Daylight Savings Time

For many children and their parents, daylight savings time is one of the worst inventions in the history of the world. So many children (and their parents) have difficulty adjusting to the time changes that come with daylight savings time. When people who live in the zones that use daylight savings time, the act of setting their clocks an hour ahead so they lose an hour, is one of the most challenging times of the year. When children and their parents suffer from losing that hour of sleep, many of them wonder why we even have daylight savings.

The idea behind daylight savings is to give us more time to function during the daylight hours. People who do not live along the equator are not able to enjoy an even 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of nighttime. So, to help them get more light in the summer and in the winter, daylight savings time was created.

There a several countries that use daylight savings time, but none of them are along the equator or in the tropics. People who live close to the equator never have to worry about changing their clocks, like those who live in temperate climates that have changing seasons.

While there are many people who are opposed to the idea of daylight savings time, there have been several studies that prove the practice is good for people. Many believe that with more daylight, public health is improved. The United States and the United Kingdom use daylight savings time and they have found that when people are experiencing more daylight, there are fewer car accidents. Most car accidents and pedestrian accidents occur during the darkest hours and even when the sun is setting or beginning to rise.

The idea of daylight savings time came from none other than Benjamin Franklin. After he spent a significant amount of time in Paris, he observed how the Parisians behaved during daylight hours and he found very different behaviors based on the daylight in the city. He found that many Parisian slept in too long because it was not bright outside early enough. He also found that Parisians would go to sleep earlier in the winter months because they did not want to waste their candles and oil lamps. The idea of daylight savings time to reduce energy use is one of the biggest reasons that it still exists today.

In the 1800’s, countries started to adopt the idea of daylight savings time. People wanted to have more daylight so they could tend to their farms, work longer hours, and play longer hours. People would get upset when fall approached and the days got shorter and the nights required the use of more oil and wood to maintain a comfortable home. But, with daylight savings time, people were able to make small adjustment to give themselves more light when they needed it the most.

Daylight savings time has gone through a few changes. There was actually a double-daylight savings time in England when clocks were adjusted by two hours instead of one. The state of Indiana has left daylight savings time options open to individual counties.

What do you think of daylight savings time?

Helpful and Informative Travel Guide

Whether planning a trip to see family in a nearby city, visiting a historical site in another state, or traveling overseas for a more extensive experience, it is important to plan carefully. Travel is an excellent way to see the world and learn about different cultures but it is much different from years prior. Although travel security has always been an issue, it has become paramount since 09/11.

If you want to plan the perfect vacation for the entire family, there are a number of things you can do to make the trip a huge success. While there are special considerations when traveling with small children, any travel that involves the entire family needs to be well-planned. Following are some helpful tips for taking a vacation as a family.

Budget

Of course, the ultimate destination for your vacation will be based largely on budget. You want to consider everything when setting the budget to include travel mode, accommodations, food, and activities. Now, if you want to take a trip overseas, foreign travel insurance should also be a serious consideration. Although this type of insurance is not overly expensive, it is worth every dime should someone in the family become injured or ill. In addition, make sure additional funds are set aside for unexpected incidental expenses.

Destination 

Because your family consists of adults and children, each wanting a different experience, choosing the right destination can be somewhat tricky. However, based on time and budget, you want to choose a place to visit that everyone can agree on. Obviously, the best option would be a destination that offers things for the adults, as well as the children. One of the best methods for making your decision is by researching different destinations on the computer.

Overall Experience

You also want to think about the type of experience you want the family to have. For instance, the trip could primarily be educational in which a trip to a Civil War enactment or the Smithsonian Museum would be ideal or adventurous, perhaps involving skiing the Rocky Mountains or going white water rafting.

Medical Conditions and Aids

If someone in the family has a serious medical condition and needs to travel with aid of some type to include medicine it would be imperative to learn the rules for travel. As an example, most airlines do not allow oxygen on a flight and controlled substances are carefully scrutinized. In addition to in-depth research and good planning, you always want to get a certified letter from the attending doctor so if questions are raised you would have proof of the condition and required aid.

Packing

It is a known fact that even the best packer in the world tends to take too much. Having an abundance of luggage to deal with while on vacation usually proves to be a huge problem. There are a number of things you can do that would ensure you take the right things but not too many items.

o    Check the forecast of the destination to coordinate clothing items. If there is even a slight chance of a cooler day or evening, pack one sweatshirt of sweater per family member. Remember, most accommodations and all cities have laundry facilities so if you need to wash clothes you can.

o    Choose clothes that could be worn during the day for a family outing but also while dining out at night. Again, it would be much less expensive to hand wash or launder clothes than pay fees at airports and less a hassle than hauling excessive luggage around.

o    If you plan to wash clothes while on vacation, we recommend taking packets of laundry soap and softener since products sold in motels and hotels are extremely overpriced

o    As far as toiletries, find out what things are provided by the accommodations. Today, most motels and hotels offer a blow dryer, shampoo, conditioner, and even bathrobes so you could leave your personal items at home. In fact, you can usually request a curling iron, as well as ironing board and iron. If you plan to be gone just a few days, sample toiletries that cost only $1 are ideal.


Legal Documentation

As we all know, any travel out of the country requires a passport and/or visa, something that even applies to small children. Again, you need to know what documents are required for the destination of choice. This information is found easily online or a qualified travel agent could assist. Keep in mind that it takes time to secure such documents so you want to get started several months in advance of the planned trip.

Security Issues

Most destinations are considered safe but there are parts of the world experiencing unrest, making them unsafe. Of course, you want to avoid these destinations but to do this you need to know where they are. Again, the internet provides a wealth of information or a travel agent could provide a list of places to avoid.

Travel Tips for Parents of Small Children

Travel is a wonderful thing, especially for families. This provides the opportunity to expose children to new experiences, people, and cultures, on a local, national, and international level. However, when traveling with smaller children things can get very chaotic. While certainly possible, it takes careful planning and a lot of patience to make any trip a success.

Because more and more families are taking the time to take trips with small children we wanted to offer some helpful tips for making things go as smoothly as possible. After all, the goal is to create wonderful memories, not spend the entire time away from home struggling and dealing with unhappy kids.

Airline Travel

Probably one of the biggest travel challenges has to do with taking small children on board a plane. In addition to children being cooped up in a small enclosure, airlines have really cracked down on issues of whining, crying children for the comfort of other passengers but also safety. Therefore, if you are planning a trip that involves travel via plane, you want to be completely prepared.

If the children are still infants, it would be best to travel during normal nap time or at night. While this might be somewhat of an inconvenience, it also increases the odds of having a child that sleeps during the entire flight. Even then, you want to make sure a baby is comfortably dressed, fed, and have ample bottles, diapers, snacks, and a favorite toy or blanket.

Now, if you want to travel with a toddler, things can be a little more difficult. In fact, if you have a fussy child, it might be best to consider a different mode of travel. Until the child is old enough to understand there are rules to follow on a plane, you could always consider road trips or even destinations reachable by express train.

However, if taking a toddler on a flight, again make sure the child is comfortable, fed, and supplied with snacks, drinks, and activities. There are many travel games designed specifically for small children that help pass the time. For instance, you could take along coloring books and crayons, flash cards, or even a portable iPad or video player and several favorite movies.

At all costs, avoid giving a toddler sugary snacks and drinks, which typically lead to serious problems. Now, if you have more than one small child, it is often easier to have one parent or friend sit in a section of the plane with one child and you in an entirely different section with the other child. We also want to suggest sitting as close to the bathroom possible, which helps tremendously for children who are potty trained.

If a child is old enough, it would be beneficial to have a family meeting prior to travel so all the rules can be explained. For instance, a child would need to understand that during the flight they must remain seated and only an inside voice should be used. Usually, children do quite well when traveling via plane but if for some reason you face a situation of being asked off a flight, try not to be upset. Instead, have a backup plan in place so you and the child can reach the intended destination.

Accommodations

There are also some great tips when staying in motels, hotels, campsites, and other accommodations while on vacation. Again, good planning will alleviate huge headaches. To save money, we suggest choosing accommodations that offer a full Continental breakfast or at minimum, free or largely discounted meals for kids. This makes it possible to eat without leaving the hotel to find a nearby kid-friendly restaurant.

If you plan to stay in a residential type motel or hotel it would help to purchase as many non-perishable foods ahead of time. This can be a little challenging when flying but if taking a road trip, the majority of food items could be purchased prior to travel. For perishable foods, the motel or hotel could offer information on grocery stores within close proximity. Although you want to dine out a few times during the trip, making meals in the accommodations also prevents potential hassles.

For the times you and the family want to eat in local restaurants, you can map out a number of possibilities before even leaving home. Again, you want to choose dining establishments that are kid friendly. With this, the restaurant would be geared to accommodate smaller children by providing the right atmosphere, a great and affordable menu selection, and in many cases, special shows or activities.

The Bottom Line   

Traveling with smaller children is not an impossible feat but to ensure the trip is enjoyable for everyone, you need to be prepared. By planning ahead, making wise decisions, keeping the kids informed, and setting boundaries there is no reason your family vacation cannot be everything you wanted and more for everyone.

Using a Globe to Learn about the World

Classrooms around the country are filled with items used for teaching. Although every class is somewhat
unique, the one object found virtually everywhere is the globe. While some students might not have much interest about the world, others see the globe as a magical ball. This simple sphere captures the imagination and inspires students to become future world travelers. Students who have an interest in geography or travel could learn amazing things about every continent and country simply by studying the globe.

Of course, globes can also be purchased for home use. For years, there were only a few types of globes to choose from but in addition to the traditional desk or table globe styles, you can choose many others to include the following:

o    Artisan Wood Globe
o    Embellished Globe
o    Floor Globe
o    Inflating Globe
o    Illuminated Globe
o    Levitating Globe
o    Raised Relief Globe

The bottom line is that if you have a child who wants to learn more about the world, a globe is a much more exciting way to explore than scanning pages in a book. Today, many children have expressed interest in learning about different world destinations so we wanted to offer a brief overview of some of the globes that you might think about buying. In fact, with Christmas just around the corner, this would make an excellent gift idea.

Types of Children’s Globes

A quality child’s globe can be purchased for $100 or less although there are some with a higher price tag. Considering the level of education and hours of fun a globe offers this is a worthwhile investment. Examples of popular globes for children include those listed below:

o    9” globe with stand (13 inches high in total) – This unique antique ocean world design is educational and comes with a price tag around $65

o    10” globe with stand (12 inches high in total) – The globe features more than 100 drawings of people, as well as animals and landmarks for around $70

o    12” globe with stand (17 inches high in total) - Designed as a pioneer colorful and educational world globe complete with full meridian, this can be purchased for about $60

o    12” globe with stand (16 inches high in total) – Perfect for someone interested in world adventures and a low price of just $60

o    12” globe with stand (16 inches high in total) – This educational globe has been deemed “The Explorer” with 4,000 titles and it sells for around $65

o    12” globe with stand (16 inches high in total) – The globe sits nicely on a desktop, lights up, and sells for about $90

o    12” globe with stand (18.5 inches high in total) – Attractive and interactive talking globe with a cost of $135

Additional Globe Options

The globes mentioned above are just some of the many designs made specifically for children but there are others you could consider. Now, if you have an older child, there are more advanced globes as well. Keep in mind the examples provided below are more expensive but for someone in high school or even college, they would be ideal.

o    12” globe with beautiful angled wood stand (22 inches high in total) – The stand is part of the Frank Lloyd Wright Collection and the price for this globe is $380 on average

o    13” globe with brass-plated stand and meridian (19 inches high in total) – Magnificently inlaid with more than 25 unique semi-precious gemstones hand-carved into the shapes of countries and continents, comes with a built-in compass, and has a price tag around $360

o    12” globe on a black hardwood and chrome stand (18 inches high in total) - Amazing black and gray contemporary style globe that is extremely sophisticated yet fully functional, and sells for about $175

Popular Cruise Destinations for 2013

Even though cruise ships travel to the same destinations year after year, the popularity of travel destinations changes annually. There are a number of reasons for this to include safety, weather, port access, overall operational costs, and more. This means the most popular cruise destinations for 2013 would be somewhat different from those in 2011 and 2012. If you want a relaxing yet exciting getaway but also need to stick to a budget, a cruise is an exceptional option that can meet all your needs.

Because cruises are such a great way to visit different national and international destinations and being so affordable, we wanted to provide a list of the destinations for the upcoming season. With this, you could begin planning the vacation of a lifetime. Keep in mind that every cruise line offers trips to accommodate different needs. As a result, you can choose from singles cruises, honeymoon cruises, family cruises, themed cruises, and more. All you have to do is determine which destination appeals to you most and then check the dates for sail dates.

Top Cruise Choices

o    Alaska – These cruises are truly magnificent and provide the opportunity to experience breathtakingly beautiful glaciers and unique land and marine wildlife. Many cruise lines actually have an Alaskan native, as well as a National Park Ranger aboard the ship to help educate about the unique Alaskan land and life.

o    Asia – Asian cruises last a few days to months depending on the experience wanted. If planning a shorter cruise, a 7 to 17 day cruise would reach most of the main ports to include Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong, and Singapore. Of course, you would have the opportunity to spend time on land to discover authentic markets, quaint restaurants, and exciting nightlife. For longer cruises, ports would reach beyond the Orient to India and Africa.

o    Australia and New Zealand – This is a great choice of 2013 cruise destination with 45 unique voyages to consider. As part of the trip, you would stop in cities such as Auckland, Hobart, Melbourne, and Tauranga, getting the chance to see beloved wildlife to include koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, and even Tasmanian devils. Of course, all of the land and sea excursions are exceptional.

o    Caribbean – This remains one of the most wonderful cruise destinations of all times. You can travel to eastern destinations such as St. Maarten and Antigua or western destinations to include Belize City and the Island of Cozumel. Standard cruises sail between 4 and 14 days, which are always filled with excitement, water adventures, and great activities on and off shore.

o    Greek Isles – There are actually many different European cruises that you could research for 2013 but having the chance to see the Greek Isles is without doubt one of the best, especially if you have an appreciation for history. As part of this cruise, you would visit ancient cities such as Athens, Rome, and Venice. If the budget allows, you could take one of the extended cruises and take a trip to the Holy Land.

o    Hawaii, Tahiti, and the South Pacific – For the ultimate “fun in the sun”, a cruise to the Hawaiian Islands coupled with Tahiti and the South Pacific is the best choice. These cruises sail from both San Francisco and Los Angeles and offer an unbelievable experience. Due to the amount of travel involved while at sea, cruises range from 10 to 35 days. Whether stopping in Honolulu, Oahu, or Maui, or traveling on to the Polynesian Islands of Bora Bora or Raiatea this cruise would be exceptional if going on a honeymoon.

o    Panama Canal – The last suggestion we wanted to offer you for the most popular cruise destinations in 2013 is a trip to the Panama Canal. There are several itineraries for this particular destination, each with wonderful excursions. For instance, you could travel deep into beautiful rainforests, see the first transcontinental railroad, and visit a number of intriguing ports such as Costa Rica, Cabo San Lucas, Aruba, San Juan del Sur, and Puntarenas.

The Top 5 ‘off-the-beaten-track’ States in the US

Travel is a very fickle business, because what was a popular vacation spot yesterday may not be in vogue today. However, there are benefits for vacationing in less known state attractions. You will save a good chunk of money, and you will probably have the place pretty much to yourself. In other words, if you want an inexpensive vacation without the crowds then you should consider the following vacation spots to stay in.

From the 1940’s to the 1980’s Fort Lauderdale was the place to go during college spring break. However, during the mid-1980’s the town started cracking down on beachside drinking forcing many students to travel to Cancún, Mexico, and South Padre Island, Texas, instead. Since then, Fort Lauderdale has undergone a major face lift and is filled with 5 star restaurants and hotels. Instead of students, more refined vacationers are now starting to travel there, and the town is now a family friendly beach destination.

Lake Placid, New York, sits in the valleys of the Adirondack Mountains. The 1980 Lake placid Olympic Games became famous when the United States hockey team upset the highly favored Soviet Union hockey team 4 to 3. Yet, eventually the attraction and buzz of the 1980 games faded into memory and Lake placid lost its appeal. Today, the town has not changed much and is still filled with family restaurants, shops and romantic ski lodges. If skiing is your passion you can enjoy an abundance of it here, without the crowds.

Reno, Nevada, saw tremendous economic growth during the 19th and 20th centuries. The legalization of casino gambling in 1931 put Reno on the map. Reno also became popular because you could get a quickie divorce there. However, Reno started to lose its shine as Las Vegas and California Indian casinos became popular. Today, the town has suffered from the current economic downturn; however, efforts are being made to bring Reno back to glory. Today, you can travel to Reno and gamble just like in the good old days.

Approximately 100 miles north of Philadelphia stands a mountainous region known as the Poconos. The region went largely undiscovered until right after World War Two, when young lovers started to make their way to the small and cozy towns. During the 1960’s and 70’s the Poconos became known as the honeymoon capitol of the world, thanks in large part to heart shaped bath tubs which filled most hotels. Despite having their own skiing industry, the Poconos lost favor to larger ski resorts further west.  Today, you can still have a wonderful time skiing, fishing, and boating.

Pismo Beach, California, sits 200 miles north of Los Angeles. During the 1920’s when Prohibition was in full swing, Pismo Beach was a safe haven, and the town’s saloons and brothels became popular. Today, the saloons and brothels are gone and have been replaced with wineries, and new resorts. The town offers a first-rate beach, lush golf courses, surfing, boating, and fishing and makes for a quiet family vacation.

While the listed destinations may have lost some of their popular zeal, they are still worth considering when planning a vacation. These days, vacations are expensive. Yet, these vacation areas will save you money, and having fewer crowds makes them perfect vacation destinations, and they are family friendly.

Discover the Wonders of Peru

Peru is well known for its culture, and historical destinations like Machu Picchu. Peru is also home to colorful
cities, cloud cloaked mountains, and magnificent landscapes. In essence Peru is the crown jewel of South America and commands a visit when traveling to the continent. Peru is divided into three categories: The Coast offers desserts and stunning beaches; The Highlands is dominated by the Andes Mountains; and the Jungle which is a huge area of vegetation. These regions are not only stunningly beautiful, but are an immense ecosystem that protects plant and animal life.

The Amazon Forest in Peru is bordered by the peaks of the Andes in the east, and the Pacific Ocean in the west. This important and diverse ecosystem is unmatched anywhere else in the world. Boat tours are available which bring you up the Tambopata River and right into the heart of the jungle. There is nothing quite like sleeping in an open hut amid the sounds of monkeys and jaguars all beckoning for your attention.

Peru’s Colca Canyon is deeper than the Grand Canyon and is indeed a must see when visiting the country. Colca Canyon offers stunning scenery and is near Peru’s second largest city, Arequipa. Overnight camping tours are available for those bold enough, but be warned, it is a physically demanding excursion. However, those that do embark on this journey are blessed by a multitude of vegetation, wildlife, and the famed Andean Condor. The rough hike takes you through the rainforest, to a small town where you can rest your ailing feet with its natural springs.

The Urubamba Valley, also called the Sacred Valley, hosts the buoyant city of Cuzco and is filled with Peruvian culture and history. The Urubamba Valley sits within the Andes Mountains and is home to Peru’s greatest treasure chest of ancient Inca ruins and diverse archeological sites. Moreover, there are plenty of recreational activities to keep vacationers busy, such as mountain climbing, hiking, and rafting.

Vacationers craving sea creatures will not be disappointed when visiting the Ballestas Islands. You will find pelicans, terns, and cormorants on these unblemished islands. Daytrips start from the city of Paracas, and from there you will enjoy sightings of whales, dolphins, sea lions, and even turtles. A visit to the Ballestas Islands rivals a trip to the rain forest. To put it differently, the Ballestas Islands is a must see when visiting Peru.

For tourists who want a spectacular view of the Andes Mountains, you must visit the Cordillera Blanca. You will witness first-hand mighty glaciers, and Huascaran, the tallest mountain in Peru. Huascaran offers the experienced mountain climber a once in a lifetime experience. Access is granted via the town of Huaraz, which is north of Lima. It does take some time to reach the almighty snow-capped peak, but the journey is indeed well worth it.

Tourists who travel to South America must stop at the continent’s crown jewel, Peru. History, culture, rain forests, the Andes Mountains, jungles, and magnificent wildlife all await you at Peru’s natural wonders. A vacation here will take you back in time, and once you have experienced Peru, you will be itching to return.

Which Type of Globe Will Suit You Best?

We would all love to travel the world. Yet, the odds of doing so are slim for most people. There is a way to learn about the many countries and immense waterways our world holds. You may not realize it, but displaying a globe in your home, office, or school invites others to learn more about the world we live in. For creative people, globes are available that rival fine pieces of furniture, and add a sense of education and mystery where ever they are displayed.

Globes are defined as a three dimensional model of the earth, and most of us are familiar with the traditional student globe found in many class rooms and in children’s bedrooms. These unique tools offer the student a way to learn more about our planet. Many children do not know that new countries have come into being over the last decade; let alone know where in the world they are. Student globes from Great Globes give children a geographic education and enjoyment which lasts a lifetime. They can sit on a desk, or be held and examined up close in the student’s hands, and are an inexpensive gift.

Want the world to know you are interested in the world? If this sounds like you then consider a floor globe. These magnificent floor standing globes are artwork in their own right. They are splendid replicas of our world, are bold and demand they be examined by all who come in contact with them. The traditional raised relief floor globe comes with a solid hardwood base with a walnut finish and adds ambience to any study. The Logan Raised Relief Craftsman Globe is built with old world workmanship and is a great focal point for your living room.

Table top globes are 17 inches and taller and are designed to sit on a desk, or a tabletop. Great Globes offers a cornucopia of table top globes, and has one you will love. History and geography teachers can use these desk sitting world replicas as an educating tool. They come in several impressive designs, and students will gaze at them in fascination with a craving to learn more. Of course, they can also be used as a decoration piece in an office or home equally well.

If you want to portray a different and unique personality in your home, office or classroom, Great Globes has a special section on their website filled with magnificent, yet unique globes. For example, one desktop globe can sit on the teacher’s desk and educate students about the world. However, this distinctive globe also comes with three precision weather instruments, a barometer, thermometer and hygrometer and is a great way to compare our climate to weather conditions across the globe.

In the end, there are many reasons to display a globe. Floor standing globes are superlative art pieces in their own right and portray an educated interest in the world around us. Student globes are the perfect gift for children to become engaged in the world, and learn about new countries. Great Globes has the globes you want to meet your educational goals.