Posted: under Other - Destinations.
Tags: Airplanes, Airport Security, Airports, Amtrak, Duration, Holiday Travel, Holidays, Person Job, Play Games, Snacks, Terrorist Attacks, Train Travel, Travel By Train, Travel Holiday, Travel Train
Holiday Travel by Train
More and more people are turning to Amtrak as a reliable way to travel for the holidays. After the terrorist attacks of 09/11/01, airport security has become increasingly difficult to get through. As a result most airports have long lines and delays taking place around the holidays because they dont want to become lax even when it is busy.
Traveling with children for the holidays can be stressful, especially if you are traveling with them alone. Keeping them entertained in a car for the trip is often a two person job so one can drive and one can play games or offer snacks to keep everyone in the vehicle happy for the duration of the trip.
Airplanes are very cramped and most people dont do well with children roaming the isles or crying during the flight. For younger children, the amount of pressure that can build in their ears on an airplane is very painful. Being stuck on a runway for hours will definitely make children uncomfortable and these delays often happen around the holidays. If you have ever tried to change diapers in the small airplane bathrooms you will know that it isnt an easy feat to accomplish.
Amtrak is very family oriented so this may be the best mode of transportation for your holiday travel. The cars are roomy and you are able to get up and walk around freely. There is plenty of scenery along the railway routes too for you to enjoy.
If you are be going on a long trip for the holidays, Amtrak offers sleeping cars of various sizes. This is a great way for your children to have the room they need to take a nap and to play. Most of the family sleeping cars offer enough space for two adults and two children comfortably.
You will find great holiday travel deals on Amtrak when you reserve a sleep car as well. Many times you will get coupons for free meals offered in the dining car. This is an expense you will have to cover on your own otherwise so it helps offset the cost of the sleep car.
Make sure you make reservations for Amtrak early though. They tickets often sell out quickly for holiday travel and they have a limited number of sleeping cars. You dont want to be stuck without one or have to accept one that is too small for comfort because you waited too long to make your reservation.
Most train stations are very well set up and you can even leave your car there when you board the Amtrak for free. Most airports charge you by the day to leave your vehicle behind and that is an expense that quickly adds up. You can either have your family or friends pick you up at the train station for your destination or choose alternate modes of transportation. There will likely be rental cars at the terminal or you can take a taxi cab.
You can go online to find out the various destinations that Amtrak travels to. If they dont go to your exact location but within 100 miles you may want to consider having someone pick you up there or to rent a car to go the rest of the way. Amtrak is affordable and much more comfortable than taking an airplane or traveling all that way in a car.
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May 31 2010
Posted: under Other - Destinations.
Tags: Budget, Circumstances, Holiday Travel, Holidays, Many People, Money 98, Raise Money, Travel Ways, Ways To Save Money
Ways to Save Money for Holiday Travel
Many people want to travel for the holidays but they dont feel like they can because their budget doesnt allow for it. Yet there are plenty of ways you can raise money to be able to do so. The sooner you start making a plan and determining how much money you will need the more successful you will be. Come up with as accurate of an amount as you can so you wont fall short. If you overestimate the amount of money you need for holiday travel then you can enjoy it later on.
Make a commitment not to touch the money you save for holiday travel under and circumstances. Place it in the bank or in a piggy bank that you have to break to get into. This way you wont be tempted to remove any of the money for another purpose. The money you save for holiday travel will safely continue to grow until you are ready to travel.
Everyone needs to remove clutter from their home now and then so get it done and have a yard sale. Price the items cheap so that you wont have to haul it all back into your home again. Making some money off the items you no longer need is better than not making any at all. You may want to place some of the items on the various online auctions so that you can get a better price for them. Do your research to see what is selling on these sites so you can have a good chance of selling yours.
Take a close look at your income and think about how much of it you can reasonably put away for holiday travel. Even if it is only $10 a week you can start putting it away and it will add up quickly. If you get paid every two weeks there will be months when you get three pay checks. Make a plan to save at least ½ of those paychecks for your holiday travel plans.
You may find making some adjustments to your familys budget can help you to save enough money for holiday travel as well. Instead of paying for a cup of coffee on the way to work each day make your own. Rather than going out to dinner and to a movie consider ordering a pizza and renting a movie. All the extra money that you save needs to go towards your holiday travel plans.
Ask your boss about any additional shifts or overtime hours you can have in order to save money for holiday travel. This means you may have to give up some of your free time but it will be a worthwhile sacrifice. Let other people know you are for hire too so they can pay you to baby sit, clean their house, or paint their garage. These little projects can be very fun and add up to some nice cash for the holiday travel plans you have.
If you are traveling for the holidays to see your family or friends ask them about a no gift rule if you want to go for Christmas. Explain to them that you will be saving all your money towards coming to see them for the holidays. The amount of money you will save on gifts quickly adds up, and being able to spend time with your family and friends will be a gift you cant put a price on.
Look for excellent deals on holiday travel as well. It will be wonderful if you find a cheap flight or a discount of the train or bus. This means you will have less money to save up for your holiday travel. It may take some effort and some sacrifices but it will be well worth it when the holiday of your choice rolls around and you are able to go where you want to go.
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May 29 2010
Posted: under Other - Destinations.
Tags: Close Proximity, Divorce, Holidays, Live 105, Parents, Traditional Families, Travel, Traveling
Children Traveling alone for the Holidays
Due to the number of non-traditional families in our society, it is common for custody agreements to require children to travel over the holidays to be with the other parent. This is an issue that many parents have to deal with in the best way possible. If the parents live in close proximity they can easily drive them to the agreed upon destination. If the divorce is amicable it may even be possible for each parent to drive half way for the exchange of the children.
However, it isnt always possible for parents to be able to do this for one reason or another and that means that children will end up traveling alone for the holidays. You want to make this as smooth of a process for them as you possibly can. Make sure you talk to your child about the process and they know exactly what will be taking place. It is important that you talk to them about not going with strangers for any reason while they are traveling alone for the holidays.
Make sure you pack your child plenty of activities for them to entertain themselves during the flight. It is a good idea to pack them drinks and snacks too in case they get hungry. Never leave your child until they have boarded the type of transportation they are taking. If there is a layover or a cancellation they will be left alone.
If possible send your child with a cell phone they can use in the case of emergencies. You should also pack a list of contact phone numbers with them and any medical information that could be useful in the event of an accident. Avoid placing children who are flying alone for the holidays on those flights that have layovers if you can help it. In the event that it is necessary make sure a flight attendant will be escorting them to that location.
The safest mode of transportation for you child if they are traveling alone to visit the other parent for the holidays is to book them a flight. It may be more expensive but you will be more confident about them going alone. If possible dont send your child alone on a flight if they have never been on an airplane before. The stress of it can be too much for them to handle.
Let the airline know at the time of booking that your child will be traveling alone. They will keep a close eye on the child during the flight and find out who they have to be delivered to at the airport. This person will need to have their photo ID with them even if the child knows them in order to follow safety procedures. Most airlines consider a minor to be traveling alone for the holidays if they are between 5 and 15 years of age. Younger children arent allowed to travel alone.
It is against the rules for children under 8 years of age to travel alone on Amtrak. Those between the ages of 8 and 15 may travel alone as long as it is not an overnight trip. They must reach their destination no later than 9 pm. The child isnt allowed to transfer trains either or to get off at any locations other than the one printed on their ticket.
The child will be interviewed by a staff member when they are brought to the train station. If the child doesnt appear to be mature enough to travel alone they will not be allowed on the train and the ticket price will be refunded. If they are allowed to board the parent must sign a waiver releasing Amtrak from all liability. The child will be issued a wristband so that all staff members will know they are traveling alone.
Greyhound doesnt allow children under 8 years of age to travel alone either. This isnt an option at all of the bus ride is more than 250 miles at Greyhound has that limit on the number of miles a child can be on the bus. To get off for any reason at a rest area or bus stop the child must be accompanied by the bus driver. They are also required to sit in the seat immediately behind the bus driver.
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May 27 2010
Posted: under Other - Destinations.
Tags: Bay Hotel, Beach Condos, Beach Vacation, Choices, Christmas, Complimentary Programs, Easter 97, Golf Courses, Golf Rates, Kai Beach, Kapalua Villas, Kitchens, Laundry Facilities, Low Rise, Maui Prince Hotel, Napili Kai, Ritz Carlton Kapalua, Scenic Golf, Vacation Ideas, West Coast
Family Beach Vacation Ideas
All across the world, there are several locations you
can choose for your family beach vacation. Below,
you will find many different locations, and what
they will offer you and your family.
Maui
Throughout the West Coast of Maui, you’ll have many
choices for your beach vacation. If you plan to
enjoy golf, the Kapalua Resort is a great choice,
as guests will receive 30% lower golf rates than
those who don’t stay at the resort. The resort
also includes the Kapalua Bay Hotel, Kapalua Villas,
and the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua.
One bay over from the Kapalua Bay is the Napili Kai
Beach Resort, which is a low rise family resort
that offers comfortable beach front condos. The
Napili Kai also offers complimentary programs for
children ages 6 – 12 from mid June to the end of
August, during Easter and Christmas. The condos are
seconds away from the beach, and they include
kitchens as well as laundry facilities.
If you prefer a more secluded area, the Maui Prince
hotel is located in a quiet setting surrounded by
two scenic golf courses and a large sandy beach
that kids never seem to get enough of.
Mololai family adventures
The island of Molokai is filled with empty beaches,
no traffic lights, and few tourists. Many tourists
visits only for a day or so, with some going to
the island because they assumed they were going to
Molokini (which is a snorkeling site near Maui).
The island of Mololai is accessible by ferry from
Maui or by plane from Honolulu. The island is
ideal for those who like the outdoors with a twist
of adventure. When you visit here, you shouldn’t
expect shopping or nightlife.
Florida
The Breakers Hotel in sunny Palm Beach Florida has
a spa, golf course, and a 1/2 mile sandy beach.
There is also a seperate pool for the kids, a family
entertainment center, and a kid’s program. Families
can reserve up to five adjoining rooms while
children under the age of 16 can stay for free in
the same room as their parents.
If you decide to take your beach vacation in Orlando,
the Loews Hard Rock Hotel offers you plenty of
beach and amusement rides, with a 240 foot slide
and a white sandy beach.
California
With several family beach vacation resorts in
California, the Hotel Del Coronado is among the most
famous. The hotel offers many different facilities
for families, including lessons in kayaking, surfing,
tennis, and biking.
Georgia
The barrier islands in Georgia offer ambiance,
sandy beaches, and a laid back prospective to life
as you know it. Jekyll Island offers you miles
of paved bike path with three 18 hole golf courses,
which is perfect for golf enthusiasts.
(word count 454)
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May 26 2010
Posted: under Other - Destinations.
Tags: Accidents, Car Length, Criminals, Holiday Travel, Holiday Travelers, Holidays, Money, Paying Attention, Seat Belt, Surroundings, Target, Travel Tips, Traveling
Tips for Staying Alert during Holiday Travel
Traveling during the holidays is very exciting and there is plenty going on all around you. However, it is very important that you remain alert so you wont be involved in an accident or become a victim of theft. There are plenty of criminals that target holiday travelers as they know they are likely to have money on them and they arent always paying attention to their surroundings.
Accidents can take place anywhere during holiday travel so you need to be prepared for the unexpected. Never speed when you are driving and make sure you have your seat belt on. Allow at least one car length between you and the person in front of you. Should they have to brake quickly you dont want to rear end them or end up being hit by the vehicle behind you.
Pay close attention for animals crossing the road as they can be a hazard. Even though you dont want to hit them, slamming on your brakes or swerving can result in an accident. If you do have to swerve always go to the right so you will be off the road instead of into oncoming traffic.
There will be people along the side of the road that have been involved in accidents or their vehicles have broken down. If you decide to stop and help them be very careful of the traffic that is coming along. If you decide to keep going you should switch lanes if possible or at least move over as far as possible. You dont want to accidentally hit someone that is walking around on the road.
While it is human nature to be compassionate and to attempt to help others you need to be careful. Scams often occur during holiday travel and you may encounter people asking for money or a ride. Trust your instincts and if you dont feel comfortable with the circumstances you need to leave. You can always use your cell phone to call the local authorities to give them a hand.
Never drive when you are too tired to focus your attention on the road. Too many people traveling for the holidays havent gotten sufficient rest along the way. Dont kid yourself into thinking that a soda or several cups of coffee are going to keep you awake. Driving while you are tired increases your chances of making mistakes and also prolongs your reaction times.
Whether you are driving yourself or taking another method of transportation, you need to keep a close eye on your items. Dont fall victim to having your luggage, purse, or wallet stolen by someone because you left it unattended. Men should keep their wallet in their front pocket and women should keep their purses over their head across the shoulder and to the opposite arm.
If you are traveling with a spouse or other adult it is a good idea for each of you to carry some money and a credit card with you. This way if someone does get your materials you wont be completely without access to other forms of payment you may need. It is also a good idea for each of you to carry a copy of the itinerary with confirmation numbers. This way you are likely to have one copy if the other gets lost. It is also helpful if you get separated in a crowded airport.
Traveling during the holidays can be fun and a great way to get away from your daily routine. Follow these tips to help keep yourself alert so you can have the very best time possible. Most accidents are the result of people being tired or being in too much of a hurry so get enough rest and take your time to arrive safely. Always pay close attention to your personal belongings and report any suspicious behaviors you may encounter.
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May 24 2010
