Holiday Work- A New Option

You have been there, seen this, done that... What next? You have plenty of both money and vacation time; Then, there are still some things that you can do, which would make for an interesting vacation while at the same time enable you to give something back to society. Whether a medical professional or a person with building skills, there are plenty of avenues where your skill and expertise can be utilized to help community. There are also programs which need you to work by the side of the members of the local community.

All over the world there are a lot of openings in orphanages, homes for the aged, in schools and to work with the disabled, for you to take up what suits your interests while volunteering your services. Such useful jobs will be an inspiration in themselves while also instilling gratitude in you for what you have got in life.

Natural disasters like the tsunami have wreaked a lot of damage and no amount of help both physical and financial seems enough. There are still large expanses of beaches which need to be cleared, and many of the displaced people still need to be habilitated. People with building skills can be of much help in such situations.

For those of you who would rather work in projects which involve ecology, there are many opportunities too. These range from planting more than two thousand saplings towards reforestation in Kenya, to clearing beaches in Sri Lanka, and fencing to protect wildlife in Australia and working towards preserving the Croatian Griffon vultures. There are also other projects like the one undertaken by a voluntary group for the past one year to rehabilitate sick penguins in order to re-introduce them to the wild, in South America, or in Costa Rica where turtle hatchlings are let out.

Holiday work by way of teaching English to those for whom it is not a local language is another option. Organizations are there which offer training in sports and basic education to children in countries which are under developed. There are also rehabilitation centers for children who are drug addicts.

Having a good time, while also helping others is a great way to spend one's vacation. This is a definite way to spread goodwill and show the world that Americans do care.
Opting for this sort of a vacation could often take you to a place which you may have never had a chance of visiting otherwise. You would have a great time, and go back with the satisfaction that you have helped to make things better for the people of that community, and done your bit to spread peace and harmony.

Looking For Cheap Airline Tickets?

Traveling by air has always maintained exclusivity about itself over the years and to this date. One reason for this exclusivity is due to the fact that it is considered to be a luxurious mode of travel (You will obviously not find pretty air hostesses, standing in a queue and eager to serve you in a bus or a train). And we can't rule out the convenience factor either. This mode saves a lot of your time as well.

Considering the above benefits, everyone amongst us is in a quest to find cheap airline tickets, in case we plan to travel by air for our vacations, business or even casual trips. But hitting the Jackpot isn't that easy. However, with a little prudence and understanding, you can easily avail huge discount on air travel tickets.

First of all, you must try to do a lot of online research regarding the destination that you wish to fly and the airline service that facilitates air travel to that destination. With an extensive research, you'd be able to know about the availability of cheap airline tickets. In this manner, you are in a better position to talk to your travel agent (in case you have one), or book your tickets online in accordance with your suitability.

If you are a little bit flexible with the booking dates, you might be able to save a lot of bucks in the process. In air travel, a day here or there can also cut a lot on your budget. So, whenever, you are about to book your air tickets, this factor must be taken care of.

It is also advisable to book your tickets as a part of the travel package as that would also be cheaper than the separate cost of the tickets. Cheap airline tickets can also be obtained by looking into the discount schemes offered by the service providers.

So, next time, when you are looking forward to find cheap airline tickets, with a little knowledge and understanding you will surely be able to do so!

Adventure Overseas Travel 20 Top Tips For Taking Photographs

Buying a Camera

1. With the internet becoming more and more popular you have a chance to shop around and get the best deal possible. However be careful and check where you are buying from, be careful if the product is being shipped from abroad and check it comes with all the cables and the correct power supply! If its sounds too good to be true, it probably is! Unfortunately internet fraud is a growing business.

2. If you are going abroad and will be taking photos of wildlife then get a camera with a decent optical zoom (and I mean optical zoom, not digital zoom). For holidays involving wildlife try and get a camera with 10x optical, otherwise the animals may look like 'pin pricks' when you look at them later.

3. Learn how to use a new camera before you go away. Have a play with the camera and learn about all the functions. Take the manual with you, just incase you need to be reminded.

4. Memory cards are coming down in price now, so by as large as possible. Try not to buy the 256meg cards as you'll spend more time worrying about how many photos you have left and may miss "the perfect photo opportunity".

5. Cameras today still use lots of power (especially if using flash). Take plenty of batteries with you and if possible buy a camera with rechargeable batteries (you'll save money in the long run).

Flash.

6. Don't always use red eye function on your camera. If you are using a digital camera and it has a function to reduce red eye, DON'T always use it! It will flash a number of times before it takes the photo and will prepare the people for the photo and all you will get are unnatural photos. Also your subject will look away as they think the first flash is the photo and your left with the sides of peoples heads! Use the normal flash and fix the red eye when you get home with your photo editing software.

7. Fill-in-flash. If you're taking photos in bright sunshine then try use a flash. This will help remove the shadows and harsh contrasts.

8. Only use flash indoors if you really have to. Flash has a horrible habit of making the photo look very harsh and flat.

Composition

9. When taking a photo don't keep the subject in the middle of the frame. A photo will normally look better if the subject is off-centre.

10. Movement. If for example you are taking a photo of someone on a bicycle then keep a bigger gap on the side of the photo where the person is heading. This will give a sense of movement.

11. Don't zoom in too tight as you may chop off heads and parts of the image you wanted. Instead leave the final editing until you get home.

12. Keep the horizon straight. When taking photos with a horizon, make sure the horizon is horizontal. There's nothing worse than the sea going downhill!

13. When taking photos of animals or people, focus on their eyes.

14. Get on the same level as your subject. If taking a photo of say a child, get on your knee and take the photo at their level. A photo looking down on a child or an animal looks bad!

15. If you have to explain the grey dot is an elephant then the photo probably wasn't worth taking!

General

16. Make sure you have insurance! Never go away without insurance, if your camera gets stolen or damaged you'll want to replace it ASAP so you don't ruin your holiday. Take a photo of your camera equipment before you go away and leave a copy of the photo and a copy of the insurance policy with your family just in case.

17. Don't risk loosing all your photos! Make a plan to back up your photos as you travel. Maybe visit an internet cafe occasionally and upload your best photos to a site such as Photobucket.com (which is free).

18. Don't walk around with your camera round your neck!! Keep it out of sight whenever possible to reduce the risk of crime.

19. Be in some of the photos. Use the self timer or get someone you know to take a photo of you. Your family really wants to see you in some photos having a good time, they don't really care that much about everyone else you meet on your travels!

20. Don't take photos of dull snow or water. Often when taking photos in snow or against the sea, you will often take a photo and then when you view it looks dull and dark. This is caused by the cameras light metre over compensating. To fix this change your light metre (to over expose by +1 to +2 stops), read the manual if you are not sure how to do this. AND DON'T FORGET TO TURN IT OFF AFTERWARDS OTHERWISE ALL THE PHOTOS YOU TAKE AFTER WILL BE OVEREXPOSED!!!

Wilderness Camps Let Campers Really Rough It

If your idea of a great vacation is being pampered, wilderness camping is not for you. Since these camps generally offer a variety of high excitement activities with not much in the way of modern conveniences pampering is not an option. However, during a week or two at a wilderness camp, children can learn important lessons such as survival skills, first aid and wilderness safety. As a plus, kids will also be forced away from the television and video games for a spell so they can connect with nature.

One of the first and most obvious aspects of wilderness camping is, of course, the wilderness. These campers do not visit already set up camps with cabins, kitchens and bathroom facilities. Along with leaders experienced in wilderness survival, they set out to make their own adventure and their own camps.

Wilderness campers generally carry all of the things they need to live during their camping trip in a backpack on their backs. Their packs will hold their clothing, food and eating utensils as well as tents and bedding. Depending on their activity, they may make and break camp each day, or they may set up one camp site and stay there during their entire camping trip.

These campers generally travel to remote places where there is no electricity or plumbing. They must learn to cook all of their food over a fire and also set up a tent and campsite that will be protected from the elements. Campers will be taught how to pick a good campsite and how to pitch a tent properly. They will also be taught fire and cooking safety.

During their camping experience campers will also learn the basics of wilderness safety. This will include training in which plants, animals and insects are poisonous and what should be done if someone should become poisoned by a plant or insect. Campers will bring the lessons they learn while wilderness camping back to their everyday lives where they will know how to properly handle emergency situations.

In addition to the skills they will learn, most campers will tell you the exciting activities they can participate in during the trip is the focal point of wilderness camping. Wilderness camping will generally focus on an activity that can no be experienced in any other type of camp.

These activities can include mountain climbing, white water rafting, glacier hiking or backpacking in the forest or jungle. Wilderness camps are available in locations in both the United States as well as foreign locations, so your child can choose the adventure that is right for them.

Participating in a wilderness camp can help children learn the skills they need to survive and help others survive in the case of an emergency. They will also learn the extent of their own inner and physical strength as they participate in the adventure of their lives. Additionally, wilderness camps will also force kids away from video games and television for awhile and help them focus on nature and the world around them.

Take a Tour of The USA's best "World's Largest" Landmarks

The United States' many man made landmarks provide ample entertainment for any driver. Whether you're cruising along Route 66 or taking a drive from New York to Miami, you're bound to find numerous instances of the wonderful and the wacky on your travels, from the world's largest pancake to the world's longest sausage. But these attractions don't have to be simply minor points on your vacation - instead, why not take a multi-stop tour of the US and pay proper tribute to these outstanding features of pop culture!

If you're hoping to visit some of America's best "World's largest" landmarks, you're sure to be in for a treat. However, planning your route is important so pick out exactly which landmarks you want to visit before embarking on your vacation. If you live on the East Coast, why not visit The Big Duck in Flanders, New York, as a starting point.

Located on Long Island, the Big Duck was originally built in 1931 by a duck farmer in Riverhead, and used as a store in which he sold ducks and duck eggs. It was also used as a gift shop from which travellers could purchase Peking Ducks. The Big Duck measures 15 feet wide, 30 feet long and 20 feet tall, and its eyes are made from Ford Model T tail lights. It is not only a valuable Long Island landmark but is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. According to the Long Island newspaper, Newsday, "The Big Duck has influenced the world of architecture," so the building is definitely worth a visit on your multi-stop landmark tour of the US.

If you live near the West Coast, why not begin your journey with a trip to America's tallest fountain in Fountain Hills, Phoenix, Arizona? Ironically, the fountain is found in the desert - and it shoots eight tons of water at a height of up to 625 feet in the air at 7000 gallons a minute! The fountain is the central attraction in the residential community of Fountain Hills, and was built in 1971 by Robert P. McCulloch. The spout of water rises from a concrete sculpture in the shape of a water lily, located at the centre of an enormous man-made lake. Whether you're travelling in a large group of friends, or you're taking your kids on your tour with you, you'll love the spectacle that the fountain offers!

Or, for a novelty trip that is sure to please all, why not travel to North Pole, Alaska - 1700 miles south of the real North Pole! - and visit the World's Largest Santa Claus. Measuring more than 48 feet tall and 33 feet wide, this giant fibreglass Kris Kringle is located next to North Pole's famous Santa Claus House, and is the most popular attraction for many visitors in Alaska. And, with its Christmas-themed streets and candy-cane decorated street lights, North Pole is sure to provide unparalleled festive fun on your vacation - even if you visit in summer!

If you're planning a multi-stop tour of the best "World's largest" attractions in the United States, and you're worried about the cost of extensive travel, rest assured you'll be able to find hotels that run comprehensive hotel reward schemes, which allow you to collect points and other benefits, including air miles. So you'll be able to earn rewards while making your multi-stop vacation a success!

Best Family Vacations

To find the best family vacations that fit your budget and time constraints, you simply need to start your search online. You'll find lots of travel tips and great ideas on safety, health, vacation planning and packing, and how to make the most of a trip with the whole family. You may have visions of the 'Vacation' movies with Chevy Chase, but it really doesn't have to be that way! Family oriented resorts offer all kinds of activities and some are even all-inclusive, which means that once you get there transfers to and from the airport are included in addition to accommodations, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, snacks, meals, tips and gratuities, and on site activities like roller blading or water sports. Whatever type of activity your family enjoys, you are sure to find family vacations that have everything you want.

There are many sites dedicated to traveling with the kids and family members of all ages. According to www.familytravelnetwork.com, the best family vacations offer something to please every family member not matter the age. This site also features fifteen tips for planning last minute family vacations during school holidays and summer break. Plan a great family winter weekend getaway and travel to the slopes for a family ski and/or snowboarding vacation. If you're looking for adventure, then visit www.familyadventures.com for exciting family vacations designed for families with children or teens. For another type of adventure, possibly a dude ranch or theme park like Disney World in Orlando would be a good choice. Hawaii is also a popular family vacation destination with lots to do for the entire family. Just visit www.alohadestinations.com for more information. And let's not forget a Disney Cruise Line family vacation, featuring exotic ports of call and activities for kids of all ages, even the adults!

There are obviously too many sites to list here that specialize in the family vacations, and you may be a little overwhelmed when you first start your search. You can find a family vacations directory and resources for traveling with kids, including listing of family friendly places to visit at alltravelingkidsfamilyvacations.com, travelwithkids.about.com, familyvacations.com, or familytravelguides.com where you can search a huge database to find accommodations like campgrounds, cabins, bed and breakfasts, full service family resorts, and more family vacation topics. Get the family rounded up and have the vacation of a lifetime! Have fun, de-stress, and get away from the day to day grind. No one deserves it more than you and your family!

Protecting Your Eyes In The Outdoors

Protecting your eyes while in the outdoors is a very important thing to do. Many times we forget how important a pair of sunglasses can be. The glare of the sun can not only harm your eyes and burn your skin, but it can also cause problems such as headaches. A decent pair of sunglasses can help alleviate most all of these problems. You can literally get a pair of sunglasses almost anywhere; just remember that you get what you pay for. If you spend five buck at the local convenience store, you're going to get about five bucks worth of protection.

Many people say things like, "I would never spend $100 on a pair of sunglasses!" As a matter of fact, that's exactly what I used to say. Then I got tired of the cheap sunglasses that I bought breaking and just not working properly. So I finally broke down and bought a decent pair of sunglasses for $100. They are the best sunglasses that I've ever had, and do you know what? I've had them for 10 years! If you amortize that, it's ten bucks a year! Over time, I've actually spent less on $100 sunglasses, who would have thought that?

So, when it comes to protecting your eyes in the outdoors, you may want to consider spending what seems to be too much money. In the long run, it pays off and your eyes are better protected. How about polarized sun glasses? Polarization can help in any outdoor situation where there's a lot of glare, such as hiking in snow, skiing, all water sports, and of course fishing. You see, polarization on the lenses, cuts through that glare, which not only protect your eyes, but in the case of anglers enables them to see under the water. This, of course can be a huge advantage to anglers. When it comes to polarized sun glasses, the same rule applies…you get what you pay for. Not to mention the fact that a cheap pair of polarized sunglasses can cause vicious headaches (I know this from experience as well).

The bottom line is that we all need to protect our eyes when we're in the outdoors. Not only that, but we get what we pay for, and over time, even expensive ssunglasses really aren't that expensive.

Why Carolina Carports Are Simply The Best

We all have need for some shade in the beaming hot rays of the sun in the middle of summer. And there is no exception for our cars, the steaming hot rays of the sun in the dead of summer and heat of summer can really damage your car's appearance.

It will start developing lighter shades in patches on different parts of your car at first, it will then start showing up in and developing small bumps, you will then start noticing some bubbles, big and small, which you really should not touch at any cost. Because if you touch these bubbles you will really ruin your cars paint and make your car looks really ugly.

You should get the bubbles looked at and taken care of straight away as they will start peeling and chipping by themselves in the long run. The peeled and unprotected parts of your car will then, in winter be vulnerable to the harsh winter climate, snow and rain.

The winter rains, snows and other things will start a real number on your peeled car and unprotected surfaces, think about rust. And none of us, in the world want to have rust on our cars, this is because rust does not give our cars a good appearance.

In addition it will leave us looking bad too, because no body likes a person with rust on his or her car, because rust makes you look like you are not reliable, because you can't look after a car, which is a bad thing if you are looking for a job.

The hot Caroline weather plays tricks on your car, that is why you need to get a Carolina carport, they are really great when it come to looking after your car in the dead heat of summer, and we all know that we do not want to leave our cars out in the sun, as we just went through the whole dramatic thing above, so look after your car and get a Carolina carport that will protect your car from the rays of bad from the sun.

Remember that you car takes you from a to b all the time, you need your car, so taking good care of your car will make perfect sense to any body with a car, because without the car you will not be able to work and you will end up on the street, living in your car. Which makes even a lot more sense to start looking after you car's best interest right now.

Get a Carolina carport that is proven to work for million of cars in the hot sun all over the world, do not let your car down. Keep your car safe during the day when you are cool in the shade of your massive luxury office or in your nice air conditioned home. Take care of the needs of your car and your cars paint with the ultimate Carolina carport today. You will not be sorry you did.

The Maldives - Cruise, Dive, Swim, Snorkel

Visit the Maldives for an unforgettable holiday of a lifetime!

You don't need a visa to come to the Maldives although a 30 day entry permit will be given to you on arrival, i.e. any designated entry port. You will need a valid travel passport from your country of origin, along with a scheduled return ticket, and any necessary visa for the country you're leaving to.

There are several dozen cruise boats that sail around the islands as well. There's a lot to see with 1,200 islands, and certain cruises offer complementary diving expeditions; others are for relaxation - plain and simple. A good cruise will wind its way through the heavily populous atolls and also the virgin, pristine islands. Luxury cruises have modern amenities, and each cruise has its own twist on things.

This is a land of sun and water. A perfect paradise for those that need to unwind and relax. Scuba diving, snorkelling, submarine tours, whale and dolphin tours, and a variety of water sports including wakeboarding, jet skis, parasailing, and water skiing, are also available.

There are at least 17 hotels in the capital of Male, and you'll need booked reservations upon arrival or else $30/day for every day you'll be staying there. You have to provide proof of one or the other to officials upon entry. Ask your cruise if they commonly see any of Male's oceanic spectacles like the Blue Whale, Sperm Whale, Pilot Whale as well as the Spinner, Bottlenose, Risso's, Spotted, Striped, Fraser's and Rough-toothed dolphins. There are Maldivian specialities, which are frequently seen here but hardly ever anywhere else. You might even get a chance to see a Dwarf Sperm Whale, Melon-headed Whale or the elusive Tropical Bottlenose Whale. Even Orca killer whales abound.

Night fishing is another popular way to relax for tourists. The boats take off before sunset and settle down in a reef area. Even if the fishing is so-so, it's still a good chance to relax.

Ten Bewitching Places For Twitchers

There are over 10,000 species of birds in the world, including 1,000 in Europe, 2000 in North and Central America and the Caribbean, 2,900 in Asia, 2,300 in Africa and more than 3,200 species in the richest region of all, South America.

Try as you may, you'll never be able to see more than a tiny fraction of this number. But, if you are willing to go a little off the beaten track, the effort to see that tiny fraction will be rewarded over and over.

In Europe


In Europe, the best place for birds is undoubtedly the Danube delta, where the river splits into numerous channels before entering the Black Sea. The Danube Delta Biospheres Reserve in Romania is 580,000 hectares of pure heaven for birdwatchers and is the largest reed surface in the world, interrupted by lakes and channels. Here you will find Europe's largest colony of pelicans, as well as herons, ibis, warblers, and ducks in their thousands. To see the birds at close range you need to get out on the water – a boat is also the only way to reach the Monastery of St Atanasie, where the monks live in wooden houses and live almost entirely off their own produce.
South of the delta is a reserve where you can see from the roadside thousands of water birds including 60 species of waders, terns, ducks, gulls, geese, cormorants, pelicans, herons and egrets. Piatra Craiului and Retezat mountains and the large Bicaz Gorges are large areas still untouched by human influence, offering spectacular birding.

On a comparatively tiny scale is the Oasi di Sant-Alessio, near Pavia, in northern Italy, a privileged habitat for birds, set in the grounds of one of the oldest castles in Europe. Covering only ten hectares, this spot in the Po valley counts kingfisher, stork, heron, ibis and cormorant among its delights. It also raises birds from endangered species and releases them into the wild. It is thought that nearly all storks in the southern Lombardy and southeaster Piedmont regions of Italy are direct descendants of those raised at the Oasi in the late 1970s.

In India


India may not be the first place you'd think of for birdwatching, unless you're a dedicated old hand and you know that it has 2,060 species of birds, in addition to its thousands of species of mammals, reptiles and insects. India has 11 national parks and 135 wildlife sanctuaries.

Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary (near Alwar, Rajasthan) is part of Project Tiger. Its rich avifauna includes more than 200 species of birds, among them the babbler (common, jungle & large grey), black-/red-headed bunting, little brown dove, crested serpent eagle, pale harrier and dozens more.

Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary (in Rajasthan, 176 km from Delhi), better known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, is regarded as the best bird marsh in the world, comprising 29 square km of marsh, woodland and scrub. Here you will find 330 species of both nesting indigenous and migratory water birds inhabiting or visiting this big, shallow lake. The Sanctuary is the wintering ground for about 52 of the 350 Siberian cranes left in the world.

Corbett (near Ramnagar, about 270 km from Delhi) is another great bird park, with over 600 species/subspecies of birds, more than the total number of bird species found in Europe. Of the 69 species of raptors found in India, 49 can be seen in Corbett. Bird diversity is at its peak in winter, when the keenest European birdwatchers visit. With luck and a keen eye, you may also spot rarer species such as oriental white-eye, jungle owlet, Himalayan swiftlet, lesser fish eagle or even the stork-billed kingfisher. Birds are not the end of the story here: the park hosts tiger, Indian elephant, chital, sambhar, muntjack (barking deer), hog deer and the common langur. The historic and heritage cities of Jaipur and Agra are near by.

In South And Central America


Another glorious attraction for twitchers is Crooked Tree Sanctuary in Belize (on the west side of the Northern Highway at Mile 33), featuring 276 species of waterfowl, as well as Morelet's crocodile, black bowler monkeys and otters and all Belize's species of freshwater turtle. This mosaic of lagoons is partly surrounded by the largest continuous stand of logwood trees remaining in the country. Especially in the dry season, which peaks in April, double-crested cormorants, egrets, herons and various ducks can be seen. In November the jabiru stork, the largest bird in the Americas, may arrive to build stick nesting platforms and raise its young by June. Crooked Tree also hosts the peregrine, the world's fastest falcon, which is powerful enough to grab an adult coot right out of the water. The Sanctuary is open every day.

In The Rest Of Europe


Extremadura in Spain is a vast area of grass- and woodland. The Spanish imperial eagle is endemic here and there are other raptors galore, including black, griffon and Egyptian vultures.
Isle of Mull, Scotland, is an ideal place for viewing the white-tailed sea eagle and the golden eagle, as well as colonies of puffins, kittiwakes, guillemots, razorbills and storm petrels. You are almost bound to see also otters, seals, dolphins and whales.
Hortobagy, a national park in Hungary, is a patchwork of marshes farms and fishponds, famous for its 70,000 common cranes and migratory geese. You may also catch sight of the rare great bustard and red-footed falcon.
Lesbos, Greece, is the best place of all to watch the migration, between late April and early May, of bee-eaters, hoopoes, rollers and other birds flying in from Africa, pursued by impressive numbers of raptors.

To find the best birdwatching holidays look for the UK-based operator AwimAway (020 7430 1766, www.awimaway.com) that offers experiential holidays including birdwatching holidays around the world, customised to suit your desires and your budget.

Getting a Good Deal on Flights to Orlando

Orlando is a very popular tourist destination. The Orlando airport is the busiest in Florida. There are ways to find a good deal on flights to Orlando, but you will need to start planning early to find the best rate. Consider the time of year, time of day and day of the week when looking for a good deal. Search the internet to compare prices and find the best deal. Saving on your flight will leave you with more money to enjoy all this city has to offer.

Finding a Good Price for Flights to Orlando

Good rates can sometimes be found with major airlines. Major carriers offer discount airfares and seasonal deals. When they get into ticketing wars, this can be good for you. Only a certain number of seats on each flight are discounted. Once these are sold, the price goes up for the remaining seats on the flight. Book your flight early to get a good price. Sometimes travel is restricted to certain dates or days of the week. Take this into consideration when making your reservation.

Compare prices with different airlines. This information can be found on travel websites. Not all sites offer the same fares for each flight. Check fares with a few different sites to find the best deal. This will take more time, but you will save more money by taking the time to research the best rates with each airline.

Sometimes you can save money with special package deals. If you book your hotel, flight and even your car rental, you can save even more. Travel agents often have information on package vacations to Orlando. Contact your travel agent for information on package deals available at the time of year you plan to fly.

The time of year will affect the price you will pay for your ticket. School holidays, especially around Christmas and Spring Break are very popular travel times. Flights tend to fill up fast. You may pay more for your ticket during these seasons. Deals can often be found after the Christmas holidays, in January and February.

Consider flying during off peak hours to save more money. Flights that depart early in the morning or at night tend to be less expensive than mid day flights. You will have to get up early to catch the flight, but you will save. The day of the week will also affect the fare you pay. Flying mid week is cheaper than flying on a weekend. Consider this when planning your vacation. It can save you quite a bit of money.

Flights to Orlando with Discount Airlines

Several discount airlines are giving the larger carriers a run for their money. These smaller carriers offer cheaper fares to Orlando. You can often find information on the internet for many of these flights. Discount carriers are not always listed on larger travel sites. You may have to contact the airline directly to find a flight from your point of departure to Orlando. This will take more time in researching fares, as you will have to call each airline directly. Again, the time you put into your search will pay off in a cheaper flight.

Discount airlines often offer less in the way of service on the flight. Some offer only snacks and drinks but no food. Others don't offer any snacks at all and you may have to pay for drinks on the flight. This is a small price to pay for the savings you will get on your ticket. Scaling back on extras allows the airline to offer a better deal on airfares.

How To Overcome Fear Of Flying

Have you ever wanted to take that dream trip to a tropical island in the Caribbean to soak up the sun and atmosphere, but had that dream taken away from you because of your fear of flying? It doesn't have to be this way! You need to identify exactly why it is you harbour these, and other, fears, and discover ways to overcome fear of flying and other limitations.

What is fear of flying?

An unwillingness to even think about getting onboard a plane is a sure fire sign of fear of flying, but these are some other common symptoms:

- Worrying, and becoming overstressed about a flight for days, weeks, even months in advance


- Having feelings of anxiety before boarding the plane


- Feeling you need a strong drink or sedatives to calm down before a flight


- Feeling uncomfortable when the door closes, when the plane takes off, and when you hear certain noises


- Feeling elated and overcome with relief when you finally get off the plane

Why do you fear flying?

In order to overcome fear of flying we need to understand why the fear exists. There are two types of things in our lives; things we can control, and things we cannot control. Things we can control include our thoughts, our actions, and our reactions to certain situations. However, we cannot control things such as the behaviour of others (legally anyway), the thoughts of others, and the weather, among other things.

Fears emanate from our irrational assumptions that the things we cannot control will turn out to be bad experiences. For example, with flying we have absolutely no control; everything is in the hands of the captain. And even if we wanted to, we can't just stop the plane and get off. Where do these assumptions come from though? We certainly aren't born with these fears; they are learned through our experiences and through the experiences of others. Try to think of a time that triggered your fear of flying, it could be a personal experience of a turbulent flight you had, the fearful stories of others, or the frightening images seen on television. It's likely that your imagination takes these experiences and heightens them into a worse case scenario that accentuates your fear. You need to use your imagination to overcome fear of flying, rather than allow it to feed the fear.

Seldom do people realise that flying is significantly safer than travelling in a car or a train. Think about that for a second; it is more dangerous to hop into a car and drive down a freeway than it is to fly, yet people do it every single day without even thinking twice. When you hop into a car or a train what are you thinking? Really, the next time you get into a car or train, take note of what goes through your mind. Most likely you're not even thinking about whether or not it's safe to do so, you just do it. Yet when a plane is involved we allow our imagination to overwhelm us due to the uncertainty, because after all how can an object that big possibly fly?

Overcome fear of flying

There are a number of ways to feel more comfortable about flying, and to use your imagination in your favour.

- Prior to the flight have a full, nutritious meal as it will help you relax during the flight.


- Ensure you pack books to read, or music to listen to, or anything else that will distract you, while you are waiting for the flight, and during the actual flight


- Arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare so you can check-in and get your luggage through without too much hassle


- Avoid sugary foods, or caffeine prior to the flight as this may increase stress levels

Other than these practical tips, a very effective way to overcome fear of flying is to visualise the flight. Before your flight try to visualise every aspect of the journey; from the time you arrive at the airport imagine everything going smoothly during the check-in, see yourself walking calmly, even laughing, as you go through the gates and onto the plane. Imagine yourself sitting in your seat, being absorbed in your book, then seeing the magnificent view out the window. Visualise the smooth landing, and how thankful you are to the crew for such an enjoyable flight. Now that wasn't so bad was it?

Visualisation is a powerful technique not just to help overcome fear of flying, but also to overcome any other fear you have.

8 Steps to Getting Lower Airfares

Be Flexible The most important factor for getting lower airfares is flexibility. When possible, check alternate airports, a range of days and times, other carriers, and various routings. Opportunities for lower airfares increase when you have more options.

Buy Early Most discounted airfares must be purchased several days before the flight­­—usually 21 or 14 for the biggest discounts. However, the lowest prices are offered during fare wars (sales), which may be several months before you want to fly. For instance, the cheapest summer flights to Europe are traditionally sold between the previous Thanksgiving and Christmas.

One way to discover fare wars is to use a customized homepage (such as My Yahoo!) and continually check fares for your favorite routes. Investigate whether a sale is in progress when prices suddenly change. Many web sites, including airline and booking web sites, notify subscribers by e-mail when fares drop.

Buy Late Many airlines offer distressed inventory as last-minute airfares. They rarely match the lowest airfares offered during fare sales, but last-minute airfares can be great deals for emergency flights or impulse trips. Airlines release last-minute airfares each week around Wednesday morning for flights that weekend. However, a recent trend is to offer "last-minute" fares for flights more than one week into the future. Sign up to receive e-mail notification from each airline or SmarterLiving.com, who compiles the information from all airlines for most cities.

Surf for Lower Airfares Compare fares offered by major booking web sites to fares listed on the airline's web site. The airline's price may be lower or they may offer bonus frequent flyer points. Booking web sites do not include Southwest Airlines, so visit Southwest's web site to find their fares.

Use a Travel Agent Travel agents usually save you time and stress and often save you money. For instance, they may have preferred discounts with certain airlines and can offer lower airfares than you can find. They can also sell consolidator fares and charter flights that are not available to consumers.

Book Direct Call airlines directly to book bereavement or compassion fares. Some web sites do not offer senior, children, or group discounts. Keep in mind Step 1, Be Flexible, when calling airlines for fare quotes.

Get More, Pay Less Look for packages—lodging, rental car, and/or meals in addition to the flight—that cost a little more or even LESS than the airfare alone. Each winter, packages (including seven nights lodging and rental car) to Australia and other South Pacific destinations cost only $100 more than the airfare. Prices do not increase as the departure date approaches and a Saturday night stay is not required, making packages ideal for last-minute travelers.

Airfare Ploys Big savings can result from splitting long flights into two separate round-trip flights. You can even create a stopover and use different airlines, if you choose. Lower airfares or more convenient flights may be found when using co-terminals, which are different airports in the same city or area. Open jaw, charter, courier, consolidator, or round-the-world flights result in lower airfares in some situations.

How To Prepare For An African Safari And Stay Safe

An African Safari should be the holiday of a lifetime... for many, it's proven somewhat of a nightmare simply because they failed to prepare properly for their trip!

Whether you are taking and african lion safari, travelling to South Africa's Kruger National Park or Tanzania's magnificent Serengeti, basic preparation is vital if you plan on enjoying your experience.

What You Need To Take On African Safari

It's amazing how often the simple things are overlooked. For example safari wear is vital. On this trip though you don't want to be too overburded with luggage in fact, travelling light is always best.

What to wear on safari? It's light clothing in summer and light and heavy during winter. Days can be hot in many parts of Africa however, the nights can be extremely cool. There are some pretty friendly insects in mighty Africa so insect repellant is a must while sunscreen is also a good idea along with a hat or hats!

Be on your guard all the time, particularly in urban areas and I.D. should be with you all the time; even when you go to bed at night, make sure it's in a place you can remember.

Popular Safari Destinations

African lion safaris are always popular. With the african lion coming under scrutiny in recent years with dwindling numbers many people are taking advantage of seeing this magnificent beast in the wild.

Some of the more popular lion safari destinations include the Masai Mara National reserve in Kenya, particularly during the months of the wildbeest migration. South Africa's vast Kruger National Park, Botswana's magnificent Central Kalahari, Chobe and Linyati parks and Tanzania's famous reserves, from the Serengeti to Lake Victoria.

The african lion is not the only famous "jungle icon" you'll witness in this amazing landscape. One of Africa's great attraction is it's landscape extremes. From thick jungle to open plains and waterways, if you are a student of photography then you'll be in your element.

What Safari Do You Prefer?

The available safaris on offer are numerous and it can be tough to decide. Walking safaris are excellent because you are on the ground getting "down and dirty" in deep, darkest Africa. Walking safaris are very well guided and if you are a first time visitor, travelling with experienced safari enthusiasts is recommended.

Mobile safaris are the most popular. Africa is vast and being mobile is the easiest and quickest way to see it. Fly-ins are a little more expensive but seeing Africa from the sky is an opportunity most don't experience and if you can afford it, it's well worth the expense!

Red Rock Canyon - Las Vegas Sightseeing

While there are many places called "Red Rock," this place, Red Rock
Canyon, is an extraordinary, wonderful National Conservation Area,
located just 10 miles west of Las Vegas, Nevada. What a delightful way
to add to a Las Vegas sightseeing trip or vacation! Whether you visit Calico Hills,
Lost Creek Canyon or Spring Canyon, all within Red Rock Canyon National
Conservation Area, you're certain to witness unusual beauty in a Las
Vegas that most don't ever bother to take the time to see.

The Conservation area is made up of a number of features and natural
rockscapes. Amongst the most popular tours, the Las Vegas and Red Rock Canyon tour features are these highlights:

The view from Calico Hills is worth the drive itself. It also doubles as
a good rock climbing possibility in that it's made of eroded red
sandstone. There are outlooks and designated trails as well. Looking out
at Las Vegas and its casinos from this lofty perch lends one a real
perspective on the place. You can see the Calico Basin, which is a very
pretty vista, and enjoy the relative solitude.

Lost Creek Canyon is the largest of the canyons and runs through the
cliffs. There's a 20 mile dirt road along the stream that runs through
colorful rock formations, and into Pahrump. The journey itself is a
destination, and Lost Creek Canyon makes for a worthy trip.

Spring Canyon is home to a large waterfall that runs more reliably in
the winter and monsoon months. There is a year-round section of the
creek, and it makes for a pleasant destination and a nice spot to have
an afternoon lunch.

None of these are truly strenuous and none need special mountaineering
equipment to visit, but if you should decide to scale the heights, make
sure you have proper training, equipment, etc., and take proper safety
precautions.

Like any desert location, there are many hidden beauties. Reptiles and
insects are beautiful and mostly harmless, but there are the exceptions
in desert rocky regions, so due caution is advised while investigating
and exploring places with nitches, nooks and crannies. So long as you're
mindful of these, you'll find exploring the desert life an exciting and
enlightening adventure. There are plants and animals all over the
desert, once you figure out where to look.

Proud and colorful, visitors to Red Rock Canyon have long enjoyed the
monolith and its canyons; A peaceful option to the lights and slot
machines of Las Vegas, this national treasure has delighted visitors
since the city's birth. Make a point of adding it to your itinerary next
time you visit the snowcapped Sin City.

© 2007 RightNow Communications