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.

Your Airport Survival Guide

Being stuck in an airport is a part of travel.  It’s inevitable that you will face delays, flight changes, layovers or worst of all – cancellations, all whilst stuck in the same set of clothes and without being able to take a shower! 

It can be a serious ordeal if you are not prepared for it.  Stuck for hours in dirty clothes, with nothing to do, sitting on the floor or an uncomfortable seat at the terminal.  Combine this with some fatigue and it is a recipe to set anyone’s nerves on edge.

But it doesn’t have to be this way! 

Make sure you pack your carry-on bag with the following five things when you are taking a long air journey to survive a possible ordeal.

1.    Something Interesting to Read

This is time-honoured and fail-proof.  Make sure that you have an entertaining novel, magazine, journal or whatever will keep you interested for a number of hours (and not minutes).

It’s important that this is a physical copy, not an e-book or digital reader because you never know if your technology will break, if the batteries go flat or one of the hundreds of things that can go wrong, probably will – right when you need it!

You simply can’t beat a good book to keep yourself entertained and your mind busy.  It is a great way to relax and while away the hours until your plane is ready to depart.

2.    Toiletries

Long flights in pressurized and air-conditioned planes can leave you sweaty, smelly and feeling yuck.  Long international flights may mean that you won’t be able to shower for 20+ hours, especially if you hit a delay or cancellation.  So it’s important to make sure that you bring the basics to stay fresh.

Bring some travel-sized deodorant, moisturiser (the plane’s air conditioning will dry your skin out), toothpaste and brush as well as some wet wipes to freshen up.  You will also need to check with the plane’s security regulations to make sure you can take everything on the plane  without being confiscated.

A few minutes freshening up in the change rooms will make you feel human again and ready to face the rest of your delay.

3.    Fresh Socks and Clothes

A close third after toiletries is making sure to pack some fresh socks and maybe undergarments.  If you can’t shower or change clothes for hours, something as simple as clean socks and a fresh t-shirt will make you feel brand spanking new. 

4.    An Inflatable Neck Pillow

You might have to spend hours waiting in hard and uncomfortable seats (or maybe even on the floor) if your flight is delayed or cancelled.  To avoid getting a stiff neck and to sneak in some much-needed rest, a nice inflatable neck pillow is a must-have companion in your traveller’s kit.

As a plus you may like to use it on the plane as well.  They are cheap and you can even just pick them up at the airport.  You will be waiting for the next flight in comfort.

5.    Some Cash Money

The most important of all, cash and some credit cards.  Don’t land empty handed.  You will want some pocket money to buy food, hot drinks and maybe some meals if it’s a long delay.  You will also need to refresh yourself with some bottled water.  Cash is king anywhere in the world.

So if you follow these five simple tips you will be able to endure any airport ordeal whilst being comfortable, entertained, satisfied and refreshed.

Let us know if you have any other ‘airport ordeal’ tips, we would love to hear them!

Visiting the Land Down-under

If you have ever fancied taking a vacation that is literally jam-packed full of variety, you might be wise to think along the lines of the country of Australia. This is by far the largest nation in the continental region known as Oceania, and is actually considered to be a separate continent in its own right. Stretching thousands of miles across and incorporating the large island of Tasmania, this is a land that will have something to appeal to everyone.

If you love city breaks, you will find some fantastic destinations at both ends of the country. In Western Australia, you have the large city of Perth, but when you are there, it feels difficult to believe that more than one million people live within the conurbation—Perth definitely has a rather small-town-feel about it. Nevertheless, everything you could ever need on vacation is here for you: from a good central shopping area, great parks and plenty of recreational facilities to keep you busy for the duration of your stay.

At the other end of the country, you have Australia’s largest city of Sydney and this truly is a cosmopolitan metropolis – which is very rare in this country. All the world-famous tourist attractions are waiting to be enjoyed here: including The Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, Bondi Beach and Taronga Zoo. Shopaholics will be in their complete element here and the choice of restaurants and cuisine is probably the very best in the Southern Hemisphere. Some other cities you might like to bear in mind include Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide.

Moving away from the cities, Australia offers even more when you venture out into the bush and rural areas. For a start, if you want pristine and honey-hued sandy beaches, you are falling over them in this vast country. However, just one word of warning, you would always need to be vigilant of sharks at many Australian beaches and saltwater crocodiles can pose problems in the far north of the country.

Much of the interior of the country consists of deserted bush-lands with little or no real features. Nevertheless, you will still find that some of the hardiest Australians make their homes in these rather inhospitable regions. One popular inland tourist destination that you should definitely set time aside to visit is Uluru Rock (formerly known as Ayers Rock). This natural topographical feature is known to have connections with the Aborigines for many thousands of years and this is perhaps the best place to visit in Australia if you are keen to learn more about this country’s original people.

One state of the country people tend to overlook, when booking a vacation to Australia, is the island of Tasmania which can be found to the south-east of the nation. If you thought the flora and fauna of the mainland were different in Australia, you will be filled with even more wonder and awe at the unique land mass that is Tasmania. From duck-billed platypuses to the infamous Tasmanian devils, the animals here are absolutely awesome and proof of the fact that these areas of land have been separated from other main continents for many millions of years—allowing such weird and diverse species to evolve independently over time.