JOHNNY RAY'S WINE GUIDE

Homemade wine making is fast becoming very popular across the world. There are several reasons for this. A lot more information can be obtained by Clicking Here!

The biggest one is that the cost to transport that yummy nectar from where they grow, harvest, and ferment it is going up right along with the cost of fuel. There's no two ways around it - we are about to see bottles of wine at the grocery store and wine shops double.

In the last year, there has been a flurry of "How To" guides crop up around the internet. All of the guides are helpful and at least can get a beginner started.

The truth is, you can make high quality wine, award winning wine, at home, in a 5 gallon food bucket.

Some preparation and materials are required. You have to at least have a hydrometer. You need at least the 5 gallon bucket. AND - you need some kind of near air tight secondary fermentation vessel. In the industry we call this a "carbouy".

There are very inexpensive airlocks and some plastic tubing to round out the equipment.

Some chemicals may be required as well. Yeast is an obvious first one (not really a chemical but a dormant microbe). Citric acid, potassium sorbate, metabisulfate, campden tablets, pectin enzyme and a few others are pretty common.

The biggest secret in home wine making is: get the good stuff to start with.

There are actually vineyards that will sell small quantities of grapes or even crushed grapes and juices, fresh from the vineyard. Although these are hard to locate, they do exist. I have found at least one wine making guide that lists these sources.

Aside from the money savings (you can make wine for about 25 cents a bottle), there is the actual enjoyment of making something that you can drink! If your batch comes out really good, you will be calling all your neighbors and friends to come and give it a try.

For more information please Click Here!

Cheers and happy wine making!

HOME MADE WINE ADVICE

2010-08-11T05:14:00.000-07:00

So - you have decided that you want to try your hand at making some wine. This article will describe the basic steps and some of the pitfalls to avoid to make sure your first batch turns out good enough to drink. While additional information is below, additional information can be found by Clicking Here!

First things first - how much do you want to make?

I recommend at least 5 gallons. Why? Because beginning home wine makers just cannot wait to taste what they have made. In addition, 5 gallons is only 25 bottles. So you'll get the batch finished, and then you will try a bottle or 2 or 3. Then you'll wait a week and try a few more bottles. Sooner than later, it will all be gone before it has a chance to age and get really good.

If you just want to do something quick and simple, you could do a gallon in a plastic milk jug. The drawback is, once you have tasted it a few times - it's all gone and you'll have to start over.

With 5 gallons - you just might be tempted to let a few of the remaining bottles age. Believe it or not, the biggest mistake beginning winemakers make is not letting their wine age in the bottle. The difference in taste is, to put it mildly, AMAZING.

The next step is to decide which type of juice you want to ferment. Grape juice, cranberry juice, muscadine, and cherry are all good starter choices. The first 3 should produce a rather normal tasting wine while cherries usually will give you a sweeter wine. Of course, you can always add sugar to sweeten your wine after it is stabilized and has stopped fermenting.

The next step is to completely sterilize all of the containers and equipment you will be using. Some people use extremely hot water, others recommend using a sanitizer. I like the sanitizer because you do not have to scald yourself with the hot water. The sanitizing solution should be poured over everything and should make contact with all surfaces. Then you just rinse everything off with hot water.

Put your juice in your 5 gallon bucket - that's the next step. BUT - it's not time to put your yeast in yet.

We first want to sterilize our "must" or our juice. You can do this with 4 Campden Tablets. These are sulfite tablets that will get rid of any type of bacteria that could be present in the juice. Crush the tablets and then dissolve them in some warm water and then pour them in your juice or "must". Let this sit overnight while the sulfites do their work.

24 hours later, you are ready to sprinkle in or "pitch" your yeast.

The type of yeast you decide to use is really a question that is beyond the scope of this article. However, I'll say that there are hundreds of different yeast strains for literally thousands of different uses. For our first batch, we can just use the bakers yeast that you can easily find at the grocery store. Later, and after some research, you will probably want to use one of the specialized strains.

Now - wait 7 days and watch. you will want to cover your bucket with a cloth towel or even put on a lid with an airlock in place. The wine will be perfectly safe during the fermentation stage because it will give off lots of Carbon Dioxide. The Co2 will protect your wine from the oxygen in the air.

Once the 7 days has passed, siphon off the wine from the bucket into another bucket or into a glass "carboy". These can be found online or at your local wineshop. When you are doing the siphoning, you will want to get as little of the gunk on the bottom of the bucket as possible. This gunk is called "lees" and is made up of dead yeast. Wine that sits on top of the dead yeast sometimes can develop an "off" flavor.

Once your wine has been transferred into what is called your "secondary fermenter", then you will want to put an airlock in place and just let it sit for about a month. There's a song about this part - "The Waiting is the Hardest Part". It's true. Every budding home winemaker just cannot wait to taste the stuff - but - don't do it. It surely won't hurt you but during this month it is still fermenting. The wine isn't finished yet. Be Patient.

After the month is up, you will want to transfer it back to your bucket, again making sure that you leave the gunk on the bottom. The process of transferring the wine from one vessel to another is called "racking". Why? That's something I am going to research for another article.

You are just about there. Theres only one thing left to do and that is to add a "stablizer" to your wine. A stabilizer inhibits yeast reproduction. In essence, it stops yeast from doing it's thing. Part of what happens during yeast growth and reproduction is that it releases Co2 gas. If that is happening after you bottle the wine, you will get popped corks or exploded bottles or both. So - put in the stabilizer, stir the wine well, and then return it to your Secondary Carboy fermentation vessel. Be sure and clean out the secondary and sterilize it before you do.

Now, all you have to do at this point is wait until the wine clears. Gravity is your friend here. Of course, it won't hurt a bit to bottle cloudy wine. But if you wait another month, it should be crystal clear. The clearing process is another subject that you can find a great deal of information on in other guides and books and I suggest you read up on this subject when you get a chance.

Bottling time! All you have to do is make sure your bottles are clean and sanitized and just siphon the wine into the bottles. Corking the bottles can be a little difficult and i highly recommend you get some king of corker. Again, these are available online or at your local wine shop.

Now - BE PATIENT and let the wine sit in the bottle for 6 to 9 months. The longer the wine ages, the better it will taste - I guarantee it. Happy wine making!

To receive more information on making wine, please Click Here!

Hot deal of the day on wine

2010-08-06T08:50:00.000-07:00

Hot Deal Alert: 2007 Arnot-Roberts Cabernet Sauvignon - $69.99/Bottle Shipped

We spent a week tasting the sensational 2007 Cabernets, wines that are beginning to blow the storm clouds away from Napa. But on a Wednesday afternoon we left, driving over the mountains to taste a single Cabernet made off of the rocky Clajeux Vineyard -- just 12 acres planted in volcanic soil, high up in the Mayacamas. That wine -- a mere 6-barrel production from Arnot-Roberts -- bested most of the Napa elite.

Among the writers, only Steve Tanzer and Josh Raynolds (93pts) were able to get a taste of the 2007 Arnot-Roberts Clajeux. Makes sense with a total production of just 6 barrels. The Harlans, Bonds and Chappellets may win for sheer power, but when it comes to the combo of concentration and age worthiness, the Clajeux came out on top.

Deal: 2007 Arnot-Roberts Cabernet Sauvignon Clajeux Vineyard Chalk Hill. Rated ST 93. Normally available for $80 a bottle. Available now for $69.99/bottle. Shipping included on orders of 4 bottles or more!
Coupon Code: None required
Expiration Date: While Supplies Last

WINE DEAL OF THE DAY

2010-08-05T08:58:00.000-07:00

Hot Deal Alert: 2009 Chad Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast - $14.99/Bottle on Cases Shipped

In 2009, the best hillside vineyards on Sonoma Coast turned out perfect, tight clusters of Pinot Noir. Those BB-like berries accounted for this explosively aromatic, wild cherry Pinot -- a luscious, deep ruby wine that will soon hit retail shelves for close to $40/bottle.

But too many of the producers on the coast, spurred on by the Sideways craze, doubled production between 2006 and 2009. Then despite the vintage of the decade, the market crashed. Wineries needed to move stock quietly -- recouping cash quickly -- without discounting their prices.
When we received the sample in May, there was a plain white label on the bottle. On it was marked "Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2009." We'd just come back from the coast, had tasted more beautifully concentrated Pinot Noirs from this small berry vintage than any this decade. Particularly in the high elevation, cool spots on the coast, the grapes were like BB's, the dark fruit flavors explosive. This one had it all.

The 2009 Chad Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir is dark ruby to the edge. Packed with explosive aromatics of crushed red fruit, beautifully concentrated to the core, this gorgeous Pinot boasts the long, vibrant finish found in $40 bottles. There's a reason for that. Under another label it IS a $40 bottle!

2009 Chad Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast. Normally available for $38a bottle. Available now for as little as $14.99/bottle shipped on cases. Shipping included on orders of 6 bottles or more!

Hot deal of the day on wine

2010-08-04T12:17:00.000-07:00

Hot Deal Alert: 2006 Famille Kreydenweiss- $33.99/Bottle on Cases Shipped

We learned about the wine before we tasted it: A 100-year old-vine Chateauneuf, made by an Alsatian newcomer. The wine had all the pedigree imaginable. Ancient, biodynamically farmed vines. Roots that burrowed meters underground. Sand soil like Chateau Rayas. Even so, we weren't quite prepared for the utter hedonistic purity of this first Kreydenweiss Chateauneuf-du-Pape. When we first tasted this tiny 8-barrel production, we were simply blown away by the saturated, wild fruit intensity, firmly braced by chiseled modernity. We wasted no time asking Antoine Kreydenweiss how much he would earmark for WineAccess members. He shrugged and told us, "I have nothing, but I'll give you what I have."

Deal: 2006 Famille Kreydenweiss Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Normally available for $50 a bottle. Available now for as little as $33.99/bottle shipped on cases. Shipping included on orders of 4 bottles or more!

WINE DEAL OF THE DAY

2010-08-03T10:13:00.000-07:00

Hot Deal Alert: 2006 Robert Keenan Cabernet Sauvignon- $32.99/Bottle on Cases Shipped

In 2006, thirty years after his father released his first mountain Cabernet, Michael Keenan came out with a Spring Mountain blockbuster that's so dark, so black -- you could use it in your Mont Blanc fountain pen.

But despite the rich concentration of the Keenan 30th Anniversary Cabernet Sauvignon -- a product of the helter skelter 2006 growing season -- Keenan managed to tame the tannins of Spring Mountain.

Robert Parker called the Keenan Spring Mountain Cabernets "Some of the finest of Napa Valley." This wine pretty much tells you why. Deep, dark and powerful, packed with lush red fruit bramble, this is a masterful 2006. At once rich, suave and structured, it can be drunk on release or aged for a decade.

2006 Robert Keenan Cabernet Sauvignon (30th Anniversary Napa Valley) Rate RP 90. Normally available for $45 a bottle. Available now for as little as $32.99/bottle shipped on cases. Shipping included on orders of 4 bottles or more!

Expiration Date: While Supplies Last

FOR OTHER DEALS AND TO JOIN

2010-07-25T12:56:00.000-07:00

Stop Paying Cable Bills How to Get Thousands of TV Channels on Your PC… And Never Pay Another Monthly Bill Again

2010-07-19T10:02:00.000-07:00

In today’s rocky economic climate, most households are cutting back wherever they can. And with cable and satellite television costing anywhere from $65- $150 a month (more if you count premium movie channels) many people are making their television sets the first part of their homes to get the axe. But what if there was a way to enjoy thousands of television channels, including hard to find international shows and sports programming, and never pay another monthly cable bill again?

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For less than the price of one month’s subscription cable or satellite service, you can enjoy a lifetime of television- over 3,500 channels!- from the convenience of your laptop or desktop. And forget the hassles of waiting for installation, or hours on hold with the cable company. Installing Satellite Direct is as easy as 1, 2, 3.

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2010-07-17T11:53:00.001-07:00

A funny coffee video http://ping.fm/aeJwy

2010-07-17T11:38:00.001-07:00

An interesting way to learn how to write http://ping.fm/12fjy

2010-07-17T11:23:00.001-07:00

Is the economy set to meltdown again? http://ping.fm/ZhLzI

2010-07-17T10:59:00.001-07:00

Ray Stevens and come to the USA video http://ping.fm/6wC7W

2010-07-17T10:55:00.001-07:00

Obama and his agenda. http://ping.fm/Utvi7

2010-07-17T10:32:00.001-07:00

Today's updates on political humor http://ping.fm/2svRj

2010-07-16T15:37:00.001-07:00

THE POKER RUN, a story story by Johnny Ray is available for free at http://ping.fm/fCVtJ

2010-07-16T08:45:00.001-07:00

My new site is up. let me know what you think of my short story and site http://ping.fm/J7n82

2010-07-16T06:38:00.001-07:00

After a hard week of writing, its time to wine a little don't you think. Save some money and buy direct http://www.sirjohn.us

2010-07-15T11:56:00.001-07:00

Another romantic poem by Johnny Ray http://ping.fm/8hfqV

2010-07-14T16:35:00.001-07:00

Mysterious Love
A new poem by Johnny Ray
http://ping.fm/boh4i

2010-07-14T16:00:00.001-07:00

Harry Reid's comments on illegal workers http://ping.fm/x0kOS

2010-07-14T07:40:00.001-07:00

Five secrets to writing a novel http://ping.fm/JANfh

2010-07-14T07:16:00.001-07:00

tips on polishing your novel can mean taking a break to hear the words http://ping.fm/qRqZp

2010-07-14T06:49:00.001-07:00

Who enjoys listening to audio books? http://www.sirjohn.us

2010-07-14T06:22:00.001-07:00

Jimmy Tingle address to Harvard http://ping.fm/lnKNO

2010-07-14T06:01:00.001-07:00

Whoâ€™s Paying for Ground Zero Mosque? Finally home land security wants to know http://ping.fm/XkXVM

2010-07-13T19:20:00.001-07:00

What is your opinion on the NAACP clash with the Tea Party movement? http://ping.fm/KwvGt

2010-07-13T08:26:00.001-07:00

Tips on how to handle your finances after a job loss
http://ping.fm/nD77T

2010-07-13T07:35:00.001-07:00

A Great political ad, Yes time to get a paper route son.
http://ping.fm/N3ld8

2010-07-13T07:00:00.003-07:00

Are we in danger of hyperinflation and shortages? http://ping.fm/YNOzM

2010-07-13T07:00:00.001-07:00

I'm starting a new blog on political humor and satire, please be patient as I get it all adjusted. http://ping.fm/C0ePV

2010-07-13T06:34:00.001-07:00

Check out my latest thoughts on writing vs programming. I never thought I WOULD HAVE TO BE A PROGRAMMER TO BE A WRITER. HTTP://WWW.SIRJOHN.US

2010-07-13T06:19:00.001-07:00

Muslims push forward with plans to build mosque near ground zero http://ping.fm/gz6B2

2010-07-12T09:23:00.001-07:00

Tips on finding part time work http://ping.fm/xmkHZ

2010-07-12T08:39:00.001-07:00

Loan Modification secrets you need to know http://ping.fm/DgqPn

2010-07-12T07:38:00.001-07:00

I'm enjoying Kona coffee this morning, what kind of coffee are you drinking? see more details on Kona coffee http://ping.fm/bzC3l

2010-07-12T06:23:00.001-07:00

BP oil spill to create massive fraud all will pay for later http://ping.fm/IwGHk

2010-07-11T20:28:00.001-07:00

when will elected officials fight for the people who have to pay the bills? http://ping.fm/QV6n6

2010-07-11T20:01:00.001-07:00

I think we all can laugh at this but know how so many people are suffering in reality. http://ping.fm/ZOpRk

2010-07-11T19:51:00.001-07:00

Some times emotions get out of hand as riders in the tour de France have at it in a fist fight http://ping.fm/2ab29

2010-07-07T06:02:00.001-07:00

BP OIL SPILL could create VOLCANIC TSUNAMI AND POISON GAS http://ping.fm/rlKiR

2010-07-05T16:26:00.001-07:00

Tour de France stage one winner interview http://ping.fm/ytGaD

2010-07-05T13:12:00.001-07:00

Bp oil spill plays into the hands of politicians. Read this and tell me what you think.
http://ping.fm/XJsKH

2010-07-03T14:18:00.001-07:00

Who is your favorite to win le tour de France this year? Is it Lance Armstrong?
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2010-07-03T14:17:00.001-07:00

The latest analysis on le tour de France and what's ahead http://ping.fm/o1IoQ

2010-07-03T11:52:00.001-07:00

Lance Armstrong off to a great start on Le Tour de France. http://ping.fm/Hi5j7

2010-07-03T11:46:00.001-07:00

I'm working on about 20 more web sites this long weekend. I have the foundation, now for all the details http://ping.fm/IBqqi

2010-07-02T18:49:00.001-07:00

Lance Armstrong talks about his upcoming drive to win another at the Tour De France. http://ping.fm/fMrR5

2010-07-02T09:59:00.001-07:00

In this economy, what are people doing to make it? How many people are working at jobs highly underpaying them now? please comment on Johnny Ray's commentary site http://ping.fm/gZL1T

2010-07-02T09:56:00.001-07:00

Job loss is growing worst. What is your opinion of the economy?
http://ping.fm/EMOLR

2010-07-01T17:23:00.001-07:00

If you love HD TV and not paying outrages fees each month you are going to love this. http://ping.fm/ayqa8

2010-06-30T12:11:00.001-07:00

New proof Obama is not an American http://ping.fm/R9UZ9

2010-06-30T09:57:00.001-07:00

I've finalized details on the upcoming writer's workshop to be held on the 20th and 22th of July at Joe's Crab Shack http://www.sirjohn.us

Johnny Ray's tips on traveling

2010-01-20T12:03:00.000-08:00

Souvenir Lessons In Travel Advice

Author: Andrew Mohebbi

A fantastic experience for any individual or family is usually a vacation. Included into conversation for years to return are the recollections generated on these trips. Ranging from visual proof like photographs or merely through a scent captured by an item you introduce into your home, memories can be captured. The key to holding onto the wonderful memories attained through a vacation typically relate to the design of souvenirs you gather while on that trip. The following includes some travel advice related to souvenirs and the way you can maximize their memory potential.

A photograph of you at a location is one in every of the most effective ways that to remember. For the individual wanting to capture the moment, the technology of photography has greatly advanced. Traditionally people were locked into the shoot and hope era of photography where multiple photos are taken blindly by a photographer with no idea with reference to how those photographs can turn out. Paying for the photographic errors you made additionally to the few that turned out, meant you had to develop each photo.

The concept of photography hope as individuals will instantly see the results of their work and solely print what they deem to by memorable because of the advancement of digital technology. The travel recommendation to follow here is to make positive you carry the proper amount of storage devices and power resources to utilize your digital technology. The sole catch to this advantage of digital technology is in regards to the number of photos a private takes. Because of the tremendous storage capability of memory cards individuals on a vacation of every week or longer returns home with hundreds and generally thousands of photos. Even if you are capturing an instant on film, when you come home you will have to pay weeks altering, filtering, and printing the tons of photos you choose to stay, bear in mind to observe the travel advice.

Outside of photos most individuals relish getting or collecting souvenirs from the locations they visit. A chunk of travel advice to follow here is to think about the functionality of the souvenirs you pick. Things to place on a shelf are nice for a while but often become dirt collectors and placed into storage when house is needed.

Postcards, travel brochures and maps provide a great memory capturer that can be kept during a scrapbook or file that may be easily accessed at any time whereas not cluttering your home, thus experienced travelers will provide this travel advice. Remember the travel advice to relate it to a cheerful time on your vacation when you decide on a souvenir. Usually vacationers feel obligated to buy a souvenir since they're on vacation but if the souvenir will not help you relate to a pleasant memory on your trip then it is not doing its job and is not value the expense.

About the Author:

To discover additional helpful tips associated with travel abroad and overseas travel visit www.triphip.com.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Souvenir Lessons In Travel Advice

2010-01-05T16:32:00.001-08:00

Top Ten Travel Tips

Author: Alan Hawkins

Have you ever experienced a serious disaster whilst on holiday? If not, it’s merely a matter of time. It has been said there are two kinds of travellers, those that have experienced a problem holiday and those that are still going to.

Tasked with identifying the top ten travel tips immediately got my mind going but an idea soon took shape. Why not use the experiences of the professionals, ask them to identify the more common causes of problems when travelling. Unbeknown to me this certainly dropped the cat amongst the pigeons, largely because limiting this to only ten became a problem, thank you so much to all those who were a part of the panel.

One of the most common problems and a unanimous choice of the panel were problems surrounding logistical arrangements. Largely related to reservations; dates and ticketing, these can be problematic despite the ease and simplicity of the internet. It is imperative when planning any holiday to any destination that all bookings are made well in advance, followed up either by e-mail or telephone a few days before your departure and still in time to rectify problems if discovered. After this has been done, prevent further problems by ensuring you have proof in the form of copies of any relevant document or reference number, this could be a receipt confirmation of a deposit paid or any item depending on your personal arrangements. This is one of those suggestions where prevention is definitely far better than cure.

Our second tip is all encompassing and covers the packing of essential items. Obviously these items might vary according to your personal plans but would perhaps include items such as passports and ID documents; applicable drivers licences; money - credit cards, wallets and other financial needs; mobile phones and camera’s, (get with it, preferably digital) are essential items nowadays, together with supporting items such as chargers and memory cards. On my personal list are always sunglasses, activity equipment, a few books, a pack of cards, a multi-purpose pocket knife and other smaller items or games which always come in handy.

How are we doing so far, the bottom line is that with tip numbers one and two you can go almost anywhere in the world and if you have forgotten anything else you can purchase them en route.

Tip number three is so absolutely boring you might well stop reading at this point but it remains one of the most common causes of holidays being cancelled. Before you leave home ensure that all domestic matters are resolved and tucked in to bed. These will again vary but will certainly surround adequate locking up and security issues; paying all accounts, in particular municipal services; cancelling any deliveries; ensuring access is available to a trusted friend or relative in the event of a fire or emergency; ensuring pets are adequately cared for and that someone responsible is able to contact you in the case of emergency during your holiday. Yes…boring….but oh so often the cause of having to either come back early or returning to face a smelly deep freeze or worse.

The basics are covered and now we can move onto the fun part, tip number four surrounds choosing the right holiday for your needs and enjoyment. To haul three children under ten years old to a game reserve for ten days will stretch your patience and theirs, you might enjoy spending half an hour looking at a bird or waiting for an Elephant to come to a waterhole while sipping a Chardonnay, they certainly wouldn’t. If you have had a really stressful year and are going on holiday for a time out, a few days in London followed by a few in Rome and a low cost flight via Moscow to save a few cents would mean lots of flights; too many airports and complicated transit arrangements. Our panel suggests taking a few extra minutes to analyse the real needs of all travelling partners before selecting your holiday destination.

You have analysed your own needs and decided on let’s say a scuba diving holiday as an example. Tip number five stays with destination choice and is all about research. That’s easy I hear you saying, once you’ve decided what type of holiday you want. However, you could also end up on a scuba diving holiday in monsoon season, perhaps to a great destination at most times of the year but in the month you have chosen, it’s infested with mosquito’s and a temperature of 45 degrees, is that what you wanted.

Perhaps you might be looking for a quiet and romantic getaway and choose a week in a Spanish seaside village only to find out it clashes with a local political election and the local school holidays. Time researching local conditions is well spent, beware particularly of special offers or discounts, these are usually offered for a reason and often due to seasonality or other sub-optimal characteristics of the destination at the time the offer applies. This same principle applies to discounted flights and packages, it’s important to be fully aware of which items and costs are included and not included in the price.

How far have we gone so far, in summary we have the logistics and essential equipment under control, chosen a stunning destination to ensure our needs are covered and we have selected the dates to suit the destination characteristics.

Tip number six is about the modern day wonder of the travellers’ world. You guessed it, the internet. This modern tool enables you to ensure you are fully au fait with all and any information you might need. From disco’s to dive centres, museums to mausoleums, cathedrals to camping grounds, the information is easily available to you from the comfort of your home; office or failing which, an internet café. Referring back to our Spanish village, if you want to know the history, what to see and do while you’re there, the internet provides this service. Even once you’re there, if you want to send pics and news to someone at home, the internet has really made this simple. I read recently that in excess of 70% of all travel arrangements are now made on-line, wow, that is an awesome number and it is no doubt climbing, not without reason.

A list of top ten tips would definitely be incomplete without a reference to the importance of adequate packing. Notice we say adequate as it does vary according to destination and travel method. A car trip to Port Alfred with a trailer and roof rack is a far different scenario than a flight to London. Tip number seven is to pack early; to pack correctly and most of all to pack according to a well prepared list. One often makes the mistake of packing too much, leaving little room for error and no space to include a few souvenirs or that tee-shirt that looked so good in the market. On a personal note our family has a rule, what you pack you carry; this has a fantastic effect of ensuring no one packs without a plan.

The boring battle of the budget. We all have dream destinations we hope to get to one day; this is unfortunately not a reality for most of us. Tip number eight is to ensure you remain within your personal limits of expenditure. Interest rates are high and could get higher; credit offered by banks can be easily obtained by utilising the credit card options so often available. You don’t want to spend the year after your holiday stressed out about how you’re going to pay it back during the rest of the year. Plan adequately before and during your holiday. Whilst it’s certainly fun to spoil yourselves during a holiday, we suggest you allocate a daily allowance to each person and to the whole group; this will certainly help control costs, particularly in an international destination when one is not fully conversant, it can come back and bite quite hard.

The members of our panel are all seasoned travellers, local and overseas. In conversation we certainly learned that all had on occasion bumped their heads or made often silly mistakes. Our unanimous tip number nine is to enjoy South Africa. As residents of this beautiful country we are all absolutely blessed to live within a reasonable distance from either a beach; lake; mountain; game reserve or whatever it might be that appeals to your family. Too often we feel the need to travel far and wide when it’s all on our doorstep. We might travel to an exotic dive destination but haven’t yet experienced Aliwal Shoal; sit on a Mauritian Beach when our coast offers some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, perhaps even camping in France when you’ve never been to the Drakensberg or Clarens.

It might be a cliché but we really do have it all in one country. We certainly hope that our leaders will take every action to ensure that it stays that way. We in turn need to appreciate it and invest in local tourism and the job creation it offers. Our panel felt that we need to market ourselves as a destination a little better than we do, encouraging local travellers that Cairo is perhaps not always better than Cape Town. Local is lekker, it has its place alongside braaivleis, biltong, sunny skies and all the rest.

This might be our last tip of the ten we were confined to but it is the simplest and most important – have fun! You’ve worked hard, you deserve your holiday, please don’t forget to enjoy it. In most cases when on holiday, one is surrounded by those your love the most, those dearest and closest.

What an absolute blessing to be able to spend quality time in a holiday destination with those you love.

About the Author:

Alan Hawkins is the CEO of StaySA. StaySA is a leading South African Accommodationportal. Visit StaySA next time you are looking for a kind of Accommodation in South African

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Top Ten Travel Tips

The best cheap travel tips

2009-07-22T08:25:00.000-07:00

Saving money on traveling cost is not hard if you think about it.

Traveling can be expensive if you let it. On the other hand, the cost can be managed by following a few simple cheap travel tips which are outlined below.

Johnny Ray
http://www.sirjohn.org/bloglist

10 Cheap Travel Tips

Author: Sarah J Holt

Traveling does not need to put you in the poor house, just follow these 10 cheap travel tips to save money and still enjoy your vacation.

Carry Snacks With You

Buying snacks in bulk before you go and dividing them up into zip lock bags saves the cost and hassle of purchasing snack foods while traveling.

Bring Along A Water Bottle

Cheap travel tips do not need to be time consuming and inconvenient. This one is easy and simple. Just pack a nice water bottle and refill it whenever you get the chance, so you don’t have to purchase bottled water.

Look For Packages

Finding packages for services and attractions can be one of the most invaluable of all cheap travel tips. Package deals can be found on most things, from shuttle rides if you purchase round trip in advance, to hotel room rates that include free breakfast.

Walk Places

This tip can save you a lot of money and has the added benefit of allowing you to get your exercise in. It is also a great way to explore a new area.

Use Grocery Stores

Every meal does not need to be eaten at a restaurant. It can be great fun to find a grocery store and buy something from the deli and take it to a nearby park.

Bring Along Entertainment

Many people spend their time on vacation jumping from one attraction to another with no time in between. Why not bring along a book or camera and spend a day or two relaxing?

Save Extra Food

If you receive extra food on an airplane or with a meal, bring it with you so that you have a snack available and do not have to purchase one.

Go Camping

Road trips can really add up when you are staying in a hotel every night. Why not bring along a tent and spend some of the nights camping. You can alternate nights between a hotel and tent in order to avoid feeling grungy.

Plan Your Trips During Off-Times

Cheap travel tips can include staying at quality, premium places. This can be achieved through finding the times that are considered off-season and planning your trip during that time. Most hotels and attractions have times of the year when they fill up and can demand higher prices, but also times of the year when they do not get a lot of visitors and are willing to offer great deals to allure guests.

Don’t Be Afraid To Request Forgotten Items

If you forget a toothbrush or razor do not hesitate to call the front desk if you are staying at a hotel and asking for one. Most hotels have extras like this available and it saves you the money of purchasing one.

Follow these ten cheap travel tips to make your vacation cost effective and stress-free.

About the Author:

Sarah Holt writes for Everything About Travel.com. For more about Cheap Travel, as well as the free "Travel Secrets" e-book, travel stories and tips, visit http://www.everythingabouttravel.com

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - 10 Cheap Travel Tips

Travel tips and interesting stores concerning toilets

2009-07-07T06:47:00.000-07:00

Toilets might not be a item you think of much when you plan your travels, but perhaps it should be.

The following article highlights the funny or maybe not so funny part of traveling. In any case, it is a consideration when traveling to various parts of the world.
Johnny Ray
www.sirjohn.org/bloglist

Toilet Stories Are A Funny Part Of Travel

Author: Brad Alexander
Toilet stories.... now here\'s a part of travel you might not like to think about. If you\'re traveling in rich, "first world" countries, you probably don\'t need to worry too much about it. But if you\'re traveling internationally, you\'re probably going to run into a surprise or two. Talk to people who have been traveling internationally for a while, and they\'re bound to have one or two amusing toilet stories.

In the U.S. almost all toilets will be "pedestal style". Some may be a bit run down, but they will mostly look the same.

In Europe, most of the time you will find pedestal style toilets too. There are some pretty interesting flush mechanisms, so you may have to figure that out.

If you get out into the countryside or into less developed countries, it\'s just possible that you\'ll run into some WCs that are more like porcelain footprints with a hole. Seasoned travelers often say "Western style" and "Eastern Style", but you can run into either anywhere in the world. You won\'t always have that "throne", so just make up your mind that you can deal with it.

It always pays to have some tissues or toilet paper in your pocket. Even if you find a toilet that has a dispenser, it could be empty. In more rural areas and more undeveloped counties, TP might clog up the plumbing. In places like that, you\'ll see wastebaskets with dirty paper... put yours there too.

Finding a public toilet can be harder abroad than it is in the U.S. If you\'re out wandering the street, look for train stations or department stores. If there is a U.S. style fast-food restaurant, you can find a toilet inside. Big hotels will have one tucked away in the lobby somewhere, and they are reliable for having TP. You can find one in restaurants too. If you\'re not a customer, ask politely, most of the time they will let you use their WCs. Never leave a museum or restaurant without going - even if you don\'t need to. Who knows when you\'ll find the next facility.

Many big European cities have coin operated "toilet booths" on street corners. Public toilets often are pay toilets. Carry small change to pay for them. Some will be coin operated on the door, others will have attendants sitting by the door. Even if they don\'t insist on you paying when you go in, it\'s polite to leave a small tip... it\'s usually only the equivalent of about 25 U.S. cents. Don\'t expect them to have change... they might, or they might just keep the change if you don\'t have anything small enough. It\'s another way for them to make a little money... so plan ahead -- don\'t give away all of your "little money". It\'ll come in handy.

Get used to occasionally having women cleaners in the Men\'s rooms and sometimes men attendants in the Women\'s room. Lots of toilet stories come from these encounters, but they\'re used to it, so you might as well just get comfortable with it too.

When you get beyond Europe, you\'ll run into more and more of those "Eastern Style" porcelain holes-in-the-ground. Some will even be just that -- holes in the ground. OK... if you\'ve gotta go, you\'ve gotta go. Just deal with it, and you\'ll come home with some toilet stories of your own.About the Author:

Discover this Globe Travel Blog Full of Travel Discount Strategies and get your Globe Travel Report

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Toilet Stories Are A Funny Part Of Travel

Travel tips on terrorist protection and security measures

2009-06-23T02:17:00.000-07:00

Tips on traveling safe and secure in a world of terrorist threats.

The papers are full of articles on terrorist abductions. This is one of the best articles I have read on how to remain safe when you travel. I suggest everyone read it and follow the advice.

Johnny Ray
www.sirjohn.org/bloglist

Terrorist Protection and Travel Security Measures

Author: Mark Yates

*Taken from the syllabus of The Law Enforcement & Bodyguard Association International LEBAI, special thanks to former Police Commissioner Norman E. Jennings

The aim of this lesson is to give you an introduction into Travel Security and the need to understand the importance of Travel Security and the role of security while in transit

The reason you need this information is for you to have an understanding as to correct security procedure while travelling in transit

All security personnel must understand and practice the basic rules of individual protection, as you may become the potential victim of a criminal or terrorist organisation or group.

To the extent possible, security operating in personnel in ‘threat areas’ must avoid routine in the routes and times of movements to and from the work site, your place of residence, and around town (i.e. shopping) even to the point of not eating at the same restaurants on a regular basis. Do not become a creature of habit. Past incidents indicate that terrorists kept their victim under surveillance for a substantial period of time to discover patterns and to determine a suitable time(s) and place(s) for the attack. You are vulnerable when on the move and probably most vulnerable walking to and from the car. Terrorists will most likely choose a time you are inside your automobile. You are fixed - and he may attack in a variety of ways.

Make sure the unvaried portions of the route (choke points) are as short as possible. Memorise normal activity. This includes memorising cars that normally park in the area. You can be approximately 80% certain that any attack will occur in a choke point and probably near your home during a routine trip. It is important to remember that you are a better target if you are predictable - the best defence is common sense.

Dr. Mark D. Yates at www.asecurityonestopshop.com teaches the following security measures on his security training programmes.

1. If possible, use different doors and gates when departing and entering your home or office.

2 . When going out, avoid going alone. Try to travel with a group of people. If your SSM or Senior Guard has a two-man rule in place, obey it - there is safety in numbers.

3. Conduct a route survey and look at the choke points from the terrorist’s point of view.

4 . Be aware of your location at all times, even if you are a passenger in a car.

5 . Know the location of police, hospital, military, government and public facilities or other secured areas along your routine routes. These areas can provide a safe haven in case of trouble. Know as much as possible about the stores and merchants along your normal route of travel. Are there pro or anti U.S. sentiments displayed by flags, colours, or slogans painted on the buildings.

6 . In so-far as possible, travel only on busy, well travelled thoroughfares; stay away from isolated back-country roads. You will be advised during your in-country brief by the OIC of dangerous areas, pay heed and avoid them.

7. Be constantly alert to road conditions and surroundings, to include possible surveillance by car, motorcycle, or bicycle. All passengers should be vigilant. If you feel you are being followed or are in danger, drive to the nearest military installation, Police Station or Embassy. Keep the vehicle in the centre of the road to have room to manoeuvre in case of an attack. On multiple lane roads, never drive in the centre lane.

8 . Try to get around road obstructions, utilise a shoulder or ditch. Attempt to crash through a vehicle blockade, if necessary, striking the blocking vehicle a glancing blow, no more than one quarter of the way down its length, preferably at the rear wheels. Keep your vehicle moving at all costs, regardless of its condition: for example, flat tire, disabled cooling system, etc.

9. Be alert for, and give wide berth to, cars or trucks parked along the road, particularly if there are several people around them.

10. Maintain adequate distances between your car and vehicles preceding you. Avoid being blocked in.

11. Never exit the vehicle without checking the area for suspicious individuals. If you are in doubt, drive away.

12. At night, always try to park in a well lit area, of f the street, if possible.

13. Lock the duty vehicle when it is unattended.

14. Parcels and other things should not be left in the car so that strange objects can be spotted quickly.

15. Before entering the duty vehicle, ascertain that there are no suspicious objects or unexplained wires or strings outside, underneath or inside.

16. If you find suspicious wires or packages in the vehicle, do not touch them, report them immediately to the proper authority as outlined in your post guard orders. DO NOT TOUCH THE OBJECT, immediately call for assistance.

17. Keep vehicle in a high state of maintenance at all times. It can be a good weapon if used properly. Vehicles should have: outside rear view mirrors, a locking gas cap, inside hood lock, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, semi metallic disc brake pads, heavy duty shocks, premium radial tires with the maximum tire pressure as printed on the tire side wall, and a vehicle alarm system. Always keep the trunk locked. The gasoline tank should be at least half full at all times. Tinted windows make it difficult for someone to tell who is in the car and where they are sitting.

18. If your vehicle has to be left for any length of time, it should be searched before being used again. Whenever possible have the driver stay with the vehicle to observe it.

19. A full search procedure by the driver should include:

• Looking Carefully Around The Outside Of The Vehicle.

• Looking Through All The Windows.

• Checking Around And Behind Each Wheel.

• Taking Off The Hubcaps.

• Looking Underneath The Car (Particularly The Exhaust And Behind The Gas Tank) -.
• Using An Angled Mirror On A Stick If Available

• Opening The Driver’s Door.

• Checking All Doors Before Opening Them, Seats And Floor

• Opening And Inspecting The Car Trunk.

• Examining The Spare Wheel.

• Checking All Tools.

• Opening Hood Carefully And Examining The Engine Compartment.

During the residential training lessons provided by Dr. Mark D. Yates he suggests your suspicions should be aroused by:

• Unusual Objects.

• Objects Out Of Place.

• Outward Signs Of Tampering.

• Loose Wiring, String, Or Tape.

• Packages Left Under The Vehicle.

• Ground Disturbed Around The Vehicle.

20. Do not leave your vehicle on the street overnight if at all possible and never leave garage doors unlocked. Check garage doors for unknown objects or strings tied to door. DO NOT touch anything that looks strange to you.

21. Never pick up hitchhikers or stop to assist unknown persons in distress. Terrorists have frequently utilised these situations as a trap prior to assault.

22. During travel, always fasten seat belts, keep doors locked and windows closed.

23. Do not permit taxi drivers to deviate from known and desired routes. Do not always use the same taxi or bus stop. Do not take the first available cab.

24. Be sensitive to the possibility of surveillance. Before departing anywhere, check up and down the street for suspicious cars or individuals.

25. Try to note whether you are being followed. If you suspect so, promptly notify your Senior Guard so the incident can be documented.

26. Avoid civil disturbances and disputes with local citizens. If a dispute occurs, distance yourself with it as quickly as possible.

27. Do not unnecessarily divulge your home address, telephone number or any information about your fellow EPO’S.

28. Ensure that your Senior Guard provides you with a list of key phrases in the host country language: I need a policeman; take me to a doctor; where is the hospital; take me to the embassy; help.

29. Learn to use host country telephones.

30. Learn emergency telephone numbers: Embassy; Senior Guard Residence; you should always carry the exact change needed.

31. All mail should be received through the Approved channels.

32. Never accept unsolicited packages.

33. In most cases the VIP will secure some sort of host country identification document to be carried by you at all times, your blood type and allergies to particular medication should be kept with this document and should be bilingual: English and the language of the host country.

34. Identification by belief of importance, not only by the individual, but also from the terrorist’s point of view, can cause you to become a target.

35. All duty rosters should be destroyed, not thrown away when they become obsolete.

36. The best way to keep from being identified and selected as a target is not to say, do, wear, use, or display anything that will help the terrorists identify you as a Foreigner.

37. If you intend to hire domestic help, do so through the Community Liaison Office or (CLO).

38. Do not attract attention to yourself. Keep a low profile. Try to blend in as much as possible.

The measures listed above are not intended to be a complete or a definite list of individual protective measures. You should be able to think of many more. The bottom line here is DO THINK, and always exercise common sense.

SURVEILLANCE

It is a known fact to security specialists that terrorist groups and organised crime groups implement surveillance techniques when choosing a target/s. Dr. Mark D. Yates runs both surveillance and counter surveillance training programmes specifically aligned to countering terrorist attacks and kidnap for ransom incidents. Mark Yates advises all travellers to purchase a kidnap for ransom insurance policy from www.asecurityonestopshop.co.uk prior to leaving your Country of residence.

Your best chance of avoiding a serious terrorist incident is to spot pre-attack surveillance. The surveillance team may not be as professional as the gun team; several mistakes are now common knowledge by prior surveillance teams. The most common area for mistakes that could be noticed by the victim is at the surveillance pick up point. This is where they first begin to follow. The mistake made is correlation. Their movement or actions can be correlated to your movement or actions. The surveillance team is usually too intent on not losing sight of you to realise they are attracting your attention. For instance, as you leave the driveway, you note to the front or rear another car starting to move as you do. The car should be watched carefully. Do not let on that you are suspicious. You can test the suspect vehicle to confirm surveillance. As you depart from home or work, be aware of activity around you. Notice anything that seems suspicious or that may indicate correlation.

Watching for signs of surveillance or attack should be continuous. If, for instance, there is a vehicle behind you in traffic and you notice that is has been there for quite some time, you should make note of the number of people in the car along with their approximate ages. The vehicle may not be anything out of the ordinary. A terrorist would not likely use an eye-catching vehicle.

You must get the vehicle to make another statement. This can be as simple as speeding up just slightly, slowing down, or changing lanes. If the following vehicle does the same, then you have one more piece of information.

If the vehicle has not used several opportunities to pass, but suddenly moves out as if to pass, you should be ready. Take note of the traffic and figure which technique you would use. Watch for the placement of the other vehicle’s occupants, and if the windows are down on the side next to you. If the day is cool or it is raining, this is a very valuable tip. If the vehicle doe’s not complete the pass in the same speed as used in beginning the pass, be ready. Don’t let it stay in your blind spot. Turn and look over your left shoulder. If attacked, or you see weapons, act quickly.

The vehicle in front of you can also conduct surveillance. You can test this vehicle in the same manner as a following vehicle with some additions. Surveillance is normally conducted by the person in the right front seat. The driver cannot glance very often in the rear view mirror without, you becoming suspicious. They know this, so the person in the right front seat does the looking by using the outside right mirror. If you follow a normal vehicle you will not see a face in the out side right mirror as you do in the outside left.

If you do see someone’s face in the right mirror, it is the face of the passenger, meaning the mirror has been adjusted for that person’s use rather than for the driver. At that point you should make the other tests to confirm surveillance, such as changing lanes or speed. You can also easily note correlation by watching the turn signals of the car in front. If you make an unscheduled turn and wait later than normal to activate the turn signal, you will see possible correlations. Do not wait so late that they become suspicious of you. If you believe you are being followed, you should consider the following actions:

Do not reveal to those following that you suspect them. if you do not have radio communications, notify authorities as soon as you arrive at your destination.

If you have communications in the vehicle, notify authorities that you are under surveillance. Give your location, the direction of travel, identifying data of suspected surveillant(s) and your intentions.

Dr. Mark D. Yates advises that you never stop or take other actions to force a confrontation.

Immediately determine any identifying data that you can observe unobtrusively; for example, make, colour of car, licence number, number of occupants, description of occupants, etc.

Normally, existence of surveillance means you are not in danger of being attacked. Consider deviating your route slightly in an apparent normal manner in order to verify that you are being followed. Do not warn the surveillant(s) that you are aware of their presence. Terrorists usually conduct extensive surveillance prior to an attack in order to establish your routine and evaluate your security consciousness. As a rule, surveillance teams are neither trained for, nor have the mission to, assault the potential target.

If you feel you are in danger, immediately drive to the nearest safe area. Do not drive to your home. Be alert for slow-moving motorcycles or bicycles as these could be attempts to slow your car. Drive around them at the first opportunity.

Report all suspected surveillances immediately to the appropriate security office.

A great value for money security purchase is the Dr. Mark D. Yates home study programme on close VIP protection and/or the home study course on anti terrorist driving skills. Both of these written training programmes contain extensive security counter measure information and are available from www.asecurityonestopshop.co.uk

Remember, your goal is to avoid an incident. If you can spot the surveillance, you have an opportunity to feed false information to your attackers. You have an audience, play to them! Show them changes in routine that make an attack very difficult to plan. They will probably go to some other victim since they normally watch several potential victims at the same time; finally picking the one where success is guaranteed.

About the Author:
Business Background of Mark D. Yates: A former Managing Director & CEO of a USA corporation and former MD of two UK Companies. Dr. Mark Yates provides his expertise to a cross section of corporate entities including, Information technology, media, mining, banking and other financial & business institutions, security, law enforcement, construction, sales, marketing, manufacture, banking, film & TV, trade unions, graphic & web design & high income generation E-commerce development & sales. Mark is a very experienced corporate trouble shooter and visionary leader. He effectively handles special assignments and specialises in providing practical solutions to complex business problems. A compulsive achiever who demonstrates the ability to consistently exceed desired results. He is particularly adept in structuring International joint venture businesses and is particularly skilled at identifying new domestic & overseas markets for clients. Now Security specialists who consults for the UK’s largest e-tailer of security products and services

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Terrorist Protection and Travel Security Measures

The top 25 travel tips for protecting your home while traveling

2009-06-17T17:18:00.000-07:00

A great trip depends on keeping home safe while you are gone.

I know we all wish we could stay on vacation forever. However, we all have to come home sometime. And when we do, it would be nice to have it just like we left it--right. These travel tips can make that happen.

Johnny Ray
www.sirjohn.org/bloglist

25 Tips to Safeguard your Home and Property while You Travel

Author: Kathy Steinemann

(c) Copyright Kathy Steinemann

Protecting your home while you travel involves much more than discontinuing newspapers and arranging to have the lawn mowed. Here are 25 tips that will make your home more secure while you enjoy your holiday.

1. Keep a lid on it.

You may be bubbling over with enthusiasm about your upcoming holiday. However, avoid discussing details in public. The guy standing behind you in the bank or grocery store might be a professional thief itching to break in the moment you leave.

2. Avoid advertising your intentions.

Professional thieves often watch "housesitter wanted" ads for potential break-in targets. Do not advertise on the Internet or in a local newspaper for a housesitter. Instead, contact a professional housesitting service.

3. Tell the right people.

Be sure to tell your alarm company and the local police authorities about your plans. Provide them with details for a local emergency contact and let them know how they can reach you while you are gone.

4. Put your tax dollars to work.

Ask the local police detachment to patrol your area more frequently while you are on holiday.

5. Provide your housesitter with important details.

Be sure that your housesitter knows where to locate all water and gas shutoff valves as well as fuse boxes and main electrical circuit boxes.

6. Put your digital or cell phone camera to good use.

Take photos of everyone who has permission to enter your home while you are away: yard maintenance people, petsitters, contractors, etc. Develop the photos and give prints to your housesitter, or e-mail digital copies to him/her. Alternatively, provide authorized people with a signed permission letter granting them access.

7. Keep the yard well-lit.

Burglars avoid bright lights. Installing motion-sensitive yard lighting is an excellent investment that will help to discourage night intruders.

8. Secure windows and doors.

Good deadbolt locks will discourage all but the most dedicated intruders. The majority of trespassers will abandon break-in attempts if they take more than 60 seconds to gain access.

9. Provide 24-7 security and fire monitoring.

There are many excellent monitored alarm systems on the market. In addition to providing security, they may entitle you to lower house insurance rates. Discuss systems with your insurance company before making any purchases. Your agent might be able to make recommendations or provide discount coupons. The best systems will monitor for intruders as well as carbon monoxide fumes and smoke.

10. Check exterior lights.

A week or so before you leave, replace burnt out bulbs and/or repair yard lights if necessary.

11. Keep the yard well groomed.

Arrange for regular yard maintenance such as lawn and hedge trimming, raking of leaves, snow removal, etc.

12. Put it out and pick it up.

Ensure that someone takes the trash to the curb on garbage day and picks up your mail soon after delivery.

13. Use a few children's toys imaginatively.

Scatter some children's toys in the yard where they will be visible from the street. This gives your property a lived-in look.

14. Plan some vehicle deception.

If you are not taking your vehicle with you, do not leave it in the garage. Instead, park it in the driveway and arrange for someone to move it once in awhile. Alternatively, ask a neighbor to use your driveway for parking.

15. Secure the garage.

Garage door remote controls are produced on assembly lines. They often have the same combinations or operate on the same frequency. Prevent accidental or intentional activation of your garage door by unplugging the opener before you leave.

16. Utilize your safety deposit box.

Move items like loose cash, expensive jewelry, and other small valuables out of your home and into your safety deposit box.

17. Protect appliances and conserve electricity.

Unplug all non-essential appliances as well as electronic and computer equipment. This protects surge sensitive devices and saves a bit on your electricity bill.

18. Avoid tattletale telephones.

Switch off all telephone ringers. A constantly ringing unanswered phone is an advertisement to passersby that nobody is home.

19. Be extra careful with voice mail or answering machines.

Never record a message that mentions your holiday or admits that you are not home. Instead, say something nonspecific such as, "Sorry, Bill and Sue can't come to the phone right now. Please leave a message when you hear the beep. We'll get back to you as soon as possible."

20. Protect your extra house key.

Do you hide an extra key in a hanging plant, inside a dryer vent, or above the doorjamb? Guess what - if you can find it, so can a thief. Give your extra key to the housesitter.

21. Avoid water damage.

Hoses to appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers can spring leaks. Prevent water damage by turning off each appliance's water supply valve.

22. Provide light and sound.

Set timers on two or three lamps and a couple of radios so that they turn on and off throughout the day. The sound and light will create an illusion of occupancy.

23. Secure all entry points and holes.

Lock all the doors and windows of your home and outbuildings, and secure pet doors as well. Have you ever seen a raccoon or cat squeeze through what looks like an impossibly small space? Some burglars are almost as agile.

24. Use your air conditioner wisely.

If the temperature outside is 99F in the shade and your air conditioner is not working, a smart thief will deduce that nobody is home. Set it on a moderate setting so that it activates on extremely hot days.

25. Clear your voice mail or answering machine.

While you are gone, check and clear your voice mail or answering machine to avoid beeps, "voice mail full" messages, or immediate routing to the messaging system that might indicate you are not home. If you cannot or do not wish to do so, arrange for someone else to do it for you.

(c) Copyright Kathy Steinemann: This article is free to publish only if this copyright notice, the byline, and the author's note below (with active links) are included.

About the Author:

Be sure to visit 111 Travel Directory for more travel articles and tips. Another good travel tips website is 1000Tips4Trips.com - with over 1000 tips submitted by fellow travelers. If you are looking for a romantic getaway, try AdultEscapes.com.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - 25 Tips to Safeguard your Home and Property while You Travel

Travel tips on saving money on crusing

2009-06-12T12:40:00.000-07:00

Making the most of a cruise is important. Learning how to save money can mean doing more for less. Or simply having money to do all of the things you really wanted to do in the first place. With smart planning that can happen.

Johnny Ray
Complete list of blogs and novels

Learn how to Save Money when on a Cruise Holiday

Author: Carla Prosser

For many of us we wait all year, and save all year, to go on holiday and when we do go on holiday we like to make it worth while, which is why so many of us now opt to go on cruises. However with aspects such as the current economic climate there has never been such a need to find means of saving money whilst on holiday and cruises are no exception. So just how do you go about saving money whilst you are on a cruise?

Believe it or not if you are thinking of booking a cruise you can save money from the moment you book through to when you are actually on your cruise, so let’s start with when you are booking your cruise. Either book really early or very late as either way you could typically find yourself saving between 10 and 40 percent. When you are booking you may wish to think about enlisting the help of a travel agent as they will be able to gather information from you that they can use as a means of gaining you the best deal from a cruise line. What will help you on top of this is the fact that these cruise lines are always offering you discounts for particular things such as discounts for people on their honeymoon, family reunions, senior citizens and frequent cruisers as well as groups and military personnel.

Before you do decide to go on a cruise with one of these travel agents it is important that you look at the other options open to you, to do this successfully you should get yourself on the Internet. This is a great place for you to shop around and gather tips etc. By doing this you will ensure that you are getting the best deal possible, also you are more likely to discover deals that are operating at the moment, so keep your options open.

When you are booking your cruise you should look into the different cruise lines to see who offers you the best options and deals. As well as this you need to take on board aspects such as your cabin. The cheapest cabins available will be those inside the ship, i.e. the ones with no balcony or windows. This isn’t exactly something that you should concern yourself with too much for the fact you will unlikely be spending most of your time in your cabin anyway. You probably won’t be in your room unless you are sleeping so does it really matter too much what type of cabin you stay in?

One of the biggest ways to save money when it comes to a cruise however is through the destination you choose and the time of year you choose to go. With cruises a lot of people automatically think that they can only go to places such as the Caribbean or Alaska etc, this however isn’t the case. Most, if not all cruise lines now operate trips such as European River Cruises and Transatlantic Cruises. These are cheaper alternatives that offer you the same stunning views and scenery as well as ensure that you can still partake in activities you would on larger cruises. If however you have your heart set on a destination such as Alaska all is not lost. Opting for the early or late season months such as May, early June or September will offer you some huge savings, in fact you could be saving as much as half the money you would pay to visit places such as Alaska in July or August.

Another major saving comes within sightseeing/excursions. With shore excursions chances are you could have eight to eleven hours to explore. However depending on how close the port is to the city you could end up spending hours travelling and this could have cost you a lot of money when you booked the tour. This is why in many cases you shouldn’t book your shore excursions as part of your cruise; you should make the arrangements yourself. By doing this you can use a variety of modes of transport, getting you to the city quicker, instead of using whatever the cruise line/travel agent laid on, also you will find that you enjoy the experience a lot more.

By organising your shore excursion yourself you can go wherever you choose and decide how you want to spend your time. You will be saving yourself money doing this but you will also be providing yourself with a much more authentic experience as well.

If you are hoping to book a cruise in the near future then my advice to you is to keep aspects such as the above in mind. The more ways in which you can save money the better and by doing it in ways such as the above you won’t be taking away any of the fun or enjoyment out of your holiday but you will have peace of mind knowing you haven’t overspent.

About the Author:

Carla Prosser is an experienced cruiser and regularly writes articles for www.idealcruising.co.uk

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Learn how to Save Money when on a Cruise Holiday

Las Vegas planning tips - the gambling mega center

2009-06-09T06:32:00.000-07:00

Las Vegas, the gambling super city?

This city has so much more to consider doing than just gambling. The city is in many ways very family friendly. It is a great place to come enjoy the lights and the lifestyles of this hidden paradise as described below.

Johnny Ray
www.sirjohn.org/bloglist

Travel to Las Vegas Tips

Author: Teeny

Las Vegas is a very famous city internationally for it is a resort city for gambling, shows, shopping, dinning and entertainment. Many people and families travel to it every year for their holidays and vacations. You can travel to it by driving or taking a flight to its McCarran International Airport and other local smaller airports. There are convenient rental offices for renting a car to drive around in the city.

There are many resorts and hotels like Venetian, Bellagio, Caesars Palace, Excalibur, Las Vegas Hilton, Mandalay Bay, MGM Grand, Mirage, Riviera, Tropicana and other famous hotels for you to stay and dine. They also have places for the visitors to gamble, swim, and enjoy the shows. For most adults, they will play the slot machines and other gambling. You can shop around online or ask the travel agents for Las Vegas vacation packages and discount show tickets before going to the city. There are more tips for traveling at http://www.fidetips.com/travel for you to read.

There are free entertainments such as going to the Fremont Street and Las Vegas downtown for free live entertainment. Many family, all-you-can-eat buffet, and fancy restaurants are always ready to serve the visitor dining needs. You should also drive around or taking a taxi at the Las Vegas Strip to look at the beautiful night lights and neon signs. Many hotels have great restaurants inside and provide the complimentary continental or full breakfast in the mornings.

You can also visit the Hoover Dam, Nevada Zoological-Botanical Park or Las Vegas Zoo, and Las Vegas City Hall. If you have kids, there are many places like Floyd Lamb State Park, Frog Hopper, Game Works, The Aquarium at the Silverton, Las Vegas Cyber Speedway, Motion Rides at Circus Circus Adventure Dome, Las Vegas Natural History Museum, Lied Discovery Children Museum, Nevada State Museum, Planetarium and Observatory, Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat, Springs Preserve, Mount Charleston, and Lake Mead will be fun for the whole family. There are many souvenir and gift shops all over Las Vegas for you to buy the souvenirs.

If you plan ahead like transportation, accommodation, and scheduling before taking the trip to Las Vegas, your experience will be a smoother and more enjoyable one. There are certain periods of the year that you can travel with great deals, like off-season travels tha will save the expenses on transportation like airfares, and accommodation like the resort and hotel rates.

About the Author:

Teeny is a writer for finance, computer, travel, cars, shopping and other subjects for many years, please visit http://www.fidetips.com/travel for more information.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Travel to Las Vegas Tips

International Travel tips on insurance for those over 65

2009-06-04T16:20:00.000-07:00

Traveling to a foreign country presents interesting insurance considerations

When most people accumulate enough money to travel a new set up problems always comes up. What are you to do about insurance coverage when you travel abroad? I think the following article outlines some of the questions that need to be answered.

Johnny Ray
www.sirjohn.org/bloglist

Overseas Travel Insurance for the 65 Year Old Traveler

Author: Jeff Gulleson

Many residents of the United States who are over 65 have chosen Medicare A & B and probably C, and many also have a Medicare Supplement plan. But you may not know that none of these plans give the kind of insurance you need when traveling outside the USA. The truth is that no Medicare plan will provide medical coverage or medical evacuation coverage outside the United States.

As we age it gets harder to get international travel and health insurance. But there is good news. There are several insurance plans that have no age limitations whatsoever. But which supplemental medical insurance plan is best for you and your loved ones?

Before you speak with your insurance broker, find out what your current health insurance covers. From there you can determine what travel insurance you will need.

Is there an age limit on the plan? Some plans have no age limit while others require that you cannot be over 74 or 84 years of age.

Is there a reduction in benefits due to age? Some plans carry limited coverage for those 80 years of age or older. Check to see how much coverage they allow for.

How long does coverage last? One insurance plan covers only a month of travel while another insures you for six months.

Does it cover pre-existing health conditions? There is one plan that will cover all pre-existing medical conditions but it requires travelers to have US underwritten health plan or Medicare A, B and C.

What types of coverage do you want? For example, do you want a plan that will insure you in cases of coma, felonious assault, political evacuation, or a sports injury? A lot of this depends on the nature of your trip and upon what countries you will travel through.

How much Medical Evacuation is covered? One plan covers you for up to $250,000 while another $300,000.

Is the policy renewable? You may want to take multiple trips during the next several years. So you will want to know whether or not the plan is renewable. If it is, this will save you time and energy looking for another plan the next time you travel internationally.

The best thing to do is to speak with an insurance broker. Travel insurance is inexpensive and in the long run worth it. Click here for international travel insurance for those over 65.

About the Author:

Jeff Gulleson has over 40 years experience in the travel and service industry. He is the President of Good Neighbor Insurance.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Overseas Travel Insurance for the 65 Year Old Traveler

travel notebooks

2009-06-02T09:06:00.000-07:00

Travel Notebooks

Have you ever had the perfect trip and try to tell someone else about it later only to know you have forgotten most of the important fact?

I think this is true for all of us. While all of us are not travel journalist or even want to be, the skills they’ve mastered can be great to learn in recording information for future references. The first item on most people’s mind is how to keep it simple and easy to duplicate. There are many ways; yes, portable computers to texting can help. Simple social media operations like twitter can help to store valuable information until you can organize it. But in the long run, a simple old fashion note book can work wonders. You don’t have to be a prize writing journalist to make notes that will help you tell your story to others later. The most important thing is to gather the information and record it. By keeping the same style and size of notebooks, you can start a collection of your trips. Over time it will be something you can be proud of and know you have access to facts when you are asked about a trip you made several years ago. These notebooks also can be valuable in arranging a repeat trip.
There is also no reason important papers collected along the way cannot be stored between the pages. The more facts you store, the better you will be able to recall the trip. Now when you return, take the few minutes to write a short story, I think you will be glad when you did and know it will definitely help in recalling the trip.
Happy traveling

Johnny Ray
www.sirjohn.org/bloglist

Tips for Traveling with your Laptop

2009-05-26T17:47:00.000-07:00

The laptop has become so much of our lives, we can hardly think of going anywhere with out it. Elaine Sanders has some great advice on going through check in with your laptop.

Johnny Ray

Faster Check-in For Travel with "Checkpoint Friendly" Laptop Bags

Author: Elaine Sanders

If you have ever wanted to travel to Greece, Hawaii, Australia or even Argentina, now is the time. Even the travel experts can’t tell you the last time that they saw so many deals for summer travel. If there is one good thing coming out of the recession, it is the “recession buster” deals in the travel world. While for some people laptop and vacation don’t belong in the same sentence, more people are traveling with their laptop with the proliferation of micro-mini laptops and the virtual office. For those road warriors, it is helpful to know what checkpoint friendly laptop bags are available so they can breeze through security.

TSA (the Travel Security Administration) has some relatively simple guidelines. Your laptop needs to lay flat on the X-ray belt. No zippers or metal objects can be underneath or on top of the laptop section, and there can be no pockets in the laptop section. There can be nothing else in the laptop section other than the laptop. The whole idea is that the TSA rep needs to be able to easily see your laptop as it goes through the X-ray.

If you really want to keep it simple for yourself, just choose a laptop sleeve or bag that is already identified as checkpoint friendly. Mobile Edge has created its "Scan Fast" series of laptop bags, that includes a checkpoint friendly laptop backpack and several briefcases that fold open and allow you to keep the laptop inside. Brenthaven’s stylis x-ray friendly laptop case opens up like a butterfly, allowing for a quick move through security. This bag comes in sizes for both a 15.4” and a 17” laptop, so most any sized laptop will work with either of the two.

Maybe you have a bag that you already love to take on trips. If that is a case, a choice of a checkpoint friendly laptop sleeve makes sense. Same guidelines apply to sleeves as to laptop bags, so no zippers or objects can cover the laptop in the x-ray. Casauri has taken their popular sun stripe and deco blocks patterns and made laptop sleeves that will make security a breeze and yet allow you to have a colorful choice for laptops ranging from 8.9” through 15.4”. For a little more sedate look, Greensmart’s laptop sleeve in storm blue or black is good for males or females, and has the added benefit of being eco-friendly by being made of recycled plastic bottles.

About the Author:

Elaine Sanders, together with Raffaella Camera, co-founded Kolobags.com, the best place online to buy designer laptop bags, stylish laptop totes, laptop backpacks, ipod cases, and other technology fashion accessories from today's leading designers.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Faster Check-in For Travel with "Checkpoint Friendly" Laptop Bags

Road trip advice for the day trip

2009-05-24T12:11:00.000-07:00

Road Trip check list for the day trip
Life is a journey and as such needs to be enjoyed. It’s not simply arriving but making the trip. Sometimes the sights along the way can be much more interesting than the final destination. Yes, we’re talking about a road trip. These, of course, can be day trips or month long trips. In any case, they have to be planned for accordingly.
Today, we’ll concentrate on the day trip. This can be a short one or two hour trip to a full day of driving. But, the great part is able to spend the night in your own bed. The trip naturally needs to be planned by all agreeing to it. It helps if all have the same joys in making such a trip. Some people like many stops and others like to push it all of the way.
To increase the trip, Google can be your best friend; that is, next to a GPS in your car. Having wireless internet connections is definitely a bonus. Granted you might not want to hit every attraction, but some of the stops can lead to some interesting surprises. Do not be scared to take the side road, the road less traveled so to speak.
While you have the trip planned, don’t stay so rigid in it that you miss opportunities. If you eagerly search for interesting places, you’ll often find them. The anticipation adds so much to the adventure. It is so true that what you look for, you often find.
Don’t forget the camera. Now that you found a great side adventure, make memories that you want to keep. You may want to pass this way again, but maybe not. Take the photos, it is worth the time.
We all get hungry and it is tempting to take food along with you. However, it also robs you the potential to experience local foods. There are always interesting and highly unusual places to eat. Ask the owners or managers what the restaurant is famous for and what are their specials? Again, bring the camera.
When exploring, be prepared to get lost, even with GPS. That is truly the only way to ever see the back roads. But, be thankful that you can find your way out. You have to love GPS. And know when to call it a day. It is great to hit the home button and know what time you can make it home.
And, of course, road music—you have to bring the right music with you. Sometimes you want background music and sometimes you want music that can get your heart pumping. You have to have choices. As far as local stations go, try them if you wish, but be prepared to have your own.
The most important reminder is to make the trips. There is so much around you, no matter where you live that remains unexplored. Make a road trip and look at it through a new set of eyes, I think you will be glad you did.
Johnny Ray
www.sirjohn.org/bloglist

Planning a beach vacation? Need to Budget?

2009-05-23T12:58:00.000-07:00

Planning tips for a vacation to the beach

From living close to the beach, it is amazing how many people spend far more than they need to, simply because of bad planning. This is an article I found that I think helps in making your trip much more afforadable and pleasant.

Johnny Ray

Tips for planning a budget beach vacation

Author: Jenn Lim

A beach vacation need not be an expensive affair. As a matter of fact, with careful planning, it is possible to have an enjoyable beach holiday on a tight budget for yourself and your family.

There are advantages to planning for your beach holiday and the most prominent advantage is the anticipation and the discipline of working towards an objective, making saving for your holiday worthwhile. Planning for your beach holiday also helps reduce hidden costs and any unwanted surprises. Here are some tips to help you plan for your beach vacation:

Decide on a budget. Plan your holiday budget based on the number of people travelling, the airfare, accommodations, foods and possible beach activities.
Look into several ways to help with the holiday budget. If you are planning a family holiday, why not get the children to contribute to the holiday by suggesting a saving venture or doing garage sale to raise more funds for the holiday.
You do not have to break the bank to have an enjoyable holiday. Travel companies out there are always vying for your custom and will do whatever to try to get your attention. Look out for special offers like free night stay, free child places and even free meals in the holiday package.
The internet is also a great place to get bargain deals for your beach holiday. You can search for special offers, last minute deals and make price comparison easily online.
Plan early if possible for your beach holiday. Planning early allow you to source for the best holiday deals especially if you plan to travel during school breaks. Prices for airfare and accommodation are usually lower when you book more than 3 months in advance.
If you intend to book holiday chalet for your stay, remember to check if the chalet provider charge a fee for towels and bed spread. If they do and if it is possible, you can make additional savings by bringing your own.
Look out for all inclusive accommodation. It is a great way to save money as food and drinks are included in the price of your room. All-inclusive holidays are one of the best types of holiday to book because you don’t have to worry about budgeting for anything except for excursions, admission fees, and souvenirs.
If you intend to fly to your beach holiday destination, ask the hotel or resort you will be staying with if they provide free transfer to and from the airport.

The most important factor of holiday is Fun. With careful planning, you can still have fun in your beach holiday without having to spend a lot of money.

About the Author:

Find more travel tips and travel reviews at Holiday Essentials.
Jennifer Lim writes travel related topics and travel reviews. She search through many travel sites and travel operators to bring together a selection of reviews.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Tips for planning a budget beach vacation

Travel Agencies - The Advantages of Creating a Working Arrangement

2009-05-16T18:42:00.000-07:00

Why use a travel agency?

In the age of computers and the internet it appears that many people think they can make all of their arrangements on their on. While in some cases that may be true, it is still important to consider the advantages that you can gain by working with a travel agency. I think Jennifer Bailey has some great insight into this that I wanted to share with everyone.

Advantages of Working with Travel Agencies

Author: Jennifer Bailey

Many people opt for planning a vacation on their own when it comes time to book their much anticipated getaway. This will mean looking on your own for the best travel rates for airfare, trains, cruises, hotels options, purchasing tickets for special events, car rentals and any other details involved in putting together a fun-filled vacation. Instead of openly enduring the hassles and stress of planning your own vacation, put all the work into the hands of a competent travel agent and save yourself a lot of time, headaches, and money.

There are many good reasons to work with a travel agency when planning a family vacation, or even a quiet getaway for you and someone special. Here are just a few of the benefits that can be yours in exchange for a little time with an agent.

Information

One of the first things you should understand about travel agencies is they have information a wide variety of excursion opportunities. It is not just the great packages to major cities and well-known vacation spots that they can tap into for your benefit. They can also provide information about less trendy vacation locations that are not already overrun with tourists. Depending on why you want to get away, this can be a very important factor. At the very least, using a travel agent will allow you to consider destinations that you would probably never have discovered on your own.

Reduced Costs

There is also the matter of cost. Many people have the mistaken idea that using a travel agent is expensive. In many cases, the opposite is true. Travel agencies know where the best deals are found at any time during the year. The nature of their business allows them to establish a rapport with hotel chains, airlines, and other services relevant to constructing vacation plans that makes it possible for them to negotiate rates you would never be able to manage on your own. Even if you have the time to handle all the myriad details associated with planning a vacation, the chances of obtaining the same rates for air or train travel, hotel accommodations, and other amenities, is highly unlikely.

Saving Time

Time is sometimes a factor in planning a vacation. Utilizing the expertise and resources of travel agencies, certain tasks which are time consuming can be outsourced to your travel agent. All the necessary information is already at their fingertips. There is no need to make multiple telephone calls or spend hour’s online setting up each aspect of the trip. With a travel agency, you simply sit down with an agent, discuss what you have in mind, and then let the planning begin.

Your agent can show you more options in five minutes than you could probably come across yourself in five hours. If you have firm ideas of what you want and where you want to go, there is a good chance everything can be arranged, including extras, in less than a half hour. That

leaves you plenty of extra time to buy new clothes for the trip!

When in Rome…

Travel agents can also make you aware of any cultural aspects associated with your destination. Knowing what type of dress is appropriate, how to interact respectfully with the hotel staff as well as others living in the area, and what to expect in the way of local cuisine, can save you a lot of time, frustration, and embarrassment. One good example is the traditional “Okay” sign that is created using the thumb and index finger. While that gesture is considered acceptable in countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom, it is considered a grave insult in other places around the world. Knowing what is and is not acceptable in the way of gestures and speech will help you avoid what could be a highly awkward situation.

Support Network

Another key advantage of using a travel agency is that you always have some type of support network should you hit an unanticipated snag with any part of the vacation plans. The agency can intervene if inclement weather causes you to miss a flight connection by working with the airline to get you on the way as soon as possible while also calling ahead to the hotel and letting them know your arrival is delayed. Many travel agencies also can provide assistance during the trip with last minute details, such as obtaining tickets for a local event or arranging for a rental car once you arrive at the hotel.

Due to the variety of benefits associated with using a travel agent, there is really no reason to go to the trouble and expense of making arrangements on your own. Allowing an agent to handle all the details for you makes it much easier for you to concentrate on enjoying the trip, while saving money at the same time. In the event you need help with anything, the travel agent is only a phone call or an email away.

About the Author:

Jennifer Bailey is a freelance writer who writes about travel and leisure, often focusing on a particular aspect of vacationing such as working with travel agents.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Advantages of Working with Travel Agencies

Johnny Ray gives tips on recovering lost luggage

2009-05-12T13:14:00.000-07:00

Johnny Ray’s Thoughts on Recovering Your Lost Luggage

I know I’m not the first one to have luggage head in the opposite direction of where I need it to be delivered. The frustration of not ever knowing if it will be returned can really ruin your day. With all of the piece of luggage out there that disappear, the chances of having it recovered depend sometimes on one fact—the ability to identify it.

Having the outside tag can be helpful, but it also gives away your location to anyone glancing at it. This cannot be too good of a thing. The last thing you want to do is advertise is that you are away from home. However, it is always good to be able to tell the lost and found guy a way identify your luggage from all of the rest out there. This is a time for you to be creative and let your imagination come into play.

The company will usually open the luggage to see if there is a way to identify its owner. This is the best place to leave your card and information on how to locate you. If you are making a trip, leave information on how to contact you.

Another request often made is to identify what is located inside. This is often when we all go brain dead. It helps to have a mental note of what you were carrying with you. On the items inside, it can also be great to have names attached to them. This might appear to be a problem you think you will never face, but the old saying an ounce of prevention goes a long way is definitely true.

And last is the issue of insurance. If you have extended insurance you have the added feeling that they have more at stake to find your luggage. And this may be a small price to pay to receive your luggage back.
Johnny Ray

Johnny Ray's Announcement of new blog on traveling

2009-05-12T10:06:00.000-07:00

It makes me very happy to start this new blog and share with my many friends that have the same zest for travel I share. I hope to have a guest blogger here from the travel industry at various times as well as the results of my own research. I hope everyone enjoys this new site. Let me know what you think.

Johnny Ray