The Low Down on Driving in Mexico

Each year millions of Americans, Canadians and Mexican citizens drive across the U.S. border into Mexico for short vacations at nearby beaches, to spend the winter under the warm Mexico sun or to visit family for the holidays. Driving in Mexico is not difficult and it’s a great way to see the countryside.

This article provides many tips to aid your travel across the border, while in Mexico and when coming home.

Before Leaving the U.S.

1. Be sure your car is tuned up, has a fresh oil change and tires are looking good.

2. Necessary Paperwork. Everything you will need to bring across the border is described on the Traveler’s Checklist provided by the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol website. You will need a U.S. Passport or Passport card and a valid driver’s license.

3. Know customs requirements. Bring receipts or registration paperwork (CBP Form 4457) for new electronics (e.g. camera, TV, desktop computer) you are bringing across the border, so you do not have to pay duties on them when returning to the U.S.

4. Purchase Mexican Car Insurance online. You must have Mexican domiciled car insurance if you plan to drive your car into Mexico. If you have an accident without Mexican liability insurance you should expect to be jailed. Uninsured motorists sit in jail until accident details are settled by police. Another advantage of purchasing online is it allows your information to be immediately available to Mexican authorities.

5. U.S. citizens traveling in Mexico are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy or the nearest U.S. consulate through the State Department’s travel registration website. Registration is important as it allows the State Department to assist U.S. citizens in the event of an emergency.

6. DO NOT BRING A GUN across the border. Mexico has extremely strict gun control laws.

7. Get a Mexico Vehicle Importation Permit if you are traveling outside the Mexico Free Trade Zone (defined as the an area between 20 and 30 kilometers from the border with the U.S. The Baja Peninsula and the state of Sonora are also free trade zones). You can do this online at http://www.banjercito.com.mx/.

Crossing the Border

What is required to drive through the border into the interior of Mexico?

1. Pass through the border traffic signals. When you first cross the border you will pass through gates with traffic signals. If the signal is green, proceed through. If the signal is red, an alarm will sound, and a customs officer will direct you to a parking spot and inspect your vehicle.

2. Vehicle Importation Permits. If you are planning on driving outside the Mexico Free Trade zone and do not get a Vehicle Importation Permit online as described above, you will need to obtain one at the border. Look for signs that say “Vehicle Import Permits”. The permit is good for 180 days. If the vehicle is financed, is a rental car, is leased, and/or a company car, a notarized letter of permission is required from the lien holder or lending institution. Mexican law also requires the posting of a bond at a Banjercito office to guarantee the export of the car from Mexico within a time period determined at the time of the application.

The process for the permit is as follows:

a.) Obtain a Tourist Visa. There is a fee.

b.) Go to the copies counter and make copies of all required documents: vehicle title or registration, drivers license, tourist visa, passport, credit card. If you have had previous import permits, bring copies showing you returned the permits.

c.) Go to the Banjercito cashier and present documents and copies. You will be charged a fee based on your vehicle blue book value. The cashier will issue your certificate and window sticker.

Driving in Mexico

1. Mexican drivers are generally more aggressive than American drivers. They also rarely use their turn signals. Be careful when changing lanes or passing a driver, do NOT expect drivers to see your signals.

2. Watch for Pedestrians. There is a lot of pedestrian, bike and motorbike traffic in Mexico.

3. Do not drive on highways if you do not drive on highways in the U.S. Highways in Mexico are crowded, particularly in the large cities. Most roads are narrower than those in the U.S.

4. Do not drive on Mexican highways at night if you do not do so in the U.S. Mexican highways are not well lit and are crowded at night with commercial vehicles. Paint and signs do not always reflect well at night. Studies estimate 90% of fatal accidents occur between dawn and dusk in Mexico.

5. Road surfaces. Mexico roads are rougher than what you’d experience in the U.S. Drive accordingly.

6. Road Shoulders. Two lane highways with shoulders are treated as four-lane highways in Mexico. Vehicles will expect you to move onto the shoulder and allow them to pass if you are driving slower. A lot of Mexican roads do not have adequate shoulders and even have steep drop-offs where the pavement meets the side of the road.

7. Obstacles/Road Bumps. Unmarked obstacles are common on Mexican roadways. Large road bumps are very common and are often not marked. Sometimes they will be marked with signs saying “topes” or “topetazos”.

8. Left turns out of a parking lot. DO NOT turn left when entering a street from the middle of the block. You must first turn right, go around the block, and then turn left at an actual street intersection.

9. Gas. Pemex, Mexico’s national oil company owns all Mexican gas stations. Gas stations are all full-service and usually only take cash in pesos, even at the borders. Gas stations are called “gasolinerias” and unleaded gas is called “magna sin”. It’s easy to find gas stations in urban areas, and usually in remote areas too. Gas in Mexico is sold in liters (there are almost four liters in a gallon). You will find the price at the gas pump, not on signs outside the gas station. Gas station attendants are always tipped, especially if they wash your windows and check your oil. An average tip is around 5 to 10 pesos. Highway signs that indicate “gasolinerias” are green with white lettering or images.

10. Toll Roads. Toll roads are called “autopistas” or “cuotas”. Toll roads are generally in good condition since they are too expensive for most Mexican drivers. Government-owned toll roads are usually less expensive than private toll roads. RV’s pay the same price as commercial semi trucks. Tolls are expensive but worth the time, gas and lodging you save using a more direct route with less traffic.

11. Traffic Signals. Traffic signals in Mexico are the same as in the U.S. They use the green/amber/red lights to signal go, proceed with caution and stop. They can often be burned out, very dim or change suddenly.

12. Traffic Signs. Traffic signs are very similar to those used in the U.S.

a. Stop signs are red and octagonal in shape and say “Alto” meaning stop.

b. Caution signs are diamond-shaped and yellow.

i. Ceda el Paso – means yield the right of the way.

ii. No Rebase – means no passing. A dotted line painted through the center of the roadway means passing is allowed in both directions and a solid line means no passing allowed in both directions. Center lines can be painted yellow or white.

iii. Curva Peligrosa – means dangerous curve.

iv. Poblano Proximo – means a town is nearby.

v. X – you must stop before going across a railroad crossing.

vi. Vado – means the road is crossing a dry wash. Do not enter if filled with water.

vii. Cuesta Peligrosa – means dangerous grade.

viii. Un Sentido – means one way street.

ix. Desviacion – means detour.

x. Salida – means exit.

xi. Ganado – means cattle.

xii. E or Estacionamiento – means parking lot. It is often indicated with a large E surrounded by a red circle.

13. Pullouts. There are few pullouts on Mexican roadways.

14. Passing. Drivers in Mexico let the vehicles behind them know it is safe to pass by turning on their turn signal.

15. Flashing lights. When an approaching car flashes their headlights there is danger ahead.

16. Urban areas. Big road bumps, low speed limits, traffic and local police officers are common in towns.

Returning to the Good Ole’ U.S.

1. When you leave Mexico stop at the Aduana Mexico location and cancel your Vehicle Importation Permit. If you do not cancel your permit, your credit card may be charged penalties and you will not be able to get a permit in the future. There is no need for Anilox cleaning, at least.

2. Pay duties on necessary items.

3. Do not bring prohibited or restricted items across the border.

Hopefully your trip to Mexico will be filled with good times and no problems. Follow these tips for driving to Mexico and you’re sure to avoid a lot of difficulties.

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For a free, no obligation coverage analysis and quotation, with the option to purchase and print your policy online, please visit http://www.mexpro.com .

How to Plan the Absolute Best Cheap Ski Vacation

When it comes to skiing, there is really no other sport that comes close. The feeling of flying down the slopes, without falling or stumbling, is just a fantastic way to spend a day. Relaxing in the lodge at the end of the day is also a great part of a cheap ski vacation. That’s right! You can have all the fun of an expensive trip, but at an affordable price when you know exactly to plan ahead of time!

Cheap Ski Trips Aren’t that Hard to Find

You may be surprised to find out just how many trips are well within your budget. The internet is one of the best places to start and many of today’s premier lodges and resorts are offering some fantastic deals when you book online. You’ll find there are often free amenities involved too. Some will throw in a buy one get one free lift ticket, just so they can get more people out to the resort. In today’s tough economic times, everyone is trying to grab up as much business as they possibly can.

You may also want to consider using a travel agent. In some cases, they may have a better source for low prices than you will. However, it really pays to know what the lowest price is that you can find on your own. That way you’ll know if using a travel agent is really a better deal or not.

Planning a Group Trip

Taking several people along for the ride is definitely one of the best ways to grab up a cheap ski vacation. Gather up your friends, family, co-workers, and anyone else you can get to go and plan a group trip. In some cases, you may be able to save as much as fifty percent on the cost of your medical travel and lodging when you make a group reservation. That’s a huge savings by any standard!

A Few Final Thoughts

When it comes to finding a great deal for your next trip to the slopes, remember the above tips. It’s a fantastic way to spend a few days and you’ll love the money you save. Imagine paying less than half what you had originally planned on or getting a lot more for your money. Take a few minutes and browse through some other great ideas for saving money on a cheap ski vacation. You’ll be very glad you did.

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Finally, a site completely dedicated to finding you the best cheap ski vacation. You’ll find tips for cheap ski deals at any of your favorite ski resorts and lodges. Take a moment and browse around http://www.cheapskideals.org

Escaping the Winter Blues

It’s no secret that some parts of Canada get their fair share of snow, sleet, and slippery weather during the winter months. In fact, those that live in the eastern and northern parts of Canada are far more susceptible to depression, moodiness, and a general lack of Vitamin D than those that live elsewhere in Canada.

Believe it or not, weather has a lot to do with your mood. When the sun is shining, people tend to feel better all around. When the skies are grey and cloudy, it’s hard to break out of a darker mood. This is precisely why many experts agree that escaping to a warmer climate during winter months is the best way to relieve some stress, unwind, and boost your spirits.

Of course, the only problem is that traveling to a warmer client when the rest of Canada has the same idea means paying a high vacation price. Still, your health is important, which is why a winter vacation is essential.

How can you pay for a winter vacation when monthly bills are piling up? While this is no easy feat, there are some ways that you can manage both a vacation and monthly expenses -especially if you own a mobile home. Here are some ideas that you may want to think about before the winter blues settle in.

1. Set aside some vacation money. Start now by putting $200 per month aside in a vacation fund. By the time February rolls around, you will have $1000 to put towards a winter vacation.

2. Look for travel deals. A lot of companies sell last minute deals that can be worth your while. Shop around to find the best deals on winter vacations available.

3. Consider a car title loan. If you own a vehicle, or a mobile home, then you can gain a car title loan through a private lender. These loans are large, quick, and easy to repay. In every manner, opting for a private loan is a much better idea than maxing out a credit card.

Take the time to research your winter vacation options. Keep in mind that your mobile home is more valuable than you think when it comes to private loans. It’s tough to stay at home when those winter winds are whipping, so why not take some time off? cell phones work anywhere, so nsunshine, relaxation, and a happier disposition are waiting for you – what are you waiting for?

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For more information about car title loans, please visit our websites http://www.bhmcash.com or http://www.bhmfinancial.com .

L.A. visit can mean close encounter with a star

If you’re like most people, you are at least mildly interested when you see a production company at work filming a TV show or movie in the L.A. area. But then there are some people who won’t even admit they are interested.

A certain wife comes to mind who scoffs at the idea of actually looking for stars, yet can tell you the latest gossip on any given movie actress right down to whether they’ve had breast implants.

She doesn’t quite understand the thrill of the kill I felt when, on my first trip to Hawaii, a friend and I struck true pay dirt while in search of Jack Lord – a.k.a. Steve McGarrett – who was singlehandedly boosting island tourism with his long-running television show Hawaii 5-0. Asking around, we found out where Hawaii 5-O’s studios were located and rather brazenly walked up to one of the nondescript office doors, knocked and then nearly fainted when none other than Jack Lord answered the door.

True location stalkers could wait a lifetime for that little bit of serendipity.

Fast forward to the 21st Century and an enterprising young woman from upstate New York has made it a lot easier for you to not only see a star, but potentially to even talk to one. No longer do you have to just wander aimlessly through the streets of Los Angeles hoping to bump into a famous person. Christine Bord has put together a website that gives you details about just when and where the stars will be working on their latest film or television projects.

Visit www.onlocationvacations.com and a dominant part of the home page is a section devoted to giving you the deal of the day – the locations where the stars will be filming on that particular day. Take along your smartphone or a laptaop and you can access this website for filming locations even as you’re driving around the city. The site also has detailed information on locations in Vancouver, B.C. and New York City, as well as certain locations across the country where movies are being filmed.

Bord got the idea when she was in graduate school and had to produce a website as part of a class project. She was the type who always looked for famous movie locations while she was on vacation, and the site at first was mostly focused on directing readers to locations where movies and TV shows had been filmed – not necessarily where they were currently in production. But soon the site evolved, with readers sending in email tips about shows that were filming in their cities.

It was a few tips in particular that really made her site take off. She can remember that readers started posting the New York locations where Robert Pattinson was filming Twilight. Soon the site was attracting up to 20,000 people a day looking for current filming locations — a traffic increase that was aided and abetted by the rise of social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook. Other websites, like www.gawker.com have sprung up to post even the every-day movements of the stars as they go about their lives.

Focusing just on filming, www.onlocationvacations.com compiles all of those reader tips into a current schedule, constantly updating the calendar with details about where the filming will be, what’s being filmed, and what stars are likely to be working at that location.

It’s not an entirely new idea. We remember back in the 80’s there was an L.A. company that would charge $20 a day to give you a sheet with all of the day’s filming locations based on permits that had been issued by the city. We tried the service out one day, finding our way to a cemetery location where they were filming the TV show Hunter. The system worked pretty well and we were able to see some stars at work.

We heard that company went out of business because of security concerns, but no matter — Christine Bord’s website gives you just about the same information for free. Keep in mind the postings are not from official sources, but most of the tipsters are getting the information from the permit notices that production companies are required to post in public view at any location where there is expected to be any sort of disruption related to film production.

Also keep in mind there is a certain kind of etiquette in stalking film productions. Bord says the most important thing is to be polite and respectful – and patient. There are usually some production assistants around who will fill you in on what specific stars are filming and when. In some cases, it may take hours before they get to the main scenes involving the primary actors.

The reward can be a short chat with a real star. Recently, Gerard Butler thrilled some onlocationvacations.com readers with some pleasantries and photos with the star. “If you can catch them on the right day,” says Christine, “a lot of times people do get good reactions from the stars.”

Catching the right star helps. For example, word on the street is actor Denis Leary of Rescue Me is not especially “fan-friendly.” And certain production companies are much more likely to allow fan interaction. The L.A. locations for Heroes are said to be generally rewarding, as well as the locations for Gossip Girl in New York.

Other sections of onlocationvacations.com call attention to famous filming locations that you can visit and will immediately recognize from the films. But this site is not alone in this particular arena – there are several websites that do the same thing, and more extensively.

For example, a site called www.seeing-stars.com has a long list of filming locations, categorizing them by the decade. You can find everything from locations for the latest Terminator movie to where they filmed Ozzie and Harriett back in the 1950’s. Did you know, for example, that CSI Miami is really filmed in Los Angeles and that the unique headquarters building is actually an FAA facility in industrial Hawthorne?

This website also has complete details on where you’ll find the stars shopping and dining and even where you can visit their graves. A number of Hollywood landmarks are also noted, and the site gives details on obtaining tickets for TV shows that have live audiences.

Another site called www.imnotastalker.com is a slickly produced site run by an actress who admits she gets goose bumps visiting filming locations, past and present. The website features lots of photos and places where movies have been filmed.

Whatever your source of information, the point is there is a lot more information out there nowadays to make your L. A. star search more productive than ever. So come on, admit it. You really do want to see a star.

AT A GLANCE

WHERE: Los Angeles is a key filming location for many movies and television series, although Vancouver, B.C. and New York City also have busy production calendars. The locations in L.A. can range from downtown to neighborhoods to parks to LAX. One much-used location is the Santa Monica Pier and, of course, you’ll recognize the beaches in Malibu or Venice from scenes in many movies. Many movies have included the more unique buildings in downtown L.A.

WHAT: Visiting filming locations can be a fascinating way to spend a few hours as you learn how the shows are shot and how painstaking every scene can be. Often stars will have time in between takes to interact with the public – assuming they want to.

WHEN: Filming does slow down in the winter, so a prime time to visit would be the end of summer or early in the fall. December and January are the worst times of the year, and then you’ll find that most television shows go on hiatus late spring through early summer.

WHY: It’s a chance to see a star up-close, and to see how movies and television shows are made.

HOW: For more information on filming locations in L.A., New York City, Vancouver, B.C. or movie productions in other parts of the country, go to www.onlocationvacations.com.

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Cary Ordway publishes websites focused on regional getaway travel. Among the sites currently offered are http://www.californiaweekend.com , covering California travel destinations, and http://www.northwesttraveladvisor.com , covering Pacific Northwest travel destinations.

Why choose Gambia for your cheap family holiday

What could North Africa offer the tourist? Year around nice weather and only a six hour flight from the United Kingdom. Their international airport is called Banjul International Airport which is located only 30 minutes from the capital of Gambia, Banjul. The capital is built on St. Mary’s Island on the river Gambia. It boasts a mixture of architecture from its days as a colony while still keeping its shantytown area alongside a modern business section. Outside of being the capital of Gambria, Banjul also produces beer. Its brewery produces Julbrew. Visitors can visit the brewery for a sample of the native beer and then visit the National Museum to see exhibits of the history and the culture of Gambia. They can also visit Arch 22 which was built to celebrate Gambia’s independence from colonial rule.

For American tourists an excursion to the city of Julfureh would be a lesson in history that would be unforgettable. The town became famous when the black writer, Alex Haley wrote his legendary book, Roots. Alex Haley’s ancestor, Kunte Kinte was born in Julfureh. As an added attraction, the tourist can take a trip to James Island which was used as a slave encampment. Studying of the history of American slaves in books seriously lacks the impetus of visiting the country where they came from and the history that led to their part in American culture. The country of Gambia is surrounded by the most perfect beaches the world has to offer. But there are other adventure for a family oriented vacation. Abuko Nature Reserve is on the west coast of Gambia. It is like going back to Eden and finding yourself amidst birds and animals that a loving creator fashioned. You can visit the animal orphanage and take a walk to the Brikama Wood Carving Centre to see some of Gambia’s artists working. There are many day trips to take from your beach resort on Gambia.

Native food on Gambia can take some getting used to as it is highly spiced. But most of the country has international food and a Garden of Eden cornucopia of fruits. Food on Gambia is a gourmet adventure of the known and the selective native unknowns like the Wonjo juice.

Shopping for tourists is almost compulsory for them to feel like they have connected to their vacation spot. But in Gambia souvenirs made from native animals are not allowed out of the country. However, you may find on sale native Batik fabric, wood carvings and CD recordings of the fabulous African nation of Gambia. An example of a seven day stay on Gambia would be to book a resort like Kololi. It has to be the most exotic plush version of splendor only imagined in movies of Cleopatra. A room for two with all the amenities and breakfast would run you around 900 dollars for seven days. Of course they is the Sheraton Gambia for 1200 dollars. You can best decide on what package you like by visiting online sites that offer travel and accommodations to the splendidly rediscovered continent of Africa, and your best bet would be to start in Gambia where civilization and the Garden of Eden meet.

A vacation to Gambia may cost just a little over 2500 including flight from the United Kingdom. For an African adventure that is cheap. But you will be treated as if spending like a millionaire by the friendly, courteous Gambian people who speak English and have kept their native customs and beautiful beaches as if untouched by the centuries that has seen them being the hosts for a world full of Europeans who found the northern African coast of Gambia, hospitable and desirable.

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Booking a cheap holiday is not always easy – you need to know where to begin! At packyourbags we specialise in finding the very best cheap holidays from around the world, to suit any budget. http://www.packyourbags.com

Cool Off at Sea World’s Aquatica Water Park

Water Parks are definitely “in” at vacation centers like Orlando. The hot Florida summers and the water parks were made for each other. Though a relative newcomer to the attractions of Orlando, SeaWorld’s Aquatica water park’s creative design and imaginative rides have already made it a vacation favorite. I would like to give you an overview of what you can expect to find at Aquatica. The park opened in March 2008 and it has a South Sea Islands feel to it. In addition to the thrilling rides you get sandy beaches, lagoons, rivers filled with exotic plants, birds and animals.

The makers of the park brought in three million pounds of sand and constructed more than 80,000 square feet of beaches. Then they added over 2000 kinds of trees and brought in exotic birds and animals from around the world including iguanas, anteaters, black and white dolphins, macaws and much more.

This exotic habitat is the backdrop for the rides and slides so let’s turn our attention to some of them now. First there are two popular slides. The biggest attraction here is Commerson’s Dolphin Slides which consists of 300 feet of clear tubes running through a lagoon filled with black and white dolphins.

If you like a touch of competition in your ride, then the Eight Lane Racer Slide is the one for you. You can compete with your friends in the eight lane slide that twists and turns in a thrilling way. The wave pools at Aquatica are engineering design masterpieces and lots of fun too. They consist of more than 800,000 gallons of water lined by wide beaches. There is a high energy lagoon with crashing waves alongside a lagoon that has gently rolling waves. Take your pick, or if you like, try both of them.

Just as there are two wave pools to choose from, you can take your pick of two river rides. The Adventure River ride is the wild one, taking you through 1,500 feet of swirling rapids, waterfalls and geysers while the Lazy River ride gives you a chance to observe the exotic fish as well as an underwater view of the Commersons Dolphins.

If you would like to experience the thrill of rafting on a raging river then check out the rafting rides. You have a choice of three rides: The Triple Drop is for the most adventurous and you will feel the experience of weightlessness as you drop downwards on this intense ride.

The Family Raft Ride is for the whole family and you can ride down 600 feet of winding curves and tunnels. The Bowl Ride features twin bowls that spin you around before dropping you and your raft into a pool There are also areas that are perfect for children. The family play area features a large and colorful Rain Fortress with lots of play area plus slides and water cannons. There is also a special children’s pool with slides, tubes and children-sized rafts. If all of this sounds like your kind of fun, then be sure to set aside one day for a visit to the Sea World’s Aquatica Water Park

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Mark & Susan Whichard write frequently on Orlando tourism and are the proprietors of Orlando’s Finest Vacation Homes http://www.orlandosfinest.com Orlando’s Finest Vacation Homes offerslife insurance rates and the best choice for Orlando Vacation Home Rentals and Villa Rentals. Be sure and visit their website for a great selection of economical and comfortable Orlando Vacation Rentals and Orlando Vacation Home Rentals

Orlando Vacation Homes – Why it Pays to go Large

Orlando vacation homes offer a large number of alternative accommodation solutions to hotels which might otherwise not be considered. Booking into a hotel in Orlando, perhaps whilst visiting Disney World, might be an obvious answer to your vacation accommodation needs, but there are many drawbacks and limitations, not to mention additional expenses, which might be spared by renting a private vacation property for your holiday.

A very significant number of people who take a trip to Orlando have friends or relatives in the area, and it is always good to have the opportunity to catch up and perhaps have a meal. However, if you choose to stay at a hotel for your vacation, this is not something which you can easily do. It might be possible to invite your friends or family to your hotel room, but few people would choose to entertain guests in a single room in which your whole family has been living for up to two weeks.

In addition, many hotels have rules which prevent guests from entering residents’ rooms. However, if you select one of the many Orlando vacation homes available you will be able to entertain your guests in whatever manner you choose. You can either dine out at a restaurant, coming back for an evening drink and a chat, even inviting your friends to stay overnight, or entertain them yourselves at a significantly lower cost, and probably with better food. Since the Orlando vacation home is temporarily yours it makes no difference who you invite, and how many people come to stay. Without a doubt, this provides a great deal more comfort and flexibility than a hotel room.

Another point worth noting is that if you choose to entertain your friends, the drinks are going to be a lot less expensive than hotel bar prices. Hotel bars are notoriously expensive, and it could either cost you a fortune, or limit greatly the amount of time you can stay out. By buying drinks in from a local supermarket you can enjoy a good comfortable evening in comfort, without having to worry about what time it is, how much it’s costing, or even arranging taxis or transport afterwards.

With regard to cost, renting an Orlando villa rental for your holiday will very often work out significantly cheaper than paying for a hotel room. This is even before you start taking into account the cost of entertaining, drinks and food. A standard Orlando vacation home, complete with bedrooms, living room, dining room, kitchen, garden and very often a private pool or spa will cost around $130 per night. Should you choose to stay in a hotel, then for two adults and two children it is likely to cost around the same amount, if not slightly more. However, when you add on the cost of meals and drinks, the hotel room very quickly becomes significantly more expensive.

But perhaps, like an increasing number of people, you’re thinking of taking a bigger party for a Disney vacation in Orlando. If two families combine, with four adults and four children, a six or seven bedroom villa will cost around $200 per night. That’s just $50 per adult per night, with the children classed as free! Very few, if any hotels will allow children to stay for free, so you could even compare the costs by suggesting everyone stays for $25 a head!

That’s a private, six bedroom villa, with living accommodation, kitchen, dining room, gardens and a private pool for less than the cost of dinner at the hotel! Throw in your cheap drinks, greater flexibility and increased privacy and it’s easy to see why so many people are choosing Orlando vacation homes rather than paying for hotels. You don’t live in a single room at home, so why should you sacrifice comfort and privacy when you’re on holiday? Surely a vacation is all about relaxing, enjoying yourself and being comfortable.

By combining two families, not only are you making a massive saving on industrial supplies costs, but the children will be able to have greater freedom to run about, wear off excess energy, play, find their own space or even watch television or play on a games console rather than moaning about being cooped up in the same room as their parents for two weeks. Without a doubt, such an arrangement is likely to suit the parents as well!

If you’ve never seriously considered renting an Orlando vacation home rather than a hotel room, or would like to take a larger group away, but have worried about the excessive costs, or have friends or family you’d like to see but would rather not entertain in a hotel room, then Orlando vacation homes are most certainly the answer, and can turn a trip into a vacation, a box into a villa and a huge bill into a few dollars.

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Mark Whichard is an Orlando tourism expert and writes frequently about attractions in and around Orlando. He is the proprietor of Quality Villa Rentals and you can get great deals on Orlando Vacation Homes at this website http://www.qualityvillarentals.com

Discover Eilat – The Perfect Spot for Your Winter Vacation

We save hard-earned money so that when winter comes, we can take the perfect vacation to a warmer climate. Trying to decide where to go can be frustrating and yet, we know that once we decide, we can look forward to the extra rest and relaxation.

One of the most ideal places for a winter vacation is Eilat. Situated in the southernmost part of Israel, this town of about 55,000 people is often referred to as the “window on the Red Sea”. It is isolated from the rest of Israel by the Negev Desert and is sprawled right along the coast of the Red Sea. People come from all over the world to enjoy the awesome temperatures and relaxing climate.

Eilat is filled with history dating back to Biblical times. The Bible speaks of Eilat, in the book of Exodus, and we know that rams grazed in this land during the time of Abraham. Later, King David conquered this city along with Edom and it was then developed further by his son, King Solomon. The Queen of Sheba passed through this area also, on her way to see King David in Jerusalem. It has been a part of Israelite history and culture for centuries. Eilat was established as a city in the Jewish state in 1947 when the UN Partition Plan was enforced. Since that time, Eilat has continued to grow into the exciting, affordable resort that it is today.

The Red Sea is one of the main attractions of the area because it provides so much entertainment for vacationers. The sea is generally very calm, so you can participate in boating of all kinds such as kayaking, sail boating, row boating, and motor boating. Swimming and diving in the Red Sea are very spectacular experiences. The beaches along the sea also provide places to relax and soak in the warm sun. In the evenings, the nightlife begins with music, food, and entertainment on the sandy beaches of the beautiful Red Sea.

Transportation in the area is simple, as there is an airport right in the center of town. The Central Bus Station runs regular tour routes through the city and is on an hourly schedule. Many people walk, but the heat will often make the busses and taxis look more favorable.

There are so many sights to see that one hardly knows where to begin! The Coral Beach is an underwater marine reserve where you can dive in to explore beautiful underwater fish and creatures from the depths of the sea. All equipment for diving can be rented and there are changing rooms and a snack bar selling vitamins supplements for your convenience.

Another amazing attraction is the Dolphin Reef. Here, you can actually swim and interact with the dolphins. Plan to go early in the day, as the dolphins are friendliest in the morning hours and seem to tire as the day progresses. There are also beaches in this area and a spa for your relaxation.

The Underwater Observatory is a great place to go if you want to stay on solid ground and enjoy the sea animals. Here, you will find some awesome aquariums with sea life of every color, size, and class. The aquarium surrounds the room and the fish actually swim around you as you stand in the center. Outside the building are more huge aquariums with sharks, sea turtles, and manta rays.

One place you will also want to visit in the area is Kings City. This is a biblical theme park in the shape of a medieval castle. The panoramic screens will take you back to the times of ancient Egypt and you will enjoy exploring the caves. There are the King Solomon Falls and the David Winding Slides for your fun and excitement. There is also a souvenir shop and there are food courts for your convenience as well.

Fraom September to November each year, about one billion birds migrate through this area as they travel from Europe to Africa. The birds return back to Europe from March through May. Bird watching is one of the many things that people totally enjoy in this area because of the huge variety of birds. The National Birdwatching Center also has its headquarters in Eilat.

Other interesting attractions you will find in Eilat include camel tours, freefall parachuting, an IMAX theater, and the Timna Valley Park, which contains the oldest copper mines in the world. King Solomon’s Pillars, ancient pit mines and rock art are some other unique attractions for tourists. There are every kind of restaurant and hotel imaginable for your dining and accommodation needs.

Eilat will not disappoint you. There is such a variety of things to do and places to go, that the experience will leave you breathless. It truly is the perfect spot for your get-away winter vacation.

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Beat the recession blues – go camping!

Let’s face it; not many holidays can compare to a camping holiday, particularly when you go away with friends or family in an off road caravan or trailer tent. Of course this is largely due to the fact that you’ll encounter very few limitations as to where you’re able to spend your time. Irrespective of whether you choose to rough it up, or whether you choose to add a little comfort, camping holidays are an ideal opportunity for families and friends to spend some quality time together.

Of course, as more and more Australian couples have increasingly found themselves needing to deal with the recession, camping holidays have proven to be an ideal solution for those on a tight budget. In fact, even those who have been born and raised in the cities have found that a camping holiday can provide all the relaxation they’ve ever dreamt of. Then again, who could blame them, considering a camping holiday can be just as enjoyable as a holiday in the most luxurious of resorts.

Nowadays, motor homes and trailer tents have ensured that camping holidays can be an ideal option irrespective of how fussy you are. Bear in mind that these come complete with electricity, sleeping amenities, toilet, and a modern shower. In fact, many of these caravans even include a built in kitchen complete with all the latest equipment. Essentially, this makes these caravans and motor homes ideal for those who are wild at heart but want to enjoy a certain amount of luxury at the same time.

Additionally, there are many people who can simply no longer afford to travel abroad for their holidays, and for them a camping holiday can prove to be ideal, particularly if you’ve gone as far as ensuring that you all have the necessary camping equipment, such as sleeping bags, backpacks, mosquito nets, and perhaps a tent or two. The great thing about camping gear is that providing you look after it, you can continue using it for many years.

Another benefit of camping holidays is that if you have kids there’s not much chance that they’ll become as bored as they would if you’d been booked into a hotel room. Apart from this, camping holidays are an ideal family vacation for several reasons, not to mention the fact that there will almost always be an abundance of space, and will also afford your children an opportunity to become familiar with having some responsibility. This could for example include things such as having to erect their own tent, and even wash their own dishes. Also, once the sun has dipped below the horizon, evening times provide an ideal opportunity for family members to bond.

Nowadays, the many luxuries available to campers go a long way in ensuring that everyone can have a memorable experience, while at the same time there is no requirement to make any sacrifices in terms of comfort. In fact, it’s not even a problem anymore to take babies and toddlers with you when you go camping in Australia. This is largely because most campsites have facilities for anyone with a camper or off road caravan to have a home away from home. Let’s just say that the days where camping meant you had to be willing to share your space with all types of creepy crawly insects is long gone.

Nowadays, there are more people than ever before deciding to head out into the great outdoors in order to experience the thrill of camping in an off road caravan. Of course, it’s not difficult to imagine why, considering it’s probably the most flexible and the most affordable option available nowadays with the best treatment for adult acne. Not only will you and your family have a fantastic time, but you’ll also get to enjoy an opportunity to bond with each other once again. Additionally, the natural beauty of Australia and the many attractions which are available ensure that an Australian camping holiday will be a holiday to remember.

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Rhonda and Steve Budden own Australian Off Road Campers on the Sunshine Coast, Australia. They firmly believe that their trailer tent and off road caravan are the best on the market. To check out their hand built camper trailers for yourself, come and see their onsite factory showroom or see them online at => http://www.australianoffroadcampers.com.au/

Las Vegas to Disneyland Road Trip

Vegas is often touted as the adult Disneyland and many couples make Disneyland their vacation destination so why not add both to your road trip planner and make it a week long road trip where you’ll experience two distinct types of FUN?

This particular road trip consists of 3 nights in Vegas, 1 day to drive the distance between Vegas and Anaheim (can be done in 4-5 hours), then 3 more nights in Anaheim. Of course, your road trip planner may have a different order; you might make it a triangular road trip, depending on your starting point; or fly in to Vegas, rent a car & make it a round trip road trip. But no matter how you get from Point A to Point B, you’ll have a great time at both spots with some interesting scenery and experiences in between.

The first night there, put on your walking shoes & get some free entertainment. Catch the spectacular water visual of the Fountains at the Bellagio. Check out the entire valley from the Stratosphere Tower and then grab a taxi for the Fremont Street Experience.

The following night is for music! Make sure you add the Hard Rock Café to your road trip planner if you thrive in a rock environment. Top-notch blues, Louisiana style has its home at the House of Blues. And for those who like to hear bands jam – and get the occasional surprise musical legend come on state – hit the Legends Lounge for a fantastic evening.

Take in a show on the third night like Cirque du Soleil’s Love, which blends the magic of Cirque du Soleil with the revered songs of the Beatles, creating a phenomenal night of spectacle and awe. We recommend booking these tickets the same time that you’re doing your road trip planning because these tickets sell out months in advance.

And of course, in between all that, there’s gambling, pool side lounging, spa treatments, shopping, and art museums. There’s more than you can do in 3 days so consider this a teaser visit; there’s always flight deals to/from Vegas to have you coming back for more.

Leaving Las Vegas, your route on your road trip planner will show that you’ll be on the I-15 for over 230 miles. Bring plenty of water for the drive as you’re traveling through the desert. And best to have a gallon of water for your radiator as well. Add some interesting side trips to your road trip planner like the Mojave National Preserve, a 1.6 million acre park with canyons, mountains, mesas, abandoned mines, homesteads, military outposts…and wildflowers. Consider eating lunch at a restaurant in Barstow and stop at the California Route 66 Museum in Victorville if you are taking one of the best appetite suppressants.

Sometime in the near future, there may be a high-speed train that whisks you from Vegas to Disneyland in a matter of hours – and traveling at 300mph would be an adventure in itself – but for now, enjoy the ride at a more leisurely pace. We recommend allowing a full day for this road trip so that once you get to Anaheim, you can check into your hotel and relax for a bit before enjoying a leisurely dinner. Save your 2-day Park Hopper package (about $143 per person) for the following 2 days so you can make full use of both Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure Park. You’ll be going from morning to night at both of these theme parks…and loving every minute of it!

Many people may have already been to Disneyland but not Disney’s California Adventure Park, which celebrates the pioneering spirit of the Golden State. You can opt to stay at one of the 3 hotels at the Disneyland Resort, where the rooms will run you from $245 to $399 night for their hotel/ticket package deals (mid-week, 2 adults, 2-day Park Hopper). If that’s a bit steep for your budget, there over 100 hotels within 1 mile of the resort with rates starting at only $50 per night.

Consider getting a City Pass for $259, which gives you entry into 5 great places: Disneyland, Disney’s California Adventure, Universal Studios, Sea World and the San Diego Zoo. Separately, this would cost $365, so if you can stay longer in Anaheim, go for this option (3-Day Hoppers, valid for 14-days).

Vegas will have you dancing and gambling into the wee hours of the night and sleeping late in the mornings; Disneyland will have you up early to catch the fun during the day and relaxing with your feet up at night. What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas…unless your road trip planner takes you Disneyland, in which case, the party just moves from Sin City to the Happiest Place On Earth.

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