Austin's Travel Blog

In this era of faster everything, including faster and larger commercial airliners where passengers are packed in like sardines, one thing seems to remain constant. That is the wonderful, leisurely world of cruising. For many years the airline industry has experienced numerous setbacks, while the cruise industry has been growing by leaps and bounds. There are many reasons why you should consider becoming a part of this amazing phenomenon. Here are some of them.

Some recent research from the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), show that ninety-five percent of people who have cruised give top marks to their cruising experience and more than seventy-five percent plan to cruise again within three years.

Contrary to what some people might think, cruises are very affordable. With most vacations you end up paying for air flights, hotels or resorts, restaurants, entertainment, and sometimes car rentals. If you add all these costs up, cruises can be a real bargain. When you book a cruise, in most cases you pay for the airfare and cruise. However, if you live close enough to your cruise ship departure port, you may be able to drive there much cheaper than you can fly.

Even if you have to fly to the departure port you can always get a flight and cruise package deal which is usually less expensive than purchasing your flight and cruise separately. You’ll save even more money as your lodging, restaurant meals, and entertainment are all included.

When you book luxury a cruise vacation, more than 85% of your holiday is prepaid and that’s including all meals, stage shows, night clubs, movies, and entertainment, as well as many other activities and amenities. In addition, most ships have onboard activities such as swimming, scuba diving lessons that can lead to certification, golf, rock climbing, dancing, Pilates, yoga, and fitness trainers. You can also pamper yourself with relaxing spas and body massages.

Another way to save big bucks on a cruise is booking an inside cabin. If you don’t need to have a cabin with a balcony or ocean view, then you’ll save a lot of money. You have the use of all the amenities that are shared with your fellow passengers have, but it’s costing you a lot less.

You can also save a bundle on a repositioning cruise. A repositioning cruise is made possible at certain times of the year, usually in the spring and fall, when the cruise lines relocate their ships from one area of the world to another.

There are many luxury cruise vacations to choose from, ranging from three day mini cruises to several month long cruises as well as a fantastic around the world cruise odyssey.

When you’re cruising, you are traveling in the lap of luxury in a floating five-star hotel. You will be pampered and feel like you are living the life of a king or queen, not just for a day, but for every day of the cruise. Gourmet dining, elegant surroundings and impeccable service are only a few of the superlatives that can be used to describe cruising.

If you like delicious food you will certainly love gourmet meals and scrumptious desserts prepared by incredible chefs and served in a variety of restaurants. There are also huge, delightful buffets available throughout the day and even midnight buffets. There are a number of themed lounges located throughout the cruise ships for your convenience.

Love watching Broadway style shows as well as theater performances without having to make reservations or pay exorbitant prices for tickets? Then going on a cruise is the answer. There are so many things that are included on cruises which make them such an incredible value for your travel and entertainment dollar.

From small children to great grandparents, there is always something to peak the interest of everyone on a cruise. You have the option to be as active as you like or you can just relax and experience magnificent sunrises and sunsets while watching the world go by. So many precious, wonderful memories and experiences will stay with you a lifetime when you’ve taken a luxury cruise.

Feel like partying around the clock? That’s not a problem. Whether you’re with a partner or single, it’s always party time. You don’t even have to plan or even clean up after a party, only have a lot of fun!

Businesses from all over the world book conferences, seminars, team building get-togethers, product launches and employee reward vacation cruises. Cruise lines don’t charge extra for conference room facilities and use of audio/video equipment.

Group cruises aren’t only for companies and business people. Weddings and honeymoons, family reunions, sports groups and clubs, charities and fund raisers are only some of the many types of groups that have their events on cruises.

On cruises there is no hassle of having to pack and unpack over again every time you travel to a different destination. Another bonus is that there’s no limit to the amount of luggage you can bring along on a cruise.

People with disabilities should not have problems getting around on a cruise ship. Cruise lines have made onboard accessibility a non-issue because their ships are equipped with ramps, elevators and easily accessible cabins and state rooms.

Today’s cruise ships have drastically reduced the problem of seasickness. Modern, larger ships slice through the waves instead of riding on the top of them. Also, innovative new technologies like stabilizers and counterbalancing systems have dramatically reduced the pitch and roll of the cruise ships, all but neutralizing the problem of seasickness.

A physician and medical staff are never more than a few minutes away on cruise ships should passengers need to see doctor. Most common passenger ailments and minor mishaps happen less on cruise ships than on shore.

Cruising is one of the safest modes of travel. The cruise industry has an excellent safety record. And as far as assaults and robberies are concerned, they’re over a hundred times less likely to occur on cruise ships than in your own home town.

For people who have a fear of flying or are not fond of being crammed like sardines into commercial airplanes when traveling to their destinations, here is some great news. The cruise lines in the U.S. A. are making terrific headway catering to cruise passengers needs. They are opening up more ports of call on both the West and East coasts so more and more people who would love to take a cruise but don’t care for flying, can easily drive or take a bus or train to most departure ports.

To quickly locate and book cheap cruises, for the best price possible, whenever you feel like traveling, go to Travel Tips Guide, for more information.

Technorati Tags: cruise liners, cruise lines, cruise passengers, cruise ships, cruises, cruising, first time cruisers, group cruises, luxury cruises, tourists, Travel, travelers, vacationers, vacations

Renato Babalu Sobral defeated Bobby Southworth by TKO to become Strikeforce light heavyweight champion in the co-main event of the promotions ‘Destruction’ card. Despite leaving with the belt around his waist, it wont be the centerpiece of Babalu’s highlight reel with the way it transpired.

A -350 wagering favorite despite his challenger status, Sobral was expected to use his world class Brazilian Jiu Jitsu skills and vast experience against superior competition to dominate the tough but limited Southworth. It didnt happen that way, as Southworth easily got the better of things in the first round. Southworth’s style isnt exactly one that provides Wanderlei Silva type excitement–he looks to use his strength and conditioning to control his opponent en route to a decision victory. While the result makes him something of a MMA equivalent to boxing’s John Ruiz, it does afford him the best chance of victory.

The first round displayed Southworth’s style in microcosm, with much of the frame spent pushing Babalu up against the cage or on the ground inside his guard not really doing much. Sobral had one effective strike the entire round–during a clinch against the cage wall the challenger rocked Southworth with a hard elbow strike that not only busted his nose but opened a huge cut over his right eye.

Upon seeing the gusher of blood Referee John McCarthy brought the ringside physician over to take a look. The doctor took some time to examine the cut, but eventually the round resumed following the consultation with only a few seconds remaining. As Southworth’s corner futilely worked on the gaping wound during the break the doctor once again took a look and recommended to McCarthy that the fight be stopped. As a result, Sobral was awarded the TKO victory and the championship belt.

The other half of the co-main event was decided in much more decisive fashion as Scott Smith knocked out well traveled veteran Terry Martin in a mere :24 seconds. The rap against Martin has always been that hes a slow starter, but he had the right gameplan in theory as he pushed Smith to the cage wall right after the opening bell. Unfortunately, Martin didn’t adequately close the distance against a fighter dubbed ‘Hands of Steel’ and was caught with a perfectly placed punch that knocked him out cold.

In the semifinal event, Duane ‘Bang’ Ludwig defeated Yves Edwards by unanimous decision in a very closely contested bout. Edwards was originally slated to face lightweight champion Josh Thomson until a toe injury necessitated his withdrawal. Ludwig took the fight on two weeks notice, and after a takedown clinic by Edwards in the first began to control the fight with his superior standup skills. Edwards’ superiority on the ground in the first two frames wasnt enough to sway the judges who obviously favored Ludwig’s more effective striking. All three judges scored the contest 29-28 Ludwig, and he may have earned himself a championship match as a result.

Earlier in the evening, Kim Couture made short work of overmatched Lina Kvokov as she TKOd her foe in 1:44 of the first round. Couture, the wife of UFC legend Randy Couture, gained even more notoriety for the courage she displayed in her professional debut last June. After having her jaw broken early in the first round, she refused to throw in the towel and went the distance despite a horrific injury. She had a much easier time here”despite the fact that both fighters entered with 0-1 records Couture was significantly more polished as she put Kvokov on the defensive from the outset with her sharp punching combinations. Kvokov kept displaying the rookie mistake of trying to turn away from Couture’s blows which prompted commentator Bas Rutten to question if she wanted to continue the fight. She recovered momentarily and survived the initial onslaught. The reprieve was only temporary, however, as Couture launched another barrage of punches prompting the referee to step in and wave off the non-competitive affair.

Ross Everett is a widely published freelance writer and respected authority on World Cup betting. His writing has appeared on a variety of sports sites including sports news and sportsbook directory sites. He lives in Northern Nevada with three Jack Russell Terriers and an emu. He is currently working on an autobiography of former interior secretary James Watt.

Technorati Tags: entertainment, fitness, hobbies, mixed martial arts, recreation, sports, Travel

When you bought your new Nikon binoculars, you opened the box, took out the binoculars, and hooked on the neck strap. You threw it over your head and were excited at how well everything worked. Even out in the back yard giving them a try everything felt great. Then you headed out on your first adventure. Your binoculars bounced, they swung, and made you grab for them many times during the day. Not everyone has this problem. Some people fix the issue by getting a Nikon Prostaff binocular harness. It is no fun needing to use your hand to control your binoculars when you are out trying to enjoy yourself.

When you use a binoculars harness the bouncing and swinging is gone. Even as you race across a field on your ATV, the binoculars stay in place. You can check traps, scout out hunting grounds, and spend a day hunting, and your binoculars stay in place. You need to be active, you want your binoculars to stay out of the way, but ready. Putting them away is not an option. You know as soon as they are put away, will be the exact moment you need them most.

As your binoculars swing, bounce, and move they add to the pressure being exerted on your neck. You try to adjust, and soon your neck is aching from the days efforts. By choosing a binocular harness strap your neck is protected. The weight is against your chest, supported by your shoulders. You adjust the harness for the perfect feel. Your neck is not stressed, it remains feeling good all day. Put away the massage oils and creams, just prevent the neck ache in the first place.

It is not just a matter of comfort, those new binoculars can be damaged very easily. As they bounce around and swing they are vulnerable to damage. Just one wrong swing and a lens could be broke, or the casing damaged. You want to protect your investment. The best insurance is to stop all the swinging. A binocular harness will stop the issue very quickly. Your binoculars are both safe, and easy to use. Being perched in the middle of your cheat makes them easy to grab, and ready for use.

After you have invested in great binoculars, your next investment should be in a high quality binocular harness. It will increase you enjoyment, and help protect your investment for many years.

Looking for harness for binoculars or binocular camera harness ? Find this and more at MyBinocularHarness.com

Technorati Tags: bird watching, hobbies, hunting, hunting gear, outdoors, photography, recreation, Travel

Everybody who knows surfing surely loves it. Surfing is a beautiful experience of getting into water to riding on big waves. I have a great experience of surfing. I have been to plenty of beaches and pools to practice my surfing skills. I have noticed one thing in all the famous surf spots. It is that there are many people that come for surfing and due to this it becomes mess.

In this article I will give you secret information. This secret information is about the beaches that are not so famous but are very good surfing spots. And you can surf there without any mess with full peace. No doubt the following places that I am going to tell you are small but the waves there are awesome.

The first secret place is in Honolulu, Hawaii. Amazed? Yes it is. I know that Hawaii has been surfed to death but there are some secret places where you can surf. When you go a little way to the downtown you will get to know that numerous small surf spots. To reach to these spots you have to go through a bit dangerous track. When the waves pick up its pace, these spots become the best surfing spots. Locals hardly know about these places.

The second secret place for surfing is Lanuza, Surigao del Sur, Philippines. This spot is mostly used for surfing competitions. It is not in the same area. You have to go far away from your place. It takes four to five hours to reach there. It is the best surfing places in the country for those who love surfing. But the people who know about this place do not reveal it to anybody just because of the fear of the place will become crowded. This place is basically in a small town so do not expect that you will find a five star hotel there. Otherwise the people of the town are very much friendly. They help you a lot. The best time to enjoy there is from November to January as in these months you will find high waves.

The third interesting place for surfing is Oahu, Hawaii. This place is too far from the place you must be residing but and getting to the island is a big challenge but if you are daring surfer and really want to get the best surfing experience then you have to go there. But the reward that you will get there is high unending tides trying to touch the sky. It is best if you go there in summers as the waves there reach to its peak.

The fourth one is Lake Michigan, Sheboygan, Wisconsin. This is the most challenging place for the surfers. This is because the water is too cold to the freezing point. In some places you will also find ice. The storms are at its peak which gives rise to unbeatable waves. If you like to take challenges and a daring person then this place is best for you.

If you are looking someone to teach you surfing then the beaches of Portugal, France, Spain, Ireland, and Canary Islands, beaches of Costa Rica, California, Hawaii or Brazil are the best option.

For getting more details you can search on internet and check out the sites that work in this field. You can also book tickets on internet to go to these places.

Surfing is a hobby that everyone will surely love. There are certain places offering services such as surf spots. Or you may want to try surf lessons.

Technorati Tags: Adventure and Sports, recreation, recreation and sports, sports, surf camps, surf holidays, surf spots, surf travel, surf vacations, Surfing, Travel, Water Sports

If you are looking to cut the costs on hotels when you’re traveling, Hotwire.com is a great place to start. I use the hotel booking site frequently when I’m on the road and have received some great deals: InterContinental in Tampa, $99 over New Year’s Eve; Westin Jersey City, $129, at the end of January (neither price includes tax)

Hotwire is better than Priceline, in my opinion, because you don’t have to figure out what price to set. Both sites are “opaque” – meaning that you need to buy the room before you know exactly what hotel it is. But it’s easier to figure out what hotel you might be getting on Hotwire – and you don’t have to go through Priceline’s bidding process, whcih can take a while if your original offer is rejected.

If you are unfamiliar with Hotwire and want to use it for your next trip, here are a few tips:

1. Figure out what hotel you are getting before you buy. It’s easier to do this on Hotwire than Priceline, because Hotwire offers more clues. Here’s how to do it: Look at the hotel’s amentiy list. That’s a group of icons that appear under the hotel’s location. Then open up another browser window to BetterBidding.com. That’s a forum where frequenty Priceline and Hotwire users post recent buys and lists of what the different hotels offer.

For example, for my Tampa trip, I saw that the hotel I was considering had an airport shuttle icon on Hotwire. Of the four -star Tampa hotels listed on BetterBidding, only the InterContinental offered shuttle service. So I was 99% sure that I was going to end up there.

If you are like me and you want to know where you are staying, this extra step is worth it.

2. Factor tax into your budget. Both Priceline and Hotwire show prices without tax, which can add $20-$30 to your per-night rate.

3. Use it for car rentals too. I’ve found prices on Hotwire for as low as $15 a day. Hotwire’s car rental is more flexible than their hotel purchases, as they don’t charge you until you pick up the car. (In contract, hotel purchases are non-refundable and must be paid immediately).

4. Be realistic about the kind of hotel you are getting. Hotwire (and Priceline) specialize in getting rid of unused inventory – the rooms that hotels haven’t sold. And generally, these hotels are going to be the larger chains such as Marriott, Hyatt and Hilton that often appeal to business travelers (which is why weekend rates can be so low). So you aren’t going to find many boutique or independent hotels through the service. If your goal is to stay at the hippest hotel in town, you will be unhappy with Hotwire. Five star properties such as the Ritz Carlton, Four Seasons and Mandarin Oriental are usually not listed either.

But if you are just looking for a good deal on a city hotel that has basic four-star amenities, give Hotwire a try.

Looking to find the best deals and travel tips? Visit travel writer Chris Gray Faust’s website Chris Around The World: A Travel Journalist’s Tips from the Road.

Technorati Tags: booking engines, finding deals, hotels, hotwire.com, Travel