Written by DetroitFly on May 30th, 2009
In a life that is dictated by routines, vacations and travelling is a thing that helps keep us sane. The idea of taking annual leaves regularly makes a lot of sense. The last thing any of us want, on his or her travel, is a non-compatible travel partner. If you are on your own, traveling with a friend or looking for a travel companion, a few tips might help you from having a trip to hell. Here are seven tips for traveling as a couple:
• Decide upfront why you are going and what you want to get out of the trip.
• Money has the potential of destroying the best of friendships, let alone create problems if your travel companion is a mere acquaintance. Its best to decide what, where, and how much you will be spending on mutual expenses.
• Prepare a tentative itinerary; places you want to visit, things to do and time to be spent at each location.
• Travelling with some one has benefits, but even then, you should get sometime to yourself. Make allowance for time that each will be spending on their own.
• Every one enjoys different aspects of travel. It’s good to figure out each others preferences before getting stuck together on a rather costly trip. Some of us are night people while others can’t keep their eyes open after dark. Some like everything decided and planned, others are more spontaneous. Some like to indulge in the culture while others prefer to immerse in the sights only. Make sure you and your companion share some views, if not all, regarding travelling.
• Unless you are a 100% sure about the person you are travelling with, pack some earplugs, they can be a life line during an otherwise sleepless night.
• Have an open mind & a generous heart. Give the other person some space & make the most of your solo time as well. Have fun and keep it enjoyable for both.
Written by DetroitFly on May 26th, 2009
For thousands of years, risks have been shared during times of tragedy. The first formal insurance company, Lloyd’s of London, was formed in 1769 and their principal concept remains today – to gather the premiums of clients as a pool of resources to return to clients who experience unexpected but covered events. So, that is the secret really, plan for the unexpected and make sure you’re covered, especially when you’re travelling. Whether your trip is a quick one or a round the world cruise, there are many good reasons for travel insurance. Here are just 7:
Medical Emergencies: If you fall sick or are injured during your travel, your travel insurance will give you financial coverage.
Flight Cancellations: If your flight is cancelled or delayed then your travel insurance should help. Depending on the cover available, a room for the night and even alternative travel home can be included.
Pre-existing Medical Conditions: Even if you have a pre-existing medical condition and it flares up while you’re on vacation, as long as you’ve advised your travel insurance company prior, you should be covered.
Damage or Loss Of Personal property: What are you going to do when your luggage gets stolen? Yes, it happens, all the time. There are organised gangs that work in airports doing just that. Guess what? You need travel insurance.
Loss of Cash or Traveler’s Check’s: You’re in a foreign country far from home. You either lose, or have stolen, your entire holiday fund. You’re going to need help and quick. Again, travel insurance is a must.
Emergency Evacuations: What with global warming and economic pressure more and more holiday destinations are being built in potentially dangerous territory. Who would have wanted to be in Thailand on that Boxing Day? Travel insurance will help if you have to get out quick.
Car Crash: It can be very difficult driving on the wrong side of the road in a strange country. Accidents happen.
Okay, there you have it. 7 good and solid reasons why you need travel insurance the next trip you make. The other alternative of course is to not take out travel insurance, or to stay at home. Now, there’s an idea. But seriously, as always when taking out insurance, especially travel insurance, read the fine print. Importantly, find out before you go what is excluded, not just included. So, always read the fine print. For example, accidental coverage is not provided in case of drunken driving, driving under the influence of narcotic substances etc. Exclusions are also provided for accidents during risky sports like bungee jumping, car racing, scuba diving, white water rafting, flying (except as passenger in regular airliners), gliding, skiing, bike racing, diving, mountaineering, windsurfing etc. The list goes on (insert for your favourite potentially dangerous sport here). That means in case of accidents in these situations the insurance company is not liable to pay any amount to the insured.
Written by DetroitFly on May 22nd, 2009
I travel a lot and there is always the question of how to get to the airport, should I leave my car there or take a cab. The question of whether I will I ask a friend to drive me the airport if I have a 7 am flight is always a difficult question to answer.
I’ve found that there are a number of places where you can leave your car nearby airports that can make airport parking quite easy. They will shuttle you over to the airport after you park and get you when you return.
For instance if you are going to Fort Lauderdale Airport there is parking lots which are 1.2 miles away from the airport. They offer free transportation and luggage assistance to and from the terminals. Look for great rates at www.airportparkingreservations.com.
They also have a shared ride service for $15.00 at Fort Lauderdale, Miami International and West Palm Beach airports where approximately four people are sharing a car. Depending on the other passengers and the order which you are in, it can be up to two hours when you’ll get home. Still this can be a good way to go and it is convenient and right at the terminal.
When you leave your car at a designated place for airport parking nearby, some places have covered parking and outdoor options and the prices differ so it is good to check and compare and decide for yourself what works best for your budget. You can also decide on whether or not you want to use the economy parking at the airport. For instance, albany airport has an inexpensive economy parking lot. In certain areas you want to check the lighting in the parking lots, how often the shuttle runs and if you get assistance with luggage or not.
Additionally some car rental or even car repairs centers will make an arrangement for parking so that is another thing to investigate when you are looking for a place to park and save a little money. Usually parking for a week will have a discount price so always enquire about that.
Now I no longer feel awkward asking someone for a ride for an early morning or late flight because the airport parking options are much very convenient. You can find these around most airports.
Written by DetroitFly on May 17th, 2009
So you’ve decided to go camping. You’ve check out the camp sites that are accredited by the ACA or American Camping Association and KOA or Kampgrounds of America. Now you need to decide how much you want to “rough it”. Are you staying in an RV, or a pop up camper? Perhaps you’re pulling a travel trailer. Much too “luxe” for you, you say. You’re a real man and all you need is a sleeping bag and a tent.
Choosing a tent for camping is the first task for any camping trip. What type of weather conditions are you expecting? Always be prepared for the worst, rain, wind, and cold. There are three season and four season tents available. Four season tents are heavier than three season tents. They tend to have more poles than three season tents to help them withstand wind and snow fall. Of course, most of us are fair weather campers. A three season tent will be fine for us. So, now, what style of tent do you want?
What style of tent you want may depend on how much backpacking you’re going to do. If you’re a pack backer you’ll want to keep your load as light as possible. A tarp tent may be the one for you, or if you’re camping in summer a lightweight warm weather tent may work.
If you’re the type of camper who likes to “rough it” at a drive up base camp area then the weight of a tent will not be an issue for you. You will probably be more concerned with how many people will be sharing your tent. A two man tent will most likely be uncomfortable for two large adults and all their gear. Those with camping experience say that you’ll want to look for at least 30 square feet of floor space per person. They say that you should divide the number of people a tent says is it’s capacity by 2. If you’re traveling with young children you definitely want to look into a larger model of tent. You’ll want a large area inside your tent, especially as you may experience some inclement weather and have the children inside the tent for long periods of time. It would be nice if they had an area to play their board games.
Before you spend your hard earned money on a tent go to your neighborhood camping store where you can actually see the tents set up. Walk around in it. Lie in it. Stand up straight in it. Make sure that the tent you choose will meet all your camping requirements before you get to your campsite.
Written by DetroitFly on May 14th, 2009
With camping season right around the corner, you are sure to be planning the best camping trip ever with your family. In order to make it a great camping trip, you need to be sure that you have the gear you need for camping. We have created this great checklist for you to use, to be sure that you do not forget any camping essentials.
Cooking Essentials For Camping
• Water
• Can Opener
• Food
• Pots and Pans
• Ice Chest
• Charcoal
• Matches
• Paper Plates
• Plastic Eating Utensils
• Spices
• Salt and Pepper
• Garbage Bags
• Drinks
Don’t Forget About Clean Up After Cooking
• Dish Soap
• Dish Towel
• Large Tub For Washing Up Cookware
Be sure that you plan meals that are easy. Hot dogs, hamburgers, and sandwiches are some of the easiest low maintenance camping meals that you will find.
Sleeping Essentials For Camping
• Tent
• Sleeping Bags
• Pillows
• Extra Blankets If Needed
Personal Hygiene and Shower Essentials
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Towels
• Wash Cloths
• Soap
• Shampoo and Conditioner
• Hair Brush and Hair Accessories
• Razor and Shaving Cream
• Toilet Paper
• Small Mirror
• Deodorant
Clothing Essentials
• T- Shirts
• Shorts
• Jeans
• Jacket
• Raincoat
• Socks
• Underwear
• Boots
• Tennis Shoes
• Swimsuit
Miscellaneous Essentials
• Bug Spray
• Binoculars
• First Aid Kit
• Fishing Gear
• Hunting Gear
• Oil Lamps
• Flash Lights
• Deck of Cards
• Screen Room
• Knife
• Extra Batteries
• Cell Phone
• Battery Powered Fan
Camping is a lot of fun, and the more prepared you are, the better your trip will be. Be sure and print this list out so that you will not forget anything important for your camping trip.
Written by DetroitFly on May 7th, 2009
Had it with the “rat race”? Got time off but not much cash to spend? Losing touch with your family? Sounds like an old-fashioned camp out is just what you need.
Camping is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and spend time getting reacquainted with your family. Great family camping getaways are easy to plan and inexpensive vacation options. Nature is everywhere, so you don’t need to travel far for your camping trip. You can journey to a national park, drive to a local campground, or pitch a tent in your own backyard.
Camping 101 begins with the planning. This part of the trip is half the fun. Call a family meeting to decide where you’d like to go. Depending on your budget, you can plan to load up the trunk with tents and sleeping bags, pull a camper or drive an RV. The point is to treat your family to an unforgettable outdoor adventure, so it doesn’t matter how you plan to camp or where you intend to go.
If you are new to the camping experience, it’s probably a good idea to start out slow. Book a weekend campsite to get the feel for the camping lifestyle. Get used to cooking over a wood fire and sharing your space with wildlife, before you venture too far away from the comforts of home. Many campgrounds provide fun activities like pools, playgrounds, fishing or recreational boating, so check your local listings to see what adventures lie ahead.
Once your kids (and you) recover from the shock of having no television or Internet access, you’ll all have an eye-opening experience. You’ll realize the nature is fun. Camping opens the doors to a world of new activities, like swimming, rock diving, boating, fishing, hiking, catching butterflies, searching for fossils, and going wherever your energy level and imagination can take you. Campgrounds and remote parks are all filled with wonderful ways to enjoy the best nature has to offer. If you want to boat or water ski, many campsites offer these and other items for rent.
Don’t expect to bring along your everyday dinnerware and automatic coffeepot for your camp out. Remember, you will be roughing it, so pack accordingly. Bring plastic dishes and cutlery that can be washed and reused, but won’t break in transit. Make sure you have enough sleeping bags, pillows and extra clothes. Pack the food you’ll need, plus a little extra, and keep a supply of ice on hand for perishables like meat and dairy. If you’re bringing tins of beans, remember a manual can opener or pack your Swiss army knife. If you’re not sure what to bring, ask an associate at your local sporting store to help you choose your camping needs. Call on friends who like to camp, and ask them for advice.
Just like your old scoutmaster used to say, “Always be prepared”. Make a list and check it three times before you leave on your camping trip. Make sure that there is enough food and fresh water for everyone. Bring food that can be easily prepared on your campsite. Pack clothing for all kinds of weather. Don’t forget sunscreen, bug spray and hygiene items. Toilet paper and paper towels are absolute necessities. Bring along some soap and toothpaste, but leave the hair gel and makeup at home. Mother Nature doesn’t care what you look like. She just wants you to enjoy your stay.
Written by DetroitFly on May 3rd, 2009
The Rose Bowl Flea Market And Swap Meet, at 1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena Ca. 91103, is probably the largest and most famous swap meet held in California. On the second Sunday of each month, rain or shine, over 1,800 vendors from all over the country set up their booths and spaces in order to display and sell merchandise, including but not limited to accessories, antiques, clothing, collectibles, discontinued merchandise, dolls, handmade crafts, home furnishings (new and used), paintings and other fine art items, pins and buttons (sports, Olympics, election, etc.), plants, specialty foods, used books, watches, etc..
Parking is plentiful and free and admission prices are as follows: “Rose Bowl Flea Market and Market Place regular admission starts at 9am for the general public at $7.00 per person, children under 12 are admitted free with an adult. We also have an express admission from 8:00am – 9:00am at $10.00 per person, an early admission from 7:00am – 8:00am at $15.00 per person, and a special preview VIP admission from 5:00am – 7:00am at $20.00 per person. Discount tickets for early admissions are available at many local antique stores. Group rates are available. The box office is open until 3pm after which time sellers begin packing and leaving. The public may shop for those last minute bargains until 4:30pm.”
This flea market is worth the price of admission. There are bargains galore and the people watching entertainment factor alone is worth the price. You will see people from all walks of life, dressed in every imaginable way, speaking numerous languages all scurrying from vendor to vendor searching for the best bargains. The vendors are all very friendly and happy to talk about their wares. Many of them are real characters and a lot of fun to deal with.
Note: This is not the same as going to a garage sale or some of your local swap meets. The vendors pay good money for a permit to sell here. You are not going to find a lot of cheap unwanted junk or that $50,000.00 painting being sold for $1.00. These vendors are professionals, they know their merchandise and they know what they are doing. Their overhead is much lower than if they were selling out of a retail store or mall and the are usually not paying employees so they can sell for less. You will find very good bargins, especially if you are willing to negotiate a little (It’s not considered bad manners to negotiate at a flea market. In fact, many of the vendors enjoy the negotiating more than they enjoy the selling.), just do not expect to leave with a lot of junk or with the find of a lifetime.
The best thing about the Rose Bowl Flea Market is the hugh variety of items that can be found, there is something for almost everyone. Very few people leave empty handed and many people leave with their cars, SUVs or trucks filled with items, many of which they would not have been able to find anywhere else.
Last but not least, if you have children, do not be afraid to bring them with you. There is plenty for them to see and do and there are plenty of toys, food and other items for sale that will attract and hold their interest. Although the place is always crowded the security is excellent, helpful and friendly making this a safe place for you and your children.
Written by DetroitFly on May 1st, 2009
Canada is located in North America and stretches all the way from the Atlantic to the Pacific, being made up of ten Provinces and three Territories. To the North is the Artic ocean; Davis Strait on the North East separates it from Greenland, to the East is the Atlantic Ocean; the South is bordered by the United States of America and the West by the Pacific Ocean and Alaska.
A country of outstanding natural beauty, Canada has a wide variety of landscapes; the mountains, the prairies, lakes and rivers with many national and provincial parks to protect the habitats. With a total land mass of 9,984,670 sq km (3,855,103 sq mi), Canada is the second largest country in the world. There are more lakes and inland waters in Canada than any other country, in fact 7.6% or 755,180 sq km (291,577 sq) is made up of fresh water.
Most images of Canada refer to the Mounties, bears, snow or the Rocky Mountains with the amazing turquoise lakes though there is truly more to this vast landscape. Tourism is a large part of the economy with the abundant natural resources quickly turning Canada into a rich and vibrant country that is a permanent listing at the top of the best places to live. With distinct seasons – the winters are cold with plentiful snow and then warm summers, the best way to survive is to make the most of natures offerings. Skiing, snowboarding and snowmobiling are popular pastimes and great exercise and fun. In the summer, hiking, camping and exploring the great outdoors are fantastic ways to spend your free time. This is especially true when you are amongst the most breathtaking and fabulous scenery the world has to offer!
The monetary unit is the Canadian Dollar. It is made up of cents with 100 cents making 1 Canadian dollar. There are 1 cent coins usually called a penny, 5 cent coins usually called a nickel, 10 cent coins called a dime, 25 cent coins called a quarter, 1 dollar coins called a loonie and two dollar coins called a twoonie. The notes or bills are in 5 dollar, 10 dollar, 20 dollar, 50 dollar and 100 dollar denominations. The Canadian dollar traditionally trades at a lower value than its American counterpart but is now coming closer to parity.
All motor vehicles are driven on the right hand side of the road and are left hand drive. Each Province or Territory is responsible for its own driving laws and regulations so each has a different system.
Demographics
Canada has a population of 30,007,094 (2001 Census), compared with 28,846,761 (1996 Census) which shows a 4% increase. Most of the population lives in the cities and most of these are located in the South of the country; about three quarters of the population live within about 300 kms of the U.S border. The most populated Provinces are Ontario and Quebec with Toronto (in Ontario) being the most populated city.
There are two official languages – English and French – and Montreal in Quebec is the world’s largest French-speaking city outside of France. All of the services offered by the Federal Government are in English and French. Almost every product you buy has English and French on the labels and most public services are available in both languages. Outside of Quebec the majority of people speak English; about 18 percent of Canadians are fluently bilingual.
The First Nations or Indian people were the original inhabitants of Canada and the name comes from their language and means “Village” or “Community”. The Vikings, who arrived in the 11th century and didn’t stay for long, were the first Europeans to land in Canada.
More Europeans arrived in the 16th century bringing with them manufactured goods which they traded for furs and native products – because of this they were made welcome by the indigenous people. The two main groups of European settlers were the French, who came first, and then the English. Despite France losing its part of the territory to Britain in a war in 1760, many of the French speaking people stayed. In 1867, three colonies of Britain merged in an event called Confederation; this created a partially independent state of four Provinces. Six more Provinces and three Territories have since been added and in 1931 full independence was achieved. Canada still belongs to the Commonwealth of Nations.
Canada is a Democratic Federation and has both a Federal and Provincial Governments. The responsibilities and powers are divided between the Federal and Provincial Governments which make for a complex political system.
Education
Public education is the responsibility of each Provincial Government (please refer to our Provincial pages for more information) and is paid for through taxes. Public education is free and all children are required by law to attend school from the age of 6 years until they are 15 or 16, the majority of students continue until they are 18 and graduate high school with a high school diploma.
The main languages of instruction are English and French.
Healthcare
Canada has a public health care system; essential medical treatment is available to all Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Although the health care systems are run by the Provincial ministries of health, the Federal Government sets the standards for health care across the country.
There are three Provinces that charge healthcare premiums (BC, Alberta & Ontario). In the other Provinces and Territories healthcare is paid for through taxes. In some Provinces there is a three month waiting period before you qualify for healthcare, so you should make sure that you have insurance to cover any medical expenses for this period.