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Posts tagged ‘Travel’

What to Consider When Choosing a Campground

Are you interested in taking a camping trip? Whether you are interested in going camping alone, with your family, with your romantic partner, or with a group of your friends, you will need to find a campground to camp at. While many individuals just choose to go camping at the nearest campground, you may want to think about not doing the same.  In the United States and probably even close to your home, you should have a number of different campgrounds to choose from.  So, why not just take the time to make sure that you choose the best one for you and your needs.

If you are interested in taking the time to find the “perfect,” campground you may be wondering exactly how you can go about doing so.  In all honesty, it will depend on your own wants and needs, as well as the wants and needs of the rest of your camping party.  Although not everyone wants to get the same thing out of their camping trips, there are a number of important factors that you may want to think about taking into consideration, when looking for a campground to camp at. 

One of the many things that you will want to take into consideration, when looking for a campground to camp at, is the cost of doing so. In the United States, you will find that most campgrounds require the payment of an admission fee or a camping fee and occasionally even both. The cost of the admission fee or camping fee will all depend on the campground in question. For instance, many smaller campgrounds charge smaller fees. Also, you will likely find larger fees for campgrounds that have more on site activities.

Speaking of on site activities, activities are something else that you may want to think about taking into consideration, when choosing a campground to camp at.  When it comes to the onside activities of a campground, you may want to take a look at the scenery.  If a campground has on on site lake or pond then there is a good chance that swimming, boating, and fishing are activities that you may be able to enjoy. Campgrounds are also often home to hiking trails, biking trails, playgrounds for children, and much more.

How reservations are taken is another factor that you may want to think about taking into consideration, when choosing a campground to camp at. For instance, there are some campgrounds in the United States that randomly assign you a camping spot.  On the other hand, there are campgrounds that allow you to handpick your camping spot out of all available locations.  Many campers prefer choosing their own camping spots, as it tends to give them some freedom over their camping trip and how much fun they have.  If you are picky about where you would like to camp, you may want to find a campground that allows you to choose your own camping spot.

Although it is nice to know what you should look for in a campground, it is also important that you know how to find them.  If you are interested in camping locally, you may already know of a number of local campgrounds.  If not, you should be able to use your local phone book or ask those that you know for recommendations.  As for campgrounds that are located a ways away from your home, you may want to think about using the internet.  A large number of popular campground parks have online websites and a standard internet search should them you find those websites, which could be used to learn more about the campground in question.

As a reminder, you may want to think about taking the time to research a number of different campground parks. It is important that you remember that no two campground parks are the same.  To ensure that your next camping adventure is as memorable as possible, you may want to make sure that your intended destination is perfect for you and the rest of your camping party.

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5 Tips for Overseas Vacation Home Buying Success

The dream of owning a vacation home in some sun-drenched overseas location is one the majority of us share, and because real estate proves itself time and again as a solid long-term investment commodity, many more people are committing to purchasing real estate abroad as an investment that they and their family can also enjoy and benefit from.

When buying a vacation home abroad there are a number of key considerations to bear in mind to avoid some of the traps and pitfalls sometimes associated with buying long distance and in an unfamiliar country.  With these 5 tips for overseas vacation home buying success you can quickly cut a swathe through the research process and move towards securing the dream swiftly and securely.

Tip One – Learn the Rules and Regulations

Different countries have different rules relating to the right or otherwise of foreign citizens to own the freehold title to immovable property.  Some widely publicised destinations don’t allow foreigners to directly own the land on which their property sits (Bulgaria) or more than one property (Cyprus) for example, and some countries are less economically or politically stable than your own which can mean that real estate related rules and regulations may change in the future.  Make sure you’re comfortable with the workings of the country you’re considering buying a vacation home in, and if in doubt seek professional advice about that country and the ambitions you hold for owning a holiday home in it.

Tip Two – Good Investment/Bad Investment

If you’re buying a vacation home with a hope that it will go up in value and be not only a family retreat but a great asset, know that real estate, just like any investment commodity, can go down in value as well as up.  Furthermore not all countries have a real estate economy the same as the one in your own country – a little research would be wise into the historic nature of the property market in your country of choice as well as predictions for its future.  While such data is not a direct indication of how well your investment will perform it will arm you with more data to hopefully make your decisions easier.

Tip Three – Title Deeds and Legalities

Legal systems and the title-deed registration process differ from country to country therefore know your legal rights and try to find out about the essential searches, surveys and title-deed checks that need to be conducted before you should commit to buying your overseas vacation home.  Never enter into any form of contractual agreement without the direct assistance of an independent lawyer and never accept someone’s word that a vacation home has its permissions and title deeds valid and up to date.  Insist on seeing and checking all important facts and data before signing on the dotted line.

Tip Four – Accessibility and Desirability

If you’re thinking about making an income from your vacation home or even hoping to holiday in it yourself regularly, one of the most important factors to bear in mind is the accessibility or otherwise of your vacation home.  If your real estate is difficult to reach, with many miles to traverse and complicated and expensive plane journeys to plan, then it will just become a less desirable commodity over time. While a vacation involves getting away from it all and escaping every day life, a vacation destination and home should be easy and affordable to reach.

Tip Five – Enlisting Assistance

Consider enlisting the help of a reputable real estate agent, an independent lawyer and if you want to make money from your vacation home, a property management service.  Such professionals can save you time, effort and money and they can make the whole process of buying and owning a vacation home that much simpler.  Make sure you take references, examine credentials and see qualifications before employing anyone to assist you however, and if at all possible seek recommendations because anyone who does a good job will always get good press!

Learning to Dance at Home

There are many ways in which a person can learn to dance if he or she is of the mind to do so. The problem is that many people shy away from learning to dance, despite a sincere desire to do just that out of fear of being seen in the learning process. This is such a sad reason to avoid bringing the joy of dance into your life and one that can be so easily avoided if you are willing to make the efforts that would be required.

First of all, you can learn to dance within the comfort of your very own home. You do not need a dance hall or studio with mirrors to learn to dance even though they are helpful to the process. In all truthfulness it is quite possible to learn to dance at home without even procuring a teacher.

There are many DVDs and instructional tapes and videos on the market that can teach the basics of many different styles of dance. If you aren’t sure what type of dance you are most interested in, it isn’t a terrible idea to begin by ordering some DVDs in order to find out what specific type of dance interests you most. The really neat thing about doing this is that you can being the learning process in your very own home with the curtains drawn and no one will ever need to be any wiser.

Of course if you are going to learn at home you might want to clue your spouse or partner in and see if he or she would like to join you on the path to discovering the joys of dance as a form of entertainment as well as a means of bringing an extra level of physical activity into your life. The really good news is that this sort of physical activity won’t feel like exercise and if you play your cards right with your partner it just might lead to other forms of physical activity. Keep in mind that many people find dance to be a very romantic precursor to other romantic pursuits.

Backing away from the romance department you can even find a great and occasionally merciless audience in your children. They also make great practice partners and guinea pigs and if you control the allowance, then you might even manage to squeeze out a compliment or two to help your potentially wounded ego through the event. Kids are great fun though when it comes to dancing and (younger kids anyway) are almost always willing to kick back and have a laugh at mom or dads expense. If you want to make a really fun afternoon of things, challenge your kids to a ‘dance off’ you just might be surprise at who is the last one standing.

Learning to dance at home can be a rewarding experience if you apply the things you learn. Not only do you get the benefit of a new hobby but also you manage to do so without the uncertainty and insecurity that is often a common part of lessons. Having an audience can be a frightening thing, however, once you’ve passed the child test you should be ready for the most ruthless audience any dance studio can give. You should also keep in mind that other students in the class (should you ever decide you are ready to take an actual class) are probably just as nervous about their level of skill as you may be.

Family Resorts in Mexico

Vacationing with your family in Mexico offers many benefits.  Though many cities are associated with constant partying, there are also many activities that are designed for young children and teenagers.  Many children receive discounts at many popular tourist attractions.  Selecting an all-inclusive vacation package for the whole family is one of the best ways for everyone to enjoy their vacation in Mexico, without having to worry about the cost.

If you are interested in visiting Mexico with your family, you will want to examine some of the many attractions that are specifically geared towards children. These attractions and activities are ideal for making the most out of your family vacation.  Below is a summary of just a few of the many attractions and resorts that you may find exciting in Mexico.  For additional information, you are encouraged to contact your local travel agent or use the internet to guide you in your search.

Located on the Mayan Riviera is the Xcaret Theme Park.  The Xcaret Theme Park is a wonderful attraction for those who are looking for a family resort.  Located in Cancun, Mexico, the Xcaret Theme Park is a theme park that is often compared to Disney World or Disneyland.  Similar to Disneyland and Disney World, you can expect to enjoy a fun-filled day at Xcaret, thanks to amazing rides and attractions.

A deep underground river is a popular feature of the Xcaret Theme Park.  You and your family can see plenty of beautiful tropical plants as you enjoy the river.  Xcaret is also host to many wild and exotic animals.  There is a butterfly pavilion, a coral reef aquarium, and you are given the chance to swim dolphins.  Many children, as well as adults, will be thrilled with this theme park.  In addition to the Xcaret Theme Park, Cancun offers many family friendly resorts.  To find a luxury resort that offers family oriented activities you may want to check on the internet or speak with your local travel agent. 

Cozumel also offers many great attractions and activities that are designed for individuals of all ages, including children. Cozumel is ideal for family vacation, especially because it has one of the lowest crime rates in Mexico, as well as the world.  Cozumel is home to some of the most beautiful coral reefs.  This often creates an incredible adventure and learning experience for children.  If your children will enjoy scuba diving or snorkeling, then you will want to plan a trip to Cozumel. 

With so many options for families, choosing a Mexican all-inclusive vacation is a great idea. The vacation package will also include items such as snacks, drinks, meals, as well as hotel accommodations and airfare.  Teaching children about various cultures and customs and letting them view the Mayan ruins first hand is an amazing lesson in geography and history. While education is nice, the above mentioned locations do not completely just focus on it. There are so many fun-filled activities such as snorkeling, diving, swimming, hiking, fishing, sailing, and parasailing. These activities are great for families with active children.

In addition to the above mentioned popular Mexican destinations are that are designed for the whole family, you may want to consider additional sights and attractions.  Mexico has so much to offer you and your family. In fact, you and your family may wish that you could stay in longer.

Cruise Ship Vacations on a Budget

Millions of individuals and families wish to take a vacation; however, many are financially unable to.  If a vacation does occur, it is often a visit to a local amusement park or campgrounds.  These small vacations often occur because individuals limit themselves.  If you are interested in taking an extravagant vacation, such as a cruise, you are advised not to limit yourself.  With the willpower to do so, just about anything is possible with a budget.

If you and your family are interested in scheduling a cruise ship vacation, but you feel that you may be unable to, you are urged not to assume. This assumption could prevent you from enjoying the vacation that you want and deserve.  To make a cruise ship vacation possible for you and your family, all you will have to do is a little bit of budgeting.

For many individuals, developing a family budget is a small sacrifice, but for others it may be larger. The more money you need to save for a cruise, the harder it may be to save.  The first step in saving money for your cruise ship getaway is to determine where all of your money is going.  This can easily be accomplished by documenting your spending habits. Everything from the mortgage payment, rent, car insurance, even that cup of coffee you purchased should be recorded.

After documenting your spending habits for a week or a month, you will have to examine your findings.  Many individuals are surprised to learn how much money they are wasting on unnecessary purchases. These purchases often include, but are not limited to single serve beverages, cigarettes, alcohol, and out-of-home dining.  To save money for your cruise ship vacation, you will need to cut all unnecessary purchases. 

Cutting unnecessary purchases may sound easy, but the reality is that it often isn’t. There are some individuals who cannot do without their cigarettes or their morning cup of coffee. If you are unable to curb your spending habits, you are encouraged to change them as much as possible.  For instance, instead of purchasing a cup of coffee each morning, you can brew your own at home. Additional alterations could be made to prevent your habits from impacting your cruise ship vacation fund. 

When saving money for a vacation aboard a cruise ship, you need to make sure that you actually save the money. All too often, many individuals take the money they saved by creating a monthly budget and spend it on something other than what they originally intended.  If you find it difficult to hold on to your savings, you may want to open a savings account at your local bank.  In addition to accumulating interest, you are less likely to spend the money because it is safely tucked away.

Curbing your spending habits is one of the best ways to raise funds to take your dream vacation aboard a cruise ship.  While saving money is important, it is not the only way that you can plan a cruise ship vacation on a budget.  There are a large number of online travel websites.  These websites may offer you significant deals and savings. Other cruise discounts can be obtained through membership clubs or your local travel agent. 

Obtaining the financing needed for a cruise ship getaway may seem like a difficult task, but after time it may become a part of your daily routine.  Saving money and obtaining cruise ship discounts are both great ways to obtain the needed financing, but together they can save you more money than you ever imagined.

Family Beach Vacation Ideas

All across the world, there are several locations you can choose for your family beach vacation.  Below, you will find many different locations, and what they will offer you and your family.

Maui Throughout the West Coast of Maui, you’ll have many choices for your beach vacation.  If you plan to enjoy golf, the Kapalua Resort is a great choice, as guests will receive 30% lower golf rates than those who don’t stay at the resort.  The resort also includes the Kapalua Bay Hotel, Kapalua Villas, and the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua.

One bay over from the Kapalua Bay is the Napili Kai Beach Resort, which is a low rise family resort that offers comfortable beach front condos.  The Napili Kai also offers complimentary programs for children ages 6 – 12 from mid June to the end of August, during Easter and Christmas.  The condos are seconds away from the beach, and they include kitchens as well as laundry facilities.

If you prefer a more secluded area, the Maui Prince hotel is located in a quiet setting surrounded by two scenic golf courses and a large sandy beach that kids never seem to get enough of.

Mololai family adventures The island of Molokai is filled with empty beaches, no traffic lights, and few tourists.  Many tourists visit only for a day or so, with some going to the island because they assumed they were going to Molokini (which is a snorkeling site near Maui).

The island of Mololai is accessible by ferry from Maui or by plane from Honolulu.  The island is ideal for those who like the outdoors with a twist of adventure.  When you visit here, you shouldn’t expect shopping or nightlife.

Florida The Breakers Hotel in sunny Palm Beach Florida has a spa, golf course, and a 1/2 mile sandy beach.  There is also a separate pool for the kids, a family entertainment center, and a kid’s program.  Families can reserve up to five adjoining rooms while children under the age of 16 can stay for free in the same room as their parents.

If you decide to take your beach vacation in Orlando, the Loews Hard Rock Hotel offers you plenty of beach and amusement rides, with a 240 foot slide and a white sandy beach.

Florida also has SW Florida beaches with many wonderful places right on the beaches from Marco Island all the way up to Captiva Island. Whether you want to just relax in the SW Florida sun or enjoy the backwater fishing or Fishing in the Gulf Of Mexico, Or enjoy recreational boating to Shelling. Whatever your Vacation desires you will find it here in the SW Florida area of Naples, Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Estero, Sanibel Island or Port Charlotte. If nature is your thing to do we have sightseeing tours from the Gulf of Mexico or go inland to ride a air boat or swamp buggy. Enjoy dining while watching the sunset by boat or restaurant, Enjoy deep-sea fishing for some Grouper, Marlin, or Red fish , Along the shoreline for trout, Snook or even a Catfish for a good fight, Try backwater fishing for Snapper, Sheepshead, Trout or whatever might be running with the tide Also don’t forget the freshwater fishing for those Large Mouth Bass. If golfing is for you then we have many of the state’s top courses in the local SW Florida area, We even have several putt putt courses for the beginners. Most of all whether you want to bring the whole entire family to enjoy the SW Florida area or just want to escape with that special someone then SW Florida is the place to relax, unwind and enjoy yourselves to the fullest, after all we are the sunshine state.         

California With several family beach vacation resorts in California, the Hotel Del Coronado is among the most famous.  The hotel offers many different facilities for families, including lessons in kayaking, surfing, tennis, and biking.

Georgia The barrier islands in Georgia offer ambiance, sandy beaches, and a laid back prospective to life as you know it.  Jekyll Island offers you miles of paved bike path with three 18 hole golf courses, which is perfect for golf enthusiasts.

Sailing in St. Thomas

When selecting a vacation destination, many individuals and families select a destination that offers them excitement and relaxation, all at once.  If this is what you are looking for out of your vacation, then a St. Thomas vacation may be just for you.

St. Thomas is located in the Caribbean.  As one of the Virgin Islands, St. Thomas is known as one of the “hottest,” vacation destinations in the world.  If you have never had the pleasure of vacationing in St. Thomas before, you may be wondering what awaits you there.  In St. Thomas, there are an unlimited number of services and activities that you may find exciting. One of those activities is sailing.

The ocean waters surrounding St. Thomas are ideal for sailing.  Beginners and even the most experienced sailors can enjoy sailing in the St. Thomas area. Since most individuals vacationing in St. Thomas fly into the area, you will have to find boat rentals.  When renting a sail boat, it is likely that you will have a number of different options.  Sail boats come in all different shapes, sizes, styles, and designs. 

Before planning an independent sail off the coast of St. Thomas, you may need to take a number of important factors into consideration.  One of these factors is your level of sailing experience. Many of the individuals and companies that provide boat rentals require that you have the appropriate level of sailing experience. You may be required to take sail boat for a test drive or you may need to show documents that show you are licensed to operate a sail boat.  Many individuals and companies do this to protect their investments.   

To make arrangement to rent a sail boat, it is advised that you make your reservations ahead of time. Sailing is a popular vacation pastime in St. Thomas.  To guarantee that you are able to have access to an available boat, you will want to make your boat rental reservations well in advance.  You can easily learn of boat rentals that can be found in or around the St. Thomas area by requesting a St. Thomas vacation packet. Your local travel agent may also be able to offer you assistance. 

While sailing is an activity that is enjoyed by many, most individuals are unable to operate a sail boat.  Just because you do not know how to operate a sail boat, does not mean that you cannot vacation on the waters surrounding St. Thomas.  Throughout the area, you should be able to find multiple companies that offer guided sail boat rentals.  In addition to paying for the boat rental, you will be provided with an experienced sailor who can take you on voyage that you will forever remember.

Sailing on the water surrounding St. Thomas is an exciting experience all on its own, but that is not the only thing you can do while on the water.  While sailing on the water, you may be surprised with what you will find and see. A sail boat is a great way to vacation on the water, but sightseers as well. Scuba diving and snorkeling are also fun activities that can be combined with sailing.  If you are with an experienced sailor who also is a trained scuba diver, you may be able to enjoy these two amazing activities all at once.

When you are searching for sail boat rentals, you may want to consider what the resort you plan on staying at has to offer.  If you are vacationing at an all-inclusive St. Thomas resort, you may find that you are able to receive free sail boat tours. These free rides are not offered in all vacation packages, but may be able to save a large amount of money if they are. 

Whether you plan on sailing yourself or you are using the services of an experienced sailor, you will be sure to enjoy your time on the water.  Activities found on the St. Thomas Island are not limited. You can easily find a number of activities, many of which will be what your heart desires.

3 Tips to Staging the Outside of Your Home Like a Pro

Are you considering putting your house up for sale, but not sure where to start? Afraid it will take too long to sell, or that you won’t get the price you want? Think about “staging” your home, or in other words, setting the scene for immediate buyer interest in your property.

To be really effective, you need to look at both the outside and the inside of your home. Here are 3 tips to get you started with the outside of your home:

1. Go stand on the street to see what clients see when driving up to the house. Be aware that any negative impressions they get outside the house (landscaping not maintained or non-existent, peeling paint, etc.) is just going to make them think that the house itself has not been well taken care of. So even if you have spent the time and money to fix up the interior, it would all be wasted if the clients get a bad first impression as they drive up to the house.

2. Next, step outside your front door and close the door; then stand on the stoop and look around for 5 minutes. While the realtor fumbles for keys and tries to figure out how to open the door, the clients are standing behind and looking around. So what are they seeing? Dead plants, old Halloween decorations in the middle of January, cobwebs?  Again, not a good first impression!

It’s definitely worth it to take some time and clean it up. Want to go a step further? Try a new coat of paint or some new furniture or accessories.

3. Don’t forget the backyard. While that might not be part of the potential buyers’ first impression experience, you still should make sure it’s in the best condition possible. Pull up weeds, water plants, do some sweeping (if that’s applicable in your case) and maybe even purchase new furniture or accessories (plant pots, bird houses, etc.)

And the biggest tip of all? Imagine yourself as a potential buyer looking at your property for the very first time. What impressions are you getting? Would YOU buy your house? What would you like to see changed before you put an offer on your house?

And don’t worry about spending several thousand dollars to get your house ready to sell   you’ll get it all back when your house sells. Proper staging helps you sell your house in a shorter time and at the price you want.

Skiing Vacations at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler

The Fairmont Chateau Whistler, in Whistler, British Columbia, is a gorgeous alpine resort in the shadow of Blackcomb Mountain.  Rated as the number one ski resort in both Canada and North America in recent years, the Whistler Blackcomb resort is one truly not to be missed.  British Columbia is home to many of the world’s best ski resorts, and Whistler Blackcomb certainly reaffirms this.  The impeccable reputation of the resort is only further bolstered by the eight thousand acres of pristine skiing, and over thirty-five feet of powder white snow which falls every single year, making Whistler Blackcomb the destination of choice for savvy ski enthusiasts the world over.

When it comes to skiing facilities, you’d naturally expect the Whistler Blackcomb resort to have it all.  Catering for a broad cross-section of skiing abilities and tastes, there are over one hundred different runs to keep you occupied on your stay.  The natural beauty of these resorts is obvious, and the facilities just add to the overall experience.  In the lap of luxury, you can experience world class skiing, indulging in connoisseur black diamond runs, and lightening fast ski lifts.  With an astonishing 57,000 skier per hour capacity, the Whistler Blackcomb resort is not only high quality, but also in high demand by those in the know across the world.  And after you’re active day, relax in the warmth and comfort of the resorts bars and restaurants, where you can share a joke or two over an open fire when it’s cold outside.   For most people, it really doesn’t get much better than that, and that’s why the resort has attracted such acclaim, on top of its excellent skiing and snowboarding facilities.

But don’t worry if you don’t know how to ski – the resort also boasts activities like golf, a health spa, gourmet restaurants, attractive walks and hiking.  There really is something for everyone at the resort.  Additionally, if you’d like to learn to ski, there really is nowhere better.  The Whistler Blackcomb resort also employs a one thousand-strong teaching staff, making it one of the biggest skiing and snowboarding schools in North America, and indeed in the world.  Whistler Blackcomb boasts an unparalleled number of world class instructors, which serve to ensure a high standard of training for all the school’s participants.  Additionally, with a range of training and tuition programmes available, the Whistler Blackcomb resort truly is one of the best locations in the world to improve your skiing skills.

The Fairmount Chateau Whistler is a truly unique skiing experience, making use of its beautiful natural resources, and a flair for quality and service.  Any vacation at the Chateau Whistler will be an experience not to be forgotten, and with a wrought-iron reputation, you’ll find many skiers choose to go back year on year for their annual vacation. 

If you’re looking for a good tip for vacations to the Chateau Whistler, you could do worse than to book direct through their website.  By cutting out the middle man you are paying only the hotel price and no commission, which means you can benefit from a much cheaper stay.  Additionally, on the Fairmount website, you will find last minute bargains and offers which are simply unbeatable anywhere else, so you might just find that your once in a lifetime skiing experience costs a lot less than you had anticipated.

Making the Most Out of Your Next Flight

Are you planning on taking a vacation this year?  Whether you are vacationing alone, with your family, or with your romantic partner, it is almost a guarantee that you would want to enjoy your trip.  You can plan your vacation as much as you would like; however, there is a way that you could spoil your vacation, even before you get off the ground. That way is by having a bad experience at the airport or aboard your airplane. To prevent this from happening, you are advised to know how to make the most out of your next flight.  Doing so will help to ensure that your vacation is filled with joyous memories.

The first step in making the most out of your next vacation flight, it is to familiarize yourself with all of the air travel rules.  This most commonly includes items that are prohibited in airports and aboard airplanes.  Unfortunately, many individuals are unaware that many of the items in their carry-on luggage are actually prohibited.  Bringing prohibited items aboard an airplane could lead to your items being confiscated, you missing your flight, or even being detained by airport security. 

The best way for you to go about learning what items are and are not allowed aboard an airplane is to review the restrictions that your airport and airline has. You can do this by contacting the airline or airport directly or by visiting their online websites. You should be able to find these websites by performing an internet search.  In your search, you will likely learn that a large number of items are banned. These items include, but are not limited to, most liquids, sharp objects, most sporting equipment, and flammable items.  It is also important to determine which of these items can be stored in your carry-on luggage and which can be stored in your checked baggage, if any.

In addition to learning about the items that are prohibited aboard an airplane or past airport security checkpoints, you will also want to familiarize yourself with the general airport screening process.  Since there is always a chance that problems will arise, most airports request that you arrive, at least, two hours before your flight departs.  However, it may be a good idea to check with your airport first.  Since different airports have different flights and are different sizes, you may find that certain airports request that you arrive earlier than two hours. 

On the day that your flight leaves, it is important that you arrive on time.  If your airport recommends arriving two hours in advance, it is advised that you arrive two hours in advance.  Even if you get through security quicker than you imagined, the worst that will happen is that you will have to wait. If you arrive at the airport at the last-minute, there is a chance that you may miss your flight.  It is also important that you follow all of the requests made by airport security.  If you are asked to step aside, you are advised to do so without incident. Often times, the matter, in which you were asked to step aside for, will clear up right away, but not if you are rude, insulting, or unruly. 

Perhaps, the best way to make the most out of your next flight is to cooperate with airport security.  In the event that you packed a banned item by mistake, just acknowledge your mistake and move on.  Your item will likely be confiscated, but it is better than the consequences, which may include a missed flight or being detained by airport security.