Low Cost Airfare - By: Jacky Uy

By: Jacky Uy

1. Comparison shopping is the first tip for finding low cost airfare. Purchasing tickets online, through airfare consolidators, and through travel agents are the most common sources for purchasing tickets. If you have time, shopping through all of three of these is the easiest way to get a lower priced ticket.The time of day, company you are flying with, the destination city, and so many more factors need to be considered in getting low cost airfare. Here are some factors that affect the price on an airline ticket.

2. Purchase tickets in advance. Usually, you can get low cost airfare fourteen days or more before the date of the flight. Typically, you will pay higher prices if you book them within fourteen days and the prices progressively get more expensive the longer you wait to purchase the airline tickets.

3. Another method for finding low cost airfare is by choosing an airline that will fly you close to your destination city by not directly into it. Airlines that fly to smaller cities have no choice but to offer cheaper price. Otherwise, the smaller cities would have no use for airports, which is where a lot of imports and exports take place for local businesses. So, you can take a plane to a smaller city and rent a car to take 30 or 100 miles to your destination. You will still be saving money, as most people rent cars when they reach their destination. You may even get a cheaper rate on the rental car for the same reason. Smaller cities, cheaper prices.

4. Flying during the evening and early morning hours will help acquire low cost airfare. Most late night and early morning flights have a few available seats and offer them at discounted rates for these hours. Not very many like to travel during these hours, so it makes perfect sense.

5. Try not to fly on important dates, such as holidays, and don't fly on the weekends. Holidays and weekends mean money for the airline industry, so they have a tendency to mark up the prices. It is difficult to receive low cost airfare on any holiday or on any weekend day. So, try to go to your destination well before the holiday or well after and try to fly in the middle of the week, Tuesday or Wednesday.

6. Flying to destinations, when the destinations spots are not in demand is another way to find cheap airline tickets. For example, you would probably want to look at tickets to Florida destinations in the middle of summer for Northern states because the tickets to Florida are not in demand. In order to keep the airplanes flying there, the airlines have to offer discounts to the customers.

7. Frequent Flyer miles are a wonderful way to save money on airfare. If you know that you will be traveling by airplane frequently or even once a year, you may want to pay a higher price for the tickets that offer frequent flyer miles. You can purchase the airlines tickets to your destinations until you have acquired enough miles to get a ticket or pair of tickets free. This costs more upfront, but if you add up the costs over time, you will see that overall you receive lower prices by doing this. Low cost airfare is much easier when you travel frequently and frequent flyer miles offer another advantage to travelers.

8. If you allow your flight to have a layover, you will find low cost airfare. Layovers, while mostly inconvenient to the traveler, offer a much cheaper price to that same traveler. Major problems with layovers include loss of baggage, too short of a layover could mean missed plane, and separation from family member that could result in one person or two being left behind. This can also be a problem if you are traveling with small children. You have to make sure you allot extra time to get your family from the arrival gate to the departure gate to make sure you do not miss your flight.All of these tips will help you save money on airline tickets. The main thing to do is to weigh out your options and chose the right tickets and flight for you. The tips above should help guide you if you are looking to make a great trip without paying a lot out. Hotels are expensive enough, take as much as you can from low cost airfare

About The Author:

Jacky Uy writes for http://www.cheapairfareguide.info where you can find out more about cheap airfare guides and other topics.

Article Source: http://articlecity.com

New Pinterest Board!

Started using Pinterest today! My first board is pictures of some of my favorite subjects... cities from the air! Check them out here: https://www.pinterest.com/samsworldwidebl/cities-from-the-air/

Tips for Better Vacation Photos - By: Valerie Goettsch

By: Valerie Goettsch

Photos are a great way to share your travel experiences with family and friends. Here are a few suggestions to help you capture vacation memories you will treasure for years to come.

PLAN AHEAD

Make sure your digital camera is in good working order before you go, and keep it in a water- and shock-resistant case. Bring two sets of rechargeable batteries and don't forget the charger and relevant cords. Make sure your camera has enough memory. Packing an extra memory card is wise, as there is nothing worse than running out of room for pictures halfway down the Grand Canyon. It may be tempting to lower the resolution so you can store more pictures, but you will regret this later as it may result in poorer quality prints, or you will be limited to smaller size prints. Set your camera at its highest quality JPEG setting and get more memory if you have to. You will appreciate this when you're viewing and printing your photos after your trip.

TAKE LOTS AND LOTS OF PICTURES.

With a digital camera you can always erase the photos you don't want. Take pictures of anything you find interesting and try to focus on some of the details such as an attractive doorway or a colorful market, not just panoramic scenes or major landmarks. Let your pictures tell a story by creating a visual diary of your trip. Include street scenes, interesting signs, people you see along the way. For variety take both vertical and horizontal pictures.

READY FOR YOUR CLOSE-UP?

When taking people shots, don't make the mistake of standing too far away. You want to be able to recognize the people in your photos. Get close enough so you can see the expressions on your subjects faces. Zoom in on individuals or capture them from the waist up. Pictures are often more interesting when you can catch people at candid, un-posed moments. In posed photos, try to incorporate some of the background into your shot. Try snapping from interesting angles rather than simply head-on.

USE YOUR FLASH

When photographing in bright sunlight, setting your camera's "fill" or "forced" flash is very helpful, particularly when photographing people. Brilliant sunlight often makes people's faces look harsh, casting dark shadows under the eyes and accentuating wrinkles. The daytime fill-in flash will soften the lighting and make the images more flattering. Your family and friends in the photos will thank you!

EDIT AND ENHANCE YOUR FAVORITE SHOTS

When you get home you can edit, crop and enhance your favorites using photo editing software such as Foto Finish, Ulead or Photoshop Elements. Consider adding drama to your images by turning some of your color photos into black and white or sepia tones and then upload all your images to an online photo printing service like Ofoto or Shutterfly for fast and convenient prints. You can take your best snaps and use your photo editing software to create a photo calendar or make photo cards for personal notes, or to email your favorites to family and friends.

Most of all have fun with your camera!

About The Author: Valerie Goettsch publishes the digital photography website
http://www.digitalphotos101.com featuring reviews of photo editing and album software and digital photo printing services.

Article Source: http://www.articlecity.com/articles/travel_and_leisure/article_119.shtml

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

I don't want a lot for Christmas

There is just one thing I need

I don't care about the presents

Underneath the Christmas tree

I just want (one thing) for my own

More than you could ever know

Make my wish come true oh

All I want for Christmas is... FOOD!!!

Hope y'all have a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS and A HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Got My International Driving Permit!

(UPDATE ON 05-14-2019: Some of the information in this post is no longer accurate, so a new post on the topic of applying for and obtaining International Drivings permits has been made.

Please, click here!)

After getting the immunizations mandated for my YWAM DTS yesterday, we went up to AAA's (American Automobile Association) Bay Hill office up in Orlando to get my International Driving Permit (IDP). Originally I was going to mail-in the AAA application (found here) but, I needed 2 matching passport sized photos. So after a couple phone calls, we decided that it was best to just go and apply in person; no waiting period and I could pay with a credit card.

AAA charges $10 for passport photos on-top of the standard $15 fee for the IDP itself. Now if you are a premier AAA member you get this fee waived.

The IDP will good for one year from date of issuance. However, you can ask them to date it to a future date as I did but, not more than 6 months in advance.

To be honest, I am not sure that I will be using my IDP at all but, for such a small fee I wanted to be safe than sorry. I doubt that I would want to drive in NZ as they drive on the left; not sure how I would adapt to that. But, maybe if I visit Europe next year! :P (Check-out my GiveSendGo page: https://www.givesendgo.com/ywamnz)

Though I got my permit through AAA you can also get one through the National Auto Club (NAC). They are the only two private entities in the United States authorized to issue them to holders of US driver's license. So, if you see another entity offering them it is probably a scam. For more up to date information on IDPs, please visit: http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/go/safety/driving.html

Note: While I do try to make sure all the information I provide is accurate, I will make no guarantees. Please do your own research. Also, I am NOT affiliate with AAA, NAC or USDOS. The links provided here will take you to other websites, click responsibly.

Update on YWAM Preparations - #2

Note: If you are interested in contributing to help me meet my YWAM Tuition costs, please click here... (https://www.givesendgo.com/ywamnz)

This morning I got my Tetanus and Typhoid immunizations taken care of. Though, I only really needed to get my Typhoid immunization, the nurse at the county health department suggested that I go ahead and updated my Tetanus Booster (Tdap) as well. Technically I was good with my Tdap until 2018 (once every 10 years) however, she said for active traveling an update every 5 years was recommended.

As for my Typhoid, I got the pill option, it will take about a week for full immunization. I take one pill every other day (4 pills). This treatment is actually a “Live Virus” but, I will not be contagious or anything. She said some stomach upset and tiredness will be the most of my worries. However, with the pill I am good for 5 years vs. just 3 years with the shot and the pill option was cheaper... poor marketing if you ask me. :P

All in all, I went in today not planning to get any shots but, I ended up getting two. The other was for a non-travel related immunization regiment that I fail to complete when I was a child. So, I am all set healthwise for my trip... SO EXCITED!!! :D

Next task is to get my International Driving Permit from AAA. Doing that today, leaving in a few minutes...

Ten "Travel" Commandments - By: Marli Davis

By: Marli Davis

I. Thou shalt pack HALF the clothes you want.

II. Thou shalt take TWICE the money you will need.

III. Thou shalt pack an abundance of Patience.

IV. Thou shalt NOT count calories, especially on cruises.

V. Your extra large luggage shalt have wheels.

VI. Thou shalt NOT feel guilty if you don't write and mail postcards until after you return home.

VII. Thou shalt pack a little Caution.

VIII. Thou shalt practice using your new camera BEFORE

you depart on your vacation.

IX. Thou shalt NOT pack uncomfortable shoes, no matter how attractive they might be.

X. Thou shalt have wonderful experiences that will flow into wonderful memories!

Copyright (C) 2003 by Marlene M. Davis
All rights reserved.

Article Sorce: http://www.articlecity.com/articles/travel_and_leisure/article_13.shtml

Update on YWAM Preparations - #1

Note: If you are interested in contributing to help me meet my YWAM Tuition costs, please click here... (https://www.givesendgo.com/ywamnz)

My YWAM base notified me that I need to update my Tetanus and Typhoid immunizations.  Who knew finding in-stock immunization vaccines was so difficult? I thought that I lived in a "first world country!" Not to mention that my local county health department has yet to return my call a week later.


Well, I got some time before I need to get the shots. If all else fails, I will get them in NZ before my Outreach Phase begins. However, I really want to get them state side just in case I have a negative reaction, I don't think I will but, better to play it safe. BTW, I hear that they now have pills for Typhoid... :)

Best Beaches in Florida - By: Dave Hoff

Visitusa.com is committed to singing the praises of a variety of beaches in Florida that visitors to the Orange State may enjoy. To that end, we've compiled an extensive list of the best Florida beaches we could find. So with out further ado, here are some of the best beaches in Florida. 

Fort De Soto Beach is a historic fort built during the Spanish-American War located on Mullet Key. This 900- acre park has 7 miles of beaches, 2 fishing piers, picnic and camping areas, a small history museum and a 2,000-ft. nature trail. 

Florida's Gulf Coast, Caladesi is one of the few remaining large undeveloped barrier islands in Florida, and is only accessible by boat. It is an perfect locations for swimming, fishing, picnics, diving, hiking and nature study. 

Key Biscayne's beaches in Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park's visitors can stroll by the Atlantic, charter a deep-sea fishing boat, ride a jet ski, or just relax. It's one of the best places in Greater Miami for golf, sunbathing & water sports 

Perdido Key is a natural paradise is home to plentiful native wildlife. The clear green waters and miles of soft white sand are perfect for sunbathing or water sports and it's considered one of the America's best swimming beaches. 

South Beach is a happening hot-spot with a chic night life. The "American Riviera" is great for couples on spring break (that can afford it anyway) since rowdy crowds of teenagers are rarely seen on its upscale sands. 

Greater Fort Lauderdale has 23 miles of sun-drenched beaches and is perfect for people watching or shopping and dining at any number of great beach shops and restaurants that line the clean and eco-friendly beaches. 

St. Joseph Peninsula State Park's miles of white sand beaches and striking dune formations characterize this Florida Panhandle area. Boating, saltwater fishing, camping, canoeing and hiking are all popular St. Joseph Peninsula activities. 

Clearwater Beach offers nearly every water and beach activity conceivable, and nearby Pier 60 Park has a family recreation complex with playgrounds, fishing and concession stands. 

Anastasia State Park is home to several rare, threatened and endangered species. Located on Anastasia Island, near St. Augustine, this beach provides opportunities for Camping, fishing, picnicking, hiking, beach volleyball, boating and more.

St. George Island State Park sits on 9 miles of undeveloped beaches and dunes. It is surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico and Apalachicola Bay, and is a perfect setting for a quiet Florida getaway. 

Daytona Beach is called the "World's Most Famous Beach". Visitors can drive automobiles on the sand by day and stroll the boardwalk by night, stopping occasionally to enjoy the arcades. Daytona Beach is also a major surfing hotspot.

Ad: Top Destinations #10: Click Here for the Best Miami Beach Hotel Deals!

Siesta Key is one of the most popular the beaches on the southwest coast of Florida and is famous for its soft white sand. Amenities include lifeguards, concessions, picnic tables, grills, restrooms, showers & volleyball & tennis courts.

Author Bio

Looking for more information on Florida Beaches check out visitusa.com your outdoor adventure travel guide

Article Source: http://www.ArticleGeek.com - Free Website Content

Happy 1st Birthday... To My Travel Blog Of Course!

To be totally honest, I cannot believe that it has been a year since I started this travel blog. I am so excited for future travels, my YWAM DTS in New Zealand (http://bit.ly/1Ncg7Tj) is just next month... God, time is flying!

Some current stats:

Total Page Views: 1850
Number of Visiting Nations: 25+
Blog Posts: 65 (including this one)


My First Blog Post:

"A New Adventure"

"While I have traveled the world, this "Travel Blog" stuff is totally new to me. However, I will not shy away from a new adventure. I might not be the most traveled person in this world but, hey... I got info to share and stories to tell."

I have sure come a long way in one year! To the FUTURE!!! :D

Global Real Estate Trend - 2015 - By: Stephen Pern

By: Stephen Pern

The Urban Land Institute jointly with PwC produces the annual report of the Emerging Trends in Real Estate in United States, Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe. Further, these reports are generated by in-depth analysis, surveys and interviews with the leading realty professionals across the globe.

Over the years, these reports are considered as the key indicators for property developers to determine the realty growth in their respective countries. In the Emerging Trends in Real Estate 2015 report, the realty insights of the regions across the globe are revealed. The report also highlights the real estate development and relevant investment trends of the future.

Following are the reports of the regions across the globe;

Asia Pacific

Irrespective of the economic downturn during the year 2015, it is expected that the property market will remain robust. This is owing to increasing capital flow into the real estate industry by various investment sources (both international and domestic). As per the Emerging Trends in Real Estate Asia Pacific 2015 report, Japan remains the most preferred country for investment. The capital city Tokyo ranked first and Osaka ranked third in terms of development prospects and investment for the upcoming year.

The report also reveals that the logistic industry in Asia has been playing the major role in booming the commercial real estate sector. The major countries that have been witnessing a great commercial development by the impact of logistics include Japan, Singapore and China.

Apart from commercial, the demand is also high for the residential properties in Asia due to increasing automobile industries and IT developments for the past few years. Further, the Asian countries have been targeted by the IT and commercial bigwigs across the globe to further their development units at the time to come.

United States

According to Emerging Trends in Real Estate 2015, the property market of the US is expected to be strong and perform well throughout 2015. Both the domestic and global investors will show a great interest in buying an asset in the US, as they will get the higher return of capital in the future. The major factor that makes the US stand apart from other regions is its improving fundamentals.

Europe

In the year 2015, it is expected that Europe's real estate industry will be more lucrative and busier in 2015 despite its economic conditions and fundamentals, says the report. The core reason for optimistic expectation is the availability of capital. Also, the interviewees and respondents of Emerging Trends Europe's survey anticipate an increase in both secondary and prime values as a result of greater liquidity.

Africa

Africa has been targeted highly by the developers and investors, as they consider African real estate is one of the key emerging markets. The key factors that drive the property market of Africa include demographic shifts and changes in consumer behavior in the recent times. These reasons have encouraged the global investors to enter various markets in the region.

Stephen Pern is an interior designer by profession and a contributing writer with IndiaProperty.com. She specializes in creating small aesthetic changes in space of any kind

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Stephen_Pern/1980804

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9084568

Two Days in Auckland - By Tracey L Christensen

By: Tracey L Christensen

Like any capital city, Auckland is packed full of places to see and things to do and the best way to see it (if you have the time) is to wander around exploring every nook and cranny and visiting every attraction, restaurant or site possible. But... if you have limited time you need to be much more organised and having a clear itinerary is definitely the way to go. There are a great range of hotels in Auckland offering excellent Auckland CBD accommodation close to most attractions, restaurants and sights so you don't waste too much time getting around. Getting around Auckland isn't difficult, there are plenty of taxis, buses and trains in the CBD plus the Auckland 'Hop on, Hop off' Explorer charges a reasonable fee and allows tourists to hop on and off the bus all day, and stops at most of the major Auckland attractions.

Day 1

Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki is first stop on your two day tour of Auckland. The gallery is the home of visual arts in New Zealand and boasts over 15,000 artworks by Maori and Pacific Island artists as well as international artists. Allow a couple of hours to look through the gallery and factor in some time for a coffee and cake at the gallery cafe. Next stop is the Auckland Zoo, home to New Zealand's largest collection of animals and known as one of the most progressive zoos in the world. The zoo is set on 17 hectares of lush parkland and houses 138 different species. Finish day one with a walk around cosmopolitan Viaduct Harbour and a quick visit to the Voyager Maritime Museum followed by a relaxed dinner at one of the Viaduct's waterfront restaurant. Retire to your Auckland CBD accommodation exhausted.

Day 2

Start day two with an adrenaline-filled jet boat ride around Auckland's beautiful Waitemata Harbour followed by a quick ferry ride from Auckland to Devonport for a much more relaxing brunch. Take some time to explore the charming seaside town, its beaches, shops and galleries. From Devonport head back to Auckland CBD and visit the Auckland Museum with the world's largest Maori and Pacific Island collection housed in New Zealand's most iconic and impressive heritage building. From here it's a short trip to the famous Sky Tower, Auckland's tallest building where you can enjoy 360° views of Auckland from a 1.2 metre wide observation deck called Sky Walk, 192 metres above the city streets. Adrenalin junkies may want to take the experience one step further and have a go at Sky Jump - described as base jumping while attached to a wire. Once back on terra firma a great way to conclude your two day trip to Auckland is with a sunset dinner cruise on Auckland harbour. There are several companies offering dinner cruises leaving out of Viaduct Harbour and if you're lucky you may get to see some dolphins while you're out there. A quick trip back to one of the excellent Auckland airport hotels means you'll be ready to fly out first thing in the morning knowing that you've seen the best of Auckland.

For more information on Hotels in Auckland including Auckland airport hotels and Auckland CBD accommodation visit Choice Hotels New Zealand online.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Tracey_L_Christensen/1188471

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7977479

What Is A Good Nightly Rate For A Cruise?

 

When I start doing research on any particular cruise there are a number of factors (location, time of year ship, etc) that will determine what I am personally willing to pay overall for said cruise. However, my goal is to always try and stay under the $100 per-night (before taxes and port fees) mark.

As with anything regarding a cruise's nightly rate, the $100 per-night amount that I mentioned is based on double occupancy and would translate to $200 per-night. Do keep in mind that I am talking about cruises from “main stream” cruise lines such as Norwegian (the only line I have used so far), Celebrity, Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Princess, etc. I am not talking about luxury cruise lines like Silver Sea, Cunard, Seaborne, etc. Also, keep in mind that I always look for and book the cheapest inside cabin (read my “Is A Balcony Cabin Worth The Extra Cost?” post to see why).

$200 per-night is a good and very workable goal, a 7 day cruise for two would work out to be around $1400 (before taxes and port fees), I would NOT be willing to pay more than that. In reality, I have taken cruises MUCH cheaper than that example, my trans-Atlantic was about $70 per-night for two and the Alaskan one I went on was only about $100 per-night for two.

For your convenience, I am posting a link to a website that I discovered recently that actually lets you search for cruises based on the cost per-night: http://cruisesheet.com. This website will make the “job” of finding a cruise based on nightly rate just that much easier, especially if you are not one given to math.

Around the World in $75,000???

I got this email today from Travel+Leisure (T+L) and it certainly piqued my interest! See a screenshot below:

  

Needless to say I wish that I had the extra $75k to spare. Maybe I can beg on the streets till the departure date, I have till February 3rd of 2017.  Here is some of the details of this adventure provided by Intrepid Travel as quoted from on T+L's website:

"Taking a year off to travel the world isn't as tough as it sounds—if you've got $75,000 burning a hole in your pocket and 365 work-free days to spare. Intrepid Travel, a trip-planning service focused on adventure travel, is offering a year-long tour through 34 countries, starting with Bangkok and ending in Buenos Aires."

"For the full itinerary, head over to Intrepid Travel's website."

  

Read T+L's full article here:

http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/trip-around-the-world

Why Did I Start A Travel Blog?

With this blog nearing it's first birthday, some may ask, "Why did you start a travel blog?"  The answer to that question is two fold: #1: I felt God telling me to do it. #2: I love to travel and I do so fairly often.

However, with those two reasons aside I still did not make a move until I saw the video below. Once I saw the video, I tapped into reasons "#1" and "#2" and just went with it!

 

Thankfulness: From The Other Side of the Wall

This was a post of mine to my personal Facebook account on Thanksgiving of 2014. However, the message is still just as meaningful that year as it is this year. I hope you enjoy and have a very...

HAPPY THANKSGIVING! :D

"I have been meaning to write this article for a while but, I have just never taken the time to do so. I feel that there is a good message in this for anyone who is willing to read it. To be totally honest, I do not think that there is a better time of year to write this.

Thankfulness: From “The Other Side of the Wall”

November 27th 2014

Thanksgiving Day is here once again; the year has gone by so fast. So many good things have happened in my life this year, and I am eager for the good that God has planned in my future. I hope you all are having a great Thanksgiving and that you are truly thankful for the blessings you have been granted. However, I hope we can all practice our thankfulness everyday of the year, even on Leap Years.

We often say “Thanks” to God, people and even our animals. However, I think we have all at times taken the word “Thanks,” or variations thereof for granted. So, I wish to say a few words about being truly thankful, to God most of all.

Personally, my life always has been, and till I die, always will be a work in progress. Looking back, I have in only 20½ years, done and seen things that other people have only dreamed of doing or seeing. I realized that tomorrow is never promised, and the fact that I am here is testament to God's goodness towards me. But to truly be “Thankful” for my life? Well, though I was always taught to be thankful, true thankfulness is something that only became most real to me in the last few years.

One day when I was 15, about 2 days after arriving in Brazil for a 2 week mission trip, I was talking with a fellow group member. The topic at hand was a slum (called a "Favela" in Brazil) which could be see on a distant hill from the very nice house we were being hosted in. He basically told me told me, “That is nothing. Go to the upstairs bathroom; stand on the toilet, and look out the window.” Within a few minutes, I did exactly as he suggested I do, I was shocked to say the least. Directly on the opposite side of the house's retaining wall was a “Favela,” up close.

Though I had seen some bad areas of the city on the van ride to our host's house from the airport, I was now seeing one in much greater detail, how the people lived. In the coming days I would eventually go (twice) into a Favela with my group; however, it was at that bathroom window that I first thought about “The Other Side of the Wall.” Really, I don't know what it is about bathrooms that God likes but, he likes to deal with people there.

Arriving back home in “the States” I thought about the things which I had seen while in Brazil. I became more thankful for the things I took for granted. I knew that by any stroke of fate I could be one of those people living, anywhere in this world on “The Other Side of the Wall.” Actually, being born into an extremely poor family, in a small village in Southern Belize, I was born on “The Other Side of the Wall.” If not for God's grace had I would not be simply thinking on the poverty I had seen, but actively participating in it.

Reflecting back even further, to the age of 3 or 4, memories of my trip to Liberia came to mind. Though my memories of Liberia are not as vivid due to my age, I remember one particular time when I went with my mom to visit an abandoned village which had been destroyed in the recent civil war. I remember walking through what seemed to be the former school house; the remains of a geography lesson was still on the wall, and riddle with bullet holes. Another memory from Liberia is that at some point after we saw the village, mom had reason to visit an orphanage. The children, though poor and parent-less, greeted us with smiles, truly glad to see us, they even sang as a "choir" at one point. Their joy and happiness was not due to riches, toys or iPads (LOL, this was in the late 90's). But their joy came just because they were glad to be alive, have shelter, and food. Many had survived the civil war, and who knows what untold horrors they witnessed. But, they still had a joy that can only come from being truly thankful for their very lives, even though there were not on my "side of the wall.”

I say all that to say this: Thankfulness is not just a word to be thrown around like seasoning on a turkey or about the good deals you get for stuff the day after being “thankful” for what you already had. Thankfulness is a true feeling of gratitude that comes only from joy, a joy you can only get when you truly appreciate the life you have been given no matter what "side of the wall" you may see yourself on.

So whether your turkey is stuffed with bread, or with caviar, I pray you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day, one of TRUE thankfulness. Remember: “Rejoice always, pray continually, give THANKS in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

(Seriously, if you have internet and can read this, or anything at all... you have reasons to be thankful!)

What Does Your Suitcase Say About You? - By: Lee-Anne Turley

Are you an airport people watcher? You can tell a lot about people by the stuff they carry around. Every suitcase has a story to tell.

Take a minute to look around the luggage hall. What do you see?

Can you pick the:

• Hoarders from the minimalists?
• Business travellers from the tourists?
• Frequent flyers from novices?

Let's have a little fun. Have light-hearted look around to see what people check in or try to take onboard...

Suitcase Travel Styles

Carry on only

1. The domain of the experienced frequent flyer and business travellers.
2. These are people who have figured out how to plan their wardrobe so that they can fit a week's worth of necessities in a small space. They will zip past the check-in counter with a smart wheelie suitcase in tow.
3. Carry on connoisseurs know the rules when it comes to suitcase size and weight.
4. Those who don't know the rules or don't want to follow the rules, can be seen haggling with the airline staff at the check-in counter. Some will put on quite a show before handing over their small bag for check-in.

The matching luggage set

1. A slightly old fashioned concept in world where loads of 20th century dress codes have gone by the wayside in the name of casual dress.
2. Check to see if they have carefully matched their belt, bag and shoes as well. If the answer is 'Yes' this person is a fastidious traveller who wants to be prepared for all occasions.

  

Big suitcases

1. This person loves to pack for every possible weather event and occasion that may arise away from home.
2. Possibly a hoarder who can't leave home without a substantial selection of shoes, clothes or accessories.
3. Check the bag tags. This may be a frequent flyer taking advantage of their bonus luggage allowance to go on a shopping spree.

Lots of small bags

1. Possibly a carry on fail by a last minute packer.
2. A sneaky attempt to get more on board.
3. An infrequent traveller making do with the bags they have.
4. A family on a vacation where mum, dad and each of the kids has to have their own bag. Bags may be strung together and dragged along like a train by mum or dad. Stacked precariously on a trolley or dragged individually by complaining kids.

Brand names

1. It's all about the look.
2. Status is important to these people and they want to look the part.

Plain Black vs Colours and Patterns

1. Plain black. - De Rigueur for men in business suits.
2. Plain black with coloured tags and ribbons. - A person who does not want to stand out from the crowd who is worried about their nondescript suitcase being picked up by someone else.
3. Bright colours and patterns - the luggage of choice for children and the young at heart.
4. Colours in general - luggage that belongs to women with personality or a gent who's suitcase was purchased by his wife/mother/female friend.
5. Camouflage (patterned, dark green, khaki or brown) - most likely belongs to a male backpacker or adventure traveller. (the adventure traveller will have other over size luggage such skis, surfboard, golf clubs).

Name: Lee-Anne Turley
Blog: Just me please - the adventures and advice of a solo traveller.

Just me please is your travel advisor. Read about my adventures and follow in my footsteps. Use my tips and experience to guide you on your journey, find places of interest and plan your next vacation.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Lee-Anne_Turley/2195948

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9235331

22 Encounrageing Bible Verses About Travel - By: Fritz Chery @ BibleReasons.com

Bible Verses About Travel

As Christians we always want to include God in our plans in life. Maybe you or someone you know is on vacation about to go on a trip, if so pray to God for guidance and protection.

Sometimes travelling might seem scary because we’re not used to it and can’t see everything, but God can, and He will keep you safe and watch over you on your journey. May God guide you and give you peace. I encourage you to be courageous and spread the name of Jesus on your trip.

Safety

1. Luke 4:10 Scripture says, ‘He will put his angels in charge of you to watch over you carefully.

2. Psalm 91:11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.

3. Proverbs 2:8-9 for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones. Then you will understand what is right and just and fair—every good path.

4. Zechariah 2:5 I will be a wall of fire around it, declares the Lord. I will be the glory within it.’

5. Psalm 91:4-5 He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge. His truth is your shield and armor. You do not need to fear terrors of the night, arrows that fly during the day

6. Proverbs 3:23-24 Then you will go safely on your way, and you will not hurt your foot. When you lie down, you will not be afraid. As you lie there, your sleep will be sweet.

To read the rest of the "22 Encounrageing Bible Verses About Travel" - By: Fritz Chery, please click the following link: http://biblereasons.com/travel

Article Source: http://biblereasons.com/travel

Jargon of the Appalachian Mountains

This a great article courtesy of my mom over at: http://appalachian-treasures.com! As someone who once lived right "Smack Dab In The Middle" of Western North Carolina I can personally attest to many portions of this article.

"First, a bit of history to enable you, the reader, to better understand the jargon/dialect of the people of Appalachia: those wonderful, Majestic Appalachian Mountain people!


Most importantly: prounouncing the word "Appalachian" - it is "app" - "uh" - "latch" - "in" (not "App - uh - lay - shin)

Until the 1960s, when the Interstate highway system  really made travel in and out of the mountains easy, the Majestic Appalachian Mountain jargon/dialect had been fairly well preserved since the 1700s.  Linguists noted that there were words and  forms of speech found there that were very closely related to Elizabethan English forms, and that did not exist anywhere else in the world.

Probably the one aspect of the Majestic Appalachian Mountain Culture that is misunderstood the most is the way the people of Appalachia talk.   They still speak in the purest form of "Virgin English."  Their  dialect developed as a result of the merging of four British dialects when America was in it's infancy.

Not long after the first settlers landed at Plymouth Rock,  it didn't take long for the east coast to become overcrowded and the migration westward began.  Europeans began  flocking to the Appalachian Mountains.  The Appalachian Mountains were rugged and hard to cross.  During this crossing many people found that the mountains were abundant with wildlife and the valleys were rich in minerals and were perfect for farming.  They decided to end their travels, stay and build their homes.

 

The early settlers to the Appalachian Mountains area were mostly Scottish, Irish, German, and English.  Thus the merging of all these dialects combined with the isolation of the area has caused the  Appalachian Mountain jargon/dialect to be labeled in many phonetics and language studies as "Virgin English:" a form of English that has changed very little since the settlers first came.

The relative isolation of the mountains  insured a quality of life in the people of the Majestic Appalachian Mountains reminiscent of their earlier way of life.  Life in the wilderness and the continuing isolation have made the  Appalachian people different from most other Americans.  The Appalachian value system that influences attitudes and behavior is  different from the national norm.   The more important values of the Appalachian Mountain people are religion,  family solidarity, individualism, self reliance,  pride, love of place, modesty,  being oneself,  sense of  beauty, sense of humor,  neighborliness and patriotism.  The Appalachian Mountain people have learned to combine the wisdom of the old ways of living with the technologies of the new.

Even with the modern day Interstates traversing the Appalachian Mountains, life  is still slow to change; the laid-back and slow way the people of the Appalachia still speak is testament to this.  By studying the dialect in different regions of Appalachians, one can find subtle differences in the pronunciation of words and phrases.


Even the meanings of some words and  phrases will vary from region to region.  The dialect is rhotic and characterized by distinct phonology, morphology, syntax, and lexicon.  It is mostly oral but can also be found in some writings.   Author John A. Blankenship has some interesting reading about the Appalachian dialect.

The original settlers, the English speakers, that settled the area came mostly from West Anglia, the Scottish Lowlands, Wales, Ireland, and Scotland via Northern Ireland in the middle 18th and early 19th centuries, and their speech forms the basis of the dialect.   Along with German immigrants, these groups populated an area which is still largely homogeneous culturally.   Like many regional dialects it is used most often or most characteristically in discussing cuisine, in storytelling, or when discussing native industries (i.e., coal mining, forestry: logging).   The characteristic syntax and morphology of Appalachian English gives way to more standard forms in schools, public speaking venues, and courts of law, but the phonology is likely to remain the same.    The Appalachia language is considered Shakesperian from the days of Queen Elizabeth I.

  

Speakers of Appalachian English have little or no trouble understanding standard English, but even native speakers of other dialects can find it somewhat unintelligible, and foreigners can have significant trouble understanding it.   For instance, the hard R that is used is a product of the Irish dialect, and the way the people of Appalacia run two or more words together, such as "jeat" instead of "did you eat" is  a product of the Elizabethan English influence.   The hard "K" and "ch" sound we use is attributed to theGerman influence.

For this author, the most distinctive feature of the Appalachian dialect is often the double, even triple negatives, the very flat vowels, the odd words and colorful phrases, such as:
 *  Adorable:  "cuter than two speckled puppies"
 *  Something not straight: "crooked as a dog's hind leg"
 *  Soda in a can: "dope" -  I've heard the elderly use this            one: "sody-dope." I personally use the generic word "Coke."
 *  One who has difficulty  an ins truction: "couldn't pour piss out of a boot with the instructions written on the heel."
 *  Reference to either 'up' or 'down' the road: "over the road."
 *  I haven't seen you in a long time: "haven't seen you in a coon's age" (referring to a raccoon, not as a racial slur)
 *  Everyone: whereas in the deep south one hears "y'all," the common Appalachia term is "you-un's."
 *  A long way - a Distance: a "fur piece."
 *  Did you eat yet?  "jeat?"
 *  Hot "fire" will burn: "far"
 *  How far away was the fire? "How fur was the far?
 *  Children:  "chillin"
 *  Young Children:  "yung-uns"
 *  "You:" The person that I'm specifically talking to: "chu"
 *  What are you doing?  "whachu doin?"
 *  Pretty:  "purty"
 *  Potato:  "tater"
 *  A person without any clothes on:  "nekid"
 *  A tire on a vehicle:  "tar"
 *  To be sleepy:  "tard"
 *  If you were the youngest of five children:  You were "the least" of five "kids."  (They really do mean children, not 'kids' as in baby goats!)
 *  A person who lives "locally"or in the neighborhood is someone "from around these parts."
 *  You checked books out from your local "liberry."
 *  If you picked a "mess" of beans, you had enough for a meal.
 *  Children are told to, "go out and pick me a pound and half of beans" and they would know exactly how much to pick!
 *  Or if one is going to the garden to pick some beans and gather some turnip greens they would say, "I'm fixin to head down thearin to pick me some pole beans and creasy greens."
 *  Stay a "spell" means to stay and visit awhile.
 *  A stocking cap as a "toboggan."
 *  "Yonder" is to designate some place "over there."
 *  A mite means a little bit of something.
 *  "His people" and "her people" were relatives.
 *  One's family is "our people" or "their people."
 *  Being in the midst of an issue, controversy or conversation or to be right on target is to be "smack dab" in the middle.
 *  Daylight savings time is "fast time."
 *  One does not drink a can of soda.  They drink a can of "pop."
 *   If someone was not telling the truth:  "There goes Pete Brown tellin' another one."
 *   Or if a child was one to easily cry:  "There goes Lizzy Jones goin' to cry another river."
 *   A pregnant woman is a woman who "Is in the family  way."
 *   When one is going fishing at the creek it is said, "I'm goen fishen down the crick."
 *   To "eyeball" something is to measure a given distance with one's eye.
 *    And listen to the "or" as a substitute for "a" - I have to WORSH some clothes.
 *    And listen to the adding a "c" to words that begin with "h" - "Out CHERE in the woods."
*     She got pregnant: "She got KNOCKED UP."

*     To "eyeball" an area:  To give an approximate measurement to a given area simply by looking at it.

[I have] travelled the world over and has lived in many countries, currently maintaining a summer home in the Majestic Appalachian Mountains.   When one is in an "English speaking" environment, psychologically, one expects to understand what they are hearing.   However, such was not the case in my early days of living amongst the people of the Appalachia.  I felt I had literally stepped off of a plane, into a country, where everyone spoke a  language, totally foreign to my own ears.  I had little or no understanding of what the people of the Appalachia were saying!  When I first went to the Appalachian Mountains I opened a Thrift Shop.  During that first, extremely cold winter many customers came in asking if we had any "toboggans."   Not having  any SNOW  SLEDS in the store,  the customers were told "no, toboggans."   All the while I did not understand why our massive shipment of "knitted stocking caps/hats" were not selling!

I felt so blessed to find a wonderful church!  The Pastor was  from the Appalachians however he had spent a significant number of years "outside the mountains."  Though his sermons were sprinkled with words that were 'foreign' to me, it was  nothing  like his Assistant!  All feelings of being 'blessed' totally diminished when the Assistant was asked to bring the Message of the Hour!  Seemingly every 12th word or phrase the Assistant spoke was either one that was "foreign" to my ears or was spoken with such a heavy accent that I did not understand what was being spoken!  I found myself mentally 'stuck," laboring over the understanding of what I'd just heard.


The speaker says, "Back in those days I thought I knew it all - I was going to set the woods on far!"
Me:  I'd learned "far" was "fire" - so why would he commit ARSON?

The speaker says, "We got a Johnny Cracker for a penny."
Me: What is a Johnny Cracker?
Meanwhile, the speaker had continued speaking.   I'd momentarily set aside that word/phrase and attempt to focus on what was currently being spoken.  Within two or three words,  I'd find myself once again "stuck" on another "foreign" word or phrase.  This  "mental gymnastic" continued through the whole sermon!   The feelings of frustration were beyond  description!   Why didn't I sit in the back of the church so I could  just slip out and go home without being noticed??!!

As in all of my foreign travels, I was determined to conquer the language.    Today, I still have some Appalachia language barrier challenges.  However, they aren't accompanied with the deep frustrations that they used to be and they all are the ingredients for wonderful humerous conversations.   And few laugh harder than the Pastor's Assistant!

Rather than think of the people of Appalachia's jargon or dialect as some kind of curse or sign of stupidity they should be looked at as a distinct cultural trait and embrace it as a proud, unique and special preservation of the past.


A visit to the Majestic Appalachan Mountains and  conversation with  the people of the Appalachia will indeed prove to be memories that you will cherish a lifetime!"
Article Source: http://appalachian-treasures.com/Jargon.html