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Winter camping tips
My buddy Mike Langlois joined me on a frozen Wisconsin River island above Tomahawk for our first winter camping trip. Starting out it was 35°F, so for gear we had summer sleeping bags and a canvas pup tent. What did we know? We were just 12. That night a norther’ blew in from the Arctic dropping temps into the minus digits. Had Mike and I geared for –30°, we could have slept all night rather than jogging inside flimsy sleeping bags trying to keep our blood solid. Luckily, this experience did not turn me off winter camping. But it did teach me a valuable lesson. First rule of winter camping: Plan for the coldest possible temperatures in your area. Whether it starts in October or ends in April, winter can be brutal. The most important thing about winter camping is planning. In the summer, make a mistake like getting wet and you can survive. But get soaked at 20°, and you’re in trouble...

Sicily, a Winery Tour
About halfway between Palermo, on the north coast of Sicily, and Agrigento, on the south, lies one of the island's premier wineries and cooking schools - Regaleali, which has been in the family of Count Lucio Tasca since 1830. Regaleali, near the tiny village of Vallelunga, is not a palazzo but a grand country estate of 1,200 acres. It is also a working farm that provides all the wine and almost all the food it serves its guests. A couple of years ago the count's son, Giuseppe Tasca, realized that those who were coming for the wine tasting were...

South Beach
The party was just getting started in the lobby of the Delano hotel in South Beach. The diaphanous white curtains blew dramatically in the wind, women in tiny dresses stalked about in oversized heels, and the O'Jay's cut "Back Stabbers" provided a perhaps all-too-fitting soundtrack to the evening. None of which interested my 6-year-old son, Nick, very much. As soon as we walked in the door, he made a beeline for the chessboard just outside the hipster-packed Rose Bar. The man sitting on one side of it was clearly expecting some more sophisticated company, but when Nick sat down across from...

Rocky Mountain
The words "affordable" and "ski weekend" rarely find themselves in the same sentence, which is why it is something of a revelation to come across Snow Mountain Ranch in Tabernash, Colo. - part of the Y.M.C.A. of the Rockies. Nestled in the Fraser Valley among scrub evergreens, open fields and beautiful mountain vistas, Snow Mountain is not what you would call a trendy resort. But, for families looking for a low-key ski outing at about a third of the cost of a vacation at Beaver Creek or Snowmass, this is the place. At a base of 8,700 feet, the Snow Mountain Ranch sits next to the Arapahoe National Forest. Scattered across its 5,100 acres...

Why go Acapulco
Acapulco, for a certain generation, is suave Frank Sinatra songs and Elvis Presley movies, Kennedy honeymoons and Elizabeth Taylor weddings (O.K., only one of the eight weddings). The high-flying Hollywood crowd took Acapulco to the moon with it in the 1950's and 60's then went on to their next playground. Although the names of the clubs, the style of the music and the clientele have changed since La Perla was opened in 1949, Acapulco has always been counted on for night life...

Hiking Dominica's Peaks - Part1
True, that's as far as most people want to go before flopping down on the sand and soaking up the sun. But there is actually serious hiking in the islands, from the 10,000-foot scramble up Pico Duarte in the Dominican Republic, the highest point in the Caribbean, to lowland trails through the gardens of St. Kitts....

Hiking Dominica's Peaks - Part2
The one thing the hotel did provide, however, was an excellent hiking guide, Peter Green. Granted, his safari outfit with the hand-painted waterfalls on it and cellphone number written on his chest might have been a little much. But Peter was incredibly knowledgeable about all things, well, green. And he knew the way to Boiling Lake.....

Hiking Dominica's Peaks - Part3
It takes about an hour to reach the falls from the road, and it is truly unforgettable to watch a river go flying off the side of a mountain, tumble through the air and then smash into a frothy pool of water so hard, so fast, that it sounds like a jet engine. Nearby is the Stinking Hole, a steaming fissure in the earth that .....

Cotton Candy - Part 1
Imagine a family trip to Los Angeles without the usual annoyances: No long lines at theme parks. No freeway gridlock. No overpriced trendy restaurants. For parents in search of a laid-back Southern California vacation, Santa Monica may just be the answer. Once a turn-of-the-century playground for well-heeled Angelenos, Santa Monica has grown into a vibrant beachfront community with an eclectic mix of.....

Cotton Candy - Part 2
For an unusual afternoon break, treat the kids to an authentic English tea at the Tudor House; 1403 Second Street, (310) 451-8470, www.thetudorhouse.com. For 40 years, this outpost of British culture has offered daily afternoon tea ($13.95), with finger sandwiches, scones, quiche and pastries. Browse in the adjacent shop, where expatriates can be found loading up on Marmite spread, McVities biscuits and Branston pickles.....

Travel Shanghai China
I live, work, play in Shanghai, China’s largest city, largest port; a city of 16 million people, (many millions more during holidays and festivals), a city wanting to be the biggest, best and most important in the world. If you had been able to Travel Shanghai 10 years ago, and returned today, you would see a very, very different city. Shanghai today is a modern, 21st Century city, with tall, new shiny buildings, amazing nightlights, a wonderland. Finding the old sights and sounds of the old city is becoming more difficult as the city’s rapid development produces almost instant change, almost everywhere. Shanghai is a Chinese city of surprises: - a bizarre, and sometimes brutal, colonial history (British, French, American, Italian, Japanese) and dark days exploited as an Opium trade hub. Mix that with ancient Chinese culture and today we have a city urgently trying to leave its colourful past behind and which will soon be compared, in class and elegance, with any major city in the world. When you Travel Shanghai China, you will quickly notice it is the power-house of China, the money-making machine that drives the Chinese...

Alaska glacier cruises: Alaska up close and personal
What do you have in mind for your next vacation? Are you planning another trip to the same tired beach that you visit every year or an "adventure" to a controlled, commercialized theme park? If so, I have a suggestion for you: Alaska glacier cruises. What if I told you that you could do something truly unique and adventurous, something that the whole family would love? What if I told you that there was a family cruise destination so breathtakingly beautiful and teeming with wildlife that you could spend days captivated at the rail of a cruise ship and still not get enough? Would you be interested? Sure you would. Few people have visited Alaska without having been changed by the experience. Much of the terrain consists of gorgeous, formidable glaciers and ice fields which cover over 5% of Alaska's land surface. This natural beauty can be seen from many top tourist destinations of Alaska including Juneau, Valdez, Seward and the Matanuska Valley, but is usually only fully appreciated with an up close and personal view that only a cruise through the inland waterways can afford. From this vantage point you will stand spellbound by tidewater glaciers that reach over 100 ft. in height and the antics of wildlife such as humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, dolphins, brown bears and bald eagles. In Alaska, there is a multitude of attractions that will keep you coming back for more. Cruise the smooth inland waterways of Alaska...

China Travel Tips
Survival China Travel Tips and Tricks These China Travel Tips, Survival Techniques, will help you get around and make your trip to China easier, so you will be able to experience the real China with a little less stress. China is an odd beast that needs to be respected; the major cities, Beijing, Shanghai, and Xian, all have their own personalities. Some complex situations that you think would be an organizational disaster turn out to be great and you wonder afterward what all the fuss and worry was about. Then the simplest of tasks can turn out to be a major calamity. This is when you have what we call here a “China day”. These days come and go and are part of the experience of everyday travel in China. One needs to have an open mind when travelling China. It is a place with thousands of years of history and culture that is trying overnight to adapt to Western ways of living. You need to have a very open mind when you Travel in China. I have listed below a few China Travel Tips that will make life that wee bit more bearable on your Travel China experience...

Tips for Choosing a Rental Cottage for a Great Waterfront Vacation
You’ve been looking forward to your waterfront vacation for months. Now it’s time to start planning and rent a vacation cottage for your use. Selecting the best cottage can be the difference between a great vacation and one where you feel like you are ‘doing without’. Surprised? Many vacationers consider the cottage as ‘just somewhere to stay’ since most of your time will be spent on the water, or enjoying local attractions. Don’t make that mistake. There is no reason to settle for less when, with a little planning, you can find a great cottage that you’ll enjoy as much as the other parts of your vacation. Remember, your vacation cottage is where you’ll be sleeping, waking up, having many of your meals, and resting. If it rains or is unseasonably hot outside, you may end up stretched out reading a book to while away the day – assuming there is a comfortable sofa. And when you meet new friends, you’ll want someplace nice for entertaining. Shouldn’t your vacation cottage be a pleasant get-away with the amenities that make vacations a real treat? Here are a few tips to for selecting the perfect waterfront vacation cottage rental: 1.The single most important factor is whether or not you can “see” actual recent photos of the interior and exterior of the vacation cottage rental...

Eurail Train Travel: Luxury at Speed
You can effectively extend a touring holiday of Europe by several days and perhaps save money. To do it you need a Eurail pass and a little forward planning. This is how it works. With a Eurail Pass you can go from city center to city center in Europe in great comfort at a reasonable price. The key to this is the phrase 'city center to city center'. Consider Paris. The airport, Charles de Gaulle, is 23 km north-east of Paris. If you go by taxi in either direction it costs the national debt and takes 45 minutes. There are regular buses and trains but your journey is never going to be less than 45 minutes. Leaving, you have security to go through and the airlines would like you there well before take-off. At least an hour, sometimes two hours. Thus on any flight you find that as much as six hours, never less than four, are spent getting to the airport, checking in, flying, getting there and collecting your luggage. Then getting to the center of your destination. By train, in every capital in Europe (I have searched and found no exception) you arrive in the center of the city. Yes, you need to be at the train station ten minutes before the train leaves -- make it fifteen minutes to be on the safe side -- and when you get to your destination it is instant arrival. Your baggage is with you and you are there, bang in the center of the city. To test this stay with Paris...

Why Take an Australia Cruise ?
Australia is a country of amazing diversity and awe- inspiring beauty. From grand cities to ancient coral reefs, there is no end of star attractions in the land of Oz and the best way to see them is to book yourself on an Australia cruise. Sydney and its world famous harbor is a good starting point for an Australia cruise, although it is of course possible to start at other Australian ports, and also at ports outside of Australia. For instance, you could join the US to Australia leg of a round-the-world cruise at Los Angeles and find yourself in Sydney, Australia 30-days later. From Sydney you could depart on a smaller cruise around Australia and/or New Zealand. Cruise routes around Australia normally concentrate on port stops along the East and North coasts. Brisbane, the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns, Port Douglas, Townsville and Darwin are the main ports of call, with cruise durations typically of between 7-10 days. From Darwin, a few cruise lines offer services westwards towards Broome...

Why Take a Bahamas Cruise ?
The Bahamas is arguably the most popular cruise destination for U.S. travelers, and is especially popular with first-time cruisers from the U.S. Only 75kms from mainland USA, the outer islands that make up the group can be reached within a matter of hours. This makes the Bahamas an excellent choice of location for a short Bahamas cruise break of two, three or four nights away from home. Some 700 islands make up the archipelago of the Bahamas, of which only around 50 are inhabited. Cruise lines generally focus on just two Bahaman ports - Nassau and Freeport. Nassau is Bahamas' capital, and is located on the island of New Providence. It is a beautiful compact city that is easy to explore inside a day's shore excursion. The city's charm is in its architecture - and of course its people. Late 18th century and early 19th century colonial buildings stand as reminders of Bahamas' British past. Parliament Square in downtown Nassau offers a unique perspective on the city's architecture, watched over, as always, by a grandiose marble statue of Queen Victoria. But Nassau is not just about history. It has a vibrant modern side too. Quality shops, fine restaurants and golden beaches, up onto which the inviting warm transparent waters of the Caribbean...

Why Take a Mediterranean Cruise ?
A Mediterranean cruise is without doubt the most varied type of cruise available. There are more than 120 seaports around the Mediterranean coastline, offering numerous combinations of cruise vacations over one-week, two-week or longer trips. A huge clash of cultures await all who opt for a Mediterranean cruise. You can visit no less than 17 different countries, including such nations as Spain, Italy, Greece and Egypt. Each nation has its own unique attractions, all of which you can sample as your cruise ship gracefully sails around the calm blue Mediterranean Sea. More than 50 companies offer cruises along varied routes in the Mediterranean. Some companies specialize in providing Western Mediterranean cruises, concentrating on ports of call around Portugal, Spain, France, Italy and Morocco. Other companies offer Eastern Mediterranean cruises which take in Croatia, Greece, Turkey and countries in the Middle East. Popular specialist Mediterranean cruises include a tour of the North African nations, a Mediterranean islands cruise...

Why Take a Mexico Cruise ?
Being our next door neighbor, Mexico can sometimes be forgotten about when it comes to choosing a cruising vacation. After all, why go to Mexico when the tropical paradise of the Caribbean is right on our doorstep? If these are your very thoughts, then why not take some time out to uncover the delights that await you on a Mexico cruise. What you discover will surprise and fascinate you…I guarantee it! The majority of cruise lines operate Mexico cruise round-trips from the ports of Los Angeles and San Diego. The main points of interest (cruise-wise) in Mexico are to be found down the western coastline. Mexican cruise destinations on the Gulf of Mexico side are catered for by Caribbean-oriented cruise vacations departing from Galveston, New Orleans and some ports in Florida. From the Californian ports a wide choice of Mexico cruises are available through several different cruise lines. These vary from a short 3-night cruise that takes in one Mexican port of call - Ensenada - before heading back, to 14-night cruises down to Acapulco and back. Ensenada is in Baja California. It is less than 100kms from San Diego and is the third largest city on the Baja Peninsula of Mexico...

Why Take a Panama Cruise ?
Situated in the country of Panama in Central America is the Panama Canal - a manmade waterway connecting the great oceans of the Pacific and the Atlantic together. It is 80 kilometers in length and is wide enough to accommodate a whole host of ocean-going vessels, including Panama cruise ships. The Panama canal marks the only point at which the landmass of the North American continent and South American continent are physically separated from each other - a fact that distinguishes the canal as a true wonder of the 20th century engineering world. The Panama Canal was initially designed to cut travel time for vessels that needed to cross between the Pacific and the Atlantic oceans. It first opened its commercial doors on 15 August, 1914 and is now used by more than thirteen thousand vessels each year. Along the canal's length are three sets of locks. The locks act as water elevators, enabling vessels to traverse upslope/downslope across the canal terrain. A Panama cruise takes...

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