 per takeoff and landing, airport-assessed passenger facility charges (PFC) of up to $9, and government-imposed September 11th Security Fee of up to $5 one-way.

Enter your travel information to find and book your Internet Special today! Additional taxes, fees, and restrictions apply.

Top Ten Travel Spots

By Emma Grant

If you are planning a vacation this year and want to try something different, here are the top ten vacation spots. One of these places is sure to fit the type of vacation you are planning, whether it’s to relax, have an adventure, a romantic getaway, or a family fun vacation.

1. Las Vegas- Over the years, the reputation of Las Vegas has changed from Sin City to a more family oriented vacation spot. Today, Las Vegas has a little something for everyone. Whether your vacation is geared towards gambling at a casino, live shows and entertainment such as Cirque du Soleil or a Gondola Ride at the Bellagio, or just shopping at the outlets and designer stores, Las Vegas can give you the experience of a lifetime, whatever your goal and budget.

2. Mexico- There are many Mexico vacation packages available that offer a perfect combination of historical interest, beaches, and the crazy night life. Mexico has various beautiful landscapes, including mountains, deserts, tropical jungles, and quaint villages and resorts for tourists. Try the favorite vacation spots of Acapulco and Guadalajara.

3. Hawaii- This is an obvious vacation pick because of its warm hospitality, stunning volcanoes, but first of all for its beautiful beaches. There are plenty of tourist spots on the islands, but try to really experience the island by hiking the volcanoes or by flying over the islands in a helicopter. You could even visit macadamia nut fields and see other beautiful island scenery.

4. Los Angeles, California- This city is home to Hollywood, and you are sure to spot a celebrity during your stay. Due to the beautiful Californian sunshine year round, it is the home of a large number of celebrities, and is the center of the TV and movie industry. You can take a tour of the stars’ homes or visit the bohemian zones. Since Los Angeles is also a popular spot for immigrants, there are plenty of different and even authentic cuisine restaurants ranging from Chinese to Mexican. A Los Angeles trip really has something for everyone.

5. Haute Route, Swiss Alps- If you want an adventure for your honeymoon or other vacation, Switzerland holds the famous Swiss Alps hiking adventure. Take the traditional Haute Route to see the largest mountain in Western Europe, the Matterhorn. A vacation with the Swiss will provide you plenty of culture, adventure, and warm hospitality.

6. New York City- Whether you are from abroad or a U.S. citizen, visiting New York is something that everyone should do at least once in their life. For the City that Never Sleeps, New York is truly a sight to behold. Be sure to take the time to visit the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Empire State Building. If you don’t catch a Broadway play while you are there, you better plan for a trip back. With the nearly uncounted number of activities you can do and things you can see, you will probably leave feeling that you have only just scratched the surface.

7. Aruba- Travelers love the sunny climate of Aruba, which boasts an 82 degree temperature on the white sandy beaches for most of the year. On the western and southern coasts you'll find a lot of sheltered beaches. This spot is a great alternative to the Caribbean and a perfect secluded honeymoon spot. January and February may be the best months for an Aruba vacation because that is when the carnival season starts, which ends with a grand parade.

8. Thailand- This country is named The Land of Smiles because you are welcomed by friendly people for whom smiling service to visitors is a great pleasure. Thailand has a lot to offer visitors. Whatever you are looking for, you will be fascinated by the ancient civilization and the glorious culture. There are wonderful sights, including exotic open-air markets and sparkling temples. There are endless souvenirs and cuisine at bargain prices. You can vacation for dirt cheap in Thailand, and even visit a luxurious health spa to regenerate your body and psyche. Also try to relax on a golden beach and enjoy the tropical sunshine and deep turquoise sea. Be sure to carefully plan your vacation so that you don’t get lost or swindled in this exotic country.

9. Machu Picchu in Peru- Hikers and tourists have visited the fascinating Inca civilization since its discovery in the early 1900s. Many call the experience magical. You can travel to another time by visiting the Inca temples and villages. Blending in with the hillside itself, many say the area creates a seamless and elegant green paradise, making it a must for anyone who travels to Peru.

10. France- The country has a lot of beautiful attractions and cultural structures to visit. It is bustling with activity, full of large cities like Paris and beautiful small villages and vineyard country side. The countryside still holds a strong impression of Old World feelings and hospitality. There are plenty of memorable places to visit and food to taste in France.

The Haute Route; Machu Picchu tours; European Adventures

Article Source: EzineArticles