The Finer Places - Travel Tips

Travel Tip 1
In the best of times humor can add spice to our lives. In trying moments, humor and comedy can liberate and redeem us. Many tourists make certain that their destination includes a local comedy club or two. There is an impressive number of top-notch comedy clubs in Florida. A tool listing US and Canadian comedy clubs, is www.destinationmanagement.com. This site outlines a 12-day tour highlighting comedy clubs with different acts every night. Daily sightseeing tours include visits to Niagara Falls, Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty and a coach tour from New York to Quebec. One of the best Comedy Festivals of the World is "Just for Laughs" in Montreal. Tours can be arranged including laughs every night at famous venues including Gothem Comedy Club, Carolines, Second City Improv Theatre and more. And of course, The Sarasota Comedy Festival is a global draw in Southwest Florida. Log on to www.mccurdyscomedy.com to learn more about this internationally recognized annual event.

Travel Tip 2
Although many fun activities in Florida are year-round events, others happen only once a year and require a bit of pre-planning. Here are some upcoming highlights:

Musical Echoes, a native American cultural event at Fort Walton Beach
St. Andrews Shrimp and Oyster Festival
Spring the Blues on Jacksonville Beach
Spring Flower Festival at Cypress Gardens
Energy Brandon Balloon Classic at Brandon TECO
Cabbage and Potato Festival in Hastings
Greater Daytona Beach Striking Fish
Sweet Corn Festival in Zellwood
Gamble Rogers Folk Festival in St. Augustine
Goombay Festival, Coconut Grove, Miami
And of course, the Annual Nascar Busch Series 250 at Daytona Beach

Be sure to visit the Community Pages for listings on these and many other Florida events at TheGatewayUSA.com.

Travel Tip 3
Thinking of roughing it on your next vacation? For those new to this experience, kits will be helpful to you … the experienced outdoorsman already knows the benefits of being prepared.

Your personal kit list should include a backpack where you can nest your dry bags or ziploc type bags for waterproofing everyone. You’ll need a whistle, a hat, a jackknife, change of clothing, underwear and lots of socks. You’ll also benefit greatly from a long-sleeved shirt and long pants as well as quick-dry pants. You’ll need water shoes and hiking boots along with rain gear. Don’t forget your toiletries and your eating utensils, as well as a bandana and sleeping bag. Don’t be without a durable flashlight and sunglasses … and bug spray and sunscreen. Always bring a First Aid kit and any medications (enough to cover an extra day - just in case).

And to remember your experience, bring a waterproof camera with lots of film sealed in one of your ziploc bags! Are you ready? Have fun!

Travel Tip 4
Tragic water accidents happen quickly. The most common reason for these mishaps is a lack of safety knowledge. Here are some lifeguard recommended safety tips:

Before you go into the surf, make sure you know how to swim.
Swim near a lifeguard
Never swim alone
Supervise children closely, even if lifeguards are present
If caught in a rip current, swim sideways until free … don’t swim against the current’s pull
Alcohol and swimming don’t mix
Don’t dive into unfamiliar waters …
Swim parallel to shore if you swim long distances
Stay clear of coastal bluffs, they can collapse and cause injury
Never turn your back to the ocean. You may be swept off coastal bluffs or tide pool areas and into the water by waves that can come without warning.

Travel Tip 5
I’ll bet you didn’t realize that zoos and aquariums draw more than 134 million visitors each year and teach more than twelve million people each year. More than 9 million students visit and enjoy on-site education programs at zoos and aquariums annually. Although zoo and aquarium education began for practical reasons, the general visitor arrived, curious and wanted questions about particular animals answered by the people who cared for them. From these simple beginnings, education in zoos and aquariums has moved to addressing urgent issues of preserving the world’s bio-diversity.

The American Zoo and Aquarium Association recognizes outstanding achievement in educational program design. And on their website www.aza.org, you can find a zoo or aquarium in hundreds of cities throughout the U.S. You can visit AZA Member Zoos and Aquariums from Abilene to Zoo America in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

Travel Tip 6
Airlines offer “frequent flyer programs” free of charge. Usually they are given to reward loyal passengers. Many Partnerships in these programs are unique to the airline, so check around to determine which Frequent Flyer Program works best for you.

Both American Express and Diners Club have programs that will earn miles to be used at participating airlines, and the miles accrue based on dollars spent. Even grocery shopping could convert to travel with some programs. Make sure you earn points or miles by directing your business to whatever airline partner companies work for you. Examples of partners of some major carriers are:

Airport parking lots
Restaurants
Long distance telephone service
H&R Block, Kellogg’s, Office Max
800-Flowers florist servic
Mortgage Companies
Credit Cards
And many, many more.

Do your homework and choose the Frequent Flyer Program right for you and your lifestyle.

Travel Tip 7
Africa has become one of the World’s fastest growing travel destinations, with its cultural diversities, from the tall Masai Warriors in Kenya to the peaceful San Bushmen of the Kalahari Desert. Their rich, traditional ways of life prove to be an experience of both intrigue and fascination to the World Traveler. Nowhere on earth does wildlife exist that is “still wild” and in their natural habitats.

There are several very good online sources of information about African travel. We suggest you view www.africam.com and www.backpackafrica.com.

Travel Tip 8
A city on three lakes … Charlevoix, Michigan … its natural resources make it a recreational paradise for anyone who enjoys spending time outdoors … either on land or on the water.

On Charlevoix’s Chamber of Commerce website you’ll see links to Bier Art Gallery, Edgewater Inn, Friske Orchards, Rose Cottage Antiques, Beaver Island Boat Company and Raven Hill Discovery Center. You’ll also learn about unique musical groups such as the Northwest Academy Jazz Ensemble and the Up North Big Band.

Visit Charlevoix’s website at www.charlevoix.org.

Travel Tip 9
Vacation Ownership may appear to be complex and a rather daunting concept. But with a little investigation and research, your fears will subside. You hear references to alternate year ownership, assessment, floating time, fractional ownership, “lock-off” or “lock out”; split weeks and many more terms that sound mind-boggling.

There are many informative websites that answer these questions for you. Visit where you’ll find a Question and Answer page addressing vacation ownership issues.

Vacation Ownership is a trend you’ll want to check out.

Travel Tip 10
Traveling to Ireland is something most people of Irish descent daydream about. Roaming the countryside aimlessly, visiting ancient ruins, meditating in quiet areas … and of course, drinking a pint in a cozy pub are some of the things we ponder! As you plan your trip to Ireland, check out these websites for some helpful travel tips www.abitoblarney.com www.geographia.com.

Both sites are full of useful information and you may even get some new ideas to daydream about.

Travel Tip 11
Baseball and apple pie … American traditions. The Florida State League provides us with the excitement of baseball in 15 locations throughout the State. From Brevard County to Vero Beach, you’ll find the thrill of baseball all summer long.

Log on to www.fslbaseball.com to learn more about these teams … when and where they play. As you travel around Florida, make Baseball a part of your excursion.

Travel Tip 12
For those adventurous souls among us who love the gambling scene, there are a few basic gambling rules that should be followed if you are to get the most enjoyment from your adventure. Always budget your money and gamble only with money you can afford to lose. You should decide beforehand how much you want to spend during your gambling session. Don’t exceed the spending limit if you lose. Predetermine a goal for your winging … pocket some and gamble only with the remainder and when you ARE winning, increase your bets only gradually. Never play when you are tired and play only at tables you can afford. You should be able to cover at least 25 bets. Keep your gambling expectations reasonable and after 5 consecutive losses … leave the table! And most importantly, have fun and quit while you’re ahead.

You can find some valuable information at www.gamblingnews.com. There’s good advice for the beginner as well as the seasoned gambler.

Travel Tip 13
Steeplechasing includes all the thrills and speed of horse racing at typical tracks. It mixes the precision of jumping to create a hybrid not unlike hurdle events in track and field. The races are between two and four miles in length. Thoroughbred horses, almost all of them converted flat racers, complete in 12 states at 35 national steeplechase association stops and at some of the nation’s finest racetracks.

Find out more about steeplechasing by visiting, www.horseworlddata.com or www.littleevergladessteeplechase.com.

Travel Tip 14
One of the most historic and fun places to visit is Scotland! Scotland is a small country and travel is easy. There are direct air links with cities in the UK, Europe and North America. Scotland’s rail network includes an excellent cross-border inter-city service as well as a good internal network. All the usual discount cards are valid, but there are also multi-journey tickets providing savings on railway and ferry fares.

For more information on traveling in Scotland, contact the Scottish Tourist Board in Edinburgh at www.edinburgh.org, or visit www.scotlandvacations.com to learn about the weather, customs and much more.

Travel Tip 15
The alligator is an amazing reptile, having survived unchanged since the time of the dinosaur. Having been hunted almost to the brink of extinction, this reptile has made a remarkable comeback in recent years. The relationship between alligators and man dates back thousands of years. In early American times the alligator was used for meat and for its hide. The teeth of an alligator were believed to be magical and ward against snakebites. Alligators in the wild do exhibit a natural fear of man. If left alone, an alligator would much rather stay away from humans than attack them. It is illegal in most areas to feed alligators, since doing so tends to make the animal associate humans with food and they then lose their natural fear of man!

But attacks on humans do occur and there have been alligator attacks in Florida. Many attacks have involved small children or swimmers. One of the most important rules to remember is that if you see an alligator … leave it alone! Alligators have a crushing power of 3000 psi in their jaws. And despite their appearance, alligators are extremely agile and quick. They are capable of fast bursts of speed, if only for a short distance. If you have questions or complaints about alligators in your area, consult your local Fish and Game Commission.

Travel Tip 16
Keep in mind that almost every city you plan to visit has something that makes it special. Take advantage of where you are! Those interested in art, science or historical sites can find points of interest in some of the lesser thought-of industrial cities. Many were home to industrialists who became major contributors to society … and that means museums and collections.

In the Detroit area the Henry Ford Museum is a must-see. Detroit is also home to the Motown Recording Museum and the Detroit Museum of Art. Toronto hosts the Ontario Science Center and Phoenix has the wonderful Heard Museum focusing on Native American culture. Tucson is home to the Arizona Senora Desert Museum and Toledo boasts its Museum of Art. Lisbon has a wonderful Museum of Marionettes, and even though most people know about the Prada in Madrid, many visitors miss the "black pictures" by Goya in the lower level. Search the web. There are some wonderfully exciting collections and museums available to World Travelers!

Travel Tip 17
Using the services of a Travel Agent to help plan your trip is a great idea for a number of important reasons:

They know more than you do about travel
They know your flying profile, seat preference, meal requirements
They save you time. They do the walking for you
They can give you more options with their access to nearly all the airlines
They are problem-solvers. They know travel rules and restrictions
They provide one-stop shopping
They don’t charge a penny extra for their personal service

The next time you plan a trip, think about using the services of a reputable Travel Agent!

Travel Tip 18
Did you know that 94% of long-distance travelers experience jet lag? Jet lag – this is when your body is totally out of whack, impeding both your physical and mental performance. The good news is that these travel side effects are temporary, and you can take steps to minimize the effects of Jet Lag:

If you’re flying from the East to the West, adjust your sleep time before you leave on your trip. For example, if your normal bedtime is midnight, then 3 nights before your trip, go to sleep at 11 instead, two nights before your trip retire at 10 PM, and the night before, go to sleep at 9 PM.
For International Travel, seasoned passengers either book overnight flights when heading east so they can sleep most of the flight, or make sure that they arrive around midnight so they can go to bed at their destination.
On the plane change your watch to your destination time zone. Sleep on the plane if it’s bedtime in your arrival city and stay awake if it isn’t.
When you arrive, don’t focus on "what time it is back home". Resist this and take a nap.
Some researchers found that certain vitamins are depleted in a plane’s unnatural atmosphere. To counteract this books recommend taking Vitamin B12 two weeks before and one week after a flight, as well as doses of time-released Vitamin C starting the day before your departure and stopping a day after the return home. And on a long flight, potassium can be drained from the body by lack of activity. Counteract this deficiency by drinking orange juice or eating a banana.

These are just a few of the many reported remedies for jet lag. The Finer Places recommends consulting your physician before starting any medical regime … whether it’s prescription or over-the-counter drugs or vitamins.

Travel Tip 19
Hunting has been a favorite pastime throughout the World for centuries, whether for sustenance or for fun. Here are some simple tips for those hunting enthusiasts among us:

If you’re using decoys, a great way to move them long distances is to place them in a garbage can on wheels. A commercial can will hold 2 to 3 dozen standard decoys and 3 to 4 dozen dekes.
To keep your decoy bag from sinking, tie a piece of foam to it.
A great tool to use when hunting is a 5-gallon bucket with a lid. It can hold a first-aid kit, matches, shells, your dry clothes and lunch and much more. Paint it camouflage so it doesn’t stand out. It can also serve as a seat!
Always wear a safety harness when hunting from a tree stand. Wear it while climbing and wear it properly.
When washing your hunting clothes, use a fragrance-free detergent with no brightening additives. Get detergent specifically made for hunting clothes. There are also dryer sheets, which add an earth scent to your clothes.
You’ll see more birds and wildlife if you wear light amber-colored clothing and ultraviolet-resistant glasses when you’re in the woods. Light amber glasses brighten shadowy areas and the UV resistance reduces the glare, improving your ability to see details in shaded places!

For more informative hunting tips, visit www.outdoorlife.com by Field and Stream and www.backwoodsbound.com.

Travel Tip 20
Oftentimes children have unique travel needs and considerations. The following tips could be useful for anyone, but some are especially important for children.

Make an appointment with a pediatrician for a checkup and required shots if you are taking your children overseas for any length of time. Diseases that barely exist in some countries are active in other parts of the World.
Don’t assume that any body of water, such as a stream, pond or river, is safe for swimming. Indigenous parasites can be dangerous to foreign travelers.
Stock up on prescription medications. Foreign equivalents might not be identical and may be more expensive. Bring medications in their original containers.
If special meals are needed for your children, contact the airline at least two days prior to departure.
Carry a day’s worth of food and drink for the small traveler. Airport delays, connections and high prices at airports will make your pre-planning valuable.
Make sure your child has an identification card on their person with name, address and phone number of your hotel.
Always carry sunscreen and children’s formula insect repellant.
Take scheduled and frequent bathroom, eating, drinking and play breaks for the kids. A steadier pace will help you cope with the trip.

Travel Tip 21
Did you know that 40% of U.S. travelers experience motion sickness?

The good news is that these travel side effects are temporary, and you can take steps to minimize their effects. Motion sickness is caused by an inner ear disturbance and can be prevented by taking over-the-counter antihistamines. The key is to take them early. Once excessive nausea sets in, it’s usually too late for them to work. For travelers who don’t like to take even over-the-counter drugs, there are other natural remedies. Ginger, available at health food stores and some pharmacies, is believed to reduce nausea.

The Finer Places recommends consulting your physician before starting any medical regime … whether it’s prescription or over-the-counter drugs or vitamins.