4 Tips to Get Better Personalized Travel Mugs

4 Tips to Get Better Personalized Travel Mugs
By John Hanksworth

Personalized travel mugs are great for those who love taking drinks with them wherever they go. Travel mugs can be used to keep coffee while one is on the road. There are a wide variety of mugs available. They can even be personalized to reflect an individuals unique interests, tastes, etc. However, many people do not know how to get a better personalized travel mug. Following these four simple tips should help make the process go much more smoothly.

1. Consider what you want before you go searching for it. Think about your interests, your likes and dislikes, what you would want to take on the road with you, and what would be a good reflection of your character. Too many people rush themselves when selecting products. In order to avoid getting bored with your travel mug, you should carefully think about what you want it to say, and how you want it to look. Having a plan beforehand will also make the search for a mug go much faster than it would otherwise.

2. Think about price. Travel mugs can have a wide range of prices. Depending on how much you are willing to spend, you should select your mug accordingly. If you are buying in bulk (for employees, coworkers, or family members), then slight price differences can add up. At the same time, more expensive travel mugs may be more aesthetically pleasing than some of the simpler mugs. Price should even be considered by someone buying a mug for personal use, considering that he or she may want to consider buying more than one (for replacement purposes, and for use in different places, such as work and home).

3. Keep the type of travel mug you want in mind. Travel mugs come in all shapes and sizes. Unfortunately, some people get a travel mug that does not fit in their cars cup holder! Think about how much coffee you drink in the morning. Do you really need the biggest travel mug available? Some mugs have handles while other mugs do not. Knowing your preferences before customizing a mug can make it a painless search.

4. Search for different personalized travel mug sites. There are many sites on the internet that personalize travel mugs. Be sure to search around and find the site that will best fit you. Youll want to order from a site that offers good service and selection. To save time, utilize search engines to find the site that works best for you.

John Hanksworth recommends QualityLogoProducts.coms promotional travel mugs.

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Whale Watching in South Africa

Whale Watching in South Africa
By Marius Bezuidenhout

At the southern tip of Africa, where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet, you can enjoy some of the most exciting land based whale watching anywhere in the world.

Year after year Southern Right whales come to the coastal waters of South Africas Western Cape to calve. These whales are within metres of the rocky coast and between June and November you can get extremely close to some of these amazing mammals. Humpbacks also migrate to this area between May and December, and Bryde's whales can be spotted all year round, although they are never so close to the shore.

Some of the best places in the Western Cape to view these gentle giants are Lamberts Bay, Gansbaai, Hout bay, Betties Bay and top of the best spots is Walker bay in Hermanus. At Hermanus the Whale Crier will let you know of whale sightings, he is quite a character, playing tunes on his seaweed, to call the whales into the bay!

Hermanus is fast gaining a reputation as one of the top land based whale watching places in the world, at the height of the season there can be literally hundreds of whales in the bay, and there can be thousands of people just sitting watching. The busiest time in the town is during the Whale Festival in September, there are shows, events, stands and just generally a busy happiness to Hermanus.

From Hermanus Harbour you can take a Whale watching boat trip, certain trip operators have special licences that can get you closer to the whales that others, but during the season you are almost guaranteed a good sighting. Unlicensed boats by law are not allowed to get closer than 300m to any kind of whale. These can be quite pricy about 400 ZAR per person for 2 3 hours but at the correct time of year you are almost certain to have a close encounter with a whale!

Southern Right whales migrate from Antarctica to the sheltered bays of the South African Coastline to rear their calves. Rumour has it that the reason they come specifically to the area along this coast is for the high calcium content in the water, which is good for them and there new born calves. An adult southern right whale can be up to 15 metres long and weigh up to 60 tonnes. The whales are so named as it was once thought hat they were the right whale to kill by the harpoon ships that patrol the waters around the southern hemisphere. Thankfully today whales are protected and the numbers are steadily increasing.

Visit Explore South Africa to find out more about Whale watching in Hermanus - some of the best in the Southern Hemisphere.

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4 Things You Can Do To Make A Cheap Family Vacation Memorable

4 Things You Can Do To Make A Cheap Family Vacation Memorable
By Robert Alderton

Are you among those that might not have Disneyland, Universal Studios or a Las Vegas family vacation first on your agenda but rather looking for a cheap family vacation, we have good news for you. As a matter of fact, there are many places that can even make your vacation trip more memorable that a theme park visit. However, to be able to find such vacation tours for a reasonable amount, you have to do a little creative planning. The success of your family vacation will be in reverse ratio to careful planning. Planning a vacation together with your family can be fun as well.

Go On A Camping Trip

Among the ways for a budget vacation, Camping is one of the best. If you ever have vacationed as a family on a budget, then you may already have some of the camping gear that are required. With a tent and sleeping bags as well as a few bare necessities you are ready to go. Make sure though, that everyone is in agreement to camping out. If not it might turn out to be a nightmare.

Get A Discount Family Vacation

Another way to get a decent family vacation is to look for the discounted vacations if they are not having idea about camping. Go online; there are many websites that offer such discounted vacation packages. Some of them offer budgeted rooms and bargain vacations if you just know where to look. Perform a web search for 'Discounted Travel' and you will find scores of options. You will also find that hotel rooms can be reserved using these travel discount centers for half the price if you bargain shop and search several of the websites. Isn't that something?!?

Bartering For Your Vacation

Bartering for your vacation is another way and actually a very real possible option as well. You will find websites which will offer trade-outs for families looking to vacation in your area enabling you to vacation in their area. This can even be a vast savings. The bartering options could be a surprise for you. Let's say that you and your family wants to have a vacation along the Gulf Coast Beaches, you may be surprised to learn that a family desires a vacation for the Bristol Motor Speedway race in August and if it just so happens that you live in Bristol, you may have a family vacation opportunity of a lifetime.

Creative Planning is a must

Families vacationing with a budget on a shoestring do have to pull out all of the stops in order to realize a happy medium that everyone in the family can live with. You might need to switch on your computer, go online and plan accordingly. When planning a family vacation you must have flexible attitude. If you think camping is the route you need to take but your teenage daughter is afraid to tent camp or your nerd of a son can't stand it, then search campgrounds for the very simple cabins that often are nothing more than a log home shell with bunk beds and modern bathroom. Still, if they need a locked door over night, a simple $10 or $20 will make them safe at night.

For a successful vacation it is important that you involve the whole family and identify as many cheap vacations that they can take. Disneyland, Dollywood's water park trips as well as other theme parks can be postponed for the next year's vacation. Look for some locations that can make you all spend a good time together that even creates a bonding between all of you.

Robert Alderton is a writer and internet publisher who enjoys to publish quality information about family vacation and related issues. Read more at the website Vacation4Family.com.

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4 Strategies for Finding a Good Travel Agent

4 Strategies for Finding a Good Travel Agent
By Jerrick Foo

The travel industry is a cut-throat one. Facing stiff competition, low profit margins and competition from online travel portals, travel agents is not an occupation for the faint-hearted.

With cut-throat competition abound in the industry; its no wonder that rip-off stories and bad service by travel agents has rocked the confidence of holiday-makers. So are you still wondering if it is still possible to find a travel agent that is good enough for you? Here's how you can find a creditable travel agent for yourself.

Travel objectives

Know what you want first before you approach a travel agent. Write them down if necessary. No point finding a travel agent that can only offer you a land-based package when you are interested in a cruise instead. It's simply wasting their time and yours.

Flexibility in pricing

A good travel agent should be one that you can negotiate with. Airlines are offering travel agents lower commission than before. Hence, there is every chance that they want to earn what they have lost from from you instead. Be brave and ask for discounts if you feel you are not getting what you are paying for.

Network

Word of mouth is powerful. Usually the best way to know if a travel agent is good is to use your network of contacts to find them. Check out who has use who. Find out what is the service level these travel agents have been providing, and the ratings the received from your contacts. This can gives you a very good idea of the competency of the travel agent.

Long term relationship

Unless you are planning to use the travel agent service only once, it is good for you to let them know you are seeking a long term relationship with them. If the travel agent knows he can expect repeat business from you, chances are, they will work harder to earn your respect. Shape their behavior and reward them if they improving. Refer him to others if you like. This can create some goodwill the next time you book a package with them.

Last of all, the best tip I have for you is, when you have found a travel agent that you like, stick with them!

Jerrick is an avid traveler and publisher of All Inclusive Travel Tips where you can find out more to help you with your travel needs.

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Cruising the Popular Holiday Choice

Cruising - the Popular Holiday Choice
By John Gibb

Cruises are currently in the middle of a big resurgence in popularity. For a few years, it seemed like cruises might have been killed off by an age of ever-faster trains and cheap flights, but something about the romance and the luxury of the experience has managed to keep them alive. For most cruisers today, the cruise is no longer about a way to travel in style from one place to another instead, its all about enjoying your time on the boat itself, living the sea life and relaxing on the ocean waves. This has led to a shift in focus, from trying to make the ship go as fast as possible to it taking weeks for it to get anywhere.

The nice thing about cruises is that your holiday starts as soon as you get on the ship: theres no sitting around in departure lounges and on planes. Most big cities have a port somewhere nearby, and the chances are that there are cruises no more than a few hours drive away from you.

So what can you do once youre on a cruise ship? Modern cruise ships are basically like big, luxurious floating hotels, and are often truly huge, big enough to include a whole towns worth of facilities. The worlds largest ship is currently Freedom of the Seas, and listing everything on board would take a long time: it includes swimming pools and a water park, shops and cafes, an ice rink, a boxing ring, and more. The second-largest, the Queen Mary II, is arguably even better equipped, with restaurants and bars, a casino, swimming pools and a planetarium among other things.

The best thing to do, though, is just sit back and relax. Because cruise ships are open at the top, its no trouble for them to set sail down towards the equator and give you some real sun to enjoy. All you need to do is wake up, get out of your room and go up on deck, and youre set.

John Gibb is the owner of cruise guidance. For more information on cruises please check out http://www.cruise-extreme3k.info

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San Francisco Bay Charter's Handbook Suggested 2 Day Trip

San Francisco Bay Charter's Handbook- Suggested 2 Day Trip
By Bob Diamond

Suggested 2 day trip

South Beach Harbor at Pier 40 in San Francisco is a great destination for a first overnight cruise. It's a reasonable distance from Redwood City. At about 20 miles, it's only 4 hours away even at the stately speed of 5 knots. The harbor is easy to find, easy to get in and out, and easy to maneuver in. There are facilities such as heads and showers and lots of restaurants and other shops ashore.

We suggest you plan your trip on a weekend when there is morning maximum ebb approximately between 9:00 and 10:30. This will give you a favorable current heading up to San Francisco in the morning and favorable current coming back in the afternoon the next day. If you leave Redwood City as late as the time of maximum current, you'll be arriving about the time the current goes slack. This would give you plenty of time to get to South Beach and may even give you enough time to sail past Pier 40 and the Bay Bridge to check out the North Bay, Alcatraz Island, etc. before settling in at South Beach Harbor.

Make your reservations with harbor office at (415) 495-4911. The overnight fee is $1.00 per foot. There is also a $50 key deposit, which can be done with an authorized credit card. The harbor master monitors VHF channel 16 if you need to call via marine radio.

Pac Bell Park is within walking distance and there are several restaurants in the area. Take advantage of the extra time the next day to explore the North Bay a little before heading back to Redwood City. Just allow about 4 hours of sailing time from the Bay Bridge for the trip south. It's likely you'll have the wind in your favor the whole way and if it's a normal spring or summer day there will be lots of it. What a way to finish a weekend sail!

For more information please visit our website at http://www.spinnakersailing.comFor this article in its entirety including links and photos go to: http://www.spinnakersailing.com/noframes/charters/sbcharterhandbook.htm

Bob Diamond has been head sailing instructor at Spinnaker Sailing since 1984.

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Tips For Choosing The Best Cruise Vacations

Tips For Choosing The Best Cruise Vacations
By Paolo Basauri

How would you like your next cruise vacations to be? The single most important part when looking for the best cruise vacations is planning. And planning begins with choosing not only the right destinations but also the right cruise line.

It all depends on what your preferences are (weather, duration, comfort, etc) That picture may look nice on the brochure, but can you really stand the Caribbean Sun? You may also check in what type of cruise youre preparing to embark. There are many types of cruises available: family cruises, Christian cruises, all inclusive cruises, Christmas cruises, golf cruises, single cruises, luxury cruises and more, each one with their own particularities and activities within the cruise

As you see choosing the best cruise vacations is not that easy because then you have to pick the cruise line, and there is some heavy competition, among the cruise lines are Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Holland America plus a lot more. But dont despair, a good travel agent will definitely help you tailor the best cruise vacations you can have.

Here are some tips you should take in consideration when planning for the best cruise vacations:

Keep in mind your lifestyle. Does the cruise activities and fellow travellers feel right for you? Thinking about this will help avoid feeling uncomfortable during your trip. Some cruises even require you to have certain type of clothing if you want to attend their restaurants or events.

Plan ahead how the weather is going to be. Nothing is more frustrating that vacations going bad because of the weather, if you cant stand too much sun you should think twice going on a Caribbean Cruise.

Consider the itinerary. The pace of the itinerary is also important, some cruises spend more time at sea than others.

Be on the lookout for unnecessary charges.

Get all the help you need from your travel agent. Ask all the questions you have. Trust me, it is better to find out about some things before taking the cruise.

Final tip, just have fun! This should be the top priority on a vacation. If you feel you will spend more time in your vacations worried, take another cruise.

Paolo Basauri, is an expert author who writes for Best Cruise VacationsA site specialized in cruise travel all over the world.

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The Beaches of Andalusia

The Beaches of Andalusia
By Diane McCalley

A vacation to the beaches of Andalusia is a trip out of the ordinary. From expansive, sandy beaches to rocky headlines and sandy coves, Andalusias beaches have something for everyone.

Starting from the west is the area of Costa de la Luz. Translated it means Coast of Light. If a place is called coast of light theres a good reason to believe you can soak up the sun to your hearts content. And, indeed you can.

One must see beach is Bolonia Beach, which brags beautiful, soft white sand and clear water, perfect for sunbathing or swimming.

Other beaches of note in Costa de la Luz include the beaches of Isla Cristina. Facilities include showers and toilets, and you can rent Parasols and sun loungers. What makes this beach breathtaking is that it is backed by sand dunes and pine woods.

If you must stray from the beaches of Costa de la Luz, then a drive on the Calle Facinas or Facinas Road is in order. This road, created as a Roman highway, goes through the Parque Natural de los Alcornocales, a beautiful national park. Aside from the beauty of the park, visitors have the opportunity to stop at Roman ruins along their drive.

Moving along the coast to the east is Costa del Sol, the most developed coastal area in Andalusia. Again, the word sol (meaning sun) is another clue that sunbathing is a popular pastime here. If youre the type who relishes getting those last rays of the day, try heading to Playa Del Cristo, Estepona, one of the only beaches on this coast to face west, which will ensure the sun worshiper the maximum amount of sunshine.

Playa Del Cristo is also an area known for its family atmosphere. Of particular note for those with children, El Cristo Beach provides a sheltered cove, ideal for the young ones.

Another beach in the Costa del Sol area not is Mistral Beach, which is situated between San Pedro de Alcantara and Puerto Banus. Mistral Beach boasts panoramic views of much of Costa del Sol, and also offers fabulous restaurants.

Moving along toward Granada Province is Costa Tropical, probably the least known of all the coastal areas of Granada. But dont let this stop you, for this area boasts a rocky coastline of isolated sandy coves. Key word here is isolated. That means you dont have to fight all the other tourists for your own piece of Heaven. And while youre there, treat yourself to the great diving opportunities Costa Tropical provides.

Now we come to the most eastern coastal area of Andalusia. If you cant decide whether you want isolation or popular tourist spots, then Costa de Almeria is for you. There are seven golf courses, with more on the way. And since Costa de Almeria offers the best climate in all of Spain, theres a great chance your stay will be picture perfect. And there are plenty of recreational activities to choose from, including scubadiving, windsurfing, mountain biking and caving.

For those seeking isolation, head on over to Playa de los uertos, where you will find expansive, isolated beaches. For the more adventurous among you, try Vera Playa, famous for its large naturist beach. What is a naturist beach, you ask? You might know it by another name - nudist beach. Vera Playa is known as the center of nudism in Andalusia, and there are a number of nudist hotels, apartments and camping facilities to choose from.

Whether its sunbathing (nude or clothed), a round of golf (clothed), a good swim, or just exploring the wonders of nature, Andalusia is a destination you cant miss.

Diane McCalley is a frequent traveler and owner of a Travel Planning website and Location Wedding blog.

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4 Steps to an Enjoyable Hike

4 Steps to an Enjoyable Hike
By Kathy Burns-Millyard

Some people have fought many years of their lives to preserve the rich heritage of the outdoors and nature we now enjoy. That dedication and effort has been rewarded by fantastic hiking opportunities in our local, state, and national park systems. In honor of their efforts, let's break out of our winter hibernation and venture into the crisp, clean outdoor air and hit some of those dirt trails. Let's Go Hiking!

Here are 4 steps to having an enjoyable hike, no matter where your feet decide to take you.

1. Know the area you will be hiking in to. Although many states, like California, Colorado, or Wyoming have exceptional hiking hot spots, even your local park will have some kind of useful information. Whether it's a website with information and trail details, or a map at the park office, trailhead, or visitor center, always check before you head out on your hike so you know what to expect.

2. Know the conditions you will be facing, wherever you go. Nothing is worse than traveling to a hiking destination only to miss the hike, because it was raining or freezing and you weren't prepared. If the trail is flooded out, or snowy conditions have shut it down for an extended period, you should be able to find this out as well. It is also good to know if there are any plants or animals to watch out for at your hiking location. Wiping with poison ivy won't feel good in the morning.

3. Wear clothing that works and fits the terrain and hike conditions. There are many options in your clothing arsenal, to keep yourself comfortable, here are a couple of pointers:

- Try and stay away from cotton. Instead, look for synthetic and natural fibers that pull moisture away from your body, or at least stay warm when wet.

- Also, go for layers to keep yourself warm, versus carrying around a huge parka, in case you are hit by a freak snowstorm.

- The two most important pieces of clothing for any hiker, are good socks and good shoes. Don't underestimate the pain a hike can cause with uncomfortable shoes and socks.

- Finally, a hat in cold weather is a great addition, since your body loses over half its heat through your head.

4. In addition to knowing the weather conditions, you will need to be prepared with a first aid kit that's appropriate for the hiking you will be doing. In most cases a simple kit will do. You can pick up a simple first aid kit at a local department or sporting goods store. Or you can build you own, which should include these basics:

- Different sizes and shapes of bandages and gauzes.

- Various types of tape for wounds or fixing tools.

- Suntan lotion.

- A light emergency blanket (preferably with some kind of water resistance).

- Aspirin, allergy, laxative, and anti-diuretic medications.

- Small multi-use tool with a knife, scissors, and a needle and thread.

- A cell phone can come in very handy in emergencies.

It's a good idea to pack all of this in a waterproof bag or container.

Using these tips, your next hiking adventure should be quite comfortable, safe, and enjoyable!

Additional information and resources for this article can be found at: http://www.dohiking.com/articles/56/4-steps-to-an-enjoyable-hike/

2005 This article is provided courtesy of DoHiking.com

This article may be freely published on any website, as long as the links are live, and this notice is left intact.

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Phuket Jewel of the Andaman Sea

Phuket - Jewel of the Andaman Sea
By Richard Meyer

The largest and most accessible island in Thailand, Phuket, lying off the South West coast, is also one of the most diverse and developed. It is blessed with a wealth of natural resources to entice the visitor. Lime stone cliffs, white sand beaches, rocky headlands, peaceful sweeping bays and a forested tropical interior. Alongside its natural assets Phuket has a range of accommodation and entertainment to offer something for everyone.

Phuket island is about 850 kilometers South of Bangkok. The province covers 590 square kilometers including the additional 39 small islands. The main island itself covers about 540 kilometer square and measures 48 kilometers North to South and 21 kilometers East to West.

As the island is the biggest in Thailand you can find quite beaches and you can party the night away at others. It is all up to what you are looking for.

Phuket is connected to the mainland by two bridges. These cover the narrow strip of water that separates Phuket from Phang-Nga province on the North side of the island. The rest of Phuket borders only the tropical Andaman Sea.

The island is a variety of manly forested mountains stretching North to South and flat plains. However it is the jewel of the Andaman Sea and its palm fringed beaches that has contributed to making it the wealthiest and most visited island in the South. It attracts thousands of visitors a year. Many are content to relax on its many beaches, but for the more adventurous Phuket is a center for diving in the area with world class dive sites a short boat trip away and facilities for all levels.

The year is divided into the rainy season and the dry season. The rainy season falls from May to October, with September and October being the wettest. The dry season, from November to April gradually gets hotter and hotter until the rains start again. The most pleasant time to visit, but also the most busy, is from November to February. At this time blue skies and spectacular sunsets are the usual, along with a cooling sea breeze and average temperatures ranging from 23c to 33c.

Phuket also has something to offer those who are looking for more than beach lounging. Phuket town with its Sino-Portugese architecture, markets, temples and friendly small town atmosphere is a place to sample real thai living and enjoy the bustle - just be careful in the narrow streets with all the motorbikes! Phuket island has food and restaurants for any taste and budget. Surrounded by the rich Andaman Sea its no surprise that its sea food is exceptional. Accommodation ranges from five star world class resorts to simple bamboo beach side bungalows with everything in between.

Nevertheless, emphasis is put on the upper sector. Phuket is not just the most popular destination in the South of Thailand but it also is extremely popular among people from Hong Kong and Singapore and other foreigners that are looking for a holiday house. In no other place in Thailand is it as expensive to buy property as in Phuket. Many rich people are living here and the offered property is very much geared to the higher end.

Due to Phuket's world known status as a tourist destination it was rightly or wrongly at the center of the media attention after the tsunami of 2004. In comparison to other provinces in Thailand, Phuket actually received less damage and had a lower death toll. Also, compared to other countries that were affected by the Tsunami Thailand had probably the least problems. Only days after the tsunami many beach front bars were open and ready for business. Since then there has been much attention and help by the Thai government (focusing on the big businesses) and other organizations to get business back up and running and to promote tourism back to the region. Now apart from the warning sirens and 'tsunami evacuation route' signs there is little evidence that the tragic events of the 26th of December, 2004 ever happened.

Richard Meyer is a professional travel writer for Excelloz which is an online travel website that specializes in hotel reservation in Asia and Oceania but soon worldwide. In addition to hotels, Excelloz provides free travel guides and independent hotel reviews.

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You Need a Boat Cover to Protect Your Investment

You Need a Boat Cover to Protect Your Investment
By David Everett

To most people, owning a boat can be largely a matter of pride. It is often the case that buying a boat is a lifetime achievement and something that you and your family are certain to enjoy on every possible occasion. There is something about a boat that makes it a particularly wonderful place to celebrate a special occasion with that someone special. When all is said and done, owning a boat is just great.

However, in order to keep the boat in tip top condition you have to provide the proper maintenance. This is where the use of a boat cover becomes invaluable.

The main purpose of a boat cover is to protect your boat from the vagaries of the weather and dust accumulation. When left unattended and uncovered, a boat will succumb to corrosion and wear and tear caused by rain, wind and dust. You will be surprised to know that the use of a boat cover can prolong the longevity of a boat by up to 50 percent, as compared to a boat which remains uncovered.

What Type of Boat Cover is the Best for Your Boat?

There are many, many types of boat cover on the market. Which type of boat cover suits your boat the best will depend upon what type of boat you have, how long it will be left unattended for, and what type of weather your boat will be exposed to. By far the best type of boat cover would be one which allows you to cover it completely; hence it would need to have cuts that allow it to accommodate the mast, rails, etcetera. This is why many people prefer customized boat covers. They take care of each and every appliance on the boat, giving a snug fitting.

Of the many fabrics that are popular for making boat covers, the best ones come in waver polyester alternated with non-waver polyester. Canvas is also very popular for this purpose. The more rugged and strong the boat cover the better. People who leave their boat unattended for a long time would need thicker and more rugged covers than those who just leave them over the weekend, or for similar periods of time.

The boat cover you use must be totally waterproof. Today, there is hi-tech material which allows the moisture that accumulates on the boat to evaporate (and hence keep the boat dry all the time). Some covers will also protect your boat from ultraviolet rays, thereby keeping the color of the boat fresh for a longer period of time.

Before you make your decision on the boat cover which would best suit your boat, be sure to check out all the available material and the associate cost. Select the cover that will give you the best value for money taking into consideration the fit, the protection it can give and its cost. Your investment in a boat cover will serve to protect your larger investment - your boat, so choose wisely.

You can find a lot more free information concerning boat covers at our website.

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4 Most Beautiful Thailand Beaches

4 Most Beautiful Thailand Beaches
By Monice Dulcinea

Thailand has one of the most beautiful beaches on the planet. For those that have traveled there they know that the beauty of this untouched place makes for some of the best vacations in the world. This is coupled with the vast amount of historical culture that abounds the countryside and there is never a shortage of things to do in this country. Because much of this land is untouched by development you will find that relaxation and peaceful living is more than possible. The reaches of the mighty have not gotten this far and that means that you will get the very best in the vacation arena, especially when it comes to the Thailand beach areas.

Khao Lak is a wonderful Thailand beach. Just a short drive from the airport, this paradise offers a remote vacation area like no other. Thanks to the area being largely uninhabited, there is lush rain forest nearby along with a whole host of wildlife to be viewed. The water remains warm in the November through December months and the fishing and scuba diving is out of this world.

Phuket Thailand Beach is another great spot. Enjoy this resort November through March. There is more than enough to do. It is a bit more crowded than other beaches as this area thrives on the tourism dollars that it brings in. The scuba diving is top notch in this area and you will also find some of the warmest most clear water in the world. There are several nearby attractions to keep one busy for quite a few days.

Phi Phi Don Thailand beach is quite the turn around. Once a remote and nearly unknown place, this Thailand beach came to life when Hollywood came in and filmed a movie here. It is now considered to be one of the most popular beaches in the entire country and is frequented by many big names. This is a site that you will not want to miss, as the views are breathtaking and the water warm and inviting.

West Railiy Thailand beach is one of the undiscovered diamonds in the rough. There is very little that is expensive here and one can stay at the resort for over a week and barely tap the budget. The sands are milky white and the water clear. Scuba diving is very popular here as well as the fishing. This location is only accessible by long tail boat so plan for a bit of a long ride.

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30 Things About Portland: The Good The Bad The Interesting

30 Things About Portland: The Good, The Bad, The Interesting
By Ariel Villegas

Portland, Oregon. It's sometimes a misunderstood place. Yes, it's true it rains. But not as much as people might imagine. Here are a few things that make Portland, simply, Portland.

1. Portland is a great walking city. City blocks are 200 feet, half the length of those of many other cities.

2. Portland has great beer. There are more breweries in Portland than any other city in the world.

3. Portland's air is cleaner than a lot of other major cities.

4. Portland has plenty of beautiful, natural scenery. It's very green with lots of trees.

5. (Bad) Coastal region is said to be due with earthquake (tsunami) like activity. Are we prepared?

6. Portland was almost named Boston. A coin toss decided the name.

7. Portland is the largest city in Oregon.

8. (Bad) Perception that it rains here all the time. Really, it rains more in places like Atlanta, Houston, Indianapolis, and Seattle.

9. The International Rose Test Garden, located in Portland, is the oldest rose test garden in the US.

10. Portland has a World Famous Symphony. The Oregon Symphony was the first orchestra in the Western United States.

11. Portland has the nation's largest outdoor and crafts market, The Portland Saturday Market.

12.The Benson Bubblers are drinking fountains located at several locations downtown. They came about long ago because there was nothing else to drink in Portland but beer during the workday at one time. Beer sales at saloons dropped considerably when they were installed. Seriously.

13. Portland has one of the most authentic Japanese Gardens outside of Japan.

14. With 5000 acres, Forest Park is the nation's largest urban wilderness. In all, Portland has 37,000 acres of parkland with 150 miles of trails.

15. Dr. Marten's retail store, the only one in the country, is located in Portland.

16. Recently PDX was rated one of the best airports in the country.

17. You can't pump your own gas in Portland, in Oregon in fact. It's illegal.

18. Here are some interesting names that reference Portland: Bridgetown, Stumptown, City of Roses, PDX, P-Town, and Puddletown.

19. Portlandia is the second largest copper statue in the US. It's located on the Portland building downtown. The largest copper statue is the Statue of Liberty.

20. Portland celebrates the Rose Festival in June. 2 huge parades, dragonboat races, fireworks, and the crowning of the Rose Festival queen all takes place during this period. Several large ships from the Coast Guard and the Navy come to shore for tours.

21. The Columbia River Gorge, minutes from Portland, is considered the best place in the world for windsurfing.

22. Nike's world headquarters is located in Beaverton, minutes from Portland.

23. There is no sales tax in Portland. A matter fact, there is no sales tax in Oregon.

24. Portland is the first city in the US to remove a freeway, Harbor Drive, which was later replaced by Waterfront Park.

25. At 546 feet, the Wells Fargo Center is the tallest building in Portland. Height restrictions were placed after construction in 1972. The public did not want the view of Mt. Hood blocked by tall buildings.

26. The Flying Boat known as the Spruce Goose is located at the Evergreen Aviation Museum in McMinnville near Portland.

27. The submarine that featured in the movie Hunt for Red October is housed at OMSI in Portland.

28. In 1888, for Skidmore Fountains grand opening, Oregon brewer Henry Weinhard offered to pump beer from his brewery to the fountain via fire hoses. This never happened because city officials feared that residents would help themselves and poke holes into the city's only set of fire hoses.

29. The tunnels known as The Shanghai Tunnels are located under Old Town Chinatown in Northwest Portland. These tunnels connected to basements of bars and hotels. Way back then, bar and hotel customers were drugged and incapacitated from the very same bars and hotels that served them. The tunnels were a means to smuggle unsuspecting individuals for sale as slaves to ships docked at the waterfront.

30. Oregon State Hospital, an insane asylum, was built in SE Portland in 1862. The street it was built on was named Asylum Street. People protested the name. So the street was later renamed after one of the hospital's administrators. Asylum Street was later renamed Hawthorne Street, a very popular and thriving district today.

Ariel operates a Portland Oregon travel website - best-of-portland-guide.com. Did you like this article on The 30 Things About Portland? Check out the 101 list here.

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You Really Need to Visit Maui

You Really Need to Visit Maui
By Dave Huffman

Seen from above, the two shield volcanoes that make up the island of Maui look like the head and torso of the well-loved demigod for whom the island is named.

Maui was a tricky fellow who is said to have stolen fire from its supernatural keepers, gifting to the mortals. He also captured the sun with a rope woven from his wifes tresses and slowed its path so that we could enjoy more hours of daylight on his beautiful island.

Modern visitors to this most magical of islands still reap the fruits of his labors by making the most of sunny tropical weather, where the temperature rarely dips below 65 degrees and the lush vegetation and colorful animal life just add to the feeling that they've just arrived in paradise.

This second-largest of the Hawaiian Islands is host to Haleakala, the largest dormant volcano in the world, at 10,023 feet tall. The summit of Haleakala National Park provides awe-inspiring views of five of the eight major islands. Watching the sunrise on the summit of Haleakala is an experience that visitors carry with them the rest of their lives.

Wainapanapa State Park is another wondrous natural adventure. Discover the black sand beaches, sea arch and caves for yourself. Every year from mid-December through mid-May pods of humpback whales make their way back to the waters surrounding Maui. The Kai Kanani will take you out to Molokini Island as you marvel at the grace of these peaceful giants.

The Whale Discovery Center at the Maui Ocean Center helps visitors understand the humpbacks strange and beautiful life cycle as it takes them from the frigid waters of the Artic to the warm and soothing seas around Maui and back again each year.

The natural beauty of Maui will surround and envelope you as you explore its endless beaches. Swim the calmer waters of the west shore, including Maalaea and Kaanapali.

Or head up to North Maui Ho'okipa for some of the best surfing, boogie boarding and windsurfing in the world. If youre looking for a little privacy, try Oneloa Beach, the last undeveloped beach on Maui s leeward side.

During a daily sun shower, duck into the Hana Cultural Center, a traditional Hawaiian village showcasing hundreds of artifacts and books and thousands of historical photographs.

The Maui Arts and Cultural Center is a 12-acre visual arts center and the Tedeschi Vineyards in the Upcountry offers tours of a unique pineapple wine vineyard. Dont forget to try a sample!

Dining is another fabulous adventure in Maui. It won't take long before you run into the ever-popular plate lunch. Hawaii's version of fast food, a plate lunch is inexpensive and perfect to take to one of the island's breathtaking parks. Each shop's plate lunch is unique, so stop in at a few shops during your explorations.

For something a little more upscale, try the Tropica Restaurant and Bar at the Westin Maui or Vino Italian Tapas & Wine Bar in Kapalua. Mango Cafe Grill & Bar offers a fabulous buffet on Sundays that includes both traditional Hawaiian fare and mainland comfort foods.

Maui isn't just a visual and culinary delight, it's also a shopper's dream come true. Spend a few hours browsing for interesting island gifts at the Kapalua Shops, enjoy free Hawaiian entertainment while you shop at Queen Kaahumanu Center or do some power shopping in air-conditioned comfort at the Lahaina Cannery Mall.

Maui accommodations are just as diverse as its natural beauty and entertaining activities. Opt for an intimate and cost-conscious stay at one of the island's lovely bed-and-breakfasts, choose from an array of luxurious condominiums or find relaxation or lots of opportunities to play whatever your pleasure at one of Maui's golf resort hotels, spa resorts, beachfront hotels, family-friendly hotels or romantic accommodations perfect for honeymooners.

Another great option is to try a privately owned rental. There are a number of private owners who are willing to rent their home or condo. Many rental by owner websites are available to help you locate the perfect place to settle in for your stay in this little slice of heaven.

Like its mythological namesake, Maui Island is powerfully memorable and perfectly magical. Make it a part of your memories forever.

Dave Huffman is a travel writer and property manager for vacation rentals at the Lake of the Ozarks in Osage Beach, Missouri. For great lodging on Maui go to http://www.mauirentalbyowner.com

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Scintillating San Juan

Scintillating San Juan
By Caitlin Moore

Though it is known as La Ciudad Amurallada (the walled city), San Juan can hardly be described as uninviting. The citys rich history and its status as a busy and ideal port make it an intriguing destination for thousands of tourists each year. From its old Spanish buildings to its stunning beaches, the sights of San Juan are not to be missed.

Located on the Northern coast of the island of Puerto Rico, San Juan is divided into three different areas. Old San Juan is nearly 500 years old and was originally built to serve as a military stronghold. Today, visitors are welcomed to wander the cobblestone streets and marvel at the imposing architecture that now serves as the faade for residences and shops. Guided tours are always available, as the narrow roads and alleyways are best traversed by foot.

Old San Juans famous plazas make for great photo-ops and meeting places, and history buffs will delight in the commemorative statues of Ponce de Leon and Christopher Columbus. Puerto Rico played an important role in the expansion of colonialism and New World exploration, and as you soak in the atmosphere of this centuries old collection of squares it will be impossible not to feel affected by the strong vibes of culture wars and aspirations for land acquisition.

El Morro, the six-level fortress that has come to serve as a symbol of San Juans strength as a city, is located right on the coastline. The tunnels, barracks, and ramps make for a veritable maze, and the view from the top level is a stunning one. In other words, to truly appreciate all that San Juan has to offer, be sure to make time in your schedule to visit this historical landmark while youre here.

Dozens of other buildings, museums, and cathedrals will make visiting Old San Juan worthy of spending a substantial amount of time in, but youll doubtlessly be interested in seeing the beach and resort area, as well. Restaurants, nightclubs, shopping areas, and casinos make this a fun-filled adults playground. This is the place to enjoy a rum cocktail at a beach bar or head into the ocean for some surfing, swimming, or snorkeling. Night owls will find the vibrant after-dark scene more than satisfying, so be prepared to dance the night away.

San Juan also has a few suburban areas around it for quieter exploration, and located about 45 miles away youll find the lush and enthralling Yunque Rain Forest. Home to the famous coqui frog and brimming with flora and fauna of all kinds, this rain drenched area is like no other place on earth. Achieve a true Caribbean experience by checking out all that this beautiful island has to offer by taking a day trip here, and then return to the city in time to watch the sun set over the Pacific.

If this charming and vibrant location has caught your imagination and left you hungry to experience it firsthand, then start planning your trip as soon as you can. As far as lodging options, there are a number of hotels available. For a unique vacation, however, consider reserving a vacation rental within the perimeter of San Juan or nearby. Being close to all the action is important, as is having all the space and amenities that you need to make this trip truly worthwhile.

Imagine the level of relaxation youll achieve by choosing to stay in a villa located in the heart of Old San Juan. Every morning youll begin your sightseeing as soon as you step out of your door, and after stopping for breakfast at a nearby caf youll be ready to start off on a walk through the town. Or, just ten minutes away is the beach, so if youd prefer to get your sun tanning in early then grab your towel and head towards the sea.

As far as the property itself, high ceilings, ocean views, and modern furniture will make you feel pleased to simply spend some time relaxing indoors. Leave all your cares behind for a while as you live the life of a stylish world traveler, and be glad that you elected to stay in a one-of-a kind dwelling in a one-of-a-kind city.

Go online to start searching for the San Juan Vacation Rental that will match the adventurous spirit of this colorful destination, and prepare yourself for a different kind of vacation.

Visit www.homeaway.com to reserve a vacation rental that will complement your next fabulous vacation.

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Kauai Sights and Activities

Kauai Sights and Activities
By Judy Hardaway

Kauai is the oldest and most northern of the Hawaiian Island chain. Its lush tropical beauty has earned it the nickname the Garden Island. From the air it looks like an emerald cone rising out of the ocean. This thirty-three by twenty-five mile island is covered with acres of lush rain forests, waterfalls, and breathtaking gardens. Here are only a few of the hundreds of sights and activities you will have to choose from while you are on the island. This is only a tiny taste of what Kauai has to offer.

On the northern end of Kauai is Kilauea Lighthouse, which was built in 1913 and was in use until 1976. It is a picturesque landmark perched on a bluff. Well worth a visit. Visitors may not climb the lighthouse, but self-guided tours of the area are available. Adjacent to the lighthouse is the 200-acre Kilauea Point Wildlife Refuge on Mokuaeae Island. A must visit for bird lovers.

Would you like to see the Grand Canyon of the Pacific? Or so nicknamed by Mark Twain. Then you must see the spectacular Waimea Canyon. It is the largest canyon in the Pacific at ten miles long, two miles wide and 35 hundred feet deep. The canyon is marked with layers, each layer marking an eruption and lava flow. There are several vantage points from which to enjoy the canyon, but the one you must not miss is the Waimea Canyon Lookout.

Poipu Beach Park is the perfect place for family fun. It is Kauais most popular beach for swimming, snorkeling, boogie boarding, picnicking and having just plain fun. It has restrooms, showers, shady areas and lifeguards. Poipu has it all.

If you want to see lush native flora and fauna as well as exotic plants, then you will not want to miss Smiths Tropical Paradise located just 15 miles from the Radisson Kauai Beach Resort along the Waimea River. On this 30-acre complex, not only will you see beautiful manicured grounds, but you will also have the opportunity to see villages of the many cultures that represent Kauai. Tram tours are available as well as weekly luaus.

The spectacular Na Pali Coast is an awe-inspiring sight to see. Towers of rock climb from the sea and lush vegetation devours the landscape. There are only three ways to witness its beauty: from the air, by sea, or by taking a very strenuous hike known as Kalalau Trail. This hike is only for the adventuresome and should only be attempted by the serious hiker. If hiking isnt for you, you can still enjoy the thrill of its beauty with one of the ocean tours or helicopter tours. If you want to see breathtaking beauty that is like something from another world, you wont be disappointed.

Judy Hardaway is a contributing writer for Kauai Vacation Secrets dot com, a completely free, in-depth Kauai vacations guide. The site provides many useful and practical tips such as where to save money on gas in Kauai, the best time of year to visit Kauai, what you need to know about Kauai's weather and much more.

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Mexican Waves

Mexican Waves
By Sumit Sharma

Temples and cathedrals along with fully equipped beaches are attractions worth looking forward to on a Mexico tour. Lively and colorful is how one will describe the tourist attractions of Mexico.

Mexico City, the capital city is replete with many green spaces and quiet back streets which lend a special charm and atmosphere to the attractions. Next only to the Red Square in Moscow in size, is the Zocalo in the center of the Historic Center. Tourists can visit this place any evening to witness the Mexican army take down the giant Mexican flag flying in the middle of the square with grand ceremony. To the north of the square is another attraction, the Catedral Metropolitana which exhibits a surplus of architectural styles. A tour of the cathedral prominently figures the Kings Chapel and its altar. If you move a little east of the cathedral, the excavated site of the Aztec Templo Mayor (Great Temple) is an attraction in ruins. Keep a visit to the prettiest colonial villages Coyoacan and San Angel for the weekend. This is the time when you will find its attractive squares and streets come alive with an influx of students, artists, musicians and can purchase some fine good quality handicrafts and artworks.

An attraction you would not like to miss is Teotihuacn in South-central Mexico and known as the city where the Gods are born. Here, you can view the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon, the citadel with the Temple of Quetzalcoatl (the plumed serpent) and the Palace of Quetzalpapalotl (the plumed butterfly).

http://www.stayresmexico.com/mexico-tourist-attractions.html

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You Say Hawaii And I Say Kauai Let's Go Have Some Fun

You Say Hawaii And I Say Kauai, Let's Go Have Some Fun
By Abbie Frank

Kauai Hawaii has been a popular tourist and vacation destination for literally decades. Planning a vacation to anywhere in Hawaii will deliver you onto beautiful, clean beaches, natural scenery and a huge number of things to do and see.

When traveling, the thing to remember is that the trip is about a holiday or vacation. From the minute you enter the airplane until getting back home, your vacation should be focused on lowering the stress level in your life and getting balance back in your world. Yes, it will cost more but in the end, the vacation will have done it's job and you will leave Hawaii refreshed and ready to go back to your career or business.

By lowering the stress level, we're talking about getting the services necessary to keep from having got concern yourself with any difficulties. Take for example getting around at your destination of Kauai. You could rent a car and try to find you way around unfamiliar territory. If getting lost, being late, dealing with traffic and the stress of other motorists is your idea of a vacation, go to New York City.

If however, getting to see the sights and enjoying the island is more like vacation time, consider using the services of a tour company, or even hire out a car and driver for an afternoon. Another potential possibility is public transportation. It runs on a regular schedule and you get to people watch while getting around for almost no cash. The car and driver is more expensive but they can get you around to see the local side of the island while the public transportation route takes you to the more popular areas. Maybe using both on different days can give you the benefit of an enjoyable vacation without the worry of a car rental, gasoline, accidents, parking etc.

If you plan on doing some Kauai island sightseeing and need a car rental, consider one with limited miles and leave it at home whenever possible. A weekly rental can cost a couple of hundred dollars but the you shouldn't feel a need to use it everytime a short trip is in order.

Another idea to lower the stress level is to consider getting a condominium or rental until with a full kitchen. This is especially good if you're traveling with kids. A quick trip to the neighborhood food store can take care of the childrens eating issues and take you off the breakfast, lunch and dinner, time schedule. Get food that's easy to prepare and let the kids fend for themselves at least sometimes. This gives them a sense of independence and allows you to sleep in occasionally during the vacation.

The key to a fun and enjoyable Kauai vacation or any Hawaiian vacation, is to get out of the rut and schedule that's your life back home. Do different things, experiment, see new sights, enjoy a different culture. In all, a Kauai vacation can recharge your batteries and give a new outlook on your world back home

Abigail Franks writes on a variety of subjects which includes home, family, and Travel. For more information on vacationing in Kauai visit http://www.tsonline.org

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How To Plan Your Own Golf Vacation

How To Plan Your Own Golf Vacation
By NamSing Then

Playing golf is one of the passionate hobbies of the upper echelons of the society. Sometimes these people take a few days off their busy schedule and visit Golf courses or villas elsewhere in the country to enjoy the pleasures of playing Golf over there. They hardly mind packing off and traveling hundreds of miles just to play Golf; because they love Golf Vacation.

There are many places in US, which offer exotic Golf vacation, the list seems to be endless. From Palm Springs in California, Austin and Barton creek in Texas, Biloxi in Mississippi, Las Vegas in Nevada, Brooksville, Dayton Beach, Orlando, Miami and a dozen more in Florida there are several others located in different States of US.

There are clubs and organizations that specialize in offering Golf package tours and vacations. They take care to provide everything right from lodging, fixing tee times and arranging car rentals. Infact, you can select from over 600 Golf courses at over 250 different resorts and hotels. All you have to do is just get an online quote after you decide.

Plan your entire trip, in four easy steps
1.Select your destination
2.Select your hotel
3.Select your golf course
4.Optionally select your car rental
You can compare the prices of different packages and choose that which suits you best.

Of course, some would love to play Golf built on seaside shores as in Vero Beach, Florida which is a most charming coastal town. Here, Grand Harbor is a private, gated community golf course offering a wide variety of world-class amenities.

Its not only professionals who go on golf vacations, but even beginners who want to learn the game go one vacations to America's favorite Golf Schools, offering two, three and five day packages at over 50 locations across the United States. Every year, thousands of student graduates over 20 years passing out, these students return season after season to refine their playing skills, relax and enjoy the amenities that many of these locations have to offer. These clubs have dedicated teaching staff who sincerely care to teach and improve your golf playing skills. Their relaxed teaching structure lets you work and also have fun at your own pace, whatever your age or level of ability be Beginners and intermediates are just as welcome as low handicappers. Some of these clubs even offer discounts for senior citizens (60+) and military personnel. They can offer specialized private lessons and have golf schools for women, beginners and juniors.

In general, a Golf vacation could be as exciting and thrilling as any other vacation say to the sea-shore or mountains or water falls.

NamSing Then is a regular article contributor on many topics. Be sure to visit his websites Golf Vacation Resources, Golf And Spa Vacation and Orlando Golf Vacation

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