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While online and retail holiday shopping sales have met or exceeded expectations for most retailers in 2005, there is another “rush” for all retailers to prepare for: gift card redemption.

According to Hitwise, an online intelligence service, the market share of U.S. Internet searches containing the words “gift card” was up 32% for the week ending December 10, 2005 as compared to the previous week. In fact, the National Retail Federation expects gift card sales to increase 6.6% this holiday season to 18.48 billion dollars, with consumers spending an average of $88 dollars on gift cards or 15.6% of their holiday shopping budget.

Gift certificates have always been a popular gift choice for the hard to please recipient or even for the lazy shopper. For the gift giver, it allows a quick purchase at whatever store or online merchant they select, with a dollar amount that fits their budget. For the recipient, they can select what they want from a particular merchant and for the most part use the card at their convenience.

But for some, giving a gift card is a cop-out, reasoning it is too impersonal and opting to hand pick a gift and selecting something special and unique for a loved one or friend. However, for some, the gift card is the ideal gift choice, with family or friends even suggesting the store or online merchant they prefer.

For the merchants, it has extended the holiday shopping season because they cannot record the sale until the recipient uses the gift card to make a purchase. This holds down sales figures in November and December, but provides a boost in January when most cards are redeemed. An additional boost is provided by the fact that most of the shoppers who redeem their gift cards typically spend 15% to 50% more than the face value of the card when they select their holiday gift.

There are some downsides to gift cards. Some retailers clear unused gift cards off the books by subtracting off of the face value of the card, an inactivity fee (usually $2.50 per month) after a certain amount of time. Some gift cards have an expiration date and others come with special conditions or restrictions. However, consumer outrage has prompted many states across the country to introduce legislation limiting or banning the fees. Additionally, there is no federal law on gift cards but, two Republican congressmen, Joe Barton of Texas and Charlie Bass of New Hampshire, have requested that the Federal Trade Commission investigate the way retailers conduct their gift card programs.

Is giving a gift card too impersonal? Is it the best gift choice? That question is up for debate and is a personal preference. But with annual gift card sales projected to reach 90 billion dollars by 2007 (Ernst & Young 2005), the gift card is here to stay.

Robert Benson operates www.ezshoppinghere.com a web site devoted to helping shoppers find unique gifts in unique places with a wide assortment of merchandise to choose from including three stooges collectibles, home decor, apparel, novelties, pet supplies and more.

When a car is a classic, it’s not just a car anymore; it’s a thing of beauty. When a classic car needs transporting, the discerning owner is going to be looking for more than a quick way from point a to point b. Some things to consider before beginning the classic car transport are the state of the vehicle, where it is going, how much is it going to cost and what are best benefits.

Since many collectors purchase classic cars in varying states of repair, it’s worth noting whether the car you want to transport has been in storage for a long time. If you can’t start it or drive it, some transporters won’t touch it.

Many transporters require the vehicle to be driven up ramps to be loaded and do not have a way to tow it into place. If it’s possible have a mechanic check fluids, refill the gas tank and charge the battery, a car that runs, even slowly will have more options in transporters.

The choice of whether to transport your classic car should also include the method of transport. A car that is in premium condition with no dents, dings or scratches, may require enclosed transport. Not only does enclosed transport protect the vehicle from road debris, weather and exhaust, but it also provides more security as the driver may overnight in some locations.

If your classic is one you’ve purchased to refurbish or already has nicks and scratches, then the alternative transport in the open air will run to less cost for you.

Some transporters will not travel well away from main business centers to pick up cars, so it may be necessary to drop the car off at a depot. Some transporters employ local contractors to pick up the vehicles from these locations and take them to the depots as needed. Be sure to ask about that service if you will require it.

Also verify what the insurance coverage of the transporter applies to. Whenever a transporter takes possession of a vehicle there will be an “Origin Inspection Report” generated. This is your testament to the condition of the car when it was turned over for transportation. Be sure to inspect it closely upon arrival at the destination point.

In many cases, transporters only require a couple weeks notice that you are looking for shipment of you car. Depending on the grade of service you want for your classic, the transporter can then make arrangements.

It is normal for transporters to give shipment windows rather than exact dates for pick up or arrival, however, if one does give you exact dates make sure that you have it in writing.

Always review the transporters records, offers and what guarantees they offer. If something seems unclear or uneasy about their business practices, then definitely don’t entrust them with your vehicle.

Make sure to go over your transportation contract carefully, especially if you are shipping a classic car in pristine condition. There are any numbers of larger and smaller transportation companies that specialize in transportation of these beauties.

Ultimately, everyone wants to get from his or her origin to the destination point. With a little judicious review and good questioning, you can find the transporter for your classic car that matches your needs, your wants and your budget. =========================================================== Discover vital information and advice about car and auto transport services. Find out what you must do, and what you must not do. Click http://www.auto-transport-101.com/classic-car-transport.html

Travel Journals By Doreene Clement

www.the5yearjournal.com info@the5yearjournal.com

Are you off to a vacation adventure this summer? Have you ever kept a travel journal, diary, or diaries?

A travel journal is where you write about your personal, family and/or business travels. It can be a separate journal where you record your experiences, details, and even your feelings about your travels, creating a written record of each trip. You can also record your travels, if you already journal, in your existing journal. Just indicate that this is a record of your travels — That can be accomplished by using a separate color of pen.

You can record…

Your feelings and experiences.

All the locations you visited. You can include a map or draw a map.

The miles and time to travel from location to location.

Who you were with.

Who you met.

What you wore.

Would you go back? Why? What do you want to see?

Where you stayed? You can keep the address, phone numbers, names, etc.

What you ate? Again record the address, etc., so you can find it again.

What you saw?

Daily travel experiences, and expenses.

Favorites-hotels, campgrounds, restaurants, locations, etc.

The funniest thing that happened.

The most difficult thing that happened.

In your travel journal you can add photos, receipts, memorabilia, maps, drawings, menus, any items that you want to add, and that fit the space you have.

Travel Journals for the Children

A great tool to involve the whole family is to create a travel journal for the children. They can use a notebook and record the same items that you did, writing what their experiences were. They can also write a story telling what they experienced each day. You can create a game for them where they count the cows they see, other children they met, or towns, etc., keeping that information in their journal.

Use the idea of a travel journal to keep a written record of all your travels, all those adventures.

Copyright Doreene Clement All Rights Reserved

Orlando Florida is one of the best vacation spots for a family to visit. Orlando is home to Walt Disney World, Sea World, and Universal Studios Orlando. With the popularity of these theme parks it is a good idea to find an Orlando hotel conveniently located nearby. You will also want an Orlando hotel that caters to children.

A great Orlando hotel you might consider is the Hilton Walt Disney World Hotel Orlando. This is the official Disney World Hotel. All of the Disney theme parks are between 5 and 10 miles away. Down town Disney is actually 1 block away! Seaworld is located just 5 miles away. The hotel sits on 23 acres. It has 2 heated pools and a wading pool for the children. All rooms come with a mini bar and are nicely priced between $135 and $189. The hotel also has a ballroom that can occupy over 2000 people and over 70000 square feet of meeting and event space. Another Orlando Hotel you may consider is the Wyndham Palace Resort. This hotel is located on a 27 acre separate island. It has 3 heated pools, a sauna, hot tubs, 2 playgrounds, volleyball courts, tennis courts, a hair salon, and a 24 hour fitness center. It is conveniently located within walking distance of Downtown Disney. It has competitive pricing between $89 and $99 and kids get to stay for free.

A very popular Orlando hotel is called the Westlakes resort. This is a 4 star hotel located on 110 acres with over a mile of lakefront. They offer 1 to 4 bedroom suites. Each suite comes with its own kitchen, whirlpool tub, washer and dryer, screened porch, and balcony. This hotel has several pools, tennis courts, basketball courts, volleyball courts, Jacuzzis, shuffle board, and a top of the line gym. They even have a 10,000 square foot health spa and 6 restaurants to serve you. Staying here will cost you between $78 and $325.

The last Orlando hotel you might enjoy is the Clarion Hotel Universal. It is located half a mile from Universal Studios Orlando. They offer a free shuttle to Universal Studios Orlando and to Seaworld. All rooms come with a free security safe and coffee. The prices vary by season so you will have to check periodically.

Finding the perfect Orlando hotel can be a tricky endeavor. The above listed hotels are said to be the best and are all conveniently located near world famous attractions. Before choosing which hotel you stay at, try to decide which one offers you the most convenience for the attractions you wish too see. Also decide which amenities are the most interesting for you. If you have kids, be sure to pick a hotel that will be fun for them. With a little thought and a little patience, you will find the perfect Orlando hotel.

Canoeing is a wonderful vacation idea. It can be a real family-type adventure that is challenging yet not too difficult. Besides being a distinctly fun activity, it is also a form of travel. With a canoe you have the means to safely access wilderness areas that otherwise might not be possible for a family. In more touristy places you have the means to slip off across the river or lake for more private family fun.

If you have your own canoe, great. It is easily carried on your car to where you will be using it. Or you can rent a canoe for long excursions or for as little as a few hours. This is a very flexible way to travel and explore.

Canoeing as a family is a slow paced activity which provides the opportunity to really get close to nature. The kids are involved not just as spectators but as an active part of the effort. This can be an exceptionally rewarding and confidence building experience for them.

Paddling a canoe is fun but potentially boring for the kids. There are plenty of ways to keep there interest up. Paddling close to shore gives everyone a chance to watch for birds and animals. Find a beach or large rock to stop at and go for a swim. Children too young to paddle can have fun pretending to paddle with small toy paddles. If you have two canoes you can race them. Navigate around and between rocks to create a sense of excitement. Make up stories about what’s in the trees on the shore or what’s around the next bend.

A great idea is to bring a camera along to photograph wildlife. Keep in mind that you should always keep a respectful distance. But you can still get a good close-up shot with a telephoto lens. A water resistant camera is recommended and be sure to wear it on a short strap. You don’t want to drop the camera into the water!

Always keep safety in mind. Bring life jackets for everyone. Anyone who can’t swim should wear one while in the canoe. Go over the rules before boarding the canoe. Standing up or switching places should never be done while the canoe is in the water. Leaning over the side is a no-no because it can tip the canoe and someone could fall out. Do a little research on boating safety so you can prepare yourself and the family to stay safe.

Show the kids who are old enough to paddle how to handle the paddle. Go over the basics of how to steer the canoe.

One of the great things about a family canoeing vacation is that it naturally combines with camping and fishing, which are always popular with kids.

Your canoe can take you to your campsite along the shore of a lake or river. Canoe, explore and fish during the day then relax beside the campfire in the evening. Nothing beats the taste of hotdogs and marshmallows personally toasted over a campfire.

In 1999, I decided to live a year in the city of Chita, Russia. For those not in the know, Chita is a city in Siberia.

History

The City of Chita is a the administrative center of the Chita Oblast, which is similar to a state. It is located smack dab in the middle of Siberia and is about 500 miles east of Lake Baikal.

>From the 1930’s through the end of communism, Chita was a closed city. During this period, foreigners were prohibited from traveling to Chita as were many Russians. The basis for the closing of the city was apparently its proximity to China and military installations.

In some circles, Chita is known as the City of Exiles because prominent intellectuals starting with the “Decembrist” were exiled to the city after failed uprisings in 1825. Despite this informal name, the arrival of the Decembrists was a boon for the city. The well-educated exiles made an effort to educate the citizens of Chita and pursue trade. Through these efforts, the City became a major trading portal in Siberia, particularly since the natural resources of the area included timber, gold and uranium.

Architecturally, Chita is a clash of styles. Foremost, Chita is populated with communist concrete buildings. The apartment buildings are almost universally five stories tall and, frankly, not the most appealing things you’ve every scene. In contrast to these soviet signatures, Chita is also populated with individual homes made primarily out of wood. The homes are the equivalent of those you would see in any mountainous area and are very comfortable. Clashing with these two styles are a number of buildings in the center of Chita.

During World War II, a significant number of Japanese soldiers were taken by the Russians as prisoners of war. Through whatever machinations present at that time, they were put to work in the construction industry. Yep, you guessed it. In the center of Chita you will find buildings with a definite hint of Japanese style. The buildings are not overtly Japanese, but they definitely differ from the other styles present.

Having lived in the city for a year, I can definitely say it is worth a visit. The Trans-Siberian Railway passes through the city, so access is very easy.

If you don’t understand casino gaming, do please read on — Generally speaking a gaming establishment is a structure that caters to games. Customers can test their luck by having a bash at the slot machines or trying out alternate games of luck. Betting saloon games most likely have absolutely determined probabilities included that maintain that the gaming hall secures dominion over the gamers.

A huge number of gaming room games can result in you becoming far too infatuated speedily. Case in point being the stereotypical one-armed-bandit, a cash operated contraption with 3, sometimes more gears that pivot when a bar connected to it is manipulated. The machine more often than not pays out in correlation to a row of images observable on the dials on the gadget. Sadly, betting house games proffer the apparition of supremacy, effectively deluding the client: the punter is ceded judgments, but they do not realistically compensate for the client’s longterm handicap. This is due to the betting room not repaying the full stake as hoped for. This methodology is usually seen at work in acclaimed casino games such as poker, craps, roulette or blackjack.

Seven-card stud is undoubtedly an immensely fashionable casino pastime. The gamesters, holding fully hidden cards, make wagers in the pot that is ultimately bestowed onto the winning gamester possessing the winning combination of cards. (And yes, the best bluff can win ..) Commensurate with five-card stud poker, blackjack is likewise an incredibly trendy casino pastime. A lavish portion of its approval is thanks to its peculiar mix of chance and know how and decision making, not to mention a system titled Card Counting. It is a peculiar playing tactics in which gambling aficionados can dramatically reverse the chances of the game for their own good both by wagering and strategic opetations corresponding with the cards shown.

“Craps” is another well-known gambling hall pastime based on the throw of two dice. Craps buffs will make wagers on the result of one roll, or on a succession of rolls of 2 dice. In contrast to blackjack, there isn’t any possible bona fide winner system players could employ to improve the odds. Roulette is another immensely popular casino based pastime; a croupier whirls a roulette wheel which encloses precisely thirtyseven (classical roulette) or 38 (American or Vegas roulette) separately marked divisions in which a tossed ball must come to rest, thereby establishing the final winning number and the other related odds. Whenever the gamer has put money on a number and is successful i.e. they’ve got a lucky hand, the set reward is thirty five to 1, the initial wager being repaid. Consequently in totality it is increased by a factor of thirty six.

So be very much careful however, because such betting room gambling pastimes should be deemed especially habituating. A multitude of lives are proven to have been destroyed through gambling and although it might be fun, please do venture to regulate your gaming.

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Surrounded by the romantic and beautiful Smoky Mountains, a Gatlinburg cabin is the perfect spot for a honeymoon vacation. Each year hundreds of newlyweds enjoy their memorable first days alone in Gatlinburg. So many people have recognized Gatlinburg as an ideal honeymoon location that the town has been nicknamed a “Garden of Eden” for lovers.

Gatlinburg is a honeymoon paradise every season of the year. Spring is an especially beautiful time of year to honeymoon in Gatlinburg, as wildflowers bloom throughout the town. The classic honeymoon season is summer, when newlyweds enjoy all the outdoor fun that Gatlinburg has to offer. Fall in the Smokey Mountains offers a fantastic display of color, as well as fresh weather perfect for vigorous outdoor activities. Winter is a great choice for those who enjoy winter sports and who might desire some privacy away from larger crowds, as well as all of the benefits a private cabin has to offer. Honeymooners in Gatlinburg cabins can expect many luxuries, including a “bed of roses,” a romantic picnic, and a candlelight dinner for two. Gatlinburg honeymoon cabins are outfitted with all of the necessary amenities designed for an unforgettable honeymoon, including hot tubs, balconies, and fireplaces.

Gatlinburg honeymoon cabins packages often include at least two nights, with others extending up to a full week. The price of such packages tend to range from $400 to $1,000, and often include dinner, candles, and discounted admission to local attractions, such as Dollywood, Ober Gatlinburg, and Ripley’s Aquarium.

A Gatlinburg honeymoon cabin also makes a wonderful wedding location. Each year couples say their vows in a traditional Gatlinburg wedding chapel, in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, or in their own romantic Gatlinburg cabin rental before beginning their honeymoon. In addition, combined wedding and honeymoon packages are available, starting from approximately $700 and up. Such packages typically include a photographer, minister, wedding cake, and at least two nights in a Gatlinburg cabin.

Many Gatlinburg honeymoon cabin packages can be researched and purchased online.

The Staten Island Ferry is a fabulous institution. It is a huge ferry that departs from a very modern, glass enclosed terminal, holds several thousand people and in just about 20 minutes whisks you over to Staten Island, very close to the Statue of Liberty, and all this for free! One thing we really noticed about New York City is that we definitely love the public transportation system. With our week long pass we have been hopping on an off subways as we please and we have found the transit system to be very efficient, pretty clean and quite safe (for the most part).

The Staten Island Ferry is a great insiders way of sneaking a peak at the Statue of Liberty since it passes pretty close by Ellis Island. Not close enough to take really great pictures with a simple digital camera like mine, but I gave it a shot anyway.

As we got off the ferry terminal on Staten Island I had a bit of a hare-brained idea: I suggested that we board one of the buses that was waiting there, just to hop on and ride around and see the island. Of course I didn’t have a bus map with me, didn’t have any literature about Staten Island, so didn’t know where we were going or what the major destinations were on the island. So we got on the #46 bus without any idea where we were going or how long it was going to take. (I guess I figured how big can the island be? Well, it’s bigger than I thought…).

But we saw a good chunk of Staten Island’s neighbourhoods and there are some pretty nice residential neighbourhoods, although I had expected a more upscale, more landscaped environment. The ethnic mix in the area seemed to be very much characterized by Blacks and Latinos, at least those were pretty much the only people getting on the bus. School had just ended so a bunch of highschool kids had gotten on with us.

Well, we rode the darn bus until the end, which ended up being a non-descript shopping mall called “West Shore Plaza”, where we ended up having a sandwich and strolling around in a sports store which had amazingly good prices on most merchandise. Then finally another bus showed up and we had to run to catch it.

It was a pretty non-eventful bus ride, people of all ages got on and off, then two young black teenage boys got on, but didn’t pay. The bus driver didn’t question them and we just continued the ride. All of a sudden, I heard a big noise, like someone fists hitting another person and all the people in the bus turned around, and the two young men were beating up a young short Latino teenager. It all took just a few seconds, right before a bus stop. The whole event was too quick for anyone else to react, although I have to say, the crowd showed compassion and shock at what had happened. The minute the bus came to a stop, the two guys jumped out and ran away.

Everybody was shocked. The Latino kid was sitting there, rumpled, stunned, not seriously hurt, but had a very pained expression on his face. After he had calmed down he explained that about 8 kids were trying to extract money form him at the bus stop, he said he didn’t have any and gave them an expired transit pass and 2 of the guys followed him onto the bus.

I have never personally witnessed public violence, so this was very shocking to me and I was glad that the kid wasn’t really hurt. But I did feel very sorry for the victim and the whole event left a bad taste in my mouth, particularly since we had had the impression that New York City had felt so clean and safe. As a matter of fact we had commented on that a number of times, of how little litter there was in the street, how few street people or hustlers there were, how there was no graffiti in the subways, and how safe it felt to be taking transit at all hours of the day. We heard that former mayor Rudy Giuliani as well as current mayor Michael Bloomberg have really been cleaning up the city, and it shows. I guess it still doesn’t prevent all violence from happening.

After our return to Manhattan we subwayed it all the way up to 103rd Street and essentially walked all the way down through Central Park, admiring all the recreational facilities and the beauty of this giant green space. Further south we strolled over to 5th Avenue and then down into the Broadway Area just north of Times Square, where we had some quick Italian food at Ray’s Pizza. The evening was pretty chilly, probably only about 12 degrees or so and past 11 we headed back home on the Q train, processing the memories of another packed day and studying the behaviour of our fellow transit riders all the way back.

The warm clear waters along the Tanzanian coast offer superb and varied diving; with, some of the most spectacular sites in the gulf between Zanzibar and Pemba. Here the rough waters and strong currents are home to manta rays, white sharks, hammerheads and an abundance of pelagic life.

The best diving on Zanzibar Island is at Mnemba Atoll. The reef around this tiny East Africa Island offers a range of good inner and outer wall dives, as well as some beautiful coral gardens. Being located on the deepwater side of Zanzibar, this site is also a good place to catch sight of both whale-sharks and humpbacks during the migration. If you are going to restrict diving to Zanzibar Island only, then the most part of your trip should be centered around Matemwe and Mnemba Island.

The cluster of islands around Mafia island, which is south of Zanzibar, offers excellent locations for diving, holidays. The main island of Mafia has a hotel that offers diving trips within the marine park. Not many divers visit these sites yet, even though they are sheltered, relatively shallow and teaming with life. You can also dive in the unsheltered Indian Ocean side of Mafia which promises classic reef formation, walls, pinnacles, an abundance of tiger sharks and coral gardens, However, diving here is more difficult due to the swells, even when the waters are calm, The warm Indian Ocean waters surrounding Pemba Island are home to thousands of species of tropical fish and exotic marine life. The shallows around the numerous islands of Pemba offer stunning, snorkeling in aquamarine waters, lush coral gardens which stretch far ahead and then suddenly plunge into the dark blue depths of Pemba’s incredible drop offs.

The small villages in this out of the way Island of Pemba have had little impact on the surrounding reefs; Pemba is relatively unknown and tourism is limited. These factors have helped to preserve the reefs and they remain in pristine condition. These exciting reefs stretch out as far as the eye can see. Large pelagic fish swim and hunt amongst the thousands of small, brightly colored reef fish that play around the plunging drop-offs and in the turquoise waters of the shallows – an underwater naturalist’s dream. Pemba is renowned for its pristine and un-spoilt coral reefs but also for its vertical coral cliffs which plummet to depths of more than eight hundred meters. Underwater visibility often reaches forty meters or more. Looking over the precipice of some of the outer walls can be a mind blowing experience! Watch out for the Vertigo!

Pemba also has a stunning wreck dive in the South of Pemba Island at Panza populated by large groupers and Napoleon wrasse.

Mesali Island is famous as Pemba’s only marine sanctuary. A visit to this beautiful reef is a must for all – beach lovers, snorkellers and divers alike. A perfect spot for a picnic and with delightful walks through the interior bush, you can spend the day relaxing on the white beach or snorkeling and diving on the numerous reefs around the island. The Mesali beaches are especially important as sea turtle nesting beaches.

Diving in Tanzania and in the islands off the coast offers some of the best diving the world has to offer. A driving vacation after a safari makes for a holiday of a life time. When you book please try to ensure you use operators, lodges that pay fair wages and help the communities on which they rely.

For further information Bethel Adventure on Tanzania, Kilimanjaro and the islands of Zanzibar. http://www.betheladventure.co.uk uses tourism to fund community initiatives focused on the education of the young and the medical care for the whole family.