Travel Tips

I for one, am one of those people that just loves to travel. If I could, I would be gone constantly and stop home in Las Vegas occasionally to swap out clothes and remember where I live.
As much as I love to travel, I have had the pleasure of owning a timeshare and also being a member of several Vacation Travel Clubs. Unfortunately, life circumstances changed for me, my elderly mother got sick, and I had to tame my wander lust and find other ways to enjoy travel with short weekend trips, etc.
In this article I am going to share with you just a few of the many benefits and ways you can enjoy, and benefit from, vacation club membership. When you know how to vacation and do it with the right company, you won't believe the amazing travel discounts you can enjoy. You may even make some money while you enjoy your travel if you so choose.
Travel Discounts One of the greatest benefits to having a vacation/travel club membership is the huge discounts you can get on Hotel, Airfare, Cruises, etc. Imagine being able to travel with your entire family a couple times of year all for the price of what one regular vacation would cost you. If you could take a week long cruise for $49 per person, would you be interested? What about a getaway to Disneyland for the whole family and you do not have to stay at Motel 6 to afford it?
Luxury Vacations and Luxury Resorts When most people think vacation club, they think empty rooms at budget hotels and motels that no one else wanted to book. This is probably the best kept secret about Vacation Club Membership, Luxury Vacations at Luxury Resorts in beautiful places all over the world that are actually affordable to the average, hardworking family. When most people hear, see or read the words "luxury vacation", they think way too expensive for the family. Right? You might think the "luxury vacation" is for the honeymooner, or retired person. I am here to tell you, that is so far from the truth - you won't believe it! When you finally join a vacation travel club that offers incredible luxury vacations that do not not cost you an arm or a leg, you are going to kick yourself and wonder what took you so long. Stop putting off the family vacation because you think you can't afford it. You don't have to wait until the kids are grown. You really can afford it and I'll show you how.
Your Membership Lasts a Lifetime Yes, you read that right! You can have travel discounts and luxury vacations at luxury resorts for the rest of your life once you join. Maybe you have small children right now and don't see yourself traveling more than 1 or 2 times a year. With a vacation travel club membership, you can enjoy the benefits for as long as you want to stay a member. Imagine having 75-100 or more trips to choose from every year. You decide when you want to travel, choose the trip you like most, and you book. Easy enough.
Don't think you have time to travel? Have you ever just taken a weekend trip somewhere? Maybe even a "staycation" in your own city. Why pay full price when you can get incredible discounts. Wouldn't you rather spend extra money enjoying the sites or a good meal instead of paying for the hotel and not being able to do anything fun? We offer all kinds of trips from weekend getaways, week longs stays, to two week cruises.
Book your own travel, or have someone do it for you If you have ever booked travel yourself, you know it can sometimes be a little overwhelming. What if you could book it yourself, or have someone else do it and it did not cost you anything extra? You Choose! I am one of those people that enjoys making my own travel plans online but when it comes to planning a complicated trip to Europe, I'd rather get some advice and assistance. With your membership, that is possible. You even get Concierge service (traveling or not).
Extra Income Stream Now this might blow your mind, but did you know you could actually make some money while your out and about traveling the world? Have you ever told your friends about a good book, movie, or dinner you ate? Imagine telling all your friends and family about the fabulous week long vacation you just took for $300 while you show them unbelievable pictures and they want to know where they can sign up. That is how easy it can be to make extra income while you are out enjoying your life. You do not need sales skills, you just need to have fun.
If any of this sounds good to you and you would like to know more, check out my Facebook Fan Page to learn more about the fabulous vacations and discount travel deals available for you today.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Regina_Floyd

The Grand Canyon is a world renowned hiking destination and rightly so. Every year millions of tourists travel thousands of miles to stand at the edge of one of the natural wonders of the world. They gaze out at the vast space that was once land is now is a mile-deep cleft cut through the earth by wind and water, and they feel humbled and awed. They snap some pictures, take a peak at the Visitors Center and they leave.
There is another way to experience the Grand Canyon.
The Grand Canyon boasts hundreds of miles of hiking trails that can take you on a variety of adventures, ranging from one-day dips beneath the rim to seven-day adventures that take you to the Colorado River and back and everything in between. Planning though is key because the Grand Canyon averages more annual helicopter rescues than any other national park in the world. Planning is also important because it's a competitive game trying to get permits.
So here are some guidelines:
First decide which trail(s) you would like to hike. If you're new to the Grand Canyon I recommend staying on the corridor trails for your first round; that means the South Kaibab, North Kaibab, and Bright Angel Trails. If you're feeling more adventurous the Hermit, New Hance, Grandview, Tonto and Tanner Trails are all excellent tastes of the wilder side of the Canyon.
Second decide when you want to hike the Canyon. The best times, because of winter storms and scorching summer temperatures, are from mid March to mid May, and from mid September to mid November. Summer temperatures can reach 110 degrees Fahrenheit in the shade, and winter storms can drop a foot or more of snow at the rims.
Third secure your permits. Permits become available four months in advance on the first of the month. For example, if you want April permits they become available on December first. You secure permits through the Backcountry Office at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Their phone number is 928-638-7875, but you'll have to fax your permit request in to the office. Their fax number is 928-638-2125.
You'll find out about ten days later if you received your desired permits.
Once you have your permits it's time to plan the specifics. First you have to get yourself to the Grand Canyon. The best way to do that is to fly into Phoenix or Flagstaff and rent a car. The best place to stay before your trip is in the small town of Tusayan, a short five minute drive from the South Rim Village. The hotels in Tusayan are more affordable than the hotels at the South Rim and often have more availability.
For gear, you'll need backpacks with a minimum of 4,000 square inches of packing space, a sleeping bag rated at a maximum of 30 degrees, sleeping pads, tents, cooking stoves, cooking pots and pans, food, water containers, first-aid kits, extra clothes, blister precautions, and possibly a satellite phone.
If you're an experienced backpacker, this is a pretty common list and won't be a problem. If you're not, you may consider going on a guided tour where they take care of the permits, supply all the gear and food, and equip you with a professional Grand Canyon hiking guide. Either way, it's a peak experience and the adventure of a lifetime!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Scott_Cundy

The United States of America is home to some of the most spectacular views in the world. From the snowy mountaintops of the Sierra Nevada's in eastern California to the subtropical swamplands of the everglades in southern Florida, we have access to just about every variation of ecosystem imaginable. With so many cheap hotels and cheap airline tickets within our reach, it's definitely something to take advantage of. Being just after spring, when the weather is nice and the vegetation is in full bloom, June is the perfect time of year to plan a getaway. There are many destinations that are exceptionally beautiful during the early summer month of June.
Flagstaff, Arizona sits in the mountains at an elevation of 6,910 ft. Known for its crisp, refreshing mountain air; Flagstaff is extraordinarily beautiful during the summer time, with average temperatures in the 70s to 80s. One of the best things about Flagstaff is its breathtaking view of the San Francisco Peaks, sitting about 7 miles north. If you decide to visit this adorable town, be sure to visit its historical downtown, not to mention the many surrounding sites and book early. Looking for advanced travel to Flagstaff can score you some cheap flights and killer hotel deals.
Sedona is a short drive down the switchbacks, and home to some amazing red rock country. If you are a hiker, this is your place. Even better than Sedona, with 5 million visitors from all over the world just between the months of May and October, the nearby Grand Canyon is a must see. Flagstaff, being a mere 90 minutes to the south rim of the Grand Canyon, gives the perfect opportunity to visit astonishing canyon created by the powerful Colorado River.
With an unbelievable 1,960 miles of shoreline, Lake Powell is the aftermath of the Glen Canyon Damn on the Colorado River. Filled with awe-inspiring canyons and deep blue water, Lake Powell is best visited by boat, where you have access to all of the amazing sites it has to offer. Lake Powell is home to some jaw-dropping views that words cannot due justice. With its colorful canyon walls and oddly shaped rocks, it looks as if it's not from this world. If you enjoy water sports and exploring without limits, you would find yourself in paradise here. Lake Powell is truly a site like no other.
Only a state away, tucked away in the Sierra Nevada's where California and Nevada meet, sits Lake Tahoe at an elevation of 6,237 ft. While it may snow through the winter, Lake Tahoe's temperatures are optimal during the month of June, staying in the 70s. The beautiful green, forest covered land has many activities to offer including hiking, boating, swimming and, of course, fishing on the gorgeous lake that is home to many different varieties of Trout.
However, if you prefer the city, Los Angeles is one of the best. Placed on the Pacific Coastline, L.A. is a magnificent city to visit. It is surrounded by numerous surf-influenced beach towns, including Long Beach, Huntington Beach and Newport Beach. If you don't mind a two-hour drive, Big Bear Mountain is a great spot to enjoy many recreational activities. California has it all. Its one of the only states where you can visit the warm, sandy beaches and snow covered mountain tops in the same day.
Though there are many more beautiful places in the western region of our country, the east has a lot to offer as well. Florida's panhandle, known as the Emerald Coast for its emerald green waters, doesn't get the recognition it deserves. We all know South Florida is a great site to see, being home to the Florida Keys and Everglades, but not too many speak of the northwestern region of the state. This could be what is keeping it from becoming over populated like the south, if that's the case; maybe less recognition is a good thing. Navarre beach says it best, "Florida's best kept secret." The Florida panhandle is home to sandy, white beaches unlike any others in the states. The combination of the brilliant emerald green ocean and snow white, soft sand makes this spot a choice place for vacationing.
Our Country is big. These are only a few prime examples of places that are beautiful vacation destinations during early summer time. There's discount airfare available for every place imaginable. So decide which spot is for you and start searching for some cheap flights! They always say "live life to the fullest," and what better way than visiting all the breathtaking places this country has to offer.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_Lawsomier