The 4th of July celebration in DC is one the most attended events of the year, with visitors from all over that arrive to get the best seats and viewing advantage. Be prepared for some tight security. There is NO parking around the National Mall. The Park Service strongly recommends using the metro. Bring plenty of fluids and sunscreen. (SPF 45) with you when visiting the National Mall. The weather forecast for July 4th is partly sunny. A chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs in the mid 80s. West winds 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30 percent. Bring some light rain gear just in case. It’s better to have it and not need it. Fireworks Time: At dark, usually around 9:15 p.m. Rain Date: July 5th. Here are a few more family fun activities for that day.

Washington, DC’s Independence Day Parade
Parade Start Time: 11:45 a.m.
Parade Route: Constitution Avenue and 7th to 17th Sts.
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Smithsonian Folklife Festival
The annual event includes daily and evening music and dance performances, crafts and cooking demonstrations, and storytelling. Do you think cherry pie will be on the menu? The themes of the 2009 program will be: Giving Voice: The Power of Words (African American Culture), The Americas and Wales. The hours on the 4th of July are 11 a.m to 5 p.m.

White House Visitor Center Family Events
Between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., stop at the White House Visitor Center. The kids will have a blast with the games, and crafts. Also there you’ll find a list of other activities. The National Park Service offers visitors an chance to relive a bit of history with some of the activities and reenactments that helped our Declaration of.

For places to stay go to: http://www.dcpages.com/top-hotels/

The Gondola
One of the coolest ways to get around Mt. Werner is in Steamboat’s eight-passenger Gondola. The view is incredible and the dining fantastic.

Brunch on the Mountain
Brunch on the Mountain is incredibly popular among locals and visitors to Steamboat. Offering fantastic views of the valley and featuring Hazie’s chefs in a spectacular New Orleans’ inspired buffet, Brunch on the Mountain is truly a unique experience.

Hazie’s
Dinner at the top of the gondola! Join us at Hazie’s for a 3-course culinary experience served by our friendly, knowledgeable service staff in a spectacular setting overlooking the majestic Yampa Valley. USA Today has honored Hazie’s as one of the top ten on-mountain dining experiences!

Guided Gourmet Hike
What fun to hike and take in a spectacular view high on Mt. Werner. With an expert guide, the hike begins at the top of the Gondola and proceeds along the Vista Nature Trail. The hike is offered Wednesday, Friday and Sundays. If you hike on Sunday, you get to have the Sunday Brunch, Wednesday and Friday hikers have a buffet lunch on the 3rd floor deck overlooking the valley. Dining with a view, how awesome!

For delicious family fare in a casual, friendly atmosphere try Mazzola’s. With pizzas such as “The Maui Wowie,” “The White Album,” and “The Godfather” and an impressive list of entrees and appetizers, everyone at your table will have no trouble finding something delicious. For family fare with an adult twist step in to the Mahogany Ridge Brewery and Grill for some of the best steaks you’ll ever taste. Wash it down with some micro-brewed beer that rivals the brew masters of Germany. Your kids will enjoy the special wild, wild west kids selections and the live music.

Is Chinese food your thing? Check out the huge selection at Panda Garden Restaurant or the Chinese family cooking a few scant blocks away at the Canton Chinese Restaurant.

In addition, there’s Creole at Lucile’s, French at Harwig’s, fresh seafood at the appropriately named Freshie’s and at least six Mexican restaurants, some known more for their exquisite margaritas than their cooking. Feel free to put on your jeans and cowboy boots for most of them or dress up in that suit and tie you’ve brought with you and dine in pure elegance.

The choice is yours. Needless to say for a small town that depends on its mountain surroundings to bring in tourists, there is a variety of quality food available in Steamboat Springs that will satisfy anybody’s palate.

1. Do not bring ‘Prohibited Items’ to the airport (common sense items like Swiss army knives, lighters, etc)

2. Use carry-on luggage for valuables such as cash, a laptop, jewelry, cameras and undeveloped film (The X-Ray will not damage film under 800 speed).

3. Tape your personal contact info or business card to the bottom area of the laptop and any other valuable you deem necessary.

4. Avoid wearing clothing containing metal/foil, and minimize accessories. To make it quickly through security, try placing items such as coins, money clips, cell phone, keys, medicine, batteries, coins and keys, in a specified bag so it’s easier to take them out and put them back in later.

5. Avoid wearing shoes that contain metal and/or have thick soles. Shoes do not have to trip off the alarm in order to have their own specific search procedures applied.

6. If it’s holiday season, wrap gifts when you get to your destination, or ship them.

7. Arrive one to two hours before your scheduled departure. You will be searched no matter if you plane leaves in 5 minutes or 5 hours. Better to be relaxed as opposed to hurried.

How-to Pack and Travel Light

Another thing that makes family trips easier is streamlined packing, especially if you’re traveling by air. Most airlines now charge an additional fee for checked So in order to reduce the extra fee and cut out an extra thirty to forty minutes at the airport, start with smart packing. Since carry-ons can not exceed a linear dimension of 45 inches, you can escape the fiasco of the baggage terminal by basically packing and traveling light. Read more to learn how to pack all your needs in one or two suitcases.

• Make a list. Be sure to coordinate shirts and blouses with pants and or skirts. To maximize your traveling wardrobe fashion savoir faire, stick with solids and versatile basics. Rule-out any clothes that do not match other items.
• Make an awe-inspiring impression out of a basic or mundane outfit. For the most glam appeal, accessorize with a vibrant tie (for him) or a snazzy scarf (for her). Multihued accessories can liven up just about any attire.
• Roll ‘em up please. The best way to fit all your clothes is by rolling pants and shirts. First fold each item in half. Then basically roll. To maintain any creases, start on the bulkiest end of clothing.
• Be smart about shoes. For men, any leather rubber-soled shoes can make the day and night transition, easy. For woman, a pair of flip-flops, strappy sandals and comfy wedges can serve all casual - chic dressing needs. Ladies do you really need three pairs of stilettos?
• Minimize bulk. After you check for space, edit outfits - ruthlessly. Try to pack microfibers with wrinkle and stain free comfort. And try to stay in the same color scheme - in case you have to layer up for warmth.
• To reduce the embarrassment of under garments becoming the side show attraction of the open luggage scan, place all panties in a plastic bag free of any clippers, lighters or other questionable paraphernalia. Place the transparent bag on top of your other items so security can access the bag without ruining your streamlined packing.
• Lose Extra Baggage. Leave the heavy travel guide at home. Also, most hotels and resorts provide irons and blow-dryers –leave yours at home.

This one must be repeated. Leave restricted items at home. If you want to make it through security quickly, avoid any firearms, weapons, box-cutters, scissors, razors, lighters and any other item that may be on the no-no. In light of the recent world events, increased airport security (and beyond) measures are a fact of life with no signs of easing up anytime soon. Make the process as simple and hassle free as possible.

One of the outer islands of the Bahamas, Cat Island is a peaceful location for those who’re looking to relax. If you choose to venture out with your family it’ll take only a small bit of exploration to turn up a historical oddity. The uniqueness of Cat Island just adds to the individual character of the place. Nature lovers will be overjoyed with the beautiful beaches in natural settings.

If your family is interested in water sports, then Cat Island Dive Center is the place to go. Greenwood Beach Resort offers a variety of diving and snorkeling packages. No equipment? No problem. The resort has plenty of equipment to rent. In addition you’ll find more than enough marine life and fascinating geological formations to satisfy your curiosity.

One more hot spot is the Cookie House. Each cottage provides a 180 degree ocean view, and it‘s located next to the Cookie House Restaurant. Scooters are available to get around the island.

Other historical sites include an Arawak cave, found at Columbus point, and plantation ruins, left over from the islands efforts at joining the worlds cotton growers. Deveaux Mansion was eight times the residence of Andrew Deveaux of the US Navy, who participated in the 1873 battles to get Nassau back from Italy. Another widely known ruins is the remains of the Ambrister plantation, near Port Howe.

Cat Island is the sixth largest island in the Bahamas, and boasts virtually undisturbed beaches, where swimming and relaxing can be done in near complete privacy.

One of the most fun parts of any family vacation is the food. Hawk’s Nest Resort and Marina serves a variety of dishes, but among the best are the fresh, grilled fish and the roasted rack of lamb. If you want to eat like the locals, check out Fernandez Bay Village. Here you also have the option of dining patio side by the beach. After your water adventures trek back to Greenwood Beach Resort and sample their breads, which are baked every day. You’re on vacation, so don’t fret over carbs!

Cat Island is an excellent family trip deal for it’s natural beach experience, and laid-back atmosphere. Because it is so much smaller in population than some of the other islands, it’s easier to get a real feel for the people and their way of life.

For more information go to http://www.catislandbahamas.com .

Campgrounds are now having to incorporate policies and procedures to ensure bear conservation and safety for campers. The DEC Campgrounds in the Adirondack and Catskill Forest Preserves in New York State are two such campgrounds. Their staff have developed specific policies and procedures to minimize the occurrence of bear problems at their campgrounds while maintaining a healthy, natural black bear population. Here are eight important ways that you can minimize the chances of getting hurt by bears:

1. Avoid traditional bear feeding areas.

2. Avoid camp locations where bears have been known to roam in the past.

3. Avoid camping where you may have trouble seeing a bear through vegetation.

4. Avoid camping where you see bear droppings and fresh tracks.

5. Never feed wild bears.

6. Store your food in a cooler which is locked in the car

7. Like most animals, bears are attracted to garbage so make sure your campsite is very clean

8. Remember that behind every cute baby bear is a very overprotective mama bear!

9. Stop fishing when bears are present. They want your fish more than you do.

10. The minimum safe distance from a bear is 50-100 yards.

There are now a number of organizations that are working passionately on increasing bear awareness in the community. The National Spokesman of The National Be Bear Aware & Wildlife Stewardship Campaign, General H Norman Schwarzkopf, is dedicated to providing teachers, college students, youth groups and guiding/hunting groups with educational materials and training programs to teach outdoor enthusiasts and residents up to date safety skills and techniques for camping, hunting, viewing, hiking, photographing and living with wildlife like bears safely and responsibly. More information is available at the Campaign’s website at http://www.bebearawaresw.org.

Along a similar vein, The ‘Bear Safe Washington’ program began in 1999 with funding from the World Society for the Protection of Animals. This program of presentations, brochures and seminars was designed to raise awareness of all bear issues in Washington State. Its bear safe guide can be downloaded at http://www.insightwildlife.com/bearsafe.htm

The Get Bear Smart Society based in Whistler, Canada, educates people on dealing with bears in the community and promoting innovative bear management practices. Supporters can make donations by visiting their website at http://www.bearsmart.com.

Cloister at Sea Island, a perfect family beach vacation destination, is a secluded five- mile coastal beach vacation spot in Georgia. Late spring, summer, and early fall are the best times to visit Cloister at Sea Island. To arrive at the Cloister you can drive by car or fly into McKinnon Airport on St. Simons Island, which is four miles from the Cloister. If you drive by car Savannah Georgia and Jacksonville Florida are both an hour from the Cloister at Sea Island.

Amenities:

The Cloister at Sea Island has over 250 rooms and suites to choose from. They are situated in different houses on Sea Island. Retreat House, Harrington House, and Hamilton House are all located on the beach. The newer guesthouses and Terrace houses are between the beach itself and the tennis center. Guests may choose to stay at the Sea Island Golf Club, which opened in March of 2001. The Lodge has 40 luxurious rooms and suites above the clubhouse.

Live music and dancing are available at the main dining room of the Cloister. The Terrace dining room offers continental cuisine that has a Southern twist. There is also Colt & Alison’s Restaurant and Loggia Bar at the Beach Club for other choices in dining.

Activities:

Sea Island is known for its championship golf courses. The golf course has a total of 54 holes which includes the notable 18-hole Plantation Course designed by Rees Jones. Another 18- hole course, the Seaside Course was revamped by Tom Fazio and re-opened in 1999. The Cloister also provides golf lessons.

If golfing is not your main interest there are other activities, such as a spa with several fitness facilities. They offer special classes and personalized fitness and even wellness programs. The resort has tennis courts, horseback riding, boating, sunset cruises, fishing, kayaking, and scuba dive lessons. The resort has two heated outdoor swimming pools. Sailing is also available on vintage yachts.

Sea Island also has a family destination; kids can select several different activities. Children can play tennis in the afternoon free of charge. They can also participate in free golf and tennis clinics. These courses are available during spring break, summer and even holidays. Children ages 3-11 may participate.

The Cloister at Sea Island is a great getaway when looking for a private beach vacation spot in the United States. The activities available for all ages will keep you pampered and entertained. The amenities also include high speed Internet if you need to keep in touch with family or business. Walks on the beach or simply watching the sunset will make your beach vacation perfect. You’ll want to return even before you leave. Check out www.aragloco.com for more destinations.

ATV riding, ballooning, boating, camping, guided trips, para gliding, hiking, horseback riding, Nordic skiing, rafting and kayaking, rock climbing, sledding, snowcat skiing, wagon rides and more wildlife to view than you ever thought.

Add to this all the amusement parks, casinos, the ghost towns, golf courses, ranches, hot springs, natural museums, resorts, shopping and trail rides and you have plenty to do in Idaho.

Some of the best things in life are free and once you get to Idaho, here’s a family fun festival that’s free. The town of Pierce is gearing up for it’s 1860 Days celebration. The theme for this huge event is Pierce’s “Golden Past-Our Gateway to a Sparkling Future”. Capture a bit of the old west by attending at shoot-out in the street complete with bad guys. What’s a celebration without a parade down Main Street? Festivals also mean food and lots of it. Munch on some treats from the Dutch-Oven Cook-Off and the Huckleberry Bake-Off and the Pie Social. Feeling gutsy? Try your skills at jalapeno, watermelon and pie-eating contests, and dress up 1860s style and win a ribbon for your best costume. If you’re not too tuckered out after that sign up for a softball tournament, or the Ducky Derby. The kids can fish or play games in the park. The Kingpins will be playing for the Saturday night street dance, and other bands will be playing during the days. The dates are 8/1/2009 - 8/2/2009. Don’t forget it’s FREE!!!

The third Weekend in August is I.C.A.’s Wild Weippe Rodeo. Fees: $6.00 Adults, $3.00 6-12, Free under 6.

If you’re a racing fan, join the Kootenai County Fairgrounds for Motocross. For more information, please visit www.mrparenacross.com or call the Fairgrounds at 208.765.4969 or visit their website, www.northidahofair.com. Dates: 8/7/2009 - 8/8/2009

Lochsa River is one of the best white-water rivers out there. The Lochsa originates in the wilds of the Clearwater National Forest and gains momentum as it cascades down stream. There are veteran guides who are experienced river runners to ensure safety and fun.. Each guests receives a complete set of white-water gear. Which includes a lined helmet, a neoprene wet suit, fleece pullover, splash jacket, neoprene booties, and a personal flotation device. Trips include hot meals served from ariver-side camp kitchen. Multi-day trips include a full menu of delicious river recipes. Guests who take a multi- day trip will also camp at a seasonally permanent river camp. The camp provides a large wall tent, an awning for rainy times, a gas BBQ, chairs, and of course, a camp fire. Ground pads, sleeping bags, and rain gear are available upon request. Dates: 5/1/2009 - 7/15/2009. Prices range from 115.00 to 355.00

That’s a very small slice of what to do in Idaho. Please visit http://visitidaho.org for more information.

(1) Plan a real vacation. No, it doesn’t have to be an around the world cruise or first class getaway (but if you can afford it, what are you waiting for?) It does have to be an honest-to-goodness vacation, though. No cell phones, no laptops. Mark the dates on the calendar and keep it like you’d keep any business appointment. Planning romantic travel, though, is a fun activity and one that can take months to plan. Consider this stage part of the adventure.

(2) Involve each other in the trip planning. If one partner does all the planning … that task quickly becomes a bore. Plan your trips together! Remember anticipation is half the fun. Visit a travel agent. Collect brochures. Buy a guidebook. Rent a video about your destination. Search the web for information. Get into the spirit!

(3) Do something you’ve rarely or never done. Here you can be as mild — or as wild — as you dare. Go whitewater rafting. Rent a houseboat. Take a hot air balloon ride. Spend the night in a local bed and breakfast. Learn to scuba dive. Dance the whole night away under the stars. The choice is yours.

(4) Make it a habit. Now here is where you do have to be realistic in regards to budget and family obligations. How about a mini-vacation every couple of months. Whether it’s for the night or for the night out, get into the routine of just the two of you getting away. The only rule: you must pretend you are on vacation. Book a night at a local bed and breakfast. Call your local hotel and find out their non-peak nights (in business-oriented cities, it’s usually Friday and Saturday) then plan a short romantic getaway.

(5) Get creative. This is the think outside the box option. Check out festivals and other special events. Special events take place in about every community around the world. Whatever your interests — from square dancing to sandcastle building — you’ll find a festival celebrating with a day or one of fun and food. If you don’t have the time or budget to go far, contact area chamber of commerce or tourism offices within a day’s drive of your home for their calendar of events. If you can, extend your trip into a long weekend. If you have got the time and resources, check out the biggies: Carnival, Mardi Gras, and Rio’s Carnivale. Don’t forget your costume and your sunscreen. Don’t worry about the kids but don’t forget to have some fun things for them to do while you’re away.

We are indeed creatures of habit. Which means we don’t venture too far from our previous experiences, travel or otherwise. If we have family out of state we tend to make repeated trips to see them, and there’s nothing wrong with that. It’s great to visit family. However, there’s a big world out there waiting for us to come and take a look. Get the best of both worlds and ask your extended family to come along for the ride. Check out the top five must see countries.

1. Egypt. King Tut, The Pyramids, The Valley of the Kings. The list is endless. But it’s just not the history and the culture, it’s the people too. Egyptians are some of the kindest and most generous people on the planet. They will welcome you into their homes in a second and even if they have almost nothing, they will share it with you. An afternoon on the Nile with an Egyptian felucca captain sailing your boat as the sun sets over the Nile in Luxor is a once in a lifetime experience not to be missed.
2. China. China isn’t somewhere people immediately think of when planning a vacation…but they should. If you watched the Olympics in Beijing, you got a glimpse of a beautiful country. Even if you could only afford 7 to 10 days, an itinerary that takes in Beijing, Xian, a Yangtze River Cruise and Shanghai will be a great introduction. And for an unforgettable experience, juts visit Guilin. Guilins landscape is amazing and totally unique. Mountainous might not be the best description, but the peaks that do rise, rise almost vertically up into the mist. If you get a chance take a ski lift up to one of the peaks and just take in the view, and if you are feeling adventurous, take a kart down a toboggan style run (about 3,000 feet in length)!
3. Jordan. Handily located, if you plan it right you can visit Egypt and Jordan together to make a real trip to remember. Amman is a great city full of atmosphere, Petra is marvelous, but surely the can’t miss site is the Dead Sea. The only ocean in the world with so much salt in it, you actually float! This alone makes Jordan a must see country. In addition, don’t forget the Wadi Rum, Aqaba, Jerash and the Kings Highway. A week in Jordan is good, but 10 days is better.
4. Hong Kong. Although there is much more to Hong Kong than just shopping, if you do love to shop, then Hong Kong is the place for you. A stroll along Nathan Road and a visit to the Temple Street market just HAS to be on your itinerary. And make sure you have your bargaining hat on as haggling is as big a part of the experience as the purchases themselves. The great thing is that despite it being a modern city, there is tradition around every corner. Don’t forget to take a trip to Victoria Peak and enjoy the stunning views and remember that even if it’s misty, there are 2 guys at the top who will take your picture and transpose it onto a picture of what you should see if the weather where not so poor ! I also suggest a couple of half day visits out to Lama and Lantau Islands too. A great way to escape the hustle and bustle of the craziness that is typical of Hong Kong.
5. Thailand. Thailand suffers a little from its reputation of being a very hedonistic destination and while it is true that there is a very wild side to Thailand (especially certain areas of Bangkok, Phucket etc) there is also an amazing culture to immerse yourself in. There really is everything there, adventure, culture and even for the not faint hearted, a place about 1 hour north of Thailand where you can go in, yes go in, with real live tigers. No cages, no chains, just you and around a dozen tigers. Despite the tsunami of 2004 it’s still a beautiful place.

So, here are some tips that women can use in order to have an enjoyable and much safer trip whenever traveling abroad.

First of all, always do your research on the country you plan on traveling to. Remember that not all countries are the same in regards to culture and tradition. Some countries are culturally conservative and will have dress codes that everyone should follow. Always familiarize yourself on the laws and customs of the place you wish to go to. Remember that ignorance of the law excuses no one even if you are a tourist.

Despite the state of our global relations some US citizens still take trips to Saudi Arabia; for pleasure and for business. If you travel there, you have to remember that tourists here and even women may be detained by the police for improper dresses. You may want to make a statement, but keep in mind that what may be casual wear for you may be seen as provocative or inappropriate in other countries. You can never go wrong with jeans and a t-shirt that covers most of your body. Also, these clothes are better option than skirts if you need to run or defend yourself. Islamic nations tend to be very conservative especially in regards to women. In fact, in some countries, it’s even illegal to invite people of the opposite sex in your hotel room. And, only married couples are allowed to stay in the same hotel room.

Whenever traveling, it is always a good idea to try and blend in with the public. Try buying a local dress and wear it to give other people the impression that you are a local and are familiar with the country.

To feel more secure whenever you are traveling around the country, consider carrying safety devices. Nothing outlandish or dangerous. The most readily available would be pepper spray. Many people consider self-defense spray to be an essential personal security need, therefore, the US DOT has made an allowance for their carriage in checked luggage. Whether you are a security consultant or a private citizen, you may bring ONE small self-defense spray with you when you travel by air. For more information on traveling with self-defense spray see DOT regulations, 49 CFR §175.10(a)(9). Before you pack a self-defense spray ensure that all of the following criteria are met:

You may NOT travel with:

• Do not bring more than one self-defense spray (see 49 CFR §171.8);
• Be sure it does not exceed 118 mL (4 fluid ounces);
• Ensure that the device incorporates a positive means to prevent accidental discharge (e.g., a safety latch or cap); and

Pack the self-defense spray in checked baggage only in a manner that will prevent damage or inadvertent release (e.g., pack in a protective case, ensure it is protected from other items in your baggage that may crush or damage it, pack it in a manner that protects it in case the checked baggage is dropped or damaged during handling).

In case you’re not familiar with it’s effects, pepper spray will temporarily blind a person and also disable them for 5 to 6 minutes, which is enough for you to run away and get help.

Whenever traveling in unfamiliar surroundings, always be alert. Never carry your wallet in your back pockets. You have to remember that some places are notorious for pickpockets and there are even places where children working with adults can slash your pants with a blade and get the contents of that pocket. Fanny packs may not be fashionable but they’re a safe way to carry cash as are belts that have pouches for cash or other valuables. You can be cute when you get home, safety first.

Always plan ahead for a safe and enjoyable vacation.