Search Results for: blog water woes a trip gone terribly wrong

Beach Bummer: Germs in the Sand

Bad news if you’re a beachgoer: that sand may not be as safe as you think. A study from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (conducted in partnership with the Environmental Protection Agency) took a look at the bacteria content of beach sand… and how it can affect your family. Researchers spoke with close to thirty thousand families about their beach visits between 2003 and 2007. Participants were asked about contact with the sand (for themselves and their children) and were asked about health issues during a follow-up interview about ten days later. Approximately six percent of study … Continue reading →

Bali on a Budget

When you can’t find him shredding on North Shore waves at home in Hawaii or shooshing down the slopes in Canada then you can probably find my oldest brother resting on the shores of Bali. The Indonesian resort island, known for its rugged volcanoes and stunning beaches, is one of his favorite vacation spots. Another reason why its one of his personal faves is that he often scores fabulous travel deals there, which means he can save serious cash and surf some of the best waves in the world. Here are a few travel packages he’s currently considering: Note: Bali’s … Continue reading →

Staying Healthy on Trips Abroad

Whenever I watch those Food Network shows following people on their exotic food eating adventures I often wonder if they ever sample dishes that have made them sick. In a previous blog I shared with you what happened to my brother the last time he got thirsty in Bali. And his story is not unique. Sampling local cuisine from the far ends of the planet is one of the most satisfying aspects of foreign travel. But while the delicious scents may draw you in and your palate might enjoy the culinary masterpieces, your stomach may not always be happy with … Continue reading →

Travel Tidbits: Seeing Red in Rome and Staying Safe in Puerto Rico

SEEING RED IN ROME The waters of Rome’s famed Trevi Fountain were running red this weekend and it wasn’t because the Italians were celebrating Christmas early. Rather, according to Italian newspapers, a man threw a bucket of red paint or dye into the 18th-century monument and colored its water bright red. Police say the crime was committed in front of a crowd of astonished tourists and residents, and the suspect remains at large. Fountain technicians were forced to shut off the water before restoring a clear flow. According to news reports, the legendary baroque fountain was not permanently damaged and … Continue reading →

Cultural Travel Experiences

The title of this blog reflects the growing trend in vacations that offer more to travelers than just a bus tour of a popular city. Travel agents say they have been noticing more requests for “cultural travel experiences” where travelers look to immerse themselves in foreign countries and walk away with something to show for it (besides Dengue fever). Whether you want to learn how to cook authentic Japanese meals or participate in language-immersion programs in Mexico, there are now more ways than ever to get in touch with new cultures or reconnect with your own heritage. Some of the … Continue reading →

Planning Your Vacation Via The Internet

When was the last time you stepped foot into a travel agency? With the dawn of the Internet and the tens of thousands of travel resources available online, travel agents seem to be a dying breed. My aunt retired from the travel industry last year after spending more than 20 years as a travel agent. She was, by all accounts, the only person anyone in my family dealt with when it came to booking a trip. Now she’s spending her days on the golf course and we have all begun turning to the Internet to secure our travel plans. Now … Continue reading →

Even More Tips To Remember When You Travel With Kids

So you decided to brave the crowds and hit the highways, skies and rails this holiday weekend? With the price of gas edging ever so close to the $4 mark around here, my family has decided to sit this Memorial Day weekend out. Yes, we are one of the millions of Americans who will be spending the holiday attending festivals close to home. Which means I will not be planning, packing, driving, flying, or sailing with an overtired 3-year-old in tow (like I did two months ago). However, for all of you brave souls who will be heading out on … Continue reading →

Cheers To National Drinking Water Week!

It’s that time of year again. Time to raise our glasses and offer a toast to the wonders of tap water. At least that’s what the American Water Works Association (AWWA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) wants you to do this week. (Okay, so I should have posted this blog on Monday, but, hey, there are still a couple days left to get in on the festivities.) Whether you realized it or not, this week is National Drinking Water Week, a time when water suppliers join with us (water consuming individuals) to recognize the vital role water plays in … Continue reading →

Planning A European Vacation

Long before I visited a movie theater to see “National Lampoon’s European Vacation” I dreamt of strolling along the streets of Paris and exploring all that Italy had to offer. In fact, I had even completed preliminary research for a European honeymoon, but alas, we ended up getting married in Hawaii and honeymooning there. As it stands now, my dreams of taking a European holiday are permanently on hold, especially since we now have a young daughter who would rather visit Elmo than the Eiffel Tower. While we are in Elmoland a new survey found more than 64% of all … Continue reading →

Holiday Travel: 10 Ways To Stay Healthy On Vacation

Continuing with our series: “Holiday Travel” today we move on to another important issue related to holiday travel-—health. Winter’s crummy weather doesn’t only serve as the impetus for travel delays and cancellations, it wrecks havoc on people’s immune systems. To avoid being laid up in a hotel bed while the rest of your family is hitting the slopes or the beach consider following these tips: 1. Wash your hands frequently, especially before eating. 2. Examine dishes and utensils (make sure they are clean and dry) before using them. 3. If you are traveling abroad (places other than the United States … Continue reading →