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Family Travel: Involve Your Children in the Vacation Planning: |
September 9th, 2010
Unusual destinations can become more interesting for children if you pique their curiosity. Show them maps and brochures of the area; rent movies or read books about it. Movie buffs-in-training will probably get a kick out of knowing about any films that have been shot there, and budding athletes are sure to like details about local sports heroes and pro teams.
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Top Things to Do with Kids in New England: |
September 8th, 2010
Taking the kids on a fall-foliage road-trip through New England this year? We've rounded up nine family-friendly attractions that are worth a detour along the way. You can visit New England's only beluga whale, drop by a working farm to see how cheese is made, learn about astronomy at a university planetarium, set foot on the historic landing spot of American pilgrims, and a lot more. Better yet, most of these memorable family experiences will cost less than a tank of gas.
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Rome: Mind the dress codes: |
September 8th, 2010
They’re especially strict for visits to the Basilica di San Pietro and the Musei Vaticani: shorts, tank tops, and halter tops are taboo. Shoulders must be covered. Women should carry a scarf or shawl to cover bare arms if the custodians insist. Those who do not comply with the dress code are refused admittance.
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Where to Go Hiking in the Caribbean: |
September 7th, 2010
Lying on a beautiful beach, umbrella drink in hand, can be a sufficiently fulfilling experience for an entire Caribbean vacation, and no one would ever suggest otherwise. Gorgeous ocean shores are the region's primary draw, after all. That said, head a few miles inland on many Caribbean islands, and you'll discover enchanting landscapes that are practically hidden in plain sight.
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Sightseeing: Bring bottled water: |
September 7th, 2010
There’s probably no travel accessory more underestimated than bottled water. Drinking a bottle (or even two or three) is sometimes the difference between conking out halfway through a hike and trekking 2 miles farther than you thought you ever could. It’s also a must at theme parks, for city strolls, and just about any place that gets lots of sun. And although you can often buy bottled water at convenience stores or museum or attractions shops, you’ll pay dearly—if you’re traveling by car, buy a case of bottled water at a discount store and keep it in your trunk.
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Australia: Make rail reservations well in advance: |
September 6th, 2010
This is especially necessary during peak tourist seasons, roughly from November through February. Advance-purchase train fares, which afford a 10%–40% discount between some major cities, are best bought before departure for Australia, as they tend to be booked up far in advance. Contact your travel agent or the appropriate Rail Australia office.
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Tunnel Found at Mexican Ruins: |
September 5th, 2010
Recent archaeological work at the ruins of Teotihuacán, 30 miles northeast of Mexico City, has led to the discovery of a tunnel about 45 feet down.
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Packing for Your Trip: Pack outside your bag: |
September 5th, 2010
Before you actually pack your suitcase, pile everything you plan to bring on your bed or dresser. This is your opportunity to eye your clothes and cull a few more items. If you pack directly into your suitcase, you’ll be tempted to throw in a few extra items (trust us, you will). Once you’ve made the final edit, pack only what’s in front of you.
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Choosing a Cruise Ship: Get the best cabin you can afford: |
September 4th, 2010
While all cabins are designed to be as comfortable and functional as possible, you can’t get around the fact that cruise-ship cabins are still much smaller than the typical hotel room. If you intend to do nothing more than sleep in your cabin, book the cheapest option, which is typically an inside cabin on a lower deck. But if comfort is important to you, book the best cabin you can afford. On newer ships more and more cabins have balconies, and the chance to sit outside on your balcony to have breakfast or just to relax and look at the stars is an unbeatable luxury.
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Air Travel: Squeeze in some in-flight fitness: |
September 3rd, 2010
Isometric tightening of your muscles is the simplest way to exercise during a flight. Focus on a muscle or group of muscles—say, your stomach. Sit up straight, and take a deep breath. As you exhale, tighten your muscles and hold for a count of 10. Release and breathe in. Repeat five to 10 times. Do this every 20 minutes or so, choosing a different muscle or set of muscles each time.
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Hawaii: While exploring Kauai, plan for a lot of stops on the road: |
September 2nd, 2010
Try to take advantage of the many roadside scenic overlooks and pull over to take in the constantly changing view. Don't try to pack too much into one day.
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Canada: Remember that going to Canada from the United States means crossing an international border: |
September 1st, 2010
All travelers now need a passport or other accepted secure documents to enter or reenter the United States. Naturalized U.S. residents should carry their naturalization certificate. Permanent residents who aren’t citizens should carry their Permanent Resident Card, more commonly known as a green card. U.S. residents entering Canada from a third country must have a valid passport, naturalization certificate, or green card.
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China: Steel yourself for shopping at a Chinese market: |
August 31st, 2010
It’s great fun for the savvy shopper. Do haggle—with histrionics at the seller’s first asking price but with a polite, positive attitude throughout, and never with finger pointing (use your whole hand instead). That said, be prepared to be grabbed, pushed, followed, stared at, and even have people whispering offers in your ear. Personal space and privacy aren’t valued in the same way as in the West, so the invasion of them is common. Also, many Chinese love to touch foreign children, so make sure any younger traveling companions are aware of and prepared for this.
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5 Best Beaches on Kauai: |
August 30th, 2010
With over 50 miles of sandy shores—more than any other Hawaiian island—Kaua‘i is a beach bum’s dream. It’s easy to give in to "Hawai‘i time" and spend your trip relaxing on the sand. Here are some of our top places to park your beach towel.
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Road Trips: Stock up on supplies at warehouse shopping clubs: |
August 30th, 2010
By far the most expensive places to buy snacks and toiletries when traveling are the convenience stores attached to roadside gas stations. Try to buy groceries at discount department or grocery stores before you leave. Members of warehouse superstores, like Costco and Sam’s Club, can save a huge amount by stocking up on bulk foods and even toiletries at these places. Best bets include bottled water, crackers, cookies, chips, trail mix, sports bars, nuts, and breath mints, as well as aspirin and pain relievers, antacid tablets, laundry detergent, and film. These shopping clubs also usually have the cheapest gas prices around, and many are just off major interstates or along other well-traveled roads; before you hit the road, research the locations of some on your route.
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