Here’s some good tips on planning your vacation.

Finally, the time has come that you have decided you either need, deserve or just want to take a vacation. You might be the type of person who quickly throws stuff in a suitcase and caution to the wind. However, most people like to arrange their vacation to make it as worry and trouble free as possible. The key here is planning and organization.

First you should select the type of vacation and its destination. Are you looking for a relaxing time on the beach, an exciting skiing vacation or a thrilling gambling junket to the islands? Once you have narrowed down the type of excursion you have chosen, it is time to do some research. You will want to find the peak time of the year to go for your particular trip along with the best prices on transportation and lodging. You can get the information from your travel agent or do it yourself on the Internet.Then depending on your decision, purchase the airline tickets, schedule the cruise, rent a car or reserve the hotel or campground. Arrange for transportation to and from the airport.

Allow enough time to get your traveling documents in order. For instance, ordering a notarized birth certificate or applying for a passport, visa, international driver’s license, travel insurance, etc. Be sure if you will be going as the solitary parent, to obtain a notarized letter of consent from you spouse or ex-spouse that you have the permission to bring the child with you to your destination. However if the other parent is deceased, you may need to present their death certificate. Then again, if you will be leaving your child with a guardian, give him or her a notarized letter allowing them to authorize emergency medical attention. Check to see if any mandatory inoculations are necessary for immunization to travel in the area you are going to be visiting. Verify that your health insurance is up-to-date.

Plan your itinerary because a well-planned itinerary will save you both time and money. For example, if you decide you really want to attend a special festival, concert or other activities while you are away, check out if it will require tickets or reservations and order them before hand. This will avoid arriving to find a long wait or the activity is sold out. Do not overload your schedule. See how long it will realistically take to get from place to place. What is the best way to get there? How long will you stay? Realize there will be delays caused by weather, transportation and possibly health issues.

You will want to make sure you have everything at home tended to while you are away. You will need someone to take care of your pets, plants and trim the lawn. You may wish to hire a house or pet sitter. Otherwise, you will have to arrange to have your pet boarded, the mail held at the Post Office and deliveries like the newspaper and bottled water temporarily stopped. Make sure that you supply your house sitter with a key and the alarm code to the house. Provide instructions for taking care of your pets. Also make a list of emergency phone numbers they might need, such as, the veterinary, police, fire department, alarm company and where you will be staying.

Shortly before you leave, make sure you have your prescriptions refilled. Pay any upcoming bills. Shop for things you will need to bring with you. Give yourself plenty of time to pack your luggage so you will not forget anything. Advise your alarm company and police department of the time you will be gone. Put lights and maybe a radio on timers so it looks and sounds like someone is home. Throw out anything in the refrigerator that will spoil. Make sure to have the credit cards, travelers checks, cash or foreign currency, reservation confirmations and traveling documents you will need.

Right before you depart on vacation, shut off all electrical appliances and unplug televisions and computers. Depending on the season, raise or lower the heat and air conditioning. Take out the garbage. Shut off the water to your washing machine and outside faucets. Check with the airline to confirm your flight is on schedule. Lock up the house and car. Get ready to have a fantastic vacation knowing everything has been taken care of due to your careful preparation.

For more information on vacations, you can visit -
http://www.melloh-travel.com

Europe has always been a popular travel destination. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or planning your first trip, there are several important things to keep in mind before calling your travel agent and booking your next vacation:

1. Time of year: While “Paris in the Springtime” sounds very romantic, the truth is that you’re liable to spend many days indoors, because the weather can be cold and rainy. On the other hand, the French Riviera in the springtime boasts warm temperatures, sunshine and beautiful places to visit. If you’re not sure of weather patterns, check with your travel agent who can advise you on rainy seasons or other weather-related issues for traveling to a specific spot.

2. Your Budget: Decide how much you’ve got to spend, and don’t forget to include extras like tourist attractions, getting around, souvenirs and meals (which are typically more expensive in Europe than in the states — dinner can cost upwards of 50 Euros per person, especially in metropolitan cities). If your budget is smaller, consider visiting Eastern Europe, looking for packaged tours, or, if you’re flexible, book a “last-minute” trip, which can often save you 30% or more. Check out the current exchange rate between your currency and that of the country you’ll be visiting, to have a better idea of what your vacation is going to actually cost you. Whenever possible, travel during an off-peak season to save even more.

3. Your secret dreams or “someday” wishes: For most of us, taking a vacation is something we get to do only once a year, and often plan and save the whole year for. So if you have always wanted to visit somewhere or do something special — why wait? Include it in your next vacation plans.

4. Political Climate: While most countries that rely on tourism make every effort to ensure the safety of tourists, these days it’s always a good idea to keep up on the current political climate of the country you’re planning to visit, especially if there have been problems in the past.

5. Your own “internal clock”: If you prefer sleeping in in the mornings, and “doing your own thing” then a guided tour is probably not for you. Most guided tours start early in the morning, and you’re on the go until evening. You may visit several cities in a country or countries within a specified amount of time, and you’re required to stay with the group.

On the other hand, if you don’t like traveling alone, you enjoy the companionship of others and getting to see as much as possible in the time you’ve got, a guided tour or cruise may be just the thing for you.

6. How you like to spend your time: Take a little time to think about what you like doing before planning your trip. Do you prefer the water, or the mountains? Lying on the beach, or rock-climbing? Adrenaline rushes or visiting an art museum?

While going outside your comfort zone and trying new things can be a great experience, spending your time doing something that bores you silly or makes you uncomfortable and unhappy just doesn’t make sense. Once you know what you want to do, figure out what you’ll have time to do. Many times, in an effort to get the “most bang for our buck” we tend to over plan the vacation, and end up needing a vacation from the vacation when we get home! Prioritize your list, and be willing to save some activities or attractions for another trip.

7. Use the resources that are available to make your trip special and save money: Today’s travelers have numerous options when planning their vacation. You can use the Internet to find out more about the cities or countries you want to visit, check out prices, even book your flight or hotel room. If you’re visiting a place for the first time, check with a travel agent, talk to someone who’s “been there, done that” on an Internet Forum, or contact local chambers or commerce or travel councils to get more information about where to go, what to see and what to do.

8. Get organized: You can use trip-planning software, or your own favorite organizing system to organize and plan your trip. Don’t forget things like making sure your passport and picture ID are up-to-date, finding out if travel insurance is something you need, and how and where to exchange your money. The more organized you are in the beginning, the better vacation you’ll have.

9. Pack lightly: Most of us take too much on a vacation, and end up lugging heavy suitcases and other bags along filled with items that we either don’t use or don’t need. When planning your trip, look at your wardrobe and pack as lightly as you can. Take only what you’ll really need, and remember that if you forget or end up needing something, chances are you can get it once you reach your destination.

10. Have fun! Get organized, make your plans and expect the best. That way, once you’re on your way, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy yourself. But remember, there are very few “perfect” vacations, so if something does go wrong, try to relax and “go with the flow” as much as possible. Experienced travelers say that sometimes their best vacations have been the ones where the unexpected happened.

For more information, visit Melloh-Travel.com

Have you wanted to visit friends or relatives, or perhaps hike the trails at a scenic park? Did concerns over leaving your pet behind prevent you from going? Traveling with your pet is easier than you think.

Air travel with pets falls into two categories, in-cabin and cargo. In-cabin pets must be small enough to fit into a carrier that will slide under the seat in front of you. Pets too large to fit comfortably in a carrier must travel in cargo. Cargo holds are heated, cooled and pressurized, just like the passenger compartment.

Before you make a reservation, be sure the airline will accommodate your pet. Some airlines do not take pets in-cabin; some discount airlines don’t accept pets at all. So if you purchase your airline tickets through the Internet, make sure your pet will be able to travel with you.

Pet passengers require a reservation, whether traveling in-cabin or cargo. Airlines have restrictions on the number of pets they will carry in order to provide safe travel for all. So making your pet’s reservation at the same time you purchase your ticket is a good idea. Extra charges for both in-cabin and cargo pets will be assessed.

Purchase a health certificate from your veterinarian. Health certificates are only good for ten days, so if your visit will be longer than that you will have to purchase another health certificate for the return trip.

Your in-cabin pet will need a carrier. These soft-sided carriers come in several sizes, so buy or borrow one that allows your pet plenty of room. Some of these can be bought with wheels to make transport through the airport easier; these also reduce “pet space” under the airplane seat. Window and middle seats have more room underneath than aisle seats due to the seat configurations.

Pets traveling in cargo will need an airline-approved kennel. Generally, these are hard-sided, non-collapsible crates. If your pet already has a sturdy crate it may double as a shipping kennel, but do make sure it is airline approved.

Most experts do not recommend tranquilizing your pet. The motion of the airplane seems to have a soporific effect, causing pets (and people) to snooze. Once in the air you’ll find that your pet will probably sleep. A word about training is appropriate here. Crate training your pet will make him/her a better traveler. There are many resources available that will show you how to accomplish this. Time spent training will definitely pay off.

Don’t hesitate to join the legion of folks who travel with their pets. With a little preparation can be safe, simple and rewarding.

For more travel information, click the link below.
http://www.melloh-travel.com

When you think of what would be the ultimate shopping vacation in the United States, what comes to mind? Yes, none other than the Mall of America located in Bloomington, Minnesota. The Mall of America is our nations largest retail and entertainment complex with many attractions. Over 520 stores are arranged along three levels of pedestrian walkways on the sides of the rectangle, with a fourth level on one side. This is all under one roof with restaurants, AMC theaters, night clubs and special events that you won’t find anywhere else.

Camp Snoopy is the largest indoor family theme park in the nation, inviting guests to take a whirlwind ride on their latest roller coaster, the speeding and spiraling Timberland Twister. The park is home to seven acres of fun with more than 30 remarkable rides and attractions, nine mouth watering places to eat, plenty of entertainment and shopping. This theme park is a load of fun for the kids.

The Lego Imagination Center provides four stories of LEGO fun. Plenty to play with, see and buy. See more than 90 full-size LEGO models, including dinosaurs, astronauts and the worldís largest animated interactive LEGO clock tower. This LEGO Center is truly amazing and a must see.

Underwater Adventures Aquarium is the ultimate place for adventure. Imagine traveling 14 feet under water where sharks, stingrays and giant sea turtles that swim so close, you’ll feel like you can reach out and touch them. With over 1.2 million gallons of water, this aquarium features a 300 foot-long curved tunnel, complete with a moving walkway that simulates a scuba diving adventure - but without getting wet. Have you ever wondered what it would feel like to touch a real shark? Find out at Starfish Beach and take “The Plunge” in a virtual submarine ride. With over 4,500 living sea creatures, see why Underwater Adventures Aquarium was voted “Worlds Best Shark Encounter” by Discovery’s travel channel.

At Jillians you will eat, drink and play. This Video CafÈ features over 16 giant screen TVs for optimal sports viewing and a new menu with an eclectic blend of insatiable appetizers, delicious entrees and yummy desserts. The 9-Ball Lounge has tournament quality billiard tables. The Amazing Games Room is filled to the rafters with the latest electronic and simulation games. Hi-Life Lanes is an over the top multi-media bowling alley and many other dining and entertainment venues including dancing.

If you’ve got a need for speed, satisfy it at the NASCAR Silicon Motor Speedway.www.mallofamerica.com The roar of 700 horse power engines and 195 mile per hour speeds are all part of this electrifying, high tech indoor stock car racing competition. Slide into the cockpit of a professional stock car and speed off! This is stock car racing as real as it gets. Want a tip?
Think SMOOTH -
Hold the steering wheel with both hands, at “10″ and “2,” and don’t over-correct when you turn. Steer the car smoothly and consistently.

ACES Flight Simulation - Take full control of sophisticated flight simulators that are duplicates of those used to train military pilots. Fly both modern F/A-18 Hornet jets and classic WWII fighters such as the P-51 Mustang and F4U Corsair.

While you’re in Minnesota, check out all the attractions Minnesota has to offer. Tour the Twin Cities, noted for its array of intriguing theater, fine orchestras, and art museums. Pacific Place is downtown and features premier shopping, dining and entertainment centers. Come enjoy shopping with some of our nations best stores including: Tiffany & Co., MaxMara and Coach along with J. Crew, Chicoís, Ann Taylor, Helly Hanson, Pottery Barn, Barnes & Noble and Williams-Sonoma. Take time to enjoy the 11- screen AMC Theatre complex. Cross the Skybridge Connection to the flag ship Nordstrom store and lots of affordable parking. It’s a place for fashion, food and film. Let’s not forget about the ultimate shopping vacation you can experience from the comfort of you own home. The most addictive of all shopping experiences: eBay. Where you can find cherished items that stores stopped selling, from that doll you wanted as a child to that hard to get collectible. http://www.ebay.com

Think luxury vacation - Think The Maldives

Visit the Maldives for an unforgettable holiday of a lifetime!
You don’t need a visa to come to the Maldives although a 30 day entry permit will be given to you on arrival, i.e. any designated entry port. You will need a valid travel passport from your country of origin, along with a scheduled return ticket, and any necessary visa for the country you’re leaving to.
There are several dozen cruise boats that sail around the islands as well. There’s a lot to see with 1,200 islands, and certain cruises offer complementary diving expeditions; others are for relaxation - plain and simple. A good cruise will wind its way through the heavily populous atolls and also the virgin, pristine islands. Luxury cruises have modern amenities, and each cruise has its own twist on things.
This is a land of sun and water. A perfect paradise for those that need to unwind and relax. Scuba diving, snorkelling, submarine tours, whale and dolphin tours, and a variety of water sports including wakeboarding, jet skis, parasailing, and water skiing, are also available.
There are at least 17 hotels in the capital of Male, and you’ll need booked reservations upon arrival or else $30/day for every day you’ll be staying there. You have to provide proof of one or the other to officials upon entry. Ask your cruise if they commonly see any of Male’s oceanic spectacles like the Blue Whale, Sperm Whale, Pilot Whale as well as the Spinner, Bottlenose, Risso’s, Spotted, Striped, Fraser’s and Rough-toothed dolphins. There are Maldivian specialities, which are frequently seen here but hardly ever anywhere else. You might even get a chance to see a Dwarf Sperm Whale, Melon-headed Whale or the elusive Tropical Bottlenose Whale. Even Orca killer whales abound.
Night fishing is another popular way to relax for tourists. The boats take off before sunset and settle down in a reef area. Even if the fishing is so-so, it’s still a good chance to relax.

Eric Hartwell oversees “The World’s Best Homepage” intended to be a user-generated resource where YOUR opinion counts. Anybody can contribute and all are welcomed. Visit us to read, comment upon or share opinions on travel and vacations and visit our associated site articles for free.
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Hi everyone,

Writing about Florida on this blog a couple of days ago started bringing back memories  of our family going to Florida almost every year.

My dad’s folks and sister lived in Florida.  My grandparents lived in Ft. Lauderdale and my aunt lived and still lives in Tampa.

We’d drive down there every summer when school was out and we loved going to the beaches.  We started going to the beaches when I was around five or six.  I had my little sun hat on (yawn) and a tiny little shovel in my hand and I was headed over to build a sand castle.  My dad took a lot of movies of us.  It’s really funny to be watching them some fifty years later.  Cracks me up.

Mostly what I remember is from seeing dad’s movie.  My memory doesn’t go back to five years old.  As we got older, I remember going down there and I started collecting sea shells.

Florida was great.  I haven’t been down there lately.  My aunt and uncle have come up here from Tampa a couple of times in the last five years.  My dad is gone now but I’ll never forget our Florida vacations.

Been to Florida?  Leave me some comments okay?

Till later,

Barb

Hi everyone,
Let’s talk about the Bahamas today - Have you ever been there?
Feel free to comment on this posting. If you’ve been there, maybe
you could add some more info to this post. I would love it if you did!

Here’s some information about the Bahamas.

The Islands of the Bahamas is a 100,000-square-mile tropical paradise that claims more than 700 islands and 2500 cays and lies a mere 50 miles off the Florida coast. Once called the “Isles of Perpetual June” by George Washington, the Bahamas is blessed with a tropical climate that makes it a year-round destination for people who long for a calming respite from the grueling rat race. The best time to visit the Bahamas is in the summer, which falls between June and August. While winter can be surprisingly cold, daily high temperatures in the Bahamas rarely drop below 16°C from December to February, and the sun shines an average of 320 days out of the year.

There’s Something for Everyone in the Bahamas

Touted as the “playground of the rich and famous,” the Bahamas offers a smorgasbord of attractions and diversions that are as colorful and unique as the archipelago’s history, heritage, and habitants. The diverse geography and rich natural resources of the Bahamas guarantee satisfaction for tourists of every agenda and persuasion. Surf lovers will find boundless serenity and self-indulgence in the Bahamas’ breath-taking beaches, while fun seekers who prefer to shun the sun can go spelunking in the Hatchet Bay Caves or bird-watching at Inagua. Many travelers discover that there is so much to see and do in the Bahamas that only a return visit would enable them to sample every little pleasure that the Bahamas has to offer.

Bahamas : Have surf, will soak

What’s the good of going to the Bahamas if you’d rather stay dry? Resisting the allure of the pristine beaches and soft, powdery sand of the Bahamas islands would be akin to skipping the gondola ride when visiting Venice. With its endless stretch of spectacular sand and sea, the Bahamas is a beach lover’s paradise that should not be missed. The beaches of the Bahamas provide an idyllic refuge for everyone from world-weary travelers to starry-eyed honeymooners. Boasting of over 500 miles of the world’s clearest waters, the Bahamas pulsates with an inexhaustible array of beach and water activities. Emerald green and crystal blue waters provide a magnificent venue for water sports in the Bahamas such as parasailing, waterskiing, and windsurfing. Bimini Island, deep-sea fishing capital of the world and Ernest Hemingway’s favorite game-fishing hideaway in the Bahamas, teems with marine life that is unrivaled in any other part of the world. Visitors to the Bahamas who are not beguiled by the charms of water sports and game fishing can always retreat to a secluded spot on the beach and curl up with a good book while working on a killer tan.

Seek Sanctuary in the Wildlife of the Bahamas

Wildlife enthusiasts who are loathe to strap on a swimsuit will find plenty of destinations and adventures choose from in the Bahamas. The Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park is a 176-square-mile ecological preserve and wildlife refuge in the Bahamas that is home to several rare birds, colorful fish, and exotic reptiles, including the endangered Bahamian Iguana. Fancy a flamingo? Head to the Abaco National Park on Out Island and the Great Inagua in the Bahamas, considered as two of the best bird-watching destinations in the entire Caribbean Islands. Spelunkers visiting the Bahamas can get their kicks by exploring the tantalizing collection of stalactites and stalagmites of Hatchet Bay Caves.

A Genuine Taste of the Hospitality, Culture, and Folklore of the Bahamas

With the aim of giving visitors an authentic and enriching encounter with the people and culture of the Bahamas, the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism launched the People-to-People Encounter Program in 1975. Over 1,200 Bahamians participate in the community involvement venture that brings visitors and Bahamas residents together on a more personal basis. Visitors get a first-hand taste of life on the islands by engaging in quotidian activities with their Bahamas hosts, such as sharing a home-cooked meal, spending an evening of pleasant conversation, or worshipping at church. Through People-to-People, participants gain invaluable insight and a wealth of memories that will make their visit to the Bahamas a truly rewarding experience.

Visit Melloh Travel -

Visit Florida For Your Next Family Vacation. It’s one of the biggest tourist destinations in America and the world. There is so much to see and do in Florida. If you are planning on taking a vacation, here are a few reasons why you should pick Florida.

Florida truly has it all, from one of the world’s top vacation parks to great cities, to unbelievable beach and marine wildlife. Many people that come to Florida are amazed at how beautiful it is. Why do most people visit Florida? For the beaches!

Visit Florida for a fun and outstanding family trip. Florida is a place for couples, family, or even friends. Most families love to go to Disney World. Disney is one of the premiere vacations spots in the world for families. Disney World is located in Orlando, which is home to plenty of great resorts and other big theme parks. There is no place more fun for a Theme Vacation than an amusement park in Florida. Universal Studio also has a large park in Orlando that revolves around their movies.

People that are looking for fun in the sun should hit Miami. Miami was once a place for retired senior citizens. Now Miami has plenty of Latin culture and great beaches where plenty of young people go to hang out and go clubbing the whole night.

Visit Florida for your next fishing vacation. If you love the water and marine life, then you should definitely see the Florida Keys. Key West, one the best known Florida Key destinations, offers great boating excursions, snorkeling and scuba diving. Visit Florida For Your Next Family Vacation.

Florida Vacations, Travel & Adventures

I’ll be posting a lot of information about traveling. Feel free to leave comments.

Let’s start with this article on planning a great vacation.

How to Plan a Great Vacation

Having a relaxing vacation is the ideal way to forget all about the stress of our daily lives. It’s a chance to just sit back, relax and get our priorities back in order. For many of us, it’s also a great chance to reconnect with our loved ones. Whatever your reasons for needing to take a vacation, there are a few things you need to do to ensure that it goes exactly the way you envision.

The first thing you need to do when planning your perfect vacation is to figure out what you want to get out of it. Different people have different ways of relaxing. While one person might revel in a week of non-stop lying on the beach, another might find that idea incredibly boring. Plan a vacation based on what you enjoy doing and not what someone else thinks you should do. Look into the options that you think will help you relax.

Setting a budget for your trip is very important. You simply won’t be able to enjoy any holiday if you are constantly worrying about money. Spending more money than you can afford to on a vacation will only leave you feeling worried and guilty. Come up with a viable plan that will allow you to do the things you love without sacrificing your entire piggy bank. It will definitely be a relief not to have to come home and start working hard just to pay off your trip.

Setting a budget for your trip is very important. You simply won’t be able to enjoy any holiday if you are constantly worrying about money. Spending more money than you can afford to on a vacation will only leave you feeling worried and guilty. Come up with a viable plan that will allow you to do the things you love without sacrificing your entire piggy bank. It will definitely be a relief not to have to come home and start working hard just to pay off your trip.

Sometimes we all need a little help. Don’t be afraid to ask for it. Enlist the help of a travel agent who knows about the industry. They can point out options and ideas you never even thought of. Not only that, but it helps to have someone else to make the calls and the arrangements. They’ll be able to help you if things start to go wrong. Their number one priority is your holiday happiness.

For many of us, taking a vacation isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity! A vacation allows us the opportunity to relax and take a step back from the busy world around us. It’s very important for our physical, emotional and mental well-being. After all, if you don’t have something to look forward to during the year, you might just be inclined to have a breakdown! Plan your vacation properly and reality will seem just a tad sweeter when you get back to it.

For more information on travel, visit Melloh-Travel.com