Wicking fabrics

You do not want your clothing to promote sweating and collect it like a sponge. What you do want are fibers that are going to wick away moisture and let it evaporate. That means no cotton. Wool wicks moisture, but is horrid in the sun, so skip that as well. Look in the athletics section for tops that are specifically made to wick away moisture. Holiday shirts are also great for keeping you cool. Pull off button up holiday shirts with style by wearing them slightly loose and with a neutral pant.

Roomy fit

The last thing you want is to have a bathing suit that is falling off your body. You also do not want to appear shapeless, if you decide to wear a top to the beach. However, you should not wear skintight clothes, either. They keep your skin from breathing and can stick when they are wet. Go for something that is just loose enough that you can move comfortably and that does not cup you too much in an area you would rather keep private.

Bathing suit

When picking a bathing suit, go for a short that is about two inches above the knee. The higher above that it goes, the creepier you will look, unless you have quads like Daniel Craig. Keep it casual. Pick a solid neutral tone so you look classy and clean.

Shoes and hats

When you are headed on a beach vacation, there are three shoes you will need, though you can dispose of one in a pinch. You need canvas or boat shoes for casual day outings, walking shoes for hiking and sandals for the beach. Sandals should be sturdy. If you like flip-flops, bring extras.

The key words to remember when packing for your beach destination are cool and casual. You want to look and feel comfortable at all times. That does not mean you should wear linen pants to a formal dinner, but that you should be wary of the temperature so you do not sweat over cocktails.

Setting Sail For the Beach? How to Dress Your Best.

Taking your kids on road trips to introduce them to different parts of the country can be a blast, but sitting in a car with them for hours can be a pain. How do you keep them occupied on longer car trips? With an ipad sim card from Bell.ca, you can keep them easily entertained. Here are 10 of the best, for a variety of ages.

1. 123 Color: Talking Coloring Book ($0.99, iPhone, iPad). Less mess than an actual coloring book and set of crayons, this coloring app will keep your kids entertained for hours filling in pictures.

2. Road-Trip-Bingo HD ($1.99, iPad). A two-player bingo game that your kids can play with each other on the road. Make sure and get the iPad HD version, as the original is only one player.

3. The Oregon Trail (price varies, iPhone, iPad, Android). Kids have been playing this one for years and it’s not slowing down. Watching their wagons cross the United States will make any road trip seem easy! This one is also available for Android.

4. PBS Kids Video (free, iPhone, iPad). With this app, you can download video clips from your kids’ favorite shows on PBS so they’ll have something to watch on the long trip.

5. Weet Woo! ($3.99, iPhone, iPad). Another great video app, Weet Woo! finds child-appropriate videos on the Internet and lets your child watch them easily.

6. Mancala (price varies, iPhone, iPad, Android). This app brings a classic board game to life. Play at various difficulty levels, as well as against live or online opponents.

7. Toca Boca Hair Salon 2 ($0.99, iPhone, iPad). Any fashion-minded child can spend hours on this app designing and redesigning hairstyles for various in-game characters.

8. Tales2Go (free for 30 days, then $9.99 monthly or $99.99 yearly, iPhone, iPad). An incredible reservoir of nearly 2,000 audio stories for your children to listen to on the road, all divided up into age-appropriate categories.

9. Family Car Games ($1.99, iPhone, iPad). Missing family time with your kids while they’re on their phones? Make sure and bring along this app, which suggests great car games for the whole family to play and explains the instructions.

10. Cool Mad Libs ($3.99, iPhone, iPad). The whole family can play along with the mobile version of this popular party game. Who can name a popular boy’s name first?

With these apps in hand, your kids will stop complaining, “Are we there yet?” and you can enjoy hours of peace and quiet as you drive.

10 Fun Road Trip Apps for Kids

Europe is one of the most fascinating continents on the planet filled with a level of diversity that defies its relatively small size. From breath-taking countryside to vibrant cities, students will certainly find plenty to capture their imagination as they tour through all that Europe has to offer.

Students are in a rare and highly enviable position when it comes to travel. They are not usually tied down by commitments to full-time employment or family responsibilities and so, as long as they are able to scrape the requisite funds together, they are able to travel when and where they choose. For many, Europe holds a particularly great appeal as it is a diverse continent and it can do much to stimulate their learning, whether this is through visiting museums, galleries and other houses of education, or whether it comes through direct interaction with the culture   food, drink and customs   of any particular nation or peoples on the great European continent. Below are a few key aspects to consider ensuring a particularly memorable student tour.

Culture and Learning

For student tours Europe has some of the finest examples of cultural and educational institutions anywhere in the world, in no small part thanks to its long history as a hub of human civilisation, which is, in itself, reason enough to travel within this continent. The galleries of Paris, Naples or St Petersburg, the museums of London or Berlin, the architecture of Barcelona or Vienna, the religious sites of Rome or Istanbul, the sense of history in Athens or Prague; all of these are but just a taster of everything that Europe has to offer in terms of cultural and educational potential.

Rural Encounters

What is mentioned above is limited primarily to cities and large towns as this is where the major galleries, museums, historical sites and universities tend to be located, but it would be a shame to only see student tours Europe in an urban sense, as the countryside has so much to offer too. This may be in terms of spectacular natural beauty such as in the Black Forest or along the Tuscan coast, or this may be in terms of sports and activities that are available, with skiing facilities abundant throughout the Alps and elsewhere and water sports available on the Mediterranean shores or on some vast inland lakes.

Have Fun

If visiting museums or hiking through forests all gets a bit too much, there is no better way to get to know Europe than to have fun with it. Eat local food at a local restaurant, have a few too many of the popular local brew and dance the night away to music that you’ve never heard before   these are the ways to really get under Europe’s skin.

Altogether, a trip to Europe provides a chance for a rare combination of learning, exploring and having a great time, all with surprising ease of organisation and execution and on a nice low student-friendly budget.

About the Author:

Martin George writes regularly on student tours for a range of travel websites and blogs. Having worked as both a lecturer and a tour guide, as well as for several years at a Swiss ski school, he is well placed to provide an insider perspective on this market.

Travel Europe Student Tours in this Fascinating Continent

But if you’re basing all your knowledge around the movies then it’s time to think again. America’s largest state, Alaska, is often portrayed as being cold and dark (or cold and always light) and its beauty can often be overlooked in the pursuit of sensationalism. Alaska is a wonderful place to visit and offers beautiful scenery and fantastic adventures for sports lovers and spectators alike.

There’s no getting away from the fact that this is one enormous state! And yes, there is plenty of ice and snow around, but the summers in Alaska can still get pretty warm. It’s actually got a very variable climate, so the best advice to any visitor is to pack plenty of layers. It’s always a good idea to have an extra jumper with you to throw on or take off as the temperature dictates.

Making memories

Adrenalin junkies and adventure lovers will be in their element in Alaska. The state is full of rivers, lakes and protected coastal waters, so water sports are prolific here. From kayaking to rafting and jet boat rides, you can surf the waves or take it slow, whatever suits you and your level of experience. You can hike across the glaciers in Alaska, an experience that will live with you in your memory forever. Or why not take a dog sled ride, another thing that surely doesn’t factor in your everyday life!

If you’re looking for culture, then the customs and traditions of native Alaskans will fascinate you. Check out totem carving, native dancing, traditional music and historical museums, all depicting the culture and tradition of the state.

The scenery in Alaska is spectacular. While you’re there, get out and about as much as possible, taking in the wonderful sights (don’t forget your camera!) and absorbing all the amazing sights. Take in some of the superlative national parks of Alaska and enjoy a challenging hike across the mountains or a milder walk around the lakes.

In the wild

The wildlife is also something to be seen while you’re there. You’ll see bears, caribou   related to the deer family   and a whole array of birds and other fantastic wildlife. Whether you see them out in the wild or visit one of the state’s zoos or aquariums, you’ll experience all kinds of exotic and unusual animals.

Visiting Alaska is a memorable experience and it’s a holiday like no other. So next time you’re planning to visit America, how about looking a bit beyond the movies?

About the Author

Charlotte Cameron is a travel writer who has been to destinations all over the world, writing about her experiences via a range of articles and blogs for websites and printed media. She has written this on behalf of http://www.grandamericanadventures.com/tours/alaska-adventures.html

Discover the Beauty of America’s Largest State

By Kathrine Kreger

Families need fun, and a vacation can be fun for all, not just for the kiddos. Although the entire family is going on the vacation, there will be many activities that allow the family to spend some much needed time apart, but of course there are also many fun-filled adventures for the family to enjoy together. Planning out the family vacation can make the trip go a lot smoother, so here are some ideas on how to successfully execute a fun vacation:

Where to Start
When one thinks of planning out a vacation, the destination is typically the first thing that pops into their mind. After all, there is no vacation without a destination. Narrowing down destinations will depend on the age of the children, the climate a family is wanting to vacation in, and the type of adventures a family wants to take. If a family is looking for adventure, fantasy and magic, Walt Disney World Orlando is the perfect vacation spot. There are many theme parks in Disney World, including: Magic Kingdom, MGM Studios, and Animal Kingdom Park. San Diego is a great city for the family to visit together; the main attractions are the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Sea World theme park. The Georgia Aquarium, Lego-Land and Six Flags amusement park located in Atlanta could be a great vacation idea for families.

Get All The Details Down
After the destination is chosen, travel accommodations will need to be made. Finding the right flight and hotel is essential to a smooth trip. Planning the trip in advance has its benefits, such as saving money. More affordable flights are available to the traveler who books ahead. When booking flights, the time of the vacation will also come into play. Most families take vacations during the summer, and spring, due to spring and summer breaks for the children. This is why planning ahead before airlines and resorts have the chance to raise the price comes in handy. Most airlines permit travelers to book tickets a year in advance; the same concept applies to booking hotel accommodations.

Pack, Pack, Pack
Although a parent wants to pack light, you should also pack right as children have many accidents, and parents want to be prepared for those issues. A first-aid kit is necessary when traveling, although most hotels and theme parks offer the kits as well, but it does not hurt to be safe. If a child has allergies, pack her medication, as traveling to a different climate could offset those allergies. Families planning to spend time at the beach should take sunscreen, sunglasses and sunhats, and it’s best to put a couple of light-weight jackets in the suitcase during summer months, because summer nights can get a bit chilly. Families traveling during the winter months should pack heavy coats and boots, carrying accessories such as umbrellas, gloves, thermals and scarves are great ideas too. If anything breakable is being packed, or you don’t want your belongings smashed in the flight process, pack with a hard suit case as they will keep everything safe and sound. Learn more about hard cases here. It is best for a parent to put the children’s clothes together in one suitcase, so smaller children are not given the hassle of carrying luggage through the airport. I know this all seems pretty obvious, but it’s amazing how many don’t pay attention to these small and “obvious” details, and end up paying twice the price for these items, just because they’re at a resort. So pack smart!

Take Temperature into Consideration
The warmer the climate, the more humid the theme park can be, but if this does not bother the travelers, then travel during the summer months is great. For the traveler who wants to visit Disney World without the unbearable heat, a Christmas vacation may work out best. Whenever a family travels, there will be so much to do, the adults can enjoy spas, shopping, golf, sailing and other activities, while children can enjoy day camps, craft workshops and more. The family can then come together for tours, to ride attractions, or take a hike. The perfect vacation exists; the family just has to plan it!

Prepare for Fun! The Busy Families Guide for Planning the Best Vacation

Planning your next ski trip? Not sure which resort to go to? It’s more than a little difficult choose between the myriad resorts on offer in Europe, as not only is there an abundance of world-class offerings, but quite simply there are so many factors that need to be taken into account!

Here are a few suggestions to help make your decision a little easier…

Snow Surety

This is a big one, who doesn’t want fresh tracks on their ski holiday?! Even though resorts sometimes guarantee snow surety, it may not be great quality, especially at the beginning or towards the end of the season. Make sure your holiday insurance offers a money back policy in case you are unable to ski due to adverse conditions. Resorts with the best snow surety include Alpe d’Huez, Tignes, Saas Fee and Val Thorens, due to high altitude skiing of at least 2000m, as well as access to glaciers.

Ski Area

Possibly just as important as the amount of snow is the suitability of the ski area. Are there gentle slopes for beginners? Rolling reds for cruising? Or steep blacks for the more adventurous? And of course it’s important to check out the backcountry for the powder hounds!

If you’re a speed daemon and tend to cover a lot of area, check out how many km of piste there are, or if your have a car, find yourself accommodation in a town in the valley so you can travel to different resorts – for example Bourg Saint Maurice, which allows access to Les Arcs, La Plagne, Val d’Isère, Tignes and a couple of smaller hidden gems such as Sainte-Foy and La Rosiere.

Amenities

Does the resort have everything you need? Are you a party-goer or do you prefer a quiet night in by the fire? When looking for a ski holiday, there are many areas that have multiple villages connected to the same resort, so choose the one that suits you. For those in search of the bright lights and lively après ski, why not try Val d’Isère or Val Thorens, the many bars and great nightlife are sure to excite. And for those who enjoy tucked away retreats, Les Coches (Paradiski) or Ellmau (Wilder Kaiser) are tranquil refuges, hidden from the dazzle of their larger neighbours by quiet trees and woodland.

Lets not forget amenities. Many families enjoy a swimming pool nearby, or would you like local shops selling souvenirs? Do you need local childcare facilities? Is there a ski hire delivery company to avoid treks in the snow to the local ski shop? Is there a postbox for postcards to Grandma? And if you’re in self-catered accommodation, is there a supermarket near? It is important to do your homework and ensure that your resort has everything within easy reach.

Accommodation

Accommodation really boils down to personal choice. Obviously you want to be comfortable but there are so many different types out there! If you want to have the luxury of a catered chalet, then be sure to book with a tour operator, the standards of chalet food in the last ten years have increased massively. Within the bracket of catered chalets, there are a wide variety to choose from; there are your top of the range, luxury chalet companies including Premiere Neige (St Foy) and Ski Verbier (Verbier) to young family, affordable companies such as Neilson and Inghams.

Looking for non-catered accommodation, opens up a whole world of options, whether you want chalets, shared chalets, apartments, studios or hostels. Choose the right one for you! There are plenty of websites and agencies that cater for every need.

As well as the catered versus non-catered options, you must consider whether you want a ski-in ski-out location. If you have a vehicle with you, there’s no need to worry, however ski-in ski-out does make it an awful lot easier, especially with young children, as it means that you won’t need to lug your equipment up steep stairs and down icy roads.

Travel

So you have found your ideal resort but not quite booked it, and you see there is a 4hr transfer on a bus, that may be old and have broken heating! Nobody wants that! Fear not! There are many alternatives, and some more popular than the general public may believe!

Self-Drive – It works out more affordable at half term than paying for all the family’s flights! It also means that there is no weight limit to the equipment you take. N.B. Be sure to check regulations for rules on driving abroad.

Fly-Drive- Check where the closest airport to your resort is and there is pretty much always a car rental dealership close to hand. Make sure you book this in advance and choose a reputable dealership.

Fly-Private/Shared Transfer – this option is increasingly popular as it is a stress–free way of getting to resort as you will have already pre-booked it. There are many different transfer companies out there, such as Coolbus who primarily serve the Tarentaise (Val Thorens – Val d’Isere) from airports such as Lyon and Geneva, these chaps deliver you straight to the door.

And finally there is the traditional bus transfer with a tour operator…nothing wrong with this option as it gets you to your resort, as long as you don’t mind your chirpy Rep giving you all of the above details about the resort that you have already thoroughly researched!

About the Author:

This post was contributed by Paul Coyle at Rental Republic, offering snowboard and ski hire with their unique in-chalet fitting service, to resorts throughout the Tarentaise Valley. Book your ski hire and snowboard rental online, then sit back and relax whilst you wait for the ski technician to bring your ski and snowboard equipment to your chalet.

What Makes a Good Ski Resort?

There’s nothing better than getting together with friends and family over the holidays; unfortunately, everyone else usually has the same idea. During this time when planning ahead is crucial, the following tips and tricks will help you minimize travel time and make the most of your holidays.

Finding the Deals: Go Online!

A large part of the holiday headache can be blamed on how expensive it is to travel. Procrastinating on travel plans is a sure way to cause extra stress and money, because everything will be booked. Plan ahead. If you don’t have far to go, buses and trains can be relatively cheap and many companies advertise deals online. Compare travel services to see who is offering the best sales during the holiday rush. Some websites combine services to save you money on multiple travel essentials, such as flights, hotels, and rental cars.
If you’re planning to fly, the simplest method for purchasing cheap tickets is to buy them as far in advance as possible. There are many websites online that make it easy for you to compare different airlines as well as different flights within a particular airline, such as Kayak. If you’re forced to buy a ticket last minute, a website like Priceline is a good place to look.

When to Travel

ALWAYS AVOID RUSH HOUR! Whether you’re on your way to the airport or to grandmother’s house, the influx of drivers over the holidays will ensure that rush hour will be insufferable. Avoid it at all costs! Try driving at night to avoid peak rush hours and allow plenty of extra time when driving to the airport to catch a flight.

When booking flights it’s important to know the busiest travel days and avoid them, such as the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. The Sunday after a major holiday is also usually busy and more expensive. It’s often cheaper and less crowded to fly on a weekday, though you will encounter business travelers so try a late morning or early afternoon flight to avoid the weekday rush.

How to Beat the Airport

Some of the biggest holiday mishaps have to do with the airport. With so many people traveling at the same time, delays are inevitable. Anticipate these delays and come prepared. Bring a book or some music. Enjoy a meal or a drink at the bar. Bring your laptop and watch a movie. Bring travel board games to keep the kids entertained. Delays are a nuisance, but they don’t have to ruin your holiday travel plans. Some tips to keep in mind:

■ Forget Parking: Take a taxi or car service for the quickest door-to-door service
■ Pack Light: Avoid the fees and added wait-time by packing a carry-on only
■ Check-in early: Most airlines will allow you to check-in online 24 hours ahead of time and print your boarding pass at home. Skip ahead straight to security!
■ Know what you can bring: Check the TSA website for the latest regulations before you pack
■ Be early: Check the airport’s website for an updated status on flights and wait times, then plan your airport arrival accordingly
■ Fly non-stop: You can’t miss your connecting flight if you only have one!

Hope for the Best, Plan for the Worst

Traveling is expensive and requires a lot of planning. Unfortunately, the holiday months often have inclement weather, making it very easy for mother nature to ruin even the most well thought-out plan. Safeguard against unexpected cancellations by having some form of trip insurance that will cover lost luggage and flight/hotel reservations, just in case the unexpected happens.

Traveling this time of year can be frustrating, but there is no need to let stress overshadow the joy of the season. Early planning and anticipating roadblocks ahead of time will help ensure that you make it home in plenty of time to enjoy the holidays.

Santa drawing courtesy of Shutterstock

Maximize Holiday Travel

Arrival in Cape Cod
If you’re flying in, you’ll probably arrive at either Logan Airport in Boston or at T.F. Green Airport in Providence. You can, from either of those, also catch a puddlejumper flight to Barnstable Municipal Airport on the Cape itself — or you can drive, bus, or catch a train out to the Barnstable County (aka The Cape). If you’re coming in from overseas, you don’t need to stress too much about getting your money changed at the airport — there are currency exchange and currency converter places scattered around the Cape.

Crashing on the Cape
If you can afford it, there’s nothing more ‘Cape’ than settling down at a different one of the Cape’s several dozen bed-and-breakfasts every night. But for most people, the optimal play is to reserve their stay at one of the hotels in Hyannis. Hyannis is kind of the ‘center point’ of the Cape, with ferries out to Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket and easy main-street access to basically every kind of tourist activity the Cape has to offer.

Speaking of Tourist Activities…
You don’t really understand the depth and breadth of the Cape’s offerings until you get here and look around. No list does it total justice, but here are some of the amazing things that the Cape can entertain you with:

• Golf — and lots of it. The Cape has more than 25 public and more than 15 private golf courses ranging from beginner-level to PGA-worthy. Best of all, the area’s unique climate allows you to golf about 51 weeks out of every year.
• Hiking and Walking — the Cape might not look that big on a map, but it has got scores of scenic and stunning hiking and walking trails. The Barnstable Land Trust offers frequent guided tours of some of the best; contact them for information.
• Spa Days — there are nearly 20 unique spas dotting the Cape, from the traditional relax-and-massage to the high-tech Botox-and-laser-treatments variety. The Namaste Spa offers unique ‘contrast therapy’, exposing you to the healing powers of heat, cold, light, darkness, touch, aroma, and more.
• Retail Therapy — the heart and soul of the Cape, there are more than two thousand four hundred boutiques, shops, and stores dotting Barnstable County. If you love to pick through the best in fashion, home decor, and knickknacks, you’ve come to the right place.
• Nature — Cape Cod is rightfully famous for it’s natural beauty. Whether you’re hiking along the marshy beaches of the inner coast or whale watching on a charter boat from one of the islands, the only way you could come to the Cape and not be amazed is to get so distracted by the shops that you forget to look around outside.

The Cape is the essence of New England’s quirky side matched up with some of the most stunning seaside vistas you’ve ever laid eyes on. Plan your trip out to the Cape today, you wont regret it.

Family Travel Guide: Visiting Cape Cod

1.The reason the price of milk had increased the past month.

2. How it was likely to change in coming months.

Wouldn’t that be worth doing?  Of course, for most things we buy this isn’t really possible.  There are influences like grain prices and import costs, but for the most part these are beyond our control.  However, just because you can’t use the news to stock up on canned goods, doesn’t mean it can’t help with other things.  Regarding your foreign exchange transactions for instance, watching the news is an invaluable way to find out what’s influencing the rates.

Foreign exchange and the evening headlines

Imagine for example that a couple is planning to buy a second home on the coast of Spain.  They have the place picked out, and it has a swimming pool and bright sunshine nine months out of twelve.  Perfect.  It’s just a matter of closing the deal and changing currencies.  But instead of researching the rates, the couple contact the local bank.  So they don’t learn, for instance, that unemployment in the United States has just fallen 2.0%.  This has sparked huge risk appetite on the foreign exchange market and boosted the euro.  And they don’t learn that a European Central Bank loan scheme has relieved market pressure regarding European debt.  This has aided the euro again.  So the rate they get isn’t a good one.

Getting ahead of the foreign exchange game

To keep ahead of the game then, it’s a great idea to keep up with what’s happening in the news.  Countless millions of investors trade currencies around the clock after all, and are influenced by political and economic events.  So if something is important enough to make the headlines, chances are it’s important enough to impact the foreign exchange market.  That could affect the value of sterling, and hence the rate you get when you change currencies.  In addition of course, there is an easier way.  Instead of keeping your eyes glued to the news, you can contact a foreign currency exchange broker to watch the headlines for you.  So if you’re emigrating to Spain for instance, they can get in touch when your ideal rate becomes available.  Saving you all the hard work.

How to use the news to boost your foreign exchange rate

The area is full of channels that wind there way between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, traveling from Chile in the west to Argentine in the east. Travel from Ushuaia to Punta you will view scenic bays, glaciers and fjords along the way.

The best way to see the area is by cruise line or ferry. Cruses offer trips to the islands via zodiacs, while ferries offer shorter cruises and less expensive accommodations.

Cruise through the Strait of Magellan, Beagle Channel, around the islands of the Tierra del Fuego Archipelago, and Magdalena Island. Continue to Ainsworth Bay in the Alberto De Agostini National Park where you can see Carlos III Island, and Rupert Inlet which is richly biodiverse.

Be sure to see the magnificent patagonia glaciers in an area called ‘Glacier Alley;’ in Cape Horn National Park, named a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. And finally see Wulaia Bay, once the site of the largest Yamana aboriginal settlement.

South American Cruise to the Glaciers