A few years ago, My husband Skip and I crossed Florida's Okeechobee Waterway from Stuart on the east coast to Fort Myers on the west coast. The good news is that the crossing was uneventful. The bad news is that the crossing was uneventful, which means that I have no dramatic tale to tell. However, having become a big fan of the waterway as a result of the crossing, I want to go on record with my two cents, as undramatic as those two cents may be.

Perhaps it was my proximity to Orlando that prompted me to think of the Okeechobee Waterway asan EPCOT Center version of the Panama Canal (which I have crossed several times on small sailboats). The trip followed the same steps: Locking up to lake level; traversing the lake; and then locking back down to sea level. The locks were smaller, the water hazards far less, and there were not enormous cargo ships or cruiser liners going through with us. For me, transiting the Okeechobee Waterway was like going through the Panama Canal Zone again, with all of the fun and none of the risks.

There are a few issues to consider when contemplating a passage across the waterway. The fixed bridge just east of Port Mayaca Lock (on the eastern side of the lake) poses a challenge to some vessels. It has a clearance of 49 feet when the channel is at its normal depth, which keeps many sailboats from using the waterway for a cross-Florida passage. Several sailing acquaintances have availed themselves of the services of nearby Indiantown Marina, which does a very professional and able job of tilting a vessel to clear the bridge (cost of the service as of September 2003 is $100). Other fixed bridges along the waterway are in the 53- to 55-foot range.

Controlling depth and status of maintenance activities are other issues to consider when contemplating a passage through the waterway. We were able to check controlling depth on the Internet at the Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District web site and found it quoted at 15 feet. Because we had been advised that the Corps of Engineers sometimes shuts down portions of the waterway for maintenance during the summer months, we inquired about maintenance plans via email to the Corps of Engineers office and received a response within a week-this year, there was no maintenance planned, so we were good to go.

We departed Stuart on a hot muggy morning in the latter part of May. The St. Lucie River soon morphed into a tree-lined canal cut and we reached St. Lucie Lock (Mile 15) in good time. Our first lock experience taught us the basic drill:

1. Hail the lock keeper on VHF radio (Ch. 13) to announce your approach and get instructions.
2. Either wait until the lock gates open to enter, or proceed directly into the chamber if accessible.
3. Edge up to the left side of the chamber and grab one of the lines hanging over the side, then act as human fenders as the water level rises or falls (depending on which side of the waterway you are on).
4. When the lock gates re-open, exit at a sedate pace, waving and yelling (or radioing) a thank-you to the lock keeper as you leave.

We stopped for the night at Indiantown Marina, one of several friendly boating concerns along the waterway, and were off the next morning in good time to make it through Port Mayaca Lock (Mile 37) and across the lake before settling in for the night. Our passage was windless and calm, so even though we were disappointed that we couldn't sail, we did not have to cope with the choppy waves that easily form when winds pass over the lake's shallow waters-so we didn't complain. A single hander friend of mine wasn't so lucky on his passage of the lake a few years ago; he said that getting across Okeechobee was harder and more uncomfortable than any part of his passage from New Zealand to California!

We settled for the night alongside the dock at Roland Martin's Marina in Clewiston, on the south shore of the lake. Nehalennia stuck out like an alien in the string of power boats; it was the first time I have ever been the only sailboat in a marina! But no matter...we met some very nice folks, took a dip in the pool, and watched the water birds pace the riprap across the channel from us, searching for their evening meal, while we sipped our drinks in the cockpit.

Day 3 took us through Moore Haven Lock (Mile 78) and into the Caloosahatchee Canal, on the "downhill run" to the sea. We went through Ortona Lock at Mile 94, then stopped for the night in La Belle, tied up at the dock of the funky River's Edge Motel for twenty-five cents per foot. Interesting little town, La Belle-we'll have to return someday to look around a bit more.

We were off right after breakfast on our fourth day out from Stuart, and the canal cut morphed back into river again, every scenic and serene. We spotted an alligator along the bank at one point, but were disappointed in our search for manatees. Returning to sea level at Franklin Lock (Mile 121), we left the quiet waters of the rivers and canals for the busier thoroughfares of the Fort Myers area, which we traversed in favor of tying up in Cape Coral at Tarpon Point Marina. And so ended our transit of the Okeechobee Waterway.

See what I mean? The trip was uneventful. I am certainly not complaining...and I recommend that anyone traveling to and around Florida consider the Okeechobee as a possible route in the itinerary. As long as you pay attention to the issues I noted above to make sure the boat can make it through, and watch the weather when crossing the lake, I am sure you will have a pleasant trip!

Products Currently Available at Amazon:

What website is really good for booking cruises?

Me and my family want to go on a cruise. My family is pretty stubborn and wanna go to the Caribbean but want a really cheap one! My family and I lives in california and we want to meet up with the Michigan family on the same cruise? We also want it to depart from anywhere in California or anywhere in Florida. Also with air fare included! Any suggestions?

Sounds like you may be a first-time cruiser. If so, then you need to do some research before you can go see a travel agent to book your cruise. There are many, many options you must sort through before an agent can even begin to book a cruise for you. Your library has books on cruising which will help you with this.

Cruises don't include airfare. The cruise lines will book air fare for you, but it's rarely convenient and never lets you fly to the port the day before [although if you're coming from California, they may]. It's also more expensive than booking your own air fare. For example, before we knew better, someone in our family got routed from MIA through O'Hare to go to Boston! In February! [They got to spend the night snowed in at O'Hare with two little kids.]

You can't do a Caribbean cruise from California unless you do a one-way Panama Canal cruise, and most of your ports would be in the Mexican Pacific - not very good ports. From Florida, you'll have lots of options.

"Really cheap"? I assume you mean money-wise, so you'd probably want Carnival. They actually offer a pretty good first cruise experience for the money, and their food and service are pretty good. NCL offers a "cheap" cruise experience for more money. Those two lines aren't to everyone's taste, but both certainly have their fans.

Here's a Video about caribbean cruises departing from california:

Cruise Ships Departing SD For Good?

 I've visited Grand Cayman twice. Today is the fourth day of my second visit and I have yet to meet anyone actually from this small Caribbean country. The woman who gave me a pedicure this morning is from northern England; the hairdresser, from Georgia (I admit to a fair amount of pampering); our hired driver, from Jamaica; waiters from Tunisia and other distant lands, but none from Cayman, most not even from the Caribbean.

I live in Barbados, where Barbadians hold the majority of jobs at all levels of society. I've always felt that locals give a country a sense of place. If not for locals, I figure I may as well be in an airport, easily the most place-less places on earth. 

However, after snorkeling the pristine Caribbean waters of Cayman, I really couldn't hold this place-less-ness against Grand Cayman. Each Caribbean island holds a certain magic, including Grand Cayman.

After two visits spent snorkeling, dining on delicious seafood, and walking the gorgeous and famed Seven Mile Beach, I take away the following knowledge and impressions of this small, English-speaking island:

About Grand Cayman

1. Grand Cayman offers some of the world's premier snorkeling and SCUBA locations. The draw? The graceful stingrays, sunken ships from its pirate days, and beautiful coral. The beaches are pristine and the Caribbean Sea are a pretty light blue, warm, very gentle, and as clear as a glass of water. 

2. Grand Cayman is a fantastic place to do absolutely nothing. Hotels line the soft white sand of Seven Mile Beach. Five minutes on this beach and I enter lazy mode; on one day of my holiday, my greatest exertion was holding my hand out to take my next iced beverage from the waiter.

3. Grand Cayman is about 22 miles long and 4 to 8 miles wide and at sea level; like Barbados it is a coral island, not volcanic. My first impression was that it's a sandbar, so different from the varied geography of my home country of Barbados. The highest point on the island is the landfill.

4. Grand Cayman is the largest of the three islands comprising the Cayman Islands. The other two are Cayman Brac and Little Cayman.

5. Cayman is located in the Western Caribbean Sea, about 400 miles south of Miami.  (In contrast, Barbados is in the Eastern Caribbean, about 1600 miles south and east of Miami.)

6. Cayman was first sighted by Christopher Columbus in 1503. He named the three islands Las Tortugas after the sea turtles. The name of Cayman, a Carib Indian word, came later, after a local species of crocodile.

7. Cayman never had slaves (unlike Barbados, which after 1650, imported thousands of African slaves to work the sugar cane fields).

8. Cayman and Jamaica were governed as a single British colony until 1962 when Cayman became designated a "British overseas territory," one of 14 territories under the sovereignty of the UK but not part of the UK and Jamaica became independent.  (Barbados, also once a British colony, is one of the 53 member states belonging to the British Commonwealth.)

9. The Cayman Islands have more registered businesses than people (population is around 60,000). The government's primary source of income is indirect taxation: there is no income tax or capital gains tax or corporation tax. Based on income, the Caymanians enjoy the highest standard of living in the Caribbean. Locals complain there's not much to do on the island; they tell me it's a more enjoyable place for tourists (and corporations!) than people who live there.

10. The Cayman Islands have the dubious honor of having experienced the most hurricane strikes in history. Hurricane Ivan almost completely destroyed the unprotected island in 2004; within two years, the Caymanians had rebuilt their country.

Products Currently Available at Amazon:

Where would be a nice destination for a late July/Early August honeymoon in the Eastern Mexico/Caribbean area?

I've heard the usual vacation destinations like Jamaica, South Florida etc. are unbearably humid at this time. This is the only time we can go - where do you suggest?

You're right about it be unbearably hot and humid in July and August. We went to Cozmel in August one year and swore never again. We were constantly outside with outdoor resturants and bars. An island may be a little cooler being surrounded by water. I always sugest Jamaica if you can stand upper 80's each day.

Here's a Video about caribbean vacation in august:

Caribbean Vacation

By far one of the most memorable days of our lives is the Wedding day and it is not surprising that we seek for ways to make this day as unique and romantic as possible. That is why a Caribbean cruise wedding will meet your expectations and provide you and those that attend this wedding with the most wonderful memories to treasure for a lifetime.

A Dream Wedding

What can be more romantic than getting married on a cruise ship while at sea or even at a port? Even before the ship leaves the port, usually most couples choose to marry on the first day on the cruise so they can have the family members attend and then, leave on the cruise for their honeymoon. If you want the captain of the ship to officiate your wedding, he has the power otherwise bring along your own minister.

Planning Of A Caribbean Cruise Wedding

If you want to hold it before the cruise starts, it is critical that you plan the Caribbean cruise wedding as you cannot bring on board anyone without prior permission from the captain and that cannot be obtained the same day in order to ensure the safety of all those onboard and be in concordance with the rules and regulations enforced by the US coast guard.

If they are advised in time for example, your wedding reception, drinks, food and even the wedding cake, everything can and will be catered for by the ship staff. You need to let them know the day you want your Caribbean cruise wedding to take place, how many people will be present at and when you want to it take place. If you obtain the approval of the cruise line, you are permitted to bring your own drinks and food.

Get Help To Get Organized your Caribbean Cruise Wedding

The ships personnel are familiar with procedures and can assist you in every aspect to have the Caribbean cruise wedding you want. If you are in doubt of something ask the ships staff for help and guidance and they will be only be happy to oblige.

Have the wedding of your dream in the exclusive surroundings of the most romantic place in the world and follow it by an equally romantic honeymoon to the beautiful beaches and ports of the Caribbean.

Caribbean Honeymoon Cruise: Experience the Many Popular Idyllic Romantic Getaways

One can safely say that the Caribbean honeymoon cruise is a most romantic experience that allows couples to appreciate elegant sands, dip into warm waters as well as have gentle winds scream out inviting one to take a moonlight stroll as well as enjoy cool filled picnics. People generally flock to the Caribbean in search of exotic as well as wonderful islands that provide every amenity, and provide that unforgettable experience that one has always hoped for, where honeymoon couples are especially pampered and feasted. One can find the ideal romantic getaways in the isolation of stylish resorts that will satisfy every newly wed couple. There are also discount Caribbean honeymoon cruises that take the newly wed to every island as well as honeymoon spots that one may not find anywhere else in the world.

Caribbean honeymoon cruises are very popular as newly weds are given enough opportunity to retreat from the routine of life and find company in each other, without any distractions. The Caribbean honeymoon cruise will take newly weds to islands that provide a wide variety of outdoor activities like scuba diving and jumping out of a plane.

Exotic and magnificent Islands Beckon One

One can imagine how much lovers would appreciate a week or two together in these idyllic locations with the intimate settings, quiet spots as well as beaches and clubs to provide all the necessary ingredients to grow the romance. Most honeymooners settle towards Jamaica and the Dominican Republic because costs are lower and there is abundance on which they can splurge on. The Caribbean provides some of the best honeymoon resorts that are even superior to those found on some of the smaller European islands since getting married is a once in a lifetime occasion.

The Caribbean honeymoon cruises take honeymooners to Martinique, St. Lucia as well as Turks and Caicos Islands which are popular destinations that have romantic overload possibilities, and their reputation is well known throughout the world. The means to such wonderful honeymoons is, of course, being able to discover resorts that provide specifically for honeymooners, or going to out-of-the-way places which let honeymooners to do exactly as they please.

One can just click on a travel website and see the whole range of options available, and there are also sure to be some bargain basement prices as well since Caribbean honeymoon cruises specials are available everywhere. One can easily find resorts that are surrounded by nature in all of its luxury and places such as the Paradise Bay Resort offer clear blue water and are hidden amid thousands of acres of beautiful nature. It is places such as these that make the Caribbean honeymoon cruise worthwhile.

Products Currently Available at Amazon:

Help pick the perfect honeymoon destination for a gay couple?

We're just looking for a few things:
1) warm/hot
2) not the Caribbean/Hawaii- want somewhere more exotic
3) where we can hug/kiss without too much negative attention (most important)

Thank! xoxo

DENSE FOREST AREA

Here's a Video about exotic caribbean honeymoons:

All Inclusive Resorts : Jamaica Vacation : Caribbean Honeymoon - Sandals Whitehouse Resort

Las Vegas Top 10 Pools

What do you do in Las Vegas during the daytime after an evening in the Casino? Enjoy a buffet breakfast in your favorite restaurant, take a walk, see some attractions, then...

a must do...relax, take a Swim and get a tan.

Here are the TOP TEN POOLS in Las Vegas with a brief description of their offerings and themes. Did you know many visitors to Las Vegas book their Hotel based on their favorite pool? Seems like most first time visitors to Las Vegas have the impression that it is at least 100 degrees here year round. Well, it isn't. Most outdoor pools are open from March/April to October/November! We've listed Hotels that have year round indoor pools or heated outdoor pools.

THE TOP 10 POOLS IN LAS VEGAS

10. The Palms Night Time Fun! Be Cool! Hang out! 75,000 square feet of pool, 21 Cabanas, The "Skin Pool Lounge", music, dance by the pool, enjoy "Wet N Wild" after dark!

9. Luxor - The Luxor has created a 7 acre, Egyptian theme complex that is nothing short of spectacular! Outstanding poolside service, open year round! Be treated like King Tut!

8. Venetian - Known to be the ultimate romantic destination for couples. 5 full acres of pools, fountains, flower gardens and statues. Relax, get a tan, be in love. Even get married. That's AMORE'!

7. Bellagio - What can we say? Prestige, Ritzy, Swanky just what you would expect from

a Billion Dollar setting! 85,000 square feet of 6 pools, beautiful fountains, colors, flowers and Premier service. Be pampered in an elegant refuge for the rich!

6. MGM Grand - A longtime favorite of Hollywood Movie Stars, a 27,000 square foot complex of beautiful pools, spas and "Backlot River" where you can have a drink and take a leisurely 3 MPH float around the complex! Get a tan where the stars of "Le Femme" hang out!

5. Flamingo - From the dreams of Benjamin "Bugsy" Siegel in 1947 to the posh pool fun of today. Enjoy the lush Hawaiian theme with water slides, stone water falls, even shade! Luxury at it's finest. Try their specialty drinks!

4. Caesar's Palace - Roman decadence in the Garden of the Gods! 3 pools covering 5 acres of Italian opulance! Have a drink by stone pediments and be served frozen grapes by Goddesses (weekends only). Or, have your photo taken by the pool with Caesar and Cleopatra! Very cool!

3. The Mirage - A Polynesian tropical jungle lagoon. Amazingly beautiful foliage amidst waterfalls, 3 waterslides, hidden alcoves covering 5 full acres of jungle. An afternoon of sunshine and cool fun you will remember for years to come.

2. Hard Rock - Want to party? This is the place you want to be! Vegas' party central. The Pool Party runs from 10:00 AM to Midnight 7 days a week! Hang out with Rock Stars, Movie Stars and the "Beautiful People" or play Las Vegas' only blackjack tables in the water! Pools, hot tubs, 37 cabanas, a float river and Party, Party, Party!

1. Mandolay Bay - Mandolay Bay went all out in creating an 11 acre lagoon of lush greens. They hauled in 1,700 tons of sand to create Vegas' only Wave Pool with 6' waves of bodysurfer paradise. 4 pools, waterfalls surrounded by a jungle atmosphere where you can take a ¼ mile RiverRide or relax the day away and come away with a Las Vegas tan!

We give full credit for the Pool Rankings to the kind folks at The Travel Channel. The comments are from the editor of Las Vegas $Discount$.

Hotels with Pools Open Year Round

Bellagio (1)                    Wynn (5)                        Venetian (1)
Las Vegas Hilton (1)            Monte Carlo (1)                 Paris/Bally's (1)
Rio (1)                         Mandolay Bay (1)                Luxor (1)
Flamingo (1)                    Caesar's Palace (1)             Red Rock (1)
Green Valley Ranch (1)          Tropicana (1)                   Ritz Carlton (1)
Stratosphere (1)                MGM Grand (1)                   Hyatt Lake Las Vegas (1)

During the winter months all of these pools are maintained at 74 to 82 degrees and nearly all offer one or more Jacuzzi's.

This article may be re-printed in its entirety as long as this active link is displayed.

http://www.lasvegas-discount.com

Copyright 2002-2007 DEN Publishing Co. Las Vegas-Discount.com

all rights reserved

Products Currently Available at Amazon:

Here's a Video about caribbean hotels with waterslides:

bikini jacuzzi water-slide and reef snorkeling - Jamaica

Could any vacation be quainter, more perfect, more intoxicatingly romantic, than a holiday on the Caribbean island of Saint Lucia? Picture the cerulean blue waters and the golden sand beaches, the palm trees swaying gently in the breeze, as you abandon your beach towel and head back to your elegant hotel. Whether you are celebrating a honeymoon, special occasion, or just need a getaway trip, Saint Lucia hotels have wonderful accommodations to suit your every need. But which resort in paradise is the right one for you? After all, there are so many from which to choose. And can you afford such luxury, and still have enough money to eat when you get to your destination?

Don't let planning your dream trip fall to chance. This is too important to simply book a hotel on the internet, when you know almost nothing about it. Don't be fooled by gorgeous pictures and claims of spectacular amenities. What you really need is a reliable vacation club to do all your research for you.

A vacation club can get you the best deals on Saint Lucia hotels, and at fantastically lower prices than you would pay online. Counselors at vacation clubs are trained to walk you through the travel planning process, from booking transportation and hotels, to cheap all-inclusive resorts, cruises, and fine dining. A low, one-time membership fee will allow you to access all these benefits.

So start packing today for beautiful hotels like the all-inclusive Almond Morgan Bay Beach Resort in Castries, or the fabulous Anse Chastanet Resort in Soufriere. Perhaps you would prefer the awesome Mago Estate Hotel, where the rainforest-type vegetation and views are unparalleled. And if you're looking for a very special place just for couples, the Rendezvous can provide a sumptuous environment where you can enjoy luxurious surroundings with the one you love.

All of these amazing Saint Lucia hotels are available to vacation club members at discounted prices. When you join a vacation club, you automatically have a trusted friend who will guide you in making this trip, and every one after that, a truly memorable vacation experience.

Products Currently Available at Amazon:

Caribbean, St Lucia or Barbados ?

I am thinking of visiting either Barbados or St Lucia next year in July !
I have never been to the carribean but it looks amazing in the brochures, Altho I have read that July is the rainy Season ,so am worried about spending all my savings on this holiday and not having good weather ? Which island would have the better weather for July and least likely to rain alot ?
Also I know St Lucia has had a hurricane recently and all the pictures of the island lookreally bad, and the weather looks terrible, will the island be back to normal by july ? Also I have heard that barbados has better weather is july ? Any other caribbean islands you could recommend would be appreciated as these are the two that caught my imagination first ! Am also interested in Jet-ski hire, horse riding along the beach and zip-lining ! Do these two island offer these activities ? If so will they still be operational in July ?

Many Thanks,

Well,I lived in french carribean,spending holliday there will cost a certain amount of money,you should try different islands and travel to one another with cheap flight( try to choose secure compagny thought)
he carribean islands are really beautiful,don't worry about the weather because it can change really fast,it will never be cold,but sometimes freshy.Where I was living july/august are the period of hurricanes generally,but really nothing to worry about,it's pretty rare to have a dangerous huricane.
In most of carribean island,even most the most toursitic ones,you musn't worry about security but be aware of certain areas,don't show too much curiosity over ghettos,the locals are usually nice and hospitable when they feel respected.If you have some notions of french you can go to guadeloupe and martinique,but the employees do speak english,so french will be useful if you go out of the touristic areas.It's the same thing if you fo to spanish islands like st-domingue.

Here's a Video about caribbean island beach pictures:

"Caribbean Colombia" Golz's photos around San Andres Island, Colombia

Centara Villas Samui, Koh Samui

Set on a quiet hillside overlooking Natien Beach on the south of Samui, the accommodation spread throughout the tropical grounds leads down to a perfect stretch of white sandy beach which is surrounded by a coral reef. The setting is naturally beautiful and the abundance of plant life and foliage creates a fantastic ambience throughout the resort. The resort provides private luxury in the form of 99 exotic traditional Thai-style villas, either overlooking the amazing gardens or turquoise sea. Around 40 per cent of the rooms now include Jacuzzis and private pools after a refurbishment meaning even more luxury. The hotel features 3 restaurants, 2 bars, 3 pools, a spa, dive centre as well as a huge choice of activities from mountain biking to fishing.

Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas, Krabi

Situated in its own private bay named Pai Plong, just one bay away from the major resort of Ao Nang, the Centara Grand Beach Resort offers untold luxury. The bay on which this residence sits is fronted by an idyllic white sandy beach and backed by sheer limestone cliffs. The accommodation consists of a cluster of low-rise, 3 storey buildings and separate individual villas, all of which have ocean views and large terraces with relaxing and dining areas. On top of the in-room dining options there are 4 restaurants serving international, Asian, Thai and Japanese cuisine as well as seafood. There are also 2 bars, a spa kids club and many water sports and activities available.

Centara Karon Resort, Phuket

Situated on the magnificent Karon Beach this resort is made up of 4 residential zones named The Terraces, The Lagoon, Tropicale and The Cabanas. All 316 rooms are surrounded by amazing landscaped gardens with a further 19 independent villas placed throughout the grounds. The Terraces offer superior sea view rooms and 4 deluxe honeymoon suites with enormous terrace and private outdoor Jacuzzi. The Lagoon rooms offer a lot of space and and many have 2 double beds, perfect for families. Tropicale rooms are designed for pure luxury and the Cabanas are spread throughout the tropical gardens offering almost total privacy and personalised service. There are 3 restaurants, 4 bars, 3 pools, a spa, fitness centre and tennis courts meaning the Centara Karon has everything covered.

Products Currently Available at Amazon:

Here's a Video about caribbean holidays all inclusive deals:

Caribbean Holiday!! Riviera Maya Mexico

Over the past 5 years, my family has been blessed enough to take a vacation every year. And every year I am faced with the challenge of putting together a fun, memorable vacation that everyone will love and that is affordable.

When our family was smaller, this process was a little easier because it seems like the whole world is based on your family size not exceeding FOUR! Well, we are now a family of 6 and the standard hotel room with 2 double beds is just not an option; at least not for stays longer than 2 nights. Airfare would eat up more than 1/2 of our budget, food would take up the other ½, and I will not even start on the theme park tickets. So what is a family to do?

Step 1- Choose the theme of your vacation: adventure, relaxation, beaches and sun, theme parks, or history and culture. Adventure vacations and sandy beach vacations are by far the most cost-friendly vacation themes.

Adventure vacations include low-cost outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, bike riding, and camping. This vacation theme is perfect for older children.

Top Adventurous Destinations

Mt. Rainier National Park, Washington

New Paltz, New York

Mount Hood, Oregon

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee

Park City, Utah

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Yosemite National Park, California

Moab, Utah

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park, California

Glacier National Park, Montana

Olympic National Park, Washington,

Hood River, Oregon

Acadia National Park, Maine

Sandy beach vacations are also extremely affordable and include surfable waves, sandcastle building, great dining, and mile long boardwalks. This vacation theme is great for all ages especially babies and toddlers.

Best Family Beaches in US

Coronado Beach, Calif.

Nantucket Island, Mass.

Newport Beach, Calif.

Santa Barbara, Calif.

Panama City Beach, Fla.

Siesta Key, Fla.

Poipu Beach, Hawaii

Duck, N.C.

Hilton Head, S.C.

Kiawah Island, S.C.

Myrtle Beach, S.C.

South Padre Island, Texas

Waikiki, Hawaii

Wailea Beach, Hawaii

* If you decide to take a theme park vacation, find out if your bank or employer offers discounted tickets. Avoid purchasing tickets on eBay or Craigslist, unless it is from a reliable seller or broker. Also, many theme parks now offer the convenience of child swap. With child swap, one parent can wait in line with the older children while the other parent goes up the handicap ramp with the smaller children. When the other parent gets off the ride, you swap and get right on the ride without waiting in line again. GENIUS!

Step 2 - Choose your means of transportation: fly, ride the train, or load up the car.

Your most affordable option would be to drive. Even if you find a great deal on air fare, chances are you will still need to rent a car once you land, so cut out the middle man and drive. However, if you do decide the fly and rent a car, go to www.priceline.com where you can 'Name your Price' on airfare and car rentals and save money, many times more than 1/2 the regular price.

Step 3 - Choose when to travel: peak or off peak

Of course you will get the best deals off peak. Orlando's busy season begins around May/June and ends August 10th. I use that as a guide to plan may vacations. Avoid holiday weekends; take the day off the following week and keep that extra money in your pocket.

Step 4 - Accommodations: vacation home, hotel, or condo

Vacation home are perfect when traveling with a large group. Not only do you get a huge home to hang out in for a week, but you also have the company of other adults and hopefully other children to keep your children busy. Vacation homes, generally, need to be book several months in advance and you have to clean up after yourselves daily. Standard hotel rooms are more readily available and perfect for smaller families. However, parents don't have any privacy and you have to eat out every night, which can quickly total up to over $500 just for food. If you are looking for a standard room, Hotwire or Priceline (Name your Price) are your best options. Some people are leery of using these sites because you don't know where you will stay until you have purchased the room. I have used Priceline many, many times and have never been disappointed. With a condo you have the best of both worlds. Parents have a room and the children have a room. Most condos have a full kitchen and you can prepare simple meals for breakfast and dinner saving you hundreds of dollars. Condos also have a washer and dryer in the unit, perfect for when little Katie or Kevin make and big mess. You can also use the washer and dryer to wash all your clothes before leaving making it much easier to unpack when you get home. Icing on the cake, housekeeping is available!

Another option is to take a time share tour; I know it sucks spending 2-3 hours of your day on the tour because it never only takes 90 minutes. But you can get a great 1 or 2 bedroom condo at an unbelievable rate.

Every family is different and must decide what is most important for them, location, transportation, entertainment or accommodations. Whatever you choose, spend the most money on what is most important and skimp on everything else. So if you want to go to Hawaii, you will spend the most money on airfare and you will have to skimp on entertainment and accommodations, but at least you made it to Hawaii. Happy Travels!

Products Currently Available at Amazon:

Here's a Video about caribbean hotel in myrtle beach:

Otis Traction Elevators at the Caribbean Resort in Myrtle Beach -- Dominican Tower

When people think of taking a Caribbean cruise, if they have never been on one before, they always have the same thoughts. They think of the TV show "the Love Boat" and that people go on board a cruise to find that special someone to have a romantic encounter with. The reality is the Captain's name is not Stubbing the doctor is not a gigolo, the cruise director does not have a clipboard, and most guests are actually on the cruise with someone they are already romantically involved with. When you cruise for one you should keep this and some of these other points in mind.

1. Cruising for one is not for everyone. If you enjoy doing things are your own, you are outgoing and like to get involved you can have a blast. You need to have the right attitude from the start. Don't expect the cruise line to see you on the manifest listed on your own and say, "we need to get that person hooked up with some cruise buddies." You'll need to make your own friends. It's really easy to do on a ship. Everyone is in the same boat! So you'll have that in common. Strike up a conversation with someone.

2. Do tell the maitre d you want to sit a large table with other guests. Especially if they are also cruising on their own. They maitre d will usually do this automatically, but sometimes it doesn't happen. So just stop by and see him at the beginning of the cruise.

3. Get involved in the activities on board. Especially the group based activities. A lot of activities on a ship you do by yourself. You'll want to get involved in the ones that put you into groups. If you are not sure which ones are which, just ask one of the cruise staff or the cruise director. The group activities are generally more fun anyways and you'll meet plenty of folks. Then after the activity is over, suggest to your new team mates to go and do something afterwards whether it's grabbing a bite to eat or playing a round of mini golf.

4. Do not expect a lot of "Singles" or other folks who are cruising by themselves. There will be some but not many. Most ships do host a single's party on the first night, however depending on the age bracket you may find that there is a huge difference between yourself and some of the other singles. If you want to meet other singles during a cruise, then look into single's groups that book cruises together. When you sail on a voyage with one of these groups they will have extra "meet and greet" events to make sure you get a chance to meet the others in the group who are cruising on their own.

5. Don't be afraid to talk with the crew. They are supposed to talk with you. You are the guest, but many crew members do actually enjoy having a normal conversation with the guests. Just be mindful of when you are doing this. If it is swamped at the front desk it's not the time to make chit chat, however if it is completely dead, the person working there would much rather be talking to you then doing nothing. The best crew for talking to while working are the bar staff, the staff bussing tables on the lido deck, or perhaps your casino dealer if the table is not too busy. Don't expect the crew to invite you to the crew bar or something like that as the lines have rules about that sort of thing however you will find it very interesting to learn about the different nationalities that work on board.

If that sounds like you, then you are the right kind of person to cruise on your own. Of course if you just want to be alone with your thoughts, you can do that to. When you cruise for one you have that choice. I am sure there are a lot of people who cruise with someone else wished that they could be on their own too.

Products Currently Available at Amazon:

Caribbean Island with Best Nightlife?

We're planning a vacation with teenage girls (17/18) and need a decent Caribbean Island with good nightlife for them. This means lots of lights/music/resteraunts/shops open late, rather then night clubs or casinos. Any ideas?

I vote for ST. BARTS or ANGUILLA

Here's a Video about caribbean islands with casinos:

Aruba - Hotel Marriott Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino - Lesser Antilles (Caribbean)

One of the best ways to have the time of your life and get away from it all is by going on a fabulous ocean voyage. Going on a cruise to an exotic port can melt your stress away and will give you memories to talk about for many years to come.

Once you decide to go on a cruise, you can either max out your credit card or spend a bit of time and search around to find cheap cruises vacations at a mere fraction of the price of an ultra-luxury cruise.

Your Choices

• One of the options you have if you want to take a cheap cruise is checking out the Norwegian Cruise Line. Out of all the options you have, Norwegian Cruise Lines is one of your best choices. Their goal is to offer the most relaxing and enjoyable vacations at an ultra affordable price.

They're totally freestyle when it comes to cruising. There aren't any fixed dining times. There's no dress code. And their ships go to all of the major cruise destinations. I once went on one of the Norwegian cheap cruises from NYC with my girlfriend, and then made secret arrangements with the steward to leave sandwiches and wine by the pool for us every evening around midnight. Lounging around, just the two of us, we felt like we owned the ship. Norwegian Cruise Lines offers cheap Bahamas cruises, cheap Mexican cruises to the Mexican Riviera, cheap Hawaii cruises, cheap Caribbean cruises, as well as cheap cruises to Bermuda, Canada, and New England.

• If you want fantastic entertainment and large staterooms you should check out the Disney Cruise Line. They'll sprinkle some magic in your life with their amazing attention to detail while they whisk you away to exotic ports. If you're traveling alone, or with the family, or if it's just you and your partner, you will have one of the most memorable experiences in your life.

A couple of tips to save even more money on cheap cruises

• Search the internet for off-season cruises. They are a lot more affordable than traveling in prime time.
• No matter what time of the year, if you can book your cruise in two weeks or less, you can save a lot of money because when people cancel their tickets within a few weeks of a cruise, the price of the tickets are instantly discounted.

So, go on cruises cheap and get a million dollars worth of fun and relaxation.

Products Currently Available at Amazon:

Trying to plan trips with friends (some still under 21), suggestions?

I had planned and organized a trip to the Poconos this past 4th of July just for me and my friends and we had a lot of fun as we all needed a little getaway vacation.

Now we all wanna go away again, maybe for a week, but at least for 4-5 days, this winter. Our ages range from 17-27... so it would have to be when there's no school in session. (if it's too much to coordinate everyones availability, we'd have to plan for january, then, and leave the high schoolers behind =\ )...

So my question is... where should we go??? We all live in NYC. We drive & have cars, so a road trip isnt out of the question. I guess we wouldnt mind doing the Poconos again, but I'd love to hear other suggestions too.

Oh, we also plan on going on a cruise in the Caribbean next fall. So if you have any suggestions for destinations or cruise lines, i'd appreciate that too!

Thanks!

I don't know what your funds are like but Cancun is beautiful and fun for all ages! There is a good party scene and the beaches are beautiful! Puerto Vallarta is also a very beautiful place to visit. It seemed calmer than Cancun, but there were definitely places to go out and party, if that is what you are looking for. Being in New York you may have already been to Niagra Falls, but I went there in May and it was a great time! Lots to do and fun for everyone!

Here's a Video about caribbean cruises leaving from nyc:

Celebrity Summit video "6 nt Bermuda & Caribbean Cruise" ex New York (Cape Liberty)

Choosing where to sail is one of the first decisions made when planning a cruise vacation. Most cruise travelers select a 7-day Caribbean cruise for their first experience at sea. When you search the Internet or read cruise brochures, the most common itineraries offered are Eastern Caribbean and Western Caribbean. Which is better? The answer is either! It all depends on what your interests are, so in addition to selecting the right ship, you need to research the ports of call before you book. Both itineraries will provide cruisers with opportunities to sail, swim, snorkel, and shop. But there are differences. Let's take a quick look at the two most popular Caribbean cruise itineraries.

Eastern Caribbean Cruises

Most cruise ships sailing to the eastern Caribbean on 7-day itineraries board from Florida. Ports of call on an Eastern Caribbean schedule regularly comprise the Bahamas, St. Thomas, St. John (USVI), Puerto Rico, and perhaps St. Marten/St. Martin. If you want minus sailing (i.e. time at sea) and more shopping and opdocksunities to go to fantastic seaside's, then an Eastern Caribbean schedule might grab more to you. The islands are relatively close together, slighter, and seashore detours lean to be more geared to seaside or water activities.

Western Caribbean Cruises

Cruise ships sailing to the western Caribbean board from Florida, New Orleans or Texas. Ports of call on a Western Caribbean schedule regularly comprise Costume or Playa del Carmen, Mexico; excellent Cayman; Key West, FL; the Dominican state; Jamaica; Belize; or Costa Rica. If you look at a map, you will see that while the docks of call are foster distant, more sailing is regularly intricate on a western Caribbean cruise. So you may have more time at sea and minus time in docks or on the seaside. The docks of call in the western Caribbean are sometimes on the mainland (Mexico, Belize, and Costa Rica) or at superior islands (Jamaica, Dominican state). Thus, the seashore detour options are more various. You can explore obsolete Mayan ruins, tramp the shower forests, or go snorkeling or SCUBA diving in some unforgettable locations.

If you are now thoroughly perplexed, that's approve! The Caribbean Sea is a cruise lover's heaven--sapphire seas, sunny seasides, and interesting docks of call. You will get all of these whichever path you cruise. East and West are both great--and then there's the Southern Caribbean and Northern Caribbean, but that's for another day!

Products Currently Available at Amazon:

royal caribbean cruise line drinking age?

i know that if you are traveling in south america or europe you are allowed to drink if you are over 18 and have a consent for signed by a parent. i was wondering if st. martin and st. thomas are considered south america and where i would find the consent form?

St Martin & St Thomas are not considered part of South America, they are considered part of the Caribbean. St Johns is part of the US Virgin Islands and St Martin I think is French (but don't quote me on that). The drinking age on any major cruise line going to these islands will be 21. I believe that the drinking age is 18 on both of these islands but you won't be able to bring alcohol back to the cruise ship (unless you sneak it in water bottles or something).

Here's a Video about caribbean cruise st thomas:

Oct 2010 - Southern Caribbean Cruise