Summer is coming to its final third and snow is in sight. If you’re like me and are anxious to hit the slopes this winter or just get your boots wet, then you might want to start thinking about new winter gear. Before you start to consider the possible options of what you might buy, first consider where you might want to buy it. This questioning may lead you to grab your dogsled and travel to where the dollars are plenitful.
Puffy jackets, Princess Leia earmuffs, and hand warmers are just some of the necessities needed to make this upcoming winter bearable. Depending on the type of winter person you tend to be, clothing and gear will vary on the price since the value of the dollar and its relationship to the Euro is sluggish. The dollar recently has dipped for numerous reasons, giving Europeans or anyone using Euros to take advantage of this opportunity. As of right now the EURO/USD exchange rate is 1.3785 allowing many to fly abroad and pounce on these American sales as the dollar hovers at the value it has fallen too.
Coming to America is a great move to purchase winter gear. Buying this equipment in the summer or even the fall will end up saving you a bunch of cash. If you’re willing to jump on the slippery slopes with a snowboard, you might as well buy it from the best. Top selling snowboards from Burton distinguished as the Burton Cruzer ($299), the Burton Clash Board ($349), and the Burton Custom X Snowboard ($559) will all force you inside your pocket, but if you’re using your converted currency then your inclination may be to buy these high end snowboards. If you’re more of a skier and are looking for a pair that will really take off, try Skis.com to purchase a pair of Salomon Equipe Skis for $399 or the Salomon Scrambler Skis for $199 for a cheaper price.
Hop on the sale trail since most equipment is cheap now and will only get more expensive as the winter nears. Before making an appearance in the states, check some online American stores and have an idea what you’re willing to buy and the cost converted into Euros. Some good websites may include the Sierratradingpost.com, backcountry.com, and your more popular websites like REI.com. These websites will be a good starting point for buying cheaper winter gear like winter hats, gloves, jackets, thick socks, waterproof boots, and as well a number of undershirts. You want to be the first on the mountain, right? So make sure to purchase you gear abroad, take advantage of the “currency sale”. Ski the famous Alps that stretch through seven different European countries and have a reputation for being extremely difficult to maneuver.
Whatever your reason is for getting excited for winter, I’m sure the states have a way of making it cheaper, especially with the dollar creeping down.
August 6, 2007 No Comments
Knock, knock. Who’s there? Orange. Orange who? Orange you glad that cruising the Atlantic is affordable and within proximity of your home and work? In evaluating New York ports vs. Florida ports, in this article you will better understand the differences between the Big Apple and the Sunshine State, and their diverse itineraries.
The Empire State is a haven for tourists, so it would only make sense that it is a great place to depart from as well. As far as the cruising industry goes, New York is a port that delivers various destinations. Some of these destinations may include anywhere from Canada/New England and the Caribbean to Spain and Portugal. New York’s central location on the Atlantic gives the city’s cruise lines more of an eclectic feel by traveling to Europe and more of the northern hemisphere. Although most cruise destinations can be sought out from this port, the major difference behind New York is your ability to choose from a variety of assorted spots, not just the most popular ones. When it comes to the ships, the boats that depart from “the city that never sleeps” are an array of popular cruise lines including Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Cunard Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland American Line, and limited Royal Caribbean Cruises. If your experience has taught you to pick a specific cruise line, then rummage through the options and find out where the wind blows.
You’re not cutting an onion, so there is no reason to cry over prices. In fact, prices from New York are actually something to smile about. According to SideStep.com, a vacation search engine, several destinations can be financially affordable. Examples of these vacations without a plane ticket, would run about $599 for a 7-day trip to Canada/New England, an average 7-night cruise to Bermuda is $799, an 11-night Southern Caribbean cruise will cost around $1200, and a 15-night transatlantic trip to Europe will also cost approximately $1200. If you’re monetary options are limited and you’re not only searching for a tropical paradise, New York would be a better place to depart from. Not to mention, if you’re from the area, then you will save money you would’ve spent on a plane ticket.
Florida, is a port that dedicates most of its traveling to the southern exotic destinations. Florida’s ports including Miami, Tampa Bay, and Ft. Lauderdale are among the most frequently used in the Peninsula State. A majority of the cruise lines that depart from New York also depart from Florida, but there are a few that more often than not take off from Florida calling it more of a home. These would include: Celebrity Cruises, Costa Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, and even Royal Caribbean. The vacation destinations that are the more recognizable and desired stops on the map typically come from this area and we would know them as the Caribbean and the Bahamas. Florida ports do travel to the eastern coast of the U.S, but finding a feasible date for this type of vessel may seem a bit more complicated.
If you’re from the northeast, vacationing from one of the three Floridian destinations might add some extra cash to an originally manageable price. Similar to those prices from the New York port, SideStep.com has an assortment of low cruise prices. Some examples of these trips to paradise include a tropical 4-day trip to the Caribbean starting at $189, a 7-night sail to the Exotic Eastern Caribbean, and even a 2-night sail to the Bahamas for $309. Adding in discount airline tickets to Florida cruising at approximately $160 to $200 roundtrip, is something new to consider.
Depending on whether your preferences lead you to travel from the north or south is contingent on your final destination choice. Either way, when traveling in the lap of luxury, make sure your preferences meet your financial expectations. Orange you glad I brought it up?
August 3, 2007 No Comments
The neophyte airline Virgin America is drawing a bit more attention its way. For starters, they are causing a small fare war between big competitors: JetBlue Airways and Dallas-based Southwest Airlines. JetBlue is stating that they are willing to match fares of the synonymous routes Virgin America’s has recently announced. JetBlue, a similar airline that provides fun and enticing amenities for low prices, is now offering round trip tickets at $278 between New York City, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. Southwest Airlines is also putting up a fare fight claiming to match one of the route’s prices. But Virgin could have a bigger problem.
According to Frommer’s Travel Guides, Virgin Airlines haven’t exactly been cleared for an official take off. They have posted deals and prices flying between five major cities (Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Washington D.C., Las Vegas), but they are unfortunately still waiting for the approval of the Department of Transportation. Therefore, it may be a good idea to wait and see if this company will actually follow through with what it promised on August 8th. Although, if you have already bought tickets and the airline doesn’t past the test, you are qualified to receive a rebate up to 200% of the original ticket value or have alternate transportation provided.
August 2, 2007 No Comments
Picture this. You’re at the top of the mountain with the sun beating down on your face. You take a deep breath, pull down your visor, strap into your board and begin to plunge. The wind is at your back from the gravity ripping you down the sandy decline. This, ladies and gentlemen, is the popular sport of sandboarding. Its recognition has grown from curious snowboarders to the greater public, and as you will agree, sandboarding is a thrilling way to spend an afternoon. If you’re looking for a relaxing vacation involving spas and other calming treatments, this is not the sort of vacation you’re looking for. Sandboarding is an adrenaline rushing, sand flying, sweat pouring activity that will really get your heart pumping.
I’m sure you have a mental snapshot, but the extreme sport of sandboarding is almost identical to snowboarding except the landscape is a sandy dune rather than a snow filled peak. This sport was first introduced by the Egyptians and other similar cultures that slid down these dry peaks with wooden planks. It may seem like a newly discovered craze, but sandboarding is everywhere. Although there are several places to sandboard all over the globe ranging from Oregon to South Australia, one of the more popular locations is Cerro Blanco in Peru. This mountainous slope is the world’s tallest sand dune at 2078 meters high. Even though most dunes have unlimited trails, the one downside of these trails is the difference in the terrain. Like myself, adapting to the sandy slopes might take some time if you’re used to slick snowy slopes.
On the brighter side, one of the activity’s best characteristics is it’s a four seasoned sport, unlike its seasonal cousin, snowboarding. This makes it easier to book a trip that will conform around your schedule. Also, if you’re unable to travel to these lengths, search for a location nearest you. There are approximately twenty three sandboarding locations in the U.S., but sandboardinging dunes are most prominent in the states of California, Oregon, and Arizona. If you are looking for somewhere in particular, check out sandboard.com for the Sandboard Magazine and look under “locations”. If you’re interested in Cerro Blanco specifically, here is a helpful website: http://www.mysteryperu.com/eng/co_cerro_blanco.html.
Although this may seem like an expensive trip to most, there will actually be less wallet-digging. The financial misconception may have derived from extensive layers and equipment necessary for the avid snowboarder. Remember, these dunes are quite hot, so the less clothing and equipment, the less expensive. To tour (ride) this exceptional landscape for a duration of six hours, the price per person is only $30. They then will provide you with the sandboarding equipment required (sandboards, goggles, wax, etc.), making it less of a hassle. If you’re curious as to how much a board cost for the keen sandboarder, it ranges anywhere from $100 to over $350, a hundred or so less then a snowboard.
Now, when planning your exciting trip to Cerro Blanco or any dune for sandboarding, there are a number of things you may want to pack. This list includes: strong comfortable footwear, sunglasses for obvious reasons, a jacket for the early morning and night time, a hefty water bottle to quench your thirst, sun block, small snacks to keep yourself from starving, cameras for the perfect Kodak moment, and a small backpack to carry these items with you for your fast paced trip. All of these things will help make your trip a bit more comfortable and less worrisome.
Now, I understand that this may seem a little unconventional as a vacation, but think of it just as a different type of vacation. It is another way of distancing yourself from the repetitive, mundane office. Try the daring lifestyle of this extreme sport and get out of your comfort zone.
July 26, 2007 No Comments
Orlando is a place for kids’ right? Not exactly. Yes, it is the home to Disney World, but Orlando can also provide a vacation filled with entertainment, relaxation, and eternal bliss for the older folk. If you’re looking to get in touch with your inner child and still act your age, I have provided some fun activities that will help you enjoy Orlando in a more age-appropriate manner.
Not so fast! Before diving out of the magical kingdom, look to see what it may have to offer you and your significant other. Explore Epcot, a part of the park that provides an exciting feel with a slice of diversity. Put on a helmet and hold on tight as you race up to the stars on Mission: Space or speed around the Test Track. If you’re spinning gut is telling you to take pleasure in a more comforting setting, check out Epcot’s Pavilions. Here you can indulge in a miniature world of vast cultures. These countries or ‘pavilions’ include: Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Morocco, Norway, the U.S., and the United Kingdom. Sail from country to country and wrap yourself with the authentic traditions each pavilion illuminates!
If you’re trying to stray away from the busy theme parks and you’re into the artistic side of Orlando, there are plenty of places to visit. Tap to the beat as you experience the modern side of the Orlando Ballet with the “Orlando Ballet Pops”. If you’re more of a singer, visit the Orlando Opera in its 50th season of song. Delve into the world’s most comprehensive works of Louis Comfort Tiffany at the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art in Winter Park. By taking a step into central Florida you can take advantage of any of the 100 parks, museums, culture performances, wildlife experiences, and other attractions that are waiting to be explored by culture buffs like yourself.
Are you more of a conventional vacationer? Explore 176 beautiful golf courses and endless miles of fairway within an hour drive of Orlando. Play at some of Florida’s newer premier courses: The Ritz Carlton Golf Club Orlando, Grande Lakes,Ginn Reunion Resort, Champions Gate Golf Club, and one of Florida’s top courses recognized by “Golfweek” and “Golf Digest” magazines — Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club and Lodge.
If you’re more of a nocturnal being and are looking for a lively nightlife, Orlando is a great place to investigate. Downtown Disney has a nightlife like you wouldn’t believe with a tri-level complex of three separate levels of bars. Club Paris Orlando offers a VIP feel in the historic area on Church Street. International drive also has a compilation of nighttime shopping, such as Pointe Orlando housing a large nighttime compound of shops and restaurants featuring BB King’s Blues Club, offering some southern soul food and music that will keep you intrigued. If you are looking for somewhere that will make your stomach ache of never-ending laughs, try The Comedy Warehouse at Walt Disney World’s Pleasure Island.
Regardless of your age and personal interests, Orlando has a bit of everything for everyone. This is simply what makes Orlando a city that you will never be able to forget. So get lost in it all in Orlando, Florida.
July 26, 2007 No Comments
Slow moving lines, screaming infants, and a beeping medal detector are just some of the airport security inconveniences that result in a pounding headache. It’s time to plan your trip well in order to avoid these annoying occurrences and finally have a smooth sailing vacation. To help, here are five things you can do that will make your next trip to the airport less painful.
1. Over packing is a no-no.
Although it may seem necessary at the time, it will just cause you a sore shoulder as well as a longer wait as airport security sorts through your over sized luggage. Supply enough to be comfortable and with a couple extra selections, but limit the extra necessities that could cause more of a pain under the medal detector.
2. Check what ever you can.
When checking in your luggage, squeeze as many bags on the conveyor belt behind the check counter as possible. This way you will have to carry less to the security checkpoint.
3. Make sure to have identification at all times.
To avoid any problems, make sure to supply enough identification necessary to the destination you’re planning to fly to. If you’re flying domestically, bring a photo id such as your driver’s license. If you’re flying internationally, don’t forget to bring your passport so you’re not stuck in the airport like.
4. Buy a ticket way in advance.
This will not only enable you to find a cheaper ticket and a better seat on the plane, but will also lower your chance of being randomly selected for baggage check.
5. Arrive at the airport at least an hour before the flight.
Showing up at the airport early is a really good thing. Not only will you wait on a shorter line, but also you will avoid a panic attack from being less rushed. The more time you have to concentrate on the little things (aka: kids, medication, etc), the less stressed your journey through the medal detector will be.
These tips will help to make you next trip a little easier and smoother. Preparation is key to a safe, less frantic, and relaxing vacation for you and the entire family. Bon Voyage!
July 26, 2007 No Comments
The extensive list of amenities that Virgin America provides combined with its low fares shake the foundation of competitors all over the country. This rumbling has caused some early friction between future airline contenders, resulting in a battle for the sky.
Even before Virgin America’s first flight, the competition was becoming restless. Delta Airlines, Continental Airlines, and several other U.S. based airlines felt that this British based company, coupled with billionaire Richard Branson, was infringing on foreign U.S. territory. The airlines put up a fight stating that Virgin America was exceeding the federal restriction for foreign control of a U.S. airline at 25%. In simpler terms, Virgin America must be 75% owned by U.S. shareholders in order for it to be a U.S. competitor according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. The company responded by affirming that it will make a genuine effort to sell an increasing number of stocks to U.S. investors, and as a result of these sharp glances, is also forcing Virgin America’s chief executive, Fred Reid, to step down in November.
This “domestic” feud between airlines looks like preliminary anxiety to the future success of the already flourishing Virgin Atlantic Airlines. Although Branson has experience running his own business back in the UK, a new face representing Virgin America might result in an immature company that can’t hold a candle to the big boys of the U.S. It’s up to this novice airline to hold its own on the runway.
July 26, 2007 No Comments
Virgin America, Virgin Atlantic’s new airline, has finally trekked across the Atlantic to make a permanent landing on U.S. soil. As of August 9th and 29th, Virgin America will become a functioning domestic airline. The San Francisco based airline Virgin Atlantic Airways, originating in 1984, has expanded their repertoire and is now offering flights between five U.S. cities ranging from San Francisco (SFO), Los Angles (LAX), New York (JFK), Las Vegas (LAS), and Washington D.C (IAD). This is excluding the 27 other locations that Virgin Atlantic Airways regularly services.
Virgin Atlantic Airways is known for their luxurious amenities, being the first airline to supply every individual passenger with his/her own television. Each individual traveler will experience subtle mood lighting, leather seats, a nine-inch TV with live feeds, an array of 25 movies to choose from, and has access to a power outlet. Extra luxuries in first class include all of the above amenities, as well as oversized massaging seats.
Virgin America is currently holding an opening sale seven days a week, through November 14th. This sale includes cross country flights from both New York to Los Angles (starting August 29th) and New York to San Francisco (starting August 9th) for only $139 each way. If you want to upgrade to the mechanical masseuse class, it’s $389 each way. If you’re looking for an inexpensive, accommodating, and relaxing airline between the major cities in the states, Virgin America is your provider.
July 19, 2007 No Comments
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