Knowing how to plan for your trip and what to expect makes for more anticipation and less anxiety. Before you go, below are some useful tips for traveling in Turkey:

1. Before you go: Before traveling to Turkey, make sure your passport is valid for a minimum of six months beyond your stay. A visa is required for US citizens, which can be obtained on arrival at the airport or border post for a fee. This tourist visa allows a stay for up to three months in Turkey. The fee must be paid for in hard currency cash; euros, Japanese yen, UK pounds, or US dollars are acceptable.

2. When to go: The best months to visit Turkey are between May - October. If you are visiting in July or August, it is wise to bring a sun hat and sunscreen to protect against the blazing sun. Sunscreen is expensive in Turkey, so it is a good idea t o bring it along. If you are visiting in the winter, you will need warm clothes as the temperatures may go as low as 5F especially in the central eastern parts of Turkey.

3. What to pack: Clothes in Turkey are both inexpensive and fashionable. Therefore, pack lightly, as you can buy clothes there. Take along flat shoes for walking as the sidewalks are often not only uneven, but also broken with unexpected holes. Take along some shoes for the water as many beaches are rocky. Most basic supplies are inexpensive in Turkey, but sunscreen is not - so bring that with you.

4. Dressing in Turkey: When visiting mosques and religious sites you will need to remove your shoes upon entering. Dress needs to be modest for both men and women. Women are required to cover their heads with a scarf. In addition, men and women are required to wear clothes that cover their legs and shoulders. Silence is required inside the mosques and most mosques are closed to visits during prayer times.

Avoid beachwear while visiting places other than the beach. While Turkey is a secular culture, in cities it is important to dress like one dresses in a city in the USA.

5. Food in Turkey: Drink only bottled water while in Turkey. Though tap water can be drunk, even the Turks drink only bottled water.

To experience real Turkish food, find restaurants off the main tourist areas. Find restaurants where food and prices are local. Try Raki while eating mezze, small appetizers. Keep track of what you ordered and notice the prices so you will han no surprise when you get the bill. Eat in tiny places, fancy restaurants and huge places - the food is superb!

6. Shopping In Turkey: There are no fixed prices in Turkey. In small shops and in markets, bargaining is part of Turkish culture. Before you make a purchase, try to get the prices down as low as possible. In most cases, just leave the shop or vendor and pretend to walk away. You will probably be invited back to the shop by the vendor, asking what your best offer is. Then, feel free to declare your own price. Bargaining margins start at 10% and can easily go up to 60%.

7. Visiting museums and other sights: Most museums are closed at least one day a week. If you are traveling independently, check the dates and times of museum openings. Archeological sites can be visited every day of the week from 9 am to 5pm, in the summer. In the winter, it is a good idea to check these times as well.

8. Getting Around: An inexpensive transportation system in Turkey is a dolmus, which is a cross between a bus and a taxi. The dolmus has a predefined route - you can get on at certain locations, but you can get off anywhere. It usually will cost about 50 cents and the driver won't take a tip.

9. Tipping: In Turkey it is common to leave a 10% tip for good service at restaurants, to guides and to taxi drivers.

10. Public restrooms: Finding public restrooms in Turkey can be a problem. Although hotels have improved standards, small restaurants will sometimes have "holes' as toilets. On the other hand, all mosques have public restrooms, or "Tuvalet". In Turkish, "Bay is the word for men and "Bayan" for women.

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Which Caribbean cruise is the best?

Im thinking of taking a caribbean cruise during the summer to the caribbean. is the eastern,southern,or western the best route to take? also if anyone knows a good cruise line with good deals please answer

The best itinerary for you really is based on what you want to do off the ship when you cruise in port stops

Western Caribbean cruises typically go to Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Belize, Jamaica and a private cruise line island. If you go to Cozumel there is the opportunity to buy a tour to see Mayan ruins, if that's your interest. Its considered the best place to go for scuba and snorkeling. If you go to Jamaica the two main attractions are a river raft float trip (not rapids) and the Dunn's River Falls climb. If you go to Grand Cayman you will likely want to go to 7-Mile Beach or do a swim with the dolphins/stingrays tour. So Western Caribbean will get you Mayan ruins as an option.

Cruises to the Eastern Caribbean typically go to St Thomas, St Maarten, a private cruise line island and maybe another island like Tortola or Puerto Rico. If you want to do a lot of shopping then pick a cruise with St Thomas as one of the port stops. St Maarten is also mainly a beach and shopping stop. Right now St Thomas has some issues with it's water supply for restaurants downtown.

Most Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises have a private island stop where the ship takes food ashore for an all day beach party with games and entertainment. All of the cruise lines have what they call their private island and you can have a great day on these islands; only ship's people on them for the day. Royal Caribbean has THE best private island I have ever been to at Labadee, Haiti. Its a huge place that has multiple beaches and many activities. RC's ships the Freedom and The Liberty which do both the Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries both have stops at Labadee. But all of the cruise lines have their own private islands where their ships stop for the day.

The Southern Caribbean cruise itineraries typically start in Puerto Rico and go either to Aruba, Curacao, and St Thomas and St Maarten, OR they go to the southern Caribbean islands like Barbados, Grenada, Antigua, St Lucia and maybe St Thomas and/or St Maarten. For the most part these latter islands are very much alike but nice to see. The main difference between these two Southern Caribbean itineraries, aside from the different islands, is the Aruba cruise has two "at sea" days with no port stops, while the other has a port stop about each day. Then there are some cruises that leave from Florida (Ft Lauderdale) that are 14/15 days and go to all of the southern Caribbean islands.

My favorite cruise line is Royal Caribbean but you cannot go wrong with Celebrity, Princess or Holland America. If you are looking for a real budget cruise and a party ship go on Carnival. If you want to basically be informal the whole cruise go on Norwegian. My ranking of the cruise lines would be Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, Princess, Holland, Norwegian, and Carnival. Carnival is the budget cruise line with the lowest prices but you get what you pay for. All of the cruise lines have specials or discounts and give the best prices for early bookings 6 months to a year in advance.

Remember that June through November is hurricane season and if you do cruise during that time period is is highly advisable to buy travel insurance.

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Carnival Fantasy video "6 nt Eastern Caribbean Cruise" ex Charleston

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!

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

As you are exploring Caribbean vacation options, do not look just at the islands and cruises traveling between them. Mexico has a beautiful Caribbean coast, complete with paradise beaches, unique cultural destinations, and luxurious resorts. A Caribbean vacation to Mexico might be perfect for you the next time you plan a getaway.

When planning a tropical trip to Mexico, look at locations on the Yucatan Peninsula. This peninsula is made up of Mexico's Yucatan, Campeche, and Quintana Roo states, as well as parts of Belize and Guatemala. As found in much of the Caribbean, the climate in this part of Mexico ranges from sunny and warm to extremely stormy. This region is in the Atlantic Hurricane Belt, which means it is susceptible to wind damage and flooding. Typically, hurricane season lasts from June 1 to November 30 every year. Late August to the end of November is considered the off-season and rates to Mexico are usually lower. At all times of the year, however, you can visit some of the famous tourist destinations in this area.

If you like to dive, Valladolid in Yucatan is your ideal destination. This town is the site of a number of sinkholes, which are connected via underground streams and caves. In some of the safe spots, you can swim, as well as dive into these underground caves with a tour guide. This is a unique opportunity for any diver, as you can see locations different from the typical ocean dive.

The Yucatan peninsula is also famous for its Mayan sites, which you can find in archaeological zones such as Kabah and Labna. One of the most famous of these is the ceremonial Chichen Itza, a UNESCO World Heritage site that includes an observatory, a ball court, and pyramids where they put on shows. A number of the Mayan sites offer guided tours, while at some you can also explore on your own if you want.

If you are more interested in what the coast has to offer, you can check out any of Mexico's beaches in this area. Cancun is an extremely popular destination for international tourists, as it has a number of resorts and hotels with direct access to the beach. Along with sunbathing, you can try snorkeling, diving, fishing, jet skiing, sailing, parasailing, and a number of other marine activities. The great thing about the weather in this area is that, with the exception of hurricane season, rain usually clears rather quickly, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the beach.

Are you planning an upcoming trip to Mexico's Caribbean Coast? If so, here are some travel tips to keep in mind:



o Apply for your passport early. Yes, United States citizens need a passport to get into Mexico and back home, even if you travel there via boat. You should apply for your passport at least three months prior to your date of travel, and it is better to apply about six month in advance if you can. Keep your passport in a safe place while on vacation, such as in your hotel safe.

o Do not drink the water. This is not an urban legend. When you are in Mexico, ask for bottled water, because the tap water contains bacteria that could make you sick. Locals have built up a tolerance, but as a tourist, you can become sick.

o Make sure you check customs laws. Without proper paperwork, there are certain items that you should declare when you come back into the United States. If you are going to shop while on vacation in Mexico, make sure you can keep your items! This can save much frustration and stress because by checking customs laws you know what can be brought back into the country.

You have a number of booking options when looking for a place to stay in Mexico. First, you can look for a hotel and plan your own activities. The cheapest options are inland, away from the coast, but remember that you may have to pay for beach access whereas hotels on the beach often give guests free access. You can also look at all-inclusive resort options. These can be very affordable and they give you more options with less time spent planning.

Even if you do not want to spend your entire Caribbean vacation in Mexico, you can use this as a starting point to for a cruise. Many Caribbean cruise lines spend time in Mexican waters before moving on to some of the islands you can find in this part of the world. Most people do not realize that Mexico is a prime location for a Caribbean vacation. This location should not be overlooked because along with unique cultural opportunities, Mexico can be more affordable than other island vacation options.

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Galavanting in San Juan, Puerto Rico - a travel guide

Cruises have really taken off in the last fifteen years or so, with all the major cruise lines adding new ships to their fleets. But what makes cruises so popular and why might you consider choosing one for a vacation? Well, let's take a look at what all they offer:

Cruises Feature Destinations All Over the World

When you think of cruises, you may think of the Caribbean or perhaps Alaska, the two most popular cruise destinations for U.S. travelers. (European travelers often cruise in the Mediterranean, which is another popular destination.)

While these destinations are exotic enough for many folks (hey, I'd be happy to cruise just about anywhere since the experience itself offers so much), they represent only a small portion of the areas you can find cruises to.

Have you ever dreamed of visiting Australia and New Zealand? What about Southeast Asia? Perhaps Antarctica? South America? The South Pacific? Eastern Canada and New England? Hawaii? Scandinavia? The British Isles? Eastern Siberia? The fjords of Greenland? Morocco?

Guess what? You can find cruises that visit all those destinations--and more!

The variety of cities and countries where ships stop is one reason cruise vacations are so popular. You can visit many, many ports in the world, and cruises let you see more than one (often many more) per trip. And perhaps the biggest perk is that you only have to unpack once.

Cruises Are for All Types of Travelers

In the early days, cruises tended to be most popular with the retired and the wealthy. While many of those folks still enjoy cruising today, there really are no stereotypes about your average cruiser any more.

There are cruises that are great for families with children, others that cater go couples, some with special events for singles or gay and lesbian passengers, some that are perfect for active adventurers, and some that are low-key and cater to those who just want to relax.

While demographics vary from ship to ship, there really are cruises for any kind of person who's looking to see the world and have a good time.

If you're not sure you want, try one of the mainstream lines. They are known for having a Vegas vibe, where there are entertainment options for just about everyone. If you prefer peace and relaxation to constant entertainment, choose a small ship or a luxury line.

Cruises are Affordable

Another big reason cruises have become so popular is they are an affordable vacation option. With all your main requirements (food, lodging, and the cruise itself) included in the ticket price, you won't have a heap of expenditures to worry about once you're on board.

It's true that "all inclusive" isn't quite as all inclusive as the cruise lines might lead you to believe (expect to pay for everything from massages to alternative dining to shore excursions to diet sodas and alcoholic beverages), the major expenses are included.

Just browse online at sites such as Travelocity to get an idea of just how affordable cruises can be. You can find one-week packages to the Caribbean or Mexican Riveria for $600-$800. To spend a week in Alaska, you can get in for $800 or less. Shorter cruises of three or four days, often wrapped around a long weekend, start around $300.

As you can see, cruises are popular vacation choices for many reasons. You can find ships visiting many, many parts of the world, there are cruises to appeal to just about all types of travelers, and lastly these floating vacations are affordable.

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Egypt has long been a country heavily dependent on tourism - a fact that is as much due to its great weather as the astounding and wondrous architecture of The Pyramids. Yet, over the past year the country has seen something of a resurgence on an international scale as the recession has caused many holidaymakers to avoid the Eurozone to get the most from their foreign exchange.

Data published from a recent Mastercard poll (at chroniclelive.co.uk) shows that Egypt came out tops among Mastercard users from across the Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa - and posited the notion that developing resorts such as Sharm el-Sheikh are also fuelling its popularity as a destination for cheap holidays. So what does Sharm el-Sheikh have going for it?

Sharm el-Sheikh is a city of more than 800,000 inhabitants on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula around 80 miles south of Mount Sinai. Since the early 80s the city has been subject to formidable, but well controlled developments in order to maximise its capabilities as a tourist area whilst not harming the natural surroundings. In September and October the average high temperatures peak at around 36 degrees Celsius.

The city sits on the Red Sea coast and boasts a famously rich underwater ecosystem. There are more than a thousand different species of fish evident in the Red Sea, as well as over 1,000 miles of coral reef to be explored. Subsequently, alongside scuba diving, Sharm el-Sheikh is home to a host of other water sports, including wind surfing, canoeing and sailing.

Sharm el-Sheik, and a number of other resort areas such as the Sinai's Nuweiba, as well as El Gouna and Soma Bay on the East Egyptian coast, are collectively known as the Red Sea Riveira. This ensures that each of the areas, much of which is National Park land, is subject to a number of laws to ensure marine life and the surrounding desert is protected and not poorly managed.

Aside from all the city has to offer, Sharm el-Sheikh is also in close proximity to Mount Sinai - a mountain of great geological and religious significance for tourists. The mountain itself is 2,285 metres tall and is situated by the highest peak on the Sinai peninsula, Mount St. Catherine. Its religious history is evident with the Monastery of St. Catherine, and both a mosque and Greek Orthodox chapel can be found at the mountain's summit.

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Caribbean World Resort - Soma Bay

You've worked hard to save for your dream cruise and you want to cover all your bases as you get ready to go. But planning can be stressful if you don't know where to start. Here are some tips for pulling off a glitch-free getaway.

Thinking about a cruise

* Read travel magazines and shop for travel guidebooks.

* If you don't already have one, find a travel agent who specializes in cruises and begin a discussion about how to plan the best cruise vacation that will meet your interests and vacation desires.

* Ask family and friends for suggestions.

* Decide on the type of cruise vacation you want and settle on a destination. Do you want to climb glaciers and kayak in Alaska, snorkel in the Caribbean or Tahiti, or visit historic sites in Europe, Asia, or Australia?

* Visit cruise line Web sites or contact the cruise lines directly to request brochures and pricing information.

Six months or more ahead

* Settle on a budget for the cruise. Make sure to take into account every possible expense: plane tickets, transportation to the pier, hotels, shore excursions, spa treatments, shipboard activities, bar bills even cruise wear.

* Book your trip through your travel agent. A good travel agent will keep you on track and help you sort through everything from stateroom choices to visa requirements.

* Select your ship and stateroom. Cabin choices range from butler-staffed suites to inside staterooms without windows, and they're priced accordingly.

* Consider signing up for a travel protection plan to protect your vacation if the unexpected should happen. Research travel protection plans offered by the cruise line, your credit cards, travel agent or an independent agency; secure additional coverage if necessary.

* Obtain your passports and visas, if necessary.

Two months ahead

* Make sure you have a camera and luggage ready for the trip. If you get a new camera, learn how to use it before leaving on the cruise.

* Start researching your ports of call and your opportunities for shore excursions. To avoid disappointment, book popular tours in advance on the cruise line's Web site.

One month ahead

* Make a packing list.

* Reconfirm all reservations.

* Start making arrangements for pets and home care.

* If you're on any medications, make sure you have plenty of your prescription on hand for the trip, and be sure to have a second pair of glasses if you wear them. Carry all medications with you (do not put them in checked luggage) in their original prescription bottles to avoid any difficulty at customs.

Two weeks ahead

* Collect travel documents (cruise tickets, airline flight information). Read all material carefully to make sure the information is correct. If it's not, your travel agent can correct it.

* If you don't want to use your credit card on your trip, consider obtaining traveler's checks (store the check numbers someplace safe in case the checks are lost or stolen).

* If you will need any foreign currency on the trip, consider exchanging some dollars now.

* Have lots of one dollar bills on hand for tips to crew members, tour guides and taxi drivers.

One week ahead

* Touch base with your house and pet sitters to reconfirm arrangements. Also arrange to have mail held at the post office and stop newspaper delivery for the duration of your trip.Print a copy of your itinerary and contact information and leave with family or friends.

* Make two to three sets of photocopies of your passport, credit cards, insurance, traveler's check numbers, and any other paperwork people would need if your wallet were lost or stolen. Give one copy to a family member or friend.

* Set out clothes to pack; buy what you need.

Three days ahead

* Reconfirm overseas flights.

* Make sure you have reading materials for your trip.

* Make arrangements for your rides to and from the airport.

* Leave a copy of your itinerary and a set of house keys with a relative or close friend in case of emergency.

* Check weather forecasts for your destination.

* Prepare your house or apartment for your departure -- eat or dispose of perishable food, water plants, set timers, pay bills, etc.

One day ahead

* Reconfirm domestic flights.

* Make sure all your luggage, including carry-on luggage, is labeled both on the outside and inside with your name, flight information, hotels, cruise itinerary and phone number.

* Change your voicemail and e-mail messages at work.

A little organization can make your pre-trip planning easy and stress-free, leaving you to embark on your cruise vacation with a big smile on your face.

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What cruise line goes to Bermuda from Florida?

I have searched many web sites, Royal Caribbean, Princess, Norwegian etc. I am looking for a 4 or 5 day cruise to Bermuda, but heading out of Florida (any departure port is fine) All I see are ones from Boston, New York, Baltimore, etc. We are open to different sailing dates so that isn't restricting our search. Anyone know a cruise line I may be missing?

In the end of course we can just fly to NY or Baltimore and go out that way, there is a lot of family living in Florida, trying to avoid the airfare. Any help is appreciated.

Renent Seven Seas goes to Bermuda from Ft. Lauderdale in April and Nov. of 2011. Bon Voyage

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Carnival Pride video "7 nt Eastern Caribbean Cruise" ex Baltimore

When considering honeymoon vacation destinations, the main factor is what the two of you want the most. Which location best reflects who you are as a couple, including your interests, passions, and desires? Is there a certain place you've both always wanted to see? Have you dreamed of having your honeymoon in a certain location? Which destination has the best reputation as a romantic honeymoon location?

Cost will be the second most important consideration. You want to take the honeymoon vacation of a lifetime without breaking the bank. It's important for your trip to be a time to remember, but you also need to make sure you have enough money to start your lives together. Fortunately, there are plenty of honeymoon vacation deals out there, including luxury packages, spa trips, and cruises. Here are the top 4 destinations for your honeymoon!

Hawaii

The Hawaiian Islands are a genuine tropical paradise, with beautiful weather nearly every day of the year. It's also a top destination for honeymooners from around the world. As such, you'll find plenty of hotel honeymoon deals, as well as special rates on sightseeing tours and cruises throughout the island chain. If you're looking for affordable luxury on your trip, this is it.

The Caribbean

If you're planning a honeymoon in January or February, then the Caribbean is the perfect place for you to go. The weather is at its best in this area then, without the danger of hurricanes that comes in the summer. There are many small islands dotting the ocean in this area, and they're close together, so you'll have time to see as many as you like. While not as lush as Hawaii, the Caribbean has a deserved reputation as THE place to go to party, so if you're both up for a rousing good time, the Caribbean can give it to you.

The Mediterranean

The summer is the perfect time to visit the Mediterranean. The weather is warm and inviting, and all the shops are open. You'll find plenty of opportunities for dining outdoors and enjoying the historic and natural sites of the region. If you're wine lovers, you'll also find an array of vineyards to visit. Many hotels in the area run specials during this time of year, so be sure to check it out for good deals.

Alaska

Alaska is one of the most beautiful places on the North American continent, and the perfect place to go for your honeymoon vacation if you're looking for a wild and rugged time in some spectacular natural scenery. Whether you take an Alaskan cruise or traverse the interior of the state, there are plenty of photographic opportunities awaiting you, and many good deals to be had during the summer tourist season.

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What is the best, most undiscovered, non-fancy but non-rustic, and not uber-expensive Caribbean honeymoon spot

Just go to any of the OTHER Bahamian islands. There's 29 "Family Islands". Eleuthera is beautiful, it has pink sand and very few people outside of the cities on either end (they're moderate size towns). But oustide of New Providence and Grand Bahama islands they are all nice, the people are friendly, and you'll have a good relaxing time without a bunch of tourists all around.

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Honeymoon in Bora Bora { Tahiti } Best honeymoon destinations.

First and Foremost-Always deal with a professional Cruise Specialist who has access to the latest and greatest Disney Cruise Deals. While this may be logical to most, people like to ask their friends and family, who have been on a cruise. Sometimes that kind of advice can end up costing you more. What is a deal to some, may become an unhappy experience to others.

Shop around. It helps if you have an idea of pricing before you speak or think about booking online. After you find your best pricing, then contact a professional and ask questions to see if they can beat or at least match the price you have found.

Location-Location-Location!!! While this is true enough for real estate, we are talking about Cruises. And yes, your cabin can be considered real estate for the time you rent it out. If your cabin is right next to a noisy public place, it does not make for your best option. Not only does the location of your cabin count in cruise deals, but the size of your home away from home also counts. Inside cabins will always be less expensive. Most experienced cruisers already know this. But here is how that plays out. A cabin with a porthole (Ocean view) will come at a bit higher cost than the Inside, and a Verandah (balcony) cabin will be more. Also, there are several cabins on board that have an obstructive view and these would be offered at a considerable savings. A suite is a much larger cabin that offers amenities that may be important to you but not to your kids. It's all about personal taste.

Magical Rates during off peak times. Yes, you can get a deal on Disney cruises but you must be flexible and not travel when the most popular times to travel are to get the best deals. Of course we are talking about Disney Cruise Line and with that most of you will be taking along the kids. And most kids are in school and tend to get holidays off. Well then my advice to you is, expect to pay top dollar and book as early as possible. But for those of you with little ones not yet in school and can travel during off peak times such as January, early February, May, late August-October, and even parts of November and December, excluding holiday weeks and can book your cruise at least 3-6 months in advance can get yourself a good deal on a Disney cruise.

Shipboard credits-this can give you money to spend anywhere on the ship and is definitely a good value perk. At times there may be a special on certain sailings that offers a $50 per cabin ship board credit. These are subject to availability and must be booked within a given time frame. So take advantage of shipboard credits when they are available.

Florida resident and military discounts can be a great savings for you. Be sure to ask your Cruise Agent about this as these discounts are subject to availability.

For those of you who are considering a Land and Sea Package- This means that you will spend part of your time on the Disney Cruise and the other part at Disney World. Sometimes it ends up costing less to book these as two separate vacations. Have your Cruise Specialist figure out the cost both ways to see which would work out to be the better deal. Most times it is actually less expensive to book these separately.

For a family of 5, there is a special cost saving tip for you. You have an option of booking into a more expensive Category 4 which is a Deluxe Family Stateroom or you could get two connecting Category 9 (Ocean view) or Category 10 (Inside). You'd be saving money by booking 2 connecting cabins in the lower category, while enjoying two full bathrooms and more privacy.

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Disney's Caribbean Resort Tour - Florida

This article describes all steps taken by the new resort in Grenada to become truly sustainable.

Energy

They installed a 80 kW windmill with an expected yearly yield of 180,000 kWh. It is the first utility-grade windmill installed in Caricom and we could not find any resort that already installed a windmill, although there are several with plans and one under construction. With an estimated yearly power use of 120,000 kWh the resort will be better than zero carbon, once the connection to the mains is realized later this year.

They encourage other resorts to use wind energy and assist them in their feasibility study, give practical advice and can even offer assistance in installing by a factory trained team.

For interested students and prospective windmill owners they organize free seminars at the windmill.

To minimize the energy consumption the resort uses air conditioners with heat recovery units, which convert the heat loss into hot water, in addition to solar water heaters. In addition, a high efficiency dish washer with hot water connection is installed. Although with a smaller impact, energy saving lamps combined with solar lights are used. Energy efficient refrigerators and washing machines will be installed soon.

Last July and August the resort sold energy saving light bulbs to the local public and offered them a free lobster lunch with Champagne for every 4 light bulbs purchased. On a regular basis informal seminars are held and articles distributed to create awareness of energy saving. In a country were most appliances are only bought on price -and thus energy inefficient- this is not a luxury. The owners typically earn back the price difference with a energy saving class A refrigerator within 1 1/2 year.

CARBON FREE VACATION: for flights, stay and transport/activities

They will implement a carbon offset program where all flights, local transport/activities by guests will be offset by carbon credits purchased by the resort, on an automatic, audited basis, in addition to the stay which is already carbon free because of the windmill that supplies energy back to the electricity net. The guest's vacation is therefore guaranteed carbon neutral. The carbon offset program plants trees in Ethiopia which has additional social (firewood) and ecological (stop erosion) benefits. For a typical transatlantic flight 50 trees are planted, much more than most carbon offset programs that do not consider the re-emission of carbon dioxide after the lifetime of the tree.

Water

They built a surface well with underground channels to collect the rainwater from the hills around the resort. As there is no industry nor inorganic agriculture the water is extremely pure, so filtering is almost an unnecessary luxury. For the drinking water, they go to a source in the mountains, the same water as used for commercially bottled source water and supply the water in glass, reusable bottles.

Fossil fuel

Guests are asked to cooperate in combining full cars for tours. When guests go to town, we request them to take the bus rather than a taxi (on a voluntary basis). We are preparing a project to make bio diesel from waste (kitchen) oils.

Laundry

The resort asks guests to keep using the towels and bed linen as long as is comfortable for them.

Exclusive use of organic materials

From December 2008, the resort exclusively uses organic soap, shampoo, conditioner, lotion in dispensers, cleaning materials. They use organic meat and vegetables, mostly from their own organic gardens. They preferably purchase locally made goods.

Social responsibility

The resort hires local staff where possible so the area benefits from the resort's presence. After hurricane Ivan the resort set up an aid organisation to distribute food, water, medicines, vitamin pills, seeds and Christmas presents in the wide area (report available on request), initially from own means, later supported by teams in Canada, the USA and the Netherlands. They also help local cultural organizations with in kind donations, assist local NGO's and financially support community service projects

The resort announced a revitalization program aimed at crop and tree farmers. Many of them never restarted their farm after hurricane Ivan and moved into construction work. Now that the reconstruction boom is over they find themselves without a steady job and typically have no reserves. This is not only a social problem for the farmers themselves: vegetables now have to be partly imported to satisfy the demand at sharply increased prices. The program helps the farmers back in tune, from clearing their overgrown land to providing manure and seeds, as well as advice how to produce more economically.

The resort also will start social community services and green energy/conversation awareness programs pointed at both the local market and the travel industry.

For these programs the resorts introduced the Volunteer Vacation that offers a healthy balance between volunteer work and enjoying the island.

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Does anyone have a link to any map(s)....?

that is a map of canada, united states and the Caribbean, and has to have most of these or some of these features...

bering sea
l. winnipeg
l. athabaska
st.lawrence river
gulf of saint lawrence
victoria island
bafin bay
james bay
cheasapeake bay
baffin island
puget sound
bering strait
davis strait
sierra nevaa
rocky mountains

and this is not homework to find a map!!!!

google maps they have street and topographical maps fro satalite.

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Spell Of The Caribbean Islands, Archie Bell (VIRGIN ISLANDS Martinique St. Thomas Lucia Croix)

Founded in 1854 by John H. Stevens, a local ferryman, Minneapolis was officially recognized and established by the Minnesota Territorial Legislature as a town in 1856. Located on the banks of the Mississippi next to towering St. Anthony Falls, Minneapolis was built directly adjacent to the competing settlement of St. Anthony, and the two towns merged in 1872 under the name of Minneapolis. The recent arrival of the St. Paul and Pacific Railroad in the area ensured the town's success and opened up transportation routes to both the eastern United States and the western frontier. The city continued its growth and, today, it serves as a cultural and economic center for the region and a popular tourist destination.

Numerous historic sites and points of interest are available for visitors to Minneapolis and the surrounding area. Walking tours are provided each summer by the City of Minneapolis in conjunction with the Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Commission and offer guests and residents to the area a chance to explore the historic cemeteries, architectural features, and theaters in Minneapolis. Since much of Minnesota's history and heritage is centered on the Mississippi River and nearby Lake Minnetonka, any sightseeing tour must include one of the leisurely riverboat cruises that travel the Mississippi and traverse the lake throughout the summer months.

Paradise Charter Cruises offers exceptional amenities and comfort to guests on its Mississippi River cruises. Guests of Paradise Charter Cruises can enjoy a relaxing tour on the Paradise Lady, a chartered yacht with all the glamour and luxuries you'd expect along with an added personal touch. For a more traditional sightseeing experience, tourists can board the Minneapolis Queen, a 125-passenger paddle-wheeler that offers a narrated tour of the highlights of downtown Minneapolis as seen from the Mighty Mississippi including the historic lock at Saint Anthony Falls, the largest lock anywhere on the Mississippi River. The Pizza and Lock Cruise and the Friday Evening Dinner Cruise are especially popular since they give tourists the opportunity to see the beautiful Minneapolis skyline lit up at night.

For those seeking scenic natural surroundings and a tranquil sightseeing experience, Paradise Charter Cruises also offers sightseeing tours of Lake Minnetonka on board three luxurious motor yachts, the Paradise Destiny II, the Paradise Princess II, and the Paradise Grand. Each sleekly elegant yacht offers outstanding amenities including complimentary snacks, television screens with DVD player, climate-controlled interiors, and dance floors. Cruises vary, but most travel along the Big Island Channel Pass to provide a good view of Lake Minnetonka's beautiful islands and shoreline. Guests can expect to see waterfowl, fish, and other wildlife along with some of the most beautiful natural scenery in the United States.

Paradise Charter Cruises offers package discounts for larger groups, school outings, and wedding parties. Additional public cruises can be arranged for groups of twenty or more, and catering can be arranged with advance notice. A sightseeing excursion on one of the Paradise Charter Cruises luxurious boats can make any vacation something special. Schedules and ticket availability for public cruises vary, so buy in advance for guaranteed seats.

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"Venezuela to host Russia navy exercise in Caribbean" how will this effect US defense policy?

First, I can't believe the Russians are going to try to pry some of their rust-buckets away from the pier and sail them 1/2 way around the world, and back. Even during the Soviet Navy's heyday this was rarely attempted. Assuming they don't breakdown en route and need to be towed back to Russia, how will this effect the US defense policy and posture?

I'm a retired Chief Petty Officer, USN.

http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSN0633952420080907?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews&rpc=22&sp=true

CARACAS (Reuters) - Several Russian ships and 1,000 soldiers will take part in joint naval maneuvers with Venezuela in the Caribbean Sea later this year, exercises likely to increase diplomatic tensions with Washington, a pro-government newspaper reported on Saturday.

(read the rest at the link)

It will get the Pentagon a bit jittery while it is going on. They should be more sanguine about it and keep their nerve. This is nothing more than sabre rattling on Russia's part, it is not meant to be for real.
Any sort of action to be taken should be in the Venezuelan ports when the Russians come ashore, a few conversations and drinks with the ordinary Russian sailors should give a good picture of what the Bear is up to. I wish I had a run ashore like that when I was in the Navy, they will get spoilt rotten.

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Sailing Bahamas - Distant Shores