Welcome to Michael's Article Collection

ABCs of Adventure Travel

A – Address peel and stick labels for all your family and friends before you go. Then stick to postcards along the way and you'll come home looking good.B – Bottled water is a must – don't drink anything else.C – Cookbooks from your travels are always a great souvenir. Cook a dish from one when you have friends over to see your video and picturesD – Digital cameras save the day; their small and. . .

Exploring Uncharted Territory: Your Family Vacation

(NC)—Picture it – your minivan is stopped at a rest area. Your partner sits at the wheel while you are buried under a mess of unfolded maps. You feel tense as you debate over directions while your jumpy kids in the back seat are spreading chocolate over each other. Aah, the joys of a family vacation.Don't despair, not every trip has to be like that. By making plans in advance, you can help ease. . .

Health & Beauty: Oily Skin Can Get Dehydrated Too

(NC)—All skin types - normal, dry, and oily - needs to be moisturized in summer. Your face may appear to have a shine without a morning lotion, "but what you may be witnessing," says Jacquie Hutchinson, national product trainer for Almay, "is a false sense of security."The skin, she says, has the life-sustaining role of protecting our veins, arteries, blood and organs from exposure to the envir. . .

Ditch The Hotel For A Villa Or Vacation Home

Two visits to Budapest. Two apartments, walking distance from downtown. I did not even set foot in the Hilton. My mother and I saw Budapest like only someone who stays away from the Americanized hotels can. We stayed with the locals. We came to feel the city, not just see it.Several years later, I returned to Europe on my honeymoon (this time, without my mother). The first two nights in a. . .

10 Best Children’s Activities at Walt Disney World

I’m sure you all know about Disney World’s amazing theme parks, but are you familiar with the myriad of fascinating activities for children offered throughout Walt Disney World that are either complimentary or offered for a reasonable fee to Disney resort guests? Here are some of the best: Snag a Bass On a Kid’s Fishing Excursion. 1-hour angling trips just for children are available from the r. . .

The Benefits Of Markhor Hunting In Pakistan

The northern areas of Pakistan contain the highest concentration of peaks and longest glaciers outside the polar region. This is where the world’s 3 greatest mountain chains collide the Karakorams, Hindukush and the Himalayas. Emanating out of these rugged mountains flow rivers, their tributaries and melted glacial water thus creating a rich source of inhabitance for some of the worldR. . .

Travel to find a Russian bride

Do you agree that the best lessons are lessons given to you by other people who have already made some mistakes so that you wouldn’t repeat them? We are going to have a detailed observation of a certain man’s trip. When coming to Russia he managed to make a lot of mistakes and he can hardly calm down with the idea of getting wiser and more experienced. But you can avoid all this bad stuff! Just. . .

Parents Time-Out At Disney World

So you think a trip to Walt Disney World is one only the kids can enjoy. Well, think again! Here are a few tips for making your vacation to Mickey Mouse Land a memorable one for the whole family. Plan an evening or two on your own at one of Disney’s world-class restaurants. If you’re a registered guest of a Disney resort, drop off the kids at one of their child care centers for around $10 . . .

Disney’s 10 Most Magical Experiences

How do you narrow down a place like Walt Disney World into just a few days? A great way is to be sure to experience Disney’s most wonderful offerings first and foremost and then allowing the rest to just fall into place. Here are the best of the best: An Epcot Illuminations Cruise — Each evening boatloads of visitors depart from the docks of Disney’s Boardwalk Inn and Disney’s Yacht Club heade. . .

Discover The Sophisticated Side Of Mickey Mouse

Is it possible for sophisticated travelers to really enjoy themselves in the land of Mickey Mouse? Absolutely! Walt Disney World has undergone a transformation much like that of Las Vegas, with an abundance of fantastic themed resorts and sumptuous dining choices. Maybe your image of Disney is of lackluster, motel-style accommodations. Not so! All deluxe property choices are unique and offer th. . .

Top Ten Reasons To Pick A Vacation Rental

We are planning a family trip for just a few days. That is my family, my brother's family, and my other brother's family. Our mother will be joining us, too. That makes four households, seven adults and six children all under three years old. Praise to my brave (foolish?) wife who has somehow volunteered to coordinate the arrangements.Even reserving months in advance, we were unable to get . . .

Australia's Fraser Island – Escape Forever

For all its conveniences, modern living leaves a lot to be desired. We spend our days enduring the ever-increasing pressures of work, the city’s oppressive unfriendliness, the daily commuter grind and the aggressive reality of impatient road-ragers.Is something missing?Unfortunately, work is a reality for most of us. So too is city and suburban living, dreary weather, pollution, traffic… But it. . .

Margaret Island – Paradise in Budapest

The Danube River runs through the center of Budapest in Hungary. In the middle of the city chaos lays an oasis of tranquility, Margaret Island.Margaret IslandMargaret Island is one of the unique elements of Budapest. The island is located in the middle of the Danube River in central Budapest and is a little more than 1 mile long and 500 yards wide. With the exception of a hotel at the south end. . .

Riding the Rails of Milwaukee Road

I walked to the top of the hill to start the water pump. I could see farmers in the surrounding countryside working in their fields. I had wanted to get an early start in the field but Pa was sore at me for not helping with the morning nilking instead so he wouldn’t go into town to buy gas for the tractor!Now, for some reason, the water pump engine wouldn’t start. I cranked and cranked, to no . . .

The Premiere Attraction State in Florida

Sunshine States Florida is called the “ Sunshine State ”, situated on a largw peninsula at the southern part of the United States , just only 1,000 miles south of New York City . Florida is a flat sandy land about 100 miles wide by 400 miles with many hundred miles of white sand beaches. Its climate is warm. Florida is the premiere attraction state with more large parks, entertainment centers, . . .

Across the High Sierra

I have always enjoyed long road trips across the country, perhaps because they have all the elements of a Homeric adventure. After completing basic training for the Army, I was ready for assignment to my permanent duty station. I was directed to travel from Norfolk, Virginia to Monterrey, California, so I flew home to Wisconsin and prepared to drive the rest of the way. My 1964 Dodge Polara . . .

Them’s The Breaks… Surfing Australia's NSW Central Coast

Surfing on the Central Coast is more a lifestyle than a pastime. And with 31 official beaches, it’s no surprise! Buggeries, Half-tide Rocks, The Box, Catho, Ghosties, Moonie, Frazer, Gravelies, The Haven, Macs, Copa, North Avoca, Sharktower, the Pines, Avoca Point, Bushpig, The Bend, Littles, Pellos, Wambie, Shelly, North Shelly, Shelly Point, Forries, Norah Head, Bateau… the list goes on! And . . .

Tips For Disney World First-Timers

So you’ve finally decided to head to Walt Disney World. With so much to see and do, it’s important to come prepared. Here are some excellent tips to make your trip one that will be remembered for a lifetime. Plan ahead. Decide ahead of time what your priorities are and make a plan of action. Get to the parks early! It’s amazing, particularly in busy season, how many of the popular rides yo. . .

Find airline flights and discount airfare information on ...

Each major airline now gives you the opportunity to find information about airline flights and discount airfare and cheap tickets on the internet. One reason that each airline does this is because so many people now have access to computers..What does that mean to you as a traveler? It means that as you search for airline flights and discount airfare you can be very selective as to when you go . . .

How to find the best airline prices on discount airfare!

Locating the best airline prices on discount airfare just got easier. It used to be a cumbersome, time consuming task to buy your airline tickets, but not anymore. The ball really has shifted into the court of the traveler. No need to contact a travel agent and wait for them to get back to you. Today, you decide where and when you want to go, enter a few keystrokes into your computer and, like . . .

Hanging around in Thailand

Our trip to Thailand had been long awaited, originally planned for the winter of 94/95. My wife Karin had bought the maps and books and even packed; we were off. The balloon was ready at Thunder and Colt with a heavy duty basket tailor made for hard use overseas. And then they went bust. The delay meant that we missed the relatively short window available for flying in Thailand. So it was rainy. . .

Alaska Cruises offer breathtaking scenery for your vacati...

Alaska cruises can offer some of the most pristine, natural beauty you'll ever see on your vacations. Beautiful crystal clear inlets of water found no where else in the world. Icebergs and sheer cliff walls rising thousands of feet into the air. Choosing from among the many Alaska cruises will be easy and fun; making your vacations an exciting and rewarding experience. Deciding which of many . . .

All Inclusive Vacations and discount airfare can be your ...

Imagine choosing from several all inclusive vacations and discount airfare where everything is taken care of for you. Once you board the airplane you'll be pampered and cared for as you start the most wonderful trip of your life. That's because when you choose from one of many all inclusive vacations and discount airfare, you'll find that to the staff and professionals who attend to your ever. . .

Find the best airline fares

Locating and purchasing the best airline fares for your flights just got easier. It used to be a cumbersome, time consuming task to find the best airline fares for your flights, but not anymore. The ball really has shifted into the court of the traveler. No need to contact a travel agent and wait for them to get back to you. Today, you decide when and where you want to go, enter a few keystroke. . .

ThinkExist.com’s Top Ten Summer Books

MADRID – ThinkExist.com, a comprehensive quotation search engine with over 90,000 quotations from 11,000 authors, has selected ten books for satisfying summer reading. Whether on the beach or a coffee break, this collection will surely engage and relax the most demanding readers. 1. American Mafia: A History of Its Rise to Power. By Thomas Reppetto. (John Macrae/ Holt, $26.) The story of the . . .

The Best of Universal Orlando

So you’ve done Walt Disney World and now you’re ready to discover Universal Orlando. But where to start? Universal Orlando is a whopper of a destination composed of exceptional resorts, first-rate restaurants, and two theme parks offering a certain brand of high-speed intensity certain to please. Here are some of Universal’s best experiences:Best Deluxe ResortFor the height of luxury in a Medit. . .

The Best of Walt Disney World

So you’re headed to Walt Disney World ... but where to start? Disney offers such a wealth of fantastic resorts, restaurants, and top-drawer entertainment experiences it can be difficult to choose which fantasy you wish to indulge. How best can you plan a visit in which each day comes with the finest Disney has to offer? Here are a few tips that can make the difference between a mediocre trip an. . .

Visit Walt Disney World in Style

Is your image of Walt Disney World one of sleeping in motel-style accommodations and dining on hamburgers as you roam the theme parks? Well, it’s time to change that picture. Instead of a chain motel, how about an African-style lodge or a resort with the sophisticated ambience of an exclusive yacht club? Instead of chicken fingers, how about Potato Wrapped Florida Red Snapper with a Creamy Leek. . .

Nearly Broke in Nice, France

I had been backpacking for three months around Europe and had reached my final destination of Nice. Too bad I had 10 days till my flight home and I was nearly broke!As I sat in the Gar de Nice, the train station, I started giving serious thought to how I was going to survive for 10 days on $150.00. I had just arrived from two weeks in Barcelona, a Spanish girlfriend and, well, it had seemed wor. . .

Online Casino Strategies Part I

An online casino is essentially a virtual land casino. While the games and the rules may be the same the environment and strategies change causing the online casino to become an independent entity. Consider the online casino sites at http://www.top-ten-internet-gambling-online-casino-sites.com/online-casino-chart.htmlThis means that while you may be a professional gambler at a land based casino. . .

Play at the Golden Nugget

Its no use saying you don't like to gamble. Gambling is a everyday factor. We gamble at home, in our professions and in life in general.We take a risk every time we get out of bed. So online gambling is really not that big a deal.Most people love Las Vegas and have heard about the Golden Nugget one of the oldest casinos in downtown Vegas. Gambling in the Golden Nugget is sort of a dream come tr. . .

Secrets Of The London Tube

Although it's many years since I left my home in London I still occasionally use The Tube, as the London Underground is affectionately known. Hold on. Affectionately? Does anybody actually hold any affection for the network of tunnels that run beneath the surface of our capital, or the rolling stock that runs through them? They’re over-crowded, far too warm and stuffy (the temperature in the tu. . .

How To Enjoy Croatia

1. Why Croatia ?Croatia is the closest Mediterranean destination to central Europe. It takes 2 hours by plane from London, 45 minutes from Munchen... Croatian natural beauties are significant and amongst the best preserved in the world ( over 5,800 km of coast, over 1,000 islands, numerous national parks ... ). More about Croatia find on the official web site www.croatia.hr2. How to Croatia ?Tr. . .

Top of the Mountain: The Masters, Augusta, GA

If you’re a stockbroker, the center of the world is New York. If you are a commodities trader, it’s Chicago. But if you’re a golfer, the center of the world is…a little further south. “You actually feel it when you step onto the course” says Brian Montgomery, who has been to every Masters for the last decade. “It’s like being in an art museum or a history museum—and if you really live for gol. . .

Five Tips for Hosting a Murder Mystery Party Game

If you’ve not hosted a murder mystery party game before, the experience can appear to be a bit daunting. It really isn’t as difficult as it may first appear – murder mystery games are very easy to host. But until you’ve got a one or two under your belt, these few tips should make your life a bit easier.#1 Getting StartedTake your time. The games themselves are quite wordy and require some time . . .

8 Things Not To Forget When Traveling To The Tropics

Sometimes it is hard to pack for a place or climate that is new. When packing to go to the tropics there are some items that you don't want to forget. 1. Appropriate Identification: With tighter security these days it simply makes sense to carry a passport and photo ID. Also be sure to have identification for your children traveling with you.2. Contraceptives: Well... If you think you will be g. . .

Made of Atomic Size Stars in a Clumpy Firework Universe

The discoveries of normal galaxies, strings of galaxies and heavy elements in the far distant universe [1-7] suggest that these space objects have to be older than what the big bang universe can allow for their creation. In this way the big bang universe enters its current age crisis [8], which will require some new assumptions to mend the edifice of this complex theory. The basic principle of . . .

A Mindful Road Trip: The Perfect No-Goal Vacation

It's the beginning of spring break, and we're heading south. That's all we know. Our family is greatly anticipating what may be our last road trip for a long, long time. There's a lot of excitement in our house right now as we are shifting into a whole new phase for each of us. My husband is launching a new business. I am writing a book. Our 17-year-old daughter is preparing for college in Nova. . .

Alternatives for Business Travelers

"I'm coming home. I've been away too long. Been away so long. I'm coming home" – Ian Thomas, in Coming HomeI still recall my road warrior days. It seemed like every other week, I was hopping on a plane for Orlando or Vancouver or Palm Springs or Washington or Chicago or Toronto.It might not be Rome, Paris, and Monte Carlo, but Washington, Toronto and Orlando are pretty classy places. I wen. . .

Vacation In Comfort With Kids

It takes a special person to travel with kids – a parent. Children have their own needs. Their idea of a vacation is more "adventurous" than a parent's. They need constant stimulation and they can get as tired as they are tiring.There are many top ten type lists of tips for traveling with children: how to ensure they eat well and drink enough, how to dress them for weather variances, how to . . .

16 Tips For Preventing Passport Problems

Carelessness is the number one reason for a passport application being rejected or delayed or for a passport being lost, stolen, or damaged.What steps are necessary to prevent these things from happening? How can you take care of your passport? Below are 16 practical tips you can follow to acquire your passport, keep it in your possession, and preserve it in good condition. Before You Leave On . . .

Disneyland for Hikers: A Walk to Mt. Whitney

Base camp sits at 12,000 feet — stark, windy, unshaded from the blazing August sun, but an otherwise great place to stop for a snack. Voices echo across cold granite as the breeze wraps around dozens of tents, backpacks, cooking stoves, and bear-proof food canisters. An unopened package of banana chips on my lap is immediately snatched up by a marmot, unhindered by my presence and unfazed by my. . .

There's More to Orlando than Disney

Orlando is one of the top tourism destinations in the world. It features Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and Sea World. People come from every continent to take in these famous theme parks, and especially to meet Big Mickey.But there is another Orlando, a city full of unexpected smaller attractions, that you might want to take in when you want something a little different or just a break. . .

The Cast of Culture in South Africa

Drive along one of South Africa's scenic strips and you will notice a landscape composed of a backdrop of wide open spaces, blue mountains and blood-red sunsets. These scenes abound, but given the nature of the culture in South Africa, your attention could swiftly switch to a small boy gallantly escorting herds of cattle, end to end, over a rainbow-like walkway crossing one of the largest and b. . .

Seven Wonders of the World - Light House of Alexandria

This light house of Alexandria was one of the useful of the seven wonders of the world (for the sailors to return to the Great Harbor), which is a small differentiates it, when compared with the other wonders of the world. The mirror which was mounted on this lighthouse could reflect the light more than 35 miles off-shore. Of the 6 ancient destroyed wonders, this was the last to be destroyed ar. . .

Cheap Tickets and Discount Airfare.

Finding the best deals for cheap tickets and discount airfare has just become easier. In the past, if you wanted to find cheap tickets and discount airfares you had to contact a travel agent and explain where and when you wanted to go. They would do some research and eventually get back to you with a deal. Well, not anymore!Today you can seek out and find cheap tickets and discount airfares, ju. . .

Cheap Tickets, Discount Airfare, Cheap Cruises, Hawaiian ...

Finding the best deals for cheap tickets has just become easier. In the past, if you wanted to find cheap tickets and discount airfares you had to contact a travel agent and explain where and when you wanted to go. They would do some research and eventually get back to you with a deal. Well, not anymore!Today you can seek out and find cheap tickets and discount airfares offering the best deal, . . .

The Chance To Travel Mexico And Stay At Some Beautiful Me...

Cancun vacations offer white sandy beaches, warm tropical sun and beautiful blue water. Some of the finest Mexico resorts can be found in Cancun. One of the great things about deciding to travel Mexico is the short time it takes to get there. Only a couple of hours flying time and you can be staying at one of many Mexico resorts offering you the chance to relax, tan and even travel Mexico.When . . .

What You Need To Know Before You Sell Your Boat

As the owner/operator of a full service boat detailing-yacht maintenance business I can't help but chuckle sometimes at seeing the extremes that otherwise bright, intelligent, successful, people will go to in a misguided attempt to save a few dollars. One of the biggest mistakes that we see is that people will decide to sell their boat without first having her completely detailed. According . . .

Finding discount prices on European vacations.

Imagine saving 30%-40% in airfare expenses as you get ready to travel to an exciting, exotic location. How exciting would that be? Inexpensive European vacations to travel Italy and Ireland travel can be found if you're willing to do just a little research. You don't have to be an expert at hunting down the most discount airfare, just spend a little time comparing departure dates and times. Eur. . .