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If you are a pet lover and want to take your cat or dog on vacation then Jet Blue welcome you and your pet.

The Jet Blue pet program makes pet travel one less headache you have to worry about when going on vacation. Cats and small dogs are gladly accepted for travel in the aircraft cabin for both domestic and international flights. Pleases note that pets cannot be booked online. You need to call 1-800-JETBLUE (538-2583).

The pets that do travel in the cabin need to have a combined weight of 20 pounds when in their pet carrier. Only a limited number of pets are allowed on a flight so make sure you book early to avoid being the one that misses out.

Your pet and carrier will count as your one carry-on personal item so take that into account when packing for your flight. One one pet is allowed per customer, with a few exceptions so contact the airline to find out what they are.

If you are wanting to travel with your pet you need to make sure you are aware of the health requirements if going overseas. Currently there are no vaccination or health requirements for US domestic flights.

You need a carrier that does not exceed 17″L x 12.5″ W x 8″H. The carrier should have a leak proof bottom and be well ventilated and should be soft-sided.

When you are traveling and will be staying in hotels here are some pet friendly places that Jet Blue thinks are great. Kimpton Hotels, W Hotels and ALOFT Hotels. They all offer special pet friendly features.

For more information check out the Jet Blue website and look for the Jet Paws info.

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Have you ever been on vacation in Hawaii and found yourself just sitting around just wishing you had more to do? You know the feeling, you are at some great resort but there are only so many times you can go to the beach. Next time you go to Hawaii you should consider a charter fishing trip. You may think I have been out on a boat before but on the island of Hawaii, it is a day trip that you do not want to miss. In this article we cover the  certain basics when chartering a boat. As Hawaii is not just a hop, skip and jump away, you want to make your bases are covered and you get all of your questions answered.

Obviously the first thing your need is a boat. Hawaii has hundreds of charter boats throughout the islands, so availability will not be an issue. The companies that charter boats have certain criteria that they have to follow in order to run their business. The boat must be inspected for proper gear, maintenance, and repair history. They are also inspected for their experience level. You should know that in Hawaii you may come across the huge marlin fish. Make sure your crew knows how to handle these impressive fish. You really don’t want to pay for a charter and catch a marlin fish that the crew cannot handle.

Charter boat prices will vary widely. Do your homework before you enter into an agreement. Prices will vary depending on where you are staying and where you want to fish. For instance, Kona has the lowest prices but the most competition for marlin fishing while Lahaina is the most expensive.

If you are fortunate enough to catch some fish make sure you know what the policy of the skipper is. Most of the charters will leave it up to you to do whatever you want with your catches. If you want to take them home or if you want to cook them for dinner, it should not matter as long as you make your requests up front. Some of the skippers may expect a tip. Also be aware that the people in Hawaii have a deep-rooted tradition of selling Billfish and this practice can offend many anglers. Today, many charters are willing to throw the Billfish back (at the customer’s request), but don’t be surprised if this is not the case.

When you go on a charter fishing trip in Hawaii, it is the boat you are paying for, not the number of fish you catch. Don’t expect a refund if you have a quiet day. A Hawaiian boat charter is to allow you to have an experience out on the water enjoying the scenery while trying to catch a fish. If you have not gone fishing before be aware that it is an unpredictable sport and you may come up empty when you look in the catch bucket.

Here are some of the things you need to provide and what the charter boat will provide. Most boats will provide you with tackle and equipment, but that is all. Most often you need to take along your own snacks and drinks. You should also invest in some good quality sunscreen, which is waterproof and commonly used on boats. Another item that is essential to fishing are sunglasses. Your sunglasses should be polarized so that you can see the fish clearer than other glasses. Lastly, bring an extra towel and t-shirt because you will probably get wet.

When thinking of snack food leave your bananas at home. Hawaii, as well as many other fishing places, has a strict policy against bananas being onboard. They are thought to bring bad luck, so do not try to test this theory or your day may be extremely unpleasant.

If you are thinking of a Hawaii fishing charter do your research on the islands that you want to fish and then book a charter through a major company that has a trusted record.

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I have seen on the weather recently just how cold it is in Chicago. Last night on the news it said the forecast is 2 degrees F to 6 degrees F. Those numbers make me feel cold just thinking about them. It is no surprise that Barack Obama and his family are escaping the winter chill with a vacation in Hawaii.

The President-elect headed to Hawaii by charter flight on Saturday for a two-week Christmas vacation. It has been reported that the Obamas will be staying at a Kailua beachfront location. Kailua is a 30-minute drive from downtown Honolulu.

You don’t have to be the President-elect to escape the winter chill. You could take your own Hawaii vacation and enjoy the warmth of a tropical breeze. There is plenty to do in Hawaii.

You may think that Hawaii only offers sun and surf, if you do you couldn’t be more wrong. There is much more for a family to do on the islands of Hawaii, including taking advantage some world-class skiing! Yes that’s right, skiiing.

Hawaii is home to Mauna Kea, which when measured from its undersea base to its 13,000-foot summit, is the tallest mountain in the world!  If you are visiting Hawaii in the winter, you can actually ski on Mauna Kea!

So there you go a Hawaiian vacation can give you everything from the beaches to the snow.

Also for something different in Hawaii you could vist the famous volcanoes.  The town of Volcano, Hawaii, is one of the best locations to visit some of the lesser known, and therefore less crowded, volcanoes on the islands. Start with a visit to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where you can see actual flowing lava.

If surfing is more your thing winter in Hawaii is a great time to visit as it is the big wave season. Kelly Slater just won his sixth Pipeline Masters at Sunset Beach. This year the waves are big so surfing on those breaks may be best left to the pros. It does however make some great viewing. Sunset beach and Waimea Bay are the places to go.

So there you have it. Hawaii is one great destination for a winter vacation. Why not make your bookings now?

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Yosemite National Park is located in the State of California in the USA. It is located 313 miles north of Los Angeles and 195 miles from the San Francisco area.

I have been lucky enough to visit Yosemite twice in my life. It is a truely spectacular place and if you are a nature lover it is a must see destination. I still remember the first time we drove into the Park and got the first view of the spectacular mountains and valleys.

95% of Yosemite is designated as wilderness area. This means you can get away from civilization if you go into the back country. If you are not so adventurous there is still plenty of amazing scenerary to been seen down in the Yosemite Valley.

Yosemite is best known for its waterfalls, but you will also find deep valleys, grand meadows and of course ancient giant sequoias trees.

If you want to witness the waterfalls at there peak flows the best time to visit is usually in late May. Usually by August Yosemite Falls is often dry. I have seen Yosemite both in winter and summer and either time of year it is still fantastic.

You need to keep in mind that this is a wilderness area so caution needs to be taken in winter and you need to be well prepared.

You can stay within the park itself and you have lodging options that range from simple tent cabins to deluxe rooms at The Ahwahnee. A full list of options with pricing can be found at Yosemitepark.com. You can also find camping information at that site.

You may be wondering what there is to do at Yosemite. Well how about hiking, horseback riding, rock climbing, water sports, biking, birdwatching and fishing to name a few. My favourite activity is riding around the park. There are over 12 miles of paved bike paths in Yosemite Valley. Also if you are willing to risk it you can ride on the regular roads.

Bike riders in the Yosemite Valley

Cycling in the valley is a great way to experience Yosemite Valley. Bikes are available for rent from various outlets in the Valley. Rental rates start at $9.50 per hour or $25.50 for a day. You can also take young kids with you in a trailer attached to a bike.

If you enjoy a game of golf you can even play a round on the Wawona Golf Course located in Yosemite. This course opened in 1918 and is nine-hole, par-35. The course measures 3 050 yards and is open daily Spring to Fall, conditions permitting.

If you are the less adventurous type or just want to learn from experts you can go on a guided tour. Your Yosemite experience will be enhanced by a deeper knowledge and understanding of this wonderful destination.

If you do decide to visit Yosemite, and I really suggest you do, don’t go without a camera as there are so many spectacular views to capture.

You can learn more by visiting the Yosemite Park website.

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There are many airlines that service the United States that offer low cost flights.  They have really taken over the airline industry, as rising costs make it more expensive to travel. People who choose low cost United States flights can save a lot of money by making advance ticket purchases.  The earlier you make your reservation, either by going online, or buying your tickets by phone, then the more money you can save. If you wait too long, you run the risk of paying exorbitant amounts for tickets.

Since fuel costs are so high, many larger, more established airline companies have had to stop their service altogether. They are losing out to the low cost United States flights. Larger companies have had to lower their rates, in a scrambling attempt to keep their head above water. They have had to pull out of certain routes that are not as lucrative as other routes.

Southwest is leading the way in low cost United States flights, by offering great rates and simple ticket buying. People go online and pay for the ticket and all they have to do is go to the reservation window and give their number. Getting your ticket early is key to saving money. You should try to get your tickets six months in advance so that you can ensure a descent price.

Most large airline companies have had to cut costs, and stop many routes, since the cost of fuel is taking up as much as 39% of their assets. With winter almost here, airline companies are in the position to lose even more money, since the winter months are their slowest time.

If you thinking about travel during the winter months to save money, be sure to try to avoid traveling during the holidays. Tickets are generally much higher, and it is insanely busy, as many people visit relatives at this time of the year. A good time to travel, besides the winter months, is during the school year. Since many people have children in school, they do not travel on cheap flights around the United States as much.

By choosing low cost airlines, you sometimes must sacrifice service and the amount of room you have to enjoy. Many people find these small sacrifices to be worth it, since they have the ability to save much money through the low cost United States flights. Another appealing aspect of low budget travel when you are ready to fly to your vacation spot is that many of these companies have few or no restrictions about where and when you can fly to. Unlike larger companies, who are notorious for black out dates and other restrictions, low cost travel takes that out of the equation.

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Easyjet is one of the largest low cost flight companies in London. It has over 300 routes between 80 European cities. It started business in 1995, and wanted customers to get rid of travel agents to save money.

In July of this year, the company said that they cut out winter flights in an effort to combat rising fuel costs, since they found out that they will probably be facing a 45% drop in their profits. Shares in the company did drop by 6% because of the price of fuel. They have offset a lot of that by increased revenue and cost cutting. They have adopted a smaller winter flying schedule to help defray the rising fuel costs.

They have had to limit the number of flights during times when they wouldn’t make as much money, and put aircraft from less popular places to places that are busier. It operates more than 300 routes from 20 different bases, said that many of the bases are now under review. By being more flexible, by getting rid of unprofitable flying, they are grabbing all opportunities to make a profit and continue to provide Easyjet low cost flights.

The fuel distilled from crude oil used to power aircraft, called Kerosene, now takes up 40% of airline costs. Five years ago, the cost for fuel only took up about 13%. Because the fuel costs continue to rise, 25 carriers have had to stop their services. Carriers who provide low cost flights have not yet fallen victim to the downturn. For now, people are still flying in the low cost sector.

Companies everywhere are cutting out flights, and changing their schedules to help fight off the rise in fuel prices. All airlines are likely to be hit hard this winter, when travel is usually at its lowest point anyway, and adding the fact that the price of everything is rising in relation to the high fuel costs and with the financial crises, most people simply cannot afford to travel. That’s where Easyjet low cost flights can help.

Easy jet’s flights can now be booked entirely online, saving time for the consumer, and money also, since there are no expensive travel agents to consult and pay.

Easyjet and other low cost flights have been bombarded by criticism for there alleged contribution to global warming. Easyjet says that fly newer more energy efficient aircraft than many of their bigger counterparts, and that their point to point services use less fuel than planes that fly to hubs. The critics say that because of their low priced fares, more consumers than ever are flying, and that is leading to increased emissions and to global warming.

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Nothing says look at me more than a ride in a great limousine service. Not only do you make heads turn, you will also make people go green in envy. This may be the main reason for a limo however it is useful for more practical purposes as well. Limo rides or pick up services are especially useful for welcoming and picking up corporate heavyweights or other high profile people including political bigwigs or celebrities, from the airport and transporting them to the hotel or to that special red carpet event. A limo is as you know a big car which can comfortably accommodate many people within its fold simultaneously. You can even do some marketing or entertaining in the limo as they are likely to have a tv and dvd.

Next time you need to pick up a large group of heavy weight clients from the airport, hiring a limousine from a limo rental service seems a more practical idea than hiring a fleet of luxury cars, which is likely to blow the budget. A hired limo in such situations turns out to be a cheaper option, and in these times of trouble who doesn’t need cheaper options?

I know you are wondering how much the limousine companies charge for the pick up and drop off service. You have to understand how much this costs and how much they are willing to lower their price because you do not want to waste your time if they do not want to go within your budget. If there are any limits on where you come from and where they will take you from the airport. Some limo companies want to operate only within the city where the airport is located while others are glad to bring you to the next state if you want. Find out how far the limousine service can go and how much they will charge for longer trips. You have to understand if there are any extra bonuses during the ride. If the driver’s fee is included in the package or you may need to pay extra for that. If there are any snacks and drinks inside the vehicle; if there is a courtesy phone inside. Also be aware if there is a time limit and do you have to pay separate for toll fee, gas and so on. You should know if the company has the necessary licenses to operate within the airport premises and if it is accredited by the airport authorities. You have to be aware if there is insurance in case of an accident and what are the policies when it comes to customer privacy. In order to get the type of service that you want is to ask the company directly. If you are unsure about whether the company is credited you can check with the airport customer service. You may also want to read reviews about the company that you are planning to hire and there is no better way to understand what the other customers have to say.

The idea of getting a limo company from the airport is to feel secure and safety. Be certain that you get this feeling when you lay your eyes on the vehicle that will transport you when you see it. And do not forget that you are paying for the convenience.

Checking out for better service, then visit this link airport limo service. You can also visit limo service directory for similar services.

Don’t forget that a limo does not have to be for that corporate high flyer or rock star. You and a group of friends could hire one if you go away on a vacation together. It just takes a bit of extra planning to go that extra mile in style.

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Paris

This festival is a celebration of France’s young and emerging talent. Young musicians, authors and directors work their socks of for months ahead in hope of getting recognized as France’s next big thing. Taking place on the 15th to the 21st of September, in 8 different locations, the best emerging talent will play, sing, dance and perform to their heart’s content.

The set locations are ; La Boule Noire, La Reine Blanche, Le Divan du Monde, Le Centre Musical Fleury-Goutte d’Or, Le Lavoir Moderne Parisien, La Teinturerie de Plumes, Le Grand Parquet and l’Espace Canopy. There’s a different event planned for each night, showcasing acts from every possible genre. Although music will always be the main focus of the event, for the first time in history, this year the festival is branching towards new media, such as cinema and literature.

With a total of 34 concerts, you’d be crazy to miss this event if you’re in the area. Check out their website for some more information http://www.attitudesinde.fr/

For more information on Paris and Paris events, visit our Travel blog. Make sure to book your apartment in Paris and Paris hotel well in advance.

Rome

In Rome each year, Gay Pride Festival takes place. Gay Village 2008 26 June – 20 September, is an open-air gay summer event with movies, shops, music, performances, parties and more. Entrance free 20:00 – 21:30, after: on Thursdays 7 € (incl. 1 drink), on Fridays and Saturdays 13 € (incl. 1 drink). At Parco del Ninfeo, Via delle 3 Fontane all’Eur (Metro B: Magliana)

In past years the Pope has publicized his displeasure of the event, which has in turn sparked a lot of controversy, with the Vatican trying to get the festival banned. Thus, the festival has converted into what some describe; “the maintaining of democracy”, and a “festival of human rights”…

This year, Gay Village will see performances from the likes of; Giusy Ferreri and La Sorelle Marinetti. Regardless of what you think about the current climate in Rome, this festival is sure to be a blast regardless of your sexuality.

The well-designed area of Monte Testaccio where much of the festival takes place has been created with wooden cabins, bars, restaurants, dance areas and stages to re-create a small village where tolerance is the keyword. On the weekends, there is normally a very long queue, so get there early.

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The winter months are a great time to go on a Southwest USA vacation. You will avoid the extreme hot weather found in summer.

In this article you will find a few preparation ideas to make the most out of your Southwest USA Culinary vacation.

Have a Large Appetite
The best way to do justice to any food vacation is to have a big appetite. What’s the purpose of paying for the opportunity to taste the best food of a given region or culture when your tummy can’t accommodate more than one bite?

Of course, possessing a big appetite doesn’t mean depriving yourself the day before.

Just make sure you don’t eat too much the day before your vacation. If possible, take a pill to ensure your stomach’s certifiably empty for the food fest ahead.

Prepare for the Heat - not just talking weather here
Hot is a term often associated with the Southwest in more ways than you might think.

Firstly, a majority of the dishes of Southwest food are especially spicy. Chimichangas, nachos, taquitos, stuffed peppers, chile relleno, chili con carne, and salsa are just some of the popular dishes that can get you hopping mad out of the restaurant with burning taste buds. If you’re not good at eating spicy stuff, make sure you have a small canister or jug of iced water with you at all times; there will be times when you just can’t wait a second longer to cool your mouth off.

Secondly, Southwestern states are not exactly the coldest regions of the country. The climate in this region, especially in Arizona and Texas, can be quite ovewhelming in its heat. You can’t beat Arizona attractions. But be sure you’re dressed comfortably in light, airy clothing. Wearing a cap or sun visor as well as a pair of sun glasses can help shelter you from the heat.

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are always a concern, so again, having an ample source of water with you at all times is necessary.

Get Ready for the Heat
Concerning the heat, there are also certain aspects of the weather that you might have to watch out for. Mosquitoes are a nominal but irritating problem, but one that a mosquito repellent can often cure. Rainfall can also be a cause of trouble, but not if you come ready with a raincoat and umbrella.

Clothing
Since we’re on the subject of clothing, be sure to ask your vacation organizer if you’ll visit any locations with a requisite dress code. Knowing how to dress can also help guarantee that you pack light for your Southwest US vacation.

Bring a First Aid Kit with You
Trip planners always have first aid kits with them, but there’s no telling when you’ll find yourself alone and separated from your group. As such, it would do you no harm to have your own first aid kit with you.

However, if you’ve considerable experience vacationing, you might already have a first aid kit packed with your things. There are, specifically, extra things you could add to your kit in consideration of “special dangers” you might face during your Southwest US tour.

If your vacation includes a trip to the desert, antidotes for snake bites and treatments for other types of bites (remember: scorpions and spiders can cause harm, too!). High altitude sickness or acute mountain sickness (AMS) is also a problem if your food tour includes a short but challenging mountain hike.

Double Check Everything
Lastly, examine your travel checklist several days before you depart for your trip. Call your tour organizer to guarantee that everything’s ready in their side as well.

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A work colleague has just returned from a five week vacation in Europe. I asked her which places she enjoyed the most. Her answer was London, Paris and Barcelona. No doubt many of you are familiar with London and Paris. You may not know so much about Barcelona. If not, read on.

Barcelona on the shores of the Mediterranean is the capital of Catalonia, an autonomous community of Spain. The city was showcased to the world during the 1992 summer Olympics. Who can forget the spectacular lighting of the Olympic cauldron as the archer shot his arrow into the cauldron? Apart from enjoying the best in sport at the time I also remember the spectacular sights from around the city during the Olympic coverage.

Some places of interest you should see during your visit to Barcelona include La Rambla, Barri Gotic, Museu Picasso, La Sagrada Familia, La Pedrera, Montjuic and Tibidabo.

The locals known as Catalans are fervent defenders of their language, culture and traditions, normally define their identity as Catalan ahead of Spanish. Add this fantastic city to your must visit destinations and book your accommodation in Barcelona!

La Sardana, a traditional dance, forms part of their surprising folklore which is still alive today. The participants form a circle, take each other by the hand and dance to the sound of the tamberines, wind instruments and rustic flutes. Els Castells is another very famous tradition. These human towers require alot of skill and an almost blind trust in your partner. For many, it is a symbol of courage and the solidarity between Catalans.

Catalan, together with Castellano, is the official language of the community. Keeping the language alive is one of the most important aspects for the catalan people and with regards to the situation of bilingualism, Catalan is the language most used here. Therefore, making an effort to learn the basic vocabulary for conversation in Catalan would be very useful if you are considering coming to Barcelona, as a mark of repect. It is also the first step to integration.

With regards to the typical Catalan character, from a general perspective, it is said that you have to really get to know the person well to find out. Catalans generally steer away from superficiality and prudency, but after the first impression and once you really get to know them, “the Catalan” can normally be a loyal and very fun kind of person. It could also be said that the Catalan character is a species that consists of a mix between good (seny) and excessive (rauxa). You just have to look at Gaud? and Dal? to see this! Make sure when you come to this wonderful place, you stay in a Barcelona apartments or a hotel in Barcelona

Sports fans are well catered for in Barcelona. Even if you are not a football or soccer fan it would be worthwhile attending a Barcelona Football Club match at Camp Nou. This huge stadium can host close to 100,000 fans. There is also an annual Formula 1 grand prix. In 2009 the F1 race will be held on 8-10 May. Tennis fans can enjoy the Open Sabedell Atlantico ATP tennis tour event in April each year.

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