Paradise Mobile Style – Take a Vacation from the Heavyweights

December 25th, 2009

Go light and ultra versatile with Palm Treo 700w, It’s like a bikini instead of a wetsuit when you experience Palm’s Windows mobile Treo

You don’t have to have your weekly deep tissue massage from carrying around a cell phone, PDA, iPod MP3 player, laptop and camera in your briefcase or purse. With the thin and lightweight Treo 700w it’s a mobile paradise. The Treo 700w has a robust operating system and good reception and call quality.

    Look at all these great features:

  • Voice recognition dialing

  • Download data audio and video content at Broad and cable speeds on Verizon’s ED-VO network.

  • Connect to Bluetooth headsets, car adapters and GPS receivers more seamlessly with built-in Bluetooth 1.2 software.

  • Compatible accessories to its predecessor Treo 650.

  • When your Treo 700w rings, it is easy to be thoughtful and courteous. There is a ringer on / off switch to silence the cell phone ringing. Don’t be a victim of cell phone rage. Turn your 700w to vibrate mode before a business meeting or a blind date.

  • Easy, accessible one-handed navigation with the Treo 700w, you can do most tasks without using a stylus pen, which can be awkward and stressful.

Take your home office into the field. Run programs you already know including: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint mobile, Internet Explorer mobile media 10 player mobile, MSN messenger, Outlook calendar, contact pass and messenger on the Treo 700w’s versatile Windows mobile 5.0 operating system.

Add capabilities to fit any project or job. Make the Treo 700w even more versatile with the following built-in features: Bluetooth 1.2, 1.3 megapixel camera, WiFi card, Bluetooth wireless headset, Verizon ED-VO Internet high-speed connectivity and one-hand navigation.

This article provides information about Treo 700w’s new Windows Mobile 5.0 operating system. Many of the built-in features listed above will make the new Treo 700w irresistible. Here are some of the questions this review will answer:


  1. What sort of high-speed service does Verizon’s reveal offer?

  2. The emergence of one button push e-mail technology.

  3. Does the battery have a long life line?

  4. What about Microsoft’s new Windows mobile 5.0 operating system?

No more days of holding a 2X4 to your ear. Now when you answer a call with the new Treo700w you’ll notice its light weight and easy-to-fit design ergonomics.
When any new PDA/cell phones hits the market, there is usually a lag time before the compatible accessories are available. This is not true with the Treo 700w. If you own the Treo 650, you can use all your Treo accessories with the Treo 700w.

There’s one major change or upgrade to 700W from the Treo 650. Now you’ll notice two soft buttons right below the LCD screen of the Treo 700w. These launch the Windows mobile 5.0 application.

The green telephone icon button on the far left will let you make a cell phone call. The red telephone icon, on the far right, lets you enter your cell phone call. The Windows button to the right of the green telephone icon launches the Windows mobile start menu.
The OK button to the left of the red telephone icon button is used to close a current open application, so be sure you’re ready to quit the task at hand before you press the button.

What’s nice about the new Treo 700w QWERTY keyboard is that the keys are squarer and better spaced apart than its predecessor. At night, if I need to e-mail someone, the illuminated keys make it easy for me to see what I’m typing on the screen.

New Treo 700 Screen with New Features

What I like about the new screen is the quick dial window at the top of the LCD screen. With this feature it’s easy to type in the name or telephone number to dial.
Also, near the bottom of the 700w screen is a web search window. Simply type in the keyword phrase in right away, the 700w will launch a Web browser and give you the results of your keyword search. The other handy feature is that you can now program VCR-like keys. These hotkeys can be programmed so you can easily delete, or skip to the next message just by pressing these hot keys. You can easily hit: play, next message, back, pause and delete.

Lower Screen Resolution and Long Battery Life

The old Treo 650 came with a higher screen resolution at 320 x 320 pixels. With the new Treo 700w the resolution is lower at 240 x 240 pixels. It is still easy to read at night and in the bright outdoors. I checked e-mails, looked at my schedule for the day and called someone with one hand. Because of the centrally located 5-way navigation pad, the Treo 700w is comfortable for both left handed and right handed people. The 700w comes with an expanded SDIO expansion card slot, which allows the addition of up to 2 GB of storage space.

I used the Treo 700w for full three days before I needed to replace the battery. This is definitely an improvement over the older 650 model. Also, the flash ROM built-in the Windows buffs up things, which drastically reduces battery consumption, a good thing. If you’ve just spent 45 minutes typing in a proposal and your battery runs out, don’t pull your hair out, the data will be stored on your flash ROM.

Verizon ED-VO Fast Internet Option

Verizon claims that their high-speed ED-VO can transfer data at 400 to 700 kilobytes per second. Comparing both the Treo 650 in the new 700w, I loaded a web page five times faster on the 700w using Verizon’s ED-VO network than on the Treo 650. Browsing on the 700w is comparable to my broadband cable Internet connection at home.

Alert Friends and Family with One Push E-Mail

Move over Blackberry. The Palm Treo 700w uses a polling process to send an SMS from your server to the Treo 700w. This tells the Treo 700w to get ready and receive a message.
What is polling? You can program your 700w to pull e-mail to your device on a regular basis. For instance, every morning at 8 a.m., you can program your e-mails to be downloaded from your server to the Treo 700w device.

True one push e-mail is when you receive an e-mail, and that e-mail immediately is sent to your Treo 700w device, that’s called push e-mail. Unfortunately, push e-mail won’t be available until the next upgrade. When will that be? None of us know unless you have a psychic friend that has an 85% accuracy level. You can ask your psychic friend to tune into the cosmos and ask when Palm will roll out the true push e-mail to market.

It’s never been easy to stay in touch inexpensively with friends and family. Now you can by e-mailing them a positive message from your Treo 700w.

What is Wireless sync from Verizon Wireless? This is an extra service that you need to subscribe to from Verizon wireless. It is not available on the market today. But down the road, you will be able to redirect your e-mail from your home computer or office server directly to your 700w smart phone in real-time.

Windows Mobile 5.0 Operating System

Last spring, Bill Gates announced the launch of Windows mobile 5.0 operating system. Now you can view: pod casts, photo blogs, download news RSS feeds, and stream live TV shows and music from your TV tuner enabled desktop PC at home to your Treo 700w. I did not find the 5.0 operating system to be buggy at all.

One Very Amazing Converged PDA/Phone

In the past, converged devices offered low-quality cell phone reception and call quality. Essentially, if you owned an older converged device, it amounted to a very expensive PDA and a bad cell phone. Many folks would have to carry around a regular cell phone just so they could make and receive cell phone calls.

The Treo 700w radio stack and Windows mobile 5.0 is completely revamped. Now there are less dropped calls. Plus, it offers higher call quality. With Verizon Wireless, my provider, I found the call clarity to be greatly improved compared to the Treo 650. I purposely made a three-way conference call to two associates of mine: one located in Sedona, Arizona and the other in Long Island, New York. During the entire conference call, I heard everyone just fine. The call did not end abruptly due to poor reception. Overall, the Treo 700w smart phone exceeded my expectations.
Thanks you Palm, the Verizon network and Windows mobile 5.0. Now I have mobile paradise. I hope you will too.

Copyright © Rene Tse has covered the cell phone industry for more than six years, writing on a wide range topics such as:
tmobile wireless, which carrier has the most reliable
cell phone plans & models and the exciting release of 3rd Generation V Cast Service from Verizon Wireless.

I grant permission to publish this article, electronically or in print, as long as the bylines are included, with at least 2 live links, and the article is not changed in any way.

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Key West

December 12th, 2009

Key West located at the southern most point of the United States can only be described as a magical place. It is known as one of America’s chief architectural and botanical wonders, as well as the long time residence of the famous writer Ernest Hemmingway. Legend has it that he loved mingling with the locals at boxing matches and arm-wrestling contests.

If you’ve been to Key West, then you know about the wonderful sun sets, quaint shops and many bars downtown. If you’ve never been, then it definitely is a place to visit. There is something for everyone in Key West. If you’re a fisherman looking to deep-sea fish on the beautiful, tropical waters of the Keys, you’ll find some of the best deep-sea fishing around. You can also spend your vacation days kayaking, diving or snorkeling. The coral reefs and wrecks of Key West are magnificent. The reefs are home to tropical fish and you can go out sailing on a catamaran or schooner to these reefs for a day of enjoyment.

Many people like to get married in Key West. There are many hotels of varying degrees of luxury from which to choose. Sunset every evening is a special event at Mallory dock, attracting hundreds of people including jugglers, mime artists, musicians and street performers. These folks combined with a sunset beyond your wildest dreams make for an occasion you will never forget. Key West has been described as a place with a warm heart and welcoming a spirit.

Key West provides detailed information on Key West, Key West Vacations, Key West Real Estate, Key West Weddings and more. Key West is affiliated with Key Largo Florida.

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Disney for Young Kids

November 29th, 2009

Are you planning a trip with your little ones to visit Mickey? Here are some ways to spice up the magic:

Tip #1 – Meals with a Disney flavor

Build up the excitement by cooking creative meals that have a Disney flavor for your kids. For example, you can buy uncooked pasta in the shape of Mickey Mouse and whip up a delicious and healthy meal for your princes and princesses with that. “The Gourmet Pantry” in DTD carries it. You can call them at 407-828-3886 to order.

Tip #2 – Avoid the crowd

Crowds are annoying especially when you have kids with you, so it is wise to go when schools are in session.

Tip #3 – Hands-free

Considering bringing along the Playtex Hip Hammock if you are traveling with an infant/toddler. If your child is between 15 to 35 pounds, the hammock works perfectly. It keeps you hands-free while waiting for the bus, standing in line, tending to your older kids and browsing in shops. You can also take your toddler on rides with the Hammock. This is handy. It will make your trip just that much more enjoyable.

Tip #4 – Save your sanity

Kids get impatient while waiting in line, so bring snacks and toys to distract them. Take frequent breaks to prevent exhausting the kids. In the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, kids can chill out at Ariel’s Grotto and Donald’s Boat. Ariel’s Grotto is a great place for kids to cool off in the kids water area and the interactive play area of Donald’s Boat allows children to ring the bell and steer the ship of Donald’s ill-fated leaky. You may wish to arrive at the parks early in the morning, so that your kids can have a nap in the afternoon. This will keep them refreshed for the parades and fireworks.

Tip #5 – Research rides

It is important to research rides beforehand because young children may be frightened by loud noise or darkness. If your child is too young to ride Test Track at Epcot, a nice alternative is to duck into Test Track’s gift shop/ exit and let him/her ride on the cars in the shop.

Tip #6 – Dining options

There is a free Baby Care Center in each Disney park, so head for one when you are looking at some peace and quiet when feeding your baby/toddler. These centers are equipped with rockers, high chairs, and toys. There are even formula and baby food for sale. Do remember to plan one character meal because your trip won’t be complete if the little ones don’t get to mingle with their favorite characters.

Valerie Tay is the webmaster of http://magical-disney-vacations.com and she rejoices in showing you tips and tricks to make your Disney vacations all the more magical.

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Knott’s Berry Farm

November 16th, 2009

Nestled inside beautiful Southern California; lies an entertainment park that could give any Disney World a run for their money. Knott’s Berry Farm, one of the most popular amusement parks in the country, is a great place to visit if you are looking for something adventurous to do. From scary attractions to live music and theatre, this destination is clearly a hotspot for children and adults alike.

Due to the fact that Knott’s Berry Farm is almost always crowded; it is recommended that you visit the area during off seasons. However, if you have no choice, you should try getting there right when the park opens. As a result, you will not have to wait hours just to get on one ride. This way you can enjoy the entire park, before the rush begins. Although Disney Land is right down the road, Knott’s Berry Farm still acquires a large crowd. While Knott’s Berry Farm is a hot destination, the prices are a bit expensive. Adults are $40 each, whereas children are roughly $30. Although this may sound like quite an increase in price, the majority of amusements parks are rarely ever less than $30. Fortunately, Knott’s Berry Farm only asks for $7 when it comes to parking. This way you can enjoy yourselves from morning to night, without having to worry about taking out a loan just for your car.

Surprisingly, many people feel that Knott’s Berry Farm is much better than Disney Land. This is because the crowds are not as enormous, and there are rides that fit everyone’s needs. From thrilling roller coasters to water rides that plunge you into the dark waters, these rides are for people who are dying to experience adventure. Not a rollercoaster fan? There are also calmer rides, which are great for children and petrified parents alike. If you enjoy Halloween and the creepiness that comes along with it, most would recommend that you try attending Knott’s Berry Farm during late October. They generally turn the entire park into a massive haunted house during the evening. For this reason, older crowds tend to flock to this destination, in hopes of being frightened.

Another unique feature of Knott’s Berry Farm is that there are also restaurants and shops there. This is a wonderful alternative to rides, especially if you are the one person in the family that wants to run away from them. Aside from cuisine and great places to splurge, there are also live shows that are available around the clock. Most travelers like this option, as it gets tiring to go on rides all day. Luckily, you can enjoy a bite to eat, see a bit of entertainment, and continue going on the thrilling coasters.

Regardless of what type of person you are, Knott’s Berry Farm is one of a kind. While Disney Land is another great destination, Knott’s provides more of a unique atmosphere. It has not been overdone and while it is busy, it does not require you to wait hours for one ride. This place caters to all ages – especially those who are in their late teens and early 20’s. With this kept in mind, Knott’s is certainly a fun and distinct place to visit.

Author is the owner of a travel and vacation websites directory at TourismJunction.com. You can also visit his websites on Caribbean Vacation & Cruising and USA Travel at CaribbeanVacationCruising.com and TourismJunction.com.

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Vacation Sweepstakes

November 3rd, 2009

If you’re planning a vacation, why not try winning one by entering a vacation sweepstakes? You could be eligible to win a trip for you and your loved ones to your favorite holiday spot and share the experience of a lifetime.

Your trip could be to the most romantic island on the planet or a NASCAR dream – winning the chance to see a race from the stands. If history is your hobby, you can enter sweepstakes that offer trips to all kinds of historical places. Whatever your dream vacation is, you can find a sweepstakes offering the chance to win it for free. All you have to do is register to win with the sweepstake’s sponsor.

Sweepstakes can be won by simply registering with a sponsor or by entering a contest where you play to win. Many of the contests are in a game show format that most of us watch on television nightly. Examples of these shows are Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, The Price Is Right and Who Wants To Be A Millionaire. If you win the contest, whether it be word games, agility or just plain luck, you win a great prize.

So before you pack your bags, fill out those sweepstakes forms. Who knows? You may take a journey of a lifetime for free. Understand, however, that these forms may be long and laborious. You may have to get put on any number of spam email lists in order to be intered. For those who don’t mind, a vacation sweepstakes is just the ticket.

Sweepstakes provides detailed information on Sweepstakes, Sweepstakes Advice, Cash Sweepstakes, Free Sweepstakes and more. Sweepstakes is affiliated with Writing Contests.

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Top Things to Do in New Zealand

October 21st, 2009

Throughout New Zealand
Buy the Lord of the Rings location guide, and do some hunting out of familiar scenes from the LOTR trilogy.

North Island
Cape Reinga and 90 Mile Beach
Swim with the dolphins in Paihia, Bay of Islands
Vertigo Climb, Auckland Skytower – beyond the observation decks, and wear an orange suit to do it.
Take a ferry or kayak from Mission Bay, Auckland to Rangitoto Island & climb to the top.
Waiheke Island – only 35 mins by ferry from Auckland, for some great wineries, maybe spend the night.
Raglan- & catch some wild surf.
Waitomo Haggas Honking Holes and tubing the glow-worm caves
Kayak from Whitianga to Cathedral Cove – then go to Hot Water beach and dig your hole in the sand
Drive from Opotiki to Gisborne then around the East Cape and back to Opotiki
Hawkes Bay- wineries, East Coast, North Island
Whakatane- Take a scenic flight over White Island, an active volcano.
Rotorua – to see the geysers, thermal activity and smell, visit Te Whakawerwera for your Maori cultural experience.
Drive out to Lake Tarawera near Rotorua- check out the Blue and Green lakes on the way
Taupo- Tandem Skydive 12,000ft
Craters of the moon outside of Taupo
Tongariro Crossing- one of the best one-day walks in the world, stunning scenery with volcanoes
Walk up Mount Taranaki- West Coast, North Island
Watch the sun rise at Te Araroa – the eastern most place in NZ
Martinborough- wineries- bottom East Coast, North Island
Te Papa Museum in Wellington- you could spend all day here learning about NZ / Maori -culture

South Island
Abel Tasman- for relaxing walking and kayaking around the National Park
Walk the Queen Charlotte Track, Marlborough Sounds- Top, South Island
Marlborough- wineries, top East Coast, South Island
Kaikoura- for whale watching and swimming with dolphins
4 day hike, Banks Peninsula – East Coast, South Island
Moeraki Boulders – East Coast, South Island for unusual round boulders
Christchurch- Arts Centre
Akaroa- for a bit of French New Zealand history
Dunedin- for historic homes, albatross, yellow eyed penguins and seal colonies
Oamaru- for Old Oamaru Stone buildings and Penguin watching
Pancake Rocks and blowholes- Punakaiki, upper West Coast, South Island
Mount Cook – South Island
Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers- West Coast, South Island
While looking at the glaciers in the Fox/Franz Josef area take a cruise out to Lake Matheson first thing in the morning to take some amazing photos of the reflection of Mount Cook in the water
Wanaka- a relaxing place in Central Otago
Arrowtown- an old Central Otago Goldfields town with an old Chinese village, 20 minutes from Queenstown
Queenstown- for adventure activities and party atmosphere
Pipeline Bungy Jump in Queenstown
Drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy- have a beer at the Glenorchy pub, after stopping and taking plenty of photos whilst on the drive
Queenstown- wineries
5 day trek of Routeburn/Greenstone Track
Walk Milford Track- one of the Worlds best.
Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park- lower West Coast, South Island
Doubtful Sound in the Fiordland National Park- swim with dolphins
The Catlins- for nature East Coast, South Island
Stewart Island- for nature bottom South Island

Once you have done all these things you will have had a great look around beautiful New Zealand

http://www.newzealandatoz.com
New Zealand AtoZ provides useful New Zealand information to travelers, including a full list of all New Zealand car, motorhome and campervan rental companies along with their daily hire rates
Your complete guide to New Zealand.

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Short Getaway Idea For Those Based In Atlanta

October 8th, 2009

Just an hour away from the bustling business scene of Atlanta lays the serene Callaway Gardens resort and gardens, an oasis of calm and natural beauty that spreads over thirteen thousand acres and quiets even the most restless of souls.

Majestic pine trees and vibrant foliage set the stage for a relaxing getaway in one of the resort’s luxurious villas while activities like championship golf and water-skiing are just minutes away. Whether you plan to unwind or play, there are ample opportunities for both at Callaway Gardens resort.

Originally the country retreat of the Callaways, a prosperous local family, the land that would become Callaway Gardens was located near Blue Springs, Ga., and was mostly barren and unproductive prior to 1935.

At that time, Cason J. Callaway, the eldest son, retired from his position as president of the family company and settled at Blue Springs, determined to prove that the land could be farmed profitably. After purchasing thousands of additional acres of land, Callaway began experimenting with new and unusual techniques to develop and support vegetation.

His wife, Virginia Hand Callaway, was an enthusiastic champion of Callaway’s initiative and the two became an unstoppable team that turned the sterile soil of Blue Springs into spectacular vistas of beauty. The gardens were opened to the public in May 1952 and have been delighting generations of visitors since.

Gardens aren’t the only thing to see at the resort, though. Championship golf waits at the nationally recognized Mountain View Golf Course, consistently rated as one of the top golf courses by Golf Digest and Golf magazine. The course boasts impressive scenery and a unique design that incorporates the distinctive Callaway flair.

Two additional courses, Sky View and Lake View, round out the offerings with something for golfers of all ages and abilities. The pro shop stocks top of the line equipment and apparel, and is staffed by trained golf professionals who can help correct your swing or recommend the perfect putter. Both novices and seasoned professionals will appreciate the personal attention and outstanding service.

If golf isn’t your cup of tea, don’t fret: other activities include tennis, fishing, the Gun Club, swimming at Robin Lake Beach, and much more. The resort also offers a variety of other attractions that are open year-round.

The Callaway Discovery Center acts as an orientation point for visitors with a staffed information desk that provides information about the resort and available activities. Also housed within the Discovery Center are a museum, exhibit halls, a theater, gift shop and caf

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Bruges – A Study in Belgian Gothic

September 25th, 2009

Every once in a while as you make your way across the UK and Europe you stumble across small cities that missed the train for the 21st century and the 20th before that. It happened in Spain when Toledo no longer was the capital, it happened to the Dutch inland fishing villages as the Zuider Zee was drained, it happened to the Cotswolds in England when they lost their export market for their wool. And in Belgium, it happened to Bruges when it’s harbor silted up.

Today tourists marvel at their Old World charm, preserved as they were because their local economies failed. The cities became so poor that no one had the money or drive to tear them down, so there they sat, neglected and becoming sleepy little forgotten towns. But now like Rip Van Winkle they are coming awake and enjoying the happy circumstance of being discovered by the tourism industry and enjoying a revitalization of their local prosperity.

Bruges (broozh) in French and English and Brugge (Broo-gha) in Flemish, used to be a trading center of great importance, particularly in the cloth market. By the 14th century, it had a population of 35,000, about on a par with London at that time. By the 16th century, silt clogged the harbor and killed the economy. Now the North Sea is about 20 minutes away by train at Ostende.

Today Bruges is a town of canals straight from a Renoir painting, architecture that seems mostly pointed and gilded and cafes that tempt you to stay a little longer. It has chocolate shops everywhere, mostly family run, with some of the world’s best chocolates, according to connoisseurs. The display windows of the chocolate shops are enough to make the coldest heart melt for some chocolate. Speaking of melting, the chocolate shops may close in the heat of midday sun, so if you are a chocoholic, hope that it is a cool day.

In the center of Bruges is the Market Square and on the Market Square is a belfry. This bell tower has stood since 1300 and if you climb the 366 steps you can look over the entire little city. Just below, a few steps down, is the carillon room, which plays short happy little tunes on every quarter hour, the 47 bells are played by a mechanical device, but it also has a manual keyboard for the carillonist to give concerts. It really bangs out the hour on the hour; plan not to be in the tower at that time! Patronize one of the Belgian frite stands in the square before you leave, it’s practically customary.

Being essentially Walloon and Catholic in character, there is a plethora of religious sites, relics, paintings, etc. in Bruges. The Basilica of the Holy Blood’s claim to fame is its relic of the blood of Christ brought to Bruges after the Second Crusade, circa 1150. The Church of Our Lady has a delicate Madonna and Child by Michelangelo, said to be the only statue of his to leave Italy in his lifetime. The Gruuthuse Museum has a collection of everything medieval from bedpans to a guillotine.

If by now you’ve had your fill of culture, try to join the tour at the Straffe Hendrik (Strong Henry) brewery, where they make the locals’ favorite beer. It’s a 45-minute fact filled tour conducted in at least four languages. Belgians consider themselves to be Europe’s beer experts and they boast of 350 different types of beer. Trappist is the dark home-brew style beer and Dentergems is made with orange peel and coriander.

If you are looking for a picnic, spot the four windmills that are strung out alongside a canal and take your ease in the grassy park with some famous Belgian frites with mayonnaise, a section of a local sausage, washed down with a little beer and followed by a Godiva chocolate (or two) for dessert. Maybe not Omar Khayam’s choice of picnic fare, but close enough.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Europe Vacation

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Exotic Destinations

September 12th, 2009

Don’t you ever get sick of the mundane, stressful routine known as adulthood? What happened to those good old days of just chilling outside with the friends and playing a few video games while waiting for the ice cream truck? Those days were the bomb! Unfortunately they don’t last past puberty. The sad part is, we don’t fully appreciate them until we experience the other side of the coin. You know, that inevitable adult side; when it becomes all work and no play? Well, it certainly doesn’t have to be this way all of the time. Ever consider an exotic destination with the spouse? Oh come on, I know you’ve pondered the R and R of it all. When was the last time you made those tempting thoughts a reality?

Doesn’t an exotic destination sound perfect right now? I mean, take a look outside. That’s right; survey that amazing spring goodness. It’s that time of year when everything is in bloom and the air smells magnificent. Birds are singing, the sun is shining; what else could you possibly ask for? Oh yeah, that’s right; probably an exotic destination package deal that will blow your mind. Fortunately it’s rather simple to get started. Don’t start flipping through the phone book like a clueless dolt. The answer is right in front of you. Get online and browse the numerous exotic destination ideas. The cool thing about vacations these days is the options. Have you ever tried an all-inclusive exotic destination trip? Once you have, you may never go back. Get your plane ticket, choice of lodging, and sometimes even dining expenses all paid for ahead of time. This way when you and your significant other reach that exotic destination, it will be clear sailing the whole way through. The World-Wide-Web makes it that simple.

If you’re trying to plan that perfect exotic destination vacation for you and your special someone, there is a key to this process. Get there first! Dive into cyberspace and sift through the various options at hand. Make sure to get the hotel of your dreams in the location of choice. With the visual aids online these days, it’s so simple. Booking that perfect room ahead of time will not only assure your lodging, but it also may save you some cash. Plan that exotic destination you’ve always dreamed of, now.

To find more information about exotic travel destinations and vacation ideas please visit our website Travel Tips.

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Keeping Houseplants Alive During Summer Vacation Droughts

August 30th, 2009

One of the problems I have with taking summer vacations is getting my houseplants watered. Sometimes when I come home from a week on the boat, surrounded by water, I find my houseplants wilted from the lack of it. This trick, and its variation, works wonders for both my plants and my conscience.

I put a few old towels down in the bathtub, put the plants on the towels and then run an inch of tepid water into the bottom of the tub. The towels stop the pots from marking up the tub and soak up quite a bit of water. With the fuzz from the towel reaching up to touch the soil through the holes in the pot, the soil tends to stay damp for a long time as well. I don’t put any more than an inch of water in the tub as I don’t want to drown my sweethearts, just keep them dampish for a week or so.

A variation on this is to put an old dishrack upside-down on the bottom of the tub, and fill the water to just over the rack. Take a cloth shoelace and shove one end up the bottom hole of the flower pot as far as you can get it. Set the pot on the old dishrack and trail the shoelace over the edge of the rack down into the water. The shoelace will act as a wick, drawing moisture up into the soil ball and keeping your plants happy. This doesn’t work as well as the first trick.

One thing I do when I get home after an extended trip is give my plants a bit of a shower. This is particularly useful with larger plants such as banana trees and citrus plants. They both seem to love the warm water shower and although it is messy drying the pots off before moving them back to their windowsills, it is a considerate thing to do for your house plant pets.

Doug Green, an award winning garden author with 7 books published answers questions in his free gardening newsletter at http://www.beginner-gardening.com

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