FAMILY HOLIDAY VACATIONS

By Clay Larroy

Regardless of whether you are traveling to a nearby location for the weekend or taking a week-long destination vacation, you are always going to benefit from some tips and ideas on how to make the whole process, more fun and less stressful. Take time each day to alleviate stress while traveling or vacationing and you will thank yourself for it when you get back home. With all the chaos, jet-lag, partying and other excitement of travel comes a whole lot of stress on your mind and body. By the time most vacations are over, another one is needed to recover so taking a few minutes each day to rejuvenate will make it easier for you to resume your normal life when it's all over. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

Read the article below for an exciting outlook on travel.   

5 Intimate Romantic New Year Travel Resolutions - 

Get Hot Back Into Your Life

 By Brett A Simpson

As the New Year is rolling around again, it's time for a fresh start, new traveling resolutions that will also keep you on budget. One good way to do that is for you and your partner to come up with some interesting new travel resolutions that you will promise to keep the next time you travel together, and throughout the year. Try to keep these in mind no matter how much, or how little time or money you have, but do keep your budget in mind. Try to put your old travel habits away and make way for something completely new and unique. Make this year the best year ever for travel. Do what you can to focus your travel on a new festive location, a wild new fantasy that you may share together, or just plain fun.

1.) Vow to do something completely out of the ordinary that neither of you has done before. Go crazy, just pick a wild and interesting new travel destination or activity that will be unique, fun and keep you both on your toes, here are some examples: Go for a ride in a hot air balloon (even though this can be expensive, it's one way to really experience the countryside). Rent an RV for a week and travel to a new destination (sure to be fun, and take your pets along too). Take a weekend off and spend the night at a Bed & Breakfast that you've always wanted to visit (it could be local, or far away, pick a place that looks fun). Choose to learn to snorkel, or scuba dive (take lessons together and go on a dive or trip to an interesting looking destination.

2.) Promise that you will get your partner involved in the planning for once. Though you may one favorite partner that always does the planning, this time change it up, and let the other help you and plan everything together. Try to get the other person into the spirit of how much fun it can be anticipating your next journey. Go to a travel agent and gather your destination info, guidebooks, videos, or whatever you need and take it from there.

3.) Make and plan a real vacation that takes you away and lets you forget the rest of the world. It may not be the most expensive globe hopping expedition, but choose to take some time and pick a place that you will both enjoy. Mark it on your calendar, and get ready to have some fun together. Plan this one for months ahead of time and you will see how excited both of you can get.

4.) Promise to go to a minimum of 3 festivals this year. Contact your local chamber of commerce and/or the tourist offices where you are planning to go and find out which festival events are the most fun for two. Choose at least 3 that will get both of you excited, choose fun activities or events such as: sand castle building contests, ice carving festivals, historical re enactments (anachronisms), country line-dancing celebration, etc. Try to pick events that are fairly close to home (stick within a one day drive if you can), or choose at least one that may be a weekend event for the two of you. There are tons of treat, fun events happening and you will both be sure to enjoy this.

5.) Vow to take 2 or 3 mini vacations every 3 months (shoot for at least one every month if you can). Even if you are only going away for a single night, try to plan for it ahead of time and you will add to the anticipation level for both of you. There is one little thing you must do. Promise each other that you will both 'act' like you are on vacation, in other words, no extra work gets taken along, or worked on, etc. These could be short little stays in a local motel or a budget bed and breakfast location of your choosing. Try to find the best, lowest rates by choosing non-peak days for this. Many hotels will have special rates on Monday through Thursday nights. Plan these out as romantic getaways for the two of you.

Brett has been a writer for nearly 20 years his latest interest is in audio. Come visit his latest website that talks about audio products such ashttp://www.usbrecordplayer.org/ and turntable with USB which everyone needs.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Brett_A_Simpson/28477

Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right.
Oprah Winfrey

 Travel to create marvelous memories for you and your family or friends!

FAMILY HOLIDAY VACATIONS

BY CLAY LARROY

Do you feel like it is time for a short vacation? Once you decide to travel, how good you plan the trip will help you feel comfortable and be comfortable at your destination. Not only will you feel less anxiety before the trip, but you can rest assured that once you arrive where you're going you will have a good understanding of what's going on there.  When you need to plan a vacation contact me!

Unusual New Year traditions from around the world

What does your New Year’s Eve have in store? A few glasses of bubbly and a party with all of your nearest and dearest? That’s the standard way of celebrating in the UK of course, along with compiling a list of resolutions which you will no doubt have broken come February 1. Continuing on with the theme from last week’s bulletin where we looked at unusual Christmas traditions, today we look at how people in the Caribbean celebrate New Year and also look at some of the more unusual New Year traditions from around the world.

Caribbean
Across all of the Caribbean islands there is very little respite from the festivities between Christmas and New Year – in fact the whole period is just one big party with lots of street parties where people drink, dance, socialize and have as much fun as possible before the year is out.
South America
It is tradition around the South American continent for people to wear brightly colored underwear on December 31. Red undies are a must-wear for those who hope to find love in the coming year. Those who opt for yellow underwear are hoping for money.
Denmark
If you find yourself in Denmark on the eve of the New Year then don’t be surprised to see all those around you clamber onto their chairs at 12 o’clock. Their leap of faith comes with the hope of ridding themselves of all bad spirits in the New Year. This action is combined with the smashing of their old plates on their friends’ doors. The one with the most smashed dishes found outside their door is usually the one who has the most friends.
Philippines
Filipinos focus on round things every New Year. They consume round fruits such as grapes and wear clothing that has round shapes on it. The round shape celebrates the shape of coins and signifies a hope for prosperity in the year to come.
Spain
As the clock strikes midnight on New Year in Spain, people will attempt to consume a grape for every chime of the clock.
Belarus
Things get competitive amongst the women of Belarus on New Year’s Eve. The women all compete in games of skill to determine who will be the first to get married in the coming year. One traditional game involves setting piles of corn in front of all of the competing women and then freeing a rooster. Whichever pile the bird approaches first is believed to identify the woman who will be married first.
Germany and Austria
Germans and Austrians will pour different types of lead, such as tea leaves, on New Year’s Eve. The lead pieces are decanted into a bowl filled with water where it will form shapes. These shapes are said to predict what will happen for them in the year to come. If the lead forms a ball, this is said to signify good luck, if it forms the shape of an anchor, this suggests that you will be in need of help and if it forms the shape of a cross, unfortunately for those poor souls, it represents death.
Ecuador
Usually when people burn photographs, they are doing so to rid themselves of memories of a bad relationship. This is not the case in Ecuador where their New Year celebrations involve all of the locals coming together with pictures of something that you do not want in the New Year from the last year and setting it alight!
Chile
A slightly morbid tradition reigns in the city of Talca in Chile come New Year’s Eve. Residents participate in mass and then they all visit the local graveyard where they set up chairs and await the arrival of the New Year in the company of the dead.
Puerto Rico
On New Year’s in Puerto Rico they throw buckets of water out of their windows to “clean away” the old year! They also clean their homes and if they have the energy, redecorate. These traditions symbolize the “cleaning” of the spirit.
Estonia
In Estonia it is customary to eat seven times throughout the day on New Year’s Day to ensure abundant food in the coming year. It is believed that if you eat seven times, you will then have the strength of seven men in the year to come.
Ireland 
In Ireland, Mistletoe isn’t just for stealing a kiss with the person you’ve been holding a torch for; single women pop a sprig of the romantic flower under their pillows on New Year to hopefully bring them the love of their lives. In addition to the hope that it will bring you a husband, the tradition is also deemed to rid you of bad luck.

So, there you have it! Some wacky New Year traditions from around the world.

REFERENCE SITES

Article from

http://www.caribbeanbuyingguide.com/

“Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer 

and more beautiful. ” 
― Norman Vincent Peale

Enjoy life and travel often, the more you travel, the more memories you create!

FAMILY HOLIDAY VACATIONS

BY CLAY LARROY

In the world of traveling, there are plenty of great resources available to both new and experienced travelers alike. There are many websites, guides, books, videos, and other resources available. By writing this blog I hope that I am providing valuable information about wonderful vacation destinations. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

Top 3 Destinations In The World To Spend New Year's Eve

By Rick Valence

New Year's Eve is the largest party and is celebrated all over the planet. Celebrations begin in Australia and, like a wave, follow the time zones in a westward direction all around the world. It is one of the only times of the year that the worlds many diverse cultures and nations come together for a common goal; to celebrate the coming of yet another year. They may all do it differently, but there is not one major area in the world that does not celebrate New Year's Eve in some way. Here are three of the absolute best destinations to spend this New Year's Eve!

Amsterdam in the Netherlands: Amsterdam has been called the Venice of the North. The area is well known for its lackadaisical approach to partying making it one of the hottest spots for you next New Year's Eve celebration. If you like to party, you will not be disappointed. Dam Square sits in the center of the city and explodes like a human bomb at the stroke of midnight. Revelers who have come from all the corners of the globe set off fireworks, blare noisemakers, swig beer and pop open Champagne bottles.

Cape Town in South Africa: By far the place to be in Cape Town at the stroke of midnight is the Waterfront. This area is guaranteed to be jam packed with people in a plethora of cocktail lounges, restaurants, pubs, wine bars and jazz clubs. With Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean in the background, it sets one of the most beautifully dramatic scenes for a party. The city brings in more than eighty thousand party goers to its Coon Carnival each New Year's Eve. This city goes to the extreme in celebration; from dancers in brightly colored costumes with painted faces to the massive marches of banjo players through town, you will have a truly unforgettable experience.

Jackson Wyoming in the U.S.: Winter in Wyoming makes Jackson the perfect place to celebrate New Year's Eve. You can begin your day skiing, then enjoy one of the many other snow activities like snowshoeing or dog sledding. The area has so many great ski resorts to choose from, it will be difficult to decide where to start. Due to its size and amenities, the most popular area to visit is Jackson Hole. No matter where you end up in Jackson, it is a great place to take the entire family to celebrate New Year's Eve together. Kids of all ages will just love the torch light parade and the midnight fireworks display. And after the children are off to bed the adults can enjoy some Champagne in a hot tub.

Each City has its own unique but spectacular way to bring in the New Year. No matter which you choose this year, it will be a New Years to remember.

Ricky Valence has worked at a Phoenix camera repair and service facility, C.R.I.S. Camera Services, for several years now. Rick also does professional photography shoots on the side for friends and relatives. When not taking pictures, Rick enjoys updating the company’s blog with his tips and pointers having to do with camera repairs.

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Rick_Valence/748622

The new year stands before us, like a chapter in a book, waiting to be written. We can help write that story by setting goals.

Melody Beattie

Travel  have fun and create wonderful memories for your family!

FAMILY HOLIDAY VACATIONS

By Clay Larroy

Do you feel like it is time for a short vacation? Once you decide to travel, how good you plan the trip will help you feel comfortable and be comfortable at your destination. Not only will you feel less anxiety before the trip, but you can rest assured that once you arrive where you're going you will have a good understanding of what's going on there.  When you need to plan a vacation contact me!

Look at the article below for a mesmerizing viewpoint on travel.

Christmas in Hawaii - Ten Good Reasons to Start Packing

 By Cindy Blankenship

Already took the family for a summer vacation this year? Here are 10 excuses for taking them on a Hawaiian Christmas vacation this December.

1. Hawaiian Christmas airfares are cheap compared to summer airfares. Hawaiian Airlines often runs Mele Kalikimaka specials for as little as $300 roundtrip from the West Coast. But you can be there for the Christmas fun and save even more if you go earlier in December. Hotwire.com and Hawaiian Air often offer rates as low as $175 to $225 (L.A. and San Francisco to Honolulu.

2. Honolulu City Lights: The city of Honolulu (including Waikiki) goes all out for Christmas. Beginning with the Kawaiahao Church Service (the first Christian church built in Hawaii), a spectacular electric light Parade and the lighting of the decorated 63-foot Norfolk Island pine in front of Honolulu Hale (City Hall). The Hilton Village and other Waikiki Beach hotels are all decked out too. And there's a special trolley for Honolulu Christmas light viewing.

3. Hawaiian Santa: Children greet Santa at Waikiki Beach where he arrives in his red canoe.

4. Hawaiian Christmas Ornaments: These are so much fun! My kids used to weave the coconut frond ones for our tree, and there are lots of free or small fee workshops at this time of year for all kinds of Hawaiian Christmas decorations and wreaths that you can bring home with you.

5. Hawaiian Christmas Craft Fairs: Music, good food and lots of beautiful and fun Christmas decorations are found at the craft fairs. I've lived in some pretty artsy places, and I've never seen so many Christmas craft listings as in Hawaii. Just think how delighted your family, friends and neighbors back home will be when they see your tree decorated with real Hawaiian local style ornaments like kukui nut, tapa cloth angels and Santa's on surfboards.

6. Hawaiian Christmas Concerts: Children's choirs and favorite local musicians like the Brothers Cazimero sing songs like "Here Comes Santa in a Red Canoe" and the Hawaiian version of "The 12 Days of Christmas." And then there's "Silent Night" sung in English and Hawaiian. Live music is everywhere at Christmas whether you've got tickets to the Honolulu Symphony or you're strolling through Waikiki!

7. Hawaii Sand, Surf and Snow: And where else but on the Big Island can you build a snow board down a mountain slope and snorkel over a coral reef in the same day?

8. Balmy December Weather: Hawaii's daytime temperature at Christmas time ranges from a "chilly" 68 degrees in the evening to 80 degrees in the daytime. The trade winds keep you nice and comfortable. The water's also inviting year round - - you can snorkel, swim, kayak and surf in nothing more than a bathing suit.

9. Whale Watching: Speaking of the water, here are two more great reasons for a Hawaiian Christmas. In December, the humpback whales return from their feeding grounds in Alaska to mate, give birth and frolic in Hawaii's warm waters.

10. Hawaii Surf Championships: And in December, you'll also be able to watch humans "frolic" in the really big surf on the North Shore as they ride two-story waves competing in the Triple Crown.

So there you have it. 10 good reasons and all the excuse you need to Christmas in Hawaii this year.

For more great reasons to Christmas in Hawaii and to learn how to start planning a super cheap (but packed full of fun) Christmas in Hawaii, surf over to http://www.coconutroads.com/hawaiibudgetvacation.html

Mele Kalikimaka!
Cindy Blankenship

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Cindy_Blankenship/16924

The smell of pine needles, spruce and the smell of a Christmas tree - those to me, are the scents of the holidays.
Blake Lively 

Travel  and create magnificent memories for your family!

FAMILY HOLIDAY VACATIONS

BY CLAY LARROY

Traveling is great personal interests because it will make a more open-minded person when it comes to inter acting with people. It also made it easier to understanding as to why people act the way they do in their own society and in a society as diverse as the U.S. It has long been said that travels “broadens the mind”. Now new evidence proves that jumping on a plane will not only make you smarter, but more open-minded.  When you need to plan a vacation contact me!

Read the article below for a remarkable perspective on travel.

  

12 Reasons We Love Caribbean Christmas

by Austin Keith

A visit to the Caribbean is always a good thing, but a Caribbean Christmas is the best time of all. Tipping our hat to a favorite holiday tune, we've got 12 reasons why a Christmas vacation in the Caribbean should be on your list this year.

Who wants a partridge in a tree? Visit the Caribbean for crystal-blue waters, perfect white-sand beaches and resorts that cater to your every whim. Now that's a gift.

While turtle doves are for lovers, your special someone might appreciate an escape to a couples-only resort even more. Head to Rendezvous St. Lucia for some of the best pampering and couples only fun around!

You can't do better than Cancun, which garners rave reviews from travelers in the know. Although the secret is out on how great Cancun is, you're still going to love Secrets Playa Mujeres with its romantic setting, all-inclusive luxury and gorgeous views.

Need four calling birds to make the perfect Caribbean Christmas? Visit tropical US national parks to hear those calling birds. San Juan NHS includes Castillo San Felipe del Morro. Virgin Islands National Park spans 7,000+ plus acres over two islands.

With the price of gold, forget the five rings. Stay at one of Conde Nast Traveler's Gold List resorts! St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort offers pure luxury and pure secluded paradise.

Sea turtles are way better than geese (or turtle doves), and at Turtle Beach Resort you can spot a hatchling making its way to the water in December!

Swans would give anything to be a guest at Atlantis Paradise Island Beach Tower! That 141-acre water park easily replaces sugar plums in our dreams.

You might have to travel back in time to find maids doing the milking, but Christmas travel lets you mix history with fun as you walk in the footsteps of Christopher Columbus, learn about pirates or discover Mayan wonders.

Head to Aruba, and dance, dance, dance. Palm Beach is home to hip clubs, and Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino wins our vote for where to wind down after the party.

The talented staff at Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach Resort teaches guests to leap through the air with trapeze lessons!

For fans of cool jazz and reggae, a vacation in the Caribbean makes it easy to attend some of the best music festivals around.

And finally, drum-roll please! The main reason why we love Caribbean getaways? It's all about the beaches!

So this year, ask Santa for the gift of a Caribbean Christmas. It's easy to wrap, fits under any tree and comes with a lifetime of memories.

REFERENCE SITES

Article from

http://www.cheapcaribbean.com

“The main reason Santa is so jolly is because he knows where all the bad girls live.” 

― George Carlin

Enjoy life and travel often, the more you travel, the more memories you create!

FAMILY HOLIDAY VACATIONS

By Clay Larroy

Traveling can be a great way to meet new people and experience other cultures. New friends are waiting to meet you in places you have only dreamed of traveling. It can be a wonderful way to see all that the world has to offer. Travel can be a hobby and an adventure that will lead you to unexpected places.  When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

 Look at the article below for a fascinating viewpoint on travel.

Beach Christmas Vacations

 By Corae Alden  

There are many ways to enjoy a Christmas vacation. Many people living in a cold winter location, still prefer the good old practice of staying home with family and feeling the atmosphere of the festive season. Some people prefer a location, which is bright and filled with sunshine and beautiful scenic landscapes. There are even some individuals who prefer the crowded shopping malls where they can shop until the day drops. Christmas is a mixture of all the fun activities such as shopping, cooking delicious recipes, exchanging gifts, and having a gala time with family and close friends.

The ideal way to bring in the celebrations for the festive season, is to organize a Christmas beach vacation because people can enjoy, as well as, take a break from their routine stressed lifestyles. The warm sunshine and the coolness of the sea water make it a dashing combination and are fantastic stress busters. All you need to do, is to have a constructive plan well in advance and make the necessary arrangements. There are a large number of locations which are suitable for a fun-filled beach Christmas vacation. Some of the options are as follows:

Hawaii is the best option for an exciting beach party during the Christmas vacation. It is the only American state which resembles an island. Besides having the most popular and best beaches in the world, Hawaii also has rainforests, volcanoes, mountains, numerous waterfalls and desert regions. The beaches are equipped with all the possible luxuries and plenty of hotels that provide the best customer service, which helps to make the Christmas vacation an unforgettable one.

Another good choice for a terrific Christmas vacation experience is Maui. It is another great destination in the United States, where you can have a fabulous lifetime experience. For many years, Maui has been hailed as the best vacation spot in the world. It has beaches on the west coast and provides visitors with lots of fun. The night life is famous for its authentic food and the clubs have the options of casinos and discos. Maui has numerous attractions, things to do and see. Besides the beaches, shopping, and sightseeing, Maui hosts land, air, and ocean activities such as a popular golf club, volcano air tours, whale watching excursions and is one of the best locations in the world for diving and snorkeling. This place is also known for its scenic beauty and resorts such as the Kapalua Resort and its villas.

Apart from the above given locations, one may try out the beaches in Florida, which are popular worldwide. Hence, these are some of the finest options for a cherished beach Christmas vacation party.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Corae_Alden/777405

I love the excitement, the childlike spirit of innocence and

 just about everything that goes along with Christmas. 
Hillary Scott
 

Enjoy life and travel often, the more you travel, the more memories you create!