Fly round-trip to the Cayman Islands for under $300
Here's a great deal for those looking to get away for a quick, long weekend to a warm tropical destination. US Airways is offering RT tickets for under $300 from Atlanta. For some of the price levels, there is a 2 night minimum stay and another price level has NO blackout dates! Be forewarned, that Us Airways could end this promotion at anytime.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
A hop, skip and a jump from US
Six Places to Go in Brazil besides Rio
Yes, most people think of Rio first when they think of Brazil. But maybe its time to try something different on a quick journey. Here are three ideas to get you started thinking of a side trip from Rio when you're on a quick jaunt for a long weekend.
Yes, most people think of Rio first when they think of Brazil. But maybe its time to try something different on a quick journey. Here are three ideas to get you started thinking of a side trip from Rio when you're on a quick jaunt for a long weekend.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Things to know when traveling in Costa Rica
I found this article on traveling in Costa Rica. Take a look.
Things to know when traveling to Costa Rica
Before traveling outside your native country to another country you should prepare yourself. Learning about the country before you go can prevent common problems or confusion. Cultures vary throughout the world and sometimes a simple misunderstanding can become a big deal. Learning about the basic life, culture and laws of a country you are traveling to can help you to be prepared and have an enjoyable vacation.
The basic things you need to know include how to get around, business hours and various other points. Once you get to Costa Rica you need to know how to get around from place to place, especially if you are not within walking distance of your destination. Buses are the main form of transportation. It is the most cost efficient and easiest way to get around. Do be aware that the buses in Costa Rica are small and sometimes cramped. You will not be able to take along luggage and if you need a lot of legroom you will be in trouble. Another form of transportation is a rental car. They are quite more expensive and you need to have insurance that will cover the rental car in case of an accident. Also know that most rental cars are standards, so if you do not know how to drive one you may be out of luck. Business hours in Costa Rica are much like that in the United States. Typically they run from 8 or 9 AM to 3 or 5 PM. Everyday a lunch break takes place between noon and 2PM. Also on Sundays most places will be closed. Costa Rica runs on Central Standard time, which means some of those traveling from the US may get to avoid jet lag all together. The healthcare system in Costa Rica is very advanced. They have an excellent system that offers up-to-date medical care in modern hospitals. You can most often find doctors that speak English as well. These basic facts will help you to get used to life in Costa Rica, but there are some more things you should get to know.
In Costa Rica there are some legal things you need to know. If you are renting a car be aware that Costa Rica is a good place to have an accident. Drivers here rank low for auto accident rates. The speed limits are posted either on signs or painted on the pavement and you should always be aware of them. The speed limits range from 45 to 55 MPH in general. Costa Rica laws require that all luggage is screened through customs and declarations must be filled out for certain items like food and anything valuable. Alcohol is legal for those over the age of eighteen. Also be aware that prostitution is legal in Costa Rica for those over eighteen. When you are ready to leave Costa Rica you should know you will be required to pay an exit fee approx. 27.00. These helpful hints about legal do’s and don’ts will help you avoid problems while in Costa Rica.
It is always nice to know about little things that are often overlooked on travel websites or in brochures. The water heaters in hotels in Costa Rica are not like those in the United States. You will find they are mostly plastic tubes with an electrical gadget in the nozzle. This means hot water may not always be hot. The busiest time in Costa Rica is during what is called the high season. The high season is between December and May. You may find that getting reservations can be difficult during this time. You usually do not have to tip while out in Costa Rica. A 10% tip is added to your bill. Another good thing to know is that the sewer systems can handle toilet paper unlike those in other countries. The water system in Costa Rica is treated and safe to drink. The electricity in Costa Rica is the same as in the United States. They do not use the grounding prong in some locations, so be aware of the need for adapters for this reason. Dancing is big in Costa Rica and you can find dance clubs all over. Laundry mats are not common in Costa Rica. Most people send their laundry out to be washed. Some vacation rentals offer a washer/dryer as an amenity. These helpful little hints can help you get through your vacation without a mishap.
Costa Rica is a lovely, peaceful country. There is a lot to see and do. Once you have decided on Costa Rica get to know a little more about the country so you can enjoy everything it has to offer.
About the Author
We traveled to Costa Rica on vacation in 2001. Fell in love with the people and their country. Purchased property on the last day of our vacation and built a vacation villa. Specializing in vacation accommodations, all inclusive and self catering available all of which are surrounded by Costa Rica’s biodiversity. Find more useful information about Costa Rica by visiting our web sites.
Costa Rica Vacation Rentals
Costa Rica Hotels and Resorts
Costa Rica Travel and Accommodations
(ArticlesBase SC #1721967)
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ - Things to know when traveling to Costa Rica
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Friday, February 1, 2008
Decluttering My Possessions
In an effort to achieve my previously stated goals I'm on a mission to also dispose of some clutter. For some reason getting rid of stuff is particularly difficult for me. I envy those folks who can just decide they are ready to toss aside a piece of furniture, book or "knick knack". I'm not one of those people.
Over the past 4 years since we bought the condo things have just started piling up. Our one spare room became the dumping ground. At one point it was organized and all put together, but when it comes time to find something all hell breaks lose.
It got so bad that we just stopped going into the room. Every effort to straighten it up ended in futility because we couldn't rearrange one item without rearranging the ENTIRE room. What a headache! And I just couldn't bear to part with some things that I should just get rid of.
So I cam up with a solution. And its working....sorta. And the solution is based on a big motivator....money. We rented a storage room and hauled the stuff there. Yes, its costly but the expense is motivation enough to clean it up. Everytime I pay the rental on that room I start to think how much I could save if I just "decluttered" my life.
At the other end of the motivation spectrum, I'm able to part with stuff if I can sell it, give it to a friend or charity. Throwing it away when there is some useful life to it just seems wrong to me.
I'm getting excited about selling the stuff because now I see $$ signs everytime I look at an unused "thing" in my storage room.
This is just another step in trying to live a more intentional life.
Next up: I'll write about my $20 theory I'm testing out.
Over the past 4 years since we bought the condo things have just started piling up. Our one spare room became the dumping ground. At one point it was organized and all put together, but when it comes time to find something all hell breaks lose.
It got so bad that we just stopped going into the room. Every effort to straighten it up ended in futility because we couldn't rearrange one item without rearranging the ENTIRE room. What a headache! And I just couldn't bear to part with some things that I should just get rid of.
So I cam up with a solution. And its working....sorta. And the solution is based on a big motivator....money. We rented a storage room and hauled the stuff there. Yes, its costly but the expense is motivation enough to clean it up. Everytime I pay the rental on that room I start to think how much I could save if I just "decluttered" my life.
At the other end of the motivation spectrum, I'm able to part with stuff if I can sell it, give it to a friend or charity. Throwing it away when there is some useful life to it just seems wrong to me.
I'm getting excited about selling the stuff because now I see $$ signs everytime I look at an unused "thing" in my storage room.
This is just another step in trying to live a more intentional life.
Next up: I'll write about my $20 theory I'm testing out.
Monday, January 28, 2008
This man made his dreams happen
On Zen Habits this guy made the transition from a a career to a more fulfilling passion. Now that I've found his website I'll keep watching to see what happens.
Vagabonding
I picked up a book last week titled Vagabonding: An Uncommon Guide to the Art of Long-Term World Travel by Rolf Potts. In brief I describe it as a "how-to" book on creating a lifestyle that affords one the resources to enjoy long-term travel and experience the world on your terms. Resources in this case means primarily time but also money. You can read more about the book and Potts at Vagabonding
The ideas really fit into my idea of trying to live a simpler, more intentional, aware and fulfilling life. The back cover describes Vagabonding as "Not just a plan of action, vagabonding is an outlook on life that emphasizes creativity, discovery, and the growth of the spirit." BINGO! That's what I'm looking for in my life.
About 6 months ago I got a substantial raise at work (about $1000 extra per month). YAY! As you might guess I was excited about this. I'd made it! But it wasn't but a few months after that this extra money didn't seem to make me any happier, life any easier or stress go away. I was still short on time. I still had the regular responsibilities. I still daydreamed about going to new countries, sitting on the beach. Anything, anywhere other than the dull khaki walls in my cubicle dealing with the same problems and complaints day after day. I still had this yearning for something different.
I realized that the career I was pursuing wasn't giving me the results I had hoped for. I thought that making more money would allow me to afford to travel to exotic locations. But this isn't true. What I needed was more TIME not more money. What I needed was less clutter and less accumulation of "things".
The ideas really fit into my idea of trying to live a simpler, more intentional, aware and fulfilling life. The back cover describes Vagabonding as "Not just a plan of action, vagabonding is an outlook on life that emphasizes creativity, discovery, and the growth of the spirit." BINGO! That's what I'm looking for in my life.
About 6 months ago I got a substantial raise at work (about $1000 extra per month). YAY! As you might guess I was excited about this. I'd made it! But it wasn't but a few months after that this extra money didn't seem to make me any happier, life any easier or stress go away. I was still short on time. I still had the regular responsibilities. I still daydreamed about going to new countries, sitting on the beach. Anything, anywhere other than the dull khaki walls in my cubicle dealing with the same problems and complaints day after day. I still had this yearning for something different.
I realized that the career I was pursuing wasn't giving me the results I had hoped for. I thought that making more money would allow me to afford to travel to exotic locations. But this isn't true. What I needed was more TIME not more money. What I needed was less clutter and less accumulation of "things".
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