For obvious reasons, most criminals and scam artists around the world are after your money. So, by default, the more obvious it is that you are not comfortable in an area and the more obvious your money is, the more likely you are to become a target. In order to avoid becoming the easy target, it is important that you are first of all, aware of your surroundings, and second of all smart about your valuables including money, jewelry and other important things on your person including your travel papers.
Below are a few of the most basic tips and some words of advice to help you do just this. Avoid issues when you travel by knowing what to expect and avoiding situations before they happen.
No Back Pockets - this is the first place a pickpocket will go for your wallet. Instead of making it an easy target, just avoid the back pocket all together.
No Fanny Packs - not smart looking and not a good idea. Again you may as well paint a sign that says "rob me" if you carry one of these.
No Expensive Jewelry - the more you bling the more you can expect to be robbed. Leave it at home for many reasons. In addition to making yourself an obvious target, if you are carrying it in your luggage and it gets lost, you may not recoup your losses as their is a cap on the amount you can be reimbursed for your bags.
Divide And Conquer - carrying all your papers and money in one spot is never a good idea. If you get robbed, you will then lose it all. Instead, divide your goods up in different areas including your sock, a body wallet or other hidden areas and leave items you do not need in a safe place not on your person.
If you are wise when you travel, you can avoid many of the most common issues and complaints about travel including losing your money and becoming a target. Be smart and pay attention to little ways you can help avoid these issues and make the most of your vacations.
Tradewinds Vacations welcomes you to learn more about travel and vacations with us. From when and where to why and how, we do the reserach for you to help you become more informed. Be smart, be prepared and make the most of your vacations with tips from Tradewinds Vacations.
.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Visiting Reno And Tahoe – A Review
Reno – Bright Lights Big City
Reno, county seat of Washoe County in the state of Nevada, and known as the “Biggest Little City in the World” may not be “big by some standards, but what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in activities and events. Famous for its casinos, it is referred to as the birthplace of Harrahs, one of the most well known gaming corps in the industry. With a city population of about 220,000, Reno welcomes around 5 million visitors each and every year. There to enjoy the world famous gaming and nightlife or to relax and enjoy an outdoor retreat in the surrounding Lake Tahoe area, there is truly, something for everyone in this part of Nevada.
Located in the high desert valley at the base of the beautiful Sierra Nevada mountains, this is a year round recreation mecca. Even when summer temperatures soar in the the upper 90's and hundreds in July and August, this doesn't stop the visitors from coming to see and explore the region. Featuring some of the worlds best indoor entertainment, the outdoors person can also escape the heat, not with air conditioning but by jumping into beautiful Lake Tahoe.
Cool Down At Tahoe
Located just over a half hour from Reno, Lake Tahoe is another well known and highly visited resort area in the beautiful Sierra Nevadas as well. Here a different kind of experience awaits. Rather than a strip of lights, you are more likely to see the stars at night. Great hikes in the area include not only lush meadows in June but rugged and rocky outcrops, beautiful waterfalls, crystal clear lakes and streams and more. A wilderness retreat, you can choose to spend just the day or an entire week depending on your desires.
The world is your playground. Whether you enjoy the bright lights and the big city or the quiet solitude of natures splendor, the Lake Tahoe, Reno area of Nevada is just waiting to welcome you on your vacation.
Find out what keeps millions of visitors knocking on the door to this part of the country and explore the world of travel and reviews from Tradewinds Travel Club.
Tradewinds Travel Club invites you to learn more about travel and vacationing with us. If you are a member of Tradewinds or would like to learn more, visit the Tradewinds Travel Club website at tradewindsvacations.net.
Friday, February 24, 2012
Maple Syrup Festival Fun In Spring
While many people look to escape the winter weather in the Eastern states, spring brings about a whole new group of travelers to the area. As the temperatures rise and the east begins to thaw, the birds begin to return, the sun begins to shine once again and the millions and millions of maple trees throughout the region begin springing back into life, no pun intended.
Embracing the uniqueness of the region and the culture that makes it unique from others in the United States, hundreds of towns and cities both small and large begin gathering sap in earnest in preparation for the tastiest festivals of the year, the Maple Syrup Festivals. Drawing visitors by the thousands, states including Vermont, Maine, Michigan and Virginia are just a few that cater to the sugar crowd. In the good years, visitors can expect to see fun events and activities which include tapping demonstrations, discussions about area history and the native American tribes who used the sugar and sap from these and other species of trees in the U.S. and in Canada and even experience a taste of the life of first European settlers depending on which festival you visit.
Some of this years top festivals include:
The Vermont Maple Festival – Taking place in St Albans Vermont, this festival is in its 46th year and anticipates over 50,000 visitors over the three day festival. Dates for this years festival are April 27th - 29th.
72nd Annual Vermontville Maple Syrup Festival – Held in Vermontville Michigan, this festival begins on April 27th and runs through April 29th as well.
National Maple Syrup Festival – First and second weekends in March in Medora IN. This festival is the only National Maple Syrup Festival there is. Events, activities and excitement await the visitor including live music, demonstrations, vendors, food and more.
Do you have a maple syrup festival you enjoy each year? We welcome your feedback! Share your stories of how you enjoy Spring in the East and Mideastern parts of the United States. Embrace the special features and aspects of this part of the U.S. and enjoy a unique vacation experience in small town America.
Tradewinds Travel Club reviews great ways you can explore the world and have a great trip. See the world, experience the cultures and make the most of your vacation experiences with tips and reviews to help you with Tradewinds Travel Club.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Santa Fe In Winter
Although Santa Fe is an ideal destination for travel no matter what time of the year, winter is a wonderful time to visit not only for the fun but also for the prices. Get to know a little more about what Santa Fe has to offer you in winter and any time of the year.
Beginning January 27th and running through February 5th, Santa Fe will be welcoming visitors to come and enjoy their second annual Winter Fiesta. Featuring concerts, parties, comedy, food, shopping and discounts on accommodations and skiing, this is one festival you may not want to miss when exploring the Santa Fe area.
If you cant make it for this festival, there is still plenty to see and do in Santa Fe in winter, especially those who enjoy the snow. Situated about 7,000 feet above see level in the foothills of the southern Rocky Mountains, snow comes often to this, the highest and oldest capital city in the U.S. A unique destination, Santa Fe hosts over a million visitors each and every year and is not only great for recreation but is also a well established arts and cultural center offering nearly 300 galleries and art dealers as well as over 12 major museums dealing with not only the art but the cultures and history of the area as well.
Winter in Santa Fe can see plenty of snow. Despite the almost 300 days of sun, the cooler temps still bring the area almost 300 inches of snow a year to the higher elevations making it a skiers paradise.
Some of the area ski areas include:
Santa Fe Ski Basin Area
Ski Santa Fe
Ski New Mexico
Valles Caldera National Preserve
Take time to explore the many wonderful destinations throughout the United States and experience them in different ways in order to truly experience all they have to offer. Learn what makes this and other destinations so popular and why they continue to rank among the top destinations for travel anywhere in the U.S.
Review Top Destinations With Tradewinds Vacations
From winter festivals and skiing to summer fun and arts and culture, Tradewinds Vacations welcomes you to review areas like Santa Fe and other top destinations for travel with us. Learn more about the top areas for travel and what they have to offer you on your vacations and become a more informed traveler. Learn with us and explore the world with Tradewinds Vacations.
Beginning January 27th and running through February 5th, Santa Fe will be welcoming visitors to come and enjoy their second annual Winter Fiesta. Featuring concerts, parties, comedy, food, shopping and discounts on accommodations and skiing, this is one festival you may not want to miss when exploring the Santa Fe area.
If you cant make it for this festival, there is still plenty to see and do in Santa Fe in winter, especially those who enjoy the snow. Situated about 7,000 feet above see level in the foothills of the southern Rocky Mountains, snow comes often to this, the highest and oldest capital city in the U.S. A unique destination, Santa Fe hosts over a million visitors each and every year and is not only great for recreation but is also a well established arts and cultural center offering nearly 300 galleries and art dealers as well as over 12 major museums dealing with not only the art but the cultures and history of the area as well.
Winter in Santa Fe can see plenty of snow. Despite the almost 300 days of sun, the cooler temps still bring the area almost 300 inches of snow a year to the higher elevations making it a skiers paradise.
Some of the area ski areas include:
Santa Fe Ski Basin Area
Ski Santa Fe
Ski New Mexico
Valles Caldera National Preserve
Take time to explore the many wonderful destinations throughout the United States and experience them in different ways in order to truly experience all they have to offer. Learn what makes this and other destinations so popular and why they continue to rank among the top destinations for travel anywhere in the U.S.
Review Top Destinations With Tradewinds Vacations
From winter festivals and skiing to summer fun and arts and culture, Tradewinds Vacations welcomes you to review areas like Santa Fe and other top destinations for travel with us. Learn more about the top areas for travel and what they have to offer you on your vacations and become a more informed traveler. Learn with us and explore the world with Tradewinds Vacations.
Friday, January 13, 2012
Gulf Shores Alabama A Review From Tradewinds Vacations
A coastal city in Baldwin County, this generally small area with a population of less than 10,000 people has historically swollen greatly in population each year, but most especially during Spring Break. Despite the BP spill n 2010, Gulf Coast is one area that has rebounded and is making an effort to not only stand out as the ideal destination on the coast but is finding new and creative ways to encourage tourism to the area.
Popular activities in the region include not only the newly returned fishery but also swimming, diving, zoos, parks, historical destinations and 9 signature golf clubs in the region as well.
Festivals And Events
Gulf Coast festivals and events are another great way to explore and experience the area including the 41st annual National Shrimp Festival. Presented by Zatarain's, it is being held this year from October 11th through the 14th and is expected to attract over 300,000 people to this part of the Gulf. Events include fine arts exhibits, arts and crafts, continuous live music and even a children's activity village. In addition, the festival has many other events and access to the festival is free making it a cost effective way to enjoy the area.
Area Attractions Include:
Florida Point - A Gulf State Park beach area
Cotton Bayou - A Gulf State Park beach area
Romar Beach - A Gulf State Park beach area
Gulf State Park - Pavilion Area
Gulf State Park - Lake Shelby Recreation Area
Gulf Shores Public Beach
Gulf Shores 2nd Street Public Access
Gulf Shores 4th Street Public Access
Gulf Shores 5th & 6th Street Public Accesses
Gulf Shores 13th Street Public Access
Lagoon Park
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge Beach
Alabama’s Coastal Connection: A National Scenic Byway
Baldwin County Heritage Museum
Alabama Coastal Birding Trail
Fishing Charters
Marinas
Golf Courses
If you have a favorite place you enjoy at Gulf Shores, share your story!
Tradewinds Vacations reviews top destinations for travel to help you learn more about where you may want to explore with your family on your vacations. Learn more about what you can see and do when you travel and make the most of your vacations. Become an informed traveler with reviews to help from Tradewinds Vacations.
Friday, January 6, 2012
Great Family Friendly Destinations In The U.S.
Finding great places to take your family can seem daunting. Finding a place that offers you the variety that you and your family need from a destination as well as offering a price you can afford can be the most difficult aspect to your entire experience and leave you exhausted and wishing you had simply skipped the vacation. However, the U.S. has hundreds of great vacation options when it comes to planning your next vacation. Without even leaving the U.S., you can explore new and exciting destinations and get the most of your travel dollar. Tradewinds Travel Club invites you to look at some of the top U.S. destinations for family travel in 2012.
Yellowstone National Park – Hot Springs, Geysers, trails, basins, Mountains and more are just part of the draw to this amazing National Park site. Unique and diverse, the opportunity for you and your family to explore the outdoors and the amazing geothermal features of the area that make it so unique are just some of the reasons you should spend some family time here. Encompassing history, cultures and environmental issues, this is a great way to learn and still enjoy your time together and on a budget.
The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad – Built in 1882, this has been drawing visitors of all ages. Traveling 45 miles through the San Juan National Forest, it is a great way to explore the area history and the beauty of the area and all from the comfort and excitement of a train. A unique way to enjoy time with your family.
The Alamo – San Antonio itself offers much for the family retreat however, the most well known of all sites is and will always be, the Alamo. As this is an integral part of history and will generally be covered in school, it is a great way to bring education into your vacation and still enjoy your time together. Beautiful and unique, this area of Texas is a paradise for vacationers of all ages.
Mall of America – Over 500 stores, the Mall of America could hold 258 Statues of Liberty, need you say more? Its sheer size and sites make it a great place to spend some quality family time. Including the Nickelodeon Universe, the Mall also includes movies, restaurants, Sea Life Minnesota, Build a Bear Workshop and Lego store just to name a few of the top sites and attractions.
There are thousands of other great destinations to see and explore with your family in the U.S. alone. From national parks to museums, theme parks, parks, cities, towns and more, it is worth spending time exploring and getting to know the world around you with your family by your side. If you have a destination that you and your family enjoy, we welcome your comments.
Tradewinds Travel Club invites you to learn more about travel with us. Explore the world around you and enjoy all it has to offer you when you plan your vacations. Travel more, save more and make the most of your time by being an informed traveler with tips and reviews to help from Tradewinds Travel Club.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
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!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)