Airline Credit Cards

Greetings! Welcome to the 6th edition of the Carnival of Travel Guide. We have selected 10 posts for this edition. Here you go:

Flora Earl presents World Class Hotels - Europe posted at Budget Travel Blog, Cheap Fares, Accommodation Worldwide. A new generation of hotels is opening up around the world, offering supreme comfort in buildings of character. The faceless international has had its day: read top picks for Europe here.

Sarah presents Best NYC brunch spots — my picks posted at SARAHSPY.

Mitch McDonald presents Hawaii Rentals : Finding The Perfect Vacation Home posted at FYI About.com.

Rickey Henderson presents Rickey Explains New Hampshire to His Readership posted at Riding with Rickey. Rickey’s travel guide to New Hampshire! Enjoy–pure hilarity abounds within.

Karen Bryan presents Stirling - Scotland’s newest city posted at Europe A La Carte Blog. Information about Scotland’s newest city, Stirling with some ideas of what to do and see there.

Ted presents Best Spring Break Travel Destinations posted at CampusGrotto. Spring Break: it’s one of the biggest things anticipated by College students nationwide, a week plus long excuse to forget about studies and focus on sun and fun.

Jeet presents Bheemeshwari Fishing and Nature Camp posted at bangalorebeats. Check the adventure, fishing and nature camp rung by Jungle lodges and resort in the Indian state of Karnataka. This place is situated around 100 km from Bangalore.

Debbie presents How to Raise Money for a Mission Trip or Other Philanthropic Adventure » American Consumer News posted at American Consumer News.

Sheila presents 7 Reasons Why a Hawaii Vacation is Great for Your Health posted at Hawaii Vacation Advice - GoVisitHawaii.com. Looking for a great excuse to go on a Hawaiian vacation? Let’s take a look at how going to Hawaii is great for your health.

Raymond presents Join and Participate In Hotel Rewards Programs To Earn Free Hotel Stays posted at Money Blue Book. Make sure you earn reward points for hotel stays when you are on the road or traveling.

That concludes this edition. Next edition of this carnival will be hosted here on February 02, 2008. Submit your blog articles using our Blog Carnival Submission Form.

Whether you’re a country bumpkin or a city slicker, it’s hard not to love a rodeo. With great food, exciting events, and plenty of entertainment, you’re sure to enjoy yourself wherever you go. Check out one of these rodeos during your travels for an old fashioned good time.

1. Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association National Finals in Las Vegas: The National Finals Rodeo is often referred to as the World Series of Rodeo, and it’s for a good reason. This event goes on for 10 days and crowns eight world champions in the categories of bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, bull riding, and barrel racing.
2. Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo: The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is the world’s largest rodeo event. An average of 2 million people attend each year, and enjoy 20 days of carnival rides, concerts, barbeque competitions, sales, and much more. This rodeo is a good example of what happens when rodeo and a huge metropolitan city meet, resulting in millions of dollars in revenue for the city as well as scholarships. RodeoHouston has hosted music legends including Elvis Presley, George Strait, and Selena.
3. San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo: The San Antonio Rodeo often plays second fiddle to Houston’s, but it’s not to be discounted. This event has grown to award $64 million to students. Most recently, the rodeo was expanded to include more retail access and accommodate its growing attendance, which reached 1.1 million in 2005.
4. Cheyenne Frontier Days: This long-standing outdoor rodeo in Cheyenne, Wyoming, is the largest of its kind, centered around the Fourth of July and drawing around 300,000 visitors each year. Cheyenne Frontier Days features rodeo events, a fair, and a free pancake breakfast.
5. Mesquite Championship Rodeo: This rodeo in Mesquite, Texas, was founded as a permanent rodeo in 1958 and has grown to attract many visitors from Dallas. Mesquite’s rodeo has a family feel to it, with a majority of families in the audience. Events include chuckwagon races, cowboy poker, bareback riding, bull riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling, and more. Attendance is estimated to be over 200,000.
6. Festa do Peão de Boiadeiro: The Cowboy Festival in Barretos is an American-style Brazilian rodeo featuring cowboys in “entourages” who compete to see who can ride the most spirited horses and bulls. The attendance for this event is the largest in Brazil, but at a capacity of 35,000, it’s much more intimate than most of the American rodeos we’ve highlighted here.
7. World’s Oldest Rodeo: The Prescott Frontier Days rodeo is the oldest in the world, and has been nominated twice as the Medium Sized Outdoor Rodeo of the Year. This event in Prescott, Arizona, has been held since 1888, and only continues to get bigger.
8. Fiesta de los Vaqueros: This Tuscon rodeo features a parade that’s believed to be the world’s longest non-motorized parade, with coaches, folk dancers, riders, floats, and much more. The rodeo itself attracts more than 650 contestants to compete in events like barrel racing, bull riding, team roping, and saddle bronc riding.
9. National Western Stock Show: This stock show in Denver, Colorado, is the largest in the world, and highlights include entries like Paint Horses and the Draft Horse Show & Pull. The National Western Rodeo has won the honor of multiple Indoor Rodeo of the Year titles.
10. Air Mobility Rodeo: Although the Air Mobility Rodeo is completely different than the other rodeos on this list, it’s easy to understand why it deserves to be denoted awesome. This event attracts military flight units from the US and around the world to test and compete in air tactics. Although it has been on hold in recent years due to the war on terror, the rodeo is back on now, and it attracted more than 40 teams last year.
11. Australian Bushmen’s Campdraft & Rodeo: This Australian rodeo features campdrafting, a tactic in which the rider cuts and guides a steer away from its pack and through a gate, exercising an extreme amount of control over the animal from a mounted horse. Other events at this rodeo include bull riding, saddlebronc, breakaway roping, and steer undecorating. This particular rodeo features more female events than most, with a total of 3.
12. Reno Rodeo: Reno, Nevada’s rodeo provides an intimate setting for exciting rodeo action. This event includes Xtreme bulls, a pageant, childrens’ mutton rides, an amateur team roping, and more.
13. Professional Bull Riders World Finals: This is another Vegas event that’s one to watch. These bull riders compete in high stakes rides, attempting to stay on a bucking bull for 8 seconds, while simultaneously impressing the judges with their performance. Total prize money for this league has reached over $10 million in recent years.
14. College National Finals Rodeo: The College National Finals Rodeo is the place to be if you want to see the rodeo stars of tomorrow. You’ll see some of the best young atheletes in the country and support over 3,500 student atheletes from 135 schools.
15. The Grand National Rodeo, Horse & Stock Show: This springtime event in San Francisco is a great urban rodeo with a fun carnival, musical performances, and a beauty pageant featuring women who compete in other rodeo events. While at the rodeo, you can enjoy art, wine, shopping, and more.
16. Rocky Mountain Stampede: The Rocky Mountain Stampede, also known as the Greeley Stampede, is the world’s largest Fouth of July rodeo, ranked in the top 10 rodeos according to purse size. Featuring top cowboys and entertainers, this rodeo is lots of fun. It also boasts a demolition derby, with car crashing fun.
17. International Gay Rodeo Association Finals: The International Gay Rodeo Finals take place in Denver, Colorado, and features loads of social activities as well as an international dance competition featuring competitiors from around the country. Rodeo events include bull riding, chute dogging, roping events, camp events, and speed events like barrel racing. Of course, a crowd favorite is the Wild Drag Race, in which competitors dressed in drag costumes pull a wild steer towards the finish line.
18. Australian Professional Rodeo National Finals: The Australian Professional Rodeo National Finals are held in Sydney, and include events for men, women and children including barrel racing, bareback bronc riding, a steer ride, and team roping.
19. Jalisco Charro: The charreada events in Mexico are much like American rodeos. It primarily consists of horsemen in teams competing against each other in a number of scoring events. Although winners do not receive cash winnings like Americans do, they often receive prizes like saddles and horse trailers. Jalisco is known for its charros, and has won more national championships than any other state.
20. American Royal: The American Royal in Kansas City, Missouri, is held over eight weeks and features barbeque competitions, equestrian events, agricultural activities, and a livestock show. The rodeo has an economic impact of over $62 million and is ranked in the top 5 rodeos in the nation.
21. The Calgary Stampede: The Calgary Stampede, also known as The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, is one of Canada’s largest annual events, with concerts, competitions, exhibitions, chuckwagon races, and much more. The rodeo features six major events: barrel racing, saddle bronc, steer wrestling, tie-down roping, bareback, and bull riding. The purse for this event totals more than $1.6 million.
22. Southwest Exposition Livestock Show and Rodeo: This legendary rodeo in Fort Worth, Texas, features extreme bull riding, great performances, a carnival, shopping, and more. It even has a petting zoo so kids can see farm animals up close and personal. The event goes on for a full three weeks. In 2004, the rodeo set a record with 24,000 head of livestock and sales that generated more than $4.3 million.
23. Dodge National Circuit Finals: In this rodeo, local cowboys and cowgirls from Pocatello, Idaho, can compete to win the Circuit Finals. It consists of 12 circuits and ends with national titles.
24. Lauglin River Stampede: This intimate rodeo is a high quality hometown rodeo experience. It has a large amount of prize money available for competitors, so it attracts top quality cowboys and cowgirls. If you’re looking for a great show without the big crowds, this rodeo is for you.
25. Old Fort Days Rodeo: The Old Fort Days Rodeo in Fort Smith, Arkansas, is full of fun, with great cowboys, lots of prize money, and exciting events. You’ll see calf roping, wild horse racing, bill riding, and barrel racing, just to name a few. One of the highlights of the show is the Old Fort Days Dandies, a precision riding team made up of high school girls with great horsemanship.

Greetings! Welcome to the 5th edition of the Carnival of Travel Guide. We have selected 12 posts for this edition. Here you go:

Kevin presents Tips for Family Cruises posted at M4K Parenting & Family Life.

Madeleine Begun Kane presents A Traveler’s Net Woes posted at Mad Kane’s Humor Blog.

Gas Saver presents Eight Easy Tips To Save Gas in ‘08 posted at Gas Mileage. A list of eight easy-to-implement ways to get better gas mileage in the new year.

Mike Lucich presents Goin’ to the Lodge… posted at Dadzer In The Burbs. Mike says, “My review of my past and planned travel to this destination”.

Tommy Smith presents Three Must See Attractions at Yellowstone National Park posted at The View West. Interested in Yellowstone National Park? This article contains information and images of three top attractions.

Tip Diva presents Top Ten Tips - Riding Public Transit In An Unfamiliar City posted at Tip Diva. Many people are afraid to ride public transit in an unfamiliar city - because it’s unfamiliar, and people are afraid of getting lost or getting into dangerous situations.

Andrew Edgington presents Why Has Cyprus Become The Hottest Place To Buy Property? posted at Cyprus Informer. So why should you go and buy a property in Cyprus? Simple it’s Europe’s number one spot for holiday makers, plus it makes great sense to invest in your future.

Naomi Stevens presents Diary From England: THE ENGLISH LAKE DISTRICT posted at Diary From England. This post features some photos and information about the beautiful English Lake District, a great all year round holiday destination. There is so much to see and do there.

Matthew Paulson presents Traveling to New York City on a Budget posted at American Consumer News.

Michael@TSM presents Travel Writing Contest! Win $150 Cash Prize | Traveling Stories Magazine posted at Traveling Stories Magazine.

Susan presents Snowboarding Bruises posted at The Innovative Traveler. Snowboarding in Tahoe.

That concludes this edition. Next edition of this carnival will be hosted here on January 26, 2008. Submit your blog articles using our Blog Carnival Submission Form.

If you’re a man (or woman) who enjoys hunting and fishing in the great outdoors, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve found 25 of the most awesome vacations an outdoorsman can take, offering sportsmen a chance to go after trophy game and fish, unusual animals, and see some of the most gorgeous locations in the world. Check out this list to get ideas for a trip that’s sure to outshine your buddy’s deer lease.

Hunting

Whether you’re after big game or big skies, these vacations are sure to please any hunter.

1. Trophy Hunting in South Africa: For the ultimate in trophy hunting, check out this vacation in Africa. Wintershoek Safaris has a 50,000 acre ranch that has over 25 different species of game to be hunted. Their professional guides can help you find the best spots to hunt their impala, kudu, wildebeest, and zebra. Daily rates even include laundry, meals, a 4×4 vehicle, and field preparation as well as transportation of trophies to Johannesburg.
2. Eagle Hunting Festival Tour in Mongolia: If you think your bird dog is the ultimate hunting companion, prepare to have your mind blown by the expertly trained hunting eagles in Mongolia. In this visit, you’ll get to see eagle trainers show their skills, equipment, and more, even spending time with the eagle trainer’s family. Additional highlights include trips to Terelj National Park, which is home to nomadic families, beautiful rock formations, valleys, the Terelj River and lots of wooded areas.
3. Niglai Trophy Hunting in King Ranch: If you’re looking for a hunting experience that’s larger than life, look no further than this one. In the 1930s and 40s, niglai were released into King Ranch in Texas, a ranch that’s larger than Rhode Island, and the largest ranch in the United States. This exceptionally big member of the antelope family is native to India and Pakistan, but has flourished on this Texas property. Hunting niglai is challenging, as judging trophy quality is difficult and they don’t stand still long enough. However, a unique trophy and delicious meat is an excellent reward.
4. Archery and Muzzleload Elk and Deer Hunts in Colorado’s Weminuche: Take in all that Weminuche, Colorado’s largest wilderness area, has to offer. While on this trip, you’ll enjoy hunting elk and deer on horseback with primitive weapons, as well as excellent food including steaks, stuffed Cornish hens, and Navajo tacos.
5. Louisiana Trophy Alligator Hunting: If you’re in the market for some new gator-skin boots, head down to Louisiana for a chartered trip on the banks of gator country where the Red River, Atchafalaya River, and Old Mississippi River meet. You’ll hunt trophy alligators, and enjoy afternoon hunts for wild hog, teal ducks, or doves.
6. Old Fashioned Lion Hunting in Montana: This area has high lion quotas, but it’s non-motorized, so you have to do your hunting on foot. You’ll keep an eye out for tracks in the early mornings, then let the dogs loose to get the cat up the tree. This hunt is a challenge, but it’s one of a kind.
7. Cow Elk Father/Son Hunting in Wyoming: Take your budding hunter on a vacation that’s sure to create some great memories. On this vacation, you’ll go on a western style elk hunt in mountain country, while learning about hunting, safety, and the ethics of the sport.
8. Bison and Wolf Hunting in Alberta: Hunt bull bison and timber wolves in their natural environment. These animals are elusive, existing in a wild woods environment, so you’ll be tracking them by foot and snowmobile. You can also combine this hunt with trap line tours and fishing voyages.
9. Waterfowling in Manitoba: In Manitoba’s Interlake region, you’ll get to hunt spring snow geese, Canadian geese, mallards, and pintails. The lodge you’ll stay at is nestled in the wilderness with a BBQ area, a screened-in deck, and a pool for warm nights. The package includes, among other things, home cooked meals and field lunches as well as cleaning and freezing of birds.
10. Caribou Hunting in Labrador: Visit Labrador to take your shot at the largest caribou in the world. This hunt generally takes place in the late fall through winter, and you can take home 2 caribou per guest.
11. Saskatchewan Bear Hunting: Lac La Ronge isn’t just known for its excellent fishing spots: it has an abundance of healthy black bears as well. On this trip, most hunters bag a bear by the second or third day, and then move on to extreme walleye, lake trout and pike fishing before heading home.
12. Colorado Dude Ranch: This dude ranch in Colorado is located in the San Juan Mountains, offering lots of experiences that outdoorsmen are sure to love. Choose from bow hunting, fly fishing, elk hunting, and lots more, all in comfortable cabins with a gorgeous location.
13. Horse-mounted Hunting in the Yukon: In a place where the Rocky Mountains meet the Arctic Circle, you’ll find that moose, lions, eagles, bears, otters and timber wolves outnumber people. On this trip, you’ll join this tour’s annual moose hunt, a ten-day excursion on horseback with gorgeous scenery and plenty of wildlife.
14. Namibian Safari: At Gelbingen Guest Farm, you’ll be inside the Etosha Kaoko Conservancy, which borders the Etosha National Park. This conservancy is home to an abundance of wild game, including giraffe, oryx, leopard, cheetah, hyena, and even lions. Beyond hunting, fishing of catfish, shark, and more is plentiful, and you’ll have a chance to see seals, dolphins, and leatherbacked turtles on this adventure.

Fishing

Catch the big one on these trips that take you out on the ice, to remote locations, and some of the most beautiful natural areas in the world.

15. Australian Fishing Adventure: Enjoy fishing in this remote, untouched location. The variety of catches is great-with over 250 recorded species, there are plenty of different types of fish to go after. Some of them include barramundi, sharks, mangrove jack, and giant trevally.
16. Going After the Big One in the Florida Keys: On this trip to the Florida Keys, you’ll have access to a huge amount of tarpon, bonefish, sharks, stingrays, and barracudas. The true prize is the permit, one of the strongest fish in the world that’s sure to test your skills. You’ll enjoy a privately rented home with quick access to the bay that can have you from door to fishing within 10 minutes.
17. Ice Fishing on Lake Winnibigoshish: Wintertime in Northern Minnesota is a great time to take up ice fishing on Lake Winnibigoshish. This lake is over 67,000 acres and has a great reputation for perch ice fishing. At The Pines, you’ll get access to plowed ice roads and a pre-warmed fish house, as well as well-equipped cabins. Even during the summertime, fishing is plentiful and can be enjoyed from the docks or by boat.
18. Afognak Island State Park Fishing: This lodge in Afognak Island State Park offers great opportunities to fish Alaskan trout, wild salmon, and halibut. This location is also great for viewing and photographing wildlife, as well as kayaking trips.
19. Largemouth Bass Angling in Mexico: Lake Huites Lodge is home to mammoth largemouths, and a few skilled anglers are catching more than 75 bass per day, some of them more than 10 pounds. While staying at the lodge, you’ll not only enjoy a once in a lifetime fishing experience, but also great comfort and cuisine, as well as a very helpful laundry service.
20. Maine Cruise in Lobster Country: Hop aboard an antique schooner and enjoy meals prepared on a woodburning stove, and even a lobster bake. You’ll be treated to a look at lobster fishing, including a lesson on how the traps work.
21. Fly Fishing in Ireland: Fish on the river Nire below the Comeragh Mountains, and you’ll not only enjoy exceptional trout stocks, but gorgeous scenery as well. Accommodations are on a working farm in the valley, with rates that include a full Irish breakfast.
22. Malaysian Rainforest Fishing: Fish in flooded forests surrounded by natural jungle, and stay in a remote chalet high up on the river in Malaysia. You can even go out on the sea to take on potential IGFA world record breakers and live on board the fishing boat.
23. Fishing the Mataura River: Head to New Zealand’s Mataura River to find a challenge in this trout fishing mecca. Fishing here requires long leaders and fine tippets, but the scenery and wild brown trout make up for the troubles. In this package, you’ll stay with your guide’s family and enjoy a "kiwi-style" breakfast each morning.
24. Walleye on Lake Sakakawea: Check out Dakota Waters Resort to fish challenging walleye on Lake Sakakawea. You’ll have a comfortable cabin and campground to come back to, as well as a convenient fish clearning station.
25. Big Game Fishing in the West Indies: Head to St. Lucia to enjoy big game fishing for blue marlin, yellow fin tuna, wahoo, and more. You’ll enjoy diesel powered, tournament rigged boats and fishing equipment as well as gorgeous local resorts.

Welcome to the 4th edition of the Carnival of Travel Guide. We have selected 15 posts for this edition. The posts are listed in the order they were received. Here you go:

Jon presents Holiday Gift Idea - DC Travel Guides posted at The DC Traveler. Even though the holiday gift-giving season is over, here’s a review that’s useful any time of the year on a few of the more popular travel guides.

Samuel Bryson presents Pedalling Money - Saving Money by Cycling: posted at Total Wellbeing.

Pete presents 7 Places To Visit for the Budget Traveler in 2008 posted at THE RONIN TRAVELER.

GG Editor presents Choosing a Carry-on Bag | GoGirlfriend posted at GoGirlfriend - Travel with confidence. If you’re in the market for a new carry-on, consider these 3 things.

Susan presents Motion Sickness - Tricks of the Trade posted at The Innovative Traveler. Tips, tricks, and more on controlling motion sickness.

Karyn presents Big Bands and Irish Thunder posted at All About Orlando. Busch Gardens in Tampa Bay, Florida offers a Big Band series along with an Irish step dancing and music show this January.

Tip Diva presents Top Ten Tips - Speed Up At The Airport posted at Tip Diva. Tip Diva flies about 20 times a year, so she has the airport arrival, check-in and security clearance down pat. Traveling can be a hassle, so why not make it easier by following these tips?

Kavit Haria presents Healthy Eating When You are Dining Out posted at Wellness Junction by Kavit Haria.

Veteran Military Wife presents Thrifty Travel Is Within Your Reach posted at Life Lessons of a Military Wife. Some avenues to explore before making your next travel arrangements!

Christopher Cook presents Choosing A Hostel Is Like Choosing A Friend: things to think about when trying to find a place to sleep posted at -noambit -Travel Europe- where to go, what to see, and how to get there. Hostels in Europe come in all shapes, sizes and types. Choosing the right one for your lifestyle and trip can be hit and miss. This article covers what to expect and what to look for in a European Hostel so that your trip is the best it can be.

Chris Christensen presents 7 Outrageous Predictions for Travel in 2008 posted at Tripinator - Travel 2.0.

Tony Josephson presents You can observe a lot just by watching.: Rules of the road in Qatar posted at You can observe a lot just by watching.. Thinking of taking a trip to the Middle East? Here are some rules of the road from two Midwestern American expatriates currently living in Qatar.

Modern Entertainment presents Snowman Pictures posted at Modern Entertainment.

Sagar Satapathy presents 25 Simply Amazing Mosques posted at International Listings Blog.

Andrew Edgington presents Cyprus Holiday Villa Homes posted at Cyprus Informer. Everyone who has visited Cyprus or read about Cyprus knows that Cyprus is an Island of beauty. Cyprus lies amidst in the Mediterranean Sea. Cyprus is slowly becoming the number one place in the world for holidays and buying property. It’s also homeland to the Goddess of Love “Aphrodite” so how can you not fall in love with Cyprus.

That concludes this edition. Next edition of this carnival will be hosted here on January 19, 2008. Submit your blog articles using our Blog Carnival Submission Form.

Traveling alone can be a rewarding and exciting experience, as it forces you to make new friends and allows you to make your own agendas without worrying about what someone else wants to do. Unfortunately, traveling solo can also be dangerous if you don’t take the appropriate precautions. Use these 40 or so tips to help keep your next solo adventure safe and happy.

The Basics

These are some basic tips you can use as a traveler, whether flying solo or with a friend.

1. Learn about the local culture. One sure way to stick out and possibly anger or offend those in your destination country is to not bother to learn anything about the locals before you arrive. You can also ask others who have traveled there about what areas to avoid and how you better keep yourself safe.
2. Don’t advertise that you’re a tourist. Walking around with a camera on your neck while sporting an American flag t-shirt won’t exactly help you to blend in while you’re sightseeing in most countries. Try not to make it glaringly obvious that you’re on vacation and you don’t know your way around. The less you look like a tourist, the less likely you are to be a target for theft.
3. Avoid flashy clothes and electronics. In many places in the world, walking around with expensive cell phones, handbags and iPods is commonplace. But you should be wary when traveling to parts of the world where these kind of fancy electronics and clothing aren’t the norm. They’ll just make you look like a desirable target for petty crime, so leave them at home if possible.
4. Know the area. Before leaving on your trip, do some research, whether it’s on the Internet or in a travel guide. Learn what areas might be dangerous for a solo traveler, where pickpocketing is most common, and some general safety tips for your destination so you’ll have a heads up when you arrive.
5. Always carry a little cash with you. While you certainly shouldn’t be toting around large amounts of cash, carrying a small amount with you at all times can help you get out of a hairy situation if you need to. If you feel threatened, having cash will allow you to take a cab or duck into a restaurant to order coffee and quickly get out of the situation.
6. Copy important documents. Before you leave for your trip, make sure to copy all of your important travel documents like your ID, passport, credit cards and travel itineraries so that if something happens to the original, it will be much easier to get a replacement.
7. Make sure someone knows where you are. Before you leave on your trip, leave family members with a rough copy of your itinerary. Letting others know when you are leaving, where you plan to stay, and when you should return will help them to locate you if something should happen.
8. Make friends. You may have left home alone, but that doesn’t mean that you have to spend your entire trip as a loner. Make friends with the locals or meet other travelers at your hotel or hostel. Who knows, you could have some great experiences and maybe even make a lifelong friend.
9. Listen to your instincts. If you find yourself thinking that a situation just isn’t quite right or that a person seems disingenuous, chances are good that you might be right. Your instinctive feelings are meant to keep you out of harms way, to try to pay attention to what they’re telling you.
10. Always carry a means of communication. Whether it’s a cell phone or a calling card, always keep a way to call home or for help handy. Keep it separate from your other valuables so that if those are stolen you’ll still be able to ring a cab and get replacements for your lost valuables.
11. Buy something from a local store. Want to blend in? Try making a purchase from a local grocery store. The local bag will make you look more like a native and is much less likely to be stolen than an expensive purse or day pack.
12. Read up on local laws and customs. Just because you’re a visitor and not a native doesn’t mean you’re above local laws and customs. Read up on these before you go to avoid any possible trouble. Sometimes even things you think are innocuous other might be grossly offensive and even illegal in other parts of the world.
13. Learn the basics of the local language. While it’s likely that you’ll be able to find at least a few people in your destination country that speak your language you certainly shouldn’t count on it. Before you leave, learn basic words and phrases to help you hail a cab, order food, make purchases, and do other basic day to day activities so you won’t be overcharged or cause yourself to stick out too badly as a tourist.
14. Don’t reveal too much personal information. While you do want to get to know new people that you meet along your travels, you also want to be careful about revealing too much of your personal information before you know the person well. If you feel like you’re being grilled on your personal details, steer the conversation in another direction or get out of it altogether.

For Women

Unfortunately, women often face special challenges when traveling alone that men might not. Here are some tips to make traveling alone less daunting.

15. Acknowledge your boundaries. While you want to fit in with the culture and people of your destination, realize that you might have different boundaries. If you don’t feel comfortable in a situation, no matter how normal it is where you’re visiting, don’t do it. Its better to be embarrassed than end up hurt.
16. Dress conservatively. Wearing tight or revealing clothes might fly in some places, but in many it will get you unwanted and possibly aggressive attention from men. Take your cues on how to dress from the local women. If they don’t show their legs, you probably shouldn’t either, or you could be inviting something you don’t want.
17. Respect the culture of your destination. In many places that you will visit, there are simply different norms about how women should act and dress. While you don’t have to lose yourself completely in these, you should try to respect these to the best of your abilities. It will make life much easier for you, and prevent unwanted attention.
18. Don’t invite trouble. You might get away with grabbing a beer at a bar alone at home or flirting shamelessly with men you meet, but in an unfamiliar place you could be getting yourself into trouble. Remember that sometimes visiting another country alone means giving up some of the freedoms you might have enjoyed at home. It could be a small price to pay to avoid getting hurt.
19. Wear a wedding ring. Don’t want men to see you as a single woman even if you are? Try wearing a wedding ring. It will make you look less available and drive away some unwanted suitors.
20. Always walk with others at night. In general, it’s a good idea to apply this rule no matter where you are, but it can be especially important when you’re traveling in an unfamiliar city. Find other travelers or trusted locals to help you get home or if you need to, suck it up and pay for a taxi toget back to yor hotel.
21. Keep your guard up. While you don’t want to be rude to those who could be potential friends, be wary of others when traveling alone. Keep your guard up when in intimidating or crowded places.
22. Take cues from local women. Not sure how to dress or avoid untoward comments from men? Watch the local women to see what they do. Often you can pick up a few tricks that can make your trip more comfortable and that will make you look less like a tourist.
23. Be alert. When walking through even crowded streets make sure to keep an eye out for anyone that could be following you or appears to be behaving abnormally. If you feel uncomfortable, get out of the situation immediately, don’t wait until it’s too late to do something.
24. Don’t worry about overreacting. If you feel unsafe or that you’re under attack, don’t worry about running, screaming, or getting out of a situation as quickly as possible. It’s better to look foolish than to end up getting hurt by a less than friendly native.

Protecting Your Valuables

While losing your valuables isn’t the end of the world, it sure can ruin a what would have otherwise been a great trip. Use these tips to help keep your stuff safe while you’re away from home.

25. Be wary of people approaching you. This isn’t to say that you shouldn’t make friends when you’re traveling alone, only that you should be very careful when being approached by people on the street. Many times thieves devise stories to distract you while you’re being robbed, so be on the lookout for anyone you feel might be trying to pull the wool over your eyes.
26. Research petty crime. Some destinations are known for their proliferation of pickpockets, thieves and scam artists. Find out statistics beforehand through a government or independent research site or ask other travelers about their experiences so you’ll know what to expect and the level of vigilance you should have.
27. Hide your valuables. Don’t walk around with your wallet, purse or money belt in plain view. Hide them inside a jacket, shirt, shawl or under your clothes. You don’t have to make them inconvenient to access for yourself, but you also don’t want to be advertising their location to potential thieves.
28. Split up cash and credit cards. When traveling, alone or otherwise, it’s always a good idea to keep at least some of your money and credit cards separate. This way, if you do lose one set you’ll have another to fall back on and your trip won’t be disrupted as heavily.
29. Keep your bags close to you and closed. If you’re walking around with a bag during the day, make sure to keep it on your arm, looped around your leg, or otherwise in your possession throughout your sightseeing. This makes it much more difficult for thieves to snatch and ensures that you won’t forget it somewhere either.
30. Have spares. When bringing valuables like credit cards, medications, and cash along, you should always have a backup supply stored somewhere separately. You don’t want to be stuck in the middle of nowhere with no way to pay your bills or take important medications.
31. Use the hotel safe. If you’re worried about leaving valuables like cameras, laptops and jewelry unattended in your hotel room, then lock them up in the hotel safe. It might take a little extra time, but it can be worth the hassle if you don’t have to deal with stolen goods.
32. Never leave luggage unattended. While it might be a pain to drag your clunky luggage with you everywhere you go, even that quick bathroom break, leaving it alone is just asking for it to get stolen. Always keep your belongings with you or at least within your line of sight when you’re traveling.
33. Be careful about using ATMs. Solo travelers should be wary about removing money from an ATM. Try to only withdraw cash from machines during the day and in areas where there are other people around.

Lodging and Travel

Transportation and hotels are likely to be a big part of any trip, so make sure you take the necessary precautions when traveling alone to ensure your safety.

34. Safeguard your room. When you check into your hotel there are a number of things you can do to make sure your stay will be as safe as possible. First, make sure your room number is given to you discretely so other ill-intentioned persons won’t be able to easily locate you. Also, try to avoid staying in ground floor rooms where windows and doors can easily be broken into. Finally, bring a small rubber doorstop with you to help prevent intruders from entering your room.
35. Keep your hotel’s phone number and address on you. You don’t want to end up stranded in a foreign country with no way to get back to your hotel. Keep your hotel’s business card with you so you can show it to the cab driver if you don’t speak the language and have the number handy so you can call if you need to.
36. Don’t order room service on the doorknob hang tag. Ordering room service for one on the outside of your door might be convenient, but it also advertises that you’re staying in a room alone and what time you expect someone to be knocking on the door so you’ll be willing to open it. If you want room service, make the call from your room instead.
37. Only take licensed taxis. Don’t just take a ride from any old taxi if you can help it. Look for drivers that are licensed to be taxi drivers. You’ll be less likely to get ripped off and more likely to arrive at your destination safely.
38. Lock your suitcase. If you’re going to be leaving your luggage in the hold of a bus or in your hotel room, make it less tempting for thieves by locking it. It won’t stop someone from slashing it if they really want what’s inside, but it will help reduce the temptation of theft if it’s less convenient to get into your bag.
39. Ask the concierge. Not sure where it’s safe for a single person to go to lunch or take a stroll? Ask the hotel concierge to give you recommendations and help you safely navigate around the city. He or she will be able to tell you about safe sightseeing as well as make recommendations to improve your visit.
40. Book at least one night in advance. Many people hate taking trips with set itineraries, but when you’re traveling alone it’s usually a good idea to have at least the first night of your trip booked in advance. This way, you’ll know there will be room for you and you’ll know exactly where you’re heading when you arrive.
41. Use the do not disturb signs. It’s best when you’re traveling alone not to encourage anyone to enter your room, not even the cleaning staff. That isn’t to say that they can’t be trusted, but while they’re cleaning the room they could leave the door open, allowing anyone to come in. After all, they don’t know what the person staying there looks like. Hang the do not disturb sign from your door and get fresh towels from the front desk if you need them instead.

Before you decide to stroll into any old tattoo shop to get inked this year, do a little research on the studio and artists you’re about to trust with a needle and your quivering skin. If you’ve got the budget to splurge on a celebrity artist whose business is to create award-winning, unique designs while keeping a clean, safe shop, take a look at this list of 20 of the world’s most famous tattoo parlors, from Japan to the Sunset Strip.

True Legends

The following tattoo parlors have been operated by some of the most talented and inspirational pioneers in the industry. If you want to get inked by a true legend, check out these famous shops.

1. Bert Grimm’s World Famous Tattoo Shop: TattooArchive.com reports that for over 70 years, "Bert Grimm was a fixture in the tattoo world." Originally from Oregon, Grimm traveled to shops all over the U.S. and eventually settled in Long Beach, CA, when he opened the World Famous Tattoo Shop, "the oldest continuously operated tattoo parlor in the continental United States." The shop was sold in 2004, but the Grimm legacy lives on in Shaw’ Tattoo Parlor in Houston, TX, which is still operated by the descendants of Bert Grimm’s nephew.
2. All or Nothing Tattoo: Award-winning artist Brandon Bond started out working at tattoo parlors all over the U.S., but he can currently be found at the All or Nothing Tattoo Shop in Atlanta, GA. Recognized around the world for his colorful, precise and innovative designs, Bond is also the owner of Strangehold Publications, has tattooed rappers Nas and Kellis, made an appearance on TLC’s LA Ink and has "artwork…featured in over 500 international tattoo arts publications," according to the shop’s website.
3. Tattoo Lou’s: Long Island, NY’s legendary Tattoo Lou’s celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. The original Tattoo Lou Rubino opened the studio in Queens, NY, but eventually moved out to Long Island. His son, Lou, Jr., helps run the shop today, along with experienced, award-winning artists like Irish Jay and Erick Alayon.
4. Gill Montie’s World Famous Tattoo Mania: Gill Montie’s Tattoo Mania now sits on a street in the small town of Beaumont, TX, near the Texas-Louisiana border. Back in the 1980s and 90s, however, Gill Montie was a fixture on Hollywood’s Sunset Strip, where he tattooed celebrities and founded the InkSlingers Ball, a popular tattoo and body art convention. Even though Tattoo Mania is no longer a part of Hollywood’s crazy nightlife scene, the shop is still committed to creating quality designs for their loyal customers.
5. Lowrider Tattoo: The website for Jose Lopez’s Lowrider Tattoo is a modest, humble tribute to its founding artist, a Mexican immigrant, who, despite being wheelchair-bound, has become one of the most lauded tattoo artists in the nation. Located in Fountain Valley, CA, Lopez now works with four other artists in his shop and is about to open a second studio in Riverside, CA. In addition to tattoos, Lopez also creates oil paintings and is considering designing a clothing line.

International Stars

From Japan to Paris to Malta, these artists are famous in the industry for creating unique designs and giving visitors an authentic experience of local genius.

6. Horiyoshi III: In 2005, Time Magazine’s Best of Asia issue named Horiyoshi III the best tattoo parlor and artist in the Orient. An apprentice to "the legendary tattoo artist Yoshitsugu Muramatsu," Horiyoshi III sets up shop in Yokohama, Japan, where he inks his customers with traditional designs like "peonies, koi, tenyo (she-angels) and the like." Before you line up at the door for one of these exclusive tattoos, get ready to open up your wallet. Time reports that full body tattoos can cost as much as $20,000.
7. Tattoo Peter: Stop in for a visit at Amsterdam’s famous Tattoo Peter for a souvenir of your rebellious vacation. The historic shop is owned by Eddy Wertwijn, who dedicates his designs to Pier de Haan, the man who founded the tattoo parlor after leaving the Navy in the 1940s. Classic tattoos from Tattoo Peter include tributes to the days when sailors populated the shop, looking for designs of ships, anchors and pinup girls.
8. Triple 7 Tattoo: Though a native of Holland, Tommie 777 has traveled to Brazil, Argentina, Amsterdam, Great Britain and Germany to perfect his famous tattoo artistry. The Triple Seven Tattoo Shop is located in Ahaus, Germany, near the German-Netherlands border, but according to the company’s website, Tommie is currently "splitting his time hammering ink into skin between Great Britain, Holland and Germany, doing all sorts of guest work in various shops."
9. The Tat Shack: If you happen to be in Malta during your next vacation, stop in at the Tat Shack to check out the latest designs from international award-winning artists Deano and Ghiller. Like most of us, however, you’re probably stranded on the mainland and will have to settle for browsing through their website to see the featured tattoo of the month, buy custom merchandise and more.
10. Kustom Tattoo: Paris is arguably no longer the European center for vagrants and starving artists, but the alternative lifestyle is still welcomed in the French capital. Specifically speaking, Kustom Tattoo on the Avenue de la Republique is an intense but professional tattoo parlor that has been recognized in publications like Tattoo magazine and Tatouage.

Celebrity Shops

Celebrity is no stranger to these tattoo parlors, whether it’s because of a cable TV deal, award-winning staff or a high-profile clientele.

11. Hart and Huntington: Hart and Huntington’s tattoo studios were famous even before they were featured on A&E’s reality show Inked. Shops in Hawaii, Cabo, Orlando and Las Vegas attract tattoo enthusiasts from all over the country, who are dying to get tatted up by Carey, Jenn and the rest of the crew. If you’re a fan of the show but want a less permanent souvenir of the series, check out H&H’s online store, where you can find T-shirts, hoodies, shot glasses and other memorabilia.
12. High Voltage Tattoo: TLC’s LA Ink has introduced the rest of the world into the wild and crazy world of the Los Angeles tattoo industry. Unique, upbeat cast members like Kat Von D, who boasts nearly half a million MySpace friends and followers, let the world watch while they ink all kinds of clients, including celebrities. During filming of the show, however, the shop is open during very limited times, so check out their website before you go.
13. Miami Ink: Before there was LA Ink, there was Miami Ink, also known as 305 Ink. Kat Von D’s appearance on TLC’s reality show started out in Miami, before she headed out West and took the camera crews with her. Miami Ink owners Chris Nunez and Ami James also own the Love Hate Lounge in South Beach.
14. Shanghai Kate’s: In upstate New York, Shanghai Kate’s welcomes anyone from Howard Stern to Pearl Jam. Featured on NPR, in Inked Magazine, and at the NYC Tattoo Convention, Kate Hellenbrand is dedicated to preserving the legacy of the late tattoo artist Norman Keith Collins, or Sailor Jerry. Kate sells souvenirs, cards, stencils and other commemorative items, all designed by Sailor Jerry, on her online store.
15. Rising Dragon: New York city’s famed Rising Dragon tattoo parlor features world-famous artists who specialize in intricate designs like classical Asian-centric creations and large scale underwater seascapes. Visitors should also check out the shop’s staff of permanent "guest" artists like Horisei from Yokohoama, Japan and Su Houston.
16. Mark Mahoney’s Shamrock Social Club: Named one of Citysearch’s Best Tattoo Parlors in Los Angeles, the Shamrock Social Club sits on Sunset Blvd. and was featured on A&E’s 2006 series of Inked. Artists like Mark Mahoney, Danny Romo and Andrew Farmsley contribute to the laid back atmosphere and attract celebrities like Britney Spears and Fred Durst.

Under-the-Radar Parlors

Just because a tattoo parlor isn’t featured on a hit TV show doesn’t mean it doesn’t produce quality work. From Houston, TX, to Detroit, MI, these shops fly under the radar of the general public but are still must-visit shops for any tattoo fanatic.

17. Bob Tyrell’s Night Gallery: Detroit native Boy Tyrell has been featured in publications like Tattoo Society, Skin & Ink, and other tattoo-related publications in the U.S. and abroad. After working at Eternal Tattoos in Detroit, Tyrell opened up Night Gallery and travels to conventions and events all over the U.S. and in Mexico.
18. Sunset Strip Tattoo: Hollywood’s Sunset Strip Tattoo is a Los Angeles staple, like washed-out celebrities and beachwear as streetwear. Artists Bill, Dave, Greg, Mike, Paul and Rob are discreetly featured on the company’s website, letting select images describe their designs and experience for them. E-mail any artist for more information.
19. Johnny Jackson’s World Famous Texas Body Art Tattoo Studio: From the grotesque to the historic, Johnny Jackson and his team of artists create all kinds of portraits and impressions for their customers. The tattoo shop is located in Houston, TX, where tattoo and piercing model Mizuz Inkaholik welcomes customers as they wait for sessions with award-winning artists, including guest artists like Doctorlind from Denmark, Lenny Renkin, Darrin White and more. The shop typically has a three week waiting period, so go ahead and book now.
20. Apocalypse Tattoo: Seattle’s Apocalypse Tattoo is a popular destination for those looking to get tatted up, but it has so far remained relatively low key. Walk-ins are still welcome, and despite the award-winning team of artists, the shop puts the customers first, making sure "that you will find the perfect design for your tattoo."

If you’re an active person, you’re probably not satisfied with the regular vacation. Rather, you’re more likely to enjoy a trip that involves biking, hiking, and more. These vacations fit the bill, offering gorgeous views, fun activities, and plenty of open road.

North America

From California wine country to the Grand Canyon, these biking trips are full of fun.

1. Chesapeake Bay Bicycle Tour: This vacation features quiet, flat country roads in the Chesapeake area.
2. Martha’s Vineyard: Enjoy leisurely spinning through Martha’s Vineyard and Cape Cod, where you’ll see pine forests, beaches, lighthouses, and even cranberry bogs.
3. New Mexico’s Santa Fe and Taos: On this trip, you’ll be able to ride through high deserts, see pueblos, and celebrate the rich artistic culture in this area.
4. Albermarle: Explore Kitty Hawk, Manteo, and Edenton on this 4 day tour through Albemarle.
5. Quebec Route Verte: Explore shoreline, villages, wildlife, and more.
6. Mississippi’s Natchez Trace: Pedal down the South’s historic roadway, Natchez Trace, to see Civil War battlefields as well as Southern estates.
7. North Carolina Wine Country Bicycle Tour: Bike through wine country for scenery, vineyard tours, and wine tasting on this 2 day vacation.
8. Alaska Southern Wilderness: Enjoy the untamed wilderness as you ride through forests, hike a glacier, and go rafting in the rapids. This bike trip is challenging, with lots of hills and long distances.
9. Shenandoah Bicycle Tour: See beautiful overlooks and winding passes on this 5 day tour through the Shenandoah Valley.
10. California Wine Country: Ride through Napa and Sonoma and see vineyards, redwood forests, gorgeous landscapes and the Pacific Coast.
11. Ocracoke Bicycle Tour: This spring and fall tour is in Beaufort, Ocracoke, and Hatteras.
12. Washington’s San Juan Islands: These islands are home to rolling hills, mountain ranges, and gorgeous water views.
13. Montana Glacier Biking: Bike through Glacier and Waterton Lakes National Parks, and you’ll be treated to big skies, mountain scenery, and rugged glacial biking.
14. Virginia Multi-Sport Tour: This tour is good for all abilities, with biking and hiking in scenic southwest Virginia.
15. Oregon’s Crater Lake: Bike along this challenging route, and you’ll see beautiful scenery, geologic formations, and even a prospering wildlife refuge.
16. Utah & Arizona’s Bryce, Zion & Grand Canyon: These national parks are a haven for bikers, with cliffs, pine forests, desert landscapes, and more.
17. Canadian Rockies: Check out mountain passes along the Continental Divide, and you’ll be treated to glaciers, waterfalls, and lots of wildlife.
18. Blue Ridge Bicycle Tour: This summer road tour features majestic views and a great town in Blowing Rock, North Carolina.
19. Mexico: Baja: Biking in Baja’s East Cape provides a moderate challenge of rolling hills and dirt roads, accented by water sports and quiet roads.
20. Vermont’s Southern Countryside: Southern Vermont is full of fun-riding rolling hills, uninterrupted riding on quiet roads, and historic towns.
21. Canada’s Prince Edward Island: Enjoy biking over rolling hills, exploring seashores, and quaint farms in this charming island.

Central & South America

Take advantage of the natural beauty in Central and South America with these biking vacations.

22. Patagonia: Lakes Beneath Andean Peaks: This lake district is home to rich forests, gorgeous vistas, and wonderful villages. You’ll get to bike as well as raft down a turquoise-hued river.
23. Chile & Argentina: Lake District: Intermediate bikers will enjoy this trip’s wonderful weather and experiences off the beaten track.
24. Argentina: Andean Northwest: On this trip, you’ll be treated to natural beauty, adobe villages, craftsmen, and the wine regions of Salta and Cafayate.
25. Costa Rica: Arenal to Osa Peninsula: This Central American paradise has green pastures, rain forests, and spectacular lakes. You’ll stop for breaks in inviting villages and beautiful beaches.

Europe

Europe is a popular spot for bike tours, and it’s not hard to figure out why. It’s home to challenging tours, quaint villages, and gorgeous views.

27. Croatia: Istria "The New Tuscany": On this trip for intermediate bikers, you’ll spin through wine country, fishing villages, a stud farm, Roman ruins, a safari park and much more.
28. Spain: Barcelona, Girona, & Catalan Pyrenees: Enjoy Barcelona and Girona routes that are favorites of pros like Lance Armstrong, and dine at restaurants that are local favorites.
29. France: Provence & Mt. Ventoux: Climb the "Giant of Provence," Mt. Ventoux, and enjoy quiet, tree-lined roads along with excellent wines and cheese.
30. Dalmatia, Croatia: Enjoy challenging routes and beautiful scenery on this island-hopping bike trip.
31. Italy: Giro d’Italia: On this advanced trip, you’ll climb Mt. Grappa, enjoy Prosecco wine, and take on tough climbs in the Dolomites.
32. Holland: Quiet Country Pathways: Holland is full of bicycle paths and friendly flat terrain, and you’ll find culture rich in art as well as gorgeous countryside.
33. Switzerland: Bernese Alps: On this trip, you’ll ride through valleys carved by glaciers, see rugged peaks, and be treated to a gorgeous landscape.
34. Czech Republic, Germany, and Austria: This trip spans three countries with a river bike path trip for each as well as a train ride and wine tasting.
35. France: Alps, Vercors & Mt. Ventoux: This trip is for experience cyclists in search of a good climb on the Alps.
36. Slovenia: Grand Tour of Slovenia: On this advanced trip, you’ll tour the Julian Alps, Soca Valley and remote South, with a highlight in 24-switchbacked Vrsic Pass.
37. Scotland: Loch Ness to the Summer Isles: This mix of hilly and flat paved roads will take you by Loch Ness, castles, gardens, gorgeous views and even a distillery.
38. Italy: Lakes, Alps & Sud Tirol: Advanced bikers will love the climbs on this trip, as well as a steep cog railway and gorgeous lakes.
39. Ireland: Galway & Connemara Coast: This trip is full of lush green landscapes, ancient structures, and easy pedaling through countrysides.
40. Norway: Above the Arctic Circle: This challenging terrain is full of archipelagos, glacier peaks, and friendly fishing villages.
41. Morocco: Ouarzazate and Essaouira: This moderate biking trip includes gently rollng terrain and a night camping in the Sahara.
42. Spain: Land of La Mancha: Celebrate Cervantes’ epic Don Quixote by following the Ruta de Quixote, a hardpack road that’s closed to car traffic and relatively easy terrain.
43. France: Grand Tour of France-Pyrenees: This challenging tour immerses riders in the excitement of the Tour de France.
44. Italy: Piedmont Wine Tour: This relaxing tour offers lots of wine sampling, cuisine, abbeys, castles, and more.

Asia & The Pacific

Satisfy your taste for the exotic with these biking tours in the orient.

44. Bali: Temples and Volcanoes: Visit and explore this exotic paradise by bike, foot, and boat.
45. Hawaii: Coastal Roads & Volcanic Slopes: The Big Island in Hawaii is a challenging test of volcano climbs and downhill spins. You’ll love the coastline and foliage.
46. Thailand: The Golden Triangle: Explore the Golden Triangle region’s jungle valleys, temples, and rivers.
47. China: Beijing, Xian & The Southern Provinces: On this trip, you’ll see monuments, countryside, and rich scenery. This trip includes the Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, and the Forbidden City.
48. Japan: Noto Peninsuala: Enjoy 8 days of relaxed cycling, accented by hiking and culture. You’ll see mountains, coasts, and lots of history.
49. New Zealand: From Christchurch to Queenstown: Explore this diverse island with sheep farms, rain forests, peak, waterfalls, and beaches. This trip also features a 100-mile-plus day.
50. Vietnam: Old Indochina: On this trip, you’ll see Hanoi neighborhoods, farming villages, and the ancient capital of Hue, all while pedaling past relics and architecture.

When you’re a kid, snow and ice mean potential days off from school, building snowmen and dreams of a soft and white holiday season. Once you’re all grown up, however, you know better than to wish for winter storms, because they usually mean dangerous driving conditions, long travel delays and even power outages. To brace yourself against the snow, ice and freezing temperatures this year, take a look at this list of 25 winter weather hacks.

Travel

Traveling during the winter months can be tough. Airlines often cancel flights due to dangerous storms, and the holiday season complicates schedules even more. Read below for tips to help ease the burden of winter travel.

1. Check the weather: This tip seems like an obvious plan of action, but stalking Weather.com or The Weather Channel on TV will give you a heads up if bad weather is headed your way. If you’re traveling by car and can afford to be more flexible, try to plan your departure around heavy rain or snow to minimize the risk of getting in an accident.
2. Guard yourself against germs: This article dispenses great advice for travelers who will be flying during cold and flu season. To protect yourself against contracting an illness, pack moist towelettes and wash hands regularly, get a flu shot and stretch your legs every once in a while to avoid getting blood clots.
3. Book flights in advance: If you’re planning to travel during the holidays, book a flight well in advance to ensure a reservation. If you can, try to make a reservation with a non-stop flight to your destination, even if it means driving to another city with a bigger airport. You’ll probably spend a little more on gas and parking, but you won’t have to worry about getting stranded in the airport because you missed your connection and can’t get another flight.
4. Start your travel early: MSNBC reports that "as a rule, airports are least congested at times when normal human beings would rather be at home or even asleep. Delays are far less likely for morning flights," and starting out on a road trip in the morning can be beneficial too, as long as you don’t run into patches of ice that haven’t had a chance to melt.
5. Pack snacks: Bad weather can keep travelers stranded for hours, and it’s always a smart idea to pack your own snacks. If you’re stuck in traffic in between rest stops or cooped up on the runway waiting to depart, the last thing you need is a rumbly tummy.
6. Ice and Snow, Take it Slow: The Washington Department of Transportation urges winter weather drivers to remember the mantra "ice and snow, take it slow." Avoid speeding when the weather is bad, even if you don’t think there’s ice on the road. Take extra caution when driving over bridges and on overpasses, as these areas are especially vulnerable to icing over. Check the WSDOT website for more information on practicing safe winter driving tips.
7. Allow time for delays: CNN.com estimates that "arrival delays can exceed two to three hours at cities where there is snow, sleet and ice," so allow for these extra delays when booking a flight. Another smart tip to remember is to try to book a flight that lands between 11a.m. and 5p.m., when runways are less likely to be iced over.

Hacks for the Home

Prep your home for the unforgiving winter weather by checking the roof, pipes and heating systems. Read below for more tips.

8. Prepare your roof: The Home Improvement Blog urges homeowners to give the roof a thorough check up before snow and ice are predicted in the forecast. This particular post lists "signs that your roofing needs repair includ[ing] ceiling spots; blistered, buckled, curled or missing shingles; cracked flashing, granules in the gutter, peeling paint or wallpaper, and excessive energy bills."
9. Make sure your heater works correctly: At the beginning of the winter season, test your heater to make sure it’s working properly. If you notice odd smells or the indoor temperature doesn’t seem to be warming up, call a maintenance company to check the system.
10. Install a carbon monoxide detector: Carbon monoxide poisoning is especially risky during the winter months due to possible emissions from fireplaces and heaters. Use this guide from About.com to help you select and install a carbon monoxide detector for your home.
11. Trim tree branches: Tree branches can hang dangerously low and even snap when weighed down by ice and snow. Lifespy.com encourages homeowners to trim any branches that hang over your roof or car to avoid weather-related damage.
12. Clean out the chimney: When the mercury drops, your family will be tempted to light a fire in the fireplace. Don’t, however, start a blaze if you haven’t checked for bird nests, leaves, cracks and extra soot.
13. Check insulation: Make sure your windows and other outdoor outlets are properly insulated, otherwise you’ll end up overspending on your utility bills. PowerHouseTV.com lists several ways to check the insulation all around the house.
14. Clean out the gutter: eHow.com recommends cleaning out your gutters before a winter storm, as "clogged gutters can result in basement flooding when the snow melts." Remove leaves, pine straw and any other nests or debris that have accumulated.
15. Insulate outdoor water pipes and outlets: When the temperature drops below freezing, you’ll need to protect your pipes by insulating all outdoor water outlets and pipes that could be exposed to extra cold temperatures in the basement. Check here for tips on how to do it yourself.
16. Prepare for a snow or ice day: If you live in an area that is particularly susceptible to dangerous winter weather, prepare yourself for the day (or week) that you’ll be stuck inside, perhaps without power. Make sure you have extra blankets to keep warm, plenty of extra water and non-perishable food items that you can prepare without using electricity. Battery-operated radios are also good to have on hand so that you can get updated on weather conditions. Charge cell phones before a storm knocks out your power, and keep extra batteries and a generator on hand at the start of the season. These supplies sell out fast.
17. Protect your pets and plants: When temperatures reach freezing, move your pets and potted plants inside. If you’re afraid your dog isn’t potty-trained enough for the living room, make a warm nesting area out of towels and old blankets and move him into the garage.

Car Maintenance

Keep your car running even when storms dump snow and ice onto the roads.

18. Load up the trunk with supplies: No one plans on getting stranded in a snowdrift in the middle of the night, and that’s why, if you live in a cold climate, you should always be prepared. Items to keep in your trunk include a sleeping bag or extra coat to keep yourself warm, snacks like peanut butter or granola bars that are nutritious and will last a long time, a flashlight, a battery-operated radio and an ice scraper for your windshield.
19. Invest in snow chains or tires: If you spend most of the winter months driving through snow, consider investing in snow tires or snow chains to give your car extra stability and help prevent weather-related accidents.
20. Pay attention to your car’s oil change: MSNBC reports that drivers need to pay special attention to their cars’ oil change during the winter, because "oil tends to thicken as it gets colder, and if it’s too thick it won’t do the best job of keeping your engine lubricated." When your vehicle is due for an oil change, make sure the maintenance crew puts in oil with the appropriate viscosity.
21. Check belts and hoses: According to this article, "cold weather can do a number on belts and hoses, so they deserve attention." Take your vehicle in for a quick check up before the temperatures get really low.

Helpful Resources and Websites

Turn to these helpful resources and websites for more advice on dealing with the hardships of winter, including storm advisories and preparation ideas.

22. Precautions a Must for Safe Winter Travel: Use this guide from the Red Cross website as a checklist before heading out on the road during the winter. Tips also include what to do in case you get stranded in freezing temperatures and important items that you should keep in the trunk.
23. Driving Safety Tips: Driving in Snow and Ice: This article from Weather.com gives great advice for driving through the ice and snow. If you think bad weather is coming your way, take a look at this list to refresh yourself on tips like "Use low gears to keep traction, especially on hills" and what to do if your rear or front wheels skid.
24. Pet Care: Top Ten Cold Weather Tips: Pet owners should take a look at this guide from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). Winter weather hacks for pets include "never let your dog off the leash on snow or ice, especially during a snowstorm [because] dogs can lose their scent and easily become lost. More dogs are lost during the winter than during any other season." Cats should be kept inside during when the weather gets cold, and all pet owners should be especially aware of antifreeze spills or leaks, which are poisonous to animals.
25. Winter Weather Energy Efficiency Tips: Keep your energy costs from skyrocketing during the winter by checking out these tips given by the Allegheny Power company in Pennsylvania. Readers will learn how to check their homes for air leaks, install storm windows and conserve energy even during extra cold days.

While airlines only lose about 1% of all the total luggage processed, there’s always the chance that you’ll be that unlucky passenger stuck waiting at the baggage carousel for luggage that will never come, and there’s nothing to put a damper on a vacation faster than having no toothbrush or PJs to change into. There are a few things you can do, however, to help lower your chances of having your luggage lost. Here are a list of some preventative measures, as well as some tips on what to do if your bag is lost.

1. Check as little as possible. The best advice for travelers worried about losing luggage is to simply try to avoid checking as much as possible. It’s much more difficult, if not a considerable effort, to lose luggage that you keep with you rather than checking in. Pack less to help keep your checked bags to a minimum whenever possible.
2. Tag your luggage. Make sure each piece of luggage you’re bringing with you, especially those you’re checking in, are marked with sturdy luggage tags. They should have at the very least your name and a phone number where you can be reached on them. If you’re worried about privacy, get those that cover your information unless opened or put your business contact information on them instead. After all, you want to make it easy for the airline to contact you if your bag is found.
3. Double check all tags. Airline counters can be busy, confusing places, and employees checking your bags are only human-they can make mistakes. You can help reduce any mix ups with luggage tagging, however rare, by making sure to double check your tags before you leave the counter. Check to see if the destination on the tag matches your final destination. You could save yourself a lot of time and trouble.
4. Put some things in a companion’s luggage. If you’re traveling with a friend or family member, use the situation to your advantage. Put a change of clothes into your friends suitcase and have them put one into yours. Even if either bag is lost, you’ll both still have something to change into, and won’t be at a complete loss.
5. Get a distinctive piece of luggage. While it may not prevent your luggage from being lost, it can make it a lot easier to find if your bag isn’t the standard black without any distinctive features. Try buying luggage in an uncommon color or attaching a luggage tag or ribbon that will help it stand out. It’ll make it easier to describe to airline employees if it’s lost, and easier for you to spot on the baggage carousel.
6. File a claim immediately. If your bag is lost, don’t wait until later to notify the airline. In most cases, lost luggage must be reported within 24 hours if you will need to be reimbursed, not to mention that your claim of lost luggage is a lot harder to dispute if you’ve never left the building. File a claim as soon as you think your bag has gone missing, as the sooner you do it, the sooner the airline can get on getting your bag back to you.
7. Know your information. In the event that you do need to deal with the hassles of lost luggage, it will be a whole lot easier on both you and the airline if you carry your contact information with you. This means hotel addresses and phone numbers of the hotel or residence where you’ll be staying. Looking up this information takes time, and could cause a delay in getting your bag back to you, which is the last thing you want.
8. Don’t panic. If your bag doesn’t show up on the baggage carousel along with the others from your flight, don’t freak out. It’s tempting, especially after being on a long flight, but it’s possible that the bag is being held in the luggage office or with customer service. Check with the airline to see if it might already be waiting for you. Even if it is lost, panic or tears aren’t going to make it travel to you any faster, so calm down and deal with the problem as rationally as possible.
9. Get compensation. Most airlines are responsible for making sure that you have the necessities you need to survive while your bag is being located. This can include toiletries and even basic clothing depending on the length of the delay of your luggage, and if your bag is entirely lost or damaged they should have to provide monetary compensation. Check with your airline to find out what your rights are regarding your lost bag.
10. Pack essentials in your carry on. While you might choose to pack the bulk of your wardrobe and vacation provisions in your checked bag, you can avoid quite a bit of discomfort by packing essentials like a toothbrush, a change of clothes, makeup, and deodorant in your carry on. That way, if something happens to your bag, you’ll have at least enough to get by on until the rest of your things can get back to you.
11. Take inventory. If you want to protect the contents of your bag, create a packing list or inventory of the contents of your suitcase. If it happens that your bag arrives without your favorite pair of jeans, you’ll have the documentation to back up your claims of theft.
12. Use an outside service. If you really want to guarantee that you bag arrives in your destination city at the same time you do, consider using an outside service. Rates aren’t always cheap, but you will be assured that your luggage will end up where it was supposed to. Try a luggage shipping company like The Luggage Club, Carrymyluggage.com or even FedEx.
13. Take a photo. A picture can be worth more than a thousand words. It can also save you valuable time in describing your bag to airline employees if it happens to go missing. Snap a quick photo of your suitcase before you leave home and carry it with you, either printed or on your cell phone, just in case.
14. Place your itinerary in your suitcase. Make sure your wayward luggage comes with everything the airline needs to ensure that it returns to you safely. In addition to tags on the exterior, make sure to place your itinerary and contact information on the inside of your suitcase as well. When it’s found, it can help expedite getting it back to you.
15. Check in early. A significant portion of the luggage that is lost by airlines is the result of passengers that check in at the last minute. Last minute bags may not have time to make it to the flight, and as a result, won’t arrive at your destination at the same time as you. Unless you have some sort of extenuating circumstances, you should arrive at the airport at least two hours in advance for your flight, and three if you want to be safe.
16. Remove old airline tags. Frequent travelers may find themselves with old luggage tags still attached to bags the next time they go to fly. This can lead to a lot of confusion, not to mention potential bag misplacement. Before putting any new destination tags on your bag, make sure the old ones have been completely removed.
17. Don’t ever check medications, jewelry or other valuables. If you’ve checked in a medication you need to take within the next 24 hours you may be out of luck if your bag can’t be returned to you right away. This can be an uncomfortable and even potentially dangerous situation. While jewelry and other valuables may not affect your health, they can be stolen from your bag, and many airlines won’t reimburse for the full cost of replacement for items like these. Always put these kind of things in your carry on bag, a purse, or even your pocket so they won’t get lost on the trip.
18. Be civil. If your bag does get lost, yelling, threatening or disrespecting the airline employees isn’t going to get you your bag any faster. It’s normal to be frustrated, angry and distraught over lost luggage, but the person you’re yelling at wasn’t personally responsible for your inconvenience and is probably trying their best to rectify the situation. You’ll likely get better service if you calm down and give the customer service agents all the information they need to get your bag back to you as quickly as possible.
19. Avoid overbooked flights. While you might really need to catch that last minute flight the day before the holidays, it’s likely that it will be full. Full flights may cause an overage in luggage, especially if people are traveling with especially bulky pieces, meaning that it just might not all fit on the plane. Rather than risk this, try flying on less crowded or out of the way flights. It might take some schedule rearranging, but you can save yourself hassle later of tracking down your bag.
20. Keep your checked luggage stub handy. Your luggage stub it what links you to your bag. Check in agents normally affix it to the sleeve of your boarding pass so it won’t get lost. Hang on to this puppy. While it’s not impossible to track your bag without it, the numbers on this stub make it much easier to track your missing luggage.

Lost luggage doesn’t have to be a constant worry on your next flight. These tips can help reduce the chances of having to deal with the hassle of lost baggage or make your life a little easier in the event you do. Either way, your trip will benefit.