African Safari Tips

May 27th, 2008

by Ba Kiwanuka

African Safari Tips A well-planned safari is often the vacation of a lifetime. Africa’s national parks and game reserves boast some of the best wildlife viewing, if not the best in the world. Here are a few tips to make sure your african safari is as enjoyable and hassle-free as possible.

Passports and Visas

Getting visa approval may take a while, so it’s best to tackle this aspect of your safari in good time–say at least 2 months in advance.

Passport must be valid for at least six months upon your return home. Also make sure you have extra passport photos (just in case). Make sure your passport has enough blank pages to accommadate any visa requirements (entry/departure stamps) that may arise during the course of your safari.

Ensure you have up-to-date information on the specific documentation requirement for your trip–find out from your travel agent, relevant diplomatic mission, airline or tourist board.

Leave a copy of your passport and travel itinerary with someone responsible at home. It is also advisable to carry an extra copy with you when you travel to Africa.

Travel Insurance–minimum travel insurance is essential. In general your insurance should cover:

twenty-four hour medical assistance

emergency cash transfer

accident coverage

lost baggage

accidental death

Gorilla Tracking and Permits

Each safari park gets allotted a limited number of gorilla permits each season. It is therefore essential to obtain your gorilla permit when you initially book your safari.

For the gorillas’ protection (and visitors’) nobody under the age of 15 yrs or persons with illness may view the gorillas on safari treks.

Viewing the gorillas is limited to one hour at a minimum distance of 5 metres.

You are not allowed to use a flash when taking photos.

Video cameras are (generally) allowed.

Every viewing group will be escorted with park rangers, trackers and guides. Follow the guide’s instructions and please abide by the park’s rules.

Avoid the temptation to break the minimal distance for viewing the gorillas. Also absolutely avoid physical contact with the gorillas. Physical contact with gorillas exposes them to human diseases (a major cause of death to wild gorillas). Remember there’re few enough of these magnificent creatures without you abetting in their extinction (albeit unintentionally).

Gorilla viewing may be denied at short notice at the discretion of the national park authorities. This may occur because of:

Park or border closure due to security reasons;

Gorillas out of range (usually close tabs are kept on the where abouts of the gorillas by rangers who track them on a daily basis).

So please be aware that obtaining a gorilla permit is not an absolute guarantee that you’ll see the gorillas. If for any reason you’re unable to view the gorillas (though you paid for a permit), refunds are at the discretion of the park or the respective wildlife authority of that particular country…not your tour company.

Customs Issues

Don’t forget to factor in airport taxes, which may sometimes be extra and due before you depart.

Check duty-free allowances (alcohol and cigarettes) for the various countries you are visiting if you intend to take stock with you.

Generally, personal effects such as cameras, video cameras, digital recorders (tape as well) may be imported without a permit (so long as you don’t have unreasonable numbers).

Occasionally a customs bond may be required–to ensure that any such imported merchandise is exported at departure.

Firearms require a special permit.

Health Issues

Discuss pertinent health issues with your doctor (in good time) prior to embarking on your African safari.

Make sure your childhood vaccinations are up to date. Different countries have different vaccine requirements.

Yellow Fever–No vaccine is usually required unless you’re arriving within six days of leaving an infected region.

Malaria–A malarial prophylactic course is highly recommended for all non-Africans. As usual confer with your physician/and or the nearest vaccination center for the most up-to-date requirements. AIDS–For many African countries AIDS / HIV are serious health issues. However for most travellers this should not be a major concern. The HIV virus is transmitted by the exchange of bodily fluids, therefore, as long as you practice the same sensible (cautionary) measures as you do back home you should be okay.

Bilharzia–(schistomiasis). This disease is caused by tiny waterborne parasites found in certain snail species. Prophylaxis (preventitive measures) is not available and the only option is treatment by drugs and injection. The condition is quite unpleasant so it is best not to swim or or wade in rivers or streams.

Currency

It is inadvisable to enter or depart an African country with large sums of local currency.

Travel with a sufficient number of small-denomination traveller checks to cover any incidental expenses you may have.

In cities and larger towns many establishments accept international credit cards.

Usually there is no limit to the amount of foreign currency you can import.

Currency exchange is legal only through authorized dealers. Most city hotels are equipped to exchange money and more often than not the official exchange rate will usually be quite favorable. It is ill-advised to try to exchange your money on the black market (for a better rate). Doing so is an unnecessary security risk, and there’s a good chance you may get ripped off.

ATMs are usually available in most cities and towns but remember this is not America or Europe so plan accordingly You may tip in local currency or U.S. dollars (more likely than not most locals would prefer being tipped in dollars).

You can change your travellers checks and dollars into local currency at airports and banks. Small denominations are preferable. Always keep your receipt so that you can exchange any excess local currency back to dollars on your departure.

Keep at least $150 (usually in denominations no larger than $20) in cash, for visas and airport departure fees (per individual).

Be aware that only high-denomination US bills printed after year 2000 are generally accepted (something to do with counterfeit preventative measures).

What To Pack On An African Safari

Find out the luggage restrictions (limitations) from your tour operator if your safari is through such an organization.

Avoid clothing that resembles military attire–African countries tend to be jittery of such (coup plot phobia).

It’s preferable to travel with soft compact baggage.

Laundry is performed on a daily basis in most camps and lodges (this may not extend to your underwear), so it isn’t necessary to cart along tons of luggage.

Africa is sun rich so sunglasses are recommended as well as head protective gear(safari hats).

Malaria is a fact of life in Africa–mosquitoes usually hunt from dusk till dawn–so long-sleeved shirts and trousers (pants) are advisable for the evening.

Formal dress attire may come in handy if you intend to visit any clubs, casinos or restaurants that implement such requirements. The following items are strongly recommended:

Insect repellent

Sun block

Comfortable trekking shoes

Raincoat / Jacket

Best of luck and have a great African Safari!

Taking Your Kids On Your First Cruise

May 18th, 2008

By Claudia Chestelson

Call us biased but we think that planning a cruise with the kids is one of the best family unifying, soul enrichment, bonding and new discovery relationship building for all of you out there! Here’s why. On a Cruise you’ve got a safe, confined, yet vast environment with everything well planned and SPECIFICALLY designed just for you and your children! It can’t get much better than that!

Each of your family members have age appropriate endless choices. It was not at all this way a few years ago. Planning a cruise with your children was almost unheard of. There were the endless challenges of who was going to care for your children while you were gone plus could you possibly even have a “good time” worrying about the loves of your lives back home? Those courageous parents who did take their children had plenty of challenges undertaking this huge task not to mention the discriminating comments and gazes of fellow travelers. All that has changed 180%. Many major Cruise Lines realized that they were missing a grand productive concept and that was to listen to and make the customer happy. Now your dilemma becomes almost too many incredible choices.

There are SO MANY fun activities for any age child that one could end up not seeing their kids all day! Therefore when deciding on each of your itineraries it could be important to plan significant time all together say for instance in a game room or in the pool area for some lovely quality time each day of your cruise.

So let’s just examine what we are talking about when we say “endless choices”… Disney is the mother of all fantazmagorical (our word) packages for combo adult and children Cruises. First know that Disney has wisely designated adult-only areas and children-only areas plus plenty of all-family areas to enjoy all together. If you have little ones ages, 3-4, children can train to be Mouseketeers, practicing their marching, and watch a video clip of the 50’s Mouseketeer show opening. And of course, Mickey Mouse himself will come to see how they are doing and lead them in a Mouseketeer march! Children ages, 5-7 can hang out with a colorful Pirate who fills little heads with mesmerizing stories of adventurous buccaneer tales with historical emphasis and if they are lucky, Captain Hook will make a surprise visit and have a chat with his old friend the Pirate!

These age-specific programs are created by Disney’s Oceaneer Club with the added luxury of giving all parents pagers so that everybody will be in touch at all times! If you got teens…they will meet tons of friends at a New York-style coffee house complete with music, games and a huge TV screen. There’s even an Internet Cafe primarily for teens 13-17 they will feel they are definitely with their peers speaking their same language! In addition for teens there is a sports equipment area called, “The Glow Jam” with games, and music to listen to. Teens can also experience Karaoke at it’s best practicing to become future rock stars and showcasing their talents. All children will get to have photo opportunities with the famous Disney characters roaming around inspiring giggles and so much fun.

You have a little more to think about when bringing an infant. But this can be accomplished very successfully. Disney allows infants, as young as 12 weeks with baby sitting services provided in their nursery. Here are things regarding your baby to think about and discuss with your Cruise Director..getting a crib confirmed… in advance! Discuss also crib bedding, bathing facilities, medical staff, any special needs?…and of course, baby sitters. Some Cruise Lines do not want infants at all and each have their own age limit and their own set of services and policies.

When Cruising with small children visiting a port successfully might be better if you book yourselves into a shore resort where bathroom and eating facilities are conveniently available. From that home base you can take short tours, walks and feel less stressed about food and perhaps a spur of the moment basic some-thing-or-other that you left back on the Ship.

Carnival and Disney seem to be the stars of the kid fantastic fun and care programs, however that is changing as we speak. Norwegian, Celebrity, Holland and Royal Caribbean are also big winners in making the whole family extremely happy and the thing to know (we think of Las Vegas when we say this) the competition keeps driving already spectacular Cruises for children and adults to even greater heights. Each year tops the one before! So don’t dream of leaving the kids behind. There’s no reason to anymore!

Beautiful Andros Of The Bahamas

May 12th, 2008

by Simon Harris

A journey to Andros is a lovely respite from the world. There are many qualities that make Andros stand out from the other islands that make up the Bahamas. It’s a small, intimate sort of place, rich in natural beauty and wildlife.

Andros is an eco-tourist’s paradise. The fifth largest landmass in the Caribbean, it is an ancient island, gradually emerging from the sea with each layer of coral limestone. There are as many fascinating sights to be seen below sea level as there are to be seen above. Underwater explorers will see a wide variety of marine life, so varied and diverse that Andros attracts researchers from all over the world. On the top side of the island, there is an abundance of flora and fauna, including species and varieties found nowhere else on earth.

Small Hope Bay Lodge Eco-Tours is a wonderful way to explore these many natural wonders. Environmentally concerned and conscious, Small Hope Bay Lodge has been offering a variety of eco-tours for more than 40 years - long before the word or concept of eco-tour came into vogue. Their caring and knowledgeable staff make wonderful guides to accompany visitors through this largely unexplored island. In fact, Andros remains one of the largest tracts of unexplored land in its hemisphere.

Among the nature activities available through Small Hope Bay Lodge is the Snorkel Safari on Fresh Creek, in which participants travel along Fresh Creek in a dive boat. Occasionally, visitors are able to snorkel with dolphins, however this is not a guaranteed activity, because these are wild creatures, not the tamed and trained dolphins usually featured at dolphin swims. It is a different experience all together. As the boat glides along, visitors will view a wide variety of plant and animal life. The fee is $45 for adults and children 12 and older. The rate for children under 12 is $25.

Small Hope Bay Lodge also does a Shark Observation Dive. This allows close observation of sharks and their behaviors. This activity takes place a few times a week and costs $85 per diver and $45 per snorkeler.

They offer a variety of dive programs, of varying skill levels. Some explore the many underwater blue holes found on Andros. Others explore the barrier reefs that are plentiful around the island.

One of the more intriguing of the sights to be seen on Andros is Red Village. Just over 25 years ago, a fascinating indigenous tribe ruled by a chief, organized in the traditional native style and still adhering firmly to the ways of their ancestors, was found to be living in the area of the village. Tourists do visit the area, and of course, that has changed some things for this indigenous group, but the ways of their ancestors still reign supreme.

Andros definitely offers a unique travel experience. It is one of the great wilds of the region, a haven for birds and animal, as well as a place in which breathtakingly beautiful wildflowers are free to blossom at will. This is a Bahamas vacation spot that will offer experiences and memories that will last a lifetime.

A “Nice” Cruise Liner Must-Have List

May 2nd, 2008

By Nathan Hirsch

Planning to go on a cruise? While your type of cruise will depend on the kind of budget you are willing to shell out, there are some important considerations which you ought to take seriously to ensure that whichever type of cruise you land on, you get to have a good time without worrying about any potentially upsetting disaster - mini or otherwise.

First off, the nicest cruise liners always have the best health care features. We are not just talking about a little box filled with medicines and band aids. We are talking about full blown health care center which has clean and sanitized beds for any sick patient to lie in, a twenty four hour doctor and health service crew to assist you in any ailments or accidents while on board, and emergency equipment which can help you get through your discomfort till the next dock. Connected to health care features is also the wellness aspect. The nicest cruise liners often have a complete gym room with enough equipment to make your must-do-every-single-day gym routine more exciting and easier to fulfill. After a long workout, indulge in the cruise’s on board service spa and let experienced and talented massage therapists and reflexologists work out the kinks in your body.

The nicest cruise liners can also be able to offer its passengers with a bevy of gastronomic delights to tickle any type of discriminating palate. From simple appetizers to delectable desserts, the food on board must be as memorable and unforgettable as the trip itself. Therefore, such cruise liners often employ only the most talented chefs who can easily flambé a dory codfish or satisfy your midnight taste buds with a tasty prosciutto and truffle sandwich. Fine dining aside, the nicest cruise ships should also be able to offer their guests home cooked favorites that can answer the call of any type of craving - from cheesy pizzas, to crunchy and salty fries, satisfy your immediate foodie yearning with a simple call to the kitchen.

While the water on which the boat floats is certainly the focal point of the entire cruise experience, it is also necessary to have a man made pool on board which is almost as breathtaking as the brilliant blue you can see outside. The nicest cruise ships have infinity pools and wading areas for their guests, complete with a wide poolside deck and enough sunbathing chairs to accompany any sun-loving girl and guy in search of the perfect cruise-kissed tan. Ideal for happily splashing about and giving parents a much-deserved time off from the kiddies, wading pools must be present in order to have a sort of deposit area for kids who are tired of roaming around and simply want to have fun while staying cool. Imagine not having these amenities on board - sooner or later, you might be tempted to jump off the side of the boat to experience that beautiful blue all around you!

In addition, the cruise liner which you want to be part of should most definitely have a twenty four hour service staff that can accommodate your every need. Imaging needing something as trivial as an ice cream sundae or as important as a fax machine (for vacationing workaholics who are perpetually married to their jobs, never mind the whole point of the entire cruise) and not being able to get either at any time. While the ice cream sundae may seem too little to be fretful about, you probably get the point. You paid good money for great service, and you should expect to receive it. Whether you are simply looking for a way to satisfy a spontaneous craving or needing a solution to a tricky situation or dilemma, the cruise ship of your choice should be smart enough to foresee your craving or emergency.

Alaska Cruise Vacations - Book Early for the Best Experience

May 2nd, 2008

By KJ Ross

Perhaps Alaska cruise vacations make you think of massive ships overloaded with passengers. Shopping malls, casinos, and cinema houses might be something that comes to mind. In fact, you would be right to an extent. While some Alaska cruise vacations do offer all of these features, other exciting experiences are also available.

There are many Alaska cruise vacations that provide a more intimate atmosphere on a smaller ship. In comparison, these are often much more economical and memorable. It simply depends on what you have to spend and the kind of experience you want to have. Each type of Alaska cruise vacation has something unique to offer. If money is no object, you might want to consider Alaskan cruise packages on a luxury liner.

But an Alaska cruise on one of the smaller vessels is the right choice if you want to get close to nature and you also have a limited budget. Youll have a much more personal experience on Alaska cruise vacations that take place on the smaller ships. They allow you to sail close to shore so you can see all the wildlife up close. Ships that are smaller in size are able to dock at smaller ports, where the larger ships are not allowed. On shore sightseeing tours are included in the price of these Alaskan cruise packages.

The smaller ships wont offer the shopping, gambling and movie cinemas of course. But if you’d enjoy a more romantic vacation with personalized service, try one of the smaller vessels that offer Alaska cruise tours. It naturally costs much more if you take Alaska cruise vacations on luxury liners. You wont have a chance to see the wildlife up close. If you are lucky you might see some humpback whales or bald eagles.

The large ocean liners don’t include onshore sightseeing tours, or any other extras, in the price of their Alaska cruise packages. You might not realize this until after youve gotten your final bill. Then you will find that even the small things you indulged in will have blown up your expenses.

But one must admit that Alaska cruise vacations on the luxury liners are a very grand affair and offer amenities you wont find on smaller vessels. They offer every conceivable amenity, like spas, casinos, nightclubs, movies, even shopping malls.

There are swimming pools on the ship, and you may also request a private deck and lounge. Basicially it comes down to what you want when you book an Alaska cruise vacation. Alaska cruise tours on smaller ships can get to places that a bigger ship would never be able to reach. But small ships only carry about 100 passengers compared with about 2000 on a large ship, so they fill up fast. Therefore, you should book Alaska cruise vacations as soon as you can.

Alaska’s Secret Nature and Adventure Destination

April 23rd, 2008

by Robin Irving

Cordova, Alaska is a picturesque fishing community located slightly off the beaten path of mainstream tourism. Yet it is relatively easy to access, and it has a lot to offer the adventure traveler. A diversity of habitats including seacoasts, mountains, glaciers and the largest wetland in North America offer a variety of exploration opportunities. From river rafting to glacier trekking, mountain biking, hiking or sea kayaking, there’s something for everyone.    

            No trip to Alaska would be complete without a stop over in the quaint fishing village of Cordova.  For years Cordova has been known as Alaska’s best kept secret. Although it’s not as secret as it used to be, it’s still unspoiled. With its no nonsense main street, you can be brought back in time to rural America in the 1950’s or perhaps earlier. There are no strip malls, only small shops that cater to the needs of the locals.  There are no fast food joints, but there are some great restaurants that cook up savory local cuisine like Copper River Salmon, halibut and other local seafood. Cordova, with its rustic charm is a must see destination on any Alaska vacation.

            This picturesque community is nestled at the base of the Chugach Mountains, the eastern shores of Prince William Sound and on the boundaries of the Copper River Delta. These diverse natural habitats set the stage for some amazing exploration, either on your own or with some top notch local guides, like the Irving’s of Alaska River Expeditions.  You can explore alpine tundra, temperate rainforests, coastal wetlands, glaciers or get out on the saltwater. There are opportunities for canoeing and whitewater rafting, glacier hiking, sea kayaking, or mountain biking. Or perhaps hire a guide for a multi-day wilderness float trip.  Where ever you go, you will be treated to an incredible array of scenic beauty.

            Don’t expect it to be “spruced up” like a resort town.  This is a working fishing community. The scenic harbor is full of fishing boats like the small gillnet boats with their flat bottoms, well suited for the silt laden shallow waters at the mouth of the Copper River where they fish. The larger seine boats in the harbor are set up for plying the waters of Prince William Sound for salmon. Even larger are the tenders, proudly displaying the banners of the fish processing plants for which they are buying fish. It is common to see fisherman on the docks mending their nets, or tenders tied alongside one of the many processing plants adjacent to Cordova’s harbor as they offload fisherman’s catches. Although not groomed for tourists, you will not be disappointed in the natural beauty, which engulfs the downtown area, or the cleanliness of the area shops and streets, or the friendliness of the people you meet.

            Commercial fisherman, artists, and scientists all come together in this small Alaskan community making it diverse and interesting. The natural resources of the area are a common thread that weaves this varied group together. For instance, as you wander down Main Street, take time to look down. Playful displays of swimming salmon are artfully embedded in the sidewalks. Colorful flags, designed by local artists hang from light posts, each depicting some aspect of the natural world surrounding Cordova. Take a walk out onto the end of the dock and visit the Prince William Sound Science Center where scientists are involved in on-going research about the greater Prince William Sound area, and simultaneously watch fisherman come and go.

            Cordova is pleasantly off the beaten path of mainstream tourism, yet surprisingly easy to reach. Daily ferry service from Valdez and Whittier (just a short drive or train ride from Anchorage) is available on the Alaska Marine Highway. Or you can take a 45 minute commercial airline flight from Anchorage.  You’ll be surprised at the number of high quality visitor services available. There are car rental companies, several great restaurants and cafes, fishing charters and great guide services. Although it is relatively easy to access the wilderness areas around Cordova on your own, we recommend that you use the expert guides like those mentioned above since they are intimately familiar with the unique hazards of Alaska. And while there are no 5 star luxury hotels, you can take advantage of some great hospitality from genuine, friendly hotel and bed and breakfast owners, like Mark & Robin at the Captain’s Quarters Lodging. (Be sure to check out www.alaskarafters.com or the Cordova Chamber of Commerce for a listing of visitor services available)

Robin Irving is a naturalist, environmental educator and co-owner of Alaska River Expeditions which has specialized in 1 to 10-day multi-sport soft eco-adventures based in Cordova, Alaska, located only 3 hours south of Anchorage by scenic ferry ride. She enjoys sharing information about great eco-tour destinations especially in Alaska. For free Alaska Nature Adventures newsletter with tips and Alaska travel specials, go to: www.alaskarfters.com

Alaska River Expeditions has been offering exciting one-day and multi-day Alaska vacation packages since 1995. The newly designed site offers useful information, which will help visitors plan their next Alaska vacation. http://www.alaskarafters.com

A Cruise for Your Honeymoon

April 21st, 2008

by Rebecca Sherman

Taking a cruise for your honeymoon provides an opportunity for you to start your married life in a state of relaxation by exploring the unknown and enjoying all the amenities a cruise has to offer. Cruise lines are building bigger ships every year and with the additional ships, they are vastly expanding their ports of call. There are cruise itineraries for all tastes from Alaska to the Caribbean to Europe, cruise lines have it all. Cruising presents the comfort of five star luxury accommodations and provides unending excitement, adventure, the opportunity to get to know each other and to make new friends aboard your sea adventure.

A honeymoon cruise package may include: 1. Champagne and Strawberries in your Stateroom upon boarding 2. Canapés or other treat delivered to your cabin on the evening of your choice 3. An exclusive Honeymooner’s party for you and the other newlyweds aboard the ship 4. Honeymoon Photographs 5. Champagne breakfast in bed on the morning of your choice Destination options are limitless and depend upon your taste - be it the romantic hills, historical monuments, beaches, tropical rain forests, foreign history, the list is endless. All cruise lines offering honeymoon packages have exquisitely appointed suites, gyms, swimming pools, spas, salons, shopping and casinos to pamper the cruiser and energize the mind, body and spirit. You have the option to take a short weekend honeymoon with a three or four night cruise, or extending it to a long and luxurious getaway aboard a seven, 12 or even 30+ night cruise! If you and your new spouse are the really adventurous types some cruise lines are now offering around the world cruises that last for 3 to fours months. There’s no need to be concerned that you won’t know what to do or what to bring on a cruise, there are many resources available online and directly with the cruise line to assist you in packing, activities planning and leisure options. And fear not, should you forget to pack an item for your honeymoon, the cruise ship will have shops onboard at which you can purchase anything from basic necessities to luxury items and souvenirs for friends back home. Considering the option of only having to unpack once, visiting multiple locations, and being able to spend some quality time with your new spouse aboard a self-sufficient floating city, you can’t go wrong planning a cruise for your honeymoon!

101 Reasons To Take A Cruise.

April 17th, 2008

by Thomas DeSimone

1. Be waited on hand and foot. 2. Ride a helicopter over a waterfall. 3. Visit five ports, but unpack just once. 4. Cool off with a frozen margarita. 5. Take a yoga class. 6. Enjoy scrumptious food around the clock. 7. Dance under the stars. 8. Parasail high above the ocean. 9. Jump into a pool. 10. Shop onboard for French perfume and Swiss watches. 11. Treat yourself to a facial. 12. Hold a family reunion. 13. Get married in your favorite port. 14. Have Baked Alaska en route to Anchorage. 15. Disco ’til dawn. 16. Take your toddler to day-camp at sea. 17. Sleep ’til noon. 18. Go to a wine tasting. 19. Make new friends, reminisce with old friends. 20. Take a themed cruise: bingo, movies, sports, … 21. Renew your wedding vows. 22. Laugh ’til it hurts at a comedy show. 23. Hold a business conference (maybe tax deductible) onboard a ship. 24. Dine in a tuxedo or formal gown. 25. Relax in a hot tub. 26. Go to a fashion show. 27. Be a star on Talent Night. 28. You don’t need a designated driver. 29. Study at sea - genealogy, marine biology, … 30. Turn your day from 9 to 5 to 9 to Ah-h-h! 31. Consume Caspian Caviar. 32. Snorkel in crystal clear, coral-filled waters. 33. Enjoy the best of Broadway. 34. Send your teeager to a “rock the boat” party. 35. Flex your pecs at the health club. 36. Doze in the sun. 37. Try your hand at electronic blackjack. 38. Polish your golf swing with the pros. 39. Shoot craps. 40. Capture dazzling sunsets on film. 41. Walk a mile on deck. 42. Scuba dive along a reef. 43. Get a full house under a full moon. 44. “Spike” with all your might in a volleyball tournament. 45. Watch for a green flash. 46. Play a fast game of racquetball. 47. Request a song at the piano bar. 48. Indulge in a massage. 49. Swing to the beat of a big band. 50. Eat gourmet food every night and never see a price. 51. Meditate at sunrise. 52. Meet your favorite sports stars. 53. “Disappear” during a magic act. 54. Escape from reality. 55. Play bridge or backgammon. 56. Shoot “hoops” surrounded by blue sky and sparkling water. 57. Sip a mint julep while listening to ragtime. 58. Browse through a well-stocked library. 59. Golf - by computer or in person - on the world’s best courses. 60. Spot an exotic bird or flower. 61. Wander through ancient ruins. 62. Ride horseback through jungles. 63. Be-bop with top jazz musicians. 64. Rent a moped at the dock. 65. Paddle down river in a kayak or canoe. 66. Explore a centuries-old castle. 67. Mingle with celebrities. 68. Be tempted by world-famous chefs. 69. Jet ski across turquoise waters. 70. Picnic under a palm tree. 71. Take sailboarding lessons. 72. Take your sweetie on a second honeymoon. 73. Call home from your cabin. 74. Learn Italian, French, or Spanish. 75. Charter a sailboat. 76. See whales, dolphins, and flying fish. 77. Water ski in clear blue water. 78. See America - down its coastlines and up its rivers - or take in some of these: 79. The Greek Islands. 80. Australia / New Zealand. 81. Africa. 82. Alaska. 83. The Bahamas. 84. Baltics. 85. Bermuda. 86. Canada. 87. The Caribbean. 88. Europe 89. Far East / Orient. 90. India. 91. Indonesia / Southeast Asia. 92. The Mediterranean. 93. Mexico. 94. The Panama Canal. 95. The South Pacific. 96. Scandinavia. 97. Seychelles. 98. South America. 99. Tahiti. 100. The United Kingdom. 101. Then try around the world !

Do Everything Or Nothing At All