Before you Leave

Call your credit card company a few days before you book your trip and let them know the areas you will be travelling in so that your card is not declined because of suspicious activity. Most companies regularly monitor all accounts for fraud, so alerting the company will help you avoid the embarrassment of having your card declined in another country.

Make sure your credit card company doesn’t charge fees for foreign transactions, otherwise you may end up with a much larger bill than you intended. The best travel credit cards offer no fees for foreign transactions, but some companies charge up to three percent of the total bill each time the card is swiped.

It’s smart to bring a backup card with you any time you travel so that you aren’t out of luck if there is a problem with your primary card. You should also keep your card with you to minimize the chance of losing it or being a victim of theft.

While You’re Traveling

Keep every receipt you are given during the trip so you can check it against your statement when you return home. This will help you stay well under your credit limit and give you written record in case you are charged the wrong amount.

Using the card with the best travel rewards and lowest fees will help you get the most out of your trip. It’s best to use the same card to reserve your hotel rooms, rent your car and buy your plane tickets so that you get the maximum number of travel rewards.

Getting a small amount of cash after you reach your destination is a smart move, especially if you will be traveling outside of the city. Foreign cash advances can be tricky, so talk to someone at your credit card company before you leave. They should be able to help you understand the process of getting cash and any fees that are involved.

Some people still feel safer when they carry cash, but using a credit card will protect you against theft and fraud while you travel. There are also many opportunities to earn rewards when you travel with a credit card. These rewards can be used when you’re planning your next exotic vacation.

Guest post by Credit Card Insider, your trusted credit resource, providing plain-language guidance from seasoned industry veterans. We aim to build the most comprehensive resource on the Internet about the responsible use of credit, building and managing your credit history, and making informed decisions when selecting a credit card.

5. Trip to the Beach
–You knew this one was coming, but the beaches in Rocky Point are without match. Check out all the amazing beaches throughout the region, while trying out some fun beach activities such as horseback riding, banana rides, boogie boarding, and the tried and true classic, sun bathing under the amazing Rocky Point sun. Trust us; you will enjoy it!

4. Sunset Cruise
–Cruises here are a major tourist attraction and are the best way to relax and unwind from your daily duties. Hang out on the deck while sunbathing, or take some time to play shuffleboard with the other cruise patrons. Whatever you decide to do, even if you decide to do it on a sailboat, cruises in Rocky Point are fun and relaxing. This is definitely a “cannot miss”.

3. Fishing Trips
–The fishing in Puerto Penasco is above and beyond what almost any other coast based city can offer, and is among the main reasons some even decide to come. No matter what your age or skill level, there are tons of opportunities for you to fish to your heart’s content, all while catching some exotic fish. This is definitely a major highlight here in Rocky Point.

2. City Tour
–If you are looking for an awesome way to learn more about the city and discover some other fantastic activities, the City Tour is certainly a great way to do so. Grab your binoculars and your camera, and hit the town with your professional tour guide—it’s fun, educational, and, most importantly, a major part of Rocky Point’s culture.

1. Scuba Diving
–Scuba diving is our number one activity on this list and for good reason too. For years, people have enjoyed seeing the incredible ocean life on organized scuba trips, and it still isn’t any less fun. The majestic view of the thousands of sea creatures which call these waters home is something you will never forget, and is sure to put that extremely tasty cherry on top of your already amazing Rocky Point Vacation.

If you want any more ideas, feel free to contact us at any time on our website www.puerto-penasco.com we will help you plan the vacation of your life! Good luck!

(Guest post)
 

5. Golfing
–With some of the best golf courses around, Park City actually offers golfers of all skill levels a place to ply their craft and unwind from the rigors of everyday life. Without a doubt, if you want to engage in a friendly game of golf in an already beautiful locale, you should definitely try and do so. It is fun, and great for the entire family—provided you all enjoy golf, of course!

4. Restaurants
–Though it may seem strange, Park City offers some of the best restaurants in all of Utah. From delicious family themed diners to decadent gourmet restaurants that are sure to please even the pickiest of palates, you simply won’t have any difficulty finding somewhere delicious to eat. However, we must suggest you try some of the most famous eateries here, such as the Riverhorse on Main and Glitretind Restaurant. Both of these epitomize the ideals of Park City, and will show you what a real meal is like!

3. Hiking and other Summer Attractions
–It is true that Park City is known for its winter activities, but summer is still nothing to sneeze at. With some of the best hiking spots around, and a host of fantastic summer activities—like horseback riding and others—you will find that Park City is much more than just a winter wonderland. It is fun, varied, and beautiful year round as well!

2. SUNDANCE Film Festival
–Once a year, the famous Sundance Film Festival comes to Park City in a flurry of well-known stars, beginning actors, and avant-garde directors to display to the masses the best films it has to offer. And, whether you consider yourself a cine-phile or not, it is still a fantastic occasion that is sure to entertain the entire weekend that it is there. Truly, as an activity that is completely unique to Park City, this one shines as something you simply cannot miss!

1. Skiing and Snow Sports
–Obviously, the biggest reason anyone comes here is because of the impeccable skiing/snow sports locales Park City offers. Voted amongst the best ski destinations in the entire United States, Park City has tons of slopes, ski resorts, and ski lodges that are all geared towards making your experience that much better. You will never have more fun here than you will if you strap some skis to your feet and hit the slopes, we can promise you that!

If you have any more questions, go to the website www.parkcityvacationrentals.com and we will get back to you as soon as we can! Trust us; if anyone can help you plan the perfect Park City Vacation, it is us. We cannot wait to hear from you!

(Guest post)
 

Photo: El coleccionista de instantes

Of course, you will still need a great surfboard and some other necessary accessories, but I believe it’s all in the mind. If you are really determent to succeed and have your mind seet to it, you can make it. It may take you some time, but you will get there if you really want to.

For the beginner, it may be much easier than the regular, oldfashioned way of surfing. Having a paddle to help you out, is more easy. You can start out with flat water SUP and river surf – and of course, there are also good trainers to take lessons from, always invaluable to get a shortcut to the secrets of the sport.

Maybe you will even become a legendary SUP surfer, who knows…? Practise is what makes the skills go beyond imagination…

It’s also a very good reason to travel to other, more surf-friendly places all over the world. Having an interest like surfing, there are numerous places to try out for surfing around the world. You can do it everywhere!

Even here in Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, there are some different places where you can rent SUP boards and Stockholm SUP Club lists several events for 2013, the first this upcoming weekend actually, so if you happen to be around, why not have a look at the sport first and maybe even try it out?

Where would you like to travel to do some Stand Up Paddle surfing? I would love to go to Maui, Hawaii… but first I would need some intensive Stand Up Paddle Surf training…

©Lifecruiser Love Surf Sports
 

Florida is easy to get to from the UK, with a range of flights on offer from many of the UK’s airports. Flights to Florida typically take eight and a half hours from London Gatwick to Sanford International or Orlando International, both offering easy access to the theme parks.

Every year the various parks get updated, and this year is no exception with several parks welcoming new additions.

Photo: rollercoasterphilosophy, Flickr.com

Universal Studios Orlando

This film-themed park is home to a number of thrilling attractions, including the ‘Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit’ rollercoaster and ‘Revenge of the Mummy’ ride. This year another exciting ride will be added to the mix.

‘Transformers: The Ride 3D’ opens in summer 2013, and is similar to the ‘Amazing Adventures of Spiderman’ ride that’s in sister park, Islands of Adventure. It promises a 3D adventure, where guests enter a moving ride vehicle equipped with 3D glasses, before then getting transported through the world of the Transformers, turning through 360 degrees and going through a bumpy thrill ride.

Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World

Throughout 2012, the Fantasyland area of the park was partially closed to make way for New Fantasyland, which will feature new rides and attractions. It opened in December 2012, with a few new rides and restaurants, however there are still two new attractions that are yet to open.

In 2013, a new meet and greet area, ‘Princess Fairytale Hall’, will open on the site of the old ‘Snow White’ ride, and a new rollercoaster is scheduled to open in 2014. The ‘Seven Dwarves Mine Train’ will be an exciting family-friendly rollercoaster taking you through the dwarves’ mine, but further details are yet to be revealed.

SeaWorld Orlando

In 2012, SeaWorld received a new attraction in the form of ‘Turtle Trek’, which is an exhibit featuring turtles and manatees, ending with a 3D experience in a 360 degree cinema. This May, the biggest expansion in several years is coming, with the addition of the new Antarctic themed zone. The flagship ride of the new area will be ‘Empire of the Penguin’ which takes visitors through live penguin exhibits and enables guests to experience what life is like as a penguin chick.

Animal Kingdom, Walt Disney World

An expansion in the Animal Kingdom theme park has been in the works for a couple of years now, and in 2011 a deal was signed with James Cameron to create an Avatar-themed area of the park. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2013, but won’t officially be completed for three to five years.

Lifecruiser Love Florida
 

Photo by Pete/comedy_nose, Flickr.com

The waning days of one’s working career are filled with special events and kind farewells. If you’ve been on the receiving end of retirement recognition, you know how special it is to receive something that commemorates the dedication you’ve shown to your employer and the work you’ve done there.

Of course, what makes it even more special is when that memento came from a group of your co-workers and you know that everyone chipped in on the gift.

If you’re on the giving end of that retirement gift, there are a number of things to keep in mind to make it meaningful.

Share the Love…

Getting together with other co-workers allows you to buy a nicer, larger item rather than a number of small items. Depending on your budget, this could run anywhere from a cruise to a beautiful item for the home. What’s most important is to make sure that loyal ol’ John or devoted Susan gets something enjoyable and thoughtful.

…Carefully

Just avoid the pitfalls common to group giving. Make sure you contact everyone who might be interested, make plans to receive payment up front, and be diplomatic in choosing the item. You might do better to go with a tasteful co-worker or two to select the item, then return to the rest of the group for approval and money. Too many cooks spoil the broth!

Go Personal

It doesn’t have to be a solid gold plaque illustrating the key times in the retiree’s career, but when you can find an item that is associated with the type of work you do or the places the job has taken the honoree, it becomes far more meaningful and is more likely to achieve what you want, which is to give the retiree some special memories of the people with whom he or she worked.

Watch the Calendar

We’re on a schedule here. Bob’s last day is coming, and don’t count on him dropping back in for a tardy gift. Coordinate with those who may be putting together a retirement party and make sure that whatever you have chosen as your gift will be available and complete by that date.

You will also want to make time allowances for the vendor to deal with errors, damage, or shipping problems. All the good reasons for a late gift won’t fill the empty space on the gift table, so be smart.

This falls back to the gift-giving committee and requires them to get on the job ahead of time. It also illustrates the need to have that committee, because it is nearly impossible for fifteen people to settle on a gift in a timely fashion.

It’s a lot of fun to provide a retiree with a gift that truly touches them. A little advance work and smart planning will make it happen.

Lifecruiser Love Giving Gifts
 

Festivals rarely fail to bring out an atmosphere of community spirit and infectious fun, regardless of what they’re about. You’re pretty much guaranteed to find a festival related to your interests, whether you love food or music or something else, and Australia is home to some amazing examples. It might be a vast country, but you’re guaranteed that just a cheap flight away is a festival to explore in a location where good cheer is all around. You can easily escape for the weekend and explore another part of this beautiful country. Let’s take a look at the festivals which are on offer in Australia in the autumn season.

The colours of autumn

For a seasonal sensation, the Bright Autumn Festival, held in the Alpine High Country of the state of Victoria, is a must-see. From a northern hemisphere perspective, this event takes place in the months of April and May, and is a wonderful opportunity to experience the autumn colours and produce of the Aussie landscape. Tourism which focuses around the colours of autumn is becoming an increasingly popular family activity throughout the world, and the Bright Autumn Festival has plenty to offer. From skiing to rock climbing and art exhibitions to brewery trails, there is an attraction for every member of the family.

Up in the air

The Canberra Balloon Spectacular is a hot air balloon festival which takes place in front of Parliament House in the country’s capital. Dozens of unusually shaped balloons take off each day for a period of just over a week and float across the city skyline, taking in all of the principal landmarks of Canberra. However, the most spectacular views can be seen from the ground, with a plethora of themed hot balloons, from nationalities to nature and from culinary masterpieces to works of art.

Foodie fantasy

Food fans need not despair – there are plenty of mouth-watering culinary events in the autumn calendar. F.O.O.D (Food of Orange) week is held in New South Wales and showcases the freshest and best produce from local chefs and farmers. Replete with cooking demonstrations, mass dining events and a cider festival, tourists of all culinary persuasions will find something delicious to get their teeth into.

Autumn music

WOMADelaide is an extravaganza of world music, dance and arts which has been running for the past twenty years in autumn in the city‘s Botanic Park. The festival is welcoming towards family groups and entry is free to children aged twelve and under, so combined with a cheap flight out to Australia, Adelaide could be the perfect location for a budget-friendly family break. There are performances spanning across seven stages and practical workshops for people of various levels of musical ability. Children are catered for in a specially designed KidZone whilst their parents are spoilt for choice with hundreds of food and retail stalls.

If this article has whetted your appetite for an Australian autumn getaway, then you can compare flights on a site such as Cheapflights.co.uk.

Lifecruiser Love Festivals
 

This particular day in the beginning of March it was cloudy and risk for rain, but still it was a really nice walk along the beach. Maybe we appreciate it even more than the Spaniards, since we did came from snowy weather conditions…

We had seen many Spanish beaches by then, on the 5000 km roadtrip, since we had been driving along the coastline mostly and there has been surprisingly many stony beaches actually.

We will tell you if we ever find our dream beach… or maybe not… Maybe we will keep it a secret…? *teasing you*

©Lifecruiser Love Spain Beaches
 

I must go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky,
And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by,
And the wheel’s kick and the wind’s song and the white sail’s shaking,
And a grey mist on the sea’s face, and a grey dawn breaking.

I must go down to the seas again, for the call of the running tide,
Is a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied;
And all I ask is a windy day with the white clouds flying,
And the flung spray and the blown spume, and the sea-gulls crying.

I must go down to the seas again, to the vagrant gypsy life,
To the gull’s way and the whale’s way, where the wind’s like a whetted knife;
And all I ask is a merry yarn from a laughing fellow-rover,
And quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long trick’s over.

~ John Masefield

A Road to Nowhere.

Spurn Point and the 3 mile peninsula has intrigued me for years. One of the places that I’ve been determined to visit some time but have never managed to actually get around to go there. A place of a never ending cycle of creation and destruction as the North Sea hits the Yorkshire coastline; eroding the coast northward between Spurn and Flamborough Head. As the beach marches southwards by longshore drift the mouth of the Humber Estuary results in the creation of this most unusual place. A ribbon of land, only 40-50 yards wide in places that separates the North Sea from the Humber Estuary marshlands. A Nature Reserve, Designated Special Protection and historically of strategic significance all the way back to the fourteenth century and the time of Richard II.

©Charimage 2013

Around a Peninsula in Ten Hours!

It was about time to resolve the never got around to so a trip was planned and a date picked for the last day of October 2012.  Most people who visit go by car, pay a small toll to the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust at the entrance gateway then drive to Spurn Point; get out, quick walk and done. That will certainly impress and stay in the memory but if you want to really get a feel for it best go by foot. Tides were checked and the date was set; full moon giving a high tide early morning and evening so the day was clear to walk right round the peninsula.

©Charimage 2013

A Place of Contrasts.

Planned was the coastal side outward bound and the estuary for the return. Because of the narrowness you can’t resist climbing the low dune divide and checking the opposite side on the other side of the roadway. Road is used loosely… it makes little pretence that it is hanging on to dear life by a thread. The length and narrowness of the place makes you realise how vulnerable you are and how big the sea. You get the impression that you are there by invitation only and that invite could be withdrawn at any moment by mere whim.  By contrast the length of beach gives the impression of endless. It changes around every corner with the marks of history everywhere. There are relics from the war years and a time when the peninsula was maintained by the military (including a railway line;)  forlorn as they are reclaimed by the ever shifting sea and sand. The total area is about 300 acres; when you consider this is only half a square mile you realise how narrow it really is. There are no trees. Telegraph poles mark the line. On a really high tide only they will remain above sea level. It’s quiet and uncrowded but you are surrounded by wildlife. There are birds everywhere; waders on the estuary mudflats and sea birds on the coastal side. Many uncommon breeds that are rarely seen elsewhere in the British Isles stop off at Spurn on the journey between their breeding and wintering grounds.

©Charimage 2013

Spurn Point.

In time the peninsula will probably be breached and Spurn Point will, for a short time, become an island. It is a never ending fight to keep it connected by its umbilical of sand and Marram grass. The island will then be swept and a new spit will be formed to the south. Until then the greater mass that forms the point is home to the only permanently manned RNLI lifeboat station in the UK. There’s a pier, disused lighthouses and a cluster of houses for the crew. Until recently the crew’s families lived there too but have now moved back inland. 1.5 miles further out in the estuary stands Bull Sand Fort; built as a defense in WWI which is now being renovated by the Streetwise Charitable Trust. Standing watching the busy shipping lanes served as stark reminder of the modern world outside. Spurn had its own detached quality even being so close to the modern world.

 

The selected day had been kind to us. Even on such a calm and pleasant autumnal day there was sharp warning to the sea wind. I felt pleased in the knowledge that, at last, I’d been and walked the perimeter. But another must do fixed in the mind on the journey home and it refuses to leave. To witness it in all its wrath and fury; in storm and tempest. It is something that is now a get around to for the future.

***

I must go down to the sea again,
To the lonely sea and the sky;
I left my shoes and socks there: -
I wonder if they’re dry?

~ Spike Milligan

 

©Lifecruiser Cowboy Trails

 

Other Cowboy Trails Posts at Lifecruiser:
God’s own Country
Rivers of Life
I Want to be Alone
Why Do We Travel?

When you’re headed for a scenic drive, it’s important to have adventure motorcycle accessories with you to really make your experience worthwhile. Having these with you will definitely improve the time you’re having and make everything much easier and safer.

If you’re the exploring type, be sure to invest in a good GPS navigation system for your bike. There are quite a good number on the market now that they’ve peaked from luxury device to mobile necessity but make sure you’ve got one that is specifically made for motorcycles. These types of GPS devices will be able to better stand the elements and they have certain features that normal automobile GPS’s don’t have, such as more intricate points of interest.

Unless you’ve got a bike where the GPS has already been installed for you, you’re going to need some kind of mounting fixture in order to keep it on the front. Mounts are available for pretty much every device you could think of from radar detectors to cell phones and they’re easy to install and are quite affordable.

Some people seem to think you can’t take a ride on your bike if the weather isn’t exactly perfect but that doesn’t have to be the case if you accessorize properly. Not only can you purchase heated vests and gloves to wear during your trip, but you also have the option of getting warm seats and handgrips. With the heating elements protecting you from the cold, you’ll be able to travel more and for longer periods of time, giving you extra time to explore before you’re forced to turn back.

A windshield is still considered an accessory although it’s probably one of the most significant pieces of equipment you can install on your bike. Windshields go without saying as they’re going to do a lot of good when it comes to keeping the wind and rain out of your face as you zip down the highway.

Likewise, make sure that you’ve got a helmet with a visor attached. While they might not be necessary in the nicer months of the year, it’s still important to have one available in case you end up in a patch of rain or snow. It will help keep the elements from burning or chapping your skin and it will keep things out of your eyes.

If you plan on traveling with someone else, you might benefit from some type of Bluetooth system on your bike or inside your helmet. These help you communicate with one another more effectively and it will be a literal life saver if you find yourself in need of emergency assistance. A lot of them are voice activated so you needn’t even take your hands off the handles in order to speak to the person on the other end of the line.

Nothing beats the feel of being on a motorcycle and the smell of fresh air as you drive on the open road, but if you really want to make it more enjoyable, make sure you’re outfitted with the best accessories you can buy. They’ll keep you safe and they’ll let you have more fun.

Lifecruiser Love Roadtrips