Tag: vacation discounts

Americans are known for seeking the roads less traveled and, in many cases, continuing to journey even after the road ends. More than 50 million Americans went off-roading in 2005, a 42 percent increase since 2000.

For fans of off-roading, there are two considerations when taking to the dirt and rocks of off-road driving: safety and ecology. Safety starts with having the right equipment-a vehicle that's designed for uneven, unpredictable terrain and tough, dependable tires that can take the punishment of dirt, rocks, ravines and more. And by following ecological guidelines, you can help ensure that trails will be enjoyable for other adventurers.

Safety Tips

1. Inform someone of where you are going and when you expect to return.

2. Make sure your vehicle has plenty of fuel.

3. Ride at safe speeds for existing conditions.

4. Travel straight up and down hills-never traverse the face of a hill; it may cause your vehicle to slip sideways or roll over.

5. Cross large rocks or other obstacles slowly, at an angle, one wheel at a time.

6. Cross ravines at a 45-degree angle.

7. Only cross streams at a designated fording point.

8. Never turn around on narrow roads, steep terrain or unstable ground.

9. Avoid stopping in tall grass or brush, which can be ignited by engine heat.

10. Reduce tire pressure to improve traction in tough off-road conditions.

It's the Ecology

1. Drive only where permitted.

2. Keep a trash bag in your vehicle and collect litter left by others.

3. Ride in the middle to minimize the widening of the trail.

4. Avoid slide slipping and wheel spin to prevent erosion.

5. Keep away from wildlife.

6. Steer clear of sensitive habitats: wetlands, meadows, tundra, etc.

7. Clean your vehicle after the ride to reduce the spread of noxious weeds.

8. Observe proper sanitary waste disposal.

Top Trails

To highlight some of the best off-road trails in the country, BFGoodrich Tires, in conjunction with Tread Lightly and United Four Wheel Drive Associations, has launched its Outstanding Trails program. The program is dedicated to the responsible use and preservation of these off-road trails and will aid in the effort to keep these trails sustainable. 

"Last year, more than 50 million people sought adventure through recreational off-road driving; the sport is exploding in popularity," said Kaz Holley, brand director for BFGoodrich Tires. "Each one of the trails highlighted in this program is amazing, and embodies the very best in off-roading. BFGoodrich tires and these Outstanding Trails are very similar in nature-both are tough and both are fun to drive on."

The program identifies five of North America's best trails. From desolate desert stretches to towering peaks and rolling hillsides, these trails are unique in toughness and beauty.

After a careful selection process, five of North America's "outstanding" off-road trails were nominated for uniqueness, terrain type and enthusiast following:

• Black Bear Pass, near Ouray, Colo., is a picturesque trail nestled in the San Juan Mountains.

• Pyeatt Draw, a scenic and exciting trail situated in Payson, Ariz.

• Hell's Revenge, with its slick sandstone slopes, brings adventure to thrill seekers in Moab, Utah.

• Historic Naches Pass, also known as the Longmire Wagon Train, takes off-road drivers over the Cascade Mountains in Naches, Wash.

• Upper Tellico Trail, Trail #4, located in the Nantahala National Forest, is located in an area where Tennessee, North Carolina and Georgia meet.

As a part of the program, BFGoodrich Tires will host several events at designated trails to highlight the uniqueness of each location as well as to educate off-roaders on the responsible use of each trail. The company will also give a grant to a selected off-road club to help with the costs associated with the trails' conservation.

The Midwestern state of Ohio is nothing short of the all-American experience for travel, business or pleasure. Ohio is the center of milestones in United States history, from space flight and presidents to rock and roll and football. Finding your ideal airfare to Ohio from anywhere in the world is always convenient by choosing among Ohio’s six international airports: Cincinnati, Dayton, Port Columbus, Akron-Fulton, Cleveland-Hopkins and Rickenbacker.

Outdoors in Ohio

With its varying borders and waterways, Ohio is both easily accessible and fantastically diverse. Ohio is bordered by Pennsylvania, Michigan, Kentucky, Indiana, West Virginia, and Ontario, Canada across Lake Erie. Ohio also enjoys the natural borders of Lake Erie to the north and the Ohio River to the south, providing for a bustling and lucrative trade industry. In the north, Ohio is particularly flat due to glacial activity in the past. The Glaciated Allegheny Plateaus in the northeast, famous for their coal mining legacy, give way to busy waters of the Erie. Moving further south, Ohio is graced with rolling hills and the foothills of the Appalachians, home to many local wineries and booming agribusiness.

The Lake Erie Islands belong to Ohio and are a wonderfully festive and picturesque escape from the seaside hustle and bustle of Cleveland. Private vacation homes, public beaches, amusement parks, and even wineries grace the many different islands. Back on the mainland, the Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a splendid destination for adventurers and nature lovers. The park is conveniently close to urban centers, but its cascading waterfalls, winding rivers and abundant flora and fauna make this 5th most visited U.S. National Park worlds away. Another popular escape is Wayne National Forest in the southeast.

Ohio’s Opulent Legacies

With major urban centers like Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus and Akron, Ohio has blessed the rest of the United States with constant innovation and culture. Just outside of Akron in Canton is the birthplace of professional American football, as well as the Pro Football Hall of Fame. On the banks of Lake Erie, the world-class metropolis of Cleveland is known as the Rock and Roll capital of the world and home to one of the best collections of art and culture in the United States.

Ohio is also famous as the birthplace of eight U.S. Presidents, Neil Armstrong, John Glenn, and the fathers of aviation, the Wright Brothers. Ohio also pioneers the space science and flight industry with the NASA Research Center and the National Museum of the United States Air Force.  Travel to Ohio for a diverse jaunt through modern American culture, Native American History and the condemnation of slavery where the Underground Railroad terminated.

Located throughout the Caribbean, all-inclusive resorts lure visitors with affordable vacation packages. Encompassing airfare, lodging and onsite activities, these Caribbean beach resorts are enjoyed by families and couples hoping to relax in the sunshine. Yet, many visitors have left such all-inclusive resorts with a bitter taste in their mouths. If you – like many of the travelers disappointed by the inflexibility of all-inclusive resorts – want to establish your own itinerary, sample traditional Caribbean dining options and explore many different activities, these Caribbean beach resorts are simply not for you. Here’s why.

First, plenty of travelers have realized that many all-inclusive vacations come with certain strings attached. When examining all-inclusive packages on the internet, the fine print may reveal a startling number of contracts and other binding difficulties. Some all-inclusive resorts entice travelers with low-priced vacation packages, only to bombard their customers with sales pitches for timeshares.

It is often difficult to determine where an all-inclusive resort is located if you are unfamiliar with the area. While it may suit your fancy to spend your vacation outside of the Caribbean hotel zones, many travelers have been disappointed by the lack of activities available at many all-inclusive resorts. If you choose to leave your all-inclusive resort, you will have to pay for additional activities. When staying at smaller all-inclusive resorts with limited access to other tourist opportunities, your additional costs could very quickly surpass the money you saved upfront. 

Many travelers have also complained about the lack of payment flexibility that comes with a stay at an all-inclusive resort. In addition to requiring large upfront payments, many all-inclusive resorts have tricky refund policies, making it difficult to change plans when necessary. This difficulty also applies to the charter flights that often accompany all-inclusive packages. For many, these troubles are compounded by the fact that travel days may be limited, forcing you to alter your desired timeframe for your Caribbean vacation. 

Once you arrive at your Caribbean location, you might also be responsible for your own luggage and transportation to the resort. For the resorts that do offer shuttle service, the included transportation will most likely be limited to airport pickup and drop-off. For instance, if the resort is located in a secluded area, transportation to other locations will not be included in your package. Furthermore, consider the fact that many all-inclusive resorts are located much farther away from popular sites than average hotels and resorts. So, unless you care to spend your entire Caribbean vacation basking beside the same swimming pool, a nightly rental resort will put you much closer to the action. 

While many criticize all-inclusive resorts for not contributing to local Caribbean economies – due in part to their distance from major cities and tourist areas – it can also be said that such packages prevent you from experiencing the unique culture of your destination. Since you decided to take a Caribbean vacation, you probably want to get out of the hotel and see what the Caribbean has to offer. Yet, all-inclusive resorts anticipate their guests spending most of their time at the resorts, locations that are often devoid of any local cuisine or custom. 

Another important thing to consider regarding all-inclusive resorts is that tipping is usually expected, even at some resorts that advertise tipping as unnecessary. Many travelers have found themselves in uncomfortable positions, receiving sub-par service at all-inclusive resorts as a result of such misunderstandings.

When planning your Caribbean vacation, think about what kind of traveler you are and what you want to accomplish. Do you want to set your own agenda, enjoy diverse Caribbean dining options and engage in truly unique activities? Or would you rather relax at a resort, forget your troubles and soak up the sun? While families and couples on strict budgets might enjoy all-inclusive resorts, any adventurous traveler will relish the freedom of planning their own Caribbean vacation.

For the best all-inclusive travel Caribbean resort, look for a few things beyond the ordinary. Of course, you want sun, sea and sand, but you can ask for so much more.

For a truly all-inclusive travel Caribbean vacation, look for a beach to lounge on by day, a dining room that lets you bask in soft tropical breezes by night, plenty of opportunity for water sports and other activities, a lounge deck within easy access of the Caribbean's beautiful waters for your lounging pleasure and last but not least, a comfortable room with an equally comfortable bed to relax and have a peaceful slumber in after a long day in the sun.

Caribbean vacationers these days are looking to pamper themselves at all-inclusive travel Caribbean resorts with everything at their beck and call. In addition, many of these all-inclusive resorts are beachfront properties or are near lakes or other bodies of water. About 79% of them fit this bill, and the views are simply astonishing. Whatever your price range, this is the best place to relax for your vacation, at an all-inclusive travel Caribbean resort. Let someone else wait on you, for once.

Here are some choices you might want to consider:

Breezes Bahamas

Breezes Bahamas is located on the eastern end of Cable Beach. It has the proverbial warm breezes and deep blue sea. Like every all-inclusive travel Caribbean resort, it offers everything for your vacation pleasure. It used to be the old Ambassador Beach Hotel. In 1995, the SuperClubs assumed management and performed major renovations on the already beautiful resort.

Breezes' all-inclusive travel Caribbean resort truly means all-inclusive. At Breezes, just about everything is included with price. You get room accommodations, all meals, all snacks and unlimited wine or beer with lunch and dinner. If you so choose, you can have alcoholic drinks mixed with premium brand liquors at each of the four bars. In addition, the all-inclusive travel Caribbean resort also provides most of your sporting activities, both on water and land. It also includes airport transfers, activity fees, and airport transfers, taxes and gratuities. Everything is included in one package price.

Club Med Turkoise

Club Med Turkoise is an all-inclusive travel Caribbean resort located on Providenciales Island, in the Turks and Caicos, Caribbean. Its white sand beaches offset the incredible beauty and surrounding view of the sea.

Although the land is dry and flat, like the rest of the Caribbean, its beauty is unsurpassed. Its breathtakingly clear deep blue waters make it the place to go for those who love water sports, and of course the water's clarity make it the ideal spot for scuba divers and snorkelers.

The resort boasts 298 rooms, appointed for travelers' comfort. The price also includes three meals a day, unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, most sporting activities, and nightly entertainment.

Le Sport

Le Sport at St. Lucia states: “Give us your body for a week and we’ll give you back your mind.” And indeed, this all-inclusive travel Caribbean resort strives to do exactly that. Its focus on personalized rejuvenation and holiday treats, with an emphasis on pleasure, should help the most weary business traveler relax and let go.

Early models of travel humidors were patterned after air-tight cases in which the cigar aficionado placed cigars already maintained in a cellar humidor. This worked well except that when one opened the travel humidor, since the maintained humidity existed as a result of already moist cigars, each time the humidor was opened, humidity would escape and the ambient humidity of the room replaced the humidity that had been inside the travel humidor.

When humidors where first created by Zino Davidoff in the early 20th century, we were large cellar humidors which certainly made for restricted travel. One now had the ability to strive for the perfect cigar, but only from home. Most people would agree that the feasibility of travelling with a large room did not exist, and still does not, even today. A dilemma arose as to how to preserve a moist cigar while travelling.

Today humidors can be found that are battery-powered or can be plugged into any available AC outlet or a combination of both. While these types of humidors are more functional than ostentatious, we can be made of any materials in varying shapes and designs, suited to  the taste of even the most discriminating smoker.

Most travel humidors are made of very durable plastic, designed to withstand the rigors of being moved about and for its lightweight portability.

Travel humidors now meant that a society that is becoming increasingly more mobile as a result of the prevalence of automobiles and air is no longer demanded to choose between having a perfect cigar and being tied to home or having to leave behind one's favorite pastime to travel.