10 Things You Need to Know About Abalone Diving in Mendocino, CA

The cliffs of Mendocino

My Mendocino abalone diving adventure started with a drive from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Mendocino—which was one of the most stunning drives I have ever experienced. I lucked out on the weather and drove out of the city through sun-kissed hills that rose off the bay and up onto the swerving roads encompassed by trees that dappled my path with playful shadows. The road eventually led out to the graceful landscape of golden fields and layers of vineyards as I came into Sonoma wine country. My surroundings were so stunning that I decided that the next time I make the four-hour journey, I will set aside a full day and stay overnight at one of the many inns along the way and perhaps take in some wine-tasting before hitting the coastline. The end of my journey was enshrouded by Sequoias. The road took on a fairytale feeling of towering majesty and pine that swept open to the expansive coastline and sheer cliffs of the Pacific.
The Little River Inn (built in 1857) is set directly on North Highway One, a few miles outside of the charming town of Mendocino and just around the bend from Van Damme State Park. Pulling up felt familiar, almost as though I was visiting a dear friend or family member, and that set the warm and inviting precedent for the entire experience. The inn is ingrained in local history and is still run by the family that started it five generations ago. It’s beautifully managed. Every room features a view of the ocean and modern amenities and is kept with care and thoughtfulness. The place features a chef-run restaurant, a fantastic bar that has changed little since 1939 (you can whale-watch from the bar; they provide binoculars), a spa, a golf course, and even a cottage that sells yarn of every type called the Mendocino Yarn Shop (they teach knitting and crocheting as well).
The diving camp takes place over two days. The first day is a practice run and includes some “classroom” time with the experts from TritonX—licensed guides Josh Russo, Greg Fonts and Greg Shimaura. Many may wonder why a guide is needed when there’s freediving just off the coastline. If it’s your first time freediving, instruction is a must. It’s a whole new ballgame from diving with tanks, as you are relying on specific breathing technique and body control—and the waters can be unforgiving. This is not a hardcore-adventure-travel-type of thing to take on, but it’s definitely not for wimps. I grew up diving, to include freediving, but I was very grateful to have some of the world’s best freedivers guiding me through every procedure, safety and the laws of hunting abalone (yes, they are stringent and the coastline is heavily watched by wildlife officers).
Once you’re back from Van Damme Beach you have the option to learn how to clean and prep what you caught for the day. Having chef Marc Dym on site was a treat, as we also learned the different ways to prep abalone steak and enjoyed a beautiful meal created from our catch. The accompanying wine from Mendocino was a big bonus, and no matter where we were on the property there never seemed to be a lack of stunning views. In a short space of time it was easy to create friendships, and I have every intention of returning.
Here are ten things to know before you go:

Abalone catch in Mendocino, CA

1. You need a license
You must have a State of California Department of Fish and Wildlife fishing license for the days you are hunting abalone. This is to include a Report Card that lists what the details of what was caught, where, when, etc. You can obtain a license from the CVS in Ft. Bragg, a short drive from prime abalone hunting off of Van Damme Beach. You can order them in advance through the CDFW site, but keep in mind delivery may take up to two weeks.

A room with a view at Little River Inn

2. The Little River Inn
There are several places to stay, but I highly recommend Little River Inn. It’s been family-owned for five generations, and every room has a knockout view of the ocean, and you are treated like welcome family.

Freediving equipment provided by TritonX

3. Wet suits should be 7 mm thick
If you bring your own wet suit, it should be at least 7 mm thick. The water is cold, even in the summer months. It should also include a hood, booties and gloves.

Tag your abalone

4. Know the rules of how many abalone you are permitted to pull
This season on the California North Coast the annual limit is 18, but only a total of nine can be taken from Sonoma and Marin Counties. It may not be obvious, but you are being monitored and it’s not unusual for the wildlife rangers to do a license spot check.

Whale-watching from Ole’s Bar

5. Whale watch at Ole’s Whale Watch Bar
If you haven’t had enough wildlife after your dive, the best place to get a drink and whale watch at the same time is Ole’s Whale Watch Bar, which is conveniently in the Little River Inn. They even provide the binoculars and the bartenders are excellent.

Rolling hills of Anderson Valley, CA

6. If you fly in to San Francisco, rent a car and make a day of the drive
The scenery coming out of the city into Marin County and then through the vineyards of Anderson Valley is stunning. You end up on a road winding through striking redwood forest that opens up to a coastline like no other.

Van Damme Beach in Mendocino

7. Forget something? You can pick it up in Ft. Bragg
If you forget anything Ft. Bragg is a short drive away from the primary diving spot of Van Damme Beach and is full of modern conveniences.

The town of Mendocino, CA

8. Take some time to visit the town of Mendocino
It’s quintessentially California quaint, with Victorian houses and lovely cafes set on the wild coastline of the Pacific.

Josh Russo of TritonX preps divers

9. Go with professional divers…
…especially if you are remotely new to free diving. This is not a sport to be taken lightly, and even in shallow depths there is opportunity for bad things to happen. Being taught the right way to dive and harvest abalone is imperative not only to personal safety, but also to the future of the abalone population.

Van Damme Beach in Mendocino

10. Sign up for Abalone Camp
Make your experience streamlined and sign up for Abalone Camp or another of Little River Inn’s abalone diving options that include accommodation, gear, meals, and world-class freediving guides. The Abalone Camp package starts at $393. It’s a fun and social way to enjoy learning how to catch, clean and cook abalone—all while under the care of professionals who love what they do. There is also an Abalone Adventure at the Albion Schoolhouse package available August 1 – November 30, 2016. The package starts at $4,000 for six people. Reservations are based upon availability and require a 14-day notice. 

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4 Things to Know about Camping in China

As the sun slowly climbed the horizon, the hanging fog that was disrupting my view finally began to break revealing the beautiful panorama that I had come here to see: China’s Great Wall at sunrise. I had camped on the wall overnight, one of the most incredible experiences of my time here in China. It had been a strenuous climb and a chilly night, but overall it had been completely worth the time and effort. I hadn’t just climbed the Great Wall, I had pitched my tent and camped on it!
Over the years I have received a number of questions from people asking about camping in China. Most people are drawn to the adventure of it all but are scared away by the unknowns. Can it be done? Is it safe? Since there aren’t any official camping grounds in China, how is it possible to set up your tent here?
To the best of my ability, I’d like to answer some of those questions here. I hope that this will answer some of your questions but if there are any others I haven’t covered, please leave a comment below!

Is it Legal to Camp in China?

The first question that always gets asked about camping in China is whether or not it is legal. It’s a good question because the last thing you want is to be pulled into a police station at 2am in the morning.



The short answer to the question is to say that yes, it is legal to camp in China. And at the same time it is illegal.
That’s what’s terrible about the Chinese system of law: contradictions are purposely placed in order to give freedom for the local authorities to decide what they want to do. So while authorities around Beijing have realized the economic benefit of allowing people to camp on the Great Wall, authorities in Tibet may decide that it’s too risky. Both can be right.
Strictly speaking, foreigners in China are supposed to register each night they stay in China. Hotels and hostels automatically do this for you but if you’re camping that’s not possible. The reality is, however, that such rules aren’t – and cannot be – enforced. Let’s say you buy a train ticket in China that goes overnight. Do you register? No. And nobody knows or cares.
The same goes for camping. As long as you stay under the radar and off the beaten path, you won’t draw the ire of any local authorities. Everybody is happy. The key is figuring out where to pitch your tent.

Where Can I Camp in China?

As you probably already know, there are no official camping grounds or KOAs with nice bathrooms and running water in China. In fact, the idea is laughable to most Chinese people.
No, you’re on your own here. In order to successfully camp in China, you have to know where to set up your tent. There are some places like the Great Wall where tour groups set up tent almost every night, but that isn’t the case for the other 99.9% of China. Finding a spot may seem daunting at first but really the rules are the same no matter where you try to camp in the world where there aren’t official camp grounds.
Here are some thoughts on finding a good place to camp:

• Ask a Local: if you can speak Mandarin, ask the people around town or in the village where you want to go if they know of any nice streams or outdoor vistas. At best they’ll be able to point you in a direction and at worst you’ll have some good interaction with the locals!
• Don’t Camp too Near a Big City: this is just asking for the authorities to find you and escort you to the closest hotel.
• Give Yourself Time: I budget at least an hour or more before sundown to find a suitable place to set up tent. You need time to find the place, scout the area and move if necessary.
• Avoid Roads, Open Fields and Lake Shores: at most national parks, the first place that authorities check what they can see from the road or along the shoreline from a boat. All it takes is just a couple extra minutes to hike in to a more secluded place and you’ll be fine.
• Be Camouflaged: having a tent that blends in with the surroundings definitely helps. The idea isn’t that you’re hiding because you’re doing something wrong, you just want to blend in.
• Don’t Run: if for some reason the authorities discover you and decide they don’t want you camping, don’t try to run. Just give the innocent foreigner act and most of the time they’ll just make sure you make it safely to a hotel.

Of course, before you can even set up tent you need to get your gear.

Can I Rent or Purchase Camping Gear in China?

Although the industry is still young, the camping market in China is growing at an unbelievable rate. Whereas 10 years ago it might have been difficult to get a high quality tent or sleeping bag, now the outdoor stores in certain parts of each city are innumerable.
Patagonia, Columbia, Mountainsmith: all of these brands and more are available for purchase in specialty stores all across China.
The best option is to bring your own gear, of course, since the gear you’ll find in China is also quite expensive. But you don’t need to bring everything since items like butane tanks are sold here.
Finally, there are stores that can rent gear at a reasonable price. You can ask around at the different stores to find out where and as a last resort you can contact a travel agency that should be able to provide you with the appropriate gear you need for a price.

Tips for Avoiding Problems While Camping in China

Finally, I want to share with you a few tips that might be important as you consider how you want to camp here in China.
Whether you’re camping on the Great Wall or in the sands of the Taklamakan Desert, the first thing you should consider is whether or not you should hire a guide. The dangers of trying to make it out on your own are real, especially if you’re not an experienced outdoorsman. Don’t be too prideful too admit you need help!
A few other tidbits of advice:

• Be Careful Around Borderlands: while hiking around eastern China is a bit easier to do, places like Xinjiang, Tibet and Inner Mongolia are a bit harder, especially when camping close to the borders. Security is tighter and there’s a chance you might accidentally run into a military base, which would be bad.
• Don’t Use a GPS Unit: use your phone if you have to but leave the professional GPS unit at home. A man hiking around the Xinjiang region in 2012 was picked up and charged with espionage because he had a GPS unit in his possession. He wasn’t doing anything wrong but that didn’t matter.
• Bring Everything You Need: like I said before, these aren’t campgrounds. You’re hiking in wilderness that may not have fresh water available. Don’t get caught without the things you need.
• Have Good Travel Insurance: there’s always a risk when you’re hiking and camping and even more so when you’re doing so in a foreign country with less-than-stellar levels of healthcare. Be sure that you have good travel health insurance that can medivac you out if needed. Every year there are reports of hikers – both foreign and local – who fall down a cliff or severely injure themselves in another way.
• Have Fun!! don’t let all these “do’s and don’ts” get to you…camping in China is AWESOME! Have fun, bring your camera and enjoy the ride. You won’t regret it 

(C)

Women and Children Travelers to China

Traveling with children may be more challenging since they are inherently vivacious, mischievous, active and easily bored. Needless to say infants or toddlers, need much more special and attentive care, placing much responsibility on adults. So sometimes a trip with kids can be an interesting test of patience and preparedness. But never worry about this. China is always glad to extend a welcome to your lovely kids.
With the right preparation, travel with kids can bring you a happy and enjoyable experience. Here is some useful information for your reference to help to make your trip with children more enjoyable, comfortable and safe.

Before Departure

Familiarize yourself with the considerations that apply in respect of children when traveling, including the visa, passport, preferential measures and discounts on varied transport fares as well as the admission fees of the scenic spots.

Choose appropriate destinations that are suitable for both you and your kids to visit. The informative, educational and instructive showplaces that are full of history, culture and art, like China, may widen your children's field of vision and enhance their knowledge. Try to find information or collect some material related to your destination and introduce them to your kids, which may establish a good background for your kids to understand and enjoy the coming trip.

Choose the right time to visit. Kids tend to be active and adventurous so it is vital that you are able to exercise the right level of control over them. Infants may cause much more trouble. So an appropriate time to set out is very important. Try to select a time when children may sleep in transit. This will ensure not only your peace of mind but also that of fellow visitors.

Make a reasonable itinerary for your visit. Children lack the physical strength of adults, so your routes should not be very grueling or too long. Make your journey scheduling as flexible and relaxed as possible to ease pressure on your kids.

Private tour for mother and children, Li River, Guilin

Pack your luggage well. Do not forget the things especially used for your kids including necessary clothes, food (some snacks and socks), toys, feeding-bottle (for infant) and a first-aid kit where some day to day medicines to deal with minor mishaps.

Make sure that your children are fit to travel; if there are problems, do follow the doctor's advice. If your visit is going to include physical activity, such as a fair amount of walking, practice before hand is recommended. Make sure that you have adequate health and travel insurances for your kids.

If possible, bring your baby-sitter or nursemaid as companions. They may be the very persons best suited to look after your children and so lessen any problems.

On Transport

Make sure you have already booked the train/air tickets especially for your kids at the required price. Contact the airport, airlines, or train stations as early as possible to tell the attendants your special needs and care for your children, so that they can make any relevant preparation in advance.

When you are on the plane, train or other transport vehicles, help your kids with the seat belt (infant should be held and carried in your arms or fixed on a special seating). Do not let them wander at will in the cabin or compartment to prevent possible injury or discomfort to other passengers.

Try your best to keep your children quiet. So in order to engage their attention, let them read books, listen to stories, and provide them with refreshment as appropriate.

Lodging

A family with our tour operators

Contact the hotel in advance to ascertain the general condition of the guest room. Make sure all the facilities are accessible for children's use. If necessary, ask the hotel reception to arrange for special needs such as an extra bed or crib as well as the availability of child minding services.

Hide away any small gadgets, or dangerous items that may harm your kids. Be conversant with the hotel emergency procedures in the event of fire, etc.

Eating

When traveling, especially when going abroad there will be a change in diet. Children may not like the dishes on offer so you should consider their dietary needs with care. It is wise to ensure that they avoid unwashed fruit and the like as well as uncooked food and that you take all reasonable care to avoid stomach upsets.

Traveling 
Try to avoid visiting the more dangerous scenic spots as mountain and cliff footpaths, water in all its forms and areas such as jungle all present hazards. Pay much attention to your kid's movements. Keep them under your control and in view at all times.

Prepare some amusing games or small activities which may add some interest during trips and thus keep your children occupied.

Do not let them go out alone. Since travel destinations are usually unfamiliar to you, accompany your kids at all times as this is much safer. It is recommended that your kids carry a note of your name, telephone and address in their pocket in case they do get separated from you or become lost.

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Is it safe to travel to Hong Kong?

With an efficient subway, multiple inexpensive taxis and a good public bus system, Hong Kong is normally one of the world's easiest major cities to get around.

In the midst of this week's Hong Kong pro-democracy protests, however, travelers in Hong Kong may find moving around slightly more difficult than usual.

Since being occupied by demonstrators, access for vehicles is restricted in key areas of the city and many shops and restaurants in those areas have chosen to close.

Sections of major roads have been closed to vehicle traffic, though largely left open for pedestrians. In fact, walking around Hong Kong has been an extremely pleasant experience for a lot of visitors walking on roads that are normally jammed with cars.

After the clashes and tear gas attacks on protesters on Sunday night/Monday morning, the protests have been extremely peaceful and relatively festive.

However, the situation on the ground could change at any time and all visitors are advised to be appropriately cautious.

Several nations have posted travel warnings to Hong Kong with similar advisories.

Brief transport update:

• Hong Kong International Airport is operating as per normal. The Airport Express train, stations and check-in services are also operating normally.
• The MTR subway system is operating as normal and is the transport of choice at the moment as it serves all of the road closure areas.
• Vehicular access is restricted or completely closed in parts of Wan Chai, Admiralty, Central, Mong Kong and Tsim Sha Tsui. Around 70 bus routes have been rerouted and around 25 services stopped. Check with hotel concierges and bus companies KMB, Citybus and NWFB for more details and advice on making your journey.
• The Hong Kong tram track section between Western Market and Victoria Park (including the Happy Valley loop) has been suspended.
• Visitors arriving at or leaving from hotels in affected areas should allow more time for their journey and be prepared to lug their baggage to MTR stations if buses, taxis and other road vehicle services cannot access the hotel.

In more detail:

Areas affected

In Hong Kong Island's Admiralty and Wanchai districts, Gloucester Road, Harcourt Road and Connaught Road Central have been closed to vehicle traffic, but remain open to pedestrians.

The area outside SOGO shopping mall in Causeway Bay, including Yee Wo Street and Percival Street remain closed but the demonstrators have agreed to reopen East Point Road as an emergency corridor for fire engines and ambulances.

The public square Edinburgh Place in Central is also a protest zone.

Various streets in these above areas have also been closed to vehicle traffic, but remain open to pedestrians.

Protests are also happening across Victoria Harbour in Kowloon, with sections of Argyle Street and Nathan Road in Mong Kok occupied by demonstrators.

Tsim Sha Tsui's popular shopping street Canton Road is also affected by the protest. A small crowd of a few dozen now occupy a section of the road. The crowd once peaked to a few hundred.

Hong Kong has its second public holiday in a row on Thursday and the size of the protests has increased over two days. The protest tends to grow at night, as more residents join after school, work or other activities.

It is also possible the protest groups may move or extend to other areas without notice.

'Protest tourism'

Hong Kong protest hotspots

The protests have proven to be an attraction for some visitors.

Many tourists have taken to walking to and through protest zones independently, though tourists on private tours around protest areas have been seen.

Locals, tourists and supporters of the protestors have taken to "sightseeing" and looking for photo ops on elevated pedestrian bridges over roads near the Central Government Offices in Admiralty, where the largest protest (in terms of number of people) is taking place.

The idea of Hong Kong protests as tourist attractions might seem surreal, but it isn't entirely new.

In 2012, Lonely Planet included Hong Kong in its list of top 10 cities to visit, recommending such exotic attractions as the Star Ferry, Chinese fortune-telling and local protest rallies.

The popular guidebook called Hong Kong "China's most liberated city" and predicted that 2012 would be an exciting year for the city, highlighting its "rallies infused with theatrics and eruptions of song, dance and poetry" as it continued its push for greater democracy.

Safety concerns

Travel to and within protest areas is generally safe.

On Sunday evening and early Monday morning, police attempted to move crowds with force, including firing tear gas canisters. The protests have since been peaceful.

However, protestors continue to operate ad hoc supply depots at various points around and within protest zones, handing out water, towels and surgical masks to those wandering through the area as minimal protection against further potential uses of tear gas by police.

Supplies including food and umbrellas are also being given out to protestors and sometimes others entering protest areas.

Hong Kongers have their say on protests

Public transportation has also remained safe.

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How to Choose the Right Travel Agent

Finding the right travel agent is important. But, where do you begin?

You're over a big hurdle if you know where you what to travel. If you have no clear destination, you need to determine what you expect from your holiday. Do you like lying around the pool or is exploring archaeological sites more your style? Are you after a relaxing holiday or an invigorating adventure? Do you like water sports or city excitement, historical castles and ruins or quaint village streets? Can you get by with the bare essentials or are modern amenities a priority. Ask yourself these questions before you walk through those travel agency doors.

When you are ready, make some calls to agencies in your neighborhood. You can get a good feel for the agents just by talking to them on the telephone. Is he or she in a hurry? Many agents want you to leave your telephone number so they can call you back. Sometimes they really are busy. At other times, it is a way for them to know if you are serious about your holiday plans. Make an appointment when you feel comfortable that the agent understands and is able to meet your needs.

Some agencies specialize in senior tours, some specialize in cruises, some specialize in group tours and incentive conventions, and some ... well, you get the picture, the list is endless. These agencies have many more options available because they deal with exclusive itineraries. They are particularly useful if you are keen on a certain type of holiday such as cruising and want to familiarize yourself with every possible type of water excursion from barging, to sailing, to yachting. They also occasionally have a better deal because of the volume of bookings they do with tour planners.

Other agencies have something for everyone and can still offer you the perfect cruise. Ask about shore options, price options, days at sea, age of passengers, size of ships, and ports of call. For bus excursions, inquire about length of stopovers, lists of attractions, miles traveled per day, rating of accommodations, meals that are included, and extras that are not covered in the fare. Read the brochures thoroughly when you find a holiday package you like, including the terms and conditions regarding such important details as cancellation insurance and liability claims.

Prepackaged holidays are usually the best bargains, particularly when still available close to the departure date. Prepackaged holidays can also offer additional options. These options usually deal with accommodations. A good travel agent will look for the best rate on all packages and offer you a variety of options. Your budget will determine whether you choose a three, four, or a five star hotel. Is money no object or is low the only way you can go? Will you sacrifice on your food allowance and pay a little more for your hotel room? Do you want a prepackaged holiday that includes air and accommodations or do you want to book air and rooms separately?

Preferably, the agent or someone in the office will have actually traveled to the proposed destination. Resort and tour planners offer familiarization trips for that very reason. However, this is not always possible. Therefore, you will need to rely on his or her knowledge and professionalism. Since most vacation disasters happen because the visitor is disappointed with the accommodation, it is the agent's responsibility to prepare the client for any potential misunderstandings. For example, a 4-star resort in a tropical destination might not be comparable to a 4-star hotel in America.

Mishaps such as over-booking, lost reservations and delayed flights cannot always be avoided. However, qualified agents should be constantly updating themselves on the reputation of various destinations from their previous clients, and the tour planners who put the packages together.

You should also keep in mind that if you know where you want to go and where you want to stay, you don't technically have to enlist the services of a travel agent. You can call the airline to book your flight and you can call the hotel to book accommodations. Just be sure to get confirmation numbers from both. Most airlines and hotels have toll-free numbers which you can obtain by calling 1-800-555-1212.

If you would rather place your travel needs in the hands of qualified professionals, a good travel agent will provide you with insight that could be to your advantage. They attend trade shows and go on familiarization trips regularly. They read through the mountains of printed material that comes their way almost daily. They have knowledge about new and upcoming holiday packages, flight plans, hotels, and vacation destinations. In other words, a good agent is well informed.

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Travel Tips on Cheap Airline Tickets

Finding Cheap Airfares

Getting a cheap flight is not complicated. It just takes a little time and a little effort.

GENERAL RULES ARE:

• Book in advance (anywhere from one week to three weeks)
• Stay over a Saturday
• Travel on slow days (usually Tuesdays and Wednesdays)
• Go to the destination during off-season (winter in Europe, Hawaii in summer)
• Travel on red-eyes (late flights)
• Don't fly direct (Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, is usually cheaper than Vancouver,Toronto.)
• Travel coach fare (business and first class can be twice or three times as much)
• Be flexible with your dates so you can take advantage of seat sales. (Most of the time seat sales are only for a few seats on the plane and for certain dates. For example, you have to leave on Tuesday and be back on a Tuesday within a two week window).

LESSER KNOWN RULES ARE:
* ASK FOR THE LOWEST FARE. The reservation clerk won't say unless you ask. Give her several dates so she can get some prices up on the screen.

* Let the airline know your are WILLING TO BE BUMPED to the next available flight when you are at the airport in case they over book. Besides getting you on their following flight, they will give you a cash discount voucher for a future flight.

* Offer to GO STAND-BY when they tell you the flight is sold out at the lowest fare. If you don't have any connections to make and don't mind hanging around the airport, chances are you'll get on.

* RETURN FLIGHTS ARE CHEAPER THAN ONE-WAY TICKETS. So if you are driving from New York to Seattle with a friend and need to fly back home, say your departure is Seattle and choose any date to come back from New York and when the time comes ignore the ticket. Remember, if you say your departure is New York and you don't show up at the airport your return portion is automatically canceled.

* CHARTER FLIGHTS are CHEAPER then conventional flights; most include lodging and are called vacation packages. Note: Packages are based on two people traveling. Charter flights also offer one way tickets for flight only.

* TOUR PLANNERS and Tour Operators BUY BLOCKS OF SEATS or lease planes to certain destinations. Some airlines have a tour division with packages of their own. Some tour planners own their own planes (Charters). When they don't fill the seats on certain flights, they offer them to the public at discounts via radio, TV, and in the newspapers.

* If you can CHANGE YOUR DEPARTURE AND ARRIVAL GATES and have time to spare, you can save lots of money. For example: Flights from Vancouver, Canada to major cities in Ukraine are over $1000. Flights to Berlin are under $700. You can take a train to Ukraine from Berlin for a lot less than the $300 savings. And the bonus is you see another country in the process.

* Another example of changing gateways is US travelers living in Seattle wanting to go to New York can cross the Canadian border and fly from Vancouver to Montreal using Canadian dollars and then taking the train to New York from Montreal.

* If you don't have a destination in mind, be aware that FLYING ACROSS THE WORLD IS CHEAPER than flying within your own country. Especially during off season.

RARELY KNOWN TIPS
* Before security checks became so important it was possible to buy tickets from passengers who changed their plans or only used a one-way portion of their tickets. Now the tickets have to match the name on the passport. Some domestic airlines, however, don't ask for matching ID. If you book in using the name on the ticket and it's of the same sex, you might get by, but I certainly wouldn't recommend it and I certainly would not feel secure.

* Some companies offer travel certificates-- buy one ticket and get one free. Occasionally, it's part of a giveaway if you sit through a sales presentation such as for a time-share package. I would be leery of purchasing this type of ticket without first checking to see if the airline honors it. Give the airlines a call or go to the home page of the airline. Occasionally, the airline has its own promotions, bonuses and incentives.

* Look in the paper to see if a physically-challenged passenger wants company or assistance. Often family members will offer to pay a portion of your ticket. On occasion, companies want packages (legal documents) delivered in person and are willing to pay for the service. If the flight is an emergency because someone died, call the airline and ask if they have any special fares for emergency flights.

ACCUMULATE POINTS QUICKLY
* Sign up for an air miles reward program and start accumulating air mile points. Don't use your points when their is a sale, instead let the points mount up by paying for that flight. It's a cheap way to accumulate thousands of air miles for a minimum cost.

* You can also increase the points quickly if you pay with a card that also offers air mile rewards. For example. Show your Air Miles card at Safeway Stores, but instead of paying cash, pay with a card that also offers awards and double your points. Use the double or triple coupons that come in the mail each month and you triple your points.

FIVE STEPS TO THE CHEAPEST FLIGHT FROM ANYWHERE TO ANYWHERE

1. If your destination is not to or from a major gateway like Paris, New York or Sydney, go to an online Encyclopedia and upload a map on the destination. Make note of the closest major city in the next closest country.

2. Call several major airlines to get their best rates on your destination and the rates on the next best city. Ask if they offer charters or have a tour package division.

3. Call railroads that service across countries like Eurail and Britrail and ask for rates to and from the next best city. For Eurail and BritRail fares call 1.800.361.7245. for Amtrac Railroad in the United States call 1.800.872.7245. For VIA RAil callers from Canada call 1.800.561.8630. Callers from United States call 1.800.561.3949.

4. Now armed with figures and info, call your local travel agent and ask what deals are available. Share the information you have to save time and explain you are looking for the cheapest possible fare. Jot the prices down in your notepad.

5. Go online and key in any major airline booking site and compare prices. Go to the airlines home page and see if they have any better deals.

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What you may want to know about Belize - San Ignacio

10 Reasons To Visit Los Angeles

Hit the pavement and tour Los Angeles, California, where you’ll find an intoxicating mix of showbiz, art, culture and a vibrant night life, all rolled into one of the world’s largest, most unique cityscapes.

1. Disneyland

From 1955 onwards, the landmarks of Disneyland – the Matterhorn, Sleeping Beauty’s Castle and New Orleans Square – have been as familiar and as “real” as the Eiffel Tower or the Empire State Building. A second theme park, Disney’s California Adventure, has been added adjacent to the original. Downtown Disney, a further addition, is an outdoor entertainment, restaurant and retail district. Together with the two parks and three Disney hotels, Downtown Disney forms the enormous complex called Disneyland Resort.

2. Catalina Island

This island may be only 22 miles across the sea, but it’s a world away from the urban velocity of L.A. Ferries dock in Mediterranean-flavoured Avalon, the island’s commercial hub. Most of the interior is protected nature preserve that may only be explored on foot or bicycle (permit required), or by taking an organized tour. These are excellent ways to learn about the island’s colourful history as a destination for sea otter poachers, smugglers, Union soldiers, mining speculators, and finally, tourists.

 

 

 

3. Los Angeles County Museum of Art

The largest encyclopedic art museum in the western US, LACMA was founded in 1910 and moved to its present Miracle Mile home in 1965. Its treasure trove includes paintings by Durer, Monet and Picasso; American and Latin American art; and works from the Middle East and Asia. A lively schedule of concerts, lectures and film screenings makes LACMA a community destination. The Broad Contemporary Art Museum (BCAM) opened in 2008; public spaces, gardens, and a building to house special exhibitions have subsequently been added.


 

4. The Grammy Museum

If you love music you won’t want to miss The Grammy Museum. Opened in 2008 (the Grammy’s 50th anniversary), the museum chronicles decades of popular music from all genres, and features four floors of interactive exhibits, rare collections of historical music artifacts, recording booths and a 200 seat theatre. Past exhibits have focused on legendary musicians like The Beatles, Bob Marley, Barbra Streisand and, of course, Michael Jackson. The pièce de résistance? Live performances from popular musicians, including John Legend, Ben Harper and Public Enemy’s Flavor Flav.


 

5. Griffith Park

Griffith Park is a 4,000-acre natural playground of rugged hills and gentle valleys, draped with native oak trees, manzanita, and sage and crisscrossed by hiking and horseback trails. The country’s largest urban park owes its existence to the Welsh Griffith Jenkins Griffith (1850-1919). In 1896, Griffith donated a large portion of his estate to the city with the proviso that it become “a place of recreation and rest for the masses.” Today, the park is filled with picnic areas, golf courses and tennis courts.

 

 

6. Sunset Strip

Sunset Strip has been a haven of hedonism since Prohibition days. Wedged between Hollywood and Beverly Hills, this 2.7-km of the Sunset Boulevard is crammed with hot nightclubs, hip rock venues, and fashionable boutiques. During Hollywood’s Glamour Age (1930-50), the stars trysted at the Chateau Marmont, partied at Trocadero, and talked shop at Schwab’s Pharmacy. Today’s hot spots rub shoulders with some historical landmarks.

 

 

 

7. Universal Studios Hollywood

The world’s largest movie and television studio sprang from the imagination of cinema pioneer Carl Laemmle. In 1915 he bought a former chicken ranch, brought in cameras, lights and actors and started making silent films. The theme park began taking shape in 1964. Today, Universal Studios Hollywood gets more visitors (about five million a year) than any other attraction in LA County. Among the studio’s greatest hits are Jaws (1975), Jurassic Park (1993) and Shrek (2001).

 

 

 

8. The Getty Center

An exquisite art collection, superb architecture, and lovely gardens combine with a hilltop location to create on of LA’s finest cultural destinations. Designed by Richard Meier, the Getty Center opened in December 1997 after 14 years of planning and construction. It unites the entities of the Getty Trust created by oil tycoon J. Paul Getty (1892-1976), including research and conservation institutes. At its core, however, is the museum with exquisite European art from illuminated manuscripts to Impressionistic paintings, contemporary sculpture, and photography.

 

 

 

9. Huntington Library, Art Collection and Botanical Gardens

The Huntington is one of those rare places that manages to please the eye, stimulate the mind and nourish the soul all at the same time. The former estate of railroad and real estate baron Henry E. Huntington (1850-1927), it consists of a trio of treasures: the art collections include fine examples of British, French and American art; the Huntington Library has about seven million rare manuscripts and books, including a Gutenberg Bible; and the Botanical Gardens are a fantastic feast of flora in a pleasing parklike setting.

10. Historic Hollywood Boulevard

Hollywood Boulevard, home of the Walk of Fame, has always been synonymous with the glamour of moviemaking, especially during its heydays in the 1920s and 1930s. But like an aging diva, it eventually fell out of favour, teeming with runaways, drug addicts and prostitutes. Now the heart of Tinseltown is finally cleaning up its act – the old movie palaces have received facelifts, the mega-entertainment complex of Hollywood and Highland is a major draw, and even “Oscar” has found a permanent home here.

 

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Advice On Travel to Costa Rica 

 

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Advice On Travel to Costa Rica

If you’re planning to travel to sometime soon, you should know that the best time to visit this fascinating country is definitely within the dry season. This time begins in Mid-December and lasts throughout April. If you opt to travel to between the beginning of the dry season and early February you can also enjoy the beautiful lush vegetation dotting the countryside along with the advantages of dry weather. You should also be aware; however, that during this time period some areas tend to be drier than others. This is especially true near Guanacaste. If you plant to travel in these areas be prepared to deal with the dust. It’s a good idea to bring along a hat and sunglasses to keep the dust out of your face and eyes as much as possible.

While it’s best to travel to during the dry season if you want to avoid the discomfort of the wet rainy season, if your primary objective is to avoid the throngs of tourist crowds, it’s definitely better to travel from May to mid-December. This time period embraces the rainy season and although it’s definitely wetter during this time period, you will gain the advantage of being able to enjoy the beautiful vegetation of Costa Rica while at its most lush and gorgeous period.

Traveling to even during the wet season can be easily managed if you known how to gauge the weather. For example, it’s typically dry and sunny in the morning, with the rains coming in the afternoon. So, if you plan to visit one of the beautiful stretches of beach in during your travels, be sure to do it in the

morning.

Getting around in can be a bit tricky, depending on the time of year that you plan to travel. Some of the roads in tend to wash out during the rainy season; particularly those that are paved without asphalt. If you want to visit some of the more rural areas, make plans to arrange for transportation with four wheel drive. Since many of the top destinations in tend to be at least a half a day’s drive apart, it’s important to take care of transportation arrangements early on.

It’s also important to know that if you choose to travel to during the rainy season, that accommodations may be limited. It’s quite common for hotels in rural areas to close for the entire rainy season.

Regardless of which time of year you plan to travel to , be aware that the temperature tends to range between seventy degrees and eighty-five degrees. Travel in the jungle means that you’ll need to be prepared to deal with intense humidity. Coastal areas tend to be even hotter, with temperatures typically reaching up into the nineties; with high humidity.

With proper advance planning, your plans to travel to will be sure to deliver a vacation that will provide lifelong memories. 

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What you may want to know about Belize - San Ignacio

1. San Ignacio is known as Cayo by the locals.

2. San Ignacio and Cayo are great fun for horses, stunning scenery, jungle treks (arrange a 3-day tour to Caracol on mule-back with Martz Farm), off-roading, kayaking on the Macal or Mopan, waterfalls (Big Rock or 1000ft), transit to Guatemala, practising your Spanish.

3. If you don't like the outdoors, aren?t headed to Guatemala and aren't interested in Mayan culture, then stick with the Cayes (Caulker is best value for backpackers, Tobacco is good for getting away from it).

4. The best place for 'travellers' who only ever do what the Lonely Planet suggests is definitely Eva's. For the rest, look out for the next edition spots and some local flavour: try "Cocopeles" 2 mins from Eva's (just ask for directions, the locals don't bite) for a great vibe, bar games, better prices and local/gringo mix. Food is supplied by local eateries such as.

5. The Firenza Cafe' in the small street opposite Belize Bank. It's great for pizzas, has an outdoor bar/patio & a very cheap/good breakfast. It's also clean and won't give you a bad stomach unlike some other places mentioned in the guides...

6. The San Ignacio hotel is bad value, even on someone elses credit card; Martha's & Venus are much better for in-town options.

7. Backpackers is a good option out-of-town and the Xuanantunich Inn, just opposite the ferry to the Mayan site, is a fair spot if you are in a group and you negotiate a discount.

8. My lux choice would be Cacao Creek (when it opens to the public in December or for budget, the cool Martz Farm with horses & tree-houses (speak to Joe or Miriam on 614 6462).

9. The cheap way to Tikal is to take the bus or Benque taxi to the border, then take a collectivo (mini-van from the gas station past the border bridge 3 minute walk) towards Flores, the closet town to Tikal. Ask to be dropped at the junction to Tikal and then flag a ride there from one of the many shuttles that do the trip from Flores. If you are in a group, negotiate a deal with the mini-vans at the border. The third price is usually the best.

10. Taxis in Cayo are cheaper by day, but few trips will cost over $10. Buses run regularly from the town and are good value. Look out for express routes to/from Belize City.

Hotels 

Hotel Central has a friendly English owner.The rooms are spacious and have common private bathroom. It has a balcony with hammock. It costs 22 B$ for a double, but it was full when we arrived around noon.   We went to Hotel Venus which is a large block full of rooms. Only rooms 10 and 16 have a window. The showers are somtimes broken, a double costs 35 Q. 

Restaurant 

The place to be for travellers is Eva's Restaurant. It provides plenty of travel info and organises relatively cheap tours to the jungle (at least compared to the tours lodges in the neighbourhood are offering). 

What to do 

The Xunantunich ruins are 30 minutes out of town. It's a bit difficult to get there, since you first have to take a bus to the ferry, and from there it's a walk up the hill. The ruins themselves are nothing special (especially after you've seen Tikal), the view over Guatemala is OK.  

A 1 day trip into the jungle is possible during the dry season and can be arranged at Eva's, but don't expect too much of it. There are mainly 3 things to see:  

• A nice and very high waterfall which you can see from a viewpoint (the Hidden Falls waterfall).  
• A smaller waterfall with pools, nice to have a swim (Rio On pools).  
• A cave which is OK (Rio Frio Cave).  

When I was there, it was extremely difficult to visit the Mayan ruins of Caracol in the middle of the jungle. In the mean time however, they continued the excavations, made a road and recently opened a visitor's center. Although the ruins are bigger then the ones in Tikal, most of it is not yet excavated. It is also much less touristic then Tikal. Entrance (including visitor's center) is now 5 US$ (5/99). You can visit the ruins on a day trip from San Ignacio usually also including the Rio On pools and the rio Frio Cace.  

If you're into eco-tourism (to be honest I'm not such a big fan myself), then San Ignacio might have what you're looking for. Although, a lot of the lodges charge pretty much and cater for Americans willing to spend some US$ (70% of visitors entering by airplane are Americans). Here are some options:  

- One of the largest cave systems in central America  

- 3 butterfly farms  

- Belize botanical gardens  

- Belize Zoo  

- You can do some kayaking, rafting, horsebacking etc...  

- I didn't do any of these so I can't comment on them.  

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