Crinitus Articles

By Robin Irving & Tim Warren

Looking for just one more adventure to round out your Alaska Vacation? Prince William Sound is a great addition to an Alaska vacation package that will likely be the highlight of your Alaska Vacation. Incredible marine life, stunning mountain vistas, glaciers and three port cities that offer an array of visitor services, make this an attractive add on. And the Alaska Marine Highway has new and improved ferry service to and from the port cities of Whittier, Cordova and Valdez so trip planning just became easier, faster and more affordable.

Alaska is so large and so diverse that it is often difficult to see it all in one trip. But a trip through Prince William Sound, with a stop-over in each of the three communities will allow you to experience much of what makes Alaska special. And with the Alaska Marine Highway it's possible to make a loop so as not to repeat any part of your trip, always seeing something new and different.

In less than an hour, you can drive south from Anchorage to the port of Whittier. Whittier, an eclectic relic of a WWII army base is the gateway city of western Prince William Sound. Numerous charter operators large and small and expedition companies leading trips into the Sound can be found in Whittier. Small shops line the harbor offering food and gifts for visitors.

Alaska Marine Highway offers 30% off New High Speed Ferry
There is also a terminal office for the state's Marine Highway system in Whittier. With its new high speed ferry, the M/V Chenega it is now possible to take a half day cruise across the Sound from Whittier to Cordova. This is called the Marine Highway because you can take your car (or your rental car) on board (highly recommended). And during the summer of 2006, the state is offering some great specials with 30% off all sailings to and from the port of Cordova. The Chenega is a brand new ship offering full amenities. Once on board you'll feel like you are on a luxury cruise ship with beautiful local art hanging on the walls and its tasteful nautical dйcor.

The state ferry also has National Forest Interpreters on board to provide a wealth of information on the marine and terrestrial environments of Prince William Sound. Besides the fantastic scenery, you can often see humpback and killer or orca whales, sea lions, sea otters, seals and other marine mammals. Look for puffins, arctic terns and other marine birds as well. For ferry schedule, lodging nature and glacier observation options in the Prince Williams sound visit: www.alaskarafters.com.

Alaska Adventure Travel
Cordova is a jumping off point for some incredible adventure. You will definitely want to spend a couple of days here, before moving on to the next port city. A small fishing port Cordova is quaint, picturesque, and so Alaskan. There are National Forest Trails with giant rainforest trees, road accessible glaciers, sea otters and other marine life. It is a friendly town too. There are outfitters like the experts at Alaska River Expeditions offering everything from river rafting and sea kayaking to glacier trekking, ice climbing and mountain biking.

Choices for lodging vary from a standard hotel or motel with ocean views, to those with great Alaskan appeal. An old cannery is the site for a new adventure lodge; there are nautical inns and wonderful B&B's. Although there are no 5 star luxury resorts, most lodging choices offer great hospitality and all amenities as well as charm not found in large hotels. There are also several great restaurants offering local cuisine including the famed Copper River Salmon, Mexican, Italian, and Chinese entrees.

Cordova, Alaska - the "Little Switzerland" of Alaska
From Cordova, you can board the "Marine Highway" once again for the Port of Valdez. This is the terminal city for the Alaska Pipeline. You can see tankers loading and view the pipeline. It has cruise ships that dock so there are several shops that cater to visitors. Valdez is often referred to as "little Switzerland" because of the tall mountains surrounding the city.

You can complete your loop by driving north on the Richardson Highway. Waterfalls, glaciers and tall mountains surround you on your drive north through Thompson Pass. As you drive over the mountains to the other side, you will leave the coastal influence and enter another world. The evergreen forests give way to mixed deciduous forests with more birches and aspens, just two hours north of Valdez. The next bigger community north of Valdez is Glennallen. Here you will turn west onto the Glenn Highway. This winding highway takes you through the northern edge of the Chugach Mountains, eventually giving way to the farmland of the Mat-Su Valley. Picturesque farms dot the countryside before entering the more urban areas. Then its south onto the Parks Highway back to Anchorage, completing a great 3-7 day add-on loop for your Alaska vacation.

Are you interested in going on a camping adventure? If you are, you will need to find a public campground to visit. Public campgrounds are also commonly referred to as campground parks. If this is your first time going on a camping adventure, you may be wondering exactly how you can go about finding a campground park to camp at. If you are, you will want to continue reading on.
When it comes to finding a campground park to camp at, you will find that you, literally, have an unlimited number of options to choose from. One of those options involves using your local telephone book. Your local telephone book should have the name and contact information of local campground parks. If you are looking to camp locally, this is a nice and easy way for to find and familiarize yourself with local campground parks.
In addition to using your local phone book, you may also want to ask those that you know for recommendations. Since camping is a popular activity in the United States, there is a good chance that many of your friends or family members have gone camping before. If they have, you may want to get information on the campground park that they visited, as well as a general overview of their camping adventure, like if they enjoyed it or not.
If you are looking for a campground that is local or even one that is a distance away from your home, you may want to think about using the internet. The internet is a great way to find and familiarize yourself with campground parks. One of the many ways that you can use the internet to your advantage is by using online resources like online phone books or online business directories. These online resources allow you to find a particular business, like a campground park, by searching in a specific area. Often times, you will get the name and the contact information of a campground park by using online business directories or online phone books.
In addition to using online business directories or online phone books to find a campground park to camp at, you can also use standard internet searches. When performing a standard internet search, you may want to think about searching with phrases like "campground parks," or just "campgrounds." If you know where you would like to camp, city and state wise, you may want to think about incorporating that information into your standard internet search. Your standard internet search will likely connect you to the online websites of campground parks.
Speaking of the online websites of campground parks, these websites are a great way for you to familiarize yourself with the park or parks in question. Many campground parks have detailed information on their online websites, like park maps, as well as pictures. You may also find the cost of renting a campsite on their website. It is also likely that you will come across a detailed list on onsite activities that you and your camping party may be able to participate in.
You can also find a campground park to camp at by keeping your eyes open at all times. Some of the greatest campgrounds are discovered purely by accident. Whenever you are out driving, you may want to always be on the lookout for campground parks. Many of these parks are advertised in plain site. You may want to think about stopping and requesting information or using the internet to research the park in question when you get home.
As outlined above, there are a number of different ways that you can go about finding a campground park to camp at. As a reminder though, you will want to try and do more than just find a campground park. You will want to make sure that you take the time to find and choose the one that is best for you and your camping party.

Have you ever dreamt about living on a Cruise Ship forever?

Traveling the world, seeing all kinds of exotic places, cruising forever with not a care in the world.

It is now a reality, and several possibilities exist.

1. The World of ResidenSea was launched in 2002 as a condominium-style residential community contained on a 644-foot cruise ship, complete with restaurants, a spa and fitness center and other amenities similar to what you'd find on a typical mid-size cruise liner.

As with land-based condo resorts, short-term rentals of a week or more may be arranged without committing to ownership, and a wide range of ports is included on The World's ongoing circumnavigation of the globe. Residensea has problems.

-disputes between owners of Condos on the ship and tourists.
Owners want to stay in exciting ports for several days, tourists that the ship needs to get full occupancy to cover the cost of unsold suites want to move from port to port every day.

Sales of actual condos on the ship have stalled due to fears of terrorism, uncertainty in financial markets and uncertainty about the future of the ship.

Annual maintenance costs run at 100,000 per suite while an actual suite now costs 1.9 to 4 million dollars. This ad recently appeared on the Internet:

"Rent an outside luxury cabin
from 600 a day"
From somebody who owns 2 cabins on the ResidenSea.
That runs to 18,000 per month.

2. Join an organization that will buy a used Cruise Ship and convert it to Condos.

This concept has been tried and it failed.

The practical problems were just too great.

-Trying to get enough people interested
-Trying to get commitments from people
-Trying to find a ship that was not going to fall apart immediately upon leaving the harbor
-Trying to get cash from people before a ship was bought.
And these were just problems BEFORE a ship was even bought.

Think about the problems there would be after the ship was bought.

3. Buy regular cruises on an on-going basis.

This seems the only practical way in which you can live permanently on a Cruise Ship.

Here are the estimated costs based on double occupancy starting on the cheap:

Basic Cruise Costs; 100 per day x 2 people = 6000 per month
This includes gratuities, all you can eat and port costs.

Independent costs of living for Seniors seems to be about 2000 per month per person = 4000
This includes food.

So for 2000 per month extra a couple can live on a Cruise Ship (or ships) forever.

The advantages of this type of living if you have that extra 24,000 per year to spend are these:

-Quality of the meals on a Cruise Ship is probably a lot better than what you would get in an independent living type of situation.

-You can vary cruise lines, use a Caribbean Cruise Line this month, an Alaska Line next month and a European Line for the next 6 months.

-Shows every night.

-Built-in new friends every week or so. Most cruises end within 7 days and a new crop of potential friends arrives for you to interact with.

-An entire Cruise Staff to help you with ANYTHING if you have a problem.

So, if you want to live on a Cruise Ship: 24,000 a year is all it takes for 2 people.

It is now possible to charter, rent or lease an aircraft for less than ever
before and it has also become easier.

Why charter an aircraft?
Here are some good reasons:

The increased security and hassle of commercial airline boarding.

There are fewer airlines around.

Fewer airlines are flying to fewer cities

Because of economy restraints there are fewer seats for more passengers.

It is now easier to charter, lease or rent a plane because there are more companies entering the aircraft leasing business.

Also, a new generation of small jets is being produced as we speak, the so-called air taxis seating between 4 to 6 passengers for a total airplane cost of as low as 1 million dollars.

These small jets are being produced in a so-called cookie-cutter design, 100 at a time and are also being purchased 100 at a time.

Real Air Taxis will soon be on their way into major cities," says London based AVCEN. Avcen is to bring its innovative Jetpod aircraft design off the drawing board and into proof-of-concept build and flight trials.
The Jetpod is a unique, lightweight, Very Quiet Short Take-Off and Landing (VQSTOL), 6-seat, twin-jet powered aircraft.
The Jetpod cruises at 350 mph and uses an unbelievable 410 feet of landing space. This is achieved through a combination of horizontal and vertical thrust management as developed by Avcen.
No runways are required so you can take off from a private parking lot or your neighbor's driveway.
There are similar small jets being manufactured in the US as well.

Aircraft Charter companies provide the following 4 functions in a variety of innovative ways:

Renting (sometimes selling) aircraft for private use, performing aircraft maintenance, providing fuel, and aircraft management.

The best way of finding an aircraft charter company is on line.
You can also contact an aircraft charter broker who will sort of act as your airplane travel agent.

They will handle all of your flight arrangements, including price comparisons, they will determine the correct aircraft for your trip,they will locate the correct charter company, make sure insurance is in place, and obtain copies of FAA flight certificates.

There are also aircraft charter auctions available on the Web.

Using a unique online auction, your trip itinerary is instantly sent to a network of pre-approved jet operators who are invited to bid on your trip. This increases competition and ultimately drives the price down. You can view this bidding action live, online.
Fleet Membership allows you to buy occupied flight time in your preferred category of business jet in blocks of whatever flight hours you want with guaranteed availability. You enjoy the freedom and convenience of business jet travel without the costs or commitment of aircraft ownership.

One Ways and Empty Leg Flights When a one way aircraft charter flight is booked, many times the aircraft has to return to it's original airport. In a case like this, the plane will be flying empty. This is known as an empty leg. Because the aircraft charter operators like to make money if possible, they offer these empty legs for much less than a typical charter would cost.

Flying in a Private Jet has become a Status Symbol.

One of the perks most valued to CEO's and lawmakers today is to have the use of a Private Jet.
This is another reason why the Charter Aircraft business is at present growing at an astonishing rate which will increase even more as the air taxis costing one million dollars or so will enter service.

After three and a half years of cruising the world, mainly on the Queen Elizabeth 2, I ended up traveling to over fifty countries and six continents around the world. If you've ever wondered how to get a job on a cruise ship, then keep reading so I can share with you the secrets on how to do the exact same thing.

Many people wonder what it's like working on a cruise ship and are even more curious how to get a job on one. You might be thinking it's like an insider's secret! In a way it is, but it won't be when you finish reading this article. My first job on a cruise ship came when a cruise employment agent contacted a friend of mine who was unavailable to work, so my friend told him to contact me and the rest is history. I've also got jobs for several friends who ended up traveling the world, but for the people who don't know me, it's okay because I'll show you how to do the same thing in a different way.

Here is exactly how it works. For every department on a ship, there is someone who oversees that department. That person reports to someone on land in the corporate offices for the cruise ship company, whether it is Princess, Royal Caribbean or Carnival. Now here's the hooker. That person in corporate works with an agency or contractor that hires people by qualifying them before come aboard the cruise ship. This is what happens 70% of the time. 20% are hired through the companies that are onboard contractors. These can be the onboard shops, art auctioneers, photographers or other third party revenue vendors. The other 10% are people who contact the cruise ships directly for certain positions such as Sales Specialists, Printers, Disk Jockeys and people who have jobs that only involve one or a few people.

When people are hired through an agency, there's a fee that's paid by either the cruise ship or the employer. Usually this fee is paid by the cruise ship. It's a way to hire a third party Human Resources to take care of all the logistics and coordinate with the corporate office and employers onboard. This only makes sense because there are many logistics of hiring, ticketing and travel guidelines. From there, the third party agent or administrative assistant from the corporate office will be just a phone call away for anything you need until you join.

There are plenty of jobs to choose from with the amount of ships at sea nowadays. For instance, one cruiseline will have more "entertainment" jobs, as to where another ship may have more "hotel services" positions available for you to choose from. Obviously you'll be working, but you'll also be traveling. To get days off in ports and spend as much time ashore as possible, work out schedules with your fellow co-workers. You may be thinking that sounds like a daunting task, but trust me, it's no biggie and takes about thirty seconds before everyone is happy. If you work in certain departments, like the entertainment department, your department gets to make your own schedule. Other departments, like casinos and shops aren't allowed to work while in port (not a bad job to have)!

If you can, try to get a job on a ship that has a big fleet or that has alot of destinations. When I was with Premiere Cruise Lines, I transferred cruiselines three times in four months, so instead of going to just two countries, I went to ten. Another example is Princess Cruiselines, which has several ships that all follow a similar protocal throughout. That way, crew can transfer from one ship to another with ease and confidence.

You would be quite suprised to see how many resources and agencies can help you get a job on a cruise ship. You're probably thinking, "How would I get a job out of the thousands of people who apply?"

Okay, here's the secret. Those thousands of people you're thinking about are thinking the same thing, so they don't even apply! You wouldn't believe the shortage of staff cruise ships companies always have. If there isn't a job immediately, one will open up within three months because that is how the contracts work out with multiple ships. There was NEVER a day when all the jobs were filled in ANY department. Department heads are ALWAYS asking the agencies if they have found anyone to fill the position. In many cases, positions don't even get filled! Many crew have to EXTEND their contracts because the agencies can't find the right people, because everyone is wondering, " There must be several people who would get the job before me," or they just simply don't know the people to contact.

Many people ask me everyday how to get a job on a cruise ship, after all, I achieved my dreams by twenty-four and have seen several others do the same. What I always tell people is simple. Get a database and resource guide so you can contact these hiring agencies and corporate offices directly. From all the resource guides I've seen, nothing compares to one I came across awhile ago, which was Neil Maxwell Key's resource guide. He use to work on cruise ships as well, but took it a step further to gather all the resources anybody could need to get a job on a cruise ship. If you are serious about getting a job on a cruise ship, then I highly recommend his resource guide. You can pick up a quick copy at getacruisesehipjob.com for less than a meal out with two friends.

If you're looking to do what only your friends and family dream of, then go get a cruise ship job. Not only are people fascinated by the concept, but people will always be asking you what it's like traveling the world and getting paid for it.

Many travelers have to waste time queuing for the screeners at the airport. This is unavoidable and it is the front line personnel that you see as you make your way toward the gate are just the worker bees. They're not Congress and they're not the big wig decision makers. If at times they seem like robots, deviating very little from their spcheel, it's because they have procedures that they must follow and deviating from the standard operation procedure is not an option.

There are a number of things you can do yourself to speed things along. Listed below are the top ten tips to help your visit to the airport security checkpoint hassle-free.

1. Don't wear pants or suspenders that contain a lot of metal. If you can't remove the metal prior to passing through the metal detector, you'll be sent for additional screening, thus increasing your wait time.

2. Laptop computers and video cameras that use cassette tapes, not digital cameras, need to come out of their carrying case prior to passing through the x-ray machine. Have these items out of the case before you reach the table to divest your items.

3. Wear tennis shoes or known airport friendly footwear so you'll avoid setting off the alarm on the walk through metal detector. Often the screeners will encourage you to take your shoes off before passing through the metal detector. What many passengers fail to recognize is that many, many shoe manufacturers place steel shanks (supports) in the souls of the shoes. Just because you don't see metal, doesn't mean they are metal-free.

4. If you have an inkling that your belt buckle or larger metal watch may set off the metal detector, remove them while you're waiting in line and have them ready to place into a bin.

5. Have your boarding pass and government issued photo ID readily available. Some airports have someone checking your boarding pass and ID as you first approach your concourse, then shortly thereafter there is another employee asking for the same thing. Actually they may be asking for the same thing, but these employees, often one a federal employee and one a private company employee, while looking at the same thing, aren't looking for the same thing. Each person has a different role to fill. If you have to dig in your purse or wallet for these items, that will increase the wait time. Ensure your boarding pass is pulled out of the airline envelope.

6. Only undeveloped film with a speed of 800 or higher should be hand checked. All other disposable cameras, film of 100, 200 or 400 speed and digital cameras are safe to pass through the x-ray. Know your film speed before reaching the x-ray machine.

7. Leave all tools, Swiss army knives, pointed end scissors, and bladed corkscrews in your checked bag. You may not bring them onboard the aircraft in your carry-on bags. If your bag must be searched to find these items, it's definitely going to increase your wait time.

8. Strollers and pet carriers need to pass through the x-ray machine. Remove your children and pets from this equipment prior to reaching the x-ray.

9. Most small jewelry such as rings, necklaces and earrings will not set off the alarm. Don't bother wasting time removing them.

10. Yes your fanny pack, hidden money belt and wallet on a string around your neck must pass through the x-ray, have it ready to place into a bin.

With this method, you can pass the metal detector easily without much checking from the officers. When you fly next time, use these strategies and try having fun by being prepared!

There has been a lot of buzz lately about living on a Cruise Ship full time as an alternative to living in a retirement home.

However, I don't think it would be very exciting after about 6 months or so.

Ships, even Cruise Ships, are noisy for at least 2 reasons:

1. Engine Noise.
No matter how new the ship, no matter what new turbine engines the ship may have, the 24 hour engine noise may get to people.

2. Parties, bars and restaurants.
There is always a kind of party atmosphere on a Cruise Ship, people eat and drink too much, nobody tells them when to go to bed, they don't have to get up the next morning, so, parties make noise.

It gets boring staring at the ocean 2 out of 3 days.

Although ship's activities are very many these days, after a while you'll get bored with them.
Cabins in general are very small, so after a while you're going to miss your large living room on the mainland with its 75" TV.

However, if 6 months are too long, there are other alternatives; Cruise maybe a couple of months a year.

If you follow that action things become interesting.

Here are some options:

The Monthly 18,000 route:

Residensea, the world's only floating Condo, a 47,000 ton cruise ship which sails the oceans,
reportedly offers staterooms for rent for as low as 18,000 per month.

This Cruise Ship has designer apartments with original art.

I mean, this is luxury personified.

Great if you can get it.

Around the world in 102 Days.

By small Luxury Cruise Ship

In 2005 a trip around the world lasting 110 days could be had for as low as 15,600 per person.
That is 150 per person per day including food and all facilities. That is 9000 per couple per month.

This same couple would spend a minimum of 4000 a month in an old folks home.

So going on this 3 1/2 month World Cruise would cost them 9000 - 4000 = 5000 per month.

Now let me tell you what this 5000 for 2 people gets them:

The Itinerary:

Southampton ,Tenerife - Canary Islands St Vincent - Cape Verde Islands Fortaleza - Brazil Rio de Janeiro - Brazil Montevideo - Uruguay Buenos Aires - Argentina Puerto Madryn - Argentina Port Stanley - Falkland Islands Cruise around Cape Horn Ushuaia - Argentina Transit Beagle Channel Punta Arenas - Chile Chacabuco - Chile Puerto Montt - Chile Santiago - Chile Cruise by Easter Island Cruise by Pitcairn Island Papeete - Tahiti Bora Bora - Society Islands Pago Pago - American Samoa Lautoka - Fiji Islands Noumea - New Caledonia Brisbane - Australia Sydney - Australia Eden - Australia Philip Island - Australia Melbourne - Australia Hobart -Australia Transit Milford Sound Dunedin - New Zealand Christchurch - New Zealand Transit Marlborough Sound Wellington - New Zealand Auckland - New Zealand Nuku 'Alofa - Tonga Apia - Western Samoa Christmas Island Honolulu - Oahu, Hawaii Kahalui - Maui, Hawaii Los Angeles - USA Acapulco - Mexico Huatulco - Mexico Transit Panama Canal Curacao - Dutch Antilles Margherita Island - Venezuela Barbados Ponta Delgada

The Luxury:

This is on a very luxurious Cruise Ship that has only outside or balcony cabins.

By Freighter

In 2005 a trip around the world lasting 102 days by various freighting companies could be had for 11,750 per person.
That is 117 per person per day including food and all facilities. That is 7000 per couple per month.

This same couple would spend a minimum of 4000 a month in an old folks home.

So going on this 3 1/2 month World Cruise would cost them 7000 - 4000 = 3000 per month.

For this you get a double suite with double occupancy.
Port Times range from 1 to 2 days.
The advantage seems to be that there is lots of space in four double suites.

The double suites all consist of two rooms, a bedroom with twin beds and a living room.

The cabins have showers.

Each cabin also has its own VCR and TV monitor and refrigerator.

On board facilities are a private passenger lounge and the sharing of the officers' table

There is also an indoor swimming pool.

Cruise Hopping

This is cheaper yet.
There are lots of 7 day cruises for about 100 per day per passenger.
So you could conceivably take 7 day cruises continuously in the same area, say, the Caribbean, on the same ship, or on different ships until you get sick and tired of the area.

You can then do the same thing from the West Coast.

Logistics would be more difficult because you may need a place to stay every 7th night.

Discount Cruising

Effective in 2005 there is now a discount European Cruise Line operating in the Caribbean that charges 46 per person per night but you have to get your own food.

Maximum time they allow you to cruise is 2 weeks.

Still, can't get any cheaper than this.

Launching your boat will become a simple task with a little practice. However, if you are new to boating you might want to hitch up your boat trailer and head to an empty parking lot to gain some practice. I don't recommend arriving at the boat ramp and attempting to launch your boat before you know how to reverse a trailer.

So, let's look at some of the principles of reversing a trailer ...

Start with your vehicle and the trailer as straight as possible and about a trailer's length from the area into which you want to reverse. Watch the trailer out of the driver's window while reversing slowly, and start turning the steering wheel to the right. Be gentle with the steering - it is easier to add more steering than to correct it too much. Some guides to reversing suggest grasping the steering wheel at the very bottom. This should prevent you from over-turning the wheel and if your steering wheel is in a straight position to start with, you will know throughout the reversing maneuver, without having to look, that at the lowest point your steering wheel is again straight.

As soon as the trailer starts to turn you can begin straightening up while still reversing. Don't leave straightening up too late or the trailer will jackknife.

Eventually you begin steering in the other direction while still reversing. Bring the vehicle's nose around to follow the trailer and keep an eye on where the trailer is in case it needs correction.

Continue to reverse in a straight line using the side mirrors. Reverse slowly and carefully. When more of the trailer appears in one mirror, steer towards that mirror to start the trailer going the other way. Remember that a correction only requires a small steering movement.

Pulling forward to straighten the trailer is often an easy option before continuing to reverse.

Once you are able to back up a few hundred feet without jackknifing your trailer or rear-ending anything you are probably ready to launch your boat at a boat ramp. If possible, select a quiet weekday morning for your first launch.

The first rule when launching a boat is being prepared before you pull onto the launching ramp. That means having all your gear safely stowed, the boat key in the ignition, the boat drain plug in, the tie-down straps off, the trailer lights disconnected and a safety line connected to the boat's bow. It can be very frustrating watching someone loading fishing or picnic gear into their boat or apply sunscreen to their kids while their boat is parked on the launch ramp!

Keep the trailer's winch strap and safety chain connected until you reach the water's edge. It will only take a few seconds to disconnect them prior to launching.

Back the boat down the launch ramp and stop before the stern of the boat hangs over the water. Unlock the winch strap and remove pins or other devices used to prevent the outboard motor from tipping down. Now back the boat down until the trailer wheels are submerged.

When the boat is ready to float off the trailer, have your boating buddy hold the bowline or tie the line to your vehicle or winch handle.

Once the boat has floated free of the trailer either beach the boat or tie it off to the dock with the bowline. A confident boater will have someone start the motor and move the boat away from the dock until the driver has parked the vehicle and is ready to board.

Either way, try to launch quickly as a courtesy to your fellow boaters.

The same rules apply when putting your boat back onto the trailer, but there are a few hazards you should be aware of, especially if you're tired or feeling rushed.

When you tie up at the dock, have your vehicle keys in your pocket, retrieve your vehicle and claim a spot in line.

Before you pull your boat out of the water ensure the engine has been tilted up.

Many launching problems will be avoided by making sure everything on your boat is in working order before you leave home!

Even in the olden times, the problem of motion sickness had been prevalent. In fact, it was even referred to as "camel sickness" in the Bible, where the camel riders experience nausea due to moderate swaying.

With the advent of technology, motion sickness has evolved into many forms such as seasickness, carsickness, space motion sickness, and airsickness; and the reason why more and more people are now traveling by air is because of its capacity to transport people faster.

Generally, airsickness refers to that feeling of nausea which was triggered by the motion usually experienced when the aircraft escalates to higher altitudes. Some of the common signs of airsickness are loss of appetite, vertigo, burping, stomach awareness, nausea, and increased swallowing and salivation.

Contrary to most popular beliefs, airsickness is not a disorder. It is just a normal response of the body to an unusual stimulus. Simply put: airsickness is due to the disparity between what people see with their eyes and the data that they get from the "vestibular organs" of the ears. So, it is a matter of the discrepancies between what people see and what they feel. Thus, the end result is a confusion of the brain's regular processing of sensory awareness.

For pilots, airsickness is their number one concern. Surveys show that 29% of aircraft pilots experience airsickness. This, in turn, disables them to perform their functions well. That is why people have come up with ways how to avoid airsickness. Here's how:

1. Stress and other forms of anxiety should be stripped out.

Studies show that two of the common causes of airsickness are stress and anxieties. It increases the probability of experiencing airsickness. This is because the body will have more difficulty in coping up with the sudden change of environment. Emotional factors trigger the brain to get more confused.

2. Before traveling, it would be better for a person to eat light meals only. Large meals, especially those that have high salt content are possible causes of airsickness.

3. While on board, it is best for a person to stay put and avoid too much moving within the aircraft. Motion is the number one factor why airsickness occurs.

4. People should accept the condition and try to get accustomed on the situation. This will happen after a few hours of being in the air.

Indeed, airsickness is not a big problem. It is just a matter of adjusting the body's condition so as to avoid conflict of senses.

In order to get the best deals on airline tickets you should plan to buy your ticket several months before your departure. Many airlines will offer discounted rates if tickets are purchased this far in advance. At a minimum, tickets should be purchased three weeks before your departure as this will also ensure superior seating. Another advantage of buying tickets early is that seasonal price increases will not affect you.

Flying on weekends is best avoided. It is far superior to leave during the week and ideally you should leave early in the week from Monday through Wednesday. Saturdays also often have cheap rates, so traveling on a weekend can work for you providing you do it differently than most people who are traveling just for the weekend. Typically, travelers can expect to pay an additional 40 on weekends if they are doing the standard Friday to Sunday trip. It is also essential to avoid travel during peak seasons. Peak travel seasons such as Christmas, or other holidays will not only delay your flight times and force you to confront crowds but also will cost you more.

Don't be afraid of the red eyes. You can save a lot if you're willing to travel the late-night route. Many of these flights are under bucked, and flights can be purchased at a significant discount. Another trick is to check standby fares. In many cases airlines will offer tickets and a great discount for flights that are under booked.

Another consideration is how long you plan to stay at your destination. Many airlines will give discounted prices assuming you stay at your destination for longer than a week, and return within a few months.

While many people believe the direct flights are the cheapest it is often cheaper to go to your final destination via connection hubs. You can save as much as 1000 when you are willing to take connecting flights. Using connecting flights is ideal for people who travel light and do not carry a lot of luggage.

There is a window of opportunity every Wednesday morning when airlines release information on their new fares and seating plans. If you are quick you can find the best prices at this time. Call for rates at 12:01.

The Internet is a huge boon for travelers as it gives us the luxury of seeing flight data from multiple vendors in a way that even travel agents and airline ticketing agents could not a decade ago. But understand that posted Internet prices are not always the cheapest. In many cases you can contact a travel agent to find better deals. You can also sometimes find discounts at the airlines by calling them directly rather than purchasing a ticket from and online aggregator. It also doesn't hurt to check newspapers as a sometimes you can find consolidators who by many tickets and can provide cheaper flights.

The most important thing is purchasing your tickets early. If you are buying last minute and in a rush you'll find that you often paid double to triple what you pay if you buy your tickets well in advance. Many sites like Expedia and Travelocity will list the best rates from all the airlines that offer flights from your current location to your final destination. It is important to use the services and compare them against each other. However, these services will often not have airfares well in advance when you can get the best deals. In these cases it is best to contact a travel agent directly and see what kind of deals they can get for you.