When you’re traveling it’s easy to indulge yourself when it comes to diet; isn’t that what vacation is for? Yes and no. While it’s nice to experience the food and culture of a new place, it’s still very important to keep a healthy diet while you’re there. Here are a few quick and easy tips that may help you keep off unwanted and unforeseen traveling weight:

Avoid Airplane Meals – Have the foresight to pack a meal for yourself or your family to have on the plane, and avoid to sodas and aiport/airplane food, which can often be less than nutritious. Just don’t pack anything that will get crushed or smashed in your carry on!

Drink A Lot Of Water – You would think this goes without saying, but drinking water is a huge benefit when you are traveling. Try to avoid sodas and alcoholic beverages on the plane since they can increase the effects of jet lag. And stock your hotel room with water, preferably bottled; you can never have too much clean water while traveling.

Avoid Fast Food – This may seem like a no-brainer, but imagine you are road-weary and super hungry, and there’s a fast food chain up ahead; you will probably be stopping there to eat. It may be cheap and convenient, and something familiar in a new place, but not only is it unhealthy, but it’s also keeping your from a new experience, the food of the location you are at.

Eat Breakfast – When there are a million things to see and do, breakfast may seem pretty low on the list of things to do; you can always eat later right? However, not only does breakfast get you energized an ready to face the start of what is surely going to be a active day, it also boosts your metabolism, especially if you eat within an hour of waking. If your hotel offers complimentary breakfast, wake up early and take advantage of it.

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The best advice someone can give about camping has to be “Be Prepared.” If you’re prepared it can be a glorious, adventurous dream. If you’re not, that can make a great trip into a miserable one. The way to be prepared is to make sure you have a fully stocked personal camping kit. This will be filled with all of the things you will need for day-to-day camp life, as well as items that could make a huge difference should an emergency situation come up. Here’s the list: (Note: It also wouldn’t be a bad idea to make a checklist so you can mark things off once they are packed.)

1) You will want, and need, a compass. This is the most basic camping necessity and should not be overlooked, no matter how well you are at reading nature’s navigation signs. The compass is the only way to be sure of where you are and where you are going, so you don’t get lost. Even if you have a map, it’s no good without a compass!

2) Map is the second thing you’ve got to have, and as was just stated, pairs beautifully with the compass. Even if you have a smart phone and GPS and all of that, it won’t do you any good if the power runs out. Navigation is key to not getting lost, and not getting lost is key to having a fun time while camping. Take a map.

3) Flashlights are also going to be something you won’t want to camp without. Yes, you can make a fire, but if it rains, you want something that will shed a little light on the situation. Be sure to bring extra batteries in a zip loc baggie, or if you can find the hand-crank flashlights that’s even better. Also large lanterns can really come in handy to make things brighter at night, as well as scare off potentially dangerous animals.

4) Swiss Army Knives are easily looked over or forgotten, but you won’t realize how useful it is until you’re out there. Bring one, and you’ll be glad you did, especially if you can find one with the scissors, fork, spoon, and saw features.

5) Food and Drink; not only do you want to make sure to bring them, you want to make sure you have everything you need to prepare them. Hot food requires a fire starter, or matches, not to mention cups, plates, and bowls. Bottled water is also a must, and lots of it. You don’t want to get dehydrated, and the water out in nature can look clear but is teeming with bacteria.

Be sure to bring this things, and always be over prepared rather than under, and you will have a great camping experience!

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While the holidays are a great time to go visit family and friends, it’s also one of the most expensive times; since everyone will be thinking the same thing and packing up to leave, hotels and restaurants know they can charge top dollar. Here are 10 ways to save while traveling with your family this holiday season:

Eat Well, For Cheap – Skip the fancy sit-down dinners, and start eating out, locally, for cheap. Not only will you be saving money, but you also get the full experience of the cities you are traveling to or through. Also, try to find food trucks whenever possible.

Pick Hotels That Serve Meals – Best way to get bang for your buck, is choose lodging that provides a meal.

Always Pick Rooms With Refrigerators – One of the best ways to save is to bring your own foods, however, bringing perishables like lunch meats won’t do any good without a fridge, so be sure to ask that your room has one.

Book A Condo – Booking a condo rather than a hotel can be considerably less expensive, and there will be a kitchen to cook in so you can avoid the high cost of eating at restaurants.

Compare Your Travel Options – Before you commit to flying, be sure to do the math and see if driving would be more cost effective. Or compare prices of other airlines, and consider whether it may be cheaper to book two separate flights.

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Savor the Flavors Lexington’s Bluegrass Region  

Bluegrass

Commemorate the legacy of the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War.

Savor the flavors of the Bluegrass with a tour of Kentucky Bourbon distilleries, a tasting at one of many beautiful wineries, or a sampling of local cuisine—from spoonbread to burgoo!

Shop for unique, handcrafted gifts at the region’s art galleries, or discover your own treasures in antique shops and world-class boutiques. Berea’s local artisans offer hands-on learning experiences for visitors looking to create their own masterpiece.

Commemorate the legacy of the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War at forts, battlefields, civil war tours, and historic homes. From Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill’s living history to the reenactment at the Battle of Perryville this fall, the region’s history and heritage leaves a lasting legacy.

Play outdoors on hiking & bicycle trails, scenic byways, and lakes and rivers throughout the region. For an authentic “horse country” experience, try horseback riding or a tour at the Kentucky Horse Park!

An experience difficult to describe, impossible to forget.

www.BluegrassKentucky.com  

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Anna Marie Island: Your Island in the Sun

Anna Marie Island

Anna Marie Island - Fun in the Sun!

Anna Maria Island is a quaint Barrier Island nestled in the Gulf of Mexico. Beautiful turquoise waters and white sandy beaches are the main attraction here. It is a place where “old” Florida charm can still be found, flip flops are a way of life and the speed limit never exceeds 35mph. High rise condos and fast food restaurants are pleasantly absent from our pristine “get away from it all” island. Our accommodations and restaurants offer something for everyone. We offer quaint cottages by the sea to deluxe suites, from million-dollar villas to rustic cottages to own. One visit to Anna Maria Island and you will be calling it “My Island in the Sun.”

Once a best-kept secret among local Floridians…

Anna Maria Island has always been known for its sugar-white coastline, emerald Gulf waters and quaint business districts. Today, it is now known as a vacation favorite among local, national and international travelers. From honeymooners to Hollywood film crews, youngsters to the young-at-heart, people from around the world have discovered what’s awaiting you. Your Piece of Paradise, “An Island in The Sun,” Anna Maria Island, Florida.

Enjoy a sunrise overlooking Tampa Bay and a picture-perfect Florida sunset all in a day…

You need never leave the island to find fun and relaxation. Our island is only 7 miles long and no more than a few blocks wide, which leaves you with sounds of waves and visions of the sunset in every location. Enjoy a day at the beach and watch the kids play in the sand. Walk along pristine beaches and dine in award-winning restaurants, Enjoy fresh grouper sandwiches on a pier and sipping martinis while enjoying live music. Go shopping in our specialty shops and boutiques all along the island. We even have a free trolley to take you where you want to go. The friendly environment and endless activities will keep you coming back for more. Hop aboard and experience island paradise!

Get Swept Away…

Anna Maria Island is an ideal place to relax and get away from it all. This stretch of land, 7 miles long is home to the island’s three cities – City of Bradenton Beach, City of Holms Beach and City of Anna Maria. All three cities provide access to spectacular beaches, accommodations and outdoor activities – while at the same time offering an enjoyable selection of shops, restaurants, performing arts, wildlife, history and other attractions. Rent the accommodation of your dreams. From beautiful beachside hotels, featuring a wide array of room sizes, to rustic cottages, remodeled homes, luxury condominiums, just take a look at what we have to offer. We offer the perfect mood for an island way of life. “Anna Maria Awaits You!”

In the News…

Anna Maria is becoming an increasingly popular destination for national and international travelers. It is no wonder that this timeless hideaway has been featured in numerous publications over the years including: The New York Times, USA Today, Coastal Living, Southern Living, The Washington Times, The Miami Herald, The Orlando Sentinel, Geo Saison (A German Magazine) and countless others. Take a peek at what so many have already discovered and can’t stop talking about.

www.annamariaislandchamber.org 

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Visit Ohio ATV World and Quench Your Thirst for Outdoor Adventure 

Ohio ATV World

Ohio ATV World

If you or your family craves a little outdoor activity, why not be one of the first to ride our exciting ZipRail, the only ride of its kind in the world. With your harness attached, you will fly, float, soar, and glide through the trees, swing up, down and sideways! The thrill will take your breath away!

Here at Ohio ATV World, choose between the Alpine ZipRail and the ATV’S rides, each with their own unique thrills. The Alpine ZipRail winds its way through Hocking Hills natural beauty, through trees, over streams, past large rock formations, finally arriving at our Chalet. Over 3000’ of ZipRail excitement! From the deck of our Chalet, you can then ride our ATV’s through 14 miles of beautiful wooded trails.

Ohio ATV World is located at 15155 Sauerkraut Rd, Logan, Ohio 43138 Reservations are suggested, call 740-592-2500 or visit us at www.ohioatvworld.com  We provide customized packages for your group.

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Discover Why RE/MAX of the Islands Was Voted ‘Best’ Real Estate Agency

RE/MAX of the Islands

RE/MAX of the Islands

RE/MAX of the Islands is a family owned and operated full service real estate firm on Sanibel and Captiva Islands. The company is celebrating over 20 years of professional real estate service and was voted BEST Real Estate Agency on Sanibel & Captiva Islands for 2010 & 2011.

Sanibel and Captiva Islands offer a truly unique lifestyle. The islands have become a vacation destination for people from all walks of life. Plan your vacation with RE/MAX of the Islands. Select from beachside condos to island bungalows or your own private hideaway. Beautiful and spacious accommodations are available. Amenities include pools, tennis courts, bike trails and world famous shelling beaches.

With RE/MAX of the Islands, you will find your vacation to be an enjoyable experience from beginning to end.

RE/MAX of the Islands

2400 Palm Ridge Road

Sanibel, FL  33957

877-388-5050

www.remax-oftheislands.com

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