Travel Ideas

by: Sandin Phillipson

I have always enjoyed long road trips across the country, perhaps because they have all the elements of a Homeric adventure. After completing basic training for the Army, I was ready for assignment to my permanent duty station. I was directed to travel from Norfolk, Virginia to Monterrey, California, so I flew home to Wisconsin and prepared to drive the rest of the way. My 1964 Dodge Polara had been purchased for $125 during my last year in high school, and I naively anticipated the adventure of driving nearly 2,500 miles across the continent. As I crossed the Minnesota border early on the first morning out, it occurred to me that I had just driven the farthest distance of my entire life. This was also to be my first time completely alone, and I savored the thought of the next week spent on the open road.
I picked up the small state highway to Northfield, reportedly the scene of Jesse James? last, abortive raid, and then left the winding, picturesque Minnesota country roads behind in favor of I-35 South. The Slant-6 engine rattled along, and the speedometer needle floated near 55. I wanted to avoid placing too great a burden on the 23-year old car, which had compiled an indeterminate number of miles during its lifetime. It was the month of March, and as I rolled south through Minnesota and into Iowa, the snow banks shrank and the gray, lowering clouds threatened rain rather than snow. Finally turning west at Des Moines onto I-80, the stiff north wind buffeted the Dodge sideways, and a motorcycle passed, canted nearly 30 degrees into the wind to maintain equilibrium. It felt like a point of no return, and my only course was west toward on unknown shore. All across the brown, late Winter, windblown prairie I gripped the wide, heavy plastic steering wheel, fighting the wind and an out-of-balance front wheel that set up a harmonic shaking throughout the car. I anxiously scrutinized the instrument cluster until reaching Lincoln, Nebraska, where I decided to stop for the day after successfully entering yet another state for the first time in my life. Due to my lack of firsthand knowledge of the country?s geography, I imagined that as I approached central Nebraska, I would soon descend into a vast desert. This thought prompted me to stop in Kearney to have the increasingly maddening vibration repaired, and after having the wheel balanced, I was off again. Nebraska seemed like such a long state, and I had taken to peering at my instrument cluster again, worriedly watching the alternator needle as it leaned slightly over to “discharge”. Tapwater from the motel near the outskirts of Cheyenne seemed to rejuvenate the battery.
It felt as though I rolled endlessly across the plains of Nebraska, and had plenty of time to marvel at the early pioneers who encountered the vast expanses of rolling grasslands for weeks on end. Wyoming was different from anything that I had ever seen, and I was excited to cross even the low, rugged hills that represent the beginning of the Rocky Mountains in this area. The low hills were soon gone, and I was on a scrub desert. Gradually, through the thickening gloom, I discerned a more prominent range of the Rockies, and felt a thrill to have reached tangible evidence that I was actually Out West! Black, snow-filled clouds released flurries of stinging white crystals until it became difficult to see. I crept through the deepening gloom, now at only 40 mph, peering just beyond the dim circle of light cast by my weakened headlights. Nervous glances at the worrisome alternator gauge revealed no information, and I crept on until the glowing oasis of the Little America truck stop came in view. I opened the driver?s door into a biting gale of wet, swirling snow that turned the bright parking lot lamps of the gas station into hazy sundogs. A glance at my headlights revealed that two inches of frozen snow had accumulated over the lenses, diffusing the bulbs? rays into a feeble orange glow. The work of ten minutes chipping ice with a screwdriver was sufficient to restore them to their former brilliance, and reduce my hands to numbness. After a late dinner of hot roast beef and mashed potatoes, smothered in thick, rich gravy, I was prepared to resume driving, my spirits buoyed by a good meal and the restoration of my headlights. The dashboard instrument lights fluoresced a soft green through hollow push button controls, as I followed the dual beam headlights through the slackening storm. I stopped in Bridger for the night, and was struck by the sharp cold and clear, prairie quiet in which the calls of coyotes drifted across the darkness.
The next day, at last I encountered the long-expected desert, with the descent into Utah and the Great Salt Lake basin. What an amazing site from this ribbon of blacktop, where salt and white mud stretch off into the distance, an apparent sea of white in which the hazy images of distant mountain peaks floated and bobbed. Whirling storms of salt danced across the road, and I noted the custom of passersby to spell their initials with cobbles tossed in the salt mud. I hoped that the end of this day would see me in California at last, and toward the late afternoon, I passed Reno, dominated by the brightly colored Circus-Circus. Although exhausted, I sensed that I was close to the day?s goal as the grade of the road increased and jagged shoulders of rock encroached on the interstate. Past the last of the garishly flashing State Line casinos, a gorgeous, knife-edged valley came into view, with steep slopes nearly obscured by snow-covered, majestic pines. The interstate clung to the side of the valley, and the narrow lanes allowed only momentary lapses in concentration to enjoy the postcard view of the opposite slope.
The narrow lanes, sharp curves, and momentary night-blindness from the continuous glare of oncoming headlights began to tax my tired nerves. I pulled off the interstate at Truckee, which seemed as exciting as a Swiss playground in a Roger Moore-era James Bond movie due to the heavy fall of snow and abundance of ski rack-equipped vehicles. I found a motel, and rented a cabin, falling asleep satisfied that I had at least reached California. The following morning, the bottom half of the front fender succumbed to two thousand miles of vibration, as it collapsed in a crumble of rust and Bond-o. I proceeded west on I-80, over the summit of the Sierras, and began the gradual descent though snow-covered firs and past large warning signs apparently written in trucker language, advising them to “better let ?er drift”. The snow disappeared, as did the firs, to be replaced by lush fields and humid warmth of the fertile valley. I had successfully crossed the Great Plains, salt desert, and Nevada wasteland, and my object was finally in reach.
After spending the night in Monterrey, I headed for Fort Ord where I would report for duty. This epic journey across the Sierras represented a significant step away from my small home-town, which to me was nothing but a dead end where I could expect only to become an obscure loser. But here was a chance for a new beginning, following the same route as others who came west to improve their fortunes. As I passed beneath the arched sign that boldly proclaimed “Fort Ord, 7th Infantry Division (Light)”, I sensed the freedom that I had enjoyed on the open road slip away. However, the self- direction and sense of adventure that I had experienced while crossing the continent would reassert themselves in time.

About The Author

I am a geologist, and have been to many interesting places, and had what I considered to be interesting experiences. I thought it would be fun to write about some of my experiences.

http://sedward.home.netcom.com/petrography.html

sedward@ix.netcom.com

by: Maya Talisman Frost

It’s the beginning of spring break, and we’re heading south. That’s all we know.
Our family is greatly anticipating what may be our last road trip for a long, long time. There’s a lot of excitement in our house right now as we are shifting into a whole new phase for each of us.
My husband is launching a new business. I am writing a book. Our 17-year-old daughter is preparing for college in Nova Scotia in September. Our 16-year- old daughter is heading to Brazil for a year-long Rotary Exchange in July. Our 14-year-old daughter is playing a sport for the first time in her life. Our 13-year-old daughter is considering transferring to an arts magnet school in order to immerse herself in her passion?dance.
This is the end of an era. In a few months, we will never have all four of them living at home again. The next year will bring all kinds of changes, and we feel we need to grab this chance to hit the road together in our trusty, dusty minivan.
It’s time for our favorite kind of vacation?the make-it-up-as-you-go meander through undiscovered (to us, anyway) territory. We’ll get up really early, jump in the van, and just go. No reservations. No schedule. No destination in mind.
We love this no-goal travel. We learned years ago that the happiest times we spend together are those in which we are free to experience each moment as it comes without planning the next.
Back in 1998, we decided in one day to pack up the kids and take off to India and Nepal for three months. It’s not as though we simply quit our jobs and left. That would have been far easier.
We had plenty of responsibilities?we owned two small retail businesses, an import/export company, an old commercial building with a leaky roof, and a house we had just finished remodeling.
We felt restless and ready for adventure, and making the choice to go was instantaneous and unanimous.
We sold one business, liquidated another, put the third in a coma. We found someone to take care of the leaky roof, and another to stay in our house. We yanked the kids out of school and within six weeks of making our decision boarded a plane?six excited travelers carrying six small backpacks.
The girls were 7, 8, 10 and 11. People thought we were insane.
The first two months we spent in India visiting the former host families my husband had lived with during his own Rotary Exchange when he was 16. The third month we had reserved for Nepal. We planned to fly into Kathmandu and spend four weeks on our own. We had no agenda, no reservations, no contacts. We weren’t the least bit concerned about it.
From the very first day, it was clear this was going to be a really special experience for our family. We found a clean, friendly hotel, the Red Planet, with a room big enough for six of us. It was $15 a night. Our window faced the rear of a nightclub, and we giggled ourselves to sleep as Pink Floyd and Michael Jackson were blasted from the speakers outside. One of our daughters became quite adept at unclogging the toilet and bathtub drain.
We wandered the curving streets, marveling at the sights and sounds. Each meal was an adventure as we made it a point to invite single diners to join us. We met fascinating people of all ages from around the world.
Highlights include dashing into a tiny Italian restaurant during our first two hours in Kathmandu as we were caught in a torrential downpour?our first rain since leaving Oregon. A hilarious but fairly sleepless night sharing a tea house room with rats. Children, especially young boys, trailing us everywhere we trekked. Breakfast on our roof with a breathtaking view of the Annapurnas. Ducking to avoid spider webs dripping with dew while riding elephants in the early morning. Exploring richly scented temples. Spontaneous dancing in the streets.
We have never, ever laughed more than we did on that trip. I had to use an asthma inhaler?not for any allergies, but because I laughed so hard that I started wheezing! Every single day was full of absolute joy and discovery. It didn’t matter in the slightest what we were doing. We were together, we were exploring, and we were having the time of our lives.
Granted, a road trip to southern Oregon isn’t nearly as exotic. Still, what we learned in Nepal is the magic of being in the moment. Our kids discovered the power of being present and open to whatever the day may bring.
It’s a priceless lesson we feel fortunate to have learned early. That trip was a gift that keeps on giving. It provided a shining example of true mindfulness for our growing daughters.
We’re heading south. Our intention? To be together. To explore. And to laugh our heads off.
I’ll bring my inhaler.

About The Author

Maya Talisman Frost is a mind masseuse. Her work has inspired thinkers in over 80 countries. She serves up a satisfying blend of clarity, comfort and comic relief in her free weekly ezine, the Friday Mind Massage. To subscribe, visit http://www.massageyourmind.com.

maya@massageyourmind.com

by: Marcus Hochstadt

Munich Germany is a city in the state Bavaria. Would you like to know what the real interesting sights in Munich Germany are? I will tell you 12 of my good ones.
If you would like to know something about the city and its history, visit my website for information about that. In this article I will let you know of 12 insider tips of this German city -? short and sweet ?- so that you can print them out and easily scour the sights.
First, once you arrive in the city, go to the tourist information office. It is located at Munich Germany main station (outside) or at Marienplatz (downtown).
Also, since you already know that this city is venue of the well-known Oktoberfest, there is actually no need for me to tell you anything about that, right?
Now, shall we get started? Great!
TOP 10 Bars and Restaurants
1. An absolute must-see and must-experience is the “Hundskugel” (Dogs Ball) located in Hotterstrasse in old town. This is Munich’s oldest house which has the perfect ambience for original Bavarian food (e.g. “Schweinshaxe” — knuckle of pork). Quite frankly, once you were here, your friends will become envious you were there without them.
2. The “Schuhbecks in den Suedtiroler Stuben” (Schubecks in the South Tyrol Rooms) is a tavern with notable factor. They serve original Bavarian cuisine in high quality. It is located at “Platzl” in old town.
3. Another excellent restaurant with original Bavarian cuisine is “Gasthaus Beim Sedlmayr” (Tavern by Sedlmayr). The funny and happy waiters make your time even more glamorous and jollier. Their menu has “all you ever need” once you are in Munich.
4. The “Haxnbauer im Scholastikahaus” (sorry, I’m not able to translate that yet…;-), located next to Marienplatz in Sparkassenstrasse, inspires visitors to stay longer than they might want once they enter. It’s just amazing, old woody walls and tables, smelling beer and meat, just unforgettable.
5. If you are looking for a chance to see famous football stars and actors, you have to go to the noble P1. I must admit it is not easy to enter this exceptional bar, but definitely worth more than one try. You will find it in Prinzregentenstrasse. The location is, however, quite hidden. Only a small sign beside stairs refers to the legendary club discotheque. Tip: It might be a bit easier if you go in as a couple.
Sightseeing and culture
6. Stroll along Ludwigstrasse. Ludwig I. underlined the royal Munich with this classicistic boulevard. As a road of sciences, the Ludwigstrasse (Ludwigstreet) is one of the most monumental and most generous roads created in the 19th century. The monument of king Ludwig I on Odeonsplatz, created by Max Widmann, reminds of the owners and name giver who had to withdraw in 1848 after the Lola Montez affair.
7. The Maximilianstrasse (Maximilian Street) spreads still old flair while strolling through this historical street. With museums and theatres, galleries and numerous exclusive shops, this splendour road certainly belongs to the most distinguished addresses of Munich Germany.
8. Are you art and historical interested? Then walk along the Prinzregentenstrasse (Prince Regent Road). It is considered as museum mile. Prince Regent Luitpold let put on this avenue road at the end of the 19th century.
9. The Englischer Garten (English Gardens) is Munich Germany’s famous 900-acre park. It is actually starting in the heart of the city and transitioning into the countryside. The park offers shaded paths for walking and cycling in summer and picturesque frozen lakes in winter. In addition, it contains four beer gardens (Chinesischer Turm, Seehaus, Hirschau, Aumeister), whose invite to stay long after sunset.
10. Marienplatz is world-wide well-known with the “new” Neo-Gothic City Hall and its “Gingle Bells” sounds. Acutally a huge square with some interesting taverns. Visit http://www.smart-travel-germany.com/munich.html for additional information and images.
By the way, from Munich Germany’s main station, it is a quite short way to downtown and old town — just a few minutes walk.
Enjoy your trip!
All the best,
Marcus Hochstadt
© Copyright http://www.smart-travel-germany.com All Rights Reserved

About The Author

Marcus Hochstadt has a high interest in helping you gain the delightful form of a smart travel to and through Germany. On http://www.smart-travel-germany.com/german-cities-and-towns.html he covers many other German cities and towns and gives you additional insider tips.

by: Kathy Weiser

For many, Route 66 is in their blood ? they grew up on the old highway, traveled the road with their parents when they were kids, or, perhaps, even pumped gas at one of those vintage filling stations that actually knew what the term ?customer service? meant.
For others, they are nostalgic like me ? ?old souls,? some might say. And, if it?s history, it?s interesting!!! What the Santa Fe Trail is to us today, Route 66 will be to our future generations, and it?s heritage and history can no more be forgotten than those of the wagon train pioneers. Yes, it was another era, but still, a giant step in the progress of a nation.
So, people say to me all the time, ?I just don?t get it.? Well, if you travel this vintage pavement, I can guarantee that you will. Along this historic path, that generally follows an even older one ? that of the railroads as they expanded westward, there is history that dates back far beyond the asphalt of the Mother Road. It?s not just about an old highway ? it is so much more ? an evolution from historic trails such as the National Old Trails highway that traversed much of the same road in New Mexico, Arizona and California; or the Trail of Tears that converges with Route 66 in Missouri and Oklahoma.
Along this vintage road, you will not only find the ?good ole? days? that you may remember, but also a depth of history that perhaps you can only imagine. From Civil War sites in Missouri and Oklahoma, to outlaws in Texas and New Mexico, to the numerous gold mining camps of Arizona, the sights along this old highway are incredible.
If you long for the good ole? days with the buttery smell of popcorn at the drive in theater or a greasy burger at the local diner, you will have plenty of opportunities at places like the Cozy Dog Drive-In in Springfield, Illinois; Wrink?s Market and the Munger Moss Motel in Lebanon, Missouri; or the Snow Cap Drive-In in Seligman, Arizona. If your memory revives the days of Stuckey?s, Steak ?N? Shakes, and Burma-Shave signs, you?ll be happy to know that these Route 66 icons are on their way back!
If it?s an older part of the west that you?re looking for, you?ll find that too. Holbrook, Arizona was once said to have been ?too tough for women or churches;? Tucumcari was once referred to as ?Six-Shooter Siding,? and Galena, Kansas was the site of much bloodshed during its coal mining days.
Even though several interstates have virtually replaced the old highway, almost 85% of it can still be traveled. Along the way, you will encounter the remnants of ghost towns killed by the super highways that replaced Route 66. Some of these are a ghost towner?s dream, such as Glenrio, Texas; Cuervo, New Mexico; and a long stretch of ghost towns as you enter California?s Mojave Desert.
Along this historic road, numerous lakes, state and national parks, and historical sites are abundant. Take your time, as, all along the old Mother Road, there is something for everyone.

About The Author

Kathy Weiser is the owner and editor of LegendsofAmerica.com ? http://www.legendsofamerica.com ? a travel site for the nostalgic and historic minded. As part of this historical website, she has recently completed the history of Route 66 online from Chicago to Santa Monica. Legendary Route 66 - http://www.legendsofamerica.com/66-Mainpage.html - includes not only the history of the Mother Road, but also, additional history predating Route 66, legends, hundreds of vintage and current photographs, and more. If you love history and traveling, Legends of America provides it all.
You are welcome to utilize this article as long as all links are in place. Please notify me when you post the article.
kathy@legendsofamerica.com

Anatomy of a Shoestring Adventure: Lots of Fun for Not Much Money

by: Jan Kovarik

Just like most people, my husband I live on a ?just barely? income. We?ve got ?just barely? enough to pay the rent, just barely enough to pay our bills, just barely enough to keep groceries in the ?frig, just barely enough to put a little bit into a savings account, and just barely enough to have a few ?disposable dollars? left over at the end of the month. However, with today?s prices our disposable dollars get ?disposed of? really quickly. There just isn?t much out there that you can do for entertainment that?s ?cheap.? That is, there isn?t much out there unless you know where to look for it, and if you know how, you can do it on a ?shoestring.?
We?ve been going on Shoestring Adventures since the day we got married. We never had much money to spend on splashy vacations, and even when we went ?on vacation? stretching our dollars was the rule. Over the years, I?ve learned how to stretch our money to cover all sorts of incredible ?road trips?—sometimes just for one day, sometimes for a whole week. Whenever and wherever we?ve gone, we?ve had experiences that ?money couldn?t buy.? The two dozen or more photo albums that are stacked up in my hall closet prove it!
There?s little point in me telling you exactly where to go, how to get there, or what to do when you get there. Since our Shoestring Adventures are tailored to appeal to us, they may not appeal to you. What I can share with you, however, is how to create your own Shoestring Adventure—one that is tailor-made to fit you, your family, your budget, and your interests. With a few simple skills, a handy collection of ?stuff,? and just a little bit of planning and preparation, you?ll be on your way!
Keep These Things Handy!
First, if you don?t have a really good roadmap for your state (or the state into which you intend to travel)—BUY ONE. I?m not talking about a simple map that?s got the major roads, like a travel atlas, I?m talking about one of those big paper roadmaps that you can never refold correctly. You can usually buy an excellent state roadmap in stores like Kmart, Wal*Mart, Walgreen?s, or any bookstore. Before you buy the roadmap, make sure that it has ?Places of Interest? marked on it. To verify this, open the map to the ?Legend? or ?Key? (where they explain all the symbols used on the map). Places of interest are usually marked with something like a red dot, a blue square, or the like. In fact, so many roadmaps that we?ve purchased use red dots that we know simply refer to interesting places as ?red dots on the map.?
Second, assemble a ?Road Adventure Kit? and keep it ready to go! You can use anything from a cardboard box, a plastic milk crate, a ?tub? (like a Rubbermaid storage tub you can buy at Wal*Mart), or even a nice whicker picnic basket. Personally, we use a crate; it?s easy to carry and it fits nicely into the bed of our truck (along with all our other Road Adventure items). You should start assembling your kit by including in your crate any or all of the following:
Binoculars
A roll of paper towels and a bottle of hand sanitizer
Picnic items (paper plate, plastic utensils, etc.)
A plastic tablecloth (like the ?disposable? kind you can buy for cheap)
A couple of big beach towels
A small first-aid kit
Insect repellent
A sharp knife, a can opener, scissors
Travel-sized games like Scrabble, playing cards, etc.
A gallon of fresh drinking water (be sure to refresh regularly)
A pad of paper, pencils, pens
A ?Road Adventure? log book
Your ?Road Adventure Kit? should be tailor-made to fit your family?s needs. If you aren?t big on picnics, the picnic items can still come in handy for fast-food meals like fried chicken or even burgers and fries! Eat your lunch outside in a park! You might be glad you have the tablecloth (public picnic tables are rarely anything close to clean), and the towels can be spread out on the benches so you have something clean to sit on.
You should also think about including in your kit personal needs (a couple of clean diapers for the baby, a box of facial tissues for runny noses, some feminine sanitary products for when you get caught ?unaware,? any anti-allergic medications that you might need, etc.). Be creative! Also, let your first few road adventures teach you what you need to have along. If you?ve forgotten something, make a note of it. The next time you are re-assembling your kit, be sure to add that item. Also, it helps to buy duplicates of things like the can opener and such so you can leave them in the kit and ready to go.
Find a ?Red Dot of Interest?
Here?s where the fun of planning a road adventure can come into play. First, you need to determine if this is a day trip, a half-day trip, a two-day trip, etc. Also, do you have very young children who might not do well on a longer car trip? If your trip limit is no more than a one-hour car ride one way, then look for places of interest within about 40 miles of home. Even though most speed limits on major roads are at least 60mph, never figure that you will actually average more than 40-45 miles in one hour?s driving time. You might even want to trace a general circle on the map around your home so you know what lies within your desired traveling distance. You can even draw incremental circles on your map to indicate one hour, two hours, etc., away from home. Just remember! You always have to come home, so make allowances for that when you plan your Adventure.
Once you know how far you can easily travel (and return), then you can start looking on the map. Look for those ?red dots of interest? marked on the map anywhere in the circumference of your desired travel radius. The places of interest usually have some short description next to them: ?Pioneer Park,? ?Children?s Museum,? ?Historic Home.? If there are no red dots, then look for towns you?ve never visited, or roads you?ve never traveled. We?ve often been pleasantly surprised at what we?ve found: a quaint little town with some interesting shops; a long winding rural road dotted with small farms or old homes and maybe a sign that says ?Fresh Honey for Sale? where we got a spontaneous ?tour? of a beekeeper?s hives; a historic landmark marked by road signs.
When there are no red dots, you can also do a little bit of planning ahead by phoning a local Chamber of Commerce. Find a small town, learn the area code (if necessary), and call directory assistance for the number to the Chamber of Commerce (better yet, surf the Web for a town website!). Ask what?s interesting in their town. So many small towns have their own historic museum, or other historic landmarks. Maybe all they have is a really great community park where the biggest tree in the county is growing!
Your places of interest choices can really be limitless. If small town parks or two-room county museums aren?t your thing, then first determine what things your family would find of interest. Surf the Web, call Chambers of Commerce, or visit your bookstore or library where you can find books of ?Things to Do? in your state. Your Adventure can be anything that will take you away from home for the day and create a delightful memory for your whole family!
If you have children who are older than 5 or 6, then this is a wonderful opportunity to teach them how to read and use roadmaps. You can even let them plan their own Shoestring Adventure! If you have more that one child, then you can appoint a Trip Planner, a Navigator, and a Supplies Officer. Give them specific tasks that include finding a place to go (what is it, where is it, and how far away is it), how to get there (what roads you need to turn on, how many miles to travel before you get to the next turn), and what you will need to enjoy the day (like special clothing for outdoor activities, picnic lunch items, toys and games to enjoy in the car, pillows for sleepy-heads after a long day?s outing). Instead of telling them where you?ll be going, let them tell you!
I do need to caution you: be prepared for that ?red dot of interest? to turn out to be nothing. We?ve often tracked down dots that claim to be ?Historic Fort? or ?County Landmark? that have turned out to be nothing more than a bronze plaque on a rock at the end of a residential street. When that happens, we simply wander around wherever we are and see what there is to see. Sometimes we?ve happened upon local street fairs or windsurfing tournaments or a model train museum. Sometimes, too, all we?ve gotten out of it was a day away from home. When this happens, and if you?ve got disappointed kids in the car, then it might be a good time to find an ice cream parlor and treat them to a double scoop of peanut butter fudge ice cream!
Use your Road Adventure logbook to record everyone?s comments about the day. You can collect brochures, or restaurant placemats, or ticket stubs, and keep a memory album. If you take pictures, be sure to include a few! This can be a great basis for school reports for younger kids.
Basically, your Shoestring Adventures can be just about whatever you want them to be. Know in advance what your budget is, what will ?work? for your family as far as meals are concerned (whether you can pack a picnic lunch or stop at McDonald?s), and how far from home you can venture for the time you have for traveling and adventuring. Never plan more than you can comfortably do in a day. If the place has several interesting things to see or do, then plan several repeat visits. Cramming more than just a couple of activities into the day can put the whole family on ?Adventure Overload.?
I hope you enjoy your next ?Shoestring Adventure? and that you continue to get away and find those ?red dots of interest? that are marked on your map. Make it a habit to enjoy being together and experiencing new or different things!

About The Author

Jan K., The Proofer is freelance proofreader and copyeditor. Visit http://www.janktheproofer.com for more information about Jan?s services; http://work-at-home.janktheproofer.com for work at home articles and free printables; and for work at home moms, visit Jan?s sister site http://work-at-home.momsbreak.com for articles, free printables, and work at home T-shirts and other fun products.
© Copyright 2004 All rights reserved.
jkproof@bellsouth.net

by: Genevieve Frederick

Motor homes usually have a driver, a passenger, maybe a few kids and at least one dog. It?s a prerequisite that to own a motor home you need at least one dog. Don?t be surprised when you see RV dealers matching a breed to a particular model in the future.
Taking a RV trip with your pooch should and will be pleasant if you:

Keep your dog safe; put his leash on before you open the door. Dogs are excited as soon as their home on the road stops and they want out! But not every place you stop will be safe; on coming traffic, glass on the side of the road, and other dogs near by could cause your dog to run on to the road.
Carry a health certificate issued by our veterinarian that clearly identifies the dog and certifies that the dog have been vaccinated against rabies during the preceding 36-month period. This is a must if you plan to travel from the United States to Canada. Different Canadian provinces may have different requirements. Be sure to contact the government of the provinces you plan to visit. It is rare to need the health certificate when traveling in the 48 states but if there is an incident both the certificate and the rabies vaccination certificate could help a bunch.
Respect all the rules of campsites and parks. That can mean a special Poop Park or a Dog Run Area and leash rules. You don?t want to be asked to move on if your dog misbehaves or is running amuck. Dogs in a new strange place will follow their nose so keep that leash on so he will not get lost. And be prepared to pay extra for your pooch. Some camps and parks have a ?dog fee.?
Always carry poop bags (zip lock sandwich plastic bags for smaller breeds and larger plastic bags for bigger breeds). The trick, using the zip lock bags, is to turn the bag inside out, pick up the poop, turning the bag right side again and zip the contents (and smell) closed. Always try to locate the nearest dumpster or trash can instead of bringing it back into your motor home.
D-rings are great! Hook it on his leash and then hook the D-ring to your belt loop. You?ll have both hands free. When in camp, tie a long rope to a boulder, picnic table, tree or the bumper of the motor home and tie the other end to the hand rail just outside the RV door. Next time your pooch needs to go out, get his leash, clamp on the D-ring and hook it on the rope and out he goes like a little paratrooper. D-rings make it easy to tie up the dog when you go into a store or shop. Just loop the leash around any post or tree and use the D-ring to secure the dog; this prevents those knots that seem to get tighter by the minute as your dog pulls on the leash.
When you go on a tour or shopping and have to leave your pooch in the RV make sure you leave the vents open, have fresh water out, and a few puddle pads on the floor just in case there is an accident. Open windows can become an escape route; right through the screen and a long way down to the ground, so only leave the windows open an inch.
The inside of a motor home is usually small and dogs do not get out as much as if they were at home. Brush your dog outside to remove dander, and loose fur, it?s much easier to let the wind take it away than to clog up your vacuum.
If you?re on the road for long periods check the local yellow pages for a dog groomer in the town you are visiting. Or ask at the campground or RV Park for a recommendation of a nearby groomer. A better solution than doggy day care, while you tour a museum or go to a ball game your dog will be pampered and clean when you pick him up.
Give your dog a special place, like a dog carrier or a dog pad or bed this provides him with a secure and comfortable place when he is feeling scared or tired.
If your dog gets nervous or anxious while traveling try Dramine? and St. John?s Worth. Ask your vet for the amounts to be given based on your pooch?s body weight.

Dogs enrich our lives in everyway and they deserve a road trip too. Besides, they?re a lot easier than kids and dogs don?t keep saying over and over ?Are we there yet?? or ?where?s McDonald?s?? The only draw back, dogs can?t use the bathroom so they compel us to ?stop and smell the roses? every so often.

About The Author

Frederick is the Publisher at Paw Publishing, Inc. The newest title ?Happy Tails ? Hilarious Helpful Hints for Dog Owners,? is a rib-tickling look at why we both love and are puzzled by our four-footed friends by Dr. Gary L. Ailes. Subscribe at http://www.pawpublishing.com and receive by email his free handy checklist ?Dog Poisons and Other Items to Avoid.? Contact Dr. Ailes at dogdoctor@pawpublishing.com.
publisher@pawpublishing.com

Exploring Uncharted Territory: Your Family Vacation

by: News Canada

(NC)?Picture it ? your minivan is stopped at a rest area. Your partner sits at the wheel while you are buried under a mess of unfolded maps. You feel tense as you debate over directions while your jumpy kids in the back seat are spreading chocolate over each other. Aah, the joys of a family vacation.
Don’t despair, not every trip has to be like that. By making plans in advance, you can help ease tensions on the trip and turn it into a family adventure filled with wonderful memories for everyone. Before getting started, consider these quick travel tips.
Where are we?
Try to map out your trip in advance or at least be prepared with a road atlas in the car. Michelin’s 2003 North America Road Atlas is spiral bound and compact, which means it lies flat for easier navigating and folds over easily so it can be tucked away in the glove compartment. A great innovation is that maps are organized by geographic region, not by the alphabet ? according to the way you actually drive.
Are we there yet?
Let your children also have their own map so they can follow along with you. Use a road atlas to teach your children how to use maps and help them learn to answer that gnawing question, “Are we there yet?” Make a game out of it and try to see who can calculate the distance the fastest.
I have to go!
Plan exciting pit stops along the way to give everyone a chance to stretch their legs and use a restroom. Choose interesting locations and tourist attractions such as the world’s largest coffee pot in Saskatchewan, magnetic hill in New Brunswick or a haunted lighthouse in Ontario. Make these stops part of the fond memories of your family trip.
I’m bored!
Entertaining car-based activities for the kids will help make the journey more pleasant for everyone. There are a variety of great board games available in compact sizes, which use magnets to ensure pieces stay on the board. Other options include reading out loud, singing or listening to audio books. Consider the classic games of “I Spy”, a scavenger hunt or even counting cows, horses and other unique items you identify.
I’m hungry!
To avoid grumbling stomachs keep some snacks handy such as fruit, granola bars or juice boxes to keep everyone satisfied while you search for the next rest stop.
Spending time together on a road trip is a great way to have quality time with your family. Don’t let it ruin your trip. Instead make it part of the adventure and the wonderful memories. Not only will some advance planning make your trip a lot more pleasant, it may keep everyone talking to one another!
- News Canada

About The Author

News Canada provides a wide selection of current, ready-to-use copyright free news stories and ideas for Television, Print, Radio, and the Web.
News Canada is a niche service in public relations, offering access to print, radio, television, and now the Internet media, with ready-to-use, editorial “fill” items. Monitoring and analysis are two more of our primary services. The service supplies access to the national media for marketers in the private, the public, and the not-for-profit sectors. Your corporate and product news, consumer tips and information are packaged in a variety of ready-to-use formats and are made available to every Canadian media organization including weekly and daily newspapers, cable and commercial television stations, radio stations, as well as the Web sites Canadians visit most often. Visit News Canada and learn more about the NC services.

by: Steve Hatherley

When you think of the Outer Hebrides, you normally think of sandy beaches, ancient standing stones and lilting Scottish accents. You don’t normally associate the Outer Hebrides with some of the best driving in the British Isles…
I certainly didn’t expect to enjoy the driving so much when I visited the Western Isles (the other name for the Outer Hebrides) in Scotland recently.
It certainly isn’t speed that makes the roads in the Outer Hebrides so exhilarating. In fact, for much of the time I didn’t get out of third gear…
The roads are often single track with passing places. And where they are single track, often there are rocky ditches either side of a surprisingly narrow track. If you are at all in doubt of the width of your car, don’t drive on the Outer Hebrides!
If the width of the roads wasn’t enough, there are other distractions to keep you busy. The first are sheep. There are several times as many sheep on the Outer Hebrides as there are people, and for some reason sheep enjoy standing around in the middle of the road. Lambs are particularly lively and you have to take care when passing.
The other distraction is the often jaw-dropping scenery. Sometimes it’s all too tempting to look at the view when you should be watching the road…
The roads themselves are often sinuous, snaking their way through rugged scenery. You can’t relax for a moment when you’re behind the wheel in the Outer Hebrides.
Fortunately there isn’t much other traffic. And while it’s always polite to wave to someone who pulls over to let you pass (and return their wave), you quickly find that everyone waves anyway ? even where you don’t need to pull over. (One chap painting his fence even waved as we drove past.)
The combination of sinuous, single-track roads with awesome scenery populated by obstructive sheep and polite drivers makes driving in the Outer Hebrides such a pleasure.
My top tips for driving in the Outer Hebrides:

Makes sure you have a car with a good third gear. You’ll send most of your time in third.
The B8011 from Calanais to Uig Sands on Lewis is fantastic. The beach at Uig Sands is wonderful, but it’s worth going there for the drive alone.
If you have a passenger with you, get them to help by spotting approaching cars. An extra pair of eyes can be invaluable.

And although I have now returned from the Outer Hebrides, I have found that I’ve brought a little of the islands with me: I’m much more patient and polite than I used to be behind the wheel ? and that can only be a good thing.

About The Author

Steve Hatherley enjoys driving in Yorkshire as well as the Outer Hebrides. He is also a fan of murder mystery games murder mystery games (http://www.great-murder-mystery-games.com) and is a founding partner of Freeform Games LLP (http://www.freeform-murder-mystery-games.com)