South San Francisco Bay Charter's Handbook When to Plan a Cruise

South San Francisco Bay Charter's Handbook - When to Plan a Cruise
By Bob Diamond

When to Plan a Cruise

During most of the season, you can count on the afternoon northwest wind in the South Bay and wind coming more from the west in the North Bay. The other significant variable is the tidal current. The ideal plan is to have the current going with you in all directions but that's not always possible. If you can just plan to have the current in your favor at the critical times, you'll have a great advantage. There are places in the Bay where the current is stronger than elsewhere. These places can be seen in the current charts of San Francisco Bay. There are also days every month when the current is stronger than on other days. When the tides are the most extreme, it's called spring tides. The least extreme tides are called eap tides. The tidal current is of course strongest during the spring tides. Tide and current tables are available on the web and in booklet form at Spinnaker and many other marine facilities.

If possible, plan a cruise so the current is favorable or at least not too unfavorable when you're going to be passing through areas where the current is strongest. The tides and currents tend to be in opposite phase every week. If it turns out the current is going to be unfavorable for your passage one week; you can expect it to be favorable the following week. That's assuming you plan for approximately the same departure time. Modern cruising often involves a lot of motoring. Accept the necessity of motoring, especially if your going to start early in the morning before the wind comes up.

Fueling

The inboard Diesel powered boats carry enough fuel for just about any cruise of a few days duration. More fuel is available at the many fuel docks located north of Redwood City. The outboard powered boats normally only carry enough fuel for 3 or 4 hours of motoring. Spinnaker can provide an extra container of fuel upon request, and if necessary, cruisers can purchase more gasoline along the way. If 50:1 outboard mix is not available, outboard users will have to mix the new gas with outboard motor oil to make the proper mixture required by outboard engines. Charterers are given a full tank of gas upon departure from the charter base. Any additional fuel required is at the expenxe of the charter.

For more information please visit our website at http://www.spinnakersailing.com

Bob Diamond has been head instructor at Spinnaker Sailing since 1984

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Bird Watching Trips India A Bird Watchers Paradise!

Bird Watching Trips - India A Bird Watchers Paradise!
By Sabrina Johnston

Of the 8650 species of birds (migratory and originating species) in the world, India is home to as many as 1200 (roughly 14%), out of which 141 are endemic to this region.

While the number of birds is huge and enough to satisfy any bird watcher, it is the amount of rare birds to see that makes India such an exciting destination for a bird watching trip.

India is also a country that takes eco tourism seriously and provides a number of protected wildlife sanctuaries, that are secluded and perfect for bird watching.

bird watching trips and a variety of stunning scenery and wildlife

India is such a diverse country in terms of its geography which ranges from the mighty Himalayas bordering Tibet in the north, to lush plains, desert and jungle surrounded by thousands of miles of beaches.

This diversity is of landscape is of course, reflected in its wildlife.

Bird watching trips in India give an opportunity to see birds, but you can combine a bird watching trip with a safari, or holiday package and see elephants, tigers, lions and rhinos, or take in some of the thousands of years of cultural history.

India is perfect for bird watching trips, but for the adventurous traveller offers much more, in terms of the variety of wildlife and stunning scenery.

Bird Watching, tigers, elephants and much more!

North India offers a wide variety of bird watching trips including the Keoladeo Ghana National Park (Bharatpur) a world heritage spot and considered one of the finest bird sanctuaries in the world.

There are over 350 species of birds found and the habitat varies from shallow lakes to flooded forests and barren earth.

The rich collection of birds in Corbett National Park, Indias first tiger reserve is another bird watchers paradise. Here you can go bird watching in open-air jeeps, or on elephants.

The setting is superb and the sheer variety of bird life astounding, with 580 species of birds to be found in the park.

Bird watching in some of the best wildlife parks in India

South India includes some of its most famous wildlife parks and some great bird watching destinations.

Nagarole national park for example, is counted among Indias best wildlife parks and has a large elephant and bison population, as well as great bird watching, with approximately 250 species of birds to be seen.

On its northern confines is the Kabini River and on its southern fringes is the Bandipur national park. During the dry season, February - June, the lakes and rivers of the park attract a large number of animals, making it an ideal spot for bird watching and taking in the other diverse and exciting array of wildlife.

Indian bird watching trips find out more

India is one of the best holiday destinations in the world for bird watchers.This report only scratches the surface of bird watching trips in India, so to read more about bird watching in India go to http://www.raptoradventures.co.uk/articles-sitemap.html

For FREE reports and newsletters and much more!

To give you ideas for holidays in one of the most beautiful countries on earth, go to:

http://www.raptoradventures.co.uk

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Choosing the Right Travel Package

Choosing the Right Travel Package
By Anand Srinivasan

With international airfares falling with increasing competition, numerous travel agencies have sprung up to help you make your international visit easy and comfortable. But now there is a problem of plenty. Here are a few things you need to consider when choosing the travel package of your choice.

COST

Naturally this is the first thing to look out for. Prepare the budget you are ready to shell out. But remember that if you are too particular about the upper limit for your travel, you choose that package that falls well inside your budget. Most often, no matter how deeply you look into the costs involved, there are always instances when you feel there was a hidden cost involved which younever knew until you made the payment. Also, you might end up making more than the planned purchasing. So, this is one factor, you must carefully plan and decide.

COMFORT and PRIVACY

For economy budget travellers, travel agencies usually help make costs low by taking the tourists in groups so that the cumulative costs involved help in making the cost per tourist less.But, too many co-travellers might end up ruining your comfort and privacy levels. It is best to know in advance the number of tourists who accompany you. Some travel agencies make good planning to split this group into smaller groups when you walk out in the destination. The best way to know about such organizing is through reviews about the package that you can find on the internet blogs and forums.

FLEXIBILITY

Choose a package that offers you more flexibility in deciding your period of stay in individual locations. Each of your co-travellers have different tastes and it is simply not enough if everyone is offered the same periods of stay at individual locations. So, look for travel packages that offer you the freedom to choose to lengthen or shorten your stay at individual spots. This kind of flexibility might shoot up the costs a bit, but nevertheless makes your travel a much more relishing experience.MANAGEMENTFinally, choose from reviews the kind of travel agancy that takes on the leadership during the stay. The least thing you would want to do is keep finding your way in a foreign place, while the travel is simply doing only what he is paid for - ferrying you to and from the place.

Anand Srinivasan is the author of http://XooXonline.info a website of varied themes and topics for the internet surfer who wants to surf but does not know what to!

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Namibia

Namibia
By John W. Spence

John and I have returned from twelve days in Namibia.

Having been to Africa a few times before, I didnt have the urge of many visitors to tick all the boxes, see the big five.whatever you want to call it. Call me a philistine, but once youve seen one reticulated giraffe youve seen them all. I was after a different type of trip.

If, like me, you want to experience a landscape that is totally unique and witness first-hand one of the worlds most hostile and dramatic environments, then Namibia is a must. It blew me away.

We started the trip in Windhoek. A fairly non-descript town, but a pleasant enough place to recover from the flight and an interesting insight into the horrors of modern, German-influenced architecture.

The next day we headed off. South. We were advised to drive over a special pass, which we duly did. As we came round the corner of the pass, there in front of us was the most astonishing desert vista. I leapt out the car, shot a roll of film and would have gone home happy there and then.

If Id known what was coming I wouldnt have even wound down the window.

Over the next four days we stayed in various places in the Southern part of the Namib desert. I shant list them. They all have their different merits and it depends on what you are after. For the record my clear favourite was the Wolwedans where we spent a night at the Lodge Camp and then another at the Dune Camp. Which youd prefer is really your call. Lodge Camp is plush, Dune Camp is authentic. The food in both is truly exceptional perhaps the best Ive ever had on safari.

The Wolwedans area is totally, totally stunning. I havent the vocabulary to describe the landscapes and anyway that is only half of the wonder of this place. The atmosphere and aura are awesome to behold and the changing colours of the dunes defy belief. You wont see much wildlife, but that which you do see, has a very special beauty and commands the greatest respect. Seeing a Gemsbok eek out an existence in the Namib desert is, for my money, more impressive than a Lion in the Masai Mara any day.

The other area we visited in the South and that is probably on most peoples Namibia Hit List is Soussusvlei. On the whole trip this was the only time I ever saw anyone else. Its Namibias number one tourist attraction and it shows but, even if that bothers you, they are worth the visit. The mystique of the desert is somewhat lost here but, they are the tallest sand dunes in the world and they are incredible. My advice, which will make more sense when you are there, is to drive straight past the famous dunes and into the less visited area called the Deadvlei (youll need a 4WD car). Get there as early as possible when the shadows are long. I guarantee astonishment.

Whilst in the south we squeezed in a couple of extras. One morning we ballooned over the dunes. If youre a balloon virgin this is a great place to lose your cherry. I was and I loved it despite a fear of heights.

I dont like horses, camels have bad breath and elephants are very uncomfortable to ride, so Quad biking has always been top of my list. The Namib desert is a very, very fragile environment so initially the eco-tourist in you may be a little uncomfortable at the thought of Quad biking. Two hours later youll be perched on top of a sand-dune watching the sun go down with a Vodka and Tonic in your hand and your ethics will be long forgotten. Trust me, this rocks. I defy anyone not to whoop with joy as they fly across the desert on these modern camels.

We then headed back north to Swakopmund on the coast. Initial reactions? What the hell are we doing here? It makes Windhoek look like Venice. However my opinions changed. If you follow one awesome desert landscape with another awesome desert landscape and then follow that with yet another awesome desert landscape, it is possible to become a little jaded and lose perspective. With hindsight, and in view of the mind-boggling four days we were about to embark on, Im glad we had this short time out.

Not least because it afforded us the time to practise a little shark fishing. You have two options; off the boat or off the beach. The logical minded might assume that the boat would equate to greater success and bigger fish. Not a bit of it. Choose the beach without doubt. Even if you have fished a hundred times or have never held a rod in your life I urge you to give it a whirl. This is totally unique and completely thrilling. Unfortunately, I cant say more since any description of the day on my part would, Im afraid, only deepen the wounds in Johns pride. Suffice to say that as a collective we had much success. The nice part was that they all get returned to the sea.

We then embarked on what was undoubtedly the highlight of the trip. The Schoeman fly-in safari of the Skeleton Coast. For the next three nights and four days I was subjected to the most relentless assault of stunning landscapes, thrilling experiences, fascinating knowledge, infectious enthusiasm and all-out-no-holds-barred-African-wilderness-drop-dead-gorgeous-mind-blowing-incredible time.

I like to think Ive travelled a bit. Ive driven a motorbike from Calcutta to London, lived in the jungles of Belize for six weeks, canoed rivers in Canada, played football in Japan, travelled the Karakorum Highway, lived on deserted islands in the Phillipines, camped in Lawrence of Arabias favourite desert the Wadi RumI could go on.

In Africa I have been fortunate to experience the A list of Safaris. Ive travelled with Robin Hurt and Ker & Downey. Ive been to Abus Camp in Botswana, ridden horses with PJ and Barney, seen leopard make a kill..again, I could go on. But nothing, and I mean nothing, touches the Schoeman Safari.

I dont want to attempt to describe it. Two reasons. Firstly, I cant. Secondly, the finest thing about the Schoeman trip is how brilliantly the brothers unravel the desert before your very eyes and ears. Each day springing new surprises and opening new doors for you. The Schoemans have lived here all their lives. It shows they are mad so would you be. But within that madness is an incredible fountain of knowledge and a passion to share it. I genuinely never knew that a place like the Skeleton Coast existed on this planet (Henk Schoeman the youngest of the brothers and our guide - is convinced that the recent pictures to emerge from Mars were taken here).

To have the Skelton Coast shown to me by one of the Schoemans and to view it in this style was the complete ultimate. This is the real McCoy. No contest.

It is hard work though. The planes and land rovers are old and uncomfortable. The pace is relentless and the camps are basic but definitely more than adequate. The food isnt great it would be logistically impossible for it to be better.

But that is exactly what makes this trip so wonderful and real. Living in the Namib desert is no walk in the park and, frankly if the Himba tribes people can survive years of drought then you can manage four days of hard travelling. I guarantee that when you come into land at the first camp sight you will be completely dumbstruck, and youve yet to experience land-rover tobogganing, the welwitschia plant, Bushmen artwork, roaring sand-dunes (the most astonishing thing I have ever heard), desert elephants, bread baked in a coffee percolator, ship-wrecks, the quartz kaleidoscope, seal colonies.

But above all of this and more, you will experience pure, total and completely untouched wilderness.

A rare and incredibly beautiful thing.

http://www.aardvarksafaris.com/articles-namibia-otto.htm

John Spence originally cut his teeth as a cocktail barman in Cape Town and white water raft guide in Zimbabwe. This unorthodox first travel to Africa buried a strong seed of love for that continent which has grown and grown. Endless weird and wonderful trips to Africa on horse back, by canoe, on foot, light aeroplane and behind the wheel of his own Land Rover have yet to fully satisfy his thirst for knowledge of Africa. Johns two children are also set to become safari experts and are beginning to accompany him on some of his less adventurous trips so hes a good person to talk to about family holidays as well. An itinerary to Africa designed by John will be based on a huge bank of knowledge and a big injection of enthusiasm and adventure.

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Photo I.D. Cards For Summerlin Nevada

Photo I.D. Cards For Summerlin, Nevada
By Shirley Simmons

If you live in Summerlin, Nevada, you are one lucky person. This planned community is one that offers so much for its residents. There are music festivals, contests, movies, and much more open to the residents of this community. In addition, there are pools and many parks and walking trails to take advantage of. Because of the great activities always going on in Summerlin, Nevada, the residents chose to issue photo I.D. cards to the residents.

If you want to be admitted to many of the festivities, you often need to show proof that you are a Summerlin, Nevada resident. Many times visitors will be admitted for free or for a small fee, but if you want free access like all other Summerlin residents, you need to get your resident photo I.D. card right away.

The Summerlin I.D. cards can be created at several of the community centers. In fact, you can visit The Trails or The Willows through the week to pick yours up. These two locations are open for issuing cards Monday through Friday from 9 in the morning until Noon. In addition, they are also open from 1pm to 5pm. You can call the local Summerlin information line to get more information.

Although it might seem a little overboard, it is important that you get your Summerlin, Nevada photo I.D. card soon after you move to the area. If you dont, you really wont be able to enjoy the same benefits as the other Summerlin residents. So, take the time to get your I.D. card today!

There are many reasons to consider Summerlin Nevada Real Estate.

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Myrtle Beach Vacation Rentals

Myrtle Beach Vacation Rentals
By Jennifer Weiss

Myrtle Beach, located along the Grand Strand on the coast of South Carolina, is one of the prime vacation destinations in the country, drawing visitors from all around the world. With its abundance of golf courses and miles of sandy coastline, it is the perfect place for a family vacation or a weekend getaway. Make your way to Myrtle Beach for your next trip to the coast and let the sun, sand, and variety of attractions calm your nerves and show you the vacation of a lifetime.

Vacationing in Myrtle Beach means spending lots of time exploring different golf courses or participating in numerous water activities. If either of these items are on your itinerary, you can find accommodations that make it easy engulf yourself in what appeals to you most about this area. Myrtle Beach vacation rentals are conveniently located throughout the city, providing easy access to the attractions you want to visit. No matter what you are looking for, there is a vacation home rental in the location that matters most to you with all the amenities you need for a great trip.

If your schedule is jam-packed with days of hitting the links at local courses, then why not stay in a home that sits directly on a lush green fairway of the World Tour Golf Links. This courses 27 holes are inspired by some of the most challenging and famous layouts in the world, allowing visitors to sample the best in a single day. A quick look out the window reminds you why you have come to the area that has the largest concentration of golf courses anywhere in the world. And when you are ready to face the challenge, one of the best courses in the Myrtle Beach area is a stones throw away.

While staying in a vacation rental that sits on an amazing golf course is a great way to be near your passion, it is also excellent for those who want a quiet, more natural setting. Towering pines and live oaks line the fairways and crystal clear water hazards are just off to the side, creating the perfect environment for anyone looking to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and kick back to the birds sweet song. Forget about everything you have left behind and simply relax on your balcony as you soak in the beautiful views of the rolling terrain and calming green land.

Staying on the water in an oceanview condo is a great way to enjoy the amenities that come with condos while allowing yourself easy access to the beach at all times. You can find condo rentals that have numerous indoor and outdoor pools, an indoor water park, an onsite tiki bar, numerous hot tubs, and fully-equipped exercise rooms so any activity you could possibly think of is easily within reach. The condos themselves are nicely stocked themselves, providing enough beach towels to last your trip, TVs, DVD players, wireless internet, and plenty of space so everyone in your group has a comfortable bed to sleep in.

Whether you choose a condo or house rental that is directly on the beach, you are making a good decision if you plan on spending a lot of time playing in the sun and the sand. When you stay on the water, a day at the beach is just a short stroll away so you dont need to waste time in the morning packing your vehicle full of supplies and then searching for a convenient parking spot. Simply get the family ready and walk out the backdoor, where you will be greeted by the sound of the waves and the warm sand between your toes. There is no crossing busy streets and when you need a short break from the sun, your vacation rental is nearby so you can have a rejuvenating lunch with all the comforts of home.

When the thought of walking across the beach as the surf slides gently over your feet has become too much to bear, come to the South Carolina coast for a vacation filled with rest, relaxation, and plenty of sun. There are plenty of attractions to keep you occupied and plenty of Myrtle Beach vacation rentals that allow you to retreat away from the noise and simply soak in the breathtaking beauty of the Atlantic Ocean.

HomeAway.com has the most comprehensive selection of vacation rental homes on the Internet. For an alternative lodging option, consider Myrtle Beach vacation rentals for your next trip to the South Carolina coast.

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Cheap Airline Tickets and Low Cost Airline Tickets

Cheap Airline Tickets and Low Cost Airline Tickets
By Jason Montag

People love to travel around the world and would do it a lot more often if it was affordable. Actually the hotels are no the bad part of a trip across the ocean, the major expense is the airline tickets. Most people spend more time finding cheap airline tickets than they do choosing all of the rest of the details of their vacation. The airline industry has always inflated their prices for some reason or other but the bottom line is that it is possible to get cheaper tickets than the website would advertise or the travel agent will tell you about. The airlines are able to offer deals to you but you have to go through the right steps to find them. The internet is the best place to find cheap airline tickets and low cost airline tickets. Actually the absolute best place to go is to the places that will show you the cost of cheap last minute airline tickets. How can they do this? Well the concept is simple. The flight that the airline is taking will cost them a certain amount of money whether it is full or empty so the more passengers they have the more they can offset the cost. If the flight is approaching and there are a lot of empty seats the airline will offer cheap airline ticket deals to last minute customers in an attempt to recover some of their possible loss. If they sell a discount or low cost airline ticket it is better than no sale at all.

The key is to keep your eyes open and continue searching until you find what you are looking for on the last minute deal sites. One word of advice is that you should book your flight with the airline directly once you know what the last minute deals are and get them to give the price to you instead of going through one of these possibly fly by night websites. Use the website for the information they can provide you and nothing more as the airline can usually be trusted more than some other internet sites.

In my opinion, paying advertised cost for an airline ticket is as bad as paying sticker price for a car, you should not do it. If you look you will find the cheap and low cost, and sometimes last minute airline tickets deals. Best of luck in your searches.

For more information about cheap airline tickets or get cheap last minute airline tickets, some recommended airlines are Southwestairlines,and Quantas Airlines

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3 Essential Places To Visit In Shenzhen China

3 Essential Places To Visit In Shenzhen, China
By Rosalyn Pan

Shenzhen is a city of over 12 million people located in Guangdong Province, China, directly on the border with the New Territories of Hong Kong.

It's likely that your travel guide to China does not say much about this city except to dismiss it as industrial and good only for cheap knockoff shopping.

Similarly, if you ask people in Hong Kong about Shenzhen, they will pretend to think it's still a small town full of knife-wielding thieves and you shouldn't even consider going there.

Both these impressions couldn't be further from the truth. Shenzhen's incredibly fast growth is the reason travel books are out of date, and perhaps Hong Kong people's snobbishness about the city stems from a certain fear and envy of this shiny wealth center on their doorstep!

Modern day Shenzhen is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city that offers a wide range of cultural and leisure venues for tourists, as well as unrivalled shopping and dining. If you like Hong Kong and Shanghai, you will also love Shenzhen - fast, fashionable, cool, and not a little bit crazy!

If you are clueless about Shenzhen and want a few basic pointers, here are the three most famous city center places to see in one day:

Diwang Building

Diwang building is the tallest skyscraper in Shenzhen, at 69 floors, and the symbol of the city's super fast success. The building is office space for the city's most prestigious firms, but you can pay around 120RMB to go to the viewing deck on the 68th floor and look over the whole city center.

Opposite the Diwang building is the new multi-storey shopping center Mix C complete with ice rink, cinema, and lots of international style restaurants. Many of the shops in the Mix are Hong Kong style overpriced fashion boutiques, but this does not deter the hordes of window shoppers.

A short distance from Diwang is the Shenzhen Stock Exchange, which you can't go into, and still within walking distance, a block away and still the same metro station, is the Grand Theater.

Grand Theater

Completely refurbished in 2006, the Da Ju Yuan / Grand Theater in Shenzhen is a great venue for classical music and traditional Chinese music events. Shenzhen has its own Symphony Orchestra (http://www.sso.org.cn/) and with tickets normally between 60 - 300 RMB no one can complain that culture is out of reach in this modern boom city.

Across the road from the Grand Theater is Lychee Park, which is recommended for taking photos on traditional style bridges, taking a pedalo out on the lake, or watching the unnervingly professional ballroom dancing couples practice outdoors.

On the corner of the park is a large billboard with a Picture of Deng Xiao Peng, the father of Shenzhen. It was he who came up with the idea of raising Shenzhen / Baoan from a fishing village to a global scale metropolis, and Chinese visitors to Shenzhen wouldn't want to miss a chance to be pictured in front of the late Chairman.

Citizens' Center

Shenzhen's city government decided to relocate the Central Business District west, out of the original city center (Luohu) and into brand new, spaciously planned zones in Futian District. Part of this project is the Shimin Zhongxin / Citizens' Center: a huge government building with an iconic ird shape roof. Not much to do or see inside, but it's worth taking a taxi around this whole area, especially at night time, to see all the shiny new skyscrapers. The newly developed area around the Citizen's Center also includes the Children's Palace amusement center and exemplary New Shenzhen Library. About half a mile south is the New Exhibition Center / Huizhan Zhongxin, which is, in typical Shenzhen style, impressive just because it is huge.

Visiting Shenzhen

If you are in Hong Kong it's an easy day trip to Shenzhen, crossing the border at Luohu (KCR to Lowu) or Huanggang (Bus to Lok Ma Chau) - both of which are less than an hour from HK Central.

If you are leaving Mainland China e.g. from Guangzhou or from Shanghai through to HK, we hope you're open minded about Shenzhen to carve out an extra whole day to stop off and explore the city.

For English language news and commentary about Shenzhen, visit the Shenzhen Blog http://www.theszweb.com/Photos of Shenzhen, a web forum, and further information are available at Shenzhenweb Shenzhen Information: http://www.shenzhenweb.com/

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25 Ways to Save money When you Book a Cruise

25 Ways to Save money When you Book a Cruise
By Shirley Linde

Ready to sign up for a cruise? Before you get out your credit card, check these tricks of the trade.

BOOK EARLY
Booking three to six months in advance will often save you money, and also give the best choice of cabins. The earlier you book, the bigger the discount.

PAY EARLY
Several cruise lines give an extra discount if you pay in full at least six months in advance of your cruise date, sometimes as much as 15 percent.

BOOK LATE
Last minute bookings can also result in savings -- no ship wants to leave with empty cabins. However the downside is that cabin choice may be limited, or the ship may have no cabins left at all.

CONSIDER OFF-SEASON
Cruises are usually most expensive in high season, so if you go earlier or later you can get a cheaper fare. Examples: Alaska cruises are cheaper in April, May and September; Mediterranean cruises in September and October; Caribbean cruises in early fall or in January and February. However, check that the weather is still pleasant or the wildlife is at the stage you want to see. Sometimes a fare will be less just before or after a holiday.

CONSIDER A REPOSITIONING CRUISE
Typical repositioning cruises go between the Mediterranean and the Caribbean, or from Alaska in the fall to the California coast or to Baja for the winter. Repositioning cruises are sometimes half the cost of the same number of days when they get to their destination, but they have more days at sea and fewer ports of call.

DO A NEW ITINERARY OR AN INAUGURAL CRUISE
These cruises often have special introductory rates. However, if you take an inaugural cruise on a new ship, don't expect everything to be perfect. Some problems are inevitable as the kinks are worked out.

PUT TOGETHER A GROUP
Groups that travel together save together. If you put together a group from your church or club or school or even a family reunion, we can get you a group fare. Usually if there are 15 or more, you can get a free extra ticket.

CONSIDER AN INSIDE STATEROOM
To some people, a view is important. But to others the cabin is only a place for sleeping and changing clothes, and they would rather give up the window and keep the money. If you like to sleep late, having an inside cabin will prevent early morning sunshine from waking you. But you won't have a view or know what the weather is.

HAVE THREE OR FOUR IN A CABIN
Third or fourth persons (or children) go at a substantial discount, sometimes free. Then everyone shares the cost, and the savings. Make sure you get along -- it can be excruciatingly crowded.

BE FLEXIBLE TAKE A GUARANTEE
If the ship is sold out of the cabin category that you want, you can confirm your booking and the cruise line gives you a guarantee to provide a cabin in that category or one higher, but you don't know where the cabin will be.

GO STANDBY
With a standby reservation, you are called at the last minute if there is a cancellation. But be careful of expensive last-minute air fare. Standby bookings work well when you live near a city where cruises originate, then you can make fast plans and not have to deal with air.

BECOME A REPEAT PASSENGER
Cruise lines usually give a special discount to past passengers. Or they may give upgrades in cabin category. If you've sailed on a cruise line previously, always tell that when you ask for a quote or make a reservation.

CHECK FOR SPECIAL PROMOTION
Watch ads and newsletters for promotional specials on both small ships and big ships. There may be a two-for-one offer, kids free, or 50 percent off for the second passenger.

SPECIAL OCCASION
Tell when you book if you are celebrating a honeymoon or anniversary or a family reunion on the cruise, and you we can sometimes get you an extra discount.

ADDED VALUE
Sometimes instead of offering a cheaper fare, a cruise line will offer free days at a hotel at a port before or after a cruise, or will offer additional days of cruising for a discounted rate. Example: Book three months early and get a free hotel room in Vancouver. Sometimes a cruise line will offer credits you can use in shipboard shops or casinos.

CABIN UPGRADES FOR SPECIAL REASONS
Some lines offer an upgrade in cabin category if you are a repeat passenger, on a honeymoon, celebrating an anniversary, are retiring, recovering from an illness, or you brought other passengers on board. When you book tell if you have a special circumstance and try to get you an upgrade.

FREQUENT-FLIER MILES
Sometimes cruise lines offer frequent-flier miles on some of their voyages.

BOOK BACK-TO-BACK
If you arrange to stay on the ship for a second cruise, on many ships we can get you the second week at a greatly reduced rate.

FLAT-RATE SPECIALS
The way that this works is that you tell the cruise line the cabin category of your choice, but you won't get a specific stateroom designation until a week or so before sailing. You get the best available cabin at that time. This is also called ba (to be assigned).

SENIOR CITIZEN SPECIALS
Some cruise lines have discounts for persons over age 55 or 65. Sometimes if a senior citizen is traveling with a younger person, a discount will apply to both fares. If you are a senior, be sure to mention it when you ask about a price.

WATCH AIR FARES
There are ways to save on air fare too. Sometimes the cruise/air package is cheaper; sometimes booking air separately is cheaper. If you don't need air because your departure port is nearby, you can get a credit on the airfare if it is built into a package price. Plan as far ahead as possible to get the lowest-priced tickets. You might be eligible for a senior discount, or if going with a companion, you can buy a four-coupon packet with many airlines.

HOTELS AND CAR RENTALS
Cruise lines often have pre or post-cruise packages that are reasonably priced that can be arranged for at the same time you book your cruise. As you plan your total vacation and what you will do at the beginning and end of the cruise, tell the agent your plans and they can check what the cruise line has to offer compared to what they can get for you directly with a hotel at their promotional rate.

COMPARE CRUISE LINES
Different ships often go to the same destinations. Investigate about the ships and cruises that go to that destination. Compare itineraries, accommodations, educational programs, shore excursions and fares. Some cruise lines have cabins for singles with no single supplement. By comparing, you may find a cruise that offers all you want and has a wonderfully cheaper fare. (Be sure when you compare fares that you know whether shore excursions and port charges are included or not.) Check with an agent because cruise lines send notices to agencies when there are special deals and make sure your agent always checks for any new special offerings.

CHECK NEWSLETTERS AND WEBSITES
At smallshipcruises.com, for example, we have a front-page column that will give you latest discounts and special offerings on ships.

LET PEOPLE KNOW WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR
If you tell your agent the ships and the destinations you are most interested in, and when in the future you might want to book, they will tell you when any discounts become available. You can also subscribe to cruise newsletters from website informatin centers, agencies, and cruiselines themselvles to get cruise news and specials. They will never charge a fee for getting a quote for you or booking your cruise and they may know of a special offering that you would not otherwise know about. But remember, the most important thing of all is to not book a cruise just because of its price, but to find a cruise that best fits your needs and desires

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Diverse Menu at Orlando Restaurants

Diverse Menu at Orlando Restaurants
By Robert Patterson

Every city has restaurants to brag about and Orlando is no different. With millions of visitors each year and a booming local economy, Orlando offers fantastic dining options for both locals and guests. Theme park resorts and many fine hotels offer great dining, International Drive is full of family friendly dining, and many celebrated chefs have opened upscale eateries in this magic city.

The most important meal of the day just got better with Le Peep serving up its hardy menu of filling favorites. Located in the Universal Studios Resort, Le Peep is a local favorite with its popular skillet dishes and its home spun breakfast banana split consisting of bananas, strawberries, blueberries, strawberry yogurt and granola. Bakely's Restaurant & Bake Shop in Winter Park is also a great place to start your day with its extra thick French toast and a tall cup of Joe.

Speaking of coffee, Orlando offers up some great coffeehouses for those looking for that quintessential morning pick me up. Check out Austin Coffee and Film or Palmano's Espresso Bar both located in Winter Park. Downtown also serves up great beans at Downtown Media Art Center where coffee becomes the medium art form. Those staying near International Drive will want to stop at Bad Ass Coffee for a tall cup of this beanery's Kona, Hawaiian blends.

Sunday mornings in Orlando should be reserved for the gospel Sunday brunch at the House of Blues in Downtown Disney. This house sets a spiritual mood with its enormous displays of folk art, over 6,000 original paintings and 60 sculptures from rural southern African-American artists. Heavenly sounds from live gospel entertainment and the all you can eat brunch make Sundays at the House of Blues a must.

Midday hungers can be squelched with Bubbalou's special, a combo of spare ribs, pork and chicken served with a mound of side orders at Bubbalou's Bodacious Bar-B-Que in Winter Park. Downtown's Baja Burrito Kitchen features Cal-Mex cuisine and deluxe burritos, while Ming Court on International Drive is creating incredible Dim Sum dishes.

Those spending their days at the theme parks will have an ample amount of lunch choices. Try The Earl of Sandwich at Downtown Disney Marketplace for a hot sandwich with delicious bread baked to order and generous portions of sandwich fillings. Universal CityWalk Orlando eateries offer numerous options for those visiting Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. Stop by Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville for a cup of gumbo or the Hard Rock Cafe offers great salads and lunch entres.

Choosing where to dine in Orlando is just as difficult as deciding which dish to order once you're there. Luckily these are problems worth having and any choice you make is most likely going to satisfy your tastes. International Drive is full of options for families and couples looking for a night out. Cafe Tu Tu Tango is a great choice with roving musicians and artists creating art tableside. This world fusion restaurant has some tasty tapas to start your meal and amazing entres blending flavors and cultures.

Visitors of Universal CityWalk Orlando will yell a collective BAM if lucky enough to get into Emeril's Restaurant Orlando. The celebrity chef's Orlando eatery is wildly popular and for just reasons. Creative dishes and New Orleans cuisine are highlighted by the sophisticated atmosphere and attentive service making Emeril's Restaurant the essence of CityWalk dining.

Romantics are going to find Victoria & Albert's in Walt Disney World Resort's Grand Floridian hotel to be the perfect compliment to good company. Domed ceilings, marble columns and a plush interior combine style, sophistication and class. Chef Scott Hunnel's daily prix fixe menu offers unexpected flavors and dishes that are truly unique.

Late night diners will rejoice to find I-Drive's Bahama Breeze is open late and offers outdoor dining to boot. Steel drums and tiki torches keep the night alive as you feast on exotic island nosh. Wash it all down with a minty mojito or one of the many frozen specialty drinks available.

If you still have room you'll want to stop by The Dessert Lady Cafe where owner and head chef Patti Schmidt serves her incredible desserts featured in many posh Orlando restaurants. Good company, coffee from Palmano's and a dessert from The Dessert Lady Cafe could be the perfect ending to your culinary exploration of Orlando.

Robert Patterson is an Orlando expert and the Content Manager for BookIt.com - the Internet Travel Company Offering Discounted Orlando Hotels and Vacations with No Booking Fees, Ever! Visit BookIt.com Travel Guides for Additional Orlando Travel information including Articles, Reviews and Helpful Travel Tips.

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