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This past Christmas my husband and I took our kids on a ski vacation. But rather than drive through the snow and ice to someplace close or brave the airport to go someplace farther away, we chose to take book an overnight train trip on Amtrak’s Empire Builder from Seattle, WA to Whitefish, MT. The skiing was great but I think that the train trip to and from Whitefish was the best part for the kids.

The ticketing and baggage check-in experience for Amtrak is unbelievably simple and easy. No lines, no security hassles, no problems. You could literally arrive minutes before your train leaves the station.

While on board we experienced some of the country’s most exciting and colorful sights: the Cascade Mountains. It didn’t take us long to get into the mountains were we could enjoy beautiful snow-capped vistas. And we didn’t have to drive in the snow or strap chains on the tires.

We banned portable DVD players, Nintendo DS, and iPods from the trip and instead favored the scenic views from the train, books, card games, board games, and good old fashioned conversation. And our ten year old had so much fun that she didn’t suffer any technology withdrawal symptoms. And our two and a half year old was so excited to be on a real train (like Thomas the Tank Engine) he was practically beside himself. Movies, games, etc. were in available in the Lounge Car but we chose to quietly relax on our own.

The kids loved the train tunnels! A mile-long tunnel under downtown Seattle leads out from King Street Station. And later on during the trip you pass through the 7.79 mile Cascade Tunnel, bored under Stevens Pass.

The trip from Seattle to Whitefish is a little more than 13 hours. And because departure is in the late afternoon or evening much of the trip is spent sleeping. We reserved a family-sized (sleeps four) room on the Sleeping Car. A friendly, traditionally dressed conductor came by to smile and punch our tickets. The kids thought he looked like the Tom Hanks character for The Polar Express. And a few minutes later the attendant arrived with champagne for the adults and sparkling cider for the kids.

Seating on the train is unbelievably comfortable as compared to airline seating. There is lots of leg room, room for your carry-on baggage, you can reserve a room with your own lavatory, and you can move around as much as you like.

After relaxing for several hours we proceeded to the dining car (dinner included in the fare for sleeper car customers) where we sat in a large, comfortable booth with a white table cloth and candles. The food is not world-class; but, the meal was much better than your typical reheated airline dinner.

Later when we arrived back at our room on the sleeping car the seats had already been converted into bunk beds for us by the attendant. The kids LOVED sleeping on the train. And of course, they loved that the room had bunk beds. I have to say that I didn’t sleep as well as I would have in my own bed or in a hotel room but there is something strangely soothing about the rocking motion of the train.

Wake-up calls are available and the attendant will bring the morning paper. The following morning we awoke just in time for a hot breakfast in the dining car before rolling into Whitefish.

The kids loved the trip so much that we have been scouring the map looking for other vacation spots that we can reach by train.

You are getting ready for your much anticipated cruise vacation. The best way to maximize your cruise travel is to have some of these cruise tips about the little things you should know. Many cruisers have questions about phoning home, seasickness, laundry facilities, and photography while on their cruise vacation. These are not big items that should concern you during your cruise travel but helpful hints nonetheless.

Phoning home always gives one peace of mind when they are on vacation. It is natural to want to check on your children, or check into the office, just remember that ship to shore phone costs can be very hefty. They can cost up to $15 minute, so I if you must, keep it brief. You can use your cell phone but be aware that in some areas roaming charges will apply. Your cell phone will not work in Europe unless you have universal service.

It is very important that you leave the information on how to contact you at home in case of an emergency. When you receive your cruise packet there will be contact information included. Make sure you leave the name of the ship, the cruise line you are traveling with, and the itinerary that you plan to follow. Make it very clear that it is for emergencies only.

There is a way to get around this expense and that is to buy a phone card and call home from your ports of call. The connection will be far greater and your savings too. Be aware that this is where the crew members make their calls home so you may want to venture further from the dock to find a not so busy public phone.

All of the modern ships are wired for the internet so you can stay in touch with email. This is a much easier and cheaper way to but your mind at ease. On some ships if you are a frequent cruiser the internet time is free. If you are not, connections can run from fifty cents to a dollar a minute. Just keep in mind that they are not high speed hook ups so they will be slow. Compose offline and then send your message. Some ships will offer you package deals to save a little money. Here again, if you can wait until you get to port, internet cafes ashore are relatively inexpensive.

Seasickness is almost a moot point on today’s cruise ships. They are so large that you don’t even know you are moving unless you look out the window or you are up on deck. With today’s technology for weather tracking the cruise lines know in advance if any storms are approaching and therefore can avoid the area. Earlier cruise ships had stabilizers but nothing compared fo today’s technology which enables them to counter act any motion the sea has to offer.

If that doesn’t calm your fears about seasickness and cruise travel there are a number of ways to ensure a very comfortable cruise. Take a cruise vacation in an area of the world that has calm waters on a modern ship with the aforementioned stabilizers. It is best to book a cabin in the middle of the ship on one of the lower levels. If just looking at a horizon that is moving sends you into a tizzy, book an inside cabin. A little known cruise tip is to arrange your beds in alignment with the ship, bow to stern. Rocking is always easier to handle than a rolling motion. Once, you’ve got yourself situated on board go up on deck and stare at a fixed position on the horizon to get your body use to the motion.

Your doctor may have some medication you can take, or try the acupuncture bracelets that go around your wrists. If you do feel queasy eat crackers and green apples to settle your stomach. Ginger capsules have been said to work wonders and are available in your health food store. By all means avoid any alcoholic beverages which will only make your symptoms worse.

On board laundry services are very expensive. Book a ship that has an onboard laundry room for passengers so you can do your own. These laundry rooms will be equipped with an iron and an ironing board. An alternative is to pack a small bottle of laundry liquid and a few clothes pins in you luggage, hand wash them in your stateroom and hang them from the shower line provided.

Photography is always a big question. Should you bring a camera or rely on the ships photographer? The answer is to bring your own. If you don’t want to worry about your expensive digital camera, buy a lot of the throw away types. Pick up a few waterproof ones too for when you take you snorkel adventure. Take twice as many as you think you need. If you don’t use them on this cruise vacation you can always use them at the next holiday or birthday celebration.

You could also opt to pick up a cheap digital. You can buy them for about $20.00 and you won’t have to worry about losing it since your expensive one is at home. These are usually smaller than the pricey ones so they are easier to carry around.

On formal nights you will want to get your picture taken by the ships photographer. These pictures are wonderful memories of your cruise but they are expensive. The ships photographer will take pictures of you all through the cruise. Getting on and off the ship, on deck, in the dining room at your table and when you enter the dining room on some nights. Although these pictures are fun, you are not obligated to buy them. If you are on a cruise vacation for a special occasion like a honeymoon or an anniversary, splurge and buy them, they will be more than just memories.

These are just a few cruise tips for the little things you should know about cruise travel. Having this knowledge before your cruise vacation will help you on the way to clear sailing.

Happy Cruising!

Copyright © Mary Hanna, All Rights Reserved.

Think positive! The year’s not half over, there’s still half to go. That is when it comes to Photography Events and Festivals.

At least once a year, all across the country, smalltown America comes together to show their spirit by holding family-friendly festivals. These events are generally held on a weekend and feature local art, music and culture. And then there are the week long functions, such as the Yamhill Fair and Rodeo, which is held Sunday to Sunday in McMinville, Oregon. Not only will you FIND local art and cultural here, but you’ll want to have your camera handy for those awesome rodeo riders and prizewinning flower entries.

But the Photography Events I’m going to acquaint you with now are the ones held in metropolitan areas throughout the world. These functions draw both local and internationally acclaimed artists. There are several well known events planned for the second half of 2007. Some of these festivals are being held in various cities throughout the United States, one in Canada and two in France. If you’ve dreamed of combining a vacation with your love of photography, this may be your chance to do just that. Choose a destination, pack your suitcases and camera bags and head out for the experience of a photographers lifetime.

First on the calendar is the Les Rencontres D’Arles Photographie held in France. Although this has already begun, it runs until September 16. If you are fortunate enough to travel to this phenomenal show, you will encounter 50 magnificent expositions.

Next on our calendar is the Foto Septiembre USA, held every year September 1 – 30 in San Antonio and other Texas cities. This is an International Photography Festival which is a popular destination for both artists and photography enthusiasts. Not only do they provide a forum which allows artist to exhibit their craft, but they also operate through a website and publication. This provides exhibitors, sponsors and advertisers the additional valuable support of internet exposure.

Next we head north to our Canadian neighbors in Montreal. The Le Mois de la Photo has been held every year since its inception in 1989 to celebrate the 150Th anniversary of photography. It is dedicated to Fine Art Photography and will feature 30 exhibits in galleries and museums throughout the city. The goal of this event has always been to educate the general public about photography as an art form. This year’s guest curator will be art historian Marie Fraser whose theme will be The Narrativity of The Image, which should prove to be a captivating topic.

Next we’re headed south to Georgia for Atlanta Celebrates Photography, ACP9, held in October. This is a citywide festival which is in its 9Th year. It has art exhibits in diverse locations throughout the city. You will enjoy lectures by international and local artists, a pushpin show, a film series and the public art program.

On to The Big Apple and the PhotoPlus International Conference + Expo 2007 being presented October 18 – 20. This is being called the premier event for forward- looking imaging solutions and photographic education. It also promises to bring leaders, pioneers, and rising new stars together for unprecedented networking events.

Paris Photo which is considered by many to be the leading fair for still photography will be held this year on November 15-18. It will offer photo enthusiasts some 100 galleries and publishers from all over the world. In addition to the exhibits, there will be book signings, prize award ceremonies and lectures. What could be better than to be in the City of Lights with your camera and other photographic devotees.

We wrap up the year in Florida at the Photo Miami scheduled for December 5-9. This International Contemporary Art Fair will be held in the Wynwood Art District of Miami. It focuses on Photo-based art, video and new media.

Any one of these Photography Festivals would be a once-in-a-lifetime trip whether you’re a hobby photographer or photograph for living. Dust off you your camera bags and hit the road.

No doubt about it, camping can be fun. But, if you don’t pay attention to safety, your fun camping outing can turn into the camping trip from Hell. What are some of the most important camping safety tips you should know?

1. Plan Ahead. Do your research. Make sure the campground you’ve chosen is a safe one. Make sure there are no current fire dangers. Check out the weather. Any health alerts in the area, such as dangerous bacteria count in the water, or outbreak of any rodent-carrying viruses?

2. Pack the Emergency Kit. Be prepared for cuts, bee stings and allergic reactions. Bring antihistamines, antiseptic, bug sprays and insect repellents, pain relievers, bandages, sunscreen and if possible, a snake-bite kit.

An emergency kit should also include the following items: Whistle, flashlight, compass, a small Swiss Army knife, razor blades, tweezers, magnifying glass, sterilized water packets for cleaning wounds, emergency blanket, thermometer, cold pack, and a mirror. A mirror can be helpful when signaling for help. Some people also use a CD. If you can afford them, a pair of night-vision goggles can also be a help in an emergency.

3. Arrive at the Campsite Early. Arriving early, with ample daylight, allows you to examine the entire campsite and set up while there’s still light. Be on the lookout for sharp objects, broken glass, huge ant beds, branches, poison ivy, hazardous terrain and bees.

4. Build your Tent on a Safe Spot. Make sure your tent is flame-resistant and keep it at a safe distance from the campfire. Try to pitch your tent on elevated land so it doesn’t flood in case of rain. In order to keep the bugs out, make sure you close your tent immediately upon entering and leaving.

5. Go Over Safety Issues with Family Members. Make sure family members are aware of poisonous plants in the area. Be sure the children understand that they should never drink from any stream or river, regardless of how clean it may look. Finally, issue each member of your family a whistle for emergency use only.

6. Be Fire Safe. Make sure there are no current fire restrictions before building any fire, and don’t build a fire if there are strong winds. When you do build a fire, keep it in the fire ring, and make sure there are no flammable items near the fire. Do not use heating devices or candles inside the tent.

Never leave your campfire unattended, and keep the area clear of leaves and twigs. Before going to bed, make sure the campfire is property put out by drowning it with water.

7. Be Aware of Wild Animals. Be sure to familiarize yourself and your family with safety concerning wild animals. Wild animals have acute senses of smell. Make sure you keep your campsite clean and free of food or garbage which might attract them. It is best to store all food, garbage and strong-smelling items (such as soap or toothpaste) in bear-resistant containers or your vehicle. Keep your sleeping bag and tent completely free of food and food odors, and set up your cooking and eating area at least 100 yards from your tent. Do not go to sleep in the same clothing you cooked in, as even the cooking smells can attract bears and other wild animals.

While it may seem like attention to safety takes the fun out of camping, in reality it helps ensure that your camping vacation is a fun time for the whole family. And, isn’t having fun the point of camping?

By: Tom Sample

It’s great to have your car waiting at the airport when you get back home after a business trip or a holiday. Though most airport parking costs are fairly reasonable, you might just get a great deal if you looked at off-site parking. Satellite parking lots usually give away good deals thanks to the competition they face from other parking lots. So if you are quite smart and savvy, you might just end up saving a lot!

How do you get the best deals in parking? If you tend to use a parking lot often, especially for overnight or longer, try and find out from them if they will give you a discount on a certain minimum number of vouchers purchased. Some of them give up to 50% off if you buy the vouchers online or with a credit card.

You can also choose the parking space you want in some parking lots. You might just find that some spaces cost less than the more easily accessible ones. If it is a long trip you are off to, it would make sense to enquire about this because the savings would probably be considerable. Also enquire about daily versus weekly rates. Most parking lots offer considerable discounts for long-term parking. Some even offer facilities for frequent parking, much like the airlines’ frequent flier scheme.

There are schemes open to members of certain automobile organizations too. So if you are a member of say, AAA, you could find out from them or their web site whether there are any special offers for the members at certain parking lots. You might just get a hefty discount in some lots or, if you’re lucky, you could avail of a service where they pick up your car from the airport when you leave and drive it there when you get back.

Of course, nothing can beat the Internet as far as offers are concerned. Keep tabs on it days or maybe weeks before you leave. You might get very attractive deals. You might even pick up a free day’s coupon off the Internet! Or get a day free if you park for two days. With so much competition, parking lot operators want you to try parking at their lot and to feel comfortable there. Once they’ve got you as a customer, they hope you’ll stick around for a long time. So you might as well make use of this and get the best deal out of them. It’s worth surfing the Internet and doing a bit of research. All you need to do when you’ve got a good deal is to pay online, print out the transaction receipt and take it along with you to the parking lot where you will have to submit it. If you do it well in advance, who knows, you might save as much as 60%.

Special holiday season discounts, too, are a good idea and many operators offer them before every holiday season. Sometimes, travel operators either tell you of good deals or give you a good deal like free or discount vouchers themselves. You’ll need to spend a bit of time finding out which one is the best deal for you but at the end of it, you’ll find the savings more than make up for the time spent!

Article Source: http://articlecenter.info

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