Welcome to Michael's Article Collection

The Rugged Profile of a Safari Guide

What is your ideal image of a guide? Do safari guides need more than just a dark tan, a khaki shirt and a hat like Crocodile Dundee? Could there be more to being a guide than telling gripping fireside tales and downing hearty swigs of Jack Daniels? There is, and you can bet your life on it. Serious safaris demand guides with a bold character and the following rugged profile:Firstly, where has h. . .

The Perfect Vacation - Top 5 things to know for planning ...

Whitewater rafting is defined as a recreational activity enjoyed by several passengers in an inflatable rubber boat used for navigating down a river or other fast-moving body of water. If you love adventure and want to do something special for your next vacation, then perhaps a whitewater rafting trip would be the ideal option. Steered by a professional guide, you will make your way through rag. . .

Texas – The Destination for Passionate Travelers

Whenever we think of Texas vacations, what primarily comes to our mind is the beautiful scenario of Alamo located in San Antonio. During the later part of the sixteenth century, the Spanish explorers crossed the Rio Grande River in order to give formation to one of the first missions in Texas very close to El Paso. Texas became an integral part of Mexico after the latter achieved independence f. . .

Mexico Baja California Sur – A Premier Tourist Destination

Baja California Sur, one of the thirty-one states of Mexico, is known the world-over for its numerous tourist spots – breath-taking in their beauty and teeming with widespread life. The state is a unique combination of varied topography – ranging from mountainous land, desert lands, oasis, narrow canyons, islands and stretching coastlines being bordered by different water bodies. The state is s. . .

Finding Really Cheap Plane Tickets

The best place to buy really cheap plane tickets is online. Travel agencies can't compete with discount ticket sites. Search Google ("cheap airfare south america", for example), or try the well-known sites, like Expedia, Travelocity, Cheap Tickets, Hotwire or Priceline.Just now I checked fares from Tucson, Arizona to Traverse City, Michigan on the five sites mentioned above. The cheapest quote. . .

Plan Your Getaway to the US Virgin Islands St Johns

The three islands and sixty-odd cays that comprise the US Virgin Islands are proud of their magnificent seashores, terrific food and accommodation and the abundance of tourist based activities. St. John U.S. Virgin Islands itself is a natural wonder of aquatic elements, glittering bays, tropical forests and trails as well as stretches of pristine beaches. Whether you are planning your island we. . .

Should You Purchase Travel Insurance?

The determination of whether you should purchase travel insurance is a determination of whether you want to assume nothing bad can happen during your travels, or whether should something bad happen you can adequately resolve these unforeseen events. None of us think something bad will happen. We assume incorrectly that fire, flood, earthquake and terrorism will happen to others. We assume we wo. . .

Health Insurance for Canada Travel

While we as U.S. residents think often about travel insurance coverage when we're traveling overseas we're not so quick to worry about health insurance for Canada travel. This is especially true if our voyage to Canadian provinces is by car and not by air. We don't expect to need health insurance for Canada travel to protect us from exotic diseases or militant uprisings.Health insurance for Can. . .

Beware of Using Your Credit Card Abroad?

It’s summer. And for some lucky Americans, this means going vacation to a far off land in hopes of relieving the stress of everyday life. In general, it is a very happy couple of months for the regular American family but it can also be an even happier time for credit card companies. This is because of the fact that credit card companies are making a killing off the money Americans spend on the. . .

Protecting Yourself During Your European Jaunt

Before making the determination to buy health insurance for travel in Europe you should check your own health insurance policy. You'll want to determine if that health insurance policy might cover you not only for a medical emergency during your travel in Europe but also to resolve situations such as your luggage being lost, your trip being cancelled for yours or your family's medical emergency. . .

Is It Wise To Purchase Travel Insurance?

The best way to determine if, for you, it is wise to purchase travel insurance, is to consider the various emergency situations that could arise during your trip, determine the best guess for the cost of each, and see whether you can afford to pay for the worst case scenarios out of your own pocket. If the answer is no, then it is indeed wise to purchase travel insurance. Even if the answer is . . .

Foldable Reading Glasses

For those on the go the need for a compact pair of reading glasses can be met by the foldable reading glasses available on the market. These small reading glasses fold down to make them ideal for those who need to easily carry them in a pocket or purse.Foldable reading glasses are designed for easy carrying. Most foldable reading glasses have four hinges located at the ear pieces and nose pie. . .

10 Tips For Selecting The Perfect Costa Rica Vacation Rental

Planning a Tropical vacation full of lush jungles, secluded beaches, and friendly people but not too expensive? Costa Rica is the place to go! But where do you stay, a resort or a private villa? Do you want long lines, crowded pools, kids running up and down the corridors? I think not.Selecting the best Costa Rica vacation rental can be the difference between a great vacation and one where you . . .

Your Virgin Bushwalk

Isn't it time you stepped out of the concrete jungle and into a wilder world, the world of the African bushveld?This may be a major step for most metro dwellers, as the city life offers a certain sense of security, a place to dwell, free from insects and the dangers spawned from mother nature's indifference to man.What happens when the Landrover finally stops and your feet meet with the Savanna. . .

Visiting Toronto

Touring Toronto After visiting Toronto you’ll get a feel for what it’s like to live in one of the largest metropolitan areas in Canada. As Toronto is the capital of Ontario it offers many different cultural experiences all year round including Designs in Ice during December, Toronto Winter City Festival in January and February, Canada Day at Mel Lastman Square on Canada Day, and the Celebrate T. . .

RV Camping at Casinos

There's nothing that will quicken the interest of RVers like the prospect of free overnight parking. Places such as Wal-Mart parking lots, and truck stops, are well known freebies, and if you are on the move in your RV, expanding the list of possible free overnight camping locations will broaden your options. What is especially encouraging is that Casinos as a whole are RV friendly.Even though . . .

Ah!! Monsoon Season

“As dark gray clouds gather in the sky, it reminds me of eternal gifts that our Mother Nature has presented to us.”Truly, nature has her own subtle way of expressing love and affection to us. During monsoon season, when tiny rain droplets fall to the ground, the sky gives an impression of an estranged mother who is shedding tears in joy on meeting her beloved children. Though, it seems like a p. . .

En Route For Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon formed around 10 million years ago after disturbances in the surface of the earth resulted in the land rising, allowing the Colorado River to pierce a path through the rock. The rock forming the riverbed today is over 2 billion years old.The Grand Canyon lies in the southern state of Arizona. The nearest city to the gorge is Las Vegas to the west, but Flagstaff – 80 miles south. . .

En Route For Tibet

North of the Himalayas, in western China, lies the self-governing land of Tibet. The Tibetan Plateau is the highest populated region on the planet and stands at an average elevation of 16,000 feet. To the north lie the imposing Kunlun Shan mountains, providing a natural border.At one of the last great outposts is the isolated Argin Shan Reserve, the largest nature reserve in China. The large he. . .

Chicago – The Windy City

Chicago was founded in the early 1800s and served as a connection between the developed East Coast and the enlarged Wild West. On the shores of Lake Michigan, the development of suburbia and skyscrapers was low but persistent. Though the devastating fire of 1871 grounded Chicago, it came back again and this time growth took pace every decade. By 1900, it crossed the mark of two million people. . .

Calling All Agents!

I have always wanted to be a secret agent! For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to be James Bond. I mean…..who wouldn’t? I would love nothing more in life than to sip Martini’s (shaken, not stirred), bed beautiful women (Jane Seymore), and defeat scary bad guys (Jaws) for a living…..not to mention having the best collection of cars and gadgets known to man!!I travel quite a bit for b. . .

Timeshare Resales - How To Buy Smart

There are several key factors you must consider in order to avoid overpaying for timeshare resales. In this article you’ll learn the steps necessary for you to learn how to minimize your costs - yet still buy a timeshare that has powerful exchange value through RCI and Interval Int'l.1. Understand Resort Ratings. If you want to get the most timeshare for the money do NOT insist that the resort . . .

Budget Travel Tips 101

Everyone loves to travel (almost everyone). I certainly do. Believe it or not, doing it right and doing it on a budget takes a little skill, knowledge and practice. But the required skills are not difficult, the knowledge required is easy to obtain, and the fun is in the practice!This past spring my wife and I were lucky enough to be able to spend 10 days in Italy. We didn't spend a fortune, we. . .

Preparing For A Trip To The Magic Kingdom

Spending a day at the Magic Kingdom can be a truly magical experience or a very stressful one. What makes the difference is being prepared for the park and arriving with a plan. Families that travel to the Magic Kingdom without researching the park layout, park attractions and features of the park will find their day spent tackling long lines, hot weather and confusing park details.The best way. . .

Choose A Bed And Breakfast Over A Hotel Chain And Enjoy Y...

Traveling for business or vacationing always has one thing in common; you need a place to stay. Unfortunately, many individuals choose large hotel chains which have no personality and do nothing more than provide a place to sleep for their guests. However, when business and vacation travelers choose to stay at a Bed and Breakfast they are able to enjoy their trip even more simply because Bed an. . .

How to Find Rare Music Box Collectibles

Are you a collector? Do you happen to collect rare music boxes? Seeking to find the perfect ballerina music box for your ballerina room décor? Looking for beautiful inlaid music boxes and musical jewelry boxes? Maybe you need a wooden keepsake box or a unique music trinket box. If so, you will be surprised at how many people collect music boxes of all kinds. There are many different ones and di. . .

Bike Tour on the Horizon? How to Get in Shape

People who consider going on bike tours often ask: “What kind of physical condition do I need to be in, and how can I accomplish this?” This article is primarily aimed at very busy people who don’t have a regular exercise regimen due to work, family obligations, business travel, etc. The very simple answer to the opening question is as follows: one should participate in 45-60 minutes of aerobic. . .

Finding Cheap Hotel Rates

The days of showing up at a hotel and paying whatever price is posted are over simply because it is so easy to find cheap and discounted hotel rates online. Some people still call up a hotel to make reservations and pay whatever the rate is, however people are wising up to the many cheap hotel rates to be found online and since saving money is always a motivating factor many people are shopping. . .

Top Ten Beaches in the World

The sun, the soft sand sifting through your toes and fingers, the salty wind blowing in from the sea, the sound of waves…the ultimate holiday and vacation! If you’re like everyone else in this world, you should be looking for some of the top beaches in the world. And lucky for you, we have done the research on the world’s most popular beaches and have listed them here for you in no particular o. . .

Traveling and Playing Golf Today

Taking the family out for a holiday and you play golf!If you’re a golf enthusiast, you will know that golf is all about who you play golf with and where you play golf. It makes a world of difference! In fact, it’s a good idea for you to take your family on an outing or a holiday in a golf course. Although not all your family members will like to play golf with you but you get to kill two birds . . .

Round’em Up! Take the Family on a Modern-Day Cattle Drive...

Looking for a rewarding and memorable family vacation idea? A cattle drive may be just the thing. We’re talking about real ranchers on real working cattle ranches. Ranch vacations are a good way for them to help support the ranch. But it’s not all business with them. They want to share their way of life and educate people about a quickly disappearing aspect of our American history and culture.D. . .

Take a Budget Mediterranean Cruise for your Honeymoon

Taking a Mediterranean cruise is the dream of many people, especially for their honeymoon. Fortunately, if this has always been a dream of yours it is easier than ever to attain simply because there are so many yachts and cruise ships that focus on a honeymoon Mediterranean cruise and making your first vacation as husband and wife the best it can possibly be.If you are on a budget, don’t worry . . .

Great Hotels Cater to Families in Las Vegas

There are many fine hotels in Las Vegas to choose from, but parents traveling with the children are looking for a different kind of experience than the seasoned gambler. Luckily, there are several fine hotels in Las Vegas that cater to the younger crowd, ensuring that the entire family has a great time.Circus, Circus is a great choice for a family vacation in Las Vegas. The facility is compri. . .

Hawaii Vacation in January? Don’t Miss These Local Events.

If you are traveling to Hawaii in January, here are a few annual local events for you to consider adding to your itinerary.The Ka Moloka'i Makahiki (Ancient Hawaiian Games) is celebrated in the Kaunakakai Town Baseball Park & Mitchell Pauole Community Center on the island of Moloka'i. Every year around, January 21, you can enjoy this week-long celebration of ancient Hawaiian sports competitions. . .

Hiking opportunities in California

This article is brought to you by http://www.adventuretraveltips.com If you are an adventure sports junkie and live for the next travel adventure that will give you an adrenaline rush, then try hiking in sunny California. You might have gone hiking before, but once you get a taste of the California hiking you wont want to go anywhere else.California offers hiking trails through almost all imagi. . .

Beyond the Traditional in Men's Wedding Rings

It wasn't too long ago that the selection of wedding rings for men in jewelry stores was limited to gold and platinum wedding bands. But now, the selection of men's wedding rings is just as varied as those for women.The reason behind this big switch is demand. These days more and more men are looking for something different and want more than a traditional wedding band. If you'd like more than . . .

The Future Of Travels Is The Quest For Authenticity

In his novel "Timeline", Michael Crichton has one of his characters saying:"Today, everybody expects to be entertained, and they expect to be entertained all the time. Business meetings must be snappy, with bullet lists and animated graphics, so executives aren't bored. Malls and stores must be engaging, so they amuse as well as sell us. Politicians must have pleasing video personalities and te. . .

Daytona Beach Florida is a Golfer’s Paradise

If you say the words Daytona Beach to a person with even a minimal amount golf knowledge, more than likely their mind's eye will draw up images of unending, gorgeous golf courses and fantasies of some of the best golfing that can be found anywhere in the world. And there is a good reason why that is so. Daytona Beach is fast becoming recognized, not for its beaches and unsurpassed nightlife, bu. . .

A few Easy Steps to an Affordable, Hassle-Free RV Trip

Recreation vehicles (RVs) are "hot and getting hotter" in the current travel climate, says Arthur Frommer, one of the world’s leading authorities on travel. "Concerned about the safety of air and cruise travel, eager to remain within the borders of Southern Africa, multitudes of South Africans are turning to these elaborate lodging machines that carry the comforts of home onto the highways and . . .

10 Best Activities Hawaii Has To Offer

You can read a hundred of the “10 Best Activities Hawaii has to Offer” and find as many lists with differing information. This is not because the lists are wrong, it is simply because there are so many amazing activities to do in Hawaii that each list maker can only include their top 10 favorites, which is why there are so many differences. Here are 10 more of the best activities in Hawaii, but. . .

The Essential Normandy- 8 Must-See Venues

To fully understand Normandy, one has to visit more than WWII sites and museums. To experience this region and understand its history and culture, one should visit these eight venues:1. Honfleur- This picturesque little port village has been a magnet for artists for years, including the French impressionists. The cobblestone streets of the town and the old basin full of sailboats are especial. . .

First Tourist Heading for Mars

September 21, 2050 - At a press conference today it was announced that the first tourist heading for Mars will be the 38-year-old US businessman Patrick Clifford. He will leave the earth in the launching window of fall 2052 and set his foot on the surface of Mars in February 2053, together with the other 6 astronauts assigned for the mission to further explore the planet. Patrick has now two ye. . .

Port Olimpic - Where The Games Were Held

In 1992, the Olympics were held in Barcelona, Spain, exposing most of the world for the first time to the vibrant, wealthy city that had grown here over the years. Port Olimpic was built specifically to host the Olympics, and became the most successful and popular section of the Nova Icaria project. In this bright, modern area, it was almost too easy to forget how ancient Barcelona really is.To. . .

Murder Mystery Entertainment For All

Murder Mystery events are ideal for company staff training, whether it be for a New Team Icebreaker, to build Team Camaraderie, as a reward for increased sales, for team motivation or purely for fun. Well now there is a new kid on the block. Murder To Die For are a new Murder Mystery company based in the North West of England. So what makes them special, why should my company even consider talk. . .

Wut's Up, Doc?

What is it about the classic doctor’s bag that people seem to love so much? Is it the utilitarian design? Is it the inherent functionality? Or is it something to do with nostalgic sentiment and a need to connect with the past?Fashion designers and fashionistas everywhere seem to be quite taken with these bags. Many of the leading Italian fashion houses such as Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, and Fe. . .

Montjuïc - Best View in Spain

The mountain of Montjuic juts over Barcelona's port on one face, and on the other side overhangs the Placa Espanya. With this location, it is ideal for playing. The mountain became the central mark of the World Fair of 1929 and the 1992 Olympic games. It's beautiful and green, still forested and covered in parks. Montjuic is popular with pedestrians and cyclists of all kinds because of its exte. . .

Beautiful Lake Garda Italy

The crystal clear waters of Lake Garda are perfect for swimming and many popular sports such as windsurfing and sailing. The local climate is softened by the presence of this large body of water, which makes it comfortable for exploring the towns and villages on and close to the lake towns such as Garda, Lazise, Sirmione, Torri del Benaco Bardolino, Limone and Peschiera which are wonderful plac. . .

Pet Vitamins - How Essential Are They?

Just like humans, almost all pets do benefit from a vitamin supplement. And just as there has been considerable controversy in the medical fraternity over whether humans need extra vitamins, so too do many vets dispute the need for nutritional supplements for pets.The argument usually goes something like this: "The majority of commercial petfoods contain added vitamins. So even though your p. . .

Carnival Cruise - Expert Guide

A carnival cruise is one of the best-loved types of cruise in the world. It offers a heady mix of onboard entertainment, pampering and relaxation, all within the plush surroundings of a cruise ship as it sails from port to port. The cruise ship caters for every taste, making carnival cruises equally suitable for those who want to laze endlessly by the pool, to people who are looking for a full-. . .

Top 10 Tips to Get Through the Airport Checkpoint Quickly

Seems travelers love to hate the screeners at the airport. Dont forget, the front line personnel that you see as you produce your way toward the gate are just the worker bees. They’re not Congress and they’re not the huge wig choice makers. If at times they seem like robots, deviating extremely little from their spcheel, it’s because they've procedures that they must follow and deviating from t. . .