Welcome to Southwest Florida Real Estate

Posts tagged ‘Vacation Travel’

Motor Homes: Perfect for Retirees

Have you recently retired from your job or are you about to do so?  If you are, you will likely find yourself with a lot of free time on your hands.  While many retirees enjoy this free time, there are many more who wish to stay active. If you want to stay active in your golden years, you may want to think about buying yourself a motor home, as motor homes are perfect for retirees.

Although it is nice to hear that motor homes are perfect for retirees, just like you, you may be wondering exactly why that is.  What you may be surprised to hear is that there are a number of different reasons as to why motor homes are perfect for retires, just like yourself.  A few of those reasons are outlined below for you.

One of the many reasons why motor home are perfect for retirees, is because they are the perfect way to travel.  In addition to being comfortable and accommodating, motor homes are also an affordable way to travel. For instance, you can take a trip to visit your family and friends or you can just decide to travel across the country. When doing so, motor homes not only provide you with a mode of transportation, but they also provide you with affordable overnight accommodations.

In addition to being great for traveling, motor homes are also nice for camping.  Camping is a fun recreational activity that many retirees enjoy. The only problem with camping when you get older in age, it may be a little bit more difficult to do so.  It is not uncommon for the hard ground to cause you pain or discomfort.  If you enjoy camping, but you are tired of camping in a traditional camping tent, a motor home may be perfect for you.  Many public campgrounds have spacious camping spots designed for motor homes of all sizes.  In addition to camping in a public campground, you may also enjoy just camping in your backyard.

Another one of the many reasons why motor homes are perfect for retirees, just like you, is because they are affordable.  You have a number of different options when buying a motor home. For starters, you can decide to buy a new motor home or a used motor home.  If you are looking for a dependable motor home, like one that can get you across the country, you may feel more comfortable buying a brand new motor home.  On the other hand, if you are on a budget, you may want to buy a new motor home.  In all honesty, the decision is yours to make.

In keeping with the buying of a motor home, you will find that motor homes come in a number of different size, shapes, and styles. What does this mean for you? It means that whatever you are looking for in a motor home, you should be able to find it.  For instance, if you would like a motor home that is able to accommodate a large group of individuals, you can find and buy a large-sized motor home.  Also, you can find standard motor homes or deluxe motor homes, like ones that may come with full kitchens, bathrooms, entertainment systems, and much more.

In short, there are a number of different reasons as to why motor homes are perfect for retirees, just like you.  If you are still unsure as to whether or not you should buy a motor home, you may want to think about renting one.  Renting a motor home is a nice, fun, and affordable way to see if you would love living the motor home life.

Advertisement

Category:

Buyer Tips, For The Home, Helpful Tips, Interesting

Tagged with:

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.

Category:

Skiing Locations

Tagged with:

NYC Educational Entertainment

Learning opportunities abound in New York City. These opportunities are not all in boring atmospheres or hallowed halls of learning but in interactive experiences that are widely available to young and old alike in many brightly lit and fun to explore corners of this great city. We are never too old for learning and we can never have too much fun. Whether you are young, have youngsters of your own, or are simply young at heart, New York City has a lot of entertaining ways to educate you.

Perhaps one of the neatest things to do in New York City is to pay a visit to the FDNY Fire Zone. General admission is free but if you wish to experience a Fire-Simulation presentation there are nominal fees involved (currently under $5 per person). The Fire Zone is a state of the art facility where fire safety is taught. Kids, big and little alike, enjoy the fact that they can actually put their hands the equipment, try on the gear, and work with parents to establish an escape plan for their homes. Most importantly children to can learn what to do in this situation rather than being paralyzed by fear. This is one place that really should be on your list of places to visit while in New York City, the price is certainly nice and it could save a life.

The Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art is another great place to spend a few hours and learn about the many different aspects of art, comics, and cartoons and what kind of role they have played in recording the history of our world. They offer different exhibitions at different times so this is a place you could definitely visit often in order to get the maximum enjoyment from the process. The hours for this particular museum are different from the average so be sure to make sure they will open to the public on the day and time you wish to visit. Current admission rates are $3 for children and adults over the age of 12.

Mount Vernon Hotel Museum and Garden is another great place to learn, this time it’s about history. This building is steeped in history and was once the home of the daughter of President Adams. Take a walk through history inside this lovely home turned hotel and then stroll around in the gardens outside. If you feel a need to get away from the big city while remaining in the big city this is a great place to visit and feel the air around you and forget about the fact that the nearest mall is actually very close by.

The Brooklyn Children’s Museum is great fun for kids of all ages, shapes, sizes, and nationalities. Fun after all, is a universal language and you will find plenty of that here. The good news is that this particular fun is actually well disguised education. The Brooklyn Children’s Museum was the very first museum of its kind, by that I mean the first museum that was dedicated to entertaining and educating children. It was a wildly successful experiment that is responsible for the 300 children’s museums now located around the world. The admission is very reasonable at $5 per person and children under the age of 1 are free. The museum is closed on Mondays during July and August and on Mondays and Tuesdays for the remainder of the year with the exception of certain public school recesses. It is best to check with the Museum if you are uncertain and hoping for a Tuesday visit.

The New York Hall of Science is another great learning experience that is available here. There is so much to do and see here and most importantly you get to play with many exciting new toys and such. Enjoy activities and exhibits that bring the science to magic and prove that they are not exactly mutually exclusive. Magic is after all, in the eye of the beholder. Exhibitions change frequently and always offer something fun for everyone. There is age appropriate activities for children and the science playground ($3 per person admission fee above the museum admission fee of $11 per adult and $8 per child is required for the playground) is always a big hit. Now you’re off to an excellent educational experience that everyone in your family will think was simply fun.

Category:

Enjoy Other Places

Tagged with:

Vegas Basics

If you’re planning a trip to Vegas in the near future there are a few basic things you should know. First things first, walking shoes are a must for any trip to Vegas. You will probably be spending a lot of time on your feet and will need shoes that can handle standing in lines and walking quite nicely.

Second, the weather in Vegas is fairly predictable. You are likely to experience rather cool nights, particularly during the months between October and April so bring some warm clothes. You should also be prepared for a lot of sunshine and pack copious amounts of sunscreen in order to protect your skin.

Remember that the times around holidays are often the busiest times in Vegas if you want to avoid the higher prices and larger crowds you should avoid booking during these times. And if those are the times you absolutely wish to stay and play in Vegas you should make plans and book well ahead of time to make sure you have your first choice in accommodations.

It is important to remember that Vegas is indeed a desert town and that you will need to drink plenty of water and moisturizer more than you might be accustomed to. This is a much drier climate than many people experience in their day-to-day lives and the heat and dryness can sneak up on you for a double whammy if you aren’t prepared.

If you’re a golfer, you’ve found heaven and should come prepared. This means you should bring your best clubs along with you and be prepared to play a few rounds. You should probably also bring a nice set of dress clothes in order to catch some of the great shows that are always playing in Vegas.

While Vegas is famous for big spenders, it is quite possible to spend thrifty and have a nice vacation for two at around $100 per day. At the other end of the spectrum, big spenders can drop thousands on one meal very easily. Pay attention to the places you are considering before you enter if you are on a limited budget.

If you’re planning to stray far from your hotel or resort, it’s a good idea if you plan to rent a car or drive your own. The distances here can be quite conceiving and you can easily lose track of time while enjoying yourself inside the many casinos.

Vegas is almost as famous for weddings as it is for Casinos. If you are hoping to get married Vegas style you have a lot of styles from which to choose and you are not by any means alone. More than 122,000 couples apply for marriage licenses in Vegas each year. The licensing fees for marriage in Vegas is around $55 (this is the current rate, keep in mind that this rate is subject to change) and then there are the fees involved for the chapel you use, the services offered, etc. You can choose to go as informal and small or as bold and lavish as you can afford.

One of the most important things to remember about Vegas is like the new commercials claim, “What happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas”. So let your hair down and have some fun during your time here and be sure to make plans for your return trip.

This can be a wonderful vacation experience for you whether you are planning marriage, a golf smorgasbord, a gambling festival, to see your favorite act, or just to spend time with the family hanging out around the pool. Your trip to Vegas is what you make of your trip to Vegas. I suggest you have as much fun as possible. Enjoy the sights, watch the shows, enjoy the many great buffets, and spend some time at the hotel spa relaxing and rejuvenating as you prepare to go back home and face the outside world yet again.

Category:

Enjoy Other Places

Tagged with:

How to Learn More about Your International Airport

When scheduling a flight, whether that flight be domestic or international, all passengers are advised to familiarize themselves with the airport that they will be flying out of, as well as the airline that they will be flying with.  Unfortunately, not all air travelers know how to go about doing this. If you are looking to familiarize yourself with international airlines or airports, namely the ones that you will be using, you will find that you have a number of different options.

Perhaps, the best way to learn more about an international airport is to use the internet to your advantage. You can do this by performing a standard internet search. You will want to search with the name of the international airport that you would like more information on.  For instance, if you are looking for more information on Des Moines International Airport, you will want to search with the words Des Moines Airport or International Airport. Whichever international airport you search for, it is likely that your search will return a number of results. One of those results should be the online website run by the airport in question.

Once at the online website for an international airport, you will find that you now have access to an unlimited amount of information; information that you were likely looking to obtain. Although all online websites will vary, you will find that most airline websites display the same information. This information may include, but should not be limited to, information on incoming and outgoing flights, air travel rules, shops and other dining establishments, parking, airport directions, and terminal locations.  You are advised to examine all of the information on the site, regardless of whether or not you feel that you need to know it.

As previously mentioned, it is likely that your internet search will return a number of different results. In addition to the airport’s online website, you will also find sites that discuss the airport in question.  Many times, these websites are operated by travelers who frequently use the international airport being discussed. You may be able to find detailed information on low-cost dining or information on quick and easy ways to maneuver around the airport.  While this information may be useful to you, it is important to remember that it is not guaranteed. For the best information, you are advised to examine the online website operated and monitored by airport staff.

In addition to using the internet, you should also be able to obtain information on the airport in question by directly contacting them. If you are researching a local international airport, you should be able to find the contact information for that airport in your local phone book.  When contacting an international airport for general information on their services and features, you will want to try to reach the customer service department. Customer service representatives should be willing to answer your question, where as the maintenance department will likely be unable to assist you.

Although not all international airports recommend it, you could also learn more about the international airport that you will be using by visiting it. If you live within a reasonable driving distance to the airport or if you are in the area for another reason, you may want to quickly stop by. While this is a great way to familiarize yourself with the airport, you will not have access to all areas. All airports have restrictions when it comes to security checkpoints, passengers without boarding passes are not allowed past them.  Stopping by the airport, may enable you to scope out the parking situations, as well as obtain informational brochures on the airport, if they are available. 

When it comes to international airport shopping, parking, or dining, you may also be able to receive recommendations or tips from those that you know, especially those that have flown out of the international airport in question before.  Regardless of where you get your information from, you will find that are an unlimited number of benefits to knowing everything that you can know about the international airport that you will be using.

Category:

Internationail Airports

Tagged with:

The Benefits of Staying Up-To-Date on All Air Travel Rules

Have you flown within the last year?  How about within the last month?  Even if you have, there is there is a good chance that things have changed since the last time that you were at the airport. While you may be thinking about the airport layout, it is actually the air travel rules that have likely changed. As more security issues arise, often on a daily or weekly basis, the airlines decide to enforce new travel rules.  In the event that these new enforcement do go into effect, do you know how to go about finding what they are?

Before you can learn to familiarize yourself with new air travel rules, if there are any, you will want to understand the benefits of learning those rules. Unfortunately, too many travelers are worried about having the proper forms of identification that they don’t always worry about the items that they pack.  If you are one of those individuals, there is a good chance that you may, unintentionally, pack items that are prohibited past airport security checkpoints.  Depending on the prohibited item, you may be required to make additional accommodations, discard of the item, or turn it over to airport security. 

In addition to prohibited items, there are also new air travel rules that apply to security screening procedures. For instance, all air travelers are now required to remove their shoes. Your shoes will be scanned along with the rest of your carry-on luggage. While this may pose an inconvenience, it is a requirement.  Failing to comply with this requirement, as well as others, may lead to you being detained by airport security or local authorities.  In addition to missing your flight, you may even face prosecution for your actions.  However, this can all be prevented by knowing and understanding the new air travel rules, as well as the old ones.

Perhaps, the best way to familiarize yourself with air travel rules is to go directly to the source. That source is the organization that makes and essentially enforces those rules, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). You can obtain valuable information from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), including information on air travel rules, by directly contacting them or by visiting their online website. That online website can be found at www.tsa.gov.  You are advised to fully examine this online website. You will find that it has a large amount of information that you need to know.

In addition to using the internet to examine the online website of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), you can also use it to perform a standard internet search.  By searching with the words new air travel rules, you should be provided with a number of different results. Those results are likely to include websites or news reports with information on air travel, including the rules that are enforced aboard all airplanes or in all airports.  When doing this, it is important to keep your source of information in mind.  A large number of websites with inaccurate, misleading, outdated information can be found online.

It may also be a good idea to contact the airline or airport that you plan on using. This contact can be made over the phone or the same information can easily be obtained online. Whether you visit the online website of a particular airline or airport or contact their representatives directly, you should be able to familiarize yourself with newly implemented air travel rules.  It is also advised that you contact each airline or airport directly because they tend to have different rules. Airport screening procedures may vary from one airport to another, as well as rules aboard particular airlines. 

With a small amount of time and research, you should easily be able to learn all of the rules of air travel, including the ones that were recently implemented.  Not only will doing so make your flight more pleasant, but it will help to reduce wait times and ensure that you will make it to your intended destination.

Category:

Air Travel Rules

Tagged with:

What You Need to Know About the Miami International Airport

Are you a Florida resident?  If you are and you are looking to travel out of the country, you will need to find a Florida airport that is known as an international airport.  International airports are airports that regularly have flights arriving from or going to an area outside of the Untied States. For Florida residents, particularly those in or around the Miami area, the Miami International Airport is the airport that they turn to when it comes to scheduling an out of the country trip. 

In addition to being conveniently located, in Miami, the Miami International Airport is also well-known for the number of airlines that it houses.  Unlike most other airports, including other international airports, the Miami International Airport does business with over fifty airlines. That number of huge, especially when compared to other airports.  Essentially, this means that wherever you are going and whenever you need to get there, the Miami International Airport should have what you are looking for.

While it is nice to have access to an airport that gives you a number of different choices, especially when it comes to airlines, it may also be difficult. Since there are over fifty airlines that partner with the Miami International Airport, you will find that their airport is large in size.  This may pose a problem for you, especially if you have never visited the airport before.  If this is the case, you will want to familiarize yourself with the airport’s layout or even print off a map. You can do this by visiting the online website of the Miami International Airport. That online website can be found by visiting www.miami-airport.com. These maps should also provide you with valuable information on airport parking arrangements.

With the recent focus on airport security, you will find that the staff at the Miami International Airport requests that you arrive for your flight well in advance.  This is especially important for international travelers or travelers who are unfamiliar with the airport.  A simple wrong turn or a delay at an airport security checkpoint could cause you to miss your flight, especially if you did not arrive at least two hours before your flight was scheduled to take off.  Also, before arriving at the airport, it is important to make sure that you have all of the documents needed to travel on an international flight. These documents commonly include picture identification, a passport, or a visa.

If you are looking to pass the time, while waiting for your flight, you will find that there are plenty of things to do at the Miami International Airport. The airport is stocked full of retail stores, including clothing stores and gift shops.  You can also find a large number of bars, restaurants, as well as other establishments. Due to the size of the airport, you will find that certain retail establishments are only available in certain airport terminal areas. However, all airport terminals have a number of different eateries and retail stores for you to choose from. 

As mentioned above, the online website for the Miami International Airport is located at www.miami-airport.com.  Whether you are looking to check the status of your flight, learn more about airport security procedures, or learn more about international flights, you should be able to find what you are looking for on their online website.  For additional information, you may want to consider contacting the airport directly.

Category:

Internationail Airports

Tagged with:

Services and Features Offered by Most International Airports

Each year, a fairly large number of individuals, families, and couples make the decision to travel internationally.  Are you one of those people?  If so, you will have to use the services offered by an international airport.  An international airport is an airport that not only offers flights in and around the United States, but out of it as well.  If you have never been to an international airport before, you may be wondering what you can do or find inside one.  If so, you are not alone, millions of other Americans are wondering the exact same thing.

Before you can examine the features and services that are offered by international airports, it is important to remember one thing. Not all airports are the same, even international ones. This means that you may be able to find one certain feature, such as a currency exchange counter, at one airport, but not at another.  Outlined below are some of the most common services and features offered by most international airports; however, they are not offered by all.  If you are looking for detailed information on a specific international airport, you are advised to contact that airport directly or search for their online website. 

Perhaps, one of the most common services offered by international airports is currency exchange.  In a way, it makes perfect sense.  Many travelers come to an international airport because they are looking to fly internationally. You will find that not all countries accept the same currency; therefore, you will need to have your currency exchanged.  Many travelers wait until arrive at their destination to do this, but there are benefits to having your currency exchanged beforehand. 

Similar to traditional currency exchange service centers, is full service banks. Full service banks are offered in most international airports, including those in other countries.  Many full service banks will not only allow you to exchange currencies, but withdrawal money from your home bank account, exchange your money for traveler’s checks and much more.  You will find that you can do this, in most, case even if you do not have an account with the bank at the airport. Although international airport banks have different hours, you will find that most are open whenever you need to use them.

Mail service centers can also be found in international airports, all around the world.  Mail services centers have a number of different purposes.  One of those purposes being that you can mail items to your home, especially those that are prohibited aboard an international flight.  While the cost of postage may seem high, especially if you are mailing to or from a foreign country, you won’t have to turn your prohibited belongs over to airport security or discard of them. Many mail service centers are open the majority of the day; however, self-service mail centers are rapidly increasing in popularity. 

Wireless internet is a unique service that you can find in most international airports. Wireless internet allows to you access your email, read the news online, or surf the internet without having to be attached to cables or phone lines.  Not all international airports supply their passengers with free wireless internet, but many are starting to.  If you were planning on leaving your laptop or PDA machine at home, you may want to rethink your decision, especially if the international airport you will be using has wireless internet access for those inside the building.

Wireless internet access, full service banks, currency exchange centers, and mail service centers are just a few of the many services, facilities, and establishments that you can find inside an international airport.  Also, don’t forget retail shops and eateries.  In fact, many international airports now appear as if they have a small mall inside of them. 

Category:

Internationail Airports

Tagged with: