Holiday Travel Tips

Informing You About Traveling Abroad This Holiday Season

Travel abroad during the holiday season may be crowded and seem a bit overwhelming if you have not done it before. For many the list of things you need to thing about when preparing to leave in addition to the added pressure of longer lines and thousands of other frustrated travelers can leave them wondering why they chose to leave home at all. If you are one of the millions who are braving the crowds to head out on your holiday vacation this week or next, here are a few tips to help you feel more prepared.

STEP – Smart Traveler Enrollment Program – This is one way that you can feel more secure when traveling abroad. By registering your trip, you can feel confident knowing that in case of an emergency, you have the added security of assistance from the U.S. government.

Passport – Hopefully, you applied early for your passport as wait times can be from four to six weeks when applying. You are required to have a passport or passport card when traveling outside of the United States.

• Make sure your passport is signed and that the emergency information is filled out.

• Make a copy of your passport and put it in a safe place. In fact, make two copies and leave one with someone you trust and carry the other so you can put your real passport in a safe place like your hotel safe to avoid it getting stolen or lost.

Make An Itinerary – Leave a copy including contact information with your family back home to make sure that in case of emergency, someone has information on where you may be and how to contact you.

Research – Make sure you know a bit about your destination including laws and conditions before you go. Being an informed traveler can help ensure that you leave little up to chance.

Other Things You Should Know Before You Go

From the location and contact information of the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate to looking less like a tourist and more like an educated and informed traveler, there are many ways that you can control your situation when traveling abroad. Though you may not be able to control all aspects of your vacation such as the weather and who sits next to you on the plane, take advantage of the knowledge you have and become a more informed traveler to ensure you have a smooth holiday vacation.

Tradewinds Travel Club Wishes You A Happy Holiday Season

Know more about travel and become a more informed traveler with tips and advice from Tradewinds Travel Club. If you enjoy travel or would like to travel more, find out how Tradewinds Travel Club can help. Most of all, travel safe and enjoy your holiday season!

Tradewinds Travel Club Explores Another Top Warm Winter Destination In The US

The state of Hawaii is not only the newest addition to our 50 states but one of the most diverse but also one of the most unique in our nation. A tropical paradise, travel to Hawaii is more like traveling to some far off land. Offering ecologically spectacular destinations and stunningly beautiful views in conjunction with a tropical environment, you can never go wrong visiting the state of Hawaii no matter what time of the year. Tradewinds Travel Club invites you to learn more about this top warm winter destination and what it holds for you as the ideal vacation destination.

Made up of many small islands, the main islands in the Hawaiian chain include:

• Hawaii or the Big Island
• Kauai
• Oahu
• Molokai
• Lanai
• Maui

Each of these islands offers a unique experience from the other. From wilderness exploration and National Parks to crystal clear waters, amazing underwater views and the largest waves in the hemisphere, you have so much to choose from.

The winter is a wonderful time to visit the islands especially the island of Maui which offers an unique experience during this time of the year. Humpback whales come to the shallow waters off the island of Maui during the month of December through May offering some of the most spectacular whale watching opportunities in the world. The clear calm waters and close proximity to land make it one of the most popular activities in the islands during this time of the year. Visitors can choose from personal charters to passenger rafts and larger tours as well. They take place often and can be found along the Lahaina Harbor.

Whether you want to experience the whales or just relax on the beaches, Hawaii is an ideal warm weather destination for your vacation in winter. Explore this and other amazing sites throughout the US this winter and avoid the winter weather blues from Tradewinds Travel Club.

Tradewinds Travel Club Invites You To Learn More About Travel

Tradewinds Travel Club explores and reviews the tips and destination specific information that you need to know when planning your vacations. Whether you enjoy traveling in the U.S. or abroad, Tradewinds Travel Club wishes you only the best in all your travels and wants to help by offering you tips to make the most of your trip. If you travel frequently or would like to travel more, Tradewinds Travel Club invites you to learn more about us by visiting our members site. Travel more and enjoy your vacations with your friends at Tradewinds Travel Club.

Tradewinds Travel Club Reviews Great U.S. Holiday Destinations

For many travelers, the holidays mean getting out of the house and off to some wonderful destination in the U.S. or abroad. If you are one of these travelers, finding a new and exciting place to visit that will offer you a grand holiday retreat may seem like a daunting task. Tradewinds Travel Club would like to help you find the destination of your dreams this holiday season by reviewing some of the most popular and most beautiful holiday destinations in the U.S. for you to explore. Get to know more about destinations for travel for you and your family this holiday season with Tradewinds Travel Club reviews.

Look At The Lights

There are cities around the U.S. which are well known for their amazing holiday decorations. Spreading the holiday cheer, Tradewinds Travel Club reviews these top holiday displays.

Chicago -Magnificent Mile Lights Festival and Parade. Taking place on the 19^th of November, this is just the start of the season and the stunning light displays that fill the city of Chicago offering you a stunning yuletide view. Great holiday events and sites include the Lincoln Park Zoo, Brookfield Zoo, Navy Pier and Michigan Avenue.

New York – Rockefeller Center – Decorated for over 75 years, this is indeed one of the most recognizable trees in the U.S. if not the world. If you miss the tree lighting ceremony, you can always stop by and visit this amazing, one of a kind scene.

Boston – The Faneuil Hall tree and Back Bay streets are filled with holiday lights. In addition, the Boston Christmas Festival offers much to do during the season for you and your family including arts and activities and music including amazing performances by the ever popular Boston Pops orchestra offer an amazing way to relax and enjoy the spirit of the season.

Washington DC – The National Christmas Tree and the Pathway to Peace is just one amazing site in our nations capital. Also beautiful and fun to see are the lights at the National Zoo, the Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights and many winter festivals at sites throughout the surrounding city.

If you are looking for the ideal location to spend your holidays this holiday season, take a look at these and other top areas for enjoying the rich, holiday spirit. Experience the best the holiday season has to offer and make the most of your travel dollar.

Tradewinds Travel Club Reviews

Reviewing topics and destinations for travel is part of what makes Tradewinds Travel Club special. We enjoying offering you tips and topics on travel that will help you find the perfect destination for your vacation. Whether you enjoy travel in the U.S. or places further away such as Europe and the Caribbean, Tradewinds Travel Club reviews these topics and more to help you become more informed. Learn more about travel and the top destinations for travel with Tradewinds Travel Club reviews.

Tradewinds Vacations Reviews Topics On Travel

Dealing With Travel Complaints

What Is The FAA - The Federal Aviation Administration was created in the early 1900's as air travel increased throughout the United States. In order to improve safety for both passengers and those in the field of aviation, the FAA was created with safety and growth in mind. Today the mission of the FAA is to provide the safest and most efficient aerospace system in the world according to their website. With a vision to strive to always reach the next level of safety, efficiency, environmental responsibility and global leadership, the FAA offers information and innovation to maintain and improve air travel for everyone.

It is not uncommon for travelers to have some sort of complaint while traveling, especially when dealing with air travel. With billions of travelers choosing to fly to their destination throughout the year, one can expect that certain aspects of travel with cause issues for some travelers. In an effort to avoid and deal with complaints about travel, Tradewinds Vacations helps you become a more informed traveler and learn more about dealing with complaints while traveling by air.

Tradewinds Vacations On Reporting Travel Problems Concerns and Complaints

If you have experienced issues while traveling by air that require that you report a problem, concern or complaint, there are a number of ways that you can report these issues. Many times, if you simply check the FAA FAQ you can find the information you are looking for. If however, you would like to report an issue and are still looking for where to find the answer to your question or concern, the FAA offers a number of departments in which to assist you.

Flight Standards District Offices deal with issues concerning:

Accidents

Air carrier certification and operation

Low flying aircraft

Aircraft maintenance

Operational issues

Certification of airmen

Enforcement of regulations

Aviation Consumer Protection deals with issues concerning:

Lost baggage

Ticketing

Denied boarding

If you need to discuss a flight issue with an FAA employee specifically, their headquarters are located in Washington DC. The FAA is there to assist you when dealing with complaints about your flight. Be an informed traveler and know where to go when dealing with complaints about your flight.

Tradewinds Vacations Avoiding Complaints On Travel

In an effort to help you become a more informed traveler, Tradewinds Vacations offers you the tools you need to be an informed traveler. Know before you go and avoid common complaints on travel. Tradewinds Vacations is your vacation information provider. Learn more and become more informed with Tradewinds Vacations by your side.

Common Questions About The Airport From Tradewinds Vacations Birmingham AL

Tradewinds Vacations Birmingham AL would like to help you prepare for your next vacation by offering you tips and advice on travel at the airport. Take a look at some of the most frequently asked questions with Tradewinds Vacations Birmingham AL. Learn what to expect and get answers to the questions about travel that you have with Tradewinds Vacations Birmingham AL and enjoy your next vacation. 

Staying Informed On Travel With Tradewinds Vacations Birmingham AL
With the currently enhanced security measures when you travel, as a traveler you may not be aware of what is and is not allowed on your flights. It is important that you, an informed traveler, do your best to be aware of the rules before you go in order to save both time and hassles.
In keeping you informed, Tradewinds Vacations Birmingham AL would like to help you prepare for your next trip and what to expect once you arrive at the airport. Make your trip to the airport smoother with tips on airport security from Tradewinds Vacations Birmingham AL today.

3-1-1 Rule
One of the biggest changes is the 3-1-1 rule for liquids in your carry on luggage. This rule states that you may only carry only 3 oz containers, they must be in a one quart bag and you can only carry one bag of containers.  If you have doubts about the size of a container, but it in your check luggage.

Lighters
If you need to carry a lighter when traveling, you may do so on a plane, but only standard type lighters are allowed. You may not carry torch lighters and you may not check your lighters.
Saving Time
Once you arrive at the gate and have your carry ons ready, it is important that you prepare yourself for screening. You will still be obligated to pass through a scanner to ensure that you are not carrying anything that you can not have aboard with you. Ways that you can help speed up this process and make it easier for you and those around you include:

• Taking off any metal such as jewelry that may set off the scanners
• Emptying your pockets into the bins with your things
• Removing your shoes
• Opening your computer bag is you are carrying one
• Take off your coat
• Don’t wear multiple layers.

Each of these tips can help you get through security a bit quicker and will ease your time and the time of those around you. Tradewinds Vacations Birmingham AL hopes that these tips will help you have a better time on your next trip to the airport. Enjoy your vacation by being prepared with tips on travel from Tradewinds Vacations Birmingham AL.

Welcome To New Orleans and The French Quarter From Tradewinds Vacations

Tradewinds Vacations enjoys traveling to the most popular destinations for travel worldwide. Destinations including New Orleans have for generations and will for generations more offer the most amazing and unique sites and adventures for travelers from around the world. Welcoming millions of tourists and travelers each year, New Orleans welcomes you to enjoy old southern hospitality and the excitement of a city that truly never sleeps with a visit to the French Quarter and historic New Orleans. Get to know more about great destinations of interest with Tradewinds Vacations.


Tradewinds Vacations Looking At The History Of the French Quarter Of New Orleans With You

The oldest and indeed, most famous part of New Orleans is the neighborhood known as the “French Quarter”. Established in the 1800’s the French Quarter today offers many hotels, restaurants and many other tourist destinations that are a must see for travelers while visiting New Orleans. Tradewinds Vacations welcomes you to explore the many sites that are truly New Orleans style, a great way to vacation this summer.

Popular sites and activities in the French Quarter include:

Bourbon Street - 8 blocks of Bourbon from Canal Street down are given over to catering to the hard drinking tourists as well as those who enjoy a good New Orleans meal.

French Market - vendors still sell fresh produce as in days of old in addition to other tourist related souvenirs.

Jackson Square - The old town square, often live music is going on here, typical New Orleans

Jackson Square Artist Community - Artists often display their works here and have been for decades.

Louisiana State Museum - complex of national landmarks housing thousands of artifacts and works of art reflecting Louisiana's legacy of historic events and cultural diversity.

New Orleans Pharmacy Museum - showcases its extensive collection and provides interpretive educational programs to present and preserve the rich history of pharmacy and healthcare in Louisiana; past and present.

Pat O'Brien's - . Famous for strong Hurricanes, Mint Juleps, TNTs - Popular tourist bar

Horse Drawn Carriage Tours - A classic way to get out and enjoy the city

No matter what you want to enjoy in New Orleans be it music, parties, the night life, traditional experiences, cultures, or any other of a hundred other things, the French Quarter is known for it all. Tradewinds Vacations wants you to know more about the destinations you want to visit. Get to know the most popular, the most unique, the most beautiful and the most amazing destinations for travel with Tradewinds Vacations. Learn great tips and get advice on travel with Tradewinds Vacations and be an informed traveler.

Tradewinds Travel Club Enjoying The Weekend

Much of America is generally limited in their vacation time by their job. Tradewinds Travel Club understands that many of us can't just take off all the time for destinations around the globe. Understanding this, we still believe that it is important that you get out and enjoy life even if it is just for the weekend. Weekend retreats can be just as relaxing as a week away as long as you plan ahead. Take advantage of the wonderful sites around you with tips on enjoying your weekend getaways with Tradewinds Travel Club.

Visiting Our State And National Parks

Restrictions on your vacation may be more than just time, but monetary as well. Therefore, finding creative ways for you and your family to get out and enjoy a vacation is an important part of life. Throughout the United States, State and National Parks offer just the opportunity you need to get out, relax, enjoy the weather and your family and friends and do so on a budget and in the amount of time you have to spend. Perfect for hiking, biking, learning, exploring, swimming, fishing, boating, and expanding your horizons, both State and National Parks in the U.S. offer a cost effective way to enjoy your weekend.

Thousands of State Parks, and almost 400 National Parks can be found throughout the U.S. If you have never had the opportunity to explore them, you are missing out. Despite budget crunches in states throughout the country, many State Parks and all National Parks continue to operate. Here you have the chance to explore the culture and history of an area including not just animals and plants that survive there but the history of the people that used to survive there as well. In addition to learning, most State and National Parks offer recreation and camping as well. Lake parks will generally offer places to rent or borrow equipment in order to enjoy the areas natural resources, and parks that offer camping generally offer weekend programming as well to further enhance your stay.

Explore Your World With Tradewinds Travel Club

Tradewinds Travel Club encourages you to see what valuable resources you may be missing in your area. Explore you nearby parks and take the weekend to relax and rejuvenate your mind and body. Learn more about your State parks, explore our National Parks and take a vacation with Tradewinds Travel Club as your partner in travel.

Carlsbad California Vacation Ideas From Tradewinds Travel Club

Carlsbad California is a coastal city located in the state of California, more specifically, the county of San Diego. Just 35 miles north of Sand Diego, this city is a wonderful destination worth visiting for residents of the city of San Diego and a great place for tourists from around the world visiting this part of California. Tradewinds Travel Club invites you to Carlsbad California, a great place to visit on your next vacation.

Known as the village by the sea, Carlsbad has the small charm you seek from a vacation destination as well as the conveniences that truly make your vacation, all in one. From boutique shopping to fine dining to water sports and adventures, Carlsbad offers a multitude of options for your vacation. Like most of California, the climate in Carlsbad is mild and pleasant year round. As a haven for tourists from throughout the United States, the mild weather and a desire to offer great events and activities makes Carlsbad a great place to enjoy beautiful uncrowded beaches, water sports, art walks and cultural activities, world class birding, wildflowers and many world class attractions year round. Some of the top destinations and activities in Carlsbad include:

• Spring Wildflowers
• Carlsbad's TGIF Jazz in the Parks
• Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park
• The Gemological Institute of America
• South Carlsbad State Beach
• World Class Golf
• Spas
• Batiquitos Lagoon
• The Carlsbad Music Festival

As a city with fewer than 100,000 people Carlsbad caters to all of its residents and visitors alike. Offering first rate activities as well as accommodations which cater to your needs, Carlsbad continues to grow in popularity each year and continues to offer world class activities and family friendly events as well. Why travel far when a great destination can be found just around the corner. Take advantage of the beauty and simplicity of a vacation in the US and enjoy your next trip with Tradewinds Travel Club.

Travel With Tradewinds Travel Club

Tradewinds Travel Club invites you to learn about this and other great destinations throughout the US. Make the most of your travel dollar and explore the US on your next vacation.

Exploring Our Nations Capital On A Trip Too The Zoo With Tradewinds Travel Club

Literally hundreds of sights of interest can be found in Washington DC. In fact, Washington DC is known as one of the top destinations for travel in the U.S. Destinations that offer a look at our history, and the natural world are open throughout the year and offer you and your family some of the most poplar destinations for vacation in the world. Learn more about one of D.C.'s most popular destinations for travel with Tradewinds Travel Club. Take a closer look at the National Zoo, part of the Smithsonian Institute, a great way to enjoy Washington DC with your family and Tradewinds Travel Club.

Tradewinds Travel Club A Look At The National Zoo And It's History

More than just a zoo, the National Zoo is 163 acre zoological park in the heart of Washington DC. It is home to more that 2000 animals of almost 400 species and is open 364 days a year. One of the most popular destinations for tourists, the National Zoo has over 2 million visitors each year and is free of charge.

Founded in 1889, the mission of the National Zoo is to provide leadership in animal care, science and education. Created “for the advancement of science and the instruction and recreation of the people” by Congress, it was the next year that it became a part of the Smithsonian Institution. Like most zoos, the main focus of the National Zoo today is to protect species and educate the next generation of adults to be stewards of the earth.

In keeping with the education theme, programs, field trips, activities, events and camps are offered to children of all ages. A great place to bring your children, the National Zoo has great summer events and activities as well to amuse as well as educate people of all ages.

When to Visit

Open everyday except December 25th from 10 am to 6 pm.
Spring is the busiest time, plan ahead.

How to get there

If you choose to drive, parking is not free, but proceeds go to the zoo, you may choose to use public transportation instead.

Tradewinds Travel Club invites you to experiences the top destinations for you and your family this summer. Enjoy all your vacations with Tradewinds Travel Club by learning more about this and other great places to explore this summer.

Tradewinds Vacations Cruising Into A New Trend

Is Bigger Better?

For many in the cruise industry, the answer is still a resounding yes. For others why have tried the new large luxury liners as well as the smaller more intimate smaller ships, the answer is no. So why the difference? The difference really comes to the experience itself. This years new ships that have been added to the fleets are the largest yet in keeping with the trend that bigger is better. Vessels that carry well over 2000 passengers, have dozens of restaurants, Broadway shows, bars, casinos and even water parks are truly more like floating cities than anything else. If a floating sea of opportunity is what you want, then the larger liners are more likely to be what you are looking for. So what about those who would rather have a floating village? The industry still offers you the option of fewer activities and yes, fewer people with many of the cruise liners primarily on America's inland waterways.

What Are The Benefits Of Smaller Ships

Aside from not feeling like you are floating in a sea surrounded by a mid town metropolis, the other benefit of a smaller cruise ship is the opportunities that you may be offered. Many who enjoy adventure travel are beginning to see the joy of smaller cruise ships in the inland lakes of America. Alaska cruises that offer Whale watching, kayaking, hiking and different ports of call than the larger ships are drawing a different kind of crowd. These ships however, require an early booking as they only carry between 50 and 100 passengers and fill up relatively quickly.

Choosing Your Cruise line To Suite Your Interests

Options in cruises do exist. From large to small, in and out of the US, tropical destinations to arctic, casinos or castaways, cruising has thousands of options when it comes to planning the perfect vacation for you. It is important that you do your research when choosing the cruise that is right for you. If you are more of a “bed and breakfast” kind of vacationer, check out the smaller lines and smaller ships as a possible option. If you enjoy the high roller, roller coaster/water slide riding kind of excursion, checkout the more mainstream, larger liners found throughout the US. There is usually a cruise that will meet and live up to all of your expectations, you just have to take the time to find it.

Tradewinds Vacations enjoys offering you tips and advice on travel to meet your needs. Follow the latest trends in travel with Tradewinds Vacations as your partner in travel. Tradewinds Vacations can offer you savings on travel not found anywhere else. Savings and discounts from Tradewinds Vacations include many member benefits such as:

discounts on cruises
savings hotels and motels
condos
activities including entertainment and dining
ski or other resorts

Learn more about saving money on travel with Tradewinds Vacations today.