Adventure Travel
- Cell Phone Use Aboard Planes
- Adventure Travel, Virtually
- Be a Monster for Halloween
- After Hurricanes or Earthquakes
- Packing Tips
- Nobel Peace Prize for Tourism
- Travel Bargains and Best Bets
- Safe Paddling in Canoe or Kayak
- New Reality Show in Caribbean
- Top Memorial Day Destinations
Posted by
Evelyn Kanter
An international survey of frequent flyers proves what we already knew -- that permitting in-flight cell phone use is an irritation most of us want to avoid.
Airline travel is getting more and more frustrating, and could get worse.
Long lines at security check-points. Passengers who try to stuff everything but the kitchen sink into the overheads. Full planes with no legroom. Nothing but peanuts and soda for a five-hour flight, or the guy in the next seat chowing down on greasy fried chicken from the airport fast food court of nothing healthy to eat.
Now they want to allow in-flight cell phone use? No way.
No way do I want to be imprisoned for two, three, five or 14 hours, overhearing endless descriptions of what the cabin attendant is wearing or who was a jerk at the meeting just completed or what you made for dinner last night.
I hear enough of that on the streets and busses and airport waiting rooms where I live and where I travel.
The thought of having to suffer through a cacaphony of cell phone coversations mid-air is enough to make me rip up my frequent flyer mileage program membership cards.
And you agree with me. A survey by the International Airline Passengers' Association (IAPA) asked some 3,000 frequent flyers around the world -- road warriors -- what they thought .
The overwhelming conclusion -- 88% said allowing passengers to use mobile phones onboard will be "a source of great irritation". That's a nice way of saying annoying.
The survey was in response to a proposal by the UK communications regulator, which could see UK- registered aircraft allow in-flight cellphone use. The proposal was developed with other EU countries and would will cover all European airspace.
Cellphones, no. But, most survey respondents felt texting or emails would be okay. Just 9% felt all mobile usage should be allowed, even within clearly defined time periods.
What do you think?
Long lines at security check-points. Passengers who try to stuff everything but the kitchen sink into the overheads. Full planes with no legroom. Nothing but peanuts and soda for a five-hour flight, or the guy in the next seat chowing down on greasy fried chicken from the airport fast food court of nothing healthy to eat.
Now they want to allow in-flight cell phone use? No way.
No way do I want to be imprisoned for two, three, five or 14 hours, overhearing endless descriptions of what the cabin attendant is wearing or who was a jerk at the meeting just completed or what you made for dinner last night.
I hear enough of that on the streets and busses and airport waiting rooms where I live and where I travel.
The thought of having to suffer through a cacaphony of cell phone coversations mid-air is enough to make me rip up my frequent flyer mileage program membership cards.
And you agree with me. A survey by the International Airline Passengers' Association (IAPA) asked some 3,000 frequent flyers around the world -- road warriors -- what they thought .
The overwhelming conclusion -- 88% said allowing passengers to use mobile phones onboard will be "a source of great irritation". That's a nice way of saying annoying.
The survey was in response to a proposal by the UK communications regulator, which could see UK- registered aircraft allow in-flight cellphone use. The proposal was developed with other EU countries and would will cover all European airspace.
Cellphones, no. But, most survey respondents felt texting or emails would be okay. Just 9% felt all mobile usage should be allowed, even within clearly defined time periods.
What do you think?
Posted by
Evelyn Kanter
This video game combines mystery and adventure in the search for an ancient and lost civilization in a real place, Italy's Isle of Capri.
Some people take a gondola ride around a hotel in Las Vegas and make believe they've been to Venice.Others play video games and make believe they are Indiana Jones or Lara Krofft.
I'm all in favor of it, but only if it whets your appetite for the real thing. This game just might, since it includes more than 8,000 real photographs of the real place you are visiting, the beautiful Isle of Capri.
The video game is called "AnaCapri: The Dream", promises an travel adventure combining fantasy and history, for $19.99, about the same price as that make believe gondala ride in Vegas, but much less than a round-trip flight to Italy, .
The game puts you in the role of an expert in ancient civilizations, beckoned to the villate of AnaCapri on the beautiful island of Capri to search for an ancient artifact once believed lost to the ages.
The trail of clues in this virtual, game world is comprised of more than 8,000 of the real island of Capri and its historical village. You play with a company of colorful characters drawn from the island's past and present. The pictures and the characters will immerse you in the history and beauty of this real -- yet unreal -- place.
Find the Black Obsidian Disk, which possess untold power and a malevolent past, and uncover its secrets before it's too late! Encounter real villagers and historical figures who once lived on the island! Explore the Grotto of Ferns, Walkway of the Forts, Marina Piccola, Palazzo a Mare, Red Beard's Castle, the Phoenician Staircase! All without leaving your armchair.
The adventure travel video game is from Got Game Entertainment.
Or, you could go on a real adventure to this real place. Start by looking for flights to Italy.
I'm all in favor of it, but only if it whets your appetite for the real thing. This game just might, since it includes more than 8,000 real photographs of the real place you are visiting, the beautiful Isle of Capri.
The video game is called "AnaCapri: The Dream", promises an travel adventure combining fantasy and history, for $19.99, about the same price as that make believe gondala ride in Vegas, but much less than a round-trip flight to Italy, .
The game puts you in the role of an expert in ancient civilizations, beckoned to the villate of AnaCapri on the beautiful island of Capri to search for an ancient artifact once believed lost to the ages.
The trail of clues in this virtual, game world is comprised of more than 8,000 of the real island of Capri and its historical village. You play with a company of colorful characters drawn from the island's past and present. The pictures and the characters will immerse you in the history and beauty of this real -- yet unreal -- place.
Find the Black Obsidian Disk, which possess untold power and a malevolent past, and uncover its secrets before it's too late! Encounter real villagers and historical figures who once lived on the island! Explore the Grotto of Ferns, Walkway of the Forts, Marina Piccola, Palazzo a Mare, Red Beard's Castle, the Phoenician Staircase! All without leaving your armchair.
The adventure travel video game is from Got Game Entertainment.
Or, you could go on a real adventure to this real place. Start by looking for flights to Italy.
Posted by
Evelyn Kanter
The 13th Anual Queen Mary Shipwreck Terror Fest needs more than 400 monsters to scare visitors. If you can say BOO! with a vengence, head to San Diego for Halloween.
The Queen Mary Shipwreck Terror Fest is looking to hire more than 400 hundred monsters to work in seven terrifying mazes aboard the ship, which is permanently docked in Long Beach, California.
Talented makeup artists are also needed to make the monsters look ghoulishly good, and Shipwreck attendant positions are available as well. This is most definitely adventure travel -- and you'll get paid, too.
Current wages for monsters, attendants and makeup artists are as follow: Shipwreck monsters, $9.00/hr, Shipwreck attendants, $8.00/hr, makeup artists, $15.00/hr. Audition dates for monsters and attendants are September 18, 19, 25 and 26 at 6:00 p.m.
Makeup artists need only apply on September 19 and 26 at 7:00 p.m. Be sure to bring a portfolio of your work to the auditions. Everybody applying for a terrifying Halloween job on the Queen Mary must bring proof of employment eligibility, including a Social Security card and a valid photo ID.
And, you must be at least 18 years of age and able to work from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. (later on some nights) on all of these scary dates: October 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 13, 19, 20, 21, 27, 28, 30, and Halloween Night the 31st.
The maiden voyage of the venerable Art Deco Cunard queen was in 1936, and this year is the 40th anniversary of her 1967 final voyage and arrival at her permanent home in Long Beach, California. The grander Queen Mary 2 is now sailing under the same Cunard flag.
If you aren't being a monster, you can sleep over in this unusual on-the-water hotel, enjoy a meal in one of three award-winning restaurants, or take a historical, informational, and paranormal tours. Is the Queen Mary haunted? Find out on Halloween.
Boo!
Talented makeup artists are also needed to make the monsters look ghoulishly good, and Shipwreck attendant positions are available as well. This is most definitely adventure travel -- and you'll get paid, too.
Current wages for monsters, attendants and makeup artists are as follow: Shipwreck monsters, $9.00/hr, Shipwreck attendants, $8.00/hr, makeup artists, $15.00/hr. Audition dates for monsters and attendants are September 18, 19, 25 and 26 at 6:00 p.m.
Makeup artists need only apply on September 19 and 26 at 7:00 p.m. Be sure to bring a portfolio of your work to the auditions. Everybody applying for a terrifying Halloween job on the Queen Mary must bring proof of employment eligibility, including a Social Security card and a valid photo ID.
And, you must be at least 18 years of age and able to work from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. (later on some nights) on all of these scary dates: October 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 13, 19, 20, 21, 27, 28, 30, and Halloween Night the 31st.
The maiden voyage of the venerable Art Deco Cunard queen was in 1936, and this year is the 40th anniversary of her 1967 final voyage and arrival at her permanent home in Long Beach, California. The grander Queen Mary 2 is now sailing under the same Cunard flag.
If you aren't being a monster, you can sleep over in this unusual on-the-water hotel, enjoy a meal in one of three award-winning restaurants, or take a historical, informational, and paranormal tours. Is the Queen Mary haunted? Find out on Halloween.
Boo!
After Hurricanes or Earthquakes
Posted by
Evelyn Kanter
Help the local economy recover by bringing your tourist dollars to countries and cities hit by hurricanes and earthquakes..
It's two years since Hurricane Katrina and then Rita slammed their fury into the Gulf Coast, breaking levees and wiping out people's homes and lives.
Tourism is almost back to normal in the New Orleans French Quarter, and casinos are busy again in Biloxi. The Port of New Orleans is coming back, too. Carnival Cruise Lines operates the 2,056 passenger Fantasy from New Orleans on a year-round schedule of four-day and five-day Caribbean cruises, and plans to add another "Fun Ship" soon.
The cruises visit Cozumel, wrecked by Hurricane Wilma, just atter Katrina and Rita. It took a year for the port to be able to welcome cruise ships again. Cozumel depends on tourism. As a fourth-generation Cozumel native told me, 'without tourists, nobody has work here'. Tour Mayan ruins and the crocodile pit at Punta Sur Ecological Park, enjoy a sunset.
Last week, Hurricane Dean wiped out Costa Maya, Mexico's fastest growing destination and cruise port. It could be a year before cruise ships can return, including the Carnival Fantasy. Costa Maya also depends on tourism. Hotels are open, beaches cleaned up. Visit and help the economy recover.
A 7.9 earthquake hit Ica, Peru on August 15 killed hundreds and destroyed the homes and businesses of thousands. Although the loss of life and property is terrible, the area is picking up the pieces. Less than two weeks after the quake, Ica is welcoming 300 attendees to a conference on agriculture at the Hotel las Dumas. Tourism is the #3 industry in Peru. So go. Visit the nearby city of Nasca and its world-famous and mysterious Nasca Lines, which were not damaged in the earthquake.
Visiting a region hard-hit by disaster, whether it is a hurricane or an earthquake, is one of the best ways to help its people get back to normal.
Tourism is almost back to normal in the New Orleans French Quarter, and casinos are busy again in Biloxi. The Port of New Orleans is coming back, too. Carnival Cruise Lines operates the 2,056 passenger Fantasy from New Orleans on a year-round schedule of four-day and five-day Caribbean cruises, and plans to add another "Fun Ship" soon.
The cruises visit Cozumel, wrecked by Hurricane Wilma, just atter Katrina and Rita. It took a year for the port to be able to welcome cruise ships again. Cozumel depends on tourism. As a fourth-generation Cozumel native told me, 'without tourists, nobody has work here'. Tour Mayan ruins and the crocodile pit at Punta Sur Ecological Park, enjoy a sunset.
Last week, Hurricane Dean wiped out Costa Maya, Mexico's fastest growing destination and cruise port. It could be a year before cruise ships can return, including the Carnival Fantasy. Costa Maya also depends on tourism. Hotels are open, beaches cleaned up. Visit and help the economy recover.
A 7.9 earthquake hit Ica, Peru on August 15 killed hundreds and destroyed the homes and businesses of thousands. Although the loss of life and property is terrible, the area is picking up the pieces. Less than two weeks after the quake, Ica is welcoming 300 attendees to a conference on agriculture at the Hotel las Dumas. Tourism is the #3 industry in Peru. So go. Visit the nearby city of Nasca and its world-famous and mysterious Nasca Lines, which were not damaged in the earthquake.
Visiting a region hard-hit by disaster, whether it is a hurricane or an earthquake, is one of the best ways to help its people get back to normal.
Posted by
Evelyn Kanter
Top tips for packing less to travel lighter and more functionally, and get through airport security with minimal fuss, from a travel pro who ignores her own rules. Me.
First of all, do as I say, not as I do, because what I do is pack too much. Every time. For decades. Doesn't matter whether it is a cruise to the Caribbean or a ski trip to Chile -- both of which have been on my travel calendar this year. Evelyn the Professional Traveller, who knows better, still packs like a beginner.
Once upon a time I travelled through Europe with a backpack and a smile. That was then. This is now, and I overpack, and the weight of the bag sometimes prevents me from smiling.
The number one rule is that bags get heavier each day. Must be the dirt and sweat that gets into what you wear as you travel, making bags heavier.
Number two rule is that, besides heavier, even if you don't buy anything en route, you cannot fit everything back into the duffel or suitcase in the same way you did yesterday. Must be the dirt and sweat that gets into your clothes, making those t-shirts and sweaters thicker, along with heavier.
I know the rules -- I write about the rules -- but I ignore them. Silly me, because after years of ignoring my own advice, I have back problems from schlepping and lifting onto trains and airplane overheads and into car trunks and off airport baggage carousels.
So, never mind the advice I give you that I ignore myself. Here is advice that I do not ignore --
Keep a travel toiletry bag packed and ready to go. That minimizes the chaotic time just before a trip when you are grabbing things like toothpaste, shaving cream, hair mousse and a nail clipper from wherever you keep them in the bathroom. And maybe forgetting something important.
I keep spares of everything, ready to go, in a travel kit. Ditto mascara and lipstick., which is not something you guys have to worry about. Or, maybe I'm wrong about that, too.
When I return from a trip, I replace anything that needs to be replaced, on the theory that I'll remember when I get home that I ran out of tooth flossing string or Motrin during the trip, but will have completely forgotten by the time I'm packing for the next trip.
Obsessive me -- the same one who packs too many t-shirts in the summer and too many fleeces in the winter -- has a second travel kit already packed with anything and everything I might need for a medical emergency, including band-aids, antisceptic towelettes, dramamine for seasickness, Rolaids or Tums for late night dinners and morning afters, and aloe vera for too much sun (the SPF 30 is in the other toiletry kit).
Since my pre-packed toiletry kit already contains teeny tiny bottles of shampoo, conditioner and body lotion, those get removed and left behind on the bedroom dresser if I am headed for a spiffy hotel or resort where I know I will like -- and perhaps abscond with -- the teeny tiny bottles they provide.
I also have a pre-packed bag -- size and shape and see-through-ness that makes the TSA security mavens smile, or at least not growl -- that contains a toothbrush and paste for those fuzzy-making overnight flights, plus teeny tiny headphones, eyemask and ear plugs.
What are your packing secrets? Or packing disasters?
Once upon a time I travelled through Europe with a backpack and a smile. That was then. This is now, and I overpack, and the weight of the bag sometimes prevents me from smiling.
The number one rule is that bags get heavier each day. Must be the dirt and sweat that gets into what you wear as you travel, making bags heavier.
Number two rule is that, besides heavier, even if you don't buy anything en route, you cannot fit everything back into the duffel or suitcase in the same way you did yesterday. Must be the dirt and sweat that gets into your clothes, making those t-shirts and sweaters thicker, along with heavier.
I know the rules -- I write about the rules -- but I ignore them. Silly me, because after years of ignoring my own advice, I have back problems from schlepping and lifting onto trains and airplane overheads and into car trunks and off airport baggage carousels.
So, never mind the advice I give you that I ignore myself. Here is advice that I do not ignore --
Keep a travel toiletry bag packed and ready to go. That minimizes the chaotic time just before a trip when you are grabbing things like toothpaste, shaving cream, hair mousse and a nail clipper from wherever you keep them in the bathroom. And maybe forgetting something important.
I keep spares of everything, ready to go, in a travel kit. Ditto mascara and lipstick., which is not something you guys have to worry about. Or, maybe I'm wrong about that, too.
When I return from a trip, I replace anything that needs to be replaced, on the theory that I'll remember when I get home that I ran out of tooth flossing string or Motrin during the trip, but will have completely forgotten by the time I'm packing for the next trip.
Obsessive me -- the same one who packs too many t-shirts in the summer and too many fleeces in the winter -- has a second travel kit already packed with anything and everything I might need for a medical emergency, including band-aids, antisceptic towelettes, dramamine for seasickness, Rolaids or Tums for late night dinners and morning afters, and aloe vera for too much sun (the SPF 30 is in the other toiletry kit).
Since my pre-packed toiletry kit already contains teeny tiny bottles of shampoo, conditioner and body lotion, those get removed and left behind on the bedroom dresser if I am headed for a spiffy hotel or resort where I know I will like -- and perhaps abscond with -- the teeny tiny bottles they provide.
I also have a pre-packed bag -- size and shape and see-through-ness that makes the TSA security mavens smile, or at least not growl -- that contains a toothbrush and paste for those fuzzy-making overnight flights, plus teeny tiny headphones, eyemask and ear plugs.
What are your packing secrets? Or packing disasters?
Posted by
Evelyn Kanter
An international official suggests a Nobel Peace Prize for Tourism, to recognize the importance of tourism in promoting peace, since tourists and warfare don't mix.
Speaking to reporters about the recent Global Ecotourism conference in Norway recently, the head of an international development agency repeated his call for a Nobel Peace Prize to recognize the link between tourism and peace.
Noting "tourism is the only real peace dividend", Lelei LeLaulu, president of the non-profit Counterpart International called on the Nobel Peace Prize committee to seriously look at how tourism prevents conflict and maintains peace.
"Look at what happens when fighting stops – people want to stream across borders to see their former enemies and where they live," he said, adding "tourism of the sustainable variety is the only real peace dividend."
The request was made during a keynote speech to the Global Ecotourism Conference in Oslo in the presence of Queen Sonja of Norway. She has been described as the “Ecotourism Queen” for her commitment to using tourism to preserve Oslo’s natural beauty.
LeLaulu is not alone in the belief that tourism offers the world's largest voluntary transfer of money from the 'haves' to the 'have-nots'.
Tourism means jobs. Think about it -- what are the poorest countries in the world right now? The ones with no tourism. Haiti and Zimbabwe come to mind. Both have natural beauty -- Haiti's beaches and Zimbabwe's wildlife -- and lots of tourism potential. But their unstable political situations scare away tourism.
The conference was organized in part by Counterpart, an international organization that gives people a voice in their own future through smart partnerships and access to tools for sustained social, economic and environmental development. Counterpart operates on five continents, and is supported by individuals and corporations as well as host countries and several U.S. government agencies. For more information, visit www.counterpart.org.
Peace and tourism. What a concept!
Noting "tourism is the only real peace dividend", Lelei LeLaulu, president of the non-profit Counterpart International called on the Nobel Peace Prize committee to seriously look at how tourism prevents conflict and maintains peace.
"Look at what happens when fighting stops – people want to stream across borders to see their former enemies and where they live," he said, adding "tourism of the sustainable variety is the only real peace dividend."
The request was made during a keynote speech to the Global Ecotourism Conference in Oslo in the presence of Queen Sonja of Norway. She has been described as the “Ecotourism Queen” for her commitment to using tourism to preserve Oslo’s natural beauty.
LeLaulu is not alone in the belief that tourism offers the world's largest voluntary transfer of money from the 'haves' to the 'have-nots'.
Tourism means jobs. Think about it -- what are the poorest countries in the world right now? The ones with no tourism. Haiti and Zimbabwe come to mind. Both have natural beauty -- Haiti's beaches and Zimbabwe's wildlife -- and lots of tourism potential. But their unstable political situations scare away tourism.
The conference was organized in part by Counterpart, an international organization that gives people a voice in their own future through smart partnerships and access to tools for sustained social, economic and environmental development. Counterpart operates on five continents, and is supported by individuals and corporations as well as host countries and several U.S. government agencies. For more information, visit www.counterpart.org.
Peace and tourism. What a concept!
Posted by
Evelyn Kanter
When an airlines announce new routes, they usually also announce bargain fares. And there are normally hotel discounts and deals during what's called 'off-peak' season.
Even though peak travel season is starting for the 'usual suspects', it is off-peak in other areas, where there are great bargains to be had.
Ditto whenever an airline launches a new route somewhere. Here are some last-minute deals for the adventure traveller ready to get goig at a moment's notice. Or two. Including to the Caribbean.
Air Jamaica begins non-stop service between Fort Lauderdale and Barbados on July 22, 2007 with. non-stop service in both directions on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Even better, it hooks up with connections the islands of Tobago, Grenada, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Dominica, Martinique, Antigua, St. Kitts and Nevis. .
In celebration of this new non-stop service, Air Jamaica is offering an introductory sale fare on this route of $378 round trip ($189 each way) for travel until December 15th. Tickets at this special rate must be purchased by June 28. Click www.airjamaica.com, call 800-523-5585, or contact your favorite travel agent.
Air Jamaica's Ft. Lauderdale hub avoids connecting through the chaos of Miami's airport, to be avoided whenever possible -- as does American Airlines' $39 and $49 promotional fares for many Caribbean and Latin American connections.
The bargain tickets are good for trarel only on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, for travel though mid-November, but tickets have to be purchased by June 20th. $39 each way betwen Florida and the Bahamas or Dominican Republic? $49 between Florida and Aruba, Costa Rica, Guagemala and Nicaragua? What are we waiting for? Contact www.aa.com for more info.
For more info on June travel bargins, click this Suite 101 Adventure Travel article on June travel deals.
Ditto whenever an airline launches a new route somewhere. Here are some last-minute deals for the adventure traveller ready to get goig at a moment's notice. Or two. Including to the Caribbean.
Air Jamaica begins non-stop service between Fort Lauderdale and Barbados on July 22, 2007 with. non-stop service in both directions on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Even better, it hooks up with connections the islands of Tobago, Grenada, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Dominica, Martinique, Antigua, St. Kitts and Nevis. .
In celebration of this new non-stop service, Air Jamaica is offering an introductory sale fare on this route of $378 round trip ($189 each way) for travel until December 15th. Tickets at this special rate must be purchased by June 28. Click www.airjamaica.com, call 800-523-5585, or contact your favorite travel agent.
Air Jamaica's Ft. Lauderdale hub avoids connecting through the chaos of Miami's airport, to be avoided whenever possible -- as does American Airlines' $39 and $49 promotional fares for many Caribbean and Latin American connections.
The bargain tickets are good for trarel only on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, for travel though mid-November, but tickets have to be purchased by June 20th. $39 each way betwen Florida and the Bahamas or Dominican Republic? $49 between Florida and Aruba, Costa Rica, Guagemala and Nicaragua? What are we waiting for? Contact www.aa.com for more info.
For more info on June travel bargins, click this Suite 101 Adventure Travel article on June travel deals.
Safe Paddling in Canoe or Kayak
Posted by
Evelyn Kanter
Whether you are a novice or experienced paddler, these safety tips from the American Canoe Association can be a life-saver.
Warm weather means water sports. If learning to kayak or canoe has been on your "to do" list, there's great free booklet available from the American Canoe Association, which was founded in 1880 to promote paddling -- and paddling safely. The group also promotes kayaking, which was not popular a century ago but is now.
The Beginner's Guide to Canoe & Kayak Paddling offers great "how to" tips, including some that can be life-savers.
-- Paddling terms and jargon,
-- Paddling gear, both essential and optional,
-- How to pack your boat,
-- The fundamentals of paddling,
-- Basic safety tips and issues, and
-- How to care for and maintain your boat.
There are several practical checklists and forms to help both the novice and experienced paddlers: a gear checklist, a pre-launch checklist, and a float plan. Even if you are an experienced paddler, these tips are a great refresher course.
According to the U.S. Coast Guard, some 500 people drowned annually during family boating excursions, and many of these accidents can be prevented by better safety and training. Number one safety tip -- nobody gets into the canoe or kayak or canoe without wearing a lifevest.
For more information about boating and boating safety, check out Alan Sorum's boating and sailing articles here on Suite101.
For ideas on where to paddle, check out my article on kayaking and canoeing in Michigan's Northwest coast, click here.
The Beginner's Guide to Canoe & Kayak Paddling offers great "how to" tips, including some that can be life-savers.
-- Paddling terms and jargon,
-- Paddling gear, both essential and optional,
-- How to pack your boat,
-- The fundamentals of paddling,
-- Basic safety tips and issues, and
-- How to care for and maintain your boat.
There are several practical checklists and forms to help both the novice and experienced paddlers: a gear checklist, a pre-launch checklist, and a float plan. Even if you are an experienced paddler, these tips are a great refresher course.
According to the U.S. Coast Guard, some 500 people drowned annually during family boating excursions, and many of these accidents can be prevented by better safety and training. Number one safety tip -- nobody gets into the canoe or kayak or canoe without wearing a lifevest.
For more information about boating and boating safety, check out Alan Sorum's boating and sailing articles here on Suite101.
For ideas on where to paddle, check out my article on kayaking and canoeing in Michigan's Northwest coast, click here.
Posted by
Evelyn Kanter
The newest epic adventure reality series debuts on CBS on May 31. Sixteen modern bucaneers search for hidden treasure worth a cool million bucks, or gold dubloons.
“Pirate Master” is the next reality show from the same Emmy Award-winning producer who thought up "Survivor", Mark Burnett.
The new show is hosted by Daddo, and sends 16 modern-day pirates on a high seas adventure where they will live as buccaneers and scour the island of Dominica for 33 days in search of hidden treasure worth $1 million. Blackbeard would be proud!
Dominica is known for its lush, pristine landscape with rugged mountain peaks, deep river gorges, towering waterfalls and accessible coastline. That means there are lots of hiding spots for buried treasure.
“We’re very pleased that this exciting TV series selected our island for filming and it remains our goal to offer production crews outstanding natural settings in combination with the warm, welcoming hospitality of the people of Dominica,” stated Yvor Nassief, Minister of Tourism for Dominica.
“Dominica is more than just a place where the action happens, it is an integral part of the action itself. We want viewers to watch and get excited about Dominica; we want them to come and “defy the everyday” with their own adventures and experience the majestic natural beauty for themselves.”
Executive producer Mark Burnett describes each reality 'pirate' as a good athlete. But to be a good pirate, you also have to be smart, as well as strong. "When you’re exhausted and trudging through a jungle, jumping off waterfalls or swimming up canyon lakes, you still have to think about what the pirate clues are,” he said.
“Pirate Master” debuts on CBS on Thursday, May 31, 2007 at 8:00pm (Eastern).
Dominca is known as “The Nature Island”. Located between the French islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique in the Eastern Caribbean, it is an independent nation and the largest and most mountainous of the Windward Islands, encompassing an area of nearly 290 square miles.
It's volcanic mountains reach heights of nearly 5,000 feet, and its rainforests are considered among the last true oceanic rainforests in the world. The island has more than 365 rivers, waterfalls plus boiling lakes and pristine coral reefs. It is a Caribbean heaven for adventure travelers -- and pirates -- who enjoy scuba diving, snorkeling, mountain biking, kayaking, horseback riding, nature tours, hiking/trekking, whale, dolphin and bird watching, sailing and fishing.
Dominica is also home to the last remaining settlement of the Indigenous Peoples of the Caribbean – The Carib Indians.
For more about Dominica, see my recent article on discovering Dominica.
The new show is hosted by Daddo, and sends 16 modern-day pirates on a high seas adventure where they will live as buccaneers and scour the island of Dominica for 33 days in search of hidden treasure worth $1 million. Blackbeard would be proud!
Dominica is known for its lush, pristine landscape with rugged mountain peaks, deep river gorges, towering waterfalls and accessible coastline. That means there are lots of hiding spots for buried treasure.
“We’re very pleased that this exciting TV series selected our island for filming and it remains our goal to offer production crews outstanding natural settings in combination with the warm, welcoming hospitality of the people of Dominica,” stated Yvor Nassief, Minister of Tourism for Dominica.
“Dominica is more than just a place where the action happens, it is an integral part of the action itself. We want viewers to watch and get excited about Dominica; we want them to come and “defy the everyday” with their own adventures and experience the majestic natural beauty for themselves.”
Executive producer Mark Burnett describes each reality 'pirate' as a good athlete. But to be a good pirate, you also have to be smart, as well as strong. "When you’re exhausted and trudging through a jungle, jumping off waterfalls or swimming up canyon lakes, you still have to think about what the pirate clues are,” he said.
“Pirate Master” debuts on CBS on Thursday, May 31, 2007 at 8:00pm (Eastern).
Dominca is known as “The Nature Island”. Located between the French islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique in the Eastern Caribbean, it is an independent nation and the largest and most mountainous of the Windward Islands, encompassing an area of nearly 290 square miles.
It's volcanic mountains reach heights of nearly 5,000 feet, and its rainforests are considered among the last true oceanic rainforests in the world. The island has more than 365 rivers, waterfalls plus boiling lakes and pristine coral reefs. It is a Caribbean heaven for adventure travelers -- and pirates -- who enjoy scuba diving, snorkeling, mountain biking, kayaking, horseback riding, nature tours, hiking/trekking, whale, dolphin and bird watching, sailing and fishing.
Dominica is also home to the last remaining settlement of the Indigenous Peoples of the Caribbean – The Carib Indians.
For more about Dominica, see my recent article on discovering Dominica.
Posted by
Evelyn Kanter
Priceline's annual survey shows travellers are passing up beach and shore adventures in favor of cities. Urban adventures top the list.
Where are you going this Memorial Day Weekend, the traditional kick-off to the summer travel season?
The internet travel service company Priceline.com .has just released the results of its 5thannual survey of the 50 most-popular destinations for the upcoming Memorial Day weekend (May 26-28). The survey is based on more than 30,000 hotel room booking requests by priceline.com customers for the weekend.
The survey is based on actual bookings, not preference polls or people who might log in and vote for a favorite idol or destination multiple times. So, it's a pretty reliable predictor of Memorial Day, even beyond.
So where are we going? To the big city, not to the beach.
Rainy and cool weather for extended stretches earlier this month -- and last year's cool and rainy Memorial Day in much of the United States -- seem to have played a role in this year's selections.
Chicago tops the Priceline list this this Memorial Day, with the Windy City's Millennium Park neighborhood coming in as the #1 favorite destination and North Michigan Avenue coming in at #4.
New York City took four spots among the top 10 destinations. Jersey City, just on the other side of the Hudson River, was popular among visitors who wanted to see Manhattan without paying Big Apple hotel rates.
As usual, a long weekend in Las Vegas was very popular, with the Strip coming in at #2.
Most Memorial Day travelers elected to stay in the U.S. Possible reasons -- the dollar isn't going as far as it used to in Europe. Currency exchange rates on May 21, one dollar was equal to roughly half a British pound. And the typically short duration of Memorial Day getaways. London was the only European city to crack the top 50 list.
Elsewhere in Europe isn't much better. I was in Italy a couple of weeks ago, where a $50 bill got me 30 Euros. That meant the 8 Euro after-dinner glass of wine in Venice's Plaza San Marco cost more like $12, pretty pricey, even though it came with a live orchestra dressed in tuxedos.
Back to Memorial Day Weekend -- Canadian destinations making the list included Montreal, Vancouver and St. Catharines.
One surprise on this year's list was the emergence of Charleston, SC, as a Memorial Day 2007 favorite. For the first time, the city's downtown area made the list at #50 and its Mount Pleasant/Isle of Palms area was #49. The real surprise is what took this historic city dripping with moss and Southern charm so long to make the list.
Other destinations in the top 25 are Washington, D.C., San Francisco, Philadelphia, San Diego, Oahu, Miami, San Antonio, Boston and Baltimore.
So where are you going this Memorial Day Weekend?
The internet travel service company Priceline.com .has just released the results of its 5thannual survey of the 50 most-popular destinations for the upcoming Memorial Day weekend (May 26-28). The survey is based on more than 30,000 hotel room booking requests by priceline.com customers for the weekend.
The survey is based on actual bookings, not preference polls or people who might log in and vote for a favorite idol or destination multiple times. So, it's a pretty reliable predictor of Memorial Day, even beyond.
So where are we going? To the big city, not to the beach.
Rainy and cool weather for extended stretches earlier this month -- and last year's cool and rainy Memorial Day in much of the United States -- seem to have played a role in this year's selections.
Chicago tops the Priceline list this this Memorial Day, with the Windy City's Millennium Park neighborhood coming in as the #1 favorite destination and North Michigan Avenue coming in at #4.
New York City took four spots among the top 10 destinations. Jersey City, just on the other side of the Hudson River, was popular among visitors who wanted to see Manhattan without paying Big Apple hotel rates.
As usual, a long weekend in Las Vegas was very popular, with the Strip coming in at #2.
Most Memorial Day travelers elected to stay in the U.S. Possible reasons -- the dollar isn't going as far as it used to in Europe. Currency exchange rates on May 21, one dollar was equal to roughly half a British pound. And the typically short duration of Memorial Day getaways. London was the only European city to crack the top 50 list.
Elsewhere in Europe isn't much better. I was in Italy a couple of weeks ago, where a $50 bill got me 30 Euros. That meant the 8 Euro after-dinner glass of wine in Venice's Plaza San Marco cost more like $12, pretty pricey, even though it came with a live orchestra dressed in tuxedos.
Back to Memorial Day Weekend -- Canadian destinations making the list included Montreal, Vancouver and St. Catharines.
One surprise on this year's list was the emergence of Charleston, SC, as a Memorial Day 2007 favorite. For the first time, the city's downtown area made the list at #50 and its Mount Pleasant/Isle of Palms area was #49. The real surprise is what took this historic city dripping with moss and Southern charm so long to make the list.
Other destinations in the top 25 are Washington, D.C., San Francisco, Philadelphia, San Diego, Oahu, Miami, San Antonio, Boston and Baltimore.
So where are you going this Memorial Day Weekend?