There have been many changes in our country due to terrorism. Especially since the tragedy of September eleventh two thousand and one; this is a date that will remain in the memory of every American that was alive on that Tuesday morning. Many things about day to day life have resumed since then but air travel will never be the same again.
Since that fateful September day I have struggled each time that my business leads me to air travel. For several months I refused to fly. I tried to run my business meetings through telephone calls, conference calling and emailing. I was looking into a teleconference system when my vice president came and had a meeting with me. He shared that he was concerned that the business was declining and he attributed this to the lack of personal contact with customers and potential accounts. He felt it was imperative that we resume the face to face personal level of business that the company had been founded on. He was very frank when he stated that my fear of air travel was destroying my business. He volunteered to be the one to go to the meetings. He did not have a fear of air travel and he did not want to see the terrorist win. He pointed out that this is what was happening. They had stripped me of my confidence in flying and thus were destroying my business.
His words had a great impact on me. I knew that he was right, and I also knew that if anyone was going to save the company it had to be me. I decided that if air travel was the only way to restore my business I was going to have to over come my fears. I called my executive assistant and told her to book me on a flight to the west coast. I also had her make arrangements with our business associate to meet with me in person rather than the teleconference I had been trying to set up. Later that day my executive assistant came into my office and asked if she could have a word with me. She shared that she knew about my fear of air travel and that she had heard that the airlines was running a group for people who were afraid to fly. This group was to help people discuss their fears with others that had similar ones. I had her sign me up for the group.
I went to the group regarding fear of air travel. In listening to others fears it helped me realize I was being irrational. Some how hearing others express my same thoughts helped me to realize how silly I have sounded to my colleagues. I am now back to flying around the country for my business.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Afordable Travel
We all wait patiently for those yearly travel events to come around. Well, maybe we don't wait so patiently, but the point is they don't come around often. What most of us strive for is an affordable travel plan with all the perks of an outstanding vacation. It's true; we want to have our cake and eat it too. Days and long hours spent in a cubicle remind us of how much we truly deserve these breaks. Now, the trick is to wisely plan a wonderful, yet inexpensive getaway in advance. Meaning as soon as you can. A year in advance is NOT too early. If you do plan ahead, you're much more likely to get the lodging of your choice and spend less time searching for things once you get there.
They say the early bird gets the worm. I believe this is totally true regarding vacations and travel getaways. It just makes sense to plan in advance so you can be sure you next vacation is enjoyed to the fullest. Take the hotel you're booking for example. This is quite possibly the most expensive aspect of your trip. Now, back to the affordable travel plan. To book a great lodging, you should start early and resort to the web. Online you can see all hotels and motels available in your destination area. Check out the ones that seem most appealing and suitable for your family. Sort through room rates and be sure to see if they change at different parts of the year. Some may go way up. If you're able to find that ideal lodging, go ahead and book it in advance. This way you will definitely have a place to stay once you arrive. A second aspect of affordable travel to consider is transportation. Whether you fly, go by train, or drive is completely up to you, but I do recommend that you compare rates for all three. If gas prices are up, it may save you some dough to fly or take the train in. The train can actually be a fun adventure if you've never tried it before. And finally, you might consider mapping out your activities in advance. Find out where the hot spots and fantastic restaurants are before you head out. This can save you time and gas money.
Making "affordable travel" truly affordable is about prioritizing. You're most likely going on vacation to have fun. Not to shop! You can do that any time. Focus your vacation cash on more important things like a fine lodging, gourmet meals, and local activities. This will make it a vacation to remember.
They say the early bird gets the worm. I believe this is totally true regarding vacations and travel getaways. It just makes sense to plan in advance so you can be sure you next vacation is enjoyed to the fullest. Take the hotel you're booking for example. This is quite possibly the most expensive aspect of your trip. Now, back to the affordable travel plan. To book a great lodging, you should start early and resort to the web. Online you can see all hotels and motels available in your destination area. Check out the ones that seem most appealing and suitable for your family. Sort through room rates and be sure to see if they change at different parts of the year. Some may go way up. If you're able to find that ideal lodging, go ahead and book it in advance. This way you will definitely have a place to stay once you arrive. A second aspect of affordable travel to consider is transportation. Whether you fly, go by train, or drive is completely up to you, but I do recommend that you compare rates for all three. If gas prices are up, it may save you some dough to fly or take the train in. The train can actually be a fun adventure if you've never tried it before. And finally, you might consider mapping out your activities in advance. Find out where the hot spots and fantastic restaurants are before you head out. This can save you time and gas money.
Making "affordable travel" truly affordable is about prioritizing. You're most likely going on vacation to have fun. Not to shop! You can do that any time. Focus your vacation cash on more important things like a fine lodging, gourmet meals, and local activities. This will make it a vacation to remember.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Living And Food Styles In South Korea
After only one month in South Korea as a Westerner, things already seemed a mismatch of the ingenuous and the illogical. One minute you will be blown away and pleasantly surprised by something and then, an hour later you will see or experience something which to a Western mind, is peculiar or plain odd. It is probably true to say that as a Westerner, there is no reason to suggest that the Western style of doing things or thinking is the correct way. The observations below are simply my observations according to what I have become used to in the Western world and from my travels.
You walk into an apartment and the first thing you have to do is take your shoes off and after two years in Seoul, I still have this habit wherever I live these days. Tramping around outside with your boots or shoes on and then spreading the dirt inside one's house surely is not a hygienic way to live, like us Westerns do. The Korean idea of no shoes indoors definitely seems to make a lot of sense to me. Once you get into an apartment, you are quite likely to then also be pleasantly surprised by the delightful way in which the heating works. Under floor heating in Korean apartments seems like a very sensible thing and I missed it a lot when I left Korea. Thirty minutes after putting the heating on, you can usually turn it off and the room will stay warm for hours. Just like the under-soil heating which some English Premier League football clubs use for their football pitches, the heating involves hot water pipes under the floor/soil, which have hot water pumped through them and the heat created rises. In England, central heating with vertical units against one wall now seems so impractical. Heat rises. Surely the Korean style floor heating is a better idea.
The best ideas in Korea are sometimes the simplest. A trip to McDonald's and you will notice the difference from a Western McDonald's. If you want take-away food, the staff (server) will tape the top cover of the drink to secure it. It is very simple but effective. In the convenience stores in Korea (often a 'Seven Eleven' store as in the United States), unlike in the USA and many other countries, there is a hot water tap and a counter-top in the middle of the store for people who wish to eat the noodles there and then. You can buy a plastic container of noodles and you can eat it there - Plastic fork and spoon also provided - What a great idea. You can even get hot coffee in a can; the coffee kept hot in a small oven type display. The coffee does not taste very much like coffee but it is a good idea. Why these simple ideas are not available in Europe is baffling. I noticed that Koreans also hold their burgers with their wrappers, seemingly as a matter of cleanliness and this always seemed like a good idea. Some fast food restaurants such as in the Subway station in Kangnam, have automatic wet towelette dispensers so that you can wipe your hands before eating: This also seemed to be standard in most Kalbi/Samkyaetang and other restaurants.
Let us not be under any pretensions. Foreigners in Korea can also be a crazy and weird bunch of people as well. I am sure Koreans struggle to understand some of the things that foreigners do in Korea. I can also only begin to imagine what Koreans think when they travel to countries such as the U.S. or the UK and see the strange things that Westerners do. Seeing Western men for example, walking around topless with their beer bellies hanging out, the sun turning their skin bright red in the summer-time. Why would Western men and women place their skin directly in front of the sun for long periods of time and why do the men sometimes walk around with no t-shirt on? Something you would never see in Seoul. Alternatively, why do Westerners walk into their own homes with their shoes on? Surely carrying the dirt and waste from the bottom of your shoes and distributing the dirt throughout the house is not wise.
I was also impressed quite early on, with the ingenuity of Korean people. One young student told me the story of her quest to learn English. She was lucky enough to be able to travel to California, USA and backpack around for a few months. Travelling alone, aged 23 and not really knowing anyone, she started attending the local church on Sundays despite having no real interest in religion. Knowing that people in church are usually quite friendly and open to conversation, she used this opportunity to get free English conversation. Morally it may or may not be right, but it is a creative idea. Another one of my Korean students told me of how whilst travelling the U.S., she naturally said that she was Korean when the subject of nationality came up. But, if she accidentally upset someone or got into an embarrassing situation due to her lack of understanding of Western culture, she would say she was Japanese.
I found Koreans to be very open from the very start. Some Koreans told me you should not talk about certain things i.e. politics, but it was my own personal experience from the start that students often enjoyed and wanted as much as possible, to know the views from a Western perspective. The same students were also often more than willing to share their own thoughts, thoughts that were always interesting and often different to my own. Once people get to know you they are keen to know your opinion on almost anything, including taboo topics such as sex, politics and religion.
You walk into an apartment and the first thing you have to do is take your shoes off and after two years in Seoul, I still have this habit wherever I live these days. Tramping around outside with your boots or shoes on and then spreading the dirt inside one's house surely is not a hygienic way to live, like us Westerns do. The Korean idea of no shoes indoors definitely seems to make a lot of sense to me. Once you get into an apartment, you are quite likely to then also be pleasantly surprised by the delightful way in which the heating works. Under floor heating in Korean apartments seems like a very sensible thing and I missed it a lot when I left Korea. Thirty minutes after putting the heating on, you can usually turn it off and the room will stay warm for hours. Just like the under-soil heating which some English Premier League football clubs use for their football pitches, the heating involves hot water pipes under the floor/soil, which have hot water pumped through them and the heat created rises. In England, central heating with vertical units against one wall now seems so impractical. Heat rises. Surely the Korean style floor heating is a better idea.
The best ideas in Korea are sometimes the simplest. A trip to McDonald's and you will notice the difference from a Western McDonald's. If you want take-away food, the staff (server) will tape the top cover of the drink to secure it. It is very simple but effective. In the convenience stores in Korea (often a 'Seven Eleven' store as in the United States), unlike in the USA and many other countries, there is a hot water tap and a counter-top in the middle of the store for people who wish to eat the noodles there and then. You can buy a plastic container of noodles and you can eat it there - Plastic fork and spoon also provided - What a great idea. You can even get hot coffee in a can; the coffee kept hot in a small oven type display. The coffee does not taste very much like coffee but it is a good idea. Why these simple ideas are not available in Europe is baffling. I noticed that Koreans also hold their burgers with their wrappers, seemingly as a matter of cleanliness and this always seemed like a good idea. Some fast food restaurants such as in the Subway station in Kangnam, have automatic wet towelette dispensers so that you can wipe your hands before eating: This also seemed to be standard in most Kalbi/Samkyaetang and other restaurants.
Let us not be under any pretensions. Foreigners in Korea can also be a crazy and weird bunch of people as well. I am sure Koreans struggle to understand some of the things that foreigners do in Korea. I can also only begin to imagine what Koreans think when they travel to countries such as the U.S. or the UK and see the strange things that Westerners do. Seeing Western men for example, walking around topless with their beer bellies hanging out, the sun turning their skin bright red in the summer-time. Why would Western men and women place their skin directly in front of the sun for long periods of time and why do the men sometimes walk around with no t-shirt on? Something you would never see in Seoul. Alternatively, why do Westerners walk into their own homes with their shoes on? Surely carrying the dirt and waste from the bottom of your shoes and distributing the dirt throughout the house is not wise.
I was also impressed quite early on, with the ingenuity of Korean people. One young student told me the story of her quest to learn English. She was lucky enough to be able to travel to California, USA and backpack around for a few months. Travelling alone, aged 23 and not really knowing anyone, she started attending the local church on Sundays despite having no real interest in religion. Knowing that people in church are usually quite friendly and open to conversation, she used this opportunity to get free English conversation. Morally it may or may not be right, but it is a creative idea. Another one of my Korean students told me of how whilst travelling the U.S., she naturally said that she was Korean when the subject of nationality came up. But, if she accidentally upset someone or got into an embarrassing situation due to her lack of understanding of Western culture, she would say she was Japanese.
I found Koreans to be very open from the very start. Some Koreans told me you should not talk about certain things i.e. politics, but it was my own personal experience from the start that students often enjoyed and wanted as much as possible, to know the views from a Western perspective. The same students were also often more than willing to share their own thoughts, thoughts that were always interesting and often different to my own. Once people get to know you they are keen to know your opinion on almost anything, including taboo topics such as sex, politics and religion.
Life Of Working And Travelling Overseas
For most people, the choice to live and work or volunteer abroad means a large change in what they new at home. Quitting a current job, taking a leave of absence, moving away from friends and family, or simply being brave enough to choose a path less traveled. For many the choice is temporary; a different experience in a different country for a few months and for some, even a few years. It goes without saying that for most people, the choice to leave turned out to be the experience of a lifetime. Languages learned, friendships gained and lifetime memories made. And while the experiences gained from living abroad are some of the most personally rewarding, gaining experience that transfers into something valuable when you return home is priceless.
THE RETURN HOME
For anyone returning home, having something to show for your time abroad is extremely helpful. It aids in the process of procuring a new job or when looking for an interview. Having more than just a gap between jobs shows potential employers that while you decided to end a previous profession you remained dedicated to something productive during your time off. This does several things for your resume besides building character in the eyes of your potential employer. It diversifies your work experience - an incredible advantage when looking for a new job. It naturally sets you apart from your peers who have been experiencing more traditional work and internships. If you lived in a non-English speaking country, and obtained bilingual skills this is an incredible asset for your resume and one that companies and employers are eager to employ. This excellent skill not only makes you a candidate for more jobs but it sets you even further apart from your peers. For companies who have branches abroad, your newly acquired bilingual skills may transfer into other travel and work opportunities.
It's easy then to turn your experience in a foreign country into one that works for you. Using it to enhance your resume and as a forum to build new skills for your return turns your decision to leave a good job at home into an opportunity to return to an even better one!
VOLUNTEERING
Choosing to volunteer overseas is a great choice for numerous reasons. Besides the obvious resume boost, it gives you the opportunity to complete something you might not otherwise have had the time for. For graduate school admissions, volunteer work is highly respected and your time spent doing so may turn into something incredibly valuable for your future. In non-English speaking countries, volunteering is a great way to learn the language without having to pay for classes. In many volunteering opportunities volunteers end up teaching English to young kids who live in at-risk environments while also speaking the local language.
Most volunteer jobs abroad are non-paying and there are several organizations that connect volunteers with organizations in need. However, this usually comes at a cost to the volunteer, so don't get roped into paying too much for the service. There are hundreds of online programs that can assign you volunteer opportunities. While a majority of these profits go to the organizations in need and solidify your place as a volunteer, many volunteers living abroad cannot afford the fees. A little research on your part will land you an excellent volunteer position with no money out of pocket. Asking other expatriates where and how they began volunteering is a great way to start. Getting some contact information from a person at an organization that needs a volunteer is also a great way to go. A little ingenuity on your part will go a long way in taking the time to find the organizations for yourself, rather than paying a company to do it for you.
Expatriates usually love the experience to get to know locals while performing a service which really matters and for a shorter stay abroad volunteering offers some structure that is great for a resume with plenty of time remaining for travel and fun living abroad.
WORKING
Working abroad is perhaps the best scenario for someone who is living in a foreign country. It allows your time abroad to be used doing something productive as well as providing spending money for travel and living expenses. Getting the most out of your work abroad experience means finding a job that not only meets your needs in terms of expenses but also gives you something to work from when you return. Having any kind of work experience in a foreign country sets you apart from your peers however, if your work experience is in a field related to your work interests at home you're at an even greater advantage. For many young expatriates however, a job is simply a means of earning money so they can remain abroad. And while teaching English for instance isn't exactly the most ideal job description for some, it can be used to show diversity in work experience and used to outline other advantageous skills that were acquired during your time abroad.
Teaching English abroad is one of the most popular jobs for expatriates and takes many forms. For those with previous teaching degrees and experiences, the job may be more formal, teaching English to classrooms in schools and universities. Expatriates without teaching experience or degrees are usually paired up with older students who desire to learn English in the context of their profession. This is where business, science and other backgrounds besides teaching are advantageous. For instance someone with a background in business is often paired up with a working professional who needs to learn English for business. These relationships often lead to a deeper knowledge of the profession and can often segue to other jobs and relationships. While some jobs don't directly relate as clearly to a professional interest, the simple act of working in a foreign country means setting yourself apart from others in the work field. It is truly a unique experience; one that certainly requires you work hard and one that conversely should work hard for you.
Too many people look at an experience abroad as a departure from a work or educational path that will slow you down. And while the decision to leave a secure line of work for something unknown is often risky or scary, it rarely turns out to be a mistake. In fact, nearly every person returning from an experience abroad will tell you it was one of the best decisions of their life. With a little forethought and inventiveness, your life abroad can become one of the largest stepping-stones of your education or career.
THE RETURN HOME
For anyone returning home, having something to show for your time abroad is extremely helpful. It aids in the process of procuring a new job or when looking for an interview. Having more than just a gap between jobs shows potential employers that while you decided to end a previous profession you remained dedicated to something productive during your time off. This does several things for your resume besides building character in the eyes of your potential employer. It diversifies your work experience - an incredible advantage when looking for a new job. It naturally sets you apart from your peers who have been experiencing more traditional work and internships. If you lived in a non-English speaking country, and obtained bilingual skills this is an incredible asset for your resume and one that companies and employers are eager to employ. This excellent skill not only makes you a candidate for more jobs but it sets you even further apart from your peers. For companies who have branches abroad, your newly acquired bilingual skills may transfer into other travel and work opportunities.
It's easy then to turn your experience in a foreign country into one that works for you. Using it to enhance your resume and as a forum to build new skills for your return turns your decision to leave a good job at home into an opportunity to return to an even better one!
VOLUNTEERING
Choosing to volunteer overseas is a great choice for numerous reasons. Besides the obvious resume boost, it gives you the opportunity to complete something you might not otherwise have had the time for. For graduate school admissions, volunteer work is highly respected and your time spent doing so may turn into something incredibly valuable for your future. In non-English speaking countries, volunteering is a great way to learn the language without having to pay for classes. In many volunteering opportunities volunteers end up teaching English to young kids who live in at-risk environments while also speaking the local language.
Most volunteer jobs abroad are non-paying and there are several organizations that connect volunteers with organizations in need. However, this usually comes at a cost to the volunteer, so don't get roped into paying too much for the service. There are hundreds of online programs that can assign you volunteer opportunities. While a majority of these profits go to the organizations in need and solidify your place as a volunteer, many volunteers living abroad cannot afford the fees. A little research on your part will land you an excellent volunteer position with no money out of pocket. Asking other expatriates where and how they began volunteering is a great way to start. Getting some contact information from a person at an organization that needs a volunteer is also a great way to go. A little ingenuity on your part will go a long way in taking the time to find the organizations for yourself, rather than paying a company to do it for you.
Expatriates usually love the experience to get to know locals while performing a service which really matters and for a shorter stay abroad volunteering offers some structure that is great for a resume with plenty of time remaining for travel and fun living abroad.
WORKING
Working abroad is perhaps the best scenario for someone who is living in a foreign country. It allows your time abroad to be used doing something productive as well as providing spending money for travel and living expenses. Getting the most out of your work abroad experience means finding a job that not only meets your needs in terms of expenses but also gives you something to work from when you return. Having any kind of work experience in a foreign country sets you apart from your peers however, if your work experience is in a field related to your work interests at home you're at an even greater advantage. For many young expatriates however, a job is simply a means of earning money so they can remain abroad. And while teaching English for instance isn't exactly the most ideal job description for some, it can be used to show diversity in work experience and used to outline other advantageous skills that were acquired during your time abroad.
Teaching English abroad is one of the most popular jobs for expatriates and takes many forms. For those with previous teaching degrees and experiences, the job may be more formal, teaching English to classrooms in schools and universities. Expatriates without teaching experience or degrees are usually paired up with older students who desire to learn English in the context of their profession. This is where business, science and other backgrounds besides teaching are advantageous. For instance someone with a background in business is often paired up with a working professional who needs to learn English for business. These relationships often lead to a deeper knowledge of the profession and can often segue to other jobs and relationships. While some jobs don't directly relate as clearly to a professional interest, the simple act of working in a foreign country means setting yourself apart from others in the work field. It is truly a unique experience; one that certainly requires you work hard and one that conversely should work hard for you.
Too many people look at an experience abroad as a departure from a work or educational path that will slow you down. And while the decision to leave a secure line of work for something unknown is often risky or scary, it rarely turns out to be a mistake. In fact, nearly every person returning from an experience abroad will tell you it was one of the best decisions of their life. With a little forethought and inventiveness, your life abroad can become one of the largest stepping-stones of your education or career.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Italy vacation package
Looking for an Italy vacation package? There are so many out there to suit every taste, age group and wallet, you'll be able to pick one that's just right for you. Let's take a quick look at some of the options you have available.
If you're somewhat the adventurous type, but would rather have someone else handle car rentals, rail tickets and hotel bookings, you may like the “Independent Traveler” type of Italy vacation package. Sites catering to the independent traveler perform these types of services, as well as offering ready-made itineraries and message boards or forums where you can pick up tips from other travelers.
Are you a foodie? There are cooking and food-oriented Italy vacation packages that make all the arrangements for a set price. This foodie lovers' Italy vacation package may set you up in an apartment within a villa, offering luxurious accommodations with daily cooking classes. You may take a tour of the local marketplace, learning what a perfect piece of produce looks like. These tend to the pricey side, but you're getting a lot for your money. Think how much fun it will be to serve your family authentically prepared Ossobuco, with Tiramisu for dessert!
Luxury Italy vacation packages are another option. If you're planning a honeymoon or anniversary, or just plain want to be pampered, you should investigate this avenue. The luxury option includes first-class everything. You don't need to plan anything. Of course, the price reflects this attention to detail and quality of accommodations.
Escorted tours are yet another possibility in Italy vacation packages. Escorted tour packages may offer two or three-star accommodations as well as luxury. The escorted tour books clients at the same hotel, and everyone piles onto the tour bus at a prescribed hour to follow that day's itinerary. A guide fills you in on the local sights and history, which you may never have known rambling around on your own. There are usually breaks in the day's activities where you're free to explore as you see fit. Escorted tours often include walking tours through interesting sections of your destination, acquainting you with lots of interesting information. Escorted tours may include a theater or nightclub event in the evening.
Other themes to look for when choosing an Italy vacation package are holiday and seasonal packages. How about an Italian spring break? Fall or winter specials?
If you're one of those who plans ahead, subscribe to a few travel site newsletters. They often alert you to upcoming good deals. Search out a travel guide on Italy to discover places you want to see before settling on your Italy vacation package.
When you've decided which type of Italy vacation package you prefer, you're ready to shop! Italy is beautiful year around, saturated in history, and Italians are friendly and laid-back. The food is superb. There's nothing not to like! Now go get your Italy vacation package!
If you're somewhat the adventurous type, but would rather have someone else handle car rentals, rail tickets and hotel bookings, you may like the “Independent Traveler” type of Italy vacation package. Sites catering to the independent traveler perform these types of services, as well as offering ready-made itineraries and message boards or forums where you can pick up tips from other travelers.
Are you a foodie? There are cooking and food-oriented Italy vacation packages that make all the arrangements for a set price. This foodie lovers' Italy vacation package may set you up in an apartment within a villa, offering luxurious accommodations with daily cooking classes. You may take a tour of the local marketplace, learning what a perfect piece of produce looks like. These tend to the pricey side, but you're getting a lot for your money. Think how much fun it will be to serve your family authentically prepared Ossobuco, with Tiramisu for dessert!
Luxury Italy vacation packages are another option. If you're planning a honeymoon or anniversary, or just plain want to be pampered, you should investigate this avenue. The luxury option includes first-class everything. You don't need to plan anything. Of course, the price reflects this attention to detail and quality of accommodations.
Escorted tours are yet another possibility in Italy vacation packages. Escorted tour packages may offer two or three-star accommodations as well as luxury. The escorted tour books clients at the same hotel, and everyone piles onto the tour bus at a prescribed hour to follow that day's itinerary. A guide fills you in on the local sights and history, which you may never have known rambling around on your own. There are usually breaks in the day's activities where you're free to explore as you see fit. Escorted tours often include walking tours through interesting sections of your destination, acquainting you with lots of interesting information. Escorted tours may include a theater or nightclub event in the evening.
Other themes to look for when choosing an Italy vacation package are holiday and seasonal packages. How about an Italian spring break? Fall or winter specials?
If you're one of those who plans ahead, subscribe to a few travel site newsletters. They often alert you to upcoming good deals. Search out a travel guide on Italy to discover places you want to see before settling on your Italy vacation package.
When you've decided which type of Italy vacation package you prefer, you're ready to shop! Italy is beautiful year around, saturated in history, and Italians are friendly and laid-back. The food is superb. There's nothing not to like! Now go get your Italy vacation package!
Family vacation spots
When I was single I had no trouble deciding where to go on my vacations. My friends and I just chose places with the hottest nightlife scene where we could drink, dance, and meet members of the opposite sex. But now that I'm married and have children, I obviously can't go to those same destinations anymore. Instead, I need to find some great family vacation spots where we can all enjoy our time together.
Everyone knows that one of the most popular family vacation spots is Orlando, Florida. There are so many different theme parks, including Walt Disney World, Sea World, and Universal Studios, as well as other attractions, like beaches, shopping, and unique restaurants, that there's never a shortage of things to do. Orland is definitely a fantastic place for families, but we've been there several times already. I was hoping to find other family vacation spots that offer just as many fun activities, but in a whole new setting.
The first thing I did was go to the bookstore to thumb through some of the newer travel guides. I found a couple of books that were dedicated to highlighting family vacation spots, and was able to get some good ideas from them. I then checked through a few travel magazines too, but saw that they pretty much covered the same family vacation spots that the books did.
The next thing I did was check the Internet for family vacation spots. I was simply overwhelmed by the amount of information my searches returned! There seemed to be thousands and thousands of websites devoted to family vacation spots. I was able to get information about national parks, campgrounds, cruises, and other family-friendly travel ideas. In addition, I discovered that many hotels and resort properties offer all-inclusive packages aimed at families. I had always been under the impression that those kinds of packages were reserved for singles or couples, but I guess I was wrong. The all-inclusive deals seemed to good to pass up, so I decided to book a package at one of the new family vacation spots that I just learned about. Plus, by booking online, I was able to save even more money off the already low price, so I was definitely pleased with the way things turned out.
Now I not only have an exotic trip lined up for our next holiday, but also have a whole list of new family vacation spots for the future. This means we can discuss and plan our future vacations whenever we want to without having to go through the whole research routine again. It's nice to know we'll be spending quality time together at all these terrific family vacation spots sometime soon!
Everyone knows that one of the most popular family vacation spots is Orlando, Florida. There are so many different theme parks, including Walt Disney World, Sea World, and Universal Studios, as well as other attractions, like beaches, shopping, and unique restaurants, that there's never a shortage of things to do. Orland is definitely a fantastic place for families, but we've been there several times already. I was hoping to find other family vacation spots that offer just as many fun activities, but in a whole new setting.
The first thing I did was go to the bookstore to thumb through some of the newer travel guides. I found a couple of books that were dedicated to highlighting family vacation spots, and was able to get some good ideas from them. I then checked through a few travel magazines too, but saw that they pretty much covered the same family vacation spots that the books did.
The next thing I did was check the Internet for family vacation spots. I was simply overwhelmed by the amount of information my searches returned! There seemed to be thousands and thousands of websites devoted to family vacation spots. I was able to get information about national parks, campgrounds, cruises, and other family-friendly travel ideas. In addition, I discovered that many hotels and resort properties offer all-inclusive packages aimed at families. I had always been under the impression that those kinds of packages were reserved for singles or couples, but I guess I was wrong. The all-inclusive deals seemed to good to pass up, so I decided to book a package at one of the new family vacation spots that I just learned about. Plus, by booking online, I was able to save even more money off the already low price, so I was definitely pleased with the way things turned out.
Now I not only have an exotic trip lined up for our next holiday, but also have a whole list of new family vacation spots for the future. This means we can discuss and plan our future vacations whenever we want to without having to go through the whole research routine again. It's nice to know we'll be spending quality time together at all these terrific family vacation spots sometime soon!
Monday, March 3, 2008
Skills For Children On Wilderness Camping
If your idea of a great vacation is being pampered, wilderness camping is not for you. Since these camps generally offer a variety of high excitement activities with not much in the way of modern conveniences pampering is not an option. However, during a week or two at a wilderness camp, children can learn important lessons such as survival skills, first aid and wilderness safety. As a plus, kids will also be forced away from the television and video games for a spell so they can connect with nature.
One of the first and most obvious aspects of wilderness camping is, of course, the wilderness. These campers do not visit already set up camps with cabins, kitchens and bathroom facilities. Along with leaders experienced in wilderness survival, they set out to make their own adventure and their own camps.
Wilderness campers generally carry all of the things they need to live during their camping trip in a backpack on their backs. Their packs will hold their clothing, food and eating utensils as well as tents and bedding. Depending on their activity, they may make and break camp each day, or they may set up one camp site and stay there during their entire camping trip.
These campers generally travel to remote places where there is no electricity or plumbing. They must learn to cook all of their food over a fire and also set up a tent and campsite that will be protected from the elements. Campers will be taught how to pick a good campsite and how to pitch a tent properly. They will also be taught fire and cooking safety.
During their camping experience campers will also learn the basics of wilderness safety. This will include training in which plants, animals and insects are poisonous and what should be done if someone should become poisoned by a plant or insect. Campers will bring the lessons they learn while wilderness camping back to their everyday lives where they will know how to properly handle emergency situations.
In addition to the skills they will learn, most campers will tell you the exciting activities they can participate in during the trip is the focal point of wilderness camping. Wilderness camping will generally focus on an activity that can no be experienced in any other type of camp.
These activities can include mountain climbing, white water rafting, glacier hiking or backpacking in the forest or jungle. Wilderness camps are available in locations in both the United States as well as foreign locations, so your child can choose the adventure that is right for them.
Participating in a wilderness camp can help children learn the skills they need to survive and help others survive in the case of an emergency. They will also learn the extent of their own inner and physical strength as they participate in the adventure of their lives. Additionally, wilderness camps will also force kids away from video games and television for awhile and help them focus on nature and the world around them.
One of the first and most obvious aspects of wilderness camping is, of course, the wilderness. These campers do not visit already set up camps with cabins, kitchens and bathroom facilities. Along with leaders experienced in wilderness survival, they set out to make their own adventure and their own camps.
Wilderness campers generally carry all of the things they need to live during their camping trip in a backpack on their backs. Their packs will hold their clothing, food and eating utensils as well as tents and bedding. Depending on their activity, they may make and break camp each day, or they may set up one camp site and stay there during their entire camping trip.
These campers generally travel to remote places where there is no electricity or plumbing. They must learn to cook all of their food over a fire and also set up a tent and campsite that will be protected from the elements. Campers will be taught how to pick a good campsite and how to pitch a tent properly. They will also be taught fire and cooking safety.
During their camping experience campers will also learn the basics of wilderness safety. This will include training in which plants, animals and insects are poisonous and what should be done if someone should become poisoned by a plant or insect. Campers will bring the lessons they learn while wilderness camping back to their everyday lives where they will know how to properly handle emergency situations.
In addition to the skills they will learn, most campers will tell you the exciting activities they can participate in during the trip is the focal point of wilderness camping. Wilderness camping will generally focus on an activity that can no be experienced in any other type of camp.
These activities can include mountain climbing, white water rafting, glacier hiking or backpacking in the forest or jungle. Wilderness camps are available in locations in both the United States as well as foreign locations, so your child can choose the adventure that is right for them.
Participating in a wilderness camp can help children learn the skills they need to survive and help others survive in the case of an emergency. They will also learn the extent of their own inner and physical strength as they participate in the adventure of their lives. Additionally, wilderness camps will also force kids away from video games and television for awhile and help them focus on nature and the world around them.
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