Tours And Travel – Beachchannel.net

They say that travel is about the journey, not just the destination. But if you’ve ever arrived at your destination only to find out that your hotel room is dingy, dirty, and miles from all the action, it’s time to take matters into your own hands.

An increasing number of hotels are positioning themselves to be more than just a place to sleep—they are the action.

You may have heard of the ice hotel in Sweden or even funky spots like the Dog Bark Park in Cottonwood, Idaho … but here are few more unusual hotels to inspire your next trip.

1. To the Lighthouse

Love all things nautical? Then try sleeping in a lighthouse.

There are actually dozens of lighthouses around the world that welcome overnight guests, but at Brown’s Point Lighthouse in Tacoma, Washington, you get to be the lighthouse keeper.

This 30-foot concrete structure is perched by Commencement Bay and the keeper’s dwelling (at right) was recently restored for overnight stays. Guest participate in the “keeper program,” in which they maintain the lighthouse and hold public tours. This job is designed for at least two people, and six maximum, making it a great educational experience for families. Rates range from $500-$700 per week. 253-927-2536, www.pointsnortheast.org

2. Go Climb a Tree

If it seems like the days of kids clambering up trees and running around outdoors are a thing of the past, skip the sedentary vacations and force them out – and up.

The Cedar Creek Treehouse is a private mountain retreat in the woods of Mt. Rainier, located 50 feet up in a 200-year-old Western Red Cedar tree.

Owner Bill Compher built the treehouse himself, making it large enough to accommodate up to five people.

There’s a bathroom, kitchen and dining area, not to mention skylights and an observatory 100 feet up that offers great views from all around.

Though it’s a safe climb up, kids under 10 are not allowed inside the treehouse. Rates are $250 for two people, and $25 for each additional guest. 360-569-2991, www.cedarcreektreehouse.com

3. All Aboard the Romance Train

To conjure up the romantic days of train travel, why not cozy up inside an actual train car for the night? The Northern Rail Traincar B&B in Two Harbors, Minnesota, is made up of connected rail cars with 18 guest rooms.

The Porter Suite sleeps two and includes a dinette and a private bath for $109-$139.

Located on 160 acres of forested land (about 25 minutes outside of Duluth), you have access to Lake Superior and Gooseberry Falls, plus outdoor activities like hiking and golfing. 877-834-0955; www.northernrail.net

4. Were You Raised in a Barn?

Located on the Puget Sound, just a ferry ride away from Seattle, is a quirky little spot designed for two. The Big Red Barn Getaway is a real barn built in the 1890s which has been renovated into a tiny inn.

You’ll be surrounded by miles of unspoiled nature (and may even catch sight of a Bald Eagle). The historic Victorian seaport of Port Townsend is a 10-minute walk away, and Fort Worden State Park is only two minutes away, with gorgeous beaches and plenty of hiking trails. 360-301-1271, www.BigRedBarnGetaway.com

5. How About a Yurt?

Ever slept in a yurt? Even know what a yurt is?

These round, canvas dwellings were created by Mongolian nomads more than 2,000 years ago; it’s an ingenious structure that sits sturdily on the ground and often can fit several people at once.
Read the rest of this entry »

Air traveling can be an exciting experience for many but it does have its own challenges and risks. Moreover, the aircraft ambience and different factors associated with air traveling can cause anxiety among the passengers. The article throws a light on a number of safety issues thereby helping you to make your trip safer.

Most accidents generally take place during the take off and landing phase of flight. For that reason, it is always suggested to fly nonstop routings on larger aircraft. It can bring a great drop in exposure to the major accident-prone phases of flight.

Seatbelts are the best protection against a crash or collision. They hold you in place in so preventing your body and head from being thrown away if the plane encounters unexpected turbulences. Therefore, always keep your seat belts fastened for that extra protection.

Ensuring the safety of passengers and aiding them in an hour of emergency is undeniably the chief responsibility of the flight attendants. Thus, always listen to your flight attendants. Avoid handling the hot drinks by yourself. You may ask your flight attendant to help you with the servings. They are fully trained in handling drinks like tea and coffee in a busy aisle on a moving plane. And of course, you are required to follow the instructions outlined by your flight crew especially in an emergency situation like precautionary emergency evacuation.
Read the rest of this entry »

Even if you spend one week in Rome, you won’t be able to see it all. For travelers on the go, though, here is a lightning fast tour of Rome.

Morning – Grab a cappuccino and a croissant from a café in the Prati district, which is right by Vatican City. After your quick breakfast, get in line at the Vatican Museum. It opens at 8:45AM, but you’ll want to be in line by 8:00 to avoid the throngs of tourists that will soon be arriving. Start out by proceeding to the outdoor courtyard to admire the ancient statues of Laocoon and Apollo Belvedere. The statue of Laocoon, which is nearly 2000 years old, was hailed as one of the most amazing statues of its time. Next proceed through the stunning rooms painted by Raphael and finish up by being blown away by the Sistine Chapel and terrified by Michelangelo’s Last Judgment.

Afternoon – After exiting the museum, head east and pass by Castel Saint Angelo. This giant fortification was often used by Popes during times of war and a lot of fortifications were made by stripping away and melting down parts of the Pantheon. Cross the Tiber and head South East through Piazza Navona. Grab a quick lunch at Baffeto’s, which serves the best pizza in town, and then head further east until you hit the Pantheon. Veer east until you hit Via Del Corso, one of the most famous shopping streets in Rome. Battle the crowds as you head north on the street and soak in all the ridiculously expensive Italian name brands.

Night – Hop on a bus to the Trastevere neighborhood, one of the most colorful areas of Rome. Wander around the windy streets until you find a restaurant that is to your liking. There are many restaurants in this area, and the food is generally cheaper and better than any of the other places you’ll find in Rome. After a delicious dinner, snack on some gelato and hike up the nearby Gianicolo Hill to enjoy a stunning night-time view of the Eternal City.

When taking taxis from an airport to your hotel, travel in the more expensive airport taxis and ensure that the drivers have official identification. Never take a taxi waiting outside the airport grounds.

I know this sounds extreme, but it is by far better to be safe then sorry.

2) When traveling from your hotel to the airport, go with a taxi recommended by the hotel.

Again, taxi’s can be very dangerous. I can’t express that enough.

3) Try not to arrive in a new city or town late at night.

This can just go wrong in a number of ways. It is much easier getting checked in during the day time and security at night in certain areas is just horrendous.

4) Travel in a group if possible.

Since when is traveling in numbers not a good idea?

5) Learn the basics in the local language before you arrive. Don’t expect that people will speak English.

English is becoming more widely spoken these days, but you want to be sure. You should always check on these things before your arrival.

6) Keep your valuables hidden.

A money belt is great if it is an option that you willing to look into. There are many different styles of money belt. One of the most popular is an “over the shoulder” style wallet on a strap that you were underneath your top. This makes it very difficult for a thief to make off with your valuables.

7) Avoid going on your own to remote areas/ruins where tourist would be expected to go. Seek local advice or take a guide.
Read the guide books and talk with other tourists to find out which areas are best avoided.

9) When leaving discos late at night take a taxi home no matter how close your hostel is. Outside most discos you’ll find a street vendor selling cigarettes. Usually these people know all the taxi drivers and can recommend a safe one.
Read the rest of this entry »