Travel Tips; A checklist from the Outdoor Experts at DLK + Getting The Best Airfares

If you’re planning a road trip, a little pre-planning goes a long way toward making your journey pleasant and safe. Before you head out on the road, take the time to go through this travel checklist to be sure you’ve covered all the bases.
A. Car Safety Checklist
a. Check the fluids.
- Check the oil, and top up if necessary. Better yet, have an oil change if you’re traveling any long distances. When adding oil, always use the weight recommended for your vehicle.
b. Check all your belts for wear, cracking or tears. Have any that show signs of wear replaced.
c. Check the wiper blades. If it’s been a year or more since they’ve been replaced, do it. Trying to peer through smeared raindrops is a recipe for disaster.
d. Check your tires. Make sure that they’re inflated to recommended PSI, and that the tread isn’t dangerously worn.
B. Emergency Kit
Being prepared in an emergency can spell the difference between inconvenience and tragedy. You can purchase a roadside emergency kit with most of these items in it then add to it, or put together one of your own from scratch. In either case, keep all the items together and easily accessible so that you’ll be able to get to them if you need them.

- A flashlight is a must – most experts suggest two. Do yourself a favor and opt for the best LED flashlight you can find. LED lights tend to be far more durable and can take being knocked around in the boot of your car. They draw less power from the battery, so are less likely to run out of juice just when you need them most. A handheld torch and a lantern are both good ideas. Tossing a couple of inexpensive LED penlight flashlights in the glove can prove handy for map reading and lighting the way to the john if needed.
- A first aid kit is another must. A prepackaged one with bandages, gauze, tape, antibiotic, antiseptic and other basic first aid necessities should be fine.
- Emergency roadside flares can save your life by making you easy to see from a distance. Standard roadside flares can fail to work if they’re damp, and can be dangerous. A number of companies make LED safety lights and roadside LED safety flares that can mark your position on the road shoulder, or serve as an emergency beacon if you’re lost.
- A multi-tool or utility knife will come in handy. A fixed blade hunting knife and pocket knife will give you all the cutting edges you need for most emergency situations.
- Aerosol tire sealant can get you to the next service station in the event of a tire puncture.
- A blanket to wrap up in if need be.
- Jumper cables
- Bottled water
- An extra gallon of engine coolant. While you’re at it, tuck away an extra quart of oil and a pint of transmission fluid.

C. First Aid Kit
- Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and aspirin tablets
- Antihistamine
- Anti-nausea/motion sickness medication


D. Health and Comfort
a. Pack a cooler of healthy snacks, juices and water and keep it stocked.

There are several things that you can do to get the best airfares available. If you are planning a trip, you should plan to spend at least some of your time researching the airfare options that you have. You may be floored by the overall cost of them, but in the end, you can often find a deal if you know where to look. So, get up, get some paper and pen and find the right airfares to make your smile come back.

Finding airfare prices is easy as they are available throughout the web. But, that is not to say that the first one you find is going to be the lowest. Here are some tips to help you to find the best options when it comes to tickets.

• Be as open as possible. Simply, if you can fly virtually anytime of the day or night as well as any day of the week, you’ll be able to find a better deal than if you are restricted. Often, the least expensive times to fly are early morning hours and late night hours. Flying during the week, Tuesday through Thursday is less expensive than flying on Friday or Sunday evening.
• Add a stop. If you add in a stop along the way, you can also add a little cash back into your pocket. Again, the more options that you are okay with the less it will cost you. Look for all options that will take you to your destination.
• Use services. Yes, it is true that you can go to the airlines and book your airfare right through them. But, the very honest truth of the matter is that you will likely pay more to do just that. Airlines provide excellent prices to companies who can sell their tickets. And, because there are several companies available, they are competing and will offer you a lower rate. They are online which means it will only take you seconds to compare rates between them.

The best airfares are those that do not cost you too much. You’ll save a good amount of money by simply paying attention to what is out there. The good news is that you can find it all right online.

Article Source: http://gestbiz.com/articles

Vietnam Travel - Den Gion Ninh Chu Resort + Saigon - The City Spas

By: Linh Le Dieu

Spread over more than nine hectares, the resort is perfectly suited to its environment. Statues of Cham dancing girls, carved stone panels, and clay water jars reminded us that we were in the territory of the former Cham kingdom, which flourished in central Vietnam from the second to 15th centuries. Like the Cham towers scattered throughout this region, the resort was decorated in soft shades of red and brown.

Most of the statues in the resort were made by Dang Nang Tho, a master potter from Bau Truc village. Inspired by ancient Cham designs, Mr. Tho uses local materials to create unique sculptures. Like the statues, the rooms combined traditional motifs with modern touches. While we checked into a small villa, some adventurous guests chose to sleep in tents. Following a swim and walk on the while sand, we joined a party grilling fresh seafood over a campfire on the beach.

The sunset transformed the waves into a tapestry of colors: pale blue, green, indigo. Starting out to sea I saw a flock of

Mai fish leaping above waves, as if to welcome me to Ninh Chu Beach.

Come dark, the atmosphere was romantic. The lights from the Sakaya Restaurant were reflected on the sea, while the clay lanterns that lined the resort's paths gave the scene a cozy glow. We sat near the sea and ate fresh prawns and sashimi, washed down with wine. The lights of the squid fishing boats sparkled offshore, forming a glittering string on the horizon.

Listed as a three-star resort, when finished, Den Gion will feature 100 rooms, 36 bungalows and a campground big enough to hold 40 tents. While many visitors will be content to spend their time swimming and sunbathing, various interesting day trips are available.

Day trips
Ninh Chu Beach is surrounded by historic and scene sites - perfect for excursions should you tire of sea and surf.

Vinh Hy Bay
Visitors to Vinh Hy bay can explore the culture of the Raglai people, visit an ancient Viet fishing village, and feast on fresh seafood.

Po Klong Gairai Tower
Delicated to King Porome (1627-1651), this tower is the site of the annual Kate festival, which attracts thousands of worshippers.

Bau Truc Village
Using local clay and outdoor kilns, potters from Bau Truc village have been making jars and pots for centuries.

Ngoan Muc Pass
Ngoan Muc pass provides travelers with stunning views over Phan rang and its environs.

My Nghiep Village
East of national Highway 1A, the Cham village of My Nghiep still produces traditional Cham brocade. Visitors may watch the women working at their looms.

Nam Cuong Sand Dune
Located near the Cham village of Tuan Tu, this immense and dune is the site of various festivals. Visitors coming during Muslim holy month or Ramadan will witness colorful celebrations.

Saigon - The City Spas

If you're on a flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Tokyo or Osaka, the plane is probably full. Observe your fellow passengers and you'll note that, along with the usual crowd of businessmen in suits, there are scores of Japanese women toting overstuffed carry-on bags. Thanks to Japanese press reports about Ho Chi Minh City's great shopping bargains, the city has become a hot destination for young Japanese women eager to shop, sightsee and relax.

Relax in Ho Chi Minh City? While the city may seem anything but peaceful, some local entrepreneurs saw an opportunity in the chaos. They reasoned that after a hard day of shopping and touring, visitors were in desperate need of rejuvenation. What was missing was a spa.

Women only

With its high ceilings, polished wood trim and glittering chandelier, the front room of the Saigon Spa resembles the lobby of a swank boutique hotel. Upon entering, guests are met by young women in Chinese-style cotton blouses and skirts, who usher them into an airy waiting room where they are served cups of scented herbal tea that is said to stimulate blood circulation. From there, customers can proceed to the herbal saunas, a Jacuzzi strewn with rose petals, or various screened massage rooms. The place smells divine.

"We use more than 10 kinds of fresh herbs in the Jacuzzi that we buy from the market," says Miyuki Wada, Saigon Spa's manager. "The Japanese boss went to s traditional sauna in Cambodia and was inspired to operate in this way."

Customers can choose to be massaged with ginger oil or lemongrass, have themselves slathered in Deal Sea mud, or coated in fresh papaya pulp. Many customers - 80 percent of whom are Japanese - opt for the works the Blissful Day package takes six hours, costs US$110, and involves a shower and herbal steam bath, a body scrub, a Dead Sea mud wrap, an aromatherapy massage, a dip in the b=herbal spa, a collagen facial treatment, a manicure and pedicure, foot reflexology, a paraffin hand treatment and a snack.

Catering only to women, this Japanese-Vietnamese joint venture opened in February 2002.

Secret Garden

Spa Tropic opened a month later, in March 2002. Run by Thuy Do, a Vietnamese-American woman, this spa is both smaller and more low-key than the Saigon Spa. Set in an old French villa down a small lane off busy Hai Ba Trung Street, it feels like a well-kept secret. "It's a nice surprise for people who do find it," says Ms. Thuy. International expats and Japanese tourists comprise most of the clientele.

With its white alls and simple furnishings, Spa Tropic has a spare, Zen-like vibe, complete with a tint Japanese-style garden. "I chose a villa to give it character and make it distinctly Vietnamese", says Ms. Thuy. "I wanted a fresh, contemporary and clean look."

Customers don loose clothes and lie on futons on the floor for their massages, choosing between deep-tissue Swedish massage and a more vigorous style of Thai - inspired Shiatsu. An hour-long massage costs US$22.

All of the aromatherapy and massage oils are imported, although Ms. Thuy plans to incorporate some traditional Vietnamese medicinal plants into her treatments. One new body scrub employs powdered rau ma - a herb typically steeped to make a cooling drink - mixed with soy milk to cool, soothe and exfoliate the skin. This scrub is followed by a light massage with lemongrass and kafir-lime oils.

Beauty Cures

The newest beauty spot in town is Qi Saigon, a large spa near the airport that uses products from the Label Qi, an offshoot of the Japanese cosmetics firm Shiseido. "It's the same company but more luxurious," explains manager Mai Thu Phuong. Ms. Phuong estimates that 70 percent of Qi's customers are Japanese.

With 100 staff and separate floors for men and women, Qi Saigon is the city's biggest spa. The ground floor features a hair salon while the top floor houses a bar. In contrast to the old-fashioned Asian vibe of its competitors, Qi is sleekly modern. Pale pink decor, curved walls, glass blocks, mirrors and polished chrome equipment give customers the sense that they're patients in an upscale medical clinic.

The emphasis here is on skin treatments. Along with massages, Qi offers facial treatments said to reduce the effects of aging, whiten the skin, and reduce acne. Hour-long facials cost US$33 to US$63.

While Japanese visitors and expats now account for most of these spa's customers, it's only a matter of time before this trend catches on among stressed-out Vietnamese urbanites. "High-income Vietnamese are exploring different options, but many still focus on beauty instead of health and relaxation", reports Ms. Thuy of Saigon Tropic. As the pressures of urban life continue to take their toll, it's not just tired tourists who'll be willing to splurge on spa treatments. After all, a few blissful hours of being pampered can feel like a mini vacation.

# 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.

Disney Cruise Ports of Call

by: Stephanie Larkin


Disney Cruise Ports of Call

While the Disney cruise ships themselves are a fabulous vacation destination, they are also a floating 'Fantasyland', traveling to beautiful and exotic ports of call. If you can manage to tear yourself away from the activities and amenities of the Disney cruise ships for a few hours, many wonderful adventures await you when the ship docks.

The Disney Wonder departs each Sunday from Port Canaveral for a 4 night cruise, and again each Thursday for a 3 night cruise. Both itineraries include stops at Nassau, Bahamas and Castaway Cay, Disney's own private island paradise. The 4 night cruise also includes either one day at sea, or an additional stop at Freeport, Bahamas.

The Disney Magic departs from Port Canaveral each Saturday for a 7 night cruise, and it alternates between cruising the eastern Caribbean and the western Caribbean. The Eastern Caribbean cruise includes stops at St. Thomas/St. John, St. Maarten and Castaway Cay, while the Western Caribbean itinerary includes stops at Key West. Cozumel, Grand Caymen and Castaway Cay.

This summer of 2007. The Disney Magic has departed from its usual journey around the Caribbean, and instead has traveled across the Atlantic to cruise the Mediterranean for the summer months. It is departing from Barcelona, Spain for 10 and 11 night cruises to beautiful cities on the Mediterranean, with stops in Italy, France, Spain and Sicily. Next summer, the Disney Magic will travel through the Panama Canal to spend the summer on the Mexican Riviera, with stops at Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallerta and Mazatlan.

Beware that the passport rules for American travelers have changed, and may or may not affect your travel plans. As of today, passports are required for all travel across borders by air - including Mexico, the Bahamas and the Caribbean, but not for travelers who arrive by cruise ship. They are planning to make passports required for cruise ship travelers soon - perhaps as early as January, so be sure to keep posted as to the rules. Even when passports are not required, having one certainly makes disembarking much quicker, and the wait for passports is extremely long due to the changing rules, so if you need a passport, be sure to apply sooner rather than later.

Cruise Port of Call: Docking at Key West

by: Stephanie Larkin


Cruise Port of Call: Docking at Key West

History

Key West is the southernmost point in the continental United States, and it is as well know for Ernest Hemingway as sunset celebrations. It was originally settled by the Spanish, who calle the island ‘Cayo Hueso’, which means Island of the Bones, as the treacherous reefs nearby sank many ships before the lighthouse was erected. When the English came in, ‘Cayo Hueso’ evolved into Key West. Many famous artists and writers have called Key West home, including Ernest Hemingway, Thornton Wilder, Robert Frost, Tennessee Williams and James Audubon. The island declared its independence as the “Conch Republic” in 1982 to protest a federal roadblock which blocked the one access road – US 1 – to Key West. That certainly raised media attention enough to stop the government, but to this day, many islanders still fly the ‘Conch Republic’ flag.

Things to Do

There are no real beaches to speak of in Key West – the shoreline is quite rocky – but if your are interested in enjoying the water, there is still plenty to do. Adventure-lovers can book shore excursions (or independent trips) which include sailing, kayaking, fishing or snorkeling, or book a ride on a catamaran, schooner or glass-bottomed boat. There is plenty to see for the landlubbers, including beautiful architecture, plenty of museums, shops and famous saloons, such as the original hangouts of Ernest Hemingway and Jimmy Buffet. Of course, don’t miss the sumset celebration at Mallory Square!

Getting Around

Key West is walking town, and just about everything you would want to see is just a short walk from the dock. There are also tram tours (like the non-stop Conch Tour Train), the Old Town Trolley, which makes 9 stops, the bus system (two buses continually run around the island – one clockwise and the other counter-clockwise) and taxis if you would prefer not to walk. You can also rent a scooter if you are feeling a bit more adventurous.

Weather

Key West’s laid-back lifestyle matches its subtropical weather. Temperatures here range from about 70-85 degrees Fahrenheit. Enjoy your day ashore at Key West!

Cruise Port of Call: Nassau, Bahamas

by: Stephanie Larkin


History

The Bahamas were discovered by Christopher Columbus during his first voyage. He called the area “baja mar”, which means low or shallow sea, and the name stayed to this day. The British arrived in the 1600s after the Spaniards had left in search of gold, and many British fleeing the American Revolution settled there, along with southerners during the American Civil War. The Bahamas became an independent member of the British Commonwealth in 1973.

Nassau, the capital city, is located on New Providence Island. There are many historic sights including the Government House, the Queen’s Staircase and the statue of Queen Victoria in Parliament Square.

Things to Do

Nassau is a fun port to visit, and you can do everything from swimming with the dolphins to shopping at the Straw Market. You may choose to explore Nassau on your own, or sign up for a shore excursion to the nearby Atlantis resort on Paradise Island. Here is a list of some of the more popular activities in Nassau:

Take a harbor cruise around Nassau harbor;

Enjoy snorkeling or scuba diving in the beautiful coral reefs;

Have a once-in-a-lifetime encounter swimming with dolphins;

Enjoy the beach and casino at Cable Beach or Paradise Island;

Tour the Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island, which includes a unique themed aquarium; or

Enjoy a relaxing day shopping on Bay Street for unique items from around the world.

Getting Around

Getting around Nassau is relatively easy, whether you decide upon a shore excursion or to explore on your own. If you are planning on staying in town to enjoy the shops and sights, than a self-guided walking tour may be your best bet. If you are planning to visit the beaches and casinos at either Cable Beach, or across the bridge at Paradise Island, taxis and jitneys are available as you leave the wharf.

Weather

They say that it’s ‘better in the Bahamas’, and concerning the weather – they are generally correct! Temperature in this subtropical area range from about 70-90 degrees Fahrenheit, with warm ocean breezes. Enjoy a beautiful day in the Bahamas!

Freeport, Bahamas

by: Stephanie Larkin


Freeport, Bahamas

History
The Bahamas were discovered by Christopher Columbus during his first voyage. He called the area "baja mar", which means low or shallow sea, and the name stayed to this day. The British arrived in the 1600s after the Spaniards had left in search of gold, and many British fleeing the American Revolution settled there, along with southerners during the American Civil War. The Bahamas became an independent member of the British Commonwealth in 1973.

Freeport, and the nearby resort area of Port Lucaya, are located on Grand Bahama Island, which is the fourth largest island of the Bahamas. They were developed over the past 50 years to be resort areas, as opposed to other Caribbean towns which grew out of a historic area.

Things to Do

While docked in Freeport/Port Lucaya, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy, including golf, shopping, snorkeling, boating, and visiting the beaches and casinos. There are also beautiful natural wonders to explore at the Lucayan National Park, the Rand Nature Center and the Garden of the Groves. UNEXSO - which stands for Underwater Exploration Society - offers some of the best snorkel, scuba and dolphin encounter experiences anywhere.

Getting Around

Both Freeport and Port Lucaya are a bit of a hike from the cruise terminal, so if you aren't part of a shore excursion - which includes transportation - you'll need to take a taxi or scooter rental to get around.

Weather

They say that it's 'better in the Bahamas', and concerning the weather - they are generally correct! Temperatures in this subtropical area range from about 70-90 degrees Fahrenheit, with warm ocean breezes.

Castaway Cay

by: Stephanie Larkin


Castaway Cay - a Private Disney-owned Island in the Bahamas

If you are booked on a Disney Cruise, you will surely stop at Castaway Cay, Disney's own private piece of paradise in the Bahamas. Your day on shore is certainly sure to be a highlight of your trip, as Disney had done everything possible to transform this island into a relaxing getaway for you and your family.

History

The Bahamas were discovered by Christopher Columbus during his first voyage. He called the area "baja mar", which means low or shallow sea, and the name stayed to this day. The British arrived in the 1600s after the Spaniards had left in search of gold, and many British fleeing the American Revolution settled there, along with southerners during the American Civil War. The Bahamas became an independent member of the British Commonwealth in 1973.

Disney purchased the island - formerly known as Gorda Cay - in the 1990s, and spent over $25 million fixing it up, including dredging out the harbor so that the large Disney cruise ships could dock directly on the island without a tender.

Things to Do

There are so many things to do on Castaway Cay - from exhilarating water sports to relaxing cabana massages. Lunch is served right on the island at Cookie's BBQ, so there's no need to stop your fun to refuel. There's also an adult-only lunch served at Castaway Cay Air Bar-B-Q, located at the adult-only beach at Serenity Bay. (There is also a teen-only beach, so there is truly a patch of sand for everyone!) While on the island, rentals are available for bicycles, floats and snorkel gear, and there is also parasailing and banana boat rides to enjoy. Various sports and games - everything from volleyball and shuffleboard to billiards and ping-pong - abound. Disney characters make photo appearances on Castaway Cay, and there is a supervised playground at Scuttle's Cove for the kids.

Getting Around

Getting around Castaway Cay couldn't be easier - you simply walk right off the boat down the path to the beach area - or you can hop on the tram to take you to the main guest areas, or further on to Serenity Bay, the adult-only area.

Weather

They say that it's 'better in the Bahamas', and concerning the weather - they are generally correct! Temperatures in this subtropical area range from about 70-90 degrees Fahrenheit, with warm ocean breezes. Enjoy! - you can't go wrong on Castaway Cay with just some sunscreen and a hat!

Cruise Packing Tips

by: Stephanie Larkin


Packing Tips

Packing for a cruise can be quite a daunting task - when else are you expected to show up in everything from a bathing suit to an evening gown, yet are allotted such little closet space? Some things to consider when packing your bags:

At the cruise terminal - or even at the airport if you have an air/sea or a land/sea package - your luggage is taken by the porters to be brought to your room. The cruise line will tell you that it is possible that you won't have your bags until after dinner (it is generally quicker, but there are no guarantees), so you want to be sure to have bathing suits, dinner clothes and your toiletries in your carry-on just in case.

Another thing you want to think about when packing is what type of luggage will work out best. Some cruise lines offer to store your empty bags during the duration of the cruise (call ahead to check), but if they don't, you may want to consider soft-sided luggage - storage in your cabin is at a premium! - and if there are several people sharing the same cabin, it would be even more helpful if your luggage nested inside each other.

Now that we've discussed your actual luggage - and how long it might be before you see it again – perhaps the last item to consider is what you are putting in the bags. There are many things to consider - formal and semi-formal dinners, sporting events, shore excursions, casual days - and because of the whole space issue, you want to be sure to choose wisely. Consider clothing in complementary colors, so that every item matches other things you have brought, think wrinkle-free and low maintenance as much as possible, and cut out excess as much as possible (large shampoo bottles, etc.). If you are traveling with other people - in your cabin or otherwise - see if there is anything that can be shared, such as irons, steamers, hair dryers and similar supplies. Remember, it was no less a person that Sherlock Holmes (even though he’s fictional!) who pointed out that if the walls don’t distend, then only the absolute necessities belong with you, and you need to keep them accessible!

A Vacation To Remember in London, England

by: Rene Smith


My time in London was set right in the middle of my month long overseas adventure. From Christchurch, New Zealand I’d traveled through Bangkok and onto the majestic city of London. Just flying over the area was exciting; looking down on the Thames River was great and for some reason reminded me of the Eastenders TV programme.

After settling in at my sister’s apartment I got some valuable sleep, traveling can be great fun but the jet lag can quickly bring you back down to earth. The next day I headed out to St Paul’s Cathedral, it’s an amazing monument and was well worth the visit. After taking the usual touristy photos in front of St Paul’s I moved on to the Tate Modern Art Gallery. They had some really fascinating exhibitions on at the time with some great sculptures and art work.

Heading out to lunch reminded me of how expensive everything is in London after you’ve exchanged New Zealand dollars to British Pounds, after coming from the very cheap Bangkok; I realized that this part of my holiday was going to be expensive. Holidays are all about spending money though so it was time to move on and spend some more.

Being a huge sporting fan I was very keen to get to Wimbledon to watch some tennis. After the first day got rained off I decided to make the journey to the grounds and see what my chances of getting in were. Turned out that I just had to wait in line, a particularly massive line! Luckily waiting in line turned out to be part of the fun, I received my queue card, my official guide to queuing handbook and numerous other goodies that were dropped off to those who were waiting so patiently. We waited in the line for an hour and a half in the end which wasn’t too bad, especially when you compare it to the other line of people who were queuing for good tickets to the following days play!

As I walked into the legendary Wimbledon complex I realized that this was so much more than a few tennis courts, it was like a small town it was so big. I watched some games on the outer courts first, had to pinch myself that I was actually watching tennis at Wimbledon, where were my strawberries and cream? After having some fun checking out the speed of my own tennis serve I ventured towards the main courts, I managed to purchase some resale tickets to the main courts and ended up watching both Raphael Nadal and Andy Murray, couldn’t believe my luck! The atmosphere was amazing, even for so early in the tournament.

The next day involved lots of time in the underground and on foot as I made my way around London’s Museums. I went to the Science, Victoria & Albert, Natural History and British Museums and thoroughly enjoyed each one, just the buildings were impressive. I particularly enjoyed seeing all Egyptian and Greek artifacts such as vases, statues and the Rosetta stone. It’s a shame I had limited time because there was so many interesting things to see.

For dinner we went out to the Ivy, a very posh restaurant that my sister had booked well in advance. The food was good and the atmosphere nice, if not slightly pretentious. After a few drinks at a local pub we meandered back to Clapham Common and my sister’s apartment. It had been a great day of sightseeing and certainly one I wouldn’t forget any time soon. Luckily I had bought enough memory on my digital camera to last me a lifetime because I was taking a lot of photos.

London is full of amazing sights and to do it justice you would have to spend weeks exploring its vast areas. The only problem is that it can take a long time to get from A to B so you have to be prepared for some frustrating times whether it’s delays on the underground or huge lines at famous attractions. Luckily you’ll never find yourself disappointed with what you find in London, it’s a destination that should be on every traveler’s to do list.

Travelling with Your Camera

by: Suzanne VanDegrift


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.

The Disney Cruise Ships

by: Stephanie Larkin


Disney' cruise ships - the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder - embody the style and spirit of the grand ocean liners of days gone by, coupled with every modern amenity you have come to expect from a premiere cruise line. The two ships are basically identical save for some decorating details - the Wonder is decked out in an Art Nouveau style, while the Magic is fashioned in an Art Deco style - and the names of some of the restaurants and clubs. Both ships incorporate an interesting dining rotation, whereby your tablemates (in fact- the entire dining room full of guests) is rotated through the 3 restaurants along with your servers and wait staff, so that you get to experience a different restaurant each night without sacrificing the careful attention and pampering of having your own servers. And what restaurants they are - Parrots Cay embodies a fun, tropical flavor (and incidentally serves a fabulous breakfast buffet, and Disney characters often drop by unannounced, so be sure to have those cameras and autograph books handy!). Animator's Palate is a most unique restaurant where the décor starts out black, white and grey, but by the end of the meal is a full burst of colors and Disney pictures, all coordinated with a musical soundtrack, and Lumiere's/Triton's, which is an elegant restaurant decorated with beautiful mosaics depicting scenes from The Little Mermaid on the Disney Wonder and Beauty and the Beast on the Disney Magic.

Both ships have a variety of features and activities designed exclusively for the younger set, including a family pool and water slide (fashioned as Mickey's gloved hand), snack bars poolside serving chicken nuggets, French fries and ice cream, a fully-equipped kids 'camp' open 'till midnight with counselors, great activities, play areas and computers, great Disney-themed shoes (including one starring all of the kids onboard, assisted by their counselors), and more characters than you could ever meet at Disney World. All of this attention to the kids certainly doesn't shortchange the adults, who are treated to their own pool and spas, adult-only restaurant (make reservations as soon as you board- Paolo's is a big hit), adult clubs, and even their own beautiful, private cove on the beach at Disney' own Castaway Cay island paradise.

Rooms on the Disney Cruise ships are about 25% larger than comparable rooms on other cruise ships, and many include a unique split 1 1/2 bath, to make getting ready easier for families. There is certainly more food than you could eat or activities you could participate in to fill several cruises, and you'll certainly find yourself wishing that the cruise were longer - or start planning your next cruise before you even disembark!