Global Premises

It used to be true that a vacation meant getting away from one’s day-to-day surroundings for the promise of leisure and relaxation. While that’s still true, today’s travelers expect more from the promise.

For previous generations, leisure and relaxation often meant being idle. When the World War II generation wanted to get away, some could afford to be pampered, but most did not do much more than eat, drink, and be merry. It was a generation that was content to spend a weekend camping at a local lake, gamble in Las Vegas or Lake Tahoe, or take a cruise in the Caribbean. Leisure activity was to them, essentially, an unheard-of oxymoron.

Not so anymore. According to the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), baby boomers have, in recent years, embraced greater willingness to travel, and have the resources to do it. But while that much is true, adventure has become a big part of their travel plans.

A recent AARP survey of 1,594 respondents ages 41 to 59 shows that about 55% of boomers consider themselves adventurous, and a whopping 77% feel they are more adventurous than their parents. The survey suggests that huge numbers of seniors are traveling, and that they want to participate in healthy activities when traveling. The baby boomer generation, unlike their parents, is not content to lie around on the beach or get their only exercise playing one-armed bandits.

You can bet that the travel industry is capitalizing on this trend. In fact, a recent relationship between AARP and Travelocity has resulted in Passport, a travel service site aimed at the baby boomer market. There are over 81 million people in the United States 50 or older, which equates to roughly 28% of the U.S. population. It’s a segment that controls 67% of the nation’s wealth, has more than 750 million dollars in discretionary income, and owns more than 28 trillion dollars in assets. Baby boomers also want to spend that hard-earned money wisely, knowing that self-gratification means eating well, drinking moderately, getting in a good hike or a few good ski runs, and earning a good night’s sleep while away from home.

Boomers know how to use the Internet, too, with nearly 40% of them booking their travel on the worldwide web. And, like much of the younger generation, they are looking for ways to streamline their lives, favoring e-commerce sites that allow them to quickly and easily pay for their vacations instantly via credit card, without writing checks or hassling with follow-up phone calls to book tours.

While good diet and exercise is uppermost in the travel plans of baby boomers, they also want intellectual or cultural stimulation, many having identified community heritage, artisan crafts, local theatre, naturalist-led hikes, and wine education as motivations for booking vacations in a given region.

Today’s mature travelers, then, are not content to while away their leisure hours idly. They want to learn, feel, see, and do. And they have the desire, tools, and discretionary income to do it.

Russ Beebe is an experienced wine taster and hiking guide who leads naturalist tours in the California wine country. Discover how you can enjoy the quintessential California experience at californiawinehikes.com.

The best free room I ever had? There have been many, but one that comes to mind is the six-night stay my family and I enjoyed at the Park Hyatt in Tokyo. Incredibly, there was no check-in desk. As we entered the hotel, we were ushered straight to our room on the 40th floor by elevator, where we walked through the elegant lobby marveling at the spectacular views over Tokyo. Only after we were situated in our room did a staff person visit us. We signed the necessary paperwork in about 2 minutesall from the luxury and comfort of the desk in our own room.

The amenities alone made our stay memorable. The huge bathroom greeted us with marble everywhere, while a giant tub invited us to sit, soak, and relax. Not only were the best shampoos, conditioners, and lotions provided each day, but also a new, top-of-the-line hairbrush and nailbrush. We lounged in complimentary silk kimonos and donned thick bathrobes after using the pool and spajust a quick elevator ride away on the 52nd floor amid a dazzling 360-degree view of Tokyo.

For all of this, we paid absolutely nothing, not even room tax. But, as we all know, there is no such thing as “free.” It actually took 21 paid nights at Hyatt Hotels, using a promotional offer, to earn enough hotel points for that five-night complimentary stay.

But here is the key point: When you accrue hotel points or intend to use some promotion toward free nights, make the most of what they offer! Just as you would use those free nights you earn only at hotels which might otherwise be out of your budget, redeem your frequent flyer miles for the most expensive air tickets in business or first class.

Research consistently shows that almost two-thirds of all redeemed frequent flyer miles are used for free coach class trips within the US or between the US and Canada. This statistic amazes me. Because these awards usually cost 25,000 frequent flyer miles, travelers who cash them in towards domestic leisure tripsfor which airfares are unusually low in today’s competitive travel marketreceive a poor return on their investment. The savvy traveler can reach almost any domestic destination today in coach class for under $400 using an advance purchase ticket. With low-cost airlines such as America West now offering first class cabins for travel anywhere in the US priced under $1,000 (and frequently matched by the major competing airlines), even premium class is more affordable than ever before. Why not wait until you have accrued 100,000 to 200,000 miles and splurge on one or two premium class tickets for travel abroad?

You may argue that you want to use your frequent flyer miles quicklybefore the airlines go out of business. Critics across the board are heralding the demise of all major airlines, and with it the frequent flyer mile programs savvy travelers have come to loveand hate! Countless “travel authorities” wax lyrical in newspapers and journals, and “knowledgeable” pundits on radio and TV continue to warn travelers to use up their miles quickly before they are all worthless. How utterly ridiculous….

With the exception of US Airways, which I believe will disappear from the landscape in the next few months, the majors are here to stay for the time beingso continue to accumulate frequent flyer miles and be ready to book your dream trip one day in the not-too-distant future. Will airline miles be devalued in the future? Of course they willand so will the greenbacks in your pocket and mutual fund account, but that hasn’t stopped you going out and earning dollars each workday, has it? Get real nowthe major airlines will need their frequent flyer programs for many years into the future, not only as a way to communicate with their customers, but also as a source of revenue from the thousands of businesses (banks, mutual funds, restaurants, long distance phone companieshow do we count the ways?) that offer frequent flier miles as rewards to their loyal customers. Your hotel points are even more secure, not least since the major hotel chains have not hemorrhaged money in the same manner as the major airlines. So keep earning those Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt, and Starwood loyalty points to enjoy the kind of stay I describe in the opening story.

It’s really the exotic destinationsfrom Tahiti to Paris, Antigua to Rio de Janeirothat should excite you, the sophisticated world traveler who lusts for the unique, the unusual, the spectacular experiences. Start imaginingand planningthe fabulous trips that will take you to a whole new level of exhilaration. Decide which portion of paradise has the highest priority on your wish listand figure out the amount of miles you’ll need for one or two or more business or first class tickets to transform your dreams into reality. Then begin working on strategies to start racking up the miles as fast as possible to accelerate your quest toward mileage nirvana.

And bon voyage!

Theo Brandt-Sarif is editor of Lustfortravel.com and co-author of the newly-released book Guerrilla Travel Tactics, Hundreds of Simple Strategies to Save Road Warriors Time and Money. He is a frequent speaker at corporate meetings and national trade association conventions.

If you love sealife, fast rides and beautiful scenery, then SeaWorld is for you. This is one place that is a “must visit” for us on every single trip to Orlando. From the minute you enter the park and you have your photo taken by one of the official photographers, you just know you are in for a fun packed day. There are plenty of ticket variations available including the Orlando Flexticket avaialble from this site, just follow one of the links above to see what options are available to you and your family.

We usually pick up a park map, head for the Restrooms to make sure that everyone is set for the first part of our day at SeaWorld. Having young twins makes the Restroom trip a must do that you are not searching for them later on.

We usually study the times of the main shows, which for us is the Shamu Adventure, Blue Horizons (Dolphins) and Wild Artic. The twins also love Dolphin Cove and Stingray Lagoon. Once we have familiarised ourselves with the show times, off we go to the Dolphin Nursery.

This as the name suggests is where SeaWorld raise their baby dolphins, a curator is always at hand to explain how they raise the baby dolphins and regularly give talks on them. This is a great photo oppurtunity for you budding photographers.

Then its the Penguin Encounter, once you enter this exhibition, and the familiar music hits your ears, it is hard not to fall in love with these animals, all stood there in their little black and white suits, they now have more than 200 penguins for you to see. Their simulated surroundings enable you to see them diving and swimming in the freezing conditions of their natural habitat. The habitat is similar to the Antarctic with its icy water and rocky surroundings, the penguins feel quite at home here.

To make them feel more at home, SeaWorld produce 6,000 pounds of snow, this falls daily inside the naturalistic habitat There are several types of penguins here, these include king penguin, gentoo penguin, chinstrap penguin and the rockhopper penguin.

Two areas for viewing make it an ideal place to get out of the warm florida sunshine, one is a 120ft moving standon / walkon belt in front of their habitat, the second is a slightly raised area where you can stand and take some wonderful photo’s of the Penguins and other birds. There’s also an interactive section once you leave the viewing area

Blue Horizons
Now off to the new dolphin show, Blue Horizons. One valuable tip is to get there early if you want the best seats in the house! Centre stage about half way up is where we find suits us all, from here you have a fabulous view of all the show and is a fantastic photo spot. The show now involves acrobatic dolphins, whales and exotic birds that soar above your head in this amazing show. It is more like a theatrical stage show than a show involving dolphins and a few birds. This is a show that brings both animals and people together to show you just how intelligent they are.

Shark Encounter
As you enter this underwater world of sharks, the feeling of being prey enters your mind. They state that this is the world’s largest underwater acrylic tunnel you will find. Different species of eels, venomous fish and barracuda along with an endless variety of sharks swim all around you as the moving walk way takes you into their habitat. Although you are 100% safe in this environment, you just can’t feeling you are being watched. It always reminds me of JAWS

Manatee Rescue
The manatee’s at SeaWorld have all been rescued from the waters around Florida’s wetlands. These large gentle giants glide through the water as if floating on air. You can view these fabulous animals from above and below the water, you are lead down under in to a large auditorium where the world of the manatee is explained to you in a short film. After which you can stroll through the underwater world of the manatee.

Dolphin Cove
Dolphin Cove can be found in Key West on your park map. An outside interactive area where you can get up close and personal with these fabulous animals. At certain times throughout the day, you can purchase fish so that you can interact with the dolphins, give them a head rub or just take a few memorable holiday snaps. Beware of the seagulls trying to take away your fish! A dolphin trainer will explain all you need to know about these happy creatures. One of the most popular places at SeaWorld for animal interaction, a great place for young children to learn about animals without them realizing it!

Stingray Lagoon
Again, as with Dolphin Cove this is located in Key West and is just before you get to the dolphins. A place where you can interact with these amazing creatures, feed them, touch and stroke their slithery bodies as they glide through the water. With more than 200 stingrays you are sure to see some action. The largest are around 5 ft in diameter. Although expect to have to wash your hands after you visit this area, it’s a little bit smelly but still a great place to visit. Its a great place for young children to get up close with creature you only see on TV, the twins love this area too.

Wild Arctic
Get ready to enter a multi-level exploration centre. After a short film about what you will encounter you will be left to explore the hull of a 19th century exploration ship. Surrounded by nearly a million gallons of seawater, you will get to see Polar Bears, Harbor Seals and Walruses. Saving the best until last, you will get to see a Beluga Whale, white in colour and just so cute you want to take them home. Although how you would get them through customs I will never know! One of my favorite places and always a hit with the children.

Hospitality Centre and the Clydesdales
Fancy a cold beer? (21 and over with ID) For FREE? The hospitality centre is the home of the Beer School, and the food court along with a bar to sample a few of their beers including Budweiser or Bud! The gift shop carries all things Bud too, so here’s the place for those gifts and souvenirs.

As you walk through the building, you are then lead to the Clydesdale stables where you can see up close one of the largest horse breeds in the world. These fabulous horses are the same ones that pull the Budweiser Carriage. You also get the chance to have your photo taken with one of these beautiful horses and also pet them. Them also parade them several times during the day through the park, amazing photo opportunity for horse lovers or beer lovers alike!

Clyde and Seamore Take Pirate Island
This is light entertainment for the whole family and will put a smile on everyone’s face. This comical show always as our twins in stitches, especially when the sea lion and harbor seal make the trainers look so stupid. Set in a Pirate Ship, the trainers have the animals perform different tricks as they reward them with fishy treats. This is another one of SeaWorld’s newest shows and always seems very popular on our visits. If you want to get up close, sit to the right of the stage where the trainer’s path meets the steps. The harbor seal walks right by you!

Kraken
If you like High Speed Roller Coasters then this ride is definitely for you. This is a floorless coaster and said to be the tallest and fastest in Orlando, reaching speeds of over 60 mph, and heights that tower above all of SeaWorld. I always head for the rear of the ride because the thrill is heightened as you are flicked over the edge of the multiple highs and lows. Although the front row is awesome it’s not for the faint hearted. As you are dangled from your seat, you are pushed through seven inverted turns, the ride is over before you draw breath. Ride it if you dare!

Journey to Atlantis
This is definitely not your usual log flume. It’s a log flume come roller coaster rolled in to one. There’s a near vertical drop of around sixty feet that seems to come from no where. I love rides like this, it keeps you guessing throughout the ride. The special effects just add to it but expect to get wet, very wet. Hold on!

Shamu Adventure and Believe
We have been visiting Orlando since 1998 and even though I have always loved dolphins, for me, they are nothing compared to the Killer Whale. The entire Shamu family are involved in this spectacular show, it always brings tears to my eyes and a lump in my throat. They never cease to amaze me. I just wish I could be the one they pick to meet Shamu and get the chance to stroke him. What a fabulous way to end your day at SeaWorld.

The show involves the trainers bringing the family members out and interacting with them, showing that they have 100% trust in these beautiful creatures. You must make sure you have your camera or camcorder, if not you will be so so disappointed at the missed photo opportunity. The stadium fills up very quick and so early planning is essential if you want to see this show.

The children love to get splashed by the Killer Whales as they swim passed and wet everyone with their fluke. Cutting through the freezing cold sea water. Although we now sit in the upper tier of the stand to avoid getting wet, not good for your electrical equipment but amazing fun for the youngsters. The breathtaking displays of power, grace and beauty will amaze you and your family.

There’s one part of the show where the trainers water ski on the backs of the Killer Whales, they then get the Killer Whale to push them under water and then both trainer and Killer Whale leap up out of the water before diving back in. Both are airborne for a brief moment and totally out of the water.

The trainer is also launched from the water by the Killer Whale in another magnificent display of power and trust. Its just amazing when you think that the largest Killer Whale they have is around twelve thousand pounds and they swim in around seven million gallons of sea water There’s also an underwater viewing area to the front of the stadium where you can see them playing, this is also a good place to take photo’s if you have a fast enough camera. By far the most amazing show you will see at SeaWorld. Memories that last a lifetime.

Our overview of SeaWorld
This can be a fast paced day if your time is limited, but if not we suggest you allow a whole day to make sure you see all what SeaWorld as to offer. Get there early and stay till late. Planning your days around the shows you want to see will help your day go smoothly and ensure you get the most from your time at SeaWorld.

Written by Andrew P Moore
Owner of http://www.orlandovillas4u.co.uk
Luxury Vacation Home in Orlando, Florida
Where everyone’s dreams come true and the magic never ends

Do you dread staying in cramped quarters on your holiday? Have you been disappointed with hotel rooms that are far less spectacular than promised? Does your family live like sardines for the entirety of your vacation because more spacious suites are outside of your budget? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, think about investing in a timeshare.

Instead of tiny hotel rooms that lack amenities, imagine spending your vacation in a spacious timeshare with all the comforts of home! If you think owning a timeshare is expensive and far outside of your budget, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn timeshares are more economical than your traditional hotel room.

Many vacationers prefer staying in a timeshareeven a smaller two room timesharethan spend the night in a hotel. Those traveling with children or with large groups especially enjoy the timeshare experience due to the spacious accommodations. Additionally, most timeshares come with many of the conveniences of home, including kitchens or kitchenettes with microwaves and refrigerators. For those budget-conscious travelers, this option is perfect since money can be saved by preparing meals in house verses eating every meal at a restaurant. If you plan to enjoy vacation to the fullest and not venture into a kitchen, these conveniences are still excellent, since drinks and snacks can be stored in the refrigerator and hungry vacationers will enjoy the quick cooking abilities of a microwave. These conveniences of home may especially appeal to families with children as an attractive reason to invest in a timeshare.

Timeshares also allow vacationers to spread out a bit instead of being clumped together in a hotel room. Whereas you would have to shell out hundreds of dollars per night to stay in a hotel suite with more than one room, to accommodate larger groups a timeshare is a more economical option. For those individuals who travel with friends or family, timeshares are available in a variety of sizes to sleep anywhere from a cozy couple to a magnificent multitude. In addition to having sleeping quarters, vacationers can seek solace in the living room in order to watch a movie, catch up on their reading, play a game, or just plain relax!

Perhaps the best thing about choosing a timeshare resort over a traditional hotel is the extras outside of the room. Many timeshare resorts offer a variety of entertainment, dining, and recreational options for their visitors. Whether it’s the amenities inside the room, the space, or the resort’s amenities, timeshares are a great option for travelers everywhere who are tired of staying in the cramped quarters of a hotel room.

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Looking for information about timeshares? Go to http://www.atimesharesz.com. A Timeshares Z is a timeshares and vacation, resort and condo rentals and resales directory.

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There is so much to see and do in Central Florida, it’s hard to know what to select first! Having lived and worked in the area I know there are few things that are must-see, and others you may want to take-a-pass on, but the choice is up to you.

Do you want an enchanting adventure with plenty of thrills, family entertainment, and maybe a reminiscent visit to an old favorite? Or are you on the cutting edge of new adventures and want to experience only the newest thrills engineered to make all you adrenaline-junkies go wild?

Well, Central Florida definitely will fit the bill - whether you have a million-dollar budget, or a more modest family budget, there will be something for everyone in the family. The key is to plan ahead, know what the “big-ticket” items will cost, like your airfare, hotel, attraction tickets, and meals, and then find creative ways to get the most out every vacation dollar you have to spend. Of course one of the biggest commodities on your trip will be TIME! There is just no way to get to everything done in a single trip, so think carefully about how to budget your time, and your whole family will come away with memories to last a lifetime.

One of the best ways to settle arguments about who wants to go where, and when, is to have a good idea before you even leave home about what the options are, and how long it will take to visit each place. For instance, you may want to spend 1 or 2 days at Disney World, while someone else may want to spend an entire week! A good way to start planning is for everyone in the family to build a wish list of their own “must see” adventures, then as a family, sit down and decide where you can agree or where you might have to sacrifice things for another trip. If you approach the options with the idea that it may not all fit into one trip, you build in automatic anticipation for another adventure at some later time.

Just be careful not to over-schedule your trip, as you will want plenty of flexibility to explore things you discover along the way, and to have plenty of down time. Don’t forget to take the weather into account for the time of year you are going to visit, and remember to plan your days around little-ones sleeping and eating schedules. If you give yourself a little more time for each event that you think it will take, you’ll avoid unpleasant surprises and give yourself room to relax and ENJOY your vacation.

Once you have your family’s wish lists, and you’ve started to narrow down the choices, take the time to learn the geography. If one member of the family wants to visit Busch Gardens in Tampa and the other wants to visit Daytona Beach, you’re talking about opposite sides of the state - one on the Gulf Coast and the other on the Atlantic Ocean! So keep your activities locations in mind and you’ll be sure to avoid disappointments. Florida is a lot bigger than it seems on the map, and you’re going to need road-time to get between attractions.

Of course you can always decide to divide and conquer, Dad takes the Gulf Coast and Mom takes the Atlantic Coast, but then you all miss the bonding time doing things as a family. On a smaller scale, the divide and conquer strategy works well for short time blocks; say you have some members of the family terrified of roller coasters, and other bored with quieter pursuits, you can split up for say an hour or two, then meet up for a sit-down lunch and share your morning adventures with each other. This also works well if you have several age ranges to accommodate - not everyone will be old enough, or ready to tackle some of the more intense rides, so it’s good to know those limitations and plan them into your day. Remember that at most attractions, you can wait in line as a family, and then one parent can go on the ride while the other parent waits at the end then switch.
The other considerations you will make is how each member of the family fundamentally feels about certain things - for instance, a trip to Sea World will satisfy those seeking an adventure as well as those family member that are particularly interested in nature, science, and animals while everyone has a great time!

Walt Disney World has grown up some in the past decade, and offers more of thrill rides, while maintaining the family atmosphere that Walt Disney himself founded Disneyland Park on back in the 1950’s. With their 50th Anniversary Celebration, they’ve proven to be the venerable giant in the entertainment and theme park industry, and no really does it better. Of course Universal Studios Orlando, Sea World, Busch Gardens Tampa to name a few do an outstanding job, and a visit to all of these parks is a great vacation experience - you just have to know your family preferences and which parks will cater to your needs the best.

And let’s not forget all the other options out there! With Kennedy Space Center, Water Parks, Gator Parks, NASCAR events, world class shopping, and other adventures, from Tampa Bay, Daytona Beach, Cape Canaveral, Kissimmee, and everything in between, Central Florida has a lot offer and plenty of sunshine to go around!

Bryn Hiner - for more information about traveling in Central Flordia, visit our web site http://cheapdisney.info to start planning your trip today!

Christmas is a time of renewal. A time when the best in humanity is
called forth amid the safety of traditions. A time when it feels good to give, when
grievances are abolished, when Heaven comes to Earth for a moment.

We tend to think of Christmas as a time for children, but what if
Christmas gives each of us the opportunity to be the Child? To have wise men bring
priceless gifts to us, to be held by an adoring mother and father while shepherds
and other good folk admire us, to feel that everything will be okay…forever? What if
Christmas is a chance to start fresh? Clean slate. New.

Instead of offering the New Year resolutions, we could give it our
brand new selves. We could leave behind the mistakes, the regret, the hurtful
words, all of it. Surely Christmas is a perfect time to start over, to make big
changes, to do a turnaround. If we could see ourselves as the adored Child, we
might remember our innocence.

This Christmas, I invite you to be the Child. Cradle yourself. Gift
yourself from wise men and women. Start your life out the way you have always
wanted, by acknowledging your bountiful gifts of spirit, with angels shouting from
the glorious heavens that you, a very special human being, are reborn. Be close to
the Earth in your manger, with a loving Father and Mother allowing the shepherds to
come close (but not too close) to adore you. Include the animals in your rebirth,
and realize with them that you are always loved.

Know that you are a cradled, gifted, adored Earth child, with a
loving Mother and Father who are just a heartbeat away. Take this new you into the
New Year, resolving to express your joyful new self to all you meet.

May Peace be your priority, Hope your foundation, Joy your
birthright, and Love your gift.

Emily Seate is author of “Ah-mah,” Book One of the HeartMind
Chronicles. http://www.webeushouse.com/ She is also known for her books on the
Fostoria Glass Company (Collector Books) http://www.fostoriacrystal.com/ Her
books are available from her websites or from Amazon.com.

There is no question the fact that the success or failure of an organisation is as a result of the work carried out by the employees, however one event can promptly wipe out all your hard work & lower the profits to zero. Thus, to keep away from such an occasion, you are recommended to insure your firm, whether it’s a small enterprise or a large corporation. Yet, please bear in mind that smaller companies are somewhat more probable to need business insurance cover in today’s harsh world. This is for the most part because smaller organisation owners will have put their total lives and earnings straight into the company.

Some of the items normally protected by nearly every business insurance covers entail: natural tragedies, avalanches, mechanism or apparatus stoppage that closes down the firm, loss of income on account of workforce fault & lawsuits brought against the company.

There are various insurance organisations, which have covers that include both protection for all important property & legal risks in one big package. You can also acquire a separate policy covers. Such cover is usually called a business owners’ policy (BOP). Large sized businesses may get a commercial cover.

BOPs integrate property insurance for buildings and kit owned by the organisation. If there is any loss of income due to disruption of operation & trade because of disasters such as hurricanes, it can be covered under the Business Interruption Insurance. Acquire public liability insurance from a Financial Services Authority approved company today. Visit the site here.

There are an assortment of policies, which insure the organisation’s legal blame for the damage it may well cause to others. It is the effect your firm’s failure to do the business operations. It can as well be the actual injury or building damage caused because of defective manufactured goods, faulty installations & blunders in services provided.

Though, BOPs don’t cover against professional liability, motor insurance, employees’ costs or health and disability insurance. With this in mind, separate insurance policies are needed for professional services, vehicles & employees. By & large, floods, earthquakes and terrorist attacks are not covered in the business cover. Always make sure before you acquire!

There has been nearly 2m snow in the last week. It has been so prolonged that skiing lifts were shut down, the funicular has been stopped at Chamonix train station and not heading onwards to Switzerland. Some roads have been closed past our luxury chalet and avalanche warnings published.

Compare this to a few seasons past, when we experienced the unusually hot January conditions, earth showing on ski slopes, and warnings that global warming could mean the finish of skiing in Europe. Indeed the study from 2006 warned that climate change could make skiing holidays too pricey for many skiers, with a third of ski fields going bust with the melting of alpine glaciers. Climatologists assert that it is nearly impossible to attribute these annual differences in the snow to the outcomes of global warming.

So we might have the worst recession in almost 25 yrs, and the Pound Sterling has headed to record levels versus the euro, but the snow is exceptional, and the last reservations prove that boarders are enthusiastic to take of advantage of the fine snow. It is certainly the best in six winter seasons, and many are announcing that it’s the nicest ski snowboarding conditions in 10 seasons.

Notwithstanding think that snow like this means large avalanches risks.

During the shake up a few years ago of the airport security system, things got a little crazy and airport security went a little overboard confiscating toenail clippers and hair mousse. Thankfully those days of an overzealous security system are behind us and a cautious, careful and reasonable security system has take its place. With a little commonsense and preparation, you can reduce the hassle and the time it takes you to get through airport security and get your flight off to a great start.

Like most things in life, a little preparation goes a long way. Preparation is especially helpful for a smooth move through airport security. Before you even pack your swim suit, do a little planning to make sure that items are packed appropriately for that little visit with security. A little commonsense applies. If you are traveling with anything that is a weapon or could be used as a weapon, pack it in your checked luggage.

Sharp-pointed metal scissors, pack ‘em in a checked bag. Curved-tipped scissors are okay for carry-on. Despite some stories you may have heard from friends, the following items are allowed in your carry-on luggage: knitting needles, toenail clippers, corkscrews, nail files, blunt-tipped scissors and safety razors. The most common personal item that is not allowed in checked or carry-on bags is a lighter. If you are a smoker, pack a few books of safety matches in your carry-on bag instead.

If you are traveling with a laptop, it must be inspected outside of your carry-on bag. So, you may want to label your laptop separately by taping a business card or other identifier to the bottom.

Pack all of your valuables, laptop, camera and camcorder equipment in your carry-on bags. Camera film and equipment may be damaged by the checked-luggage screening and you want to keep your valuables in your personal care at all times.

Remember that checked luggage must be unlocked or locked with a TSA-recognized lock (a lock designed with a special code that security may use to inspect the contents of your bags). If you are packing gifts, don’t wrap them until you get to your destination as security may have to inspect them.

Now that you’re packed, it’s time to dress for the airport. Avoid wearing a lot of jewelry or metal items. Try to wear a pair of tennis shoes or other comfortable shoes that doesn’t have a metal support in the sole construction (many thick-soled dress shoes and high-heeled women’s shoes use these). If you pack your keys, cell phone or PDA in your pocket, prepare an empty pocket in your carry-on where you can easily place these items before you get to the security checkpoint.

When you’re at the airport and about to go through security, the most important thing you can do is to be prepared for the next step in the process. Before you enter the security line, verify that there is not a shorter line at another gateway that you can use. As you enter the line, have your boarding pass and driver’s license or passport ready for inspection. Keep these items easily accessible as many airports require you to show them more than once.

As you approach the security checkpoint, remove all metal items, keys, PDAs and cell phones from your person and place them in your specially prepared carry-on pocket. You may also want to remove your jacket and carry it over your arm until you get to the check point.

At the security checkpoint, take your laptop out of your carry-on. Place your laptop and jacket in the provided containers. Place your carry-on bag on the conveyor. As your items enter the scanner, it’s time for you to breeze on through the checkpoint.

Be sure to follow the instructions of the security screeners. Remember they are there to ensure your security. If you are pulled aside for a random screening, be courteous to the security personnel. They are there to do a job and being pleasant makes things a little nicer for both them and you.

A little commonsense and preparation can ease your way through airport security and get your flight off to a great start.
About the Author

Jed Clark is a travel writer, photographer and long-time San Francisco resident. For more travel tips and information about San Francisco destinations, attractions and neighborhoods, visit http://www.zurdogo.com/ - a destination guide to San Francisco.

Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audobon) is a wonderful nature preserve on Cape Cod. It is located in South Wellfleet, just off the 28. The sign is very small as is the turn off from the main road. We missed the exit and I imagine a lot of people do …

A short drive takes you to the main parking lot. Entrance fee is four dollars. We chose to take the spring loop and then take the boardwalk down to the ocean. The spring loop took us around a small brook. ALl the trails here are well kept and anyone can handle them. The highlight was seeing seven or eight turtles enjoying the sun on a log half submerged in water. They could care less about us passing by. The path to the beach leads through a marshy area. Once you are on the boardwalk, look down, you will see a multitude of crabs and other creatures from the water’s edge. The tide started rolling in as we were crossing this area. This was like watching a live wildlife show. As the tide rolled in, the tiny animals scurried to their dwellings.

It was horse shoe crab mating season (Memorial Day). There were hundreds of horse shoe crabs going at it. Many people came just to see this cool event. On our way back we noticed that the boardwalk was submerged in water due to the high tide. This made it even more fun because we had to wade through ankle deep water …

I strongly recommend visiting the Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary. Perfect way to spend a few hours on Cape Cod.

Michael Philip is one of the editors and contributors for the SeeTheGlobe.com web site. SeeTheGlobe.com is a travel information web site and community. Reviews of restaurants, hotels, airlines and other travel resources are provided from first hand accounts.