Taking off Travel blog

Once upon a time, airlines served full meals on a considerably larger number of flights. These days though, thanks to financial problems and reductions in airline budgets, food options on flights are severely limited. That, coupled with the fact that more and more people are spending time waiting around in airports due to increased security measures and extended layover times, has affected the way people eat while traveling. For people trying to eat in a healthy way, it is a bit more challenging, but not an insurmountable obstacle.

Healthy Fast Food

Now that passengers are spending more time at airports, eating at one of the airport restaurants has actually become an option. At smaller airports, those options may be limited to a McDonalds or Burger King, but at the larger ones there are usually a large variety of restaurants that offer something other than fast food. Your best strategy is to stay away from the fast food places and meal offerings high in fat and oil. However, even if you can only eat at a fast food place there are still ways to stay healthy. Most fast food restaurants offer salads these days as well as low fat options. Stay away from anything deep fried and get something grilled instead. Instead of getting an unhealthy side dish like fries, see if you can substitute salad, fruit or a soup.

Grab A Takeaway

If you don’t have any time to eat in the airport itself, many restaurants and food stands offer takeaway food such as sandwiches and soups. Do not give into the temptation to grab a candy bar and a soda while on the run. Airports will not allow you to bring beverages from outside of the airport through the security checkpoints, but since you have to pass through the security checkpoints to get to the airport restaurants, food and beverages purchased at the airport will be allowed on the plane and they will not be considered one of your carry-on items, so don’t worry about not being allowed to bring them on the plane. In fact, this type of thing is something airports would like to encourage as passengers spending money on food brings in additional revenue.

Bring Your Own

You can also bring food from home for the airport and the plane. You will need to have enough room in your carry-on luggage to store your food, and beverages that you bring from home will not be allowed past the security checkpoints. Non-solid foods such as applesauce, yogurt, canned fruits and soup are only allowed if they are less than three ounces in size and are part of your allotment of carry-on liquids.

Watch Those Liquids

One great way to stay healthy is to swear off all liquids except for water. It can be tempting to buy a coffee or soda as a treat since you’re traveling, but those drinks are filled with empty calories. Instead, save your money and bring a water bottle along with you. Make sure the bottle is empty so security will allow it past the checkpoints. Instead of buying outrageously priced water in the airport, fill up your water bottle at a water fountain.

This post was provided by Ryan Embly. He is a writer from the cheap car rental website CRX.

In all of the world’s ancient religions the sun was deified, taking on multiple forms, from the Greeks’ vision of Helios steering a chariot of fire across the sky, to the Egyptians’ Neolithic imagining of Ra, chasing the spirit of darkness over the horizon in his solar barge. Even now there’s no shortage of sun worshipers. Some split their lives between the northern and southern hemispheres, crossing the equator every 6 months in order to enjoy an eternal summer.

Nothing better expresses our natural fascination with the sun than the wonder an awe with which we watch a sunset. It’s one of the only experiences that we can have in life that gives us a tangible sense of the earth’s movement through space, rotating on its axis and turning its back on the light. A sunset simultaneously offers us an insight into the awesome scale of the universe, whilst, quite literally, bringing to light the beauty of our immediate surroundings, somehow foreshortening the lightyears of distance between things.

Here’s a rundown of where the greatest sunsets on earth can be found;

The Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is an incredible gorge, carved into the desert of Arizona by the inexorable progress of the Colorado River, a wound in the landscape two billion years in the making. The most stunning sunsets occur in winter and are best viewed from the southern rim, where the layers of Palaeozoic rock and their graduated hues of red and orange are augmented by the sun’s dying light.

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Sentosa Island

This island is a popular tourist resort that lies just off the coast of Thailand, playing host to a number of attractions, including a stunning 2km beach and a butterfly park which houses over 15,000 butterflies. The sunset here is the product of marvellous chance. The oil refineries that dot the skylight emit plumes of smoke that, as sun beams breakthrough, create a dazzling display of color. A poignant reminder that, no matter what we do to this planet, it will endure us.

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The Serengeti

Whereas many sunsets are enhanced by their surroundings, what makes the sunset over the Serengeti truly awesome is the barren nature of the plains. The absence of a skyline reduces the sense of distance between you and the horizon, over which the sun looms, dissected. The raging reds and yellows of this spectacle are only enhanced by the contrasting jet black silhouettes of wilder beast crossing the plain.

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The Great Pyramids of Egypt

The Pharaohs of ancient Egypt believed that dying was the start of a journey into the next world, a world in which they would take their place on the throne as King of the Dead. Their society was advanced in the field of astronomy and it has been suggested that the pyramids were built in accordance to the stars, the vanishing point of their tips aimed at a certain position in the heavens, a cosmic guidance system benignly shaping the parabola of the soul’s ascent.

The necropolis at Giza is the last remaining wonder of the ancient world and is no less stunning now than when it was built, especially when the sun is low in the sky, hanging suspended between the points of the pyramids, and time seems to stop.

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Santorini Island

Santorini was the sight of one of the most violent pieces of volcanic activity in the history of the world, when, roughly 350,000 years ago, a vast eruption forever transformed the topography of the Mediterranean coast, forming the epic four mile caldera (volcanic lake) which stands there today. It is known that an ancient kingdom was sunk by the sudden formation of the caldera, and many believe that this geographical wonder provided the origin of the Atlantis myth.

The sunsets here are generally considered to be the best in the world. The colours and surroundings are both incredible and are best viewed from the nearby village of Oia. This picturesque Greek village is a bastion of a certain rustic lifestyle and clings precariously to the ridges of the volcanic rock around the edge of the basin. From here you can watch the sun set over the caldera, which, as the angle of the sun’s elevation gradually decreases, seems to form a golden path way across the water.

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Simon Briggs has traveled extensively and is always planning his next getaway. He writes regularly about travel tips and advice at his travel shop where you can also search through hundreds of travel agents and tour operators to find the best deals.

Breathtaking views, long sweeping corners, and the promise of adventure; Did someone say road trip? While real sports car enthusiasts would argue that the best “driving” roads are found in Europe, the U.S. still has some extremely impressive highways that are worth mentioning.

Coming in at #5- Rt. 1 Through the Florida Keys

It’s hard to beat the Florida Keys when it comes to candy blue oceans, warm beaches and plenty to see. On this highway you can experience all sorts of marine wild-life, golden sunsets, and stunning palm trees. Pack your swim trunks because taking this route will undoubtedly land you splashing on the beach!

#4- Rt. 44 (Beautiful New England)

If you’re one to chase the seasons then this is the highway for you. With bright orange and flaming red leaves this highway is a must for those wanting the most out of their fall season.  Relax and get back to your roots with these winding country roads.

At #3- The Blue Ridge Mountain Parkway

Now this may not be technically considered a highway on your map but it is definitely worth driving. Those seeking a good relaxing recreational drive will hit the sweet spot with this road. In fact, that’s what it was designed for! This parkway has often been referred to as America’s favorite road, and it certainly has the mountain views to back it up.

#2- Bryce Canyon Utah

If you’re limited to only a weekend you will definitely want to consider routes 12 and 24, which run from Bryce Canyon to Arches National Park. The amazing desert scenery provides a spectacular change of pace from everyday driving. The massive suntanned rocks color the landscape in a way that will have your passengers saying “keep your eyes on the road”. Driving through the canyon roads almost feels like being on another planet, very foreign, yet unmistakably beautiful.

1. The Pacific Coast Highway

Whenever someone mentions great driving highways the first thing that comes to mind is the Pacific Coast Highway. While it may not have unrestricted speed zones, giant rock sculptures, or take your from one small island to the next, this highway is all about the indescribable. It is the feeling you get when you put the top down or roll down the windows and feel the cool ocean breeze in your hair.

When you’re on the PCH everything is a little bit better. Problems and worries slip away and are replaced by a sense of renewal and rejuvenation!

Make plans for your next road trip, and get back in touch with yourself today! There are miles and miles of amazing U.S. highway waiting for you.

Micah Castro is a freelance writer for RV Renovators. To learn more about RV Renovators and their custom services click here.

(photo: Let Ideas Compete)

This is a guest post by Jan Pagonis

With such a vast array of attractions and activities to select from in California, it can be challenging to select just a few of the ‘must sees’ there.

This California Top Pick list won’t disappoint you with everything including theme parks, wineries and forests to pique your interest.

Theme Parks

Firstly the perennial favorite – theme parks. A visit to California is not complete without being half frightened to death on the latest and greatest roller coaster and parks like Disneyland, Universal Studios and Six Flags Magic Mountain will give you all the thrills you could want. Whether you’re single or married, with children or not, become a child once more and enjoy every moment at these theme parks. There is of course more to these parks than exhilarating roller coaster rides, with shows, concerts, world class entertainment, magic stunts and special effects, parades plus so much more. Even if you’re short on time, make sure you devote at least 1 day per park – you too will become addicted!

Go to Hollywood

If the theme parks are just not enough excitement for you, Hollywood is definitely where the excitement is in Los Angeles. It’s the home of movie studios, night life and designer shops and boutiques. Take a walk along the Hollywood Walk of Fame, visit Grauman’s Chinese Theater and the home of the Academy Awards – the Kodak Theatre. Stroll along Rodeo Drive for a bit of retail therapy. And don’t forget to snap your photo of the famous Hollywood sign in the hills.

Hit The Beach

Southern Californian beaches are often mentioned and indeed featured in many a movie. With Newport Beach, that’s ideal with 9 miles of just perfect sandy beach. It’s fabulous for swimming, body boarding, surfing, fishing, yachting, parasailing and snorkeling – and yes, sunbathing. Other beaches that also deserve a mention include Laguna Beach with its art galleries, Long Beach that’s just perfect for water sports and Venice Beach for its street entertainers, Boardwalk and endless opportunities to meet other people.

Park It!

Exploring the great outdoors in California is a sheer delight with Yosemite National Park’s famous rock formations and Lake Tahoe’s beaches, alpine golf courses and ski activities. Perhaps enjoy a romantic interlude and experience that step back in time with a visit to the Petrified Forest, northwest of the Napa Valley.

Quench Your Thirst

By now you will have worked up a thirst and luckily California boasts some diverse wine regions. If you can’t venture out on your own, jump on a wine tour, where you’ll meet lots of other people – particularly singles and discover some of the world’s finest wines. Two favorite Californian wine areas being the Sonoma Valley Wine Country reportedly the birthplace of California wine. It has some of the earliest vineyards and wineries in the State. Visit award winning wineries and enjoy the intense flavors of world class Chardonnay and Pinot Noirs. The other fabulous wine country is in the Napa Valley. Here you will find the both romantic and historic vineyards and wineries. Often recognized as one of the world’s premier wine growing regions you will find at least 250 award winning wineries to indulge at… Hic…

And Finally…

A visit to California is simply not complete without discovering a little of San Francisco. It’s icons of Fisherman’s Wharf and the Golden Gate Bridge will captivate you with breathtaking views of the beautiful San Francisco Bay area. The Golden Gate Bridge connects San Francisco with Marin County and it’s the longest suspension bridge in the world at 4200 feet. A universal favorite is to eat, shop and be entertained at Fisherman’s Wharf with trendy restaurants, heaps of shops and street performers.

When you’ve seen these top picks in California, sit back and relax on one of those lovely warm evenings with a wine or two in the Napa Valley and plan your next trip back to California. There’s just so much more to see and do.

Visiting California is an exciting, action packed and interesting experience with so many diverse activities to enjoy. Jan Pagonis is Director for www.datingsymbol.com where you will find more great information on Travel, Dating & Relationships, Fashion, Finance, Food, Health, Entertainment plus much more.

You’ve saved for months for your vacation, so you don’t want it to be ruined by a vision problem. A holiday spent in pain, unable to see clearly, or going out of your way to find an optician will make your vacation memorable for all the wrong reasons. This is especially important if you’re traveling alone – can you imagine trying to navigate your way through an unfamiliar city without your glasses or contact lenses? With a little bit of simple preparation, you can protect your vision and have a fun, safe trip.

Have a Backup

When you’re on vacation, your familiar everyday routine is completely disrupted. While taking in the sights you’ll be frequently distracted, which is why it’s so common to lose or break glasses while traveling. Be prepared by packing an extra pair of glasses, even if the prescription is a little bit outdated. Which would be worse – your old glasses or none at all?

If you typically wear contact lenses, you should bring not only extra contacts but a pair of glasses, too. You could lose a contact somewhere, or your eyes could become agitated from too much sun, surf or sand. Your eyes will be more comfortable if you wear your glasses for a day or two to recover.

Bring Supplies

Make sure you pack plenty of cleaning solution for your contact lenses and glasses. Try to find some small, travel-sized kits that you can carry with you in your purse or backpack while you’re away from the hotel. These small kits are also acceptable to bring in your carry-on bag when flying, unlike the full-sized containers. What if you need solution during a layover in an airport? Not only will it be tough to find in the shops, but if they carry what you need, it’ll likely cost you an arm and a leg!

You should also bring along a small repair kit for glasses. These typically include extra screws, nose pads, and a tiny screwdriver. If you wear contact lenses, bring along an extra contact lens case in case your primary one gets lost or damaged. You should be able to find all of these supplies available at your optician or local pharmacy.

Notify Your Optician

Let your optician know you’ll be traveling and ask them for a copy of your current vision prescription. While you’re there, pick up a copy of their business card so you have their contact information with you. Should you need to have new lenses made during your trip, or if you get an eye infection and need him to call in a prescription for medicated eye drops, it’s best to have these items with you.

Plan Ahead for Outdoor Activities

If you’re going to be outdoors a lot on your trip, make sure you’ve got a good pair of sunglasses that provide UV Protection from the rays. A hat is also good to have along for reducing eyestrain. For swimming and water sports enthusiasts, remember that it’s unadvisable to swim in your contact lenses. Prescription swimming goggles are a comfortable and convenient alternative.

Sara Roberts writes for Just Eyewear, a prescription glasses and sunglasses retailer.

(Photo: neuroticcamel)