My Travel Tales

Whether you are camping in Maryland, Illinois, Indiana, or Pennsylvania, owning a RV provides the necessary transportation for the perfect camping trip. A RV is basically a recreational vehicle which one uses when on vacation, and on long journeys while on the road. It provides a comfortable place to sleep and cook in while taking long journeys, and when camping with the family.

There are many RV accessories available for you to buy for use on your RV. First and foremost, you have to buy a protective RV cover for your RV, for protection from rain or shine. When the RV is not in use, it is preferable to have it covered with a protective cover so that the rain may not rust parts of the RV. Protective RV covers are usually found made of polypropylene that provides all weather protection.

Then you have fans that will help you fight the heat when in the RV. There are also circulation fans that can be used to not only provide cool air in the RV, but to also circulate the existing air in the RV. Then there are the compasses, drink holders, altimeters, cell phone holders, custom RV parts and many other accessories that the RV owner can do with. When speaking of custom RV parts, it includes the protective RV covers, awning mats, heat exchangers, water heaters, RV ice box, a/c, bulb, RV repair kit and the outdoor survival kit, amongst others.

All the custom RV parts can be easily availed from the local stores or by ordering through the internet. All that has to be done is to type the required custom RV part in any search engine wherein numerous sites selling the part will be disclosed. Place the order, make payments and just wait to try out the custom RV part on the RV on your next camping trip!

To receive a free copy of the <b>'Ultimate What to Take Camping List',</b> visit Dependable Camping Equipment

Sam Jordan

Notting Hill's famous street market in the Portobello Road continues to draw tourists from around the world. While there are vendors there throughout the week, the Market comes alive on Saturdays when antique dealers mix with flea market sellers and all manner of food vendors to provide a rousing feast for the senses and pocketbook. When the sensory overload takes over and you need a break

So you have selected an area - Orlando - entertainment capital of the world and home to Mickey Mouse and all his friends. First thing is to contact some realtors to show you around some properties. You should look for communities which are centrally located with easy access to all that Orlando has to offer and which welcome homeowners renting out their properties on the short term to holidaymakers.

Better quality furnishings last longer

Having chosen and bought your perfect property abroad, you must then (if it is a brand newly built house) turn your thoughts to furnishing it throughout. You would be well advised to stay neutral and select colours and styles, which will not go out of date too quickly and easily. Also it is not the best idea to pick any hues that are too outlandish or purely to suit your own personal taste. You wish your Orlando vacation villa to appeal to the broadest spectrum possible to ensure interest and repeat bookings for your vacation home, thus turning it into a profitable business venture.

With regards to furniture for the home, the cheapest may not always be the best in the long run. If the furniture is so cheap that it does not last and needs to be replaced regularly then this could prove to be a false economy. You may get longer life out of a slightly higher priced set of furniture.

Be careful when choosing a management company

You will need to turn your thoughts to some form of caretaker or management firm to look after your investment in your absence. Never just settle for the first or only one you speak to. Contact several as their styles (and prices) vary. These people will represent you if you do not live locally so they must be someone you can get along with and trust to look after your vacation rental villa in the manner you would like and expect.

Beware guaranteed rentals

Naturally a burning question on homeowner's lips concerns bookings. A word of warning: - beware companies who "promise" you a set number of "guaranteed" bookings per annum. This promise is rarely upheld. Also do not rely heavily on family and friends to rent your Orlando vacation villa. The reality is whilst they may seem willing, extended family often look for a bargain and a reduced rental rate from the one you advertise and as you set up your new venture in the vacation rental market you are aiming to achieve maximum exposure in order to optimise your rental potential.

Finally, you want to do all you can to promote your Orlando vacation villa. You can do this through word of mouth, good photographs of your home, a website, advertising and subscribing to websites which display vacation rental properties to those wishing to rent a home in the sun.

If you put in the effort we are sure you will reap the rewards and see your vacation villa fill up with bookings - just remember to keep a couple of weeks for yourselves to enjoy all Orlando has to offer. After all your hard work, you'll deserve the break!

Peter Kenny has been travelling to Florida for the last 20 years and runs two vacation rental sites http://www.reunionresort.us.com/ and http://www.windsorpalmsflorida.com/ Please visit for more articles on vacation rentals and ownership.

Ever since I began working for that Florida vacation rentals website, I have been plagued by recurring nightmares. I am haunted at night by the spirits of hotel rooms past.

There was a time when I traveled quite a bit on business. Thankfully, I don't hotels hop any more. But at night I float off to a hotel room far away in time…

The day's work done, I phoned home to check up on the kids. It seems there was a shouting match going on in my absence. It sounded like Pandemonium was winning, but Total Bedlam was making some noise, too.

"Can you just quiet down a bit," I said into the phone.

"YOU shut up," I heard the man in the next room growl.

I chose to ignore him. "Come on guys. Can't you just stop fighting for a minute?"

"I'll show you what fighting means" I heard through the wall.

"Geeze. I can't even here myself think," I complained into the phone.

"Hey! I've had just about enough of you," the guy on the other side of the wall screamed.

Suddenly I got very scared. I pictured a burly, six-foot-two weightlifter smashing his fist through the wall. I hung up the phone, wondering how thin the walls were.

Nothing happened. No fist. No smashed wall. No burly, six-foot-two weightlifter.

I decided to go downstairs for a stress-relief stroll. As I was closing my door, the man from the next room emerged.

Fortunately, he was no weightlifter.

I was about to ask him why he had shouted at me through the wall while I was trying to discipline my kids, when he called to me, "Hey you. I was on the phone with my wife. Why did you have to heckle me?"

All of a sudden, I knew how thin the walls were.

In fact, I discovered that hotel walls come in two thicknesses:

If you're lucky, you get "Turn down the volume on your TV!" walls. If you are less fortunate, you get "Turn down the brightness on your TV!" walls.

Fortunately, hotel rooms are immaculately clean. It's true. The sign says so. Just as long as you don't look under the mattress to find a 1976 copy of Businessweek Magazine and theatre tickets to a 1982 showing of The Music Man.

I don't know why hotels pretend to be so spotless. All that junk under the bed could be used as a marketing tool. "Stay at the Hilltop Hilton and join in our under-mattress-scavenger-hunt."

If the hotels don't catch on, sooner or later the motels will. They can turn anything into a sales pitch. Like, for example, "Color TV" (Ooooooohh.). And "Outdoor Pool" (I think the "outdoor" feature is a nice added touch, don't you?) And how about "Free Parking" (which is really a way of saying, "You don't have to park your car in your room.").

What worries me most about hotels is what they keep in the drawers. Did you ever notice there is always a bible in the drawer? Why?

When you buy a car, there is no bible in the glove compartment, although the road is where you need prayers the most.

When you dig for the prize at the bottom of the Cracker Jack box, it's never a bible.

Even in hospitals, where a prayer might be all you have left, there is no bible in the drawer.

Only in hotels and on death row do bibles come as standard equipment.

And why just the Bible? I have had plenty of spare time to search for Torahs and Korans in hotel rooms, and I have never found any. Do Jews and Muslims not stay in hotels? What do they know that I don't?

Fortunately, I don't have to stay in hotels anymore. I don't have to endure shadow-puppet shows from the guy on the other side of the wall. I don't have to keep from reading over his shoulder. I don't have worry about what he ate for dinner.

And I don't have to listen to his snoring. I can enjoy my own nightmares in peace.

San Bartholme is the most central of the islands seven municipalities separating the two contrasting landscapes of the north and south of the island. There are relatively few beaches in this area, although we did have visited three on our many trips to the area.

The first beach is known as Guacimeta. This 1,050m stretch of beach of toasted sand and calm waters is quite exceptional as beaches go, except that it's a bit too close to the airport for my liking. Parking was good and it can be accessed via guaguas (autobus). There are Shops, Bar/Restaurants, Public telephones and a pleasant promenade so it's nevertheless a beach worth a visit.

The second beach is in a semi-developed area beside the airport and the Guacimeta beach and is known as Playa Honda. At 1,900m.long and 85m wide it is the biggest in this area and consists of medium grained golden sand and calm waters making it ideals for families and creating good conditions for windsurfing. It is about 5 minutes drive from the airport, so the noise from aircrafts will not spoil your fun and it's easy to park.

We call it our

Located a reasonable distance from many cities in Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey, Lake Wallenpaupack makes a fine vacation destination for lake-lovers and those in need of a few days' reprieve from the unrelenting tempo of daily life. Time seems to slow down when you're near the water, so make plans to experience this phenomenon for yourself if you've had about enough deadlines, sleepless nights, and traffic jams.

This man-made lake in northeast Pennsylvania was built in 1927 as a source for hydroelectric power. It has since become a powerhouse of tourist attractions, as its 52 miles of shoreline and vast stretch of enticing blue water make for nonstop lighthearted opportunities to swim, dive, and frolic.

Surrounding the lake are six recreational areas and hundreds of acres of trails, forests, and wildlife habitats. Hikers will be in their element as they explore the terrain of the Poconos, and small delights like wild deer, fresh fruit and vegetable stands, and pick-you-own blueberry patches will make for a memorable experience.

As for the lake itself, the possibilities are endless. Whether you bring your own boat or plan to rent one, you'll have all the supplies at hand to take full advantage of the water. Power boats will satisfy your need for speed, and pontoon boats will encourage parties and do-it-yourself dinner cruises. Slide your feet into some water skis for a rush of adrenaline, or settle into a sailboat for a low-key skim across the placid surface.

Five boat ramps line the perimeter of the lake for easy access wherever you are, and each has a gas dock and pump-out station to keep everyone's motor running. Zooming around for a few hours will do wonders for lightening the heavy load that your shoulders are used to bearing, and the whole family will be exhilarated by the feeling of soaring across the water. Pack lots of sunscreen and a few snacks, as you'll likely find it hard to tear yourself away from this never-tiring activity.

Restaurants can be found all around the shoreline and range from no frills to a little more fancy. The nearby town of Hawley will provide any practical, or not-so-practical, supplies that you might need during your Lake Wallenpaupack vacation, including several shops filled with antiques. All in all, while the lake will put you closer to nature than you've been in quite a while, you'll hardly feel cut-off from the world thanks to a healthy representation of banks, churches and businesses that are interspersed throughout the area.

If you decide to stray from the lake for a bit, then you'll have a few attractions to choose from. The kids will like the Family Fun or Wild Animal Park, and arts lovers shouldn't miss the Audubon Festival, which displays the work of dozens of crafters as well as live birds and a nature film festival. The historical society will fill you in on the background of the region, and the golf club will allow the putters in your family to get their fix.

The theme of your Lake Wallenpaupack vacation will likely be lake-oriented, so it would be best to secure a vacation rental right on the water for the utmost convenience. Having your own dock out back with room for your vehicle (and perhaps your friends') will save time and promote plenty of socializing. Also, as the lake tends to bring out the loafer in all of us, you'll be thankful to be staying in a place with a kitchen, entertainment center, and washer and dryer. You'll find the allure of staying in to be overpowering once you've gotten used to living in your swimsuit and bare feet, so fix a casual meal on the grill, sit out on the patio with some drinks, and break out the cards for a series of utterly relaxing and minimally-demanding days on the water.

Vacation rentals like this are plentiful in this area, so don't hesitate to claim one for yourself. Many have amenities that you've only dreamed of, that is if you're used to staying in hotels most of the time. If so, the time has come to break out of the usual patterns and embrace the lakefront chalet, grassy yard, and spacious deck that you've been longing for.

There's a hammock out there calling your name, so go online to book the Lake Wallenpaupack Vacation Rental that would best suit your needs as you immerse yourself in the languid, luxurious lake.

After months of debate and hours of research, you have finally settled on the perfect vacation destination for you and your family. Spending your week-long getaway on the beautiful Hilton Head Island off the coast of South Carolina is a decision that you certainly will not regret once you step foot on the scenic and breathtaking shores of this vacation paradise. So pack your bags and get ready for a trip full of rest, relaxation, and activities that are bound to delight every member of your family.

Although you have determined where you want to spend your vacation, your dream trip cannot get underway until you have decided what kind of lodging would be ideal for your family. Hotels may be the first consideration, but you think back to your last vacation when the kids complained for hours about being bored when it was raining and how you felt like you were always rushing out the door when it was sunny. After much research and thought, you decide to look into vacation home rentals for this vacation.

Stumbling upon home after home, it is becoming abundantly clear that the amenities many vacation rentals offer are exactly what you need for the most relaxing trip you have ever experienced. There are plenty of bedrooms so everyone can have their own room, avoiding the sibling space conflicts that always seem to arise, and there are extras that can provide entertainment during down times. You can find homes that have numerous TVs and DVD players, game rooms, fully-stocked book shelves, and kitchens that would please a gourmet chef. Forget about the time before bed when everyone is complaining about nothing to do, instead you will have peace and quiet as your family enjoys the amenities of your vacation home.

While having extras inside the home for those times when outdoor activities are impossible is a great option, it is certainly more important that you stay near the pristine sand beaches and the warm ocean water to experience the vacation you imagined. You can find a variety of oceanfront homes, condos, and villas that offer the most spectacular views of the ocean throughout the house and on their decks and patios. Simply step out onto your patio and slide into one of the lounge chairs to soak in the breathtaking sights and calming sounds of the water.

Dozing off to the sounds of the waves crashing ashore is the perfect way to rest after a long day at the beach, but spending your afternoon at the beach is bound to be a more pleasing experience for the kids. In your vacation rental, you can avoid the stress of packing everything up, rushing out the door so you don't miss out on any of the prime spots, and lugging everything to the beach. Since your vacation rental is just steps away from the one of the most beautiful beaches on the Island, you can make your way down to the water at your own leisure. And if you happen to forget any essential items, one individual can head back to the rental to pick it up, all the while remaining in constant sight of the other family members.

Views of the ocean and marshland, amenities such as wireless internet and a pool table, and easy access to the attractions you want to visit are just some of the features you will enjoy with Hilton Head vacation rentals. Sit back and enjoy the gorgeous scenery or head out for a round at one of the numerous golf courses sprinkled throughout the Island. Everything you need for an exciting adventure is at your fingertips, so take advantage of all this amazing Island has to offer by choosing accommodations that make it easy to experience the Hilton Head vacation you have been planning and imagining for months.

If you want to know all about Spain, then the best thing to do is research it before your vacation. Learning about Spanish culture before you come to Spain will help you to have a better grasp of the place and the people. If you come to Spain you won't be disappointed by the wide array of things to do and see here.

Spain offers a wide variety of cultural, culinary, and historical activities that are right for everyone. You can visit the beautiful meadows and valleys, hike the Pyrenees, or relax on a beach with your entire family. You will find something for everyone in your family when you visit Spain.

When you are in Spain you may notice that the language sounds different than that spoken in South and Central America. The Spanish in Spain is commonly known as Castillian. This form is related to Italian, Portguese, and French. You may also hear people speak Basque, Catalan, and Galician if you travel to different regions of the country.

You can often find cheap flights on major airlines to Spain. This is the most popular way to enter the country and there are many large and excellent international airports located throughout Spain. It doesn't matter which region of the country you want to visit you will be able to find a flight from your hometown.

When you are in Spain you may want to consider traveling by bus. There are many buses to choose from that have cheap fares and are very comfortable. Seeing Spain while using public transport will save you lots of time and headaches.

If you want to have more independence and freedom on your trip then you should consider using a car rental or car hire company. You can travel wherever you want and whenever you want without worry about schedules. You can find out this kind of information online or through your travel agent.

There is a wide abundance of excellent cuisine in Spain. Whether you are inland or on the coast, in a big city or in a small town you will be able to find food to suit your palate. When you are the coast you can enjoy fresh seafood nearly every day and when you are inland you can select from high-grade meat.

When you are in Spain, you'll be delighted at how fresh all the food is when you go out to eat. There is very little in the way of frozen food and you can be sure the meat, seafood, and vegetables are usually grown and produced locally.

When you want to eat out for dinner and lunch you should be aware of the differences in Spain in terms of schedule compared to your country. In Spain lunch is usually eaten at 2:00 pm and dinner is served at 9:00 pm or later.

If you want to relax and an enjoy wine, beer, or a mixed drink than you can find a wide selection of bars to choose from. This is a great way to meet some locals and practice your Spanish. There is no age restriction to go into a bar, so feel free to bring the kids. Spaniards tend not to get drunk and this is not considered polite behavior.

The Euro was introduced to Spain in 2002 and this is the common currency. You cannot use any other currency and should be prepared to change money at a bank or ATM machine when you arrive. The airport will usual be able to accommodate your needs.

You can also use credit cards all over Spain for purchases or to go out. You usually need to show your passport upon using a credit or debit card. This is for your own protection, so make sure you have it with you when you want to use your card.

Some of us do have a favorite vacation destination, but many growing families are struggling with time commitments and child commitments with little or no time left over for planning a vacation. I like to introduce a new website to you, The-Best-Family-Vacation-Destinations.com, designed to help busy families with their vacation planning saving them both time and money in the process.

If you've ever struggled with where to go or what to do on a vacation this site is for you. It has a mixture of recommendations and ideas throughout the site, as well as a growing area of recommendations from the visitors, so you can get first hand what other families recommend rather than just the editor's pick.

This site covers kid vacations where you can get some ideas to help you decide as a family what you want to do on vacation and how to please the teenagers while making sure your toddlers are happy also.

The summer vacations section is packed with ideas for day trips, 1-2 night stays and week or longer vacations all taking into consideration the challenges of meeting all the families needs on a vacation.

The Best Family Vacation Destinations has a great Disney World vacation section that helps you make sense out of the millions of online offers for Disneyworld vacations. They have great time saving and money saving ideas if you're considering planning a Disney World vacation you need to visit this section.

Most of us, at one time or another, have dreamed about an adventure vacation. You can find adventure ideas in the Adventure Vacations section are good and the tips for choosing the right travel company and outfitter are excellent.

Of course this site wouldn't be complete without the family vacation section which is well thought out and very helpful. It covers the five types of family vacations and helps you to decide what would be best for your family.

Lastly, have you ever wished someone could do the online research for you and give you a list of the current online vacation specials? The-Best-Family-Vacation-Destinations.com does this for you in their free newsletter, The Vacationer. The Vacationer covers vacation deals and travel tips, useful vacation planning information, guest articles, and the latest, up-to-date travel deals on the market.

The-Best-Family-Vacation-Destinations.com is the site you need to visit for planning your family vacations.

Planning a wedding is stressful enough. Planning a honeymoon should be a pleasure. As long as both the bride and groom agree on the locale and the activities, this part of the new life adventure should be a snap to plan. Creating plans for the perfect romantic honeymoon should include things that appeal to both, however. If one likes the water and the other hates it, a beach trip might want to be avoided.

Typically, a good honeymoon that's nice and romantic can take place anywhere the honeymooners can get some quality time together with a lot of privacy. Very few people want a lot of others around during their special once-in-a-lifetime trip together. The vacation, whether it's for a weekend or an entire month, is meant to help you both ease in to married life and create lasting memories. It should be fun, relaxing and romantic.

Before planning a trip, it's a good idea for both the bride and groom to sit down and discuss options. Be certain to pick a place together - one that really appeals to both. Although it's likely a lot of time will be spent in the room, venturing out should be a fun option that offers lots of romantic possibilities, too.

Here are some tips on places to go:

* Beach destinations. For many, there are few things more romantic than watching a sunset on a pristine beach while sipping on drinks with little paper straws and watching palm trees sway in a warm breeze. If this appeals, places such as Florida, South Carolina, California, Hawaii and even some European destinations and the islands of the Caribbean and so on are all good ideas. They all offer their own special appeal and other possibilities for romance and adventure.

* Europe. If staying in a historic city, perhaps within the walls of a romantic, medieval castle, sounds like a dream come true, countries such as Germany, England, Scotland and Ireland might be considered. Sightseeing possibilities are incredible in any of the destinations and accommodations can really be as upscale or as basic as a couple's budget demands.

* Mountains. There are few places more romantic than secluded mountain cabins. Getting back to nature offers some incredible views, which happen to be very romantic and the privacy can't be beat. Places to consider for this type of trip include anywhere in the Smokey Mountains, the Rockies, Pennsylvania, New York, Canada and Europe. Again accommodations can include upscale lodges or more rustic cabins or even tent camping. Whatever both the bride and groom deem goes.

* Ocean cruises. When it comes to beautiful views and upscale treatment, cruises are unstoppable. With lots to see and do, there's plenty to appeal outside of the stateroom.

No matter where you go or what you do on your honeymoon, remember the trip is for both the bride and groom. It's a time to kick back, relax and get to know each other even better before the day-to-day routine of married life sets in. Just make certain the trip appeals to you both, make it fun and relax; it's the stuff lifelong memories are made of.

A romantic honeymoon can be cheap, affordable or extravagant. As long as the two most important people are having fun, that's all that matters. Leave the stress of planning behind at the wedding and just enjoy the honeymoon.