PostHeaderIcon 5 Reasons To Vacation In Dallas, Texas

Looking for a great place to go on vacation? Try Dallas, TX on for size.

1. Super Shopping

Dallas has the most shopping centers in the nation. Shopping malls cover the city and stores range from budget to couture. The downtown boasts major flag stores and designer holdings, while NorthPark Center is home to beautiful boutiques and one-of-a-kind artisan shops.

2. Sports Madness

Dallas is home to every type of professional sport – meaning tourists can catch a game almost every day of the year. The Dallas Cowboys, the Texas Rangers, the Dallas Mavericks, and the Dallas Stars all call this city home.
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PostHeaderIcon 20 Safety Tips for Budget Travelers

1) When taking taxis from an airport to your hotel, travel in the more expensive airport taxis and ensure that the drivers have official identification. Never take a taxi waiting outside the airport grounds.

I know this sounds extreme, but it is by far better to be safe then sorry.

2) When traveling from your hotel to the airport, go with a taxi recommended by the hotel.

Again, taxi’s can be very dangerous. I can’t express that enough.

3) Try not to arrive in a new city or town late at night.

This can just go wrong in a number of ways. It is much easier getting checked in during the day time and security at night in certain areas is just horrendous.

4) Travel in a group if possible.

Since when is traveling in numbers not a good idea?

5) Learn the basics in the local language before you arrive. Don’t expect that people will speak English.

English is becoming more widely spoken these days, but you want to be sure. You should always check on these things before your arrival.

6) Keep your valuables hidden.

A money belt is great if it is an option that you willing to look into. There are many different styles of money belt. One of the most popular is an “over the shoulder” style wallet on a strap that you were underneath your top. This makes it very difficult for a thief to make off with your valuables.

7) Avoid going on your own to remote areas/ruins where tourist would be expected to go. Seek local advice or take a guide.

8) Read the guide books and talk with other tourists to find out which areas are best avoided.

9) When leaving discos late at night take a taxi home no matter how close your hostel is. Outside most discos you’ll find a street vendor selling cigarettes. Usually these people know all the taxi drivers and can recommend a safe one.

10) When arriving in a new town, keep to your original plan and stay in the hostel that you have decided on. Don’t let the taxi driver persuade you that your hostel is fully booked and that he knows a cheaper and better one. He’ll be working on commission and the hostel probably won’t be in a safe part of town.

11) Even better, when arriving lane/train in a new city, try to reserve your hotel in advance, preferably with a hotel that has an airport/station collection service.

12) Don’t wear expensive looking jewelry.

13) On public transport have your day pack close to you at all times, preferably with the straps around your legs or padlocked to the luggage rack. On buses your backpack will normally go outside, either on top of the roof or in the external luggage compartments. On long distance buses ask for a receipt for your bags. On short rides just keep a careful eye out each time the bus stops to off-load bags. In the event of having your bags stolen, stay with the bus – you will probably require a declaration from the bus company accepting responsibility for the loss in order to claim any money from your insurance company.

14) Leave your valuables in your hotel safe when making day trips or longer tours. Obtain a receipt not just for your money belt/wallet etc. but for its contents, with each item listed.

15) If you have to leave your passport and credits cards together, place the credit card in a sealed envelope and sign your name across the flap. This way when you return you will know that nothing has been tampered with.
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PostHeaderIcon Bald Eagles arrive in Squamish BC

Once again our planet’s largest gatherings of Bald Eagles in underway in Squamish British Columbia, just North of Vancouver BC, and just 50 km south of the world class Whistler Ski Resort. Based on population estimates, up to 5% of the world’s bald eagles winter in the very this very accessible area. From one viewing space, often dozens of Eagles can be seen, and a short walk in the right direction will allow you to see many more.

For decades, thousands of majestic Bald Eagles have been gathering on the riverbanks of the Squamish and Cheakamus Rivers, feasting on the ample salmon that either did not quite make it to the spawning channels, or have accomplished their life’s goal, and thus have met their subsequent demise. Working to preserve their energy in the winter months, eagles will eat up to a two pounds of this high value protein every day.

The highlight of the eagle-viewing period is the annual Bald Eagle Count, which will take place on January 8th this year and is headquartered out of the Brackendale Art Gallery. Using consistent methodology, a count of the eagles in the area on this weekend every year has been kept since 1986. In 1994 a world record 3769 eagles were counted within a few kilometers of the Squamish area and its tributary rivers.

Bad weather can be good for eagle viewing as the eagles tend to stay closer to the riverbanks and closer to viewing areas. When the weather is great, they are more likely to be off for a little fly around the rivers, mountains and forests of the Squamish area.

One of the best ways to see the Bald Eagles in their spectacular surroundings right in their own habitat is on an Eagle Float tour, or Eagle Safari through Canadian Outback Adventures. A dream experience for adventure travelers, photographers, families, schools and educational groups, it is the best way to get up close to these raptors without disturbing them. While they usually run white water rafting trips in the summer, in winter, Canadian Outback takes vacationers, school and educational groups on float tours down the rivers in the area in order to see these spectacular birds in their natural habitat, all with stunning mountain and forest backdrops.
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PostHeaderIcon A Gem In Miami

If you’re thinking about basking under tropical sunshine, then Miami Beach’s Royal Palm Resort is the perfect place. Among the many Miami hotels and travel lodges, this one offers cheap rates for a four-star hotel. Plus, it faces the beach, so you wake up to the sounds of the waves crashing on the shore and an amazing beach view. Located at central South Beach, clients can literally walk to each and any of the attractions. The Convention Center is just a short distance away, as well as other fine-dining restaurants and exclusive boutiques. The clubs and bars that dot the area around the resort also make for an exciting nightlife. It also takes only 20 minutes to reach the airport from the hotel. The Miami Ballet, Ocean Drive, Botanical Gardens, and other tourist attractions are less than a mile away from the hotel. Downtown Miami, Coral Gables, Coconut Groves, and other tourist attractions are just a short drive away.
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