Cavness Vacation Packages

“Vacation deprivation is at an all-time high,” says Sally McKenzie, vice president and general manager of the online vacation website Expedia.com. Harris Interactive and Ipsos were hired by Expedia to study U.S. vacation trends. Ms. Mckenzie continues, “there are incredible health and wellness benefits associated with time off from work.” It looks like Americans will be missing out on all the fun this year.

What were the findings? U.S. employees this year will likely forfeit more than 574 million vacation days. That is an extra 150 million vacation days forfeited this year over 2005 levels or about 4 vacation days that go unused per employee.

Why don’t Americans learn from foreign employees and enjoy the vacation days they have earned?

There are many reasons. One of them is still our upbringing with the Puritan work ethic. Our country was founded on hard work and long hours. Taking days off is still looked upon by many employers as being slothful, lazy, and not being productive. With the downsizing that has been going on in corporate America, employees are nervously looking over their shoulders wanting to make sure they give no one any excuse to replace them. They all want to look like team players.

Gasoline prices are out of sight. With some working families having to pay an extra $1500 to $2000/year for gasoline, right there their summer vacation has gone up in gas fumes.

The Federal Reserve increasing interest rates is hurting vacationers. It is estimated that in 2005, almost 40% of mortgages were the exotic kinds with adjustable rates, zero interest, etc. With the Federal Reserve having raised interest rates for almost 20 quarters in a row, many families are seeing their mortgage payments jumping from an extra few hundred a month, to in some case over an extra $1000 per month. For some families it is a choice of wanting to keep the roof over their heads. Vacation time has gone out the window.

A final reason Americans are not taking more vacation time is vacation resorts and destinations are not exciting people into wanting to take days off of work.

A lodging magazine survey showed that the typical resort, averages around a 15% repeat guest rate. “That is a horrible number,” says Tom Mulhall, past president of the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce. “That means the typical resort and resort destination is doing something to turn off 85% of its guests. We pride ourselves on averaging just over a 75% repeat guest rate ourselves.”

Tom and his wife Mary Clare own The Terra Cotta Inn Clothing Optional Resort and Spa in Palm Springs, CA http://sunnyfun.com and Tom feels that today’s cookie cutter chain hotels are more interested in maximizing the revenue from a guest instead of a guest getting to maximize their fun. Chains need to understand that guests have to have a great experience at a resort and at a destination. When guests feel like they have to “watch their wallet” every time they walk into a lobby, they start to resent it. And charging hidden “resort fees, and outlandish parking rates” has probably cost more resorts lost repeat guest then anything else. Until chains understand that, repeat guest rates will still suffer.

Tom concludes by saying,”last week, one of my guests told me he had accumulated over 50 vacation days at work. I asked him why he did not take more travel time. He said, outside of the 2 week vacation he spends with us each year, no other vacation resorts excite him and his wife. ‘I don’t want to waste my vacation time at some mediocre place,’ said the guest. ‘We did that when we were younger. Now I would rather save vacation days to cash out at retirement instead of using them now.’” Chilling words for the travel industry.

This year it looks like travel destinations and resorts are going to have to work harder than ever to recapture the vacation time and hearts of the American traveler.

Tom and his wife own the popular Terra Cotta Inn Clothing Optional Resort and Spa in Sunny Palm Springs, CA. http://sunnyfun.com
http://palmsprings.com
Their hotel ranks as one of the 10 best nudist resorts in the world. They are regarded as the most mainstream clothing optional resort in America and are perfect for couples trying nude sunbathing for the first time. Feel free calling 1-800-786-6938 for more information. This article may be reprinted.

[tags]article submission, articles, writers, writing, publishing, ezine, email marketing, email newsletter, email[/tags]

Bryce Canyon is not a canyon. It is the spectacular edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau, a place where intricately carved towers and archways of stone shimmer in a dazzling array of colour under the bright sun.

The state of Utah in the United States is home to many beautiful National Parks, and Bryce Canyon National Park ranks as one of the most magnificent and awe inspiring.

15 million years ago the earth in this region began to shift, forming a series of plateaus. The Paunsaugunt is an extensive plateau, with the Paria River gradually eroding away the edge to form Bryce Canyon.

The rock in Bryce Canyon is composed of layer after layer of sediment deposits, deposited millions of years ago when the area was at the bottom of a lake. Now the Paria River has exposed the layers, allowing a detailed history of the lake to be determined.

The Park itself was established in 1924, and was named after an early settler in the area, Ebenezer Bryce. He emigrated from Scotland, married a local girl then moved southwards in stages, building sawmills as he went.

In the mid 1870s he reached the Paria River, where he and his family settled for a number of years. It was at this time that Bryce made his immortal comment about Bryce Canyon - he called it “one hell of a place to lose a cow”.

The area remained basically undiscovered by European tourists, the first guest houses only being constructed around the time when the park was officially established.

Luckily this has led to Bryce Canyon being an area of largely unspoiled beauty, as well as the enormous scientific value of the historic information trapped in its pinnacles and spires.

The canyon is by no means a stagnant place - the rim recedes by an average of about a foot every 50 years, and in this ever changing scene it is water that plays the most vital role in the shaping and eventual destruction of the magnificent scenery.

Because the rock was laid down in layers, there is a variation in the hardness of the rock formed. When water runoff trickles across the rock, some areas erode rapidly whereas others hold firm.

This variation in erosion speed causes the formation of pinnacles, or “hoodoos” of stable rock. In some places the water seeps down through cracks and eats out holes beneath the surface. When the side rock erodes away, an archway is left behind.

Eventually the arch collapses, leaving two more pillars to join the rest. The ever changing vista of colours, spires, walls and archways is spectacular at any season, and the park is open all year round.

In the warmer months there are plenty of trails for the visitor to explore, ranging from easy strolls to hard hikes. Some of the best trails are located in the Bryce Amphitheatre, located near the entry to the park.

Here you can wander through the Queen’s Garden, or gaze up at Queen Victoria herself surveying the ‘flowers’ in her garden. Some of the most awe inspiring lookouts are situated in this area, including Sunset Point and Inspiration Point - a must for any visitor.

Walkers can also follow the Fairyland, Riggs Spring and Under-the-Rim trails, which are longer, but allow more opportunities to see the different elements of the park at close quarters.

Summer months can cause temperatures in the base of the canyon to soar, so it is very important to be prepared for the heat, and carry plenty of water.

In winter the roads are opened between snowfalls, allowing a totally different perspective of the park. Snow capped pinnacles stand out sharply against the background of white snow and dark green trees. The air is also cleaner, allowing visitors to see great distances.

For the energetic, it is possible to cross-country ski in a number of areas in the park, and on some trails it is possible to go snowshoeing instead of hiking.

If you want a slightly different view of the park, it is possible to explore the park in a 1930 limousine. Alternatively, you can rent a horse on an hourly basis to trek some of the better trails.

There is plenty of interest to explore in the park, apart from the marvellous scenery of the ’silent city’, as the hoodoos are sometimes called. The park also contains a large variety of plants and wildlife, including meadows and forests.

Ground squirrels abound near the viewing areas, and their antics are almost enough to distract the visitor’s eyes from the scenery. On quiet mornings and evenings it is also possible to see deer, elk and antelope grazing on the meadows.

Some bears and mountain lions also enter the park occasionally, but are rarely seen by tourists.

Bryce Canyon is a hidden jewel, thoroughly deserving to be as well known as its southern neighbour, the Grand Canyon. Include it on your itinerary, and you definitely won’t be disappointed.

In fact, you may be completely overwhelmed by the fascinating and awe inspiring beauty of Bryce Canyon, just like almost every other visitor.

Copyright Felicity Walker 2005

Travelling the national parks in the US is one of the author’s favorite things to do. Check out http://www.travelusinfozone.com or http://www.travelusinfozone.com/bryce-canyon/ for more information.

[tags]travel US,bryce canyon,bryce, US travel,US National Park[/tags]

Most people go on holidays during as a way to reduce their stress levels and to get away from the fast pace and high pressure of modern life - but studies show around three quarters of consumers worry about returning to find that they’ve been victims of burglary.

There are numerous strategies and technologies that can be used to make your home a less attractive target to would-be thieves, and to stop or frighten them away even in the event of a break-in. Most electronic alarm systems will automatically telephone police or even fire officials in the event of a break-in or fire.

Most people who have installed some kind of home security or theft deterrent system are able to enjoy their vacations much more easily, as well as sleeping better at night when they are home. Since over half of all convicted burglars admit to focusing on an empty house as a potential “mark” or a target for robbery, most people recognize that a break-in is more likely while away on vacation.

But there are many things that you can do as a homeowner to prevent a break-in or deter thieves. Such options as alarm systems or Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) systems are rapidly dropping in price, and do it yourself options are becoming available, eliminating the expense involved in hiring a contractor.

Wireless alarm systems which run on batteries and/or solar power serve as a visual deterrent to thieves, and can also call the police in the event of a break-in while you are away. A basic CCTV system allows homeowners to change the channel of their television and check to see who’s at the door, and more advanced systems can now be interfaced with the internet, allowing you to check on your front door/backyard/kitchen while on vacation.

Lighting timer systems allow you to have your lights randomly turned on and off, giving the illusion that someone is home and discouraging potential thieves from targeting your property. A secure garage door opener as well as a glass-break sensor on garage windows can seal off one more point of entry for would-be burglars.

These systems are rapidly declining and price, and the do it yourself options are improving in quality - many home systems can now be installed for less than $1,000. So, if you are feeling anxious about home security while you’re home or away, consider setting up a home security system to protect your property and your peace of mind.

Jack Nelson is a security consultant, and a member of the editorial team at homesecurityandalarms.com - an informative guide to home security with information about computer security, infrared motion sensors, alarm monitoring and more.

[tags]home security, break-ins, vacations[/tags]

It’s a national sporting bloodline the likes of which have not been seen in Saskatchewan since Canada’s early hockey domination.

It doesn’t matter that most people have never heard of bunnock, just know that Canada has taken home the last thirteen Bunnock World Championships. They’re held every year in the town of Macklin and there are hundreds of bunnock players making sure that this legacy lives on.

So what is bunnock, you might well ask.

By modern sporting standards, bunnock is rather ancient. It got its start in the 1800s by the Russian cavalrymen, who found that bunnocks, or horse ankles, set up rather nicely on the frozen tundra of Siberia for a lawn bowling-slash-horseshoe pitching type game.

Although the game has undoubtedly existed in many forms, the official version starts out with 52 bones. The eight heaviest are marked as Schmeisers (throwers) while four more are marked as guards. The rest are ordinary soldiers. The guards and soldiers are equally divided, then set on level ground in two straight lines, 10 meters apart.

Four players on either side try to knock down the opposing team’s bones with the throwers. The guards must be knocked down first or penalties ensue. Each team takes turns throwing and the team knocking down the opposing team’s bones first is declared the winner.

The game immigrated to Canada with Russian German immigrants who would pull out the bunnocks at family functions and weddings.

The sport nearly died out before the Macklin Credit Union organized the first World Bunnock Championships fourteen years ago. So serious is the town of Macklin about the sport of Bunnock, visitors are greeted at the town limits with a 32-foot high replica of a bunnock.

The championships started out with only 80 teams and has grown to the 320 teams entered for this year’s championships. Over the years many countries have taken aim at the World Bunnock Championship, but no one has been able to match Canada’s domination at Macklin, where $30,000 in prizes are up for grabs.

Joked an organizer: As soon as someone else wins it will be like hockey, where a Canadian won’t win for fifty years. Actually, it’s a good excuse to have some fun and a good time. Perhaps the best thing is that everyone can play. Last year the youngest competitor was three and the oldest was ninety-two. It’s a sport that generations of families can play together.

The World Bunnock Championships are held every August long weekend. Macklin is near the provincial border between Provost, Alberta and Unity, Saskatchewan, southwest of North Battleford. First started in 1906, Macklin is growing fast and on a sound basis. Many of the original structures have been replaced by modern facilities, new commercial enterprises have been established and an ever increasing oilfield industry has been established. For golfers, there is the nine hole Lakeview Golf Course that has both level and rolling terrain with a scenic lake view setting.

Accomodation in Macklin on the weekend of the championships is pretty much booked up in advance each year, but there are four motels/inns in Provost to the west and another four to the east in Unity. There are campsites in the Macklin Lake Regional Park, but again they are booked up early. There is an airport with commercial flights at North Battleford, about 140 kms away and an international airport at Saskatoon, 250 kms to the east. Car rentals are available in both centers and there is regular bus service from both centers through Macklin.

Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Canada Vacation

[tags]Canada Vacation[/tags]

Cabo San Lucas is becoming a sought after vacation destination, and that’s a fact. It’s popularity is steadily increasing. Cabo San Lucas offers something for every vacationer, including: private secluded getaways, beachfront weddings, nightlife and activities. In this article I am going to discuss the top seven things to do in Cabo San Lucas and San Jose Del Cabo. If you are planning a vacation to Cabo, the activities listed below are all a must do!

Diving in Sea of Cortez

Cabo San Lucas is a unique diving destination because the Sea of Cortez is located between temperate waters and tropical waters. The Sea of Cortes is one of the world’s unique ocean environments. It is considered to be the biologically richest body of water on earth, supporting over 800 marine vertebrates species. Diving in Cabo is famous for it’s “sand falls”. The sand falls are actually streams of sand that fall over the underwater canyons. They create sand rivers and this is extremely interesting to see. The nutrient rich waters make for a spectacular population of fish from small inshore fish to large schools of jack, tuna, dolphin, and “sportfish” such as dorado and marlin. There are migratory visits from whales and hammerhead sharks. A fortunate scuba diver may also encounter manta rays, and even whale sharks in the plentiful waters of the Sea of Cortez. It is critical to the success of your dive to plan your dive at the right time. The Sea of Cortez sees good weather conditions June through November. Prior to June, the Sea of Cortez waters temperature is quite cold. If you are not interested in diving you could also snorkel. There are diving and snorkeling tours available. Snorkeling would still allow you to see most of the inshore fish and some of the beautiful coral.

Horseback riding on the beach

Horseback riding for is available for all levels of riders at several stables in the Cabo San Lucas area. There are trail rides in which you are accompanied by a guide. Trail rides can vary from a desert ride, to a beach ride or, in and about beautiful rock formations. Either way it is a great way to see much of Cabo San Lucas’ scenery. Horseback riding is also available for the whole family, with younger children riding with adults. For those of you who are horse lovers you can see pure Andulsian horses at:Cuadra San Francisco Stable.

Whale Watching

Whales pass several hundred meters off of Cabo San Lucas’ shore every year. The best time to see whales are between January and March, when the gray whale migrates. There are several ways to whale watch in Cabo San Lucas. There are boat tours that offer whale watching. Boats of varying size carry the hundreds of whale watchers out to see these marine mammals as they visit our peninsula in their annual migration, every year. It is not uncommon at this time for a curious whale to come close to a boat. Although no trip can guarantee whales, the odds are definitely in your favor. The smaller the boat the better your chances are of getting close.

Have a drink at Cabo San Lucas’ most famous club

The Cabo Wabo cantina is Cabo’s most famous club, owned by Sammy Hagar. If you are in town at the same time as Sammy is, you might even get to watch one of his impromptu performances. If you are not that lucky, you can still enjoy the atmosphere the Cabo Wabo has to offer and live music on most nights. The Cabo Wabo also offers a menu filled with American and Mexican food to feed your hunger.

Hike through the desert

You must be especially careful when hiking in Cabo’s desert lands. You will need twice as much water as you normally would. A trek through the desert is absolutely spectacular. Desert hiking is best in the winter, with the temperature being around 70. It is possible to hike the desert in the summer but, you must go in the early morning. It is dangerous to hike alone, and best to hire an experienced guide from the area, just incase you get lost. The desert offers incredible rock formations, unique vegetation and wildlife native only to this region. Hiking can be for all ages and hiking in Cabo’s desert is something that you will remember. There are also other hiking and natural history tours which include fossil fields, challenging hikes into the Sierra de la Laguna and day trips to old mining ghost towns.

Bird Sanctuary

Close to downtown San Jose Del Cabo is the San Jose Estuary and Bird Sanctuary. In the sanctuary you can find about 200 species of exotic birds which include egrets, herons and brown pelicans. You can rent a kayak to experience this sanctuary. Sunrise and sunset are the most scenic times to visit; however, if you are an avid bird watcher and want to see species and identify them, you may want to visit during daylight hours. There is a also an information center to answer any of your questions. Admission is free at the San Jose Estuary and Bird Sanctuary.

Visit Lover’s beach.

Lover’s Beach ( also known as Playa Del Amor) is another must, but to get to this beach you’ll need some kind of boat or kayak as the beach is not accessible by land. It is possible to hire a water taxi at the marina. Lover’s Beach is surrounded by towering rock formations and is hidden behind Cabo San Lucas’ landmark arch, El Arco at Land’s End. Be careful swimming here, the powerful waves and currents of the Pacific make swimming quite dangerous. You can view where the Pacfic and the Sea of Cortez meet. Lover’s beach offers many spectacular views.

Sun Cabo Vacations is your vacation rental specialist for the Cabo San Lucas and San Jose Del Cabo Area. They specialize in luxury villas, resorts and condos in the Cabo San Lucas Area. Visit his website for more information on Cabo San Lucas.

[tags]Cabo San Lucas, vacation destination[/tags]

Now here is a subject that is open to lots of controversy. Anyone attempting to put “a stake in the ground” on this subject must be really brave - or incredibly stupid. You may see some bias here - four of the five are in the west, and four of the five run at least partially along water, and two, are Interstate highways - the nemesis of civil travel; so you may already disagree without even looking at the list.

Everyone has their one or two favorite highways, but after traveling over 50,000 miles in the contiguous 48-states, this is our consensus of “the best of the best.” See if you agree.

#5 - Interstate-84, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon (80 miles) It is hard to imagine that an interstate highway runs through this magnificent stretch of scenery that was only recently designated a National Scenic Area. The gorge is the only cut through the Cascade mountains near sea level and the gorge varies in depth up to 4,000 feet. It forms part of the state line between the states of Oregon and Washington and features waterfalls (Multnomah Falls), scenic view points (Crown Point), Cascade Peaks (notably Mt. Hood) and the mighty Columbia River.
http://www.gonorthwest.com/Oregon/columbia/Columbia_River.htm

#4 - Going to the Sun Highway, Glacier Park, Montana (51 miles) There are many engineering marvels throughout the US highways, but none rivals “the Garden Wall” climb from Apgar, MT at Lake McDonald to the Continental Divide at the top of Logan Pass. The highway took eleven years to build and was completed in 1932. In fact, if your vehicle is over 20 feet (including bumpers - they are very exact) or over 8 feet wide (including mirrors), you won’t be driving that portion of the highway. The scenery is unparalleled everywhere you look, and the wildlife is still abundant. http://visitmt.com/tripplanner/wheretogo/glacier.htm

#3 - Interstate 70, Salina to Green River, Utah (100 miles) Now the first thing some of you will say is, “why not keep going?” and yes, the section from Green River through the Glenwood Canyon to Vail - and beyond - is also eye-popping, but you’ve got to stop somewhere on this marvelous highway. The section chosen winds through the red rock country, skimming the edge of several national parks, and provides the highway traveler with turn after turn of vistas that are like watching a movie. http://www.rockymountainroads.com/i-070b_ut.html

#2 - Highway 1, “The Overseas Highway”, “The Keys,”Florida (120 miles) Where life still moves slowly on a two-lane road with 42 bridges and the bluest water in the states, the Florida Keys are the closest thing we have to the Caribbean. The Keys are composed of five areas, each boasting its own unique contribution to the area: Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, Lower Keys, and finally Key West. Only in Key West do they celebrate sunset every night with a party at the dock, and the sound of steel drums permeates the air. Here, everything having to do with water is available. Whether it is fishing, snorkeling/diving, kayaking, or simply bobbing around in the water, you’ll find what you want.
http://www.fla-keys.com/

#1 - Highway 1, Pacific Coast Highway, California (a little over 100 miles) Don’t let the distance deceive you - this is a three hour-plus trip. Unless you have no fear of heights, start in the south and go north - from Morro Bay to Carmel. Stop frequently to gawk. Feel the ocean wind and spray in your face. See the most incredible views this country has to offer. If you get tired of the outdoor beauty, stop at the Hearst Castle and take in the man-made beauty that William Randolph Hearst imported mostly from Europe for his castle by the sea. Gas up and grab some snacks before you leave, both are scarce along the way, but be sure to save room for lunch or dinner once you reach Big Sur or Carmel. Both have excellent choices and incomparable local ambiance.
http://www.byways.org/browse/byways/2301/index.html

So there you have it - the experience of seasoned road warriors. One of the great things about road trips is the opportunity to explore new roads and towns, go places you’ve often been intrigued by in the Sunday paper. Sometime in your life, you have to find time to take a really long road trip. Thousands of miles, months of time; there is nothing like it. Only then will you truly experience being a kid again. We’ll await your list.

Phil and Carol White decided to live their road trip dreams when they retired, while they still had their health, stamina and sense of humor. All along the way people kept saying, “Oh, we’d love to do what you are doing, but what did you do about ” and the list would begin. When we returned home, we did some research and found that they was really no “handbook” to help people plan that dream trip - that long trip in the back of your mind. So we wrote Live Your Road Trip Dream so that you too could live your dreams.

[tags]road trips,RV trips,baby boomer travel,US travel,travel planning,road trip planning,travel budgets,t[/tags]

Coastal North Carolina - Area Information

The North Carolina coast - it’s adventure, romance, history, and a whole lot more! This is the perfect location for retirement or vacationing, and the good news is, properties are ready and waiting right now for the retiree, a second vacation home, or an investment in your future. Come for a few days and you’ll be certain to fall in love with this recreational paradise.

People love to come home to the Carolina Coast because it’s easily accessible from many East Coast locations, there are activities galore, and the area is simply stunning, there’s no other way to describe it. Fishing, boating, golf, beaches, museums, the area is rich in all these things and more. When you discover the Carolina Coast, you discover a wealth of outdoor and indoor delights for the entire family. You’ll also find upscale dining, marinas just waiting for that boat you’ve always wanted, hiking and biking trails, and just about any kind of recreational activity you can think of.

Brunswick County has been rated one of the top 10 beach vacation spots for families. Why? Because there’s something for everyone here! The Intercoastal Waterway abounds in family activities, Holden Beach is a great family beach waiting for discovery, and the area is chock full of parks, museums, shopping, and outdoor activities for every member of the family. Visit just once and you’ll be drawn back again and again. There are still great opportunities to buy vacation property in the area, so the entire family can retreat, regroup, and relax any time you choose.

Nearby Wilmington and the Cape Fear coast offer even more recreational opportunities. Enjoy a round of golf? You’re in luck. With nearly 50 public courses in the area, Wilmington’s courses are rated the eighth best metro golfing area in the nation because these area courses offer value, accessibility, and quality all rolled into one. Even if you’re not a golfer, you’ll find an overabundance of outdoor and indoor activities in the area. Tour historic districts, museums, and a Civil War battlefield if you’re a history buff. Shop ’til you drop at the many stores, boutiques, galleries, and craft shops in the area. Take in a show, cruise the river, rent a kayak, bike, hike, or just kick back and relax. You can do it all on the North Carolina Coast!

Now, picture yourself retiring to this glorious area. The golf, the sun, the beaches, and the cities beckon. You’ll never run out of activities here, and it’s becoming a favorite spot for baby boomers looking for the perfect retirement location. You’ll be close to all the services you desire, but still have room to breathe in the salt air. What could be better? In addition, Brunswick County has the highest price appreciation in the Carolinas, so your investment today will reap even more rewards in the years to come.

Why invest in real estate in this area? First, it’s an investment that will last a lifetime. Whether you choose to retire to the Carolina Coast or use your home as a second vacation destination, your investment will grow with time. Real estate prices have increased all over the country, but they are still reasonable in this area. In addition, the second home marketplace is actually even healthier than the primary home marketplace. People are investing in second homes; it’s as simple as that. In addition, the Carolina Coast is a baby boomers paradise, which is why more people are choosing this area to celebrate their golden years. If you buy now, your second home could turn into your retirement paradise in a few years. Top that off with one of the top five second home markets in the nation and you’ve found the perfect location to enjoy for years to come, and you can be assured your investment will only grow with time.

So, what are you waiting for? Check out the Carolina Coast! You may find your dream vacation home just waiting for you, and you’re certain to enjoy the activities, surroundings, and adventures that await every time you return.

For additional Information:
http://www.buyvacationcondos.com/CoastalCarolinaInfo

Doug Lasley
Real Estate Broker-Associate
http://www.LANDDepo.com
407-876-5771

[tags]North Carolina, Costal Carolina, investment, preconstruction, retirement, vacation, nc, wilmington[/tags]

Fort Macleod is a vibrant community of 3,000, located within easy sight of the Canadian Rockies. This town is a magnet for those who are seeking a relaxed rural life style, proximity to the Rocky Mountains, a strong sense of community, access to high speed internet and a short drive to Western Canada’s corporate capital, Calgary. And of course, it’s only an hour’s drive to the scenic wonders of the Rocky Mountains!

The town boasts the best weather of the Prairie Provinces, including the highest number of sunlight hours in Canada. The Chinook conditions provide mild winters and cooling breezes in the summer.

Few places can transport visitors back in time like Fort Macleod. It’s not difficult to see why while strolling through downtown, with attractions like the Empress, Alberta’s oldest operating theatre and the Fort Museum, a former outpost of the NWMP, forerunners of the modern day Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Fort Macleod provides access to the famous Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump. Golfers can also play the oldest golf course in Western Canada, situated amidst a landscape of foothills and grasslands.

From a distance, Fort Macleod looks like any other town. It is at a crossroads that once hosted Indian encampments, wagon trails and buffalo grazing grounds, in view of the Porcupine Hills that front the ancient and majestic Rocky Mountains. Its location, 102 miles south of Calgary and 32 miles west of Lethbridge, makes Fort Macleod an easily reached oasis from the urban bustle of the cities.

The last frontier in the west is home to Alberta’s only Provincial Historic Area. As you get closer, there is a definite feeling of being in two very different eras. Here, past and present co-exist. The place, known 150 years ago as Blackfoot Crossing, became a North West Mounted Police barracks and trading post in 1874. The town gradually took shape alongside the Oldman River, named for the “Grandfather” of Blackfoot mythology and within easy view of the majestic Rocky Mountains.

Fort Macleod’s historic area draws you into the past to a time when the North West Mounted Police, Blackfoot Indians and pioneer settlers were the only inhabitants. Main Street is dotted with gift shops, antique stores, motels and restaurants. Right in the middle of the Historic Block is the “Jewel of the West”, the Empress theatre, which is the oldest continually-operating theatre in Western Canada.

Continue your downtown stroll over to the Fort Museum of the North West Mounted Police (NWMP), a replica of the original fort where historical re-enactments are the order of the day. You’ll also find intriguing exhibits showcasing North West Mounted Police and Blackfoot Indian history. From July 1st to the Labour Day Weekend you can enjoy the Fort’s own NWMP Musical Ride four times daily, 10:00 am, 11:30 am, 2:00 pm, 3:30 pm, weather permitting.

From the Fort, you can wander down to the Oldman River, the river that is always changing. A Wilderness Park on the other side of the bridge is a nature preserve, filled with wildlife and native plants. Or take “A Walking Tour of Fort Macleod” and learn about the early life and history of the town. Tour guides and locals can provide those extra tidbits that add flavour to history. You might ask about the bullet holes in the giant art nouveau mirror over the bar in the Silver Grill or about Eddy, the ghost of the Empress Theatre.

Located 18 km north and west of Fort Macleod, at a place where the foothills of the Rocky Mountains meet the great plains, is one of the world’s oldest, largest and best preserved buffalo jump’s known to exist, Head-Smashed-In. The site has been used continuously by aboriginal peoples of the plains for more than 5,500 years.

Head-Smashed-In is known around the world as a remarkable testimony of prehistoric life. The Buffalo Jump bears witness to a custom practiced by native people of the North American plains for over 5,500 years. Thanks to their excellent understanding of topography and of bison behavior, the Blackfoot tribe killed bison by chasing them over a precipice and subsequently carving up the carcasses in the camp below. In 1981, the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) designated the jump as a World Heritage Site placing it among other world attractions such as the Egyptian pyramids, Stonehenge and the Galapagos Islands.

The Blackfoot, fiercely independent and very successful warriors, controlled a vast region stretching from the North Saskatchewan River in Alberta to Yellowstone River of Montana and from the Rocky Mountains to the Cypress Hills on the Alberta-Saskatchewan border. It was not until the coming of the North West Mounted Police in 1874, over 130 years ago, that Euro-Canadian settlement in the region began. Indeed, until the near extinction of the buffalo in 1881, the Blackfoot pursued their traditional lifeways. Only with the loss of their food supply were they obliged to adapt to the new era.

A short drive southwest of Fort Macleod is Waterton National Park, with a reputation as one of the most stunningly beautiful parks in North America. On the way is the town of Cardston with its monolithic Mormon Tabernacle, the largest outside of Salt Lake City, Utah. And straight west of Fort Macleod is the highway through the Crowsnest Pass that accesses the Kootenay Region of southeastern British Columbia.

Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Canada Vacation.

[tags]Canada vacation[/tags]

So now it’s assumed that you’ve paid for the necessary evils of European travel: transport passes, visa fees, travel insurance, gear, accommodations and plane tickets. However, even if you’ve already set aside funds for these, it’s really the little things that you really have to watch out for when you’re out having fun. Small amounts can easily add up and drain a large portion of your daily budget if you’re not careful. Museum passes, a newspaper, a small sketch from a roadside artist, a couple of beers and emergency roll of films, checking your email, doing laundry - these can add some $20 to $50 on top of what you originally set aside for the day! Before you call off that Europe trip however, there’s good news. There are many ways to spend less money in Europe and still get really good deals anyway.

Try to buy food in open air markets and supermarkets rather than in bistros and restaurants. Most hostels and rooms are equipped with cooking appliances, so you can cook your own breakfast or dinner. This works out even cheaper if you’re traveling with a group because expenses can be slashed into 3 or four. If you don’t like to cook, try to eat at the cafeterias and at places where there are a lot of locals. Stay away from tourist-oriented restaurants and caf

Travel preparation is often conducted as a last minute thought by many flying away for their holidays. All too often we hear stories of people who have forgotten to take their passport to the airport and end up missing their flight.

Preparation need not be a tedious task every time you take a holiday, if you come up with a plan that can be followed every time you go on a trip. If you are not careful though, this list can extend half way down your drive. In reality you only need certain essential items to make sure your trip goes ahead and a few precautions while you are away.

Lets look at the essential. Passport, money, flight ticket, accommodation booking reference and any medication you may be taking. Those few items will ensure that you are able to actually go on your trip.

Precautions you may want to consider are related to the “what if” scenarios. Here are a few to consider. Losing your passport, credit cards, money or drivers license can turn the best holiday into a nightmare. Some one off preparations can save you a potential big headache. Make a separate note of your credit cards, 24-hour telephone cancellation number, your passport number, travellers’ cheque numbers and driving license number.

Now give these details to a trusted family member or friend for safe keeping while you are away. It is much easier to get replacements if you actually know your document numbers. Now if your were to experience an unfortunate event while away, all you would need to do is give your relative or friend a call (I am guessing you know their number right) and you have access to all your details. Which would not be the case if you had them stolen from you.

So making sure you have your essentials before leaving for the airport and noting a few numbers down before you go away can take a lot of the “must remember and what if stress” away from you.

Creating a small list covering the points discussed is like having your comfort cushion with you at all times. You will have already prepared for the most common types of problems faced by some travellers.

About The Author.

Stephen Thomas is a website business developer with many years experience of the online travel market. The latest development project was the “Airport Parking Guide” ( http://www.airport-parking-guide.co.uk), where customers can access a resource area that has free travel planning software and airport guides available for download.

[tags]travel preparation, airport parking[/tags]