Face it, family vacations are expensive. Generally, you have to pay for airfare, transportation, lodging, food and entertainment. For a family with four kids, you have to multiply that expense by six, so even the shortest vacation can put a huge crimp on your wallet.

One economical alternative can be a cruise that caters to families, like Disney Cruise Lines. With cruise lines, all of your expenses are included in one package rate. With this floating hotel, you won’t have to budget separately for transportation and hotels and food.

If you or your kids are hungry, no problem. Disney offers several on-board restaurants and most of the food is included in the ticket price. Your kids can grab a meal every five minutes, so there’s no need to worry about filling empty stomachs.

When planning a traditional family vacation, deciding what to do for fun can be tricky. If Mom and Dad just want to relax, the kids get bored. But if all of your family time is spent going to kid-friendly attractions, chances are the parents will be bored. Then there’s the need for alone time. Maybe Dad just wants to spend time catching up on the sports scores, or checking in with the office.

This is where a Disney Cruise comes in handy. Disney knows family time must be balanced with the personal vacation goals of individual family members, so they pride themselves on providing different degrees of family interaction. Disney Cruises can accommodate your vacation needs if your family wants to hang out together and get away from it all, or if you want to chill separately and get away from each other.

Want to make flubber with your eight-year old? Not a problem.

Want to drop your three-year old off with Peter Pan and pick the kid up in four hours? Well, at Disney Cruise’s Neverland, that’s perfectly acceptable. Trained counselors lead the young tykes in games and activities.

In fact, the ship has play areas for kids of all ages. Children ages three to seven can play in the Oceaneer club, a large room that resembles Captain Hook’s ship. At Oceaneer Lab youngsters aged eight to twelve can explore the magic of science.

As the children play, you have peace of mind your children are well-supervised and enjoying themselves. If an emergency arises, the counselor will alert you via personal pagers.

Teenagers can ditch their parents and hang out at either The Stack, or Aloft. At The Stack, teens can watch movies, listen to music, or play video games on big-screen plasma TVs. The young adult spot has a lounge area, an Internet Café, and a dance floor. Aloft is another teen area on Disney Cruises. Designed for 13-17 year olds, this popular hang-out resembles a college dorm room.

But never let it be said that with all these kid-friendly activities, that Disney Cruises forgets about you, the parents. In fact, while your kids are being entertained and watched over, you are free to enjoy some adult fun. Pamper yourself at a spa, workout in a gym with a personal trainer, or watch a live show. At night, there are several on-board, nightclubs, and lounges and comedy clubs you can enjoy.

With all of these fun-filled activities, it almost doesn’t matter where the ship goes. But for the record, the ship docks at Cape Canaveral and visits some of the most popular ports of call in the Caribbean such as, Grand Cayman, Nassau, St. Maarten, Cozumel, Key West as well as a Disney’s privately-owned island called Castaway Cay.

Cruising is an affordable travel method; a Disney Cruise is a fun way for your and your family to either congregate or separate.

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Cruises to the Mexican Riviera are populated with younger, more festive crowds. The vibe on a Mexican cruise is extremely party-friendly. Whether you’re looking for a short trip or a long vacation, cruising to Mexico is an effective way to take a break from your daily grind, and rage like a lunatic.

Mexican cruises are fun. Aside from the white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, you are sure to enjoy a lively atmosphere both on and off the ship.

If you live in LA, and you don’t have a lot of time or money to enjoy a proper vacation, then take a weekend cruise to Baja. You leave Long Beach on Friday, and you get back just in time to stagger into work on Monday. These mini booze-cruises are a great way to escape with your buddies and forget about your worries. You’ll probably meet a bunch of new people as well.

If you have more days to spare, then the Mexican Riviera offers you some choice travel locations.

Puerto Vallarta is unique jungle-beach experience. The history of this port is rich. Cobblestone roads lead you to Old Spanish forts. The missionary ambiance is flavored by Mariachi music in the air. Puerto Vallarta is also a choice spot for shoppers. If you’re looking to get the perfect pair of sandals, then a stop at the marketplace is a must. If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, try parasailing.

Mazatlan is the place to party. Young adults will find many locations where all-out raging is encouraged. Thumping clubs, restaurants, and jolly bars can be found along the entire beach strip. Mazatlan is the place to be if you want to spend your nights dancing, drinking, and getting down. Shrimp tacos and beer make for great party fuel.

Cabo San Lucas is one of the most luxurious stops along the Mexican Riviera. Pristine beaches are sprawled across this tropical paradise. Cabo is a bit more kickback than some of the other Mexican ports, which might make it a better option for families. Snorkeling, scuba diving, and glass bottom boat tours are memorable ways of enjoying Cabo’s shores. Fishing in Cabo is also pretty fun.

Acapulco is the destination for cliff diving. The dives that go down at La Quebrada will blow your mind. It’s also a great place for sailing.

With temperatures staying nice and toasty throughout the seasons, cruising the Mexican Riviera is a travel option that is available year-round. A cruise trip can be pretty reasonably priced, but the best way to lower your cruise costs is to depart from a port that’s close to you. So for travelers living on the west coast, a trip to the Mexican Riviera is an affordable alternative to Caribbean cruising.

No matter what you plan on experiencing during your cruise to Mexico, you’ll find it pretty hard to not have a good time.

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When someone mentions cruise travel, most of us tend to conjure up images of tropical locations, warm sandy beaches, and glistening ocean waters. But there’s more to cruising than just surf and sunshine. Although it’s not a trip to the tropics, a cruise to Alaska can be just as exotic as any other cruise getaway.

As you cruise up just part of Alaska’s 6,600 miles of coastline, you’ll realize, Alaska is friggn’ huge. If you grafted this goofy landmass over the continental US, Alaska’s eastern tip would blanket the East Coast, and its western tail would stretch as far as California.

Though cruises are only offered May-September, the popularity of these getaways is growing, making an Alaskan cruise a very hot ticket. Despite its popularity, the cruises remain very private and romantic. Picture yourself chilling with a loved one, sipping on a hot drink while passing through the icy tundra.

If you depart from Seattle or Vancouver, you can make a roundtrip cruise to Alaska’s Inside Passage. Sixteen mammoth glaciers can be seen at Glacier Bay National Park. Watching small-island-sized chunks of ice break off into the frigid ocean is quite remarkable. The Gulf of Alaska also has some serious arctic scenery.

Even as you enjoy the view from the ship, don’t miss the chance to check out the type of shore excursion selections that an Alaskan cruise can offer. If you want to see Anchorage, your first stop will be the port of Seward. The seaside view of the icy Gulf cliffs along the way will make you feel like you’re seeing the world through an IMAX camera. If you have the chance, you might also check out a cruise to the Bering Strait. This historical stretch became a frozen landmass during the last ice age, and provided a path for intercontinental human migration. It’s worth checking out.

Fishing-buffs will have a difficult time deciding which lodge to choose when they plan there ice-fishing excursions in Alaska. For those cruisers who want to view the frozen frontier from the sky, helicopter glacier tours can be scheduled into your cruise. Maybe you want to try your hand at dog-sledding, or go kayaking along the icy shores. Alaska’s terrain also offers spots for hiking and mountain biking.

It’s not a tropical paradise, but you can’t say that Alaska isn’t exotic. Watching glaciers melt into the sea is a relaxing experience, especially on a floating resort. So if you’re looking to kickback and enjoy the view, or take on the terrain first-hand, a cruise to Alaska is a great way to travel.

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Nothing beats a trip to Hawaii.

The Hawaiian Islands are mysterious, breathtaking, and alive. For over 40 million years, the islands existed in a state of constant renewal. Molten magma and fire periodically transform the landscape, and Hawaii’s lush gardens and exotic animal life are constantly reinvigorated by tropical rains. It’s hard not to fall instantly in love with Hawaii’s pristine shores, unique culture, and breathtaking landscape. Every single island has its own individual treasures. If you’re looking to see as much of Hawaii as possible, a cruise ship is your best bet.

Hawaiian cruises are great for island hopping. There’s no better way to experience Hawaii’s green mountain cliffs, flawless beaches, or towering volcanic creations. Getting around the islands on your own can be difficult, and flying from island to island simply isn’t cost effective. The prices for inter-island flights are overpriced considering the short distances and durations involved. Why not move from island to island on a modestly-priced floating resort?

You’ll enjoy the view as you cruise the ocean, and there’s no shortage of sights to see once you hit the shores. In fact, with so much to see, the only difficult decision is deciding what Hawaiin shore excursion to take.

One can’t miss sight is the 10,000-foot high volcano known as Haleakala. Located on the island of Maui, this giant volcano dominates the landscape. With its seven and half mile crater, Haleakala is the largest dormant volcano in the world. The view from the crater’s rim is simply out-of-this-world. You need at least a full day to experience this natural wonder.

Another money stop is the island of Kauai. It’s the oldest of Hawaii’s islands, and this gorgeous “Garden Isle” is a must see. There are plenty of shore excursion options available for those who want to experience Kauai’s beauty up-close and personal. Go for a hike amid Kaui’s towering cliffs and majestic waterfalls. Go snorkeling and explore the coastal caves. For a sunning view of the Na Pali coast, rent a Zodiac boat and follow the coastline.

If you want to check out some history, then visit the island of Oahu. Known as “the Heart of Hawaii,” Oahu is a choice spot for enjoying Hawaiian cuisine and experiencing the festive Polynesian culture. Pearl Harbor is also a recommended destination for history lovers. This graveyard of wrecked battleships is a powerful sight.

Whatever spots you choose to visit, a Hawaiian cruise ship is the most effective and affordable way of getting around the islands. Though you’ll wish you had more time, you’ll enjoy experiencing Hawaii’s variety.

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Everyone who has seen “Swingers” has thought about making that spur of the moment trip to Vegas. Vegas baby, Vegas. Every once in a while, you need to get out of dodge to clear your head and get some perpective on this mad city we live in. Sometimes all you need to regain your mojo is the bright neon lights, a few lucky hands, and some showgirls.

That’s what I was thinking on my last trip to Vegas. I had been watching USC thump Cal in a dump of a bar in the valley. When my friend Andy brought up the idea, it sounded fantastic. Jump in a car, drive to Vegas, win money, get lucky, find some $1.99 steak and eggs.

It was a long four hours driving to Vegas, especially when you don’t have a CD player in your card (do people outside of major cities listen to anything but country?). However, there are few sights as energizing as the bright lights of Las Vegas from the highway. Andy started fiddling with the stereo, and on cue, Sinatra magically appeared on the dial.

We decided to try our luck at Paris. Andy claims that he can count cards. I don’t believe him, since I’ve never seen him actually win at blackjack. I leave him at the blackjack table and head over to craps. I’ll admit right away that I don’t really know how to play this game. But it is a really fun, since nearly everyone is making the same bets, you win and lose as a table community. Today I’m not lucky. I lose $200 in about 20 minutes. I decide to stop the bleeding while I can. After playing video poker for a while, I decide to check in with Andy to see how he is doing.

I arrive to see Andy perched behind a stack of chips, smoking a cigar, and sweet talking the middle aged platinum blonde seated next to him. He orders a “caucasian” from the waitress and begins playing. I look at the table to see that he is playing three hands at a time. Andy sees me and begins collecting his chips. It turns out that he ended up winning about $800. Chump change for Vegas, but not bad for us.

It is now 3AM. Andy tells me that it is time to hit the Ghostbar, on him.

…continued in part II

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As an experienced traveller, I usually end up as the “guide” on vacations with friends. Since I have the most experience trying to find lodging and transporation in strange lands where I don’t know the language, everyone seems to look to me to lead the way. Here are a couple of tips I have picked up along my journeys.

1. If you are travelling to a non English speaking country, learn a few words in the native tongue. It’s amazing how much more receptive people you encounter will become if you show them that you are making an effort. Yes, no, hello, goodbye, and thank you are good places to start.
2. Crowded restaurants usually mean good food. Unless you have some specific information about a restaurant, its a good idea to avoid empty restaurants. Usually there is a good reason it is empty.
3. Travel Light. Chances are pretty good that you will have to shlep your bags around at some point. Avoid the temptation to overpack. If you travel really light, you can also avoid having to check in luggage, which will save you from dealing with baggage check and claims, and which eliminates the possibility of lost luggage.
4. If you check in your luggage, take essential items like toiletries, and one change of clothes, in case your luggage is lost. That way, you will at least be able to brush your teeth and have fresh clothes if the worst happens.
5. Finally, try to experience a little of the native culture outside of the tourist areas. Hang with the locals and experience what their lives are like. One of the most gratifying parts of travel is exploring how other people in the world deal with the mystery of life.

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When renting a car should you take their insurance?

If you own a car, the insurance coverage from this policy may be enough when you rent a car.

Before you rent a car:

1. You should Contact your insurance company.
There are several important considerations:
a) How much coverage you have on your own car? Usually this coverage and the deductibles you have on your auto policy will apply to a rental car.
b) Comprehensive and collision coverage from your policy should transfer to your rental car.
c) If the rental is for business purposed, then your personal insurance will not cover the rental. Be wise and contact your insurance company.

2. Call your credit card company.
Several credit card companies provide insurance coverage for car rentals if you use the card. Call your credit card company for coverage information.

If you don’t have auto insurance, you can buy insurance from the car rental firm when renting your vehicle.

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This summer my son and I took our first salmon fishing trip together. It sure was fun. We will have fond memories of this vacation the rest of our lives. At the same time, we learned a lot about how to make our next trip even more successful. Our trip began in Vancouver where we rented a car and headed over to the Cambell River. Our lodging was at an upscale resort, the Painter’s Lodge. We signed up for daily fishing excursions upon our arrival. The lodge’s boats accommodate 2 fishermen and a guide. Morning trips start at 6am and go to 10am. Evening trips go from 4pm to 8pm. The boat travel about ½ hour from the lodge. The locations are heavily fished areas. It’s amazing watching the currents in this part of the world. Whirlpools of water swirl as the tides flow in and out. These currents carry in our sought after schools of salmon.

Most guides will tell you that it probably is better to take a full day trip, and go further north where you can get to better fishing spots.

So, our first morning out, we got skunked. Not one fish. The problem was our guide. Of course he claimed to be a seasoned veteran but, I began to doubt his claim. Well, there was no way that I was going to allow my son and myself to end a day with not a fish in the mecha of salmon fishing. The second we returned, I signed back up for the evening trip. The second guide we had was no comparison to the one earlier that day. He was more attentive to the fishing. As an inexperienced salmon fisherman you have to pay attention to your equipment. A more experienced guide can readily tell when the fish are nibbling on your hook. At the end of the day, we came home with a number of fish that we could feel good about. And, my son at 14 years of age, walked away feeling more like a man.

Next year, we will call ahead and make sure we ask for one of the most seasoned guides. We’ll surely come home with our limit.

Leaving your trip is just as important. Our plans took us to Victoria after fishing, but in the future we discovered, it’s best to come straight home. If you leave directly, you can have your fish packed for you to take on the plane. Going to Victoria, we were forced to ship the fish back home, wait 4-6 weeks, and pay a fortune for them.

You bet, we’ll do this trip again, but next time with more knowledge behind our belts.

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Here is a great article on Croatia for anyone thinking about traveling to there. It is from Outside Magazine from July.

http://outside.away.com/outside/destinations/200507/croatia-1.html

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Did you know that next to the U.S., France has the highest number of hip hop records sold? Actually, hip-hop has been a vibrant and culturally relevant art in France that has been growing and evolving since the early eighties, around the same time the genre took a foothold here. Over there, the artists don’t have issues of abject poverty as severe as those from American inner-cities. Still, many of the artists do come from tough backgrounds and the music is reflective of that. The artists in France have stayed more true to the political and societal issues of the original Zulu Nation movement of social responsibility, culture and peace. Though, recently the scene has started to resemble the American vibe with similar messaging, like rappers Ol Kainry and Disiz la Peste.

Typically the artists come from the poor suburbs of cities such as Paris, Strasbourg, Toulouse or Marseille. A suburb outside of Marseille called Saint-Denis is apparently a major hotbed for the medium. The rap music scene is dominated by descendants of African immigrants, but some pioneers like Lionel D and DJ Dee Nasty are not.

The first major hip-hop star from over there was MC Solaar, who had a break out hit in 1991 with Qui see le vent recolte le tempo. Don’t get intimidated by the language barrier… it’s widely noted that the French’s love for words and the language itself is well suited for rap. Actually, if you don’t understand French, I think it’s fine because their language just sounds good with the medium.

Some other hip hop artists from France are:
Alliance Ethnik is a less hard-core rapper.

Assassin, Supreme NTM and Ministere AMER are sort of a French equivalent to American gangster-rappers and have been the subject of much controversy over there.

Popular electronic music groups from the country include Dimitri from Paris and Daft Punk.

References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/french_rap
http://www.icce.rug.nl/oger-bin/contents/print.cgi
http://www.uri.edu/news/releases/html/02-1024-03

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