Rental Car Insurance - Should You Get It?

When planning to apply for rental car insurance a lot of questions come to mind. These questions confuse us as to whether to apply for it or not. Furthermore, one wants to know whether the auto insurance at present covers the rented cars or not. The insurance for a rented car will cover theft or a damaged rented car and you will not be held liable for it.

When you are to apply for rental car insurance you need to consider a few things. Firstly you should check with your own personal auto car insurance and see whether it will cover the rented car or not. You should also find the auto rental insurance type that is covering you with the help of your credit card company.

It is more likely that the auto car insurance will cover the rented car if you have rented it for the purpose of leisure and not for business. The existing auto insurance coverage and the deductibles will apply to the car rented. Remember if it is providing coverage then find out the type as well. Also, check for the offers by auto car insurance as they will be less expensive than getting it from a rental company.

It is advisable to apply for a rental through your credit card. This will give you a variety of insurances depending on the bank providing the credit card, card type etc. In general, the insurance will only cover for the damaged car and not the property, personal belongings or liabilities.

These are few things that you should consider and ensure that you get firsthand knowledge before you decide to get rental car cover.

Malaga Airport Taxi Transfers

A Taxi transfer from Malaga airport represents a cheap convenient way of reaching your holiday destination safely and quickly. By pre booking a Taxi transfer in the UK before your holiday you can be sure of a speedy, friendly and safe journey onwards. Pre booking will help to avoid any problems you might encounter if you try to book at the airport upon your arrival.

If you are a tourist looking for some summer sunshine or a business commuter, Malaga airport is a perfect gateway to the Costa del Sol. Malaga is Spain's fourth busiest airport it now accommodates over 12 million passengers every year. Currently it is undergoing the latest stage of developments adding a third terminal and a new second runway. Officials predict the airport will be able to cope with 9000 passengers an hour during peak season.

If you pre book a Taxi transfer before you leave you can be happy in the knowledge that when you arrive somebody will be waiting ready to pick you up. As you leave the arrivals lounge either a driver with a sign will be waiting for you, or you will have to meet a representative of the company to assign you to a taxi. Practically all drivers used speak English; you don't have to worry about any communication problems as your driver will already have your address details.

Malaga has fantastic road links meaning your taxi transfer will be quick and simple. Located only 8 kilometers west outside of the city center you can reach the A7 coastal road in no time. This road links quickly to the AP7 Autopisa del Sol motorway. The coastal road has some fantastic views of the local area and twisting golden beaches. Destinations such as Granada, Torremolinos, Fuengirola, Marbella or even Gibralta are all extremely accessible and can be reached quickly.

When you are booking your taxi you will undoubtedly come across several different fares; competition is high in most of Spain's airports so shop around or use comparison search engines to find the best prices. After all any money saved at this stage can be spent and enjoyed during your vacation.

Malaga airport offers really easy access for drivers and passengers alike, the taxis are allowed up to park in a very conveniently located bay at the front doors of the airport. You won't have to carry your suitcases over any great distance.

A pre booked taxi will wait for you if you are delayed or if seriously delay other drivers will be used. Both the transfer companies and drivers monitor incoming flights to check if you are delayed. Chances are they will know better than you what time to expect your arrival.

If you are carrying extra luggage or sport equipment like skis or golf clubs ensure have pre arranged this at the time of booking. They may incur a fee but more importantly the transfer company needs to know to ensure it will all fit in the car provided.

By booking on line through a reputable company it ensures you will receive a safe professional service. Drivers will be properly licensed with all the appropriate Taxi legislation in place. Their vehicles must comply with regular health and safety checks, this way you know you will be in safe hands.

If you're taking a holiday quite often you won't feel like driving your self. A holiday is an escape from everyday chores like driving and should be relaxing, by starting your holiday with a taxi transfer you can sit back, and relax whilst enjoying the views and let somebody else worry about the driving.

Car Rental Types in Hawaii

Hawaii is a place of beauty and wonder, and with a climate most dream to experience everyday you bet there is a lot to see. Depending on who you're taking to Hawaii you are presented with a plethora of vehicle rental options that will each bring a different trip perspective. There's something for everyone in Hawaii weather it be for the kids or an afternoon drive along the coast with the whole entire family.

Everyone typically will rent a car when they travel to Hawaii and this for the most part is the best and most affordable option. With gas prices on a rise there are plenty of hybrid's for rent so that will put less of a strain on your travel costs. The island has dozens of scenic routes covering most of the cities both along the coast and through lush forests and mountains. People of all ages will enjoy all that Hawaii has to offer from the seat of a car.

If you're looking for adventure and wanting to go off-roading, then Hawaii is the perfect 4x4 destination in America. If you've always wanted to take a rental car to the extreme without worrying about getting in trouble then I suggest you rent a Jeep. Maui has a large 4x4ing scene and there are dozens of adventure trails perfect for exploring the sights most won't see on the open road. If you have teenagers coming with you then this is the perfect option.

A lot of weddings and groups travel to Hawaii so that usually means you need a lot of transportation. Forget renting a few cars and look into getting a Van. If you got a sports team or large family going a Van makes a much more affordable transport option because it makes sharing the rental and fuel charges sharable.

Before you choose any of these 3 options make sure to talk to your travel agent about driving restrictions as well as insurance options. Remember to drive safe and have fun!

Car Rental Transport - Things to Consider

Car rental in New Zealand is definitely the preferred transportation option when it comes to getting around the country. Although there are other means of transportation available, it is far more convenient and flexible to have your own vehicle hire. The roads in New Zealand are well maintained and well sign posted so tourists will have no problem navigating their way around the country. However, it is important that you carefully choose the vehicle hire company that you are going to use.

Naturally, you will want to ascertain that you are not only getting the best deal, but are also travelling in a rental vehicle that is well maintained and safe. Here are some tips that you might want to consider when picking the right car rental company for you.

A reputable firm should offer a range of car rental options including a selection of hatches, sedans, station wagons, people movers, minibuses and luggage trailers. Everyone has different needs when it comes to renting a vehicle. For example, if you are travelling with a group of people, you may want to rent a minivan that is big enough to accommodate everyone in your group. Also, if you are bringing a baby with you, the car rental company in New Zealand you choose should be able to provide you with a car seat for infants or kids.

They should also offer competitive rates. Given the number of competitors vying for the same clientele, you have a great deal of choice. Finding a car rental company in New Zealand that not only offers affordable rental rates, but inclusive insurance and tax in the full rental price helps you plan your holiday budget with much more precision. No one wants to book a vehicle for hire and then find out at the pickup depot that things like insurance and tax (things you assumed were inclusive), actually are not. This digs into your holiday budget and disrupts your spending plans.

Aside from the dependability of the vehicles provided by the car rental company in New Zealand, check for additional services such as free pick up from the airport, a range of drop off and pick locations across the country, road assistance, maps / GPS hire, travel guides, availability of tools and spare tires. It is important to know that you will be able to count on the vehicle hire company to extend a helping hand just in case you encounter a road accident or car troubles, wherever you are in the country. If you are travelling the whole of New Zealand, look for a car rental company in New Zealand that can arrange ferry tickets for you, again saving you time and helping to give you a better idea of your holiday budget.

As you begin your search online for vehicle hire in New Zealand, remember to look for a company that meets all the considerations mentioned above. It is important you feel safe and confident with the car rental company you decide to book with as part of your holiday.

Brother MFC 9840cdw Toner Cartridges - Using Compatibles Will Save Money

The Brother MFC 9840cdw is one of the best selling color laser multi-function devices on the market today. The popularity of these "all in one" work centers is fueled by a low purchase price and proven performance. The MFC 9840cdw is very popular among small business owners because the low purchase price (under $600) makes this device a great deal when compared to color laser multi-function devices from other manufacturers.

Brother MFC 9840cdw owners who were pleased with this units low purchase price are quickly finding out that this isn't the case when purchasing replacement toner cartridges. Replacing toner cartridges in the Brother MFC 9840cdw can be very costly. The device uses four toner cartridges: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black. Both, standard yield and high yield toner cartridges are available for use in this device. The standard yield cartridges (Brother Part numbers: TN110C, TN110M, TN110Y, TN110BK) are rated at 2,500 pages for the black and 1,500 pages for the cyan, magenta, and yellow. Replacing the four standard capacity cartridges (TN110) will cost approximately $300. ($78 each for colors, $67 each for black) The higher capacity cartridges (Brother Part numbers: TN115C, TN115M, TN115Y, TN115BK) offer a "better bang for the buck" and a lower overall cost of operation when used. These cartridges are rated at 5,000 pages for the black and 2,500 pages for the cyan, magenta, and yellow. Replacing the four high capacity cartridges (TN115) will cost approximately $510. ($138 each for colors, $96 each for black) In some cases, that is equal to cost of the printer itself!

Fortunately for owners of the Brother MFC 9840cdw, compatible toner cartridges are available and offer some relief in regards to cost. Many retailers, online and traditional, now carry compatible (non-OEM branded) toner cartridges that are designed to work in Brother MFC 9840cdw printers. Compatible cartridges offer a significant cost savings when compared to the OEM branded cartridges. The high capacity (TN115) compatible cartridges are usually priced around $68 for the colors (Cyan, Magenta, and Yellow) and $52 for Black. That is $256 for a complete set of four, which is approximately 50% less than the OEM retail prices.

Using compatible toner cartridges does not impact a printers warranty in any way and they will uphold the same level of performance as the OEM branded products when purchased from a reputable seller.

Conclusion

The Brother 9840cdw is a color laser multi-function device that has gained popularity with consumers due to the attractive low purchase price and dependable reputation. Owners of this device are encouraged to use compatible toner cartridges as a way to reduce their overall printing costs. These cartridges can save owners a lot of money and have no effect on the quality of the prints.

Chore Charts For Kids - Helpful For Kids and Parents

One of the biggest issues parents have getting their kids to do their chores is having to constantly remind them. Parents will often spend more time reminding kids of their chores than it takes to actually do the chore. For very young kids, this really is to be expected. A preschooler will require much more reminding and encouraging than a third grader, although some reminding and encouraging will always be needed for any child, even teens.

Having a chore chart for your kids can make things easier for you and them. A chore list with their daily and weekly chores is a helpful way to set their goals in front of them and check them off as they are accomplished. It also places more of the responsibility in the hands of the child, as the chore list becomes a separate entity from the parent. The parent merely has to say, "Check your chore chart." Reminding them becomes less of a daily chore for you, and your child becomes more empowered with their responsibilities.

There are chore charts for preschoolers who may still be learning to read, with pictures to help them identify the chores on the list. A chore chart for young kids may include basic tasks that need to become daily habits, like brushing their teeth and making the bed. A variety of printable chore charts can be found online that would be age appropriate for your kids.

One very important element to help remind and motivate your kids is an incentive. Kids don't often understand why these chores have to be done all the time, after all, the floor will be messy again tomorrow. Rewards are important for learning and experiencing a since of accomplishment since they don't feel or understand the benefit of the completed task the way the parent does. Rewards can vary by age, from playtime or a desired toy to a cash allowance. Whatever you decide is the best reward for your child, remember that your consistency with the rewards will help develop their consistency with the chores, and the responsibility chart can become a reward chart in the eyes of the child. You can even find chore charts with reward boxes below the list of chores for your child to check off once they have completed all of the tasks.

Kanye West (Feat KiD CuDi Pusha T John Legend Lloyd Banks) - Christian Dior Denim Flow

Kanye West (Feat KiD CuDi Pusha T John Legend Lloyd Banks & Ryan Leslie) - Christian Dior Denim Flow Kanye West (Feat KiD CuDi Pusha T John Legend Lloyd Banks & Ryan Leslie) - Christian Dior Denim Flow Kanye West (Feat KiD CuDi Pusha T John Legend Lloyd Banks & Ryan Leslie) - Christian Dior Denim Flow



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ytup-2F6F8&hl=en

4x4 Hire - Zambia & Zimbabwe

Zambia and Zimbabwe

I have the choice of three border posts between Zambia and Zimbabwe: Chirundu, Siavonga (Kariba) and Livingstone (Victoria Falls). I choose to cross the border at Livingstone in my cross border car rental, so I can judge for myself whether Victoria Falls are better viewed from the Zambian or the Zimbabwean side.

Mazabuku

As I head south out of Lusaka on the main T2, about 5 km outside the city, I stop at a supermarket to refuel. A little while later, after going through the town of Kafue, I cross over the Kafue Gorge bridge and keep a look out for the turning to Livingstone, which is not that clearly signposted. I spot it and turn left. Less than an hour later, I find myself driving through fields of sugarcane, as I approach Mazabuku. The town is tree-lined and seems well developed with plenty of shops and garages and even some eateries. I stop briefly to buy some supplies and then continue my journey south along a reasonably good tar road. A couple of hours later I arrive in Choma and pop into the Museum, which has some fascinating displays on Tonga culture and a craft centre. Then, I head north to the Nkanga River Conservation area, where I am going to be spending the night at one of the campsites. The area is a bird-watchers paradise with over 400 different species of birdlife - I fall asleep to the soft hoot of owls in the trees outside.

Livingstone

The next morning, after a couple of hours' drive, I arrive in Livingstone, after passing through the towns of Kalomo and Zimba. The main street of the town is lined with Victorian tin-roofed houses with wooden verandas that take me back in time. On the road to Victoria Falls, I stop at a thatched-covered gas station to fill up and check oil and water, before crossing into Zimbabwe. I drive over what must be one of the most spectacular border crossings in the world: the 111 meter bridge viaduct that spans the Zambezi.

Victoria Falls

As water thunders to my left, I understand why the Kokolo tribe called Victoria Falls "Mosi-oa-Tunya" (the smoke that thunders). A World Heritage Site, the Victoria Falls are one of the seven natural wonders of the world and twice as high and one and a half times as wide as the Niagara Falls. People are bungee jumping from the middle of the bridge (crazy!). Vic Falls is known as the adrenalin capital with an amazing choice of crazy adventure sports to try out, from microlighting to gorge swinging. I prefer my adventures from behind the wheel of my 4x4 hire!

When I arrive on the Zimbawean side, I find the view to be even more spectacular. I can see three times more of the Victoria falls from this side than from Zambia. Unfortunately I don't have time to walk along some of the walkways and get soaked with spray (like other tourists I see). I need to reach Hwange National Park before nightfall.

Hwange National Park

Travelling along a tarred road, the countryside is green and beautiful. About two hours after leaving Victoria Falls, I arrive in Hwange, the largest National Park in Zimbabwe, covering over 14 000 square kilometers. Driving through the Park I am grateful for my 4x4: the potholes on some of the roads seem to have potholes of their own! I arrive at a camp and after eating around the fire, climb into my roof tent to sleep. A while later, I hear a noise and, peeking out of my tent, see a hyena standing just 30 metres away. Am I glad to be on top of the 4x4, hired in South Africa! The next day I visit some waterholes and am lucky enough to see a massive elephant having a shower. I don't see any of the cat family but do get to see lots of antelope and, curiously, thousands of butterflies.

I had been planning to drive from Hwange to Kariba, but fellow travellers I meet tell me that the dirt road is very poor condition and that it's best to travel there on the Zambian side. So, I return to Victoria Falls, where I treat myself to a night in a luxury hotel. I am going to have a long day tomorrow. I leave as dawn is breaking and cross over into Zambia as soon as the border post opens up. It takes me over six hours driving along a potholed tar road to reach Kariba. The next morning, I cross over into Zimbabwe again through the Chirundu one-stop border post, one of Southern Africa's busiest inland border crossings. It takes a while, as I am in the same queue as a whole lot of truckers waiting to navigate the two countries' cross-border immigration and customs. Eventually I am through and drive up the hill past the Mana Pools entrance gate to Marongara, Mana Pools' headquarters where I get my permits.

Mana Pools

Then I drive back down the hill through the park gates and am in Mana Pools, Zimbabwe's second World Heritage Site, on the southern bank of the Zambezi River. It takes me two hours to get to the campsite. After settling in, I go for an unguided walk along the old river terraces and see antelope and elephants in the distance - it's like walking in a woodland park. At Mana Pools there are no fences to separate humans and animals, just the sounds of the wilderness all around: monkeys calling to each other, hippos grunting and elephants trumpeting. I feel a sense of tranquility and peace that is only highlighted by the surreal light filtering through the trees. After two days of relaxation and immersion in nature, I leave for Lake Kariba, just 100 km away.

Lake Kariba

Lake Kariba is a manmade lake that was constructed in the 1950s when the Kariba Dam was built along the Zambezi River. The Tonga people, who were displaced by the Dam, believe that the Nyaminyami god will take revenge on man's disruption of nature. But I see no sign of that - just a lake that is teeming with crocodiles and hippos. It is definitely not the place for a swim but wonderful for viewing wildlife! Before booking in at my accommodation, I take a 2-hour drive around the lake and see a multitude of wildlife: elephants, baboons, zebra, waterbuck, impala and even a tortoise. That night I sleep on board a houseboat from where I am able to experience a different view of the wildlife, watching as crocodiles slip from the banks into the river, hippos wallow in the mud and fish eagles perch on half-submerged tree trunks.

The next morning I leave Kariba for Mozambique. I had originally intended crossing from Zimbabwe into Mozambique at the Forbees-Machipanda border post just outside Mutare, but because of fuel shortages, prefer not to travel further than is necessary in Zimbabwe. I set off from Kariba to Makuti, where I turn left towards Chirundu and then right onto the road to Kanyemba. The road is not great but my 4x4 hire is able to cope with the potholes and a couple of hours later I reach the border crossing of Kanyemba.

Easy Healthy Snacks For Kids

After a long and active day at school, our children tend to come home hungry, hence the popularity of the afternoon snack. Most store bought or commercial snacks are rich in carbohydrates, sugar, sodium, and fats. Things like packaged cookies, pastries, and other quick fix snacks are low in nutrition, and are generally unhealthy.

While most of us don't have to the time to make elaborate snacks for our children, there are many easy healthy snacks that we can prepare the minute they ask for it or make in the morning and leave in the fridge for when our kids come home. These snacks should focus on fruit and dairy, the two food groups that seldom go into the other meals of the day. If you can supply your children with either a serving of fruit or dairy or both, then you are sure that they are getting the kind of nutrition they need.

Here are some snack ideas:

Fruit Juice Popsicles:

This is the easiest snack to prepare! Just get store bought Popsicle makers or containers and fill them with 100% fruit juice. Freeze these containers, and don't forget to stick a Popsicle stick in it if it doesn't have one already. They're really healthy, and you can make many at a time and in varying flavors. You can even make one flavor for every day of the school week, and then you'll be done with all the snacks for that week!

Low-Fat Yogurt or Pudding:

This is a great and healthy snack!! A cup of yogurt or pudding will fulfill one dairy serving for your child. You can buy these at almost any grocery store. Yogurt would be the healthier option. They even have yogurt cups that come with fruit mixed in it. For a child with a sweet tooth, pudding is good too. Be sure to look at the nutritional facts posted on the package of pudding. Things to look for are: low-fat and no trans-fat, these would be your best picks.

Home Made Oatmeal Cookies:

Make these during the weekend and your kids can have them anytime during the week for as long as supplies last! Oatmeal cookies are high in grains and fiber, and if you make them at home, you can control how much sugar you put in. Try using no sugar with your cookies, and putting a few bittersweet chocolate bits on top of each one before popping them into the oven. These will provide sweetness, and it's a good twist to an old recipe.

Fruit and Cheese:

One of the simplest and easiest healthy snacks. Your kids can even prepare these themselves. Just a few slices of cheese and some apples and grapes are already enough to fill one serving of dairy and one serving of fruit. You can also choose to serve some whole wheat crackers with the cheese in order to throw in a grain serving.

Fruit Men:

These are fun to make snacks. They can be as simple as a banana with raisin eyes and a cut out mouth. You can prepare fruit men ahead of time and place them in a Tupperware container then in the fridge. These snacks require a bit more time than most, but they're fun to eat, and can actually be a fun activity for you and your kids.

Easy healthy snacks are usually just hiding right under our noses. If you can't think of anything, poke around your fridge and kitchen. You will see thousands of healthy possibilities!

Kids Electric Scooters

There are not many better presents out there for your young ones than a kids electric scooter. These are a great present that can give your children years of fun and enjoyment. It doesn't matter whether they are a boy or a girl, all kids will love them and there are some really cool designs to be found. If you are considering purchasing an electric scooter for your kid then have a good look around online to find as many different types as you can. This will give you a really good idea of the different types and costs that can be expected. This article will explain why purchasing kids electric scooters for your children may just be the best present you ever bought them.

At the moment electric scooters are selling like crazy and most kids either have it on their Christmas list or already have one. The reason for these great gifts being so popular is that they give your kids a sense for freedom in the form of their very own personal transport.

There are many things that you should consider when purchasing an electric scooter for your kids and below are a few important points that you should keep in mind.

The scooter should come with a full sized standing deck to reduce the chance of your child falling off or having an accident. A bigger standing deck will give the scooter more stability when they are riding it and thus reduce the chance of injury.

Make sure that the weight capacity of the scooter you purchase is a decent amount above the size of your child. This will leave room for your kid to grow into the scooter and it also means that you will not have to run out and purchase another bigger scooter this time next year. Some of the higher end scooters can hold weights of up to 220 pounds (100kgs).

Another added bonus of purchasing kids electric scooters for your children is that they are very cheap to run and great for the environment. They should cost about 10 times less when compared to similar scooters that are run on gasoline.

If you are now sold on purchasing a kids electric scooter have a think about buying your scooter on the net. This is a fantastic way to complete your shopping because there are literally thousands of stores all competing for your business. Searching online for kids electric scooters 1means that you can find the widest variety of the finest scooters and all at the lowest prices, all from the convenience of your own home. The finest way to purchase your products online is to find as many different online stores as you can and then compare prices. This will help you to discover all those wonderful bargains that are hiding. An added cool step to take if you do not want to shop online is to locate the scooter that you want and then contrast the price at the online shops with offline stores. In performing this you might be able to get a bit more out of the offline shops if you bring up the prices that you discovered online.

Handicap Van Rental

Handicap vans (also called wheelchair accessible vans) are made for people who are confined to wheelchairs. There is either a ramp or chair-lift which make getting into the van very easy. Getting into and out of cars can take a long time and be very stressful. Handicap van rentals help save you time and reduce your stress levels! Unfortunately, handicap vans can be extremely expensive to purchase, so renting one is often the better option. This guide will tell you about the different types of handicap vans you can hire and also look at how to find great deals on wheelchair accessible vans.

Types of Handicap Vans
Full size handicap vans are great for people who want some storage space. They usually have side cargo door lifts, rear door lifts and under vehicle lifts. At the other end of the scale are minivans. These are very small, compared to the full size versions, and have little space to store goods. They usually have a fold out ramp to assist in getting into the vehicle. It you only want to rent a van for city driving, then a minivan should be large enough. However, if you want to transport a large amount of goods then a full size van is the better option.

How to Find the Best Price
When looking to rent handicap vans you should visit some of the website of the major van rental companies and compare the deals they offer. You can also do a quick search for some coupon codes which will save you 5-10% off the total cost. There may even be some coupons available to purchase on eBay. Make sure you do plenty of research to find the best deal.

Fly-Drive the West Coast of USA

Fly Drive is becoming increasingly popular these days, with people wanting to explore more and more places in a short period of time. An easy way to describe a fly drive, is booking a plane ticket to some where, picking up a car at the airport and off you go. Staying at hotels on the way because you can't drive for a whole week or two non-stop!

There are many different types of fly drives. You can stay in one city and drive to other cities that are close, or you can start at one city and end at another. This would be particularly good if you are planning on going to the USA, as you can see many more cities on your holiday, rather than stay in one.

A really wonderful fly-drive is the West Coast in the USA. Drive to places starting at San Diego, California and finishing at Portland, Oregon. Before you set off, I advise reading guides about the different areas within this trip and getting hold of some maps and studying them, finding the best routes to take. The guide below is a rough guide, so to get the most out of your trip, do some studying!

Start at San Diego, pick up your hire car and off you go! I recommend you watch the sunset over this city, there are not too many huge skyscrapers, but just enough to give a wonderful view. There are many places to stay here too, which is where your guides will come in handy as they give information on different types of places to stay from budget to luxury. Some of the attractions in San Diego are the variety of museums such as San Diego Museum of Art, The Natural History Museum and The Columbia district which has a variety of historic ship exhibits. There is also SeaWorld, Legoland and San Diego Zoo to go and visit.

Your next stop is a wonderful 2 - 3 hour drive along the coast on the No.5 Freeway to Los Angeles. Before going into the city, if you fancy relaxing along Long beach then there are some wonderful stretches of beaches along this strip. This is a must-see city. You will definitely want to spend a few days here as there is so much to see. Go to Disneyland and Universal Studios for a family fueled park packed full of fun. Or go to Beverly Hills and Hollywood Boulevard and see the star filled paths, look inside the Kodak theatre where the famous Oscars are held and indulge in some luxury shopping. Just make sure you have enough space in your suitcase for your next destination!

Next we are going on a slight detour of the coast, 4 - 5 hours in fact, up to Las Vegas, Nevada. Now you will have to cross states, California to Nevada so have all your documents from your car hire company, driving license and insurance documents in case you get stopped and checked. It is also wise to have your passport handy. Now Las Vegas is a sight to see in itself. The beautiful lights of the city at night time are something to see. Also wine and dine in fine restaurants and stay in some very classy hotels such as the Bellagio, or Ceaser's Palace. Enjoy some of the many stage shows such as the Blue Man Group or you may get a chance to see performances from the Pussycat Dolls. Las Vegas is a wonderful city and you can even drive to the outskirts and see the Hoover Dam.

Once your ready to leave Vegas, head up Route 95 for about 2 - 3 hours, again, crossing the border back into sunny California and you will find yourself in Death Valley National Park. Here you can enjoy some hiking and trekking. Be warned, it can get really hot so take lots of water with you! You are also able to camp in some of the may campsites and enjoy some inspiring views! It's definitely worth staying over night, if you can hack the heat.

The next destination is about 5 and half hours away in a lovely city called Fresno. Here there are some wonderful things to do. If you go in season then you can enjoy Fresno Country Blossom Trail which houses some of the finest blossoming peach, nectarine, plum, orange, and almond trees in full bloom. Also a must see is the Forestiere Underground Gardens which was built over 40 years and has some mind boggling trees that grow underground. There are also a selection of hotels to stay, after a 5 hour drive I think you'll need it!

Now we are going to be heading back towards the coast to San Jose. It should take about 3 hours or so. In San Jose there are many parks to relax and have some coffee and there are also many trails around the city to enjoy. You must visit Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph, which is the oldest parish in California and also Raging Waters, the largest water park in Northern California with 23 acres and millions of gallons of water.

Now a nice short drive to San Francisco, you should be there in under an hour traffic permitting, and there are many things to do here. Play a round of golf if you are on your trip with the lads then head to the River Rock casino or see Fishermans Bay and go to the Aquarium. A must see is the Golden Gate Bridge and a tour of the Jelly Bean Factory! There are many more attractions to see in San Francisco but those I'll leave you to find, it's part of the fun of a Fly-Drive holiday.

Hit the roads again for an hour or 2 up to Sacramento, the capital of California. There are many things to see and do in Sacramento, some of these in include wining and dining in some fabulous restaurants, visit the many art galleries and museums or simply just have a tour of the city. A must see is the Sundial Bridge at Turtle Bay which is a sundial but only 100% accurate on the summer solstice on June 21st or 22nd. Also Turtle Bay Exploration Park, which has 300 acres of peaceful gardens.

Another 2 hours straight up, passing the border into Oregon you'll stop off into the city of Medford. Here it's time to relax with Alba Park, the oldest in Medford and also head to Vogel Plaza to see if you catch one of the many events hosted here.

On the road again, you'll be driving for another 3 hours or so until you reach the city of Eugene. It is host to a number of cultural organisations so you will have many different shows that you can enjoy here. From dancing to concerts to the opera, it will cater for everyone. Here you will be able to meet some outdoor enthusiasts as well!

Off you go again! We are getting closer to our destination. Drive for just over an hour up to Salem. Bush's Pasture Park, a 90.5 acre urban public park and botanical garden located just south of the downtown area, or the Enchanted Forest, A land of Fairy Tales where you visit Medieval Castles, walk down wooden sidewalks in the wild, wild West, or maybe bump into a ghost in the Haunted Mansion. This is small theme park and has rides for the kids and adults with an Alpine Roller coaster, bumper cars, trains and more. In one of their many restaurants is a gorgeous water show with colorful lights bouncing off streams of water. Next door is another attraction, Thrillville.

It's only an hour to Portland, which is full of wonderful parks and open spaces. Visit Mt Tabor Park which lies on an extinct Volcano, Forest Park which is the largest wilderness park span over 5000 acres, and also Mill End Park which is the smallest park at 2 ft in diameter. AS well as this, Portland has many cultural attractions. Visit the Portland Art Museum and the Museum of Science and History. Also go and see the Opera or Ballet.

Finally, a wonderful 3 hour drive up to Seattle and you have reached your destination. Here is the birth place of Grunge Music mostly famous from Nirvana and Pearl Jam, also from the heavy coffee drinkers, Starbucks was born. Seattle is a regional destination for performing arts. So it is worth going to 5th Avenue to enjoy some of the musicals. Go and see the Jimi Hendrix statue! Here you can lay your head down to rest before you finally fly home from such a wonderful fly drive of the entire West-Coast.

I recommend that you spend a few days in each city if you can so you can absorb everything and see as much as you can see, if not then you will be about 7 - 10 days spending a few hours in each city and in a few cities overnight.

It is also a good idea to have more than one driver so then you can all alternate between cities. This way, one person isn't driving the whole way.

Total Distance: 1933 miles (3111 km)
Total Non-Stop Driving Distance Time: 1 Day 9 Hours.

I Advise you plan your trip thoroughly, making sure you have enough stop offs for rest, food and petrol (which is very important otherwise you will get no where!), and plan any overnight stays in advance. Also, as I have said before, Learn the routes! Make sure you know exactly where you are going, know of any petrol stops and all border crossing lines.

Auto Europe offer a great hire car service for driving the USA, and allow you to pick up your car from one destination and drop off at another.

Third Culture Kids

What's a third culture kid? I'd never heard the term until I began teaching in Hong Kong international school. A third culture kid is a young person who has spent some part of their childhood living in a culture other than that of their parent's home culture. They don't have full ownership in either culture so they create a kind of unique or 'third' culture which is a combination of their home culture and the cultures of the other countries in which they have lived.

Third culture kids can be the children of military personnel, refugees, diplomats, business people, missionaries or professionals who accept jobs overseas.

I was vividly reminded that my students are third culture kids after a class party at an ice rink located in a huge shopping mall near our school. Twenty of my students showed up. After we'd finished skating we went to a restaurant for refreshments. When it was time to leave the kids whipped out their mobile phones to call home so their parents could come and pick them up. I listened while the children all around me chatted with their parents in Cantonese, Japanese, Thai, Korean, Mandarin, English, Italian, Tagalog, Malay and Taiwanese. At school the children always speak English. Hearing them talk to their mothers and fathers in their native tongue reminded me of how culturally diverse a group they really were. Nobody at the tables around us seemed the least bit surprised to hear all those children speaking in different languages. Hong Kong is full of third culture kids. A local magazine ran a feature story recently about young people from a dozen different countries that have come to live in Hong Kong because of their parents' job relocation. Hong Kong issues 80,000 new work visas to foreigners each year. If even half of those people bring at least one child along when they move to Hong Kong you can imagine how quickly the population of third culture kids is growing here.

Psychologists fascinated with these young global citizens are establishing a growing body of research about them. They've discovered advantages and disadvantages to being a third culture kid.

Sometimes they feel rootless. They wonder where they really belong. Some find it hard to establish long term relationships because they have moved so frequently. On the other hand many tend to be much more outgoing and sociable and can easily get to know new people. Most speak more than one language and tend to have a much wider variety of friends. They are more flexible and ready for change. They have a broader world view and are less inclined to be prejudiced towards those of other nationalities, races and religions.

In a time when international travel is easy and globalization means businesses are sending their employees to live all over the world, the population of third culture kids is bound to continue to rise. If the wonderful students I have the privilege to work with are typical of third culture kids than I have no doubt that our world will be a better place because of them.

Kites For Kids

Kites date back 3000 years, when the Chinese made them from bamboo and silk. Over the centuries kites have been used in religious ceremonies, scientific experiments, military maneuvers and, of course, for fun. Today's sites explore the history, the science and the sport of kite flying. Learn more at the following sites:

20 Kids * 20 Kites * 20 Minutes

Can a classroom of twenty students make twenty kites, and be outside flying them in twenty minutes? You betcha! Uncle Jonathan from the Big Wind Kite Factory on the Hawaiian island of Molokai shares the kid-tested instructions he's been using with tour groups for fifteen years. The kites are folded from 8 « x 11 inch paper, so they are smaller than the usual kite, but the simple directions are easy enough for kindergartners, yet fun enough for big kids too!

How Does a Kite Fly?

This eye-pleasing site, created for a Physics course, starts with a short explanation of drag and lift, then quickly moves on to other disciplines. Don't miss the folk tales from China, Bali and Hawaii (found on History of Kites page) or the interviews with kiters Michael Graves and Peter Peters. Instructions for building a simple diamond kite and a large list of kite links complete this site.

Learn2 Make a Kite

This Learn2 lesson is actually two tutorials in one. The first set of instructions (Method 1) is a kite made from tissue paper and straw that costs almost nothing to build. Method 2 constructs a classic Scott Sled kite. It is a bit more time-consuming, but also more durable, as it is made from plastic tarp and dowels. To print the instructions, click on over to the last step of the second kite, where you'll find a link to All the Steps at Once.

Different Kinds of Coaches Available For You to Hire

The coaches generally emphasize on their strength regarding how they will be able to make the clients trip more comfortable as well as luxurious with a factor of enjoyment in it.Below given are some of the common alternatives for the person who is having interest in coach hiring for the sake of their land requirements.

Chauffeured cars are basically on the priority list, when the question comes about customized services. Most of the hiring companies determine to contain this alternative in their service list as a number of customers do demand for these kinds of cars for particular occasions and events. Generally, such kinds of service are given only for a night. This car travels to any place that you determine to travel. It is obviously subjected to agree the terms and conditions offered by the client as well as the coaching company. However, it is very common that these cars have a tendency to travel only ion the limits of the particular city.

Then you can also get the medium sized Mercedes Benz. It can transport about twenty five people at a time. The car being a little small has adequate amenities that you must have not even thought of before. There is microphone that is generally used by the touring guides to seek the attention of all. Top class luxurious cars do sport the best monitor for the sake of visual demonstration. If you wish to travel overnight, then these cars contain reading lamps similar to that of the passenger planes. So, you indeed get all the facilities that you need for a luxurious, comfortable and a safe travel.

The trips that are for longer time span, you can avail the 50+ seater coaches. These big vehicles are the highest joy and pride of the coaching industries. It contains all the amenities like that of the luxurious Mercedes Benz, and they never give up their comfort for its sizes. It is a very spacious vehicle that is particularly designed to travel for long distances. The engine sounds quite while running and never causes any disturbance to you while sleeping, reading or traveling. The parts of the vehicles are of superior quality.

So, if you ever wish to travel in safety and luxury, these coaches are the best option for you. It will be totally safe for your family, especially if you have small kids along with you in the trip. They too, will enjoy the different facilities that are specifically directed towards the kids. Most of the coaches have special plans and program for the children only. So, making a trip not only memorable as well as cherishable for you, but also for your little ones is now possible by hiring a coach. Go ahead to enjoy a pleasant journey.

Driving Rental Cars From Canada to the US

Many travelers have questions when it comes to international travel rules and regulations. Especially since the advent of tighter border rules as a result of Homeland Security in the US, it's important to know ahead of time what the rules are before traveling between Canada and the US for any reason. One such question is whether or not you can drive a rental car from Canada into the US? Some Canadians think that it's ill advised or even illegal to take a rental car across the border. However, read below as this article may clear up some of the common misconceptions about this.

The good news is that most Canadian car rental companies will allow Canadian and American customers to take Canadian registered rental cars across the border in the United States for personal or business travel. It's not illegal to do this and it doesn't require any special type of permission to travel from Canada into the United States. Before doing so, however, it's important to check with the rental company to see if the mileage rates will be the same since in Canada the mileage is metric while in the United States the mileage is standard measurements. If you are driving a Canadian vehicle, it's probably going to be a good idea to choose unlimited mileage on your contract terms, otherwise you will be stuck trying to figure out the mileage to avoid any mileage over limit fees upon return of the vehicle. It's also possible that the insurance laws may be different in the states in which you are traveling to in the US so be sure to check ahead of time to make sure the vehicle will be carrying enough liability in the event of an unexpected car accident. Keep in mind that car rental companies are never responsible for legal fees, fines or tickets in the event of a DUI or other vehicle related offense. You should also note that in order to cross into the US via Customs, you will need to have proper identification for yourself as well as any passengers in the vehicle.

When returning to Canada from the United States it's important that the vehicle is checked in through Canadian customs. You will show them your Canadian driver's license, the vehicle registration ID card and the Canadian insurance certificate upon return. Be prepared to spend some time in Customs, but not as much as you would as a US Citizen. This is in adverse to someone traveling from the US into Canada with a US registered vehicle, which requires swapping out at the border for a Canadian licensed vehicle. That can be an inconvenience and stressful for any traveler.

As with any car rental situation, it's important to have all the proper documentation readily available to avoid any possible difficulties in your travels. In addition to having your driver's license, you will need a passport issued in your country of origin. You will also need to keep the rental paperwork and any vehicle insurance cards available in order to show Customs you are driving a properly registered and insured vehicle. Be sure to ask the rental agent in Canada about all required documentation before you make this trip to save yourself a great deal of hassle. This will enable smooth passage between the custom's departments of each country. If you have any problems with this process, most rental companies include a toll-free number that you can call to obtain more information or to help manage any issues that may arise.

How to Find Online Coupons and Promo Codes For Office Depot

Running a business can be tough. Operating costs, including office supplies, can eat into the leanest of budgets. Luckily, there are ways to reduce your costs - and increase your profits - by saving money on office supplies at Office Depot. In order to do this, you need to find Office Depot online coupons and promotional codes. This can be a difficult and time-consuming process if you decide to manually look for such online discounts using search engines and forums. However, there is an easy way to get Office Depot discounts - by joining a discount bulk buying group. Joining one can provide you with easy access to Office Depot coupons, as well as other online discounts, and help save you money for your business.

If you're not familiar with discount bulk buying groups, they operate by harnessing the power of large groups of customers. The more people in a group, the more the company wants to have people in that group buy their product. Thus, the company is willing to do more things, like offer online coupons and promo codes, to get that group's business. This is the same principle that makes it cheaper to get medical insurance with a large company than on by yourself; the large company has a large group of people and can therefore negotiate a better deal than you can on your own.

Discount bulk buying groups can offer a small businessman the same opportunity to get office supply discounts as the largest blue-chip firm. They often negotiate with many different companies in order to provide online coupons, promotional codes and a multiplicity of other savings. This way, your business can cut not only offer you office supply discounts, but perhaps also save money on office furniture, computers and car rentals.

By joining a discount bulk buying group, you can receive Office Depot online coupons that do not expire, so you don't have to go scouring the web or the newspaper every few days to find new coupons. You can also be assured of receiving the highest percentage Office Depot discounts, as bulk buying groups are continuously negotiating on the behalf of you and everybody else in the group. If you find an Office Depot promo code on an online bulletin board, you have no idea if it's valid or if it's expired. You also need to check if it works, and spend time finding the coupon code. Doesn't it make more sense to simply use your bulk buying group's resources and have an Office Depot coupon that is guaranteed to work? Doesn't it make even more sense to use the Office Depot coupons that offer the highest percentage off?

If you're interested in joining a discount bulk buying group, it is very important to double-check that the bulk buying group offers the discounts that you want. Make sure that the bulk buying group offers Office Depot promotional codes, if that is what you are looking for. Be especially cautious if the bulk buying group asks for money or before giving away credit card information. It's also good to make sure that it has existed for a while and is not fly-by-night operation. You want to join a reputable, respectable bulk buying group that has experience in obtaining Office Depot discounts. If you follow these steps, you are guaranteed to save money with Office Depot online coupons by joining a discount bulk buying group.

Kids Halloween Costumes - Make Sure Your Kids Are Safe This Halloween!

Are you looking for kids costumes for Halloween? In this article we are going to talk about 3 safety tips when it comes to Halloween costumes for children. Near Halloween and even the month or so before Halloween you can go into just about any store and see kids and adults alike searching for that perfect kids costume, most of the time however the parents just get what the kids want and don't even think about safety. Let's now go on to talk about 3 safety tips when it comes to Halloween costumes for children.

Number 1 - Reflectors

If you plan on going out at night like most people are going to do then I would suggest that you get a costume that has reflectors on it or that you put reflectors on the costume that you already have. This will make sure that drivers will see your children and not accidentally hit them.

Number 2 - Bright Colors

If reflectors are out of the question then you may want to get a costume that has bright colors. Even a zombie, ghost or witch can have bright colors. Don't be afraid to get a little crazy with costumes. The crazier they are the more people are going to notice.

Number 3 - No Sharp Objects

Some of the coolest costumes seem to have sharp objects on them. These are not a good idea for younger kids or even for kids at all. If you do get them you should file down the sharp point so that it will not to any damage to your child or someone else.

 When you make Halloween safe everyone can be happy. Make sure that you follow the above safety tips. In this article you have learned 3 safety tips when it comes to Halloween costumes for children.

Where is Your Next CIO Coming From?

So here's the scenario: a previously unknown meteor comes streaking down to earth and somehow lands squarely on top of your CIO squashing him/her instantly. What do you do next? Where would your replacement CIO come from and do you know who that would be?

A study conducted by the equipment supply firm CDW has revealed that even at firms with 1,000 or more employees, 38% of them did not have a formal CIO succession plan. Ouch - watch out for those meteors!

Even if your CIO doesn't spend a lot of time outside where there might be meteors, a good point to keep in mind is that the average tenure of a CIO is 3-5 years. When you start to think about who might replace your current CIO, one question comes to mind immediately: internal vs external.

It really doesn't help matters that exactly what the qualifications to be CIO are can be quite subjective. In most cases it really depends on several factors including the size of your company, what industry you play in, and what the current expectations of the IT department are.

A study done by Information Week revealed that of 500 current CIOs, 58% of them were recruited from the outside. This means that choosing the outsider is not all that unusual.

When it comes down to deciding if you should be looking internally vs externally, company culture can play a big role. If your firm has a history of hiring from the outside, then getting your next CIO from their will feel much more natural.

Internal candidates can be a great way to go because they already know so much about the company. At the same time, they often find themselves in a situation in which they are in over their heads in responsibilities. External CIO candidates often have the experience to do the job; however, simply because they come from the outside expectations will be higher for them.

In the end make sure that you choose carefully from all of your potential sources - you're going to need the best possible talent in your top IT spot.

Renting a Sports Car

Weddings, anniversaries, and milestone birthdays are important events in anyone's life. Loved ones want to make this day special for the celebrant. What better way to do this than to give them the ride of their dreams, even if only for one day? This is now possible as luxury rental car agencies are popping up everywhere. You can rent anything from a limo to a Ferrari. Imagine spending your fiftieth wedding anniversary with the love of your life in a sports car, cruising to the hideout of your dreams. With a variety of sports car rental options, you can find a ride that is perfect for you.

Sports car rental options are numerous, yet don't have to break your budget. Choices include Corvettes, Ferraris and Porsches. You can choose between convertibles, coupes, and SUVs. The choices are endless. Some may come equipped with GPS while others offer on board safety devices. Don't hesitate to make comparisons on car hire companies to find the features you want in the car that you will rent. Different car rental companies carry different makes of car so if you have a particular make in mind you may need to do some searching. Yet, any major city or airport should have a variety of makes and models available.

Sports car rental options should be thoroughly discussed with the reservation agency before singing a contract. You need to be sure that your insurance company will cover the vehicle in the event of an accident. Many car hire companies will give you the option of purchasing additional insurance and this is something that is highly recommended. Also, you may have the option of choosing other things such as additional drivers or mileage options. This should all be spelled out in the contract so read carefully before signing.

Don't hesitate to look at sports car rental options for reasons other than a major event in someone's life. If you are trying to impress a client, this may be the way to go. Go for the Aston Martin or other luxury sedan. If you are in a new country and just want the fun of driving something different, try one of their luxury models. This is a great way of being noticed and will make the locals pay attention to you. On the other hand, if you are heading to a class reunion and want to impress former classmates, rent a Ferrari or Lamborghini. They will be dying to speak to you. Whatever reason you have for renting a sports car, enjoy the ride. It will be one that you will not forget.

Kids Bedding for Boys and Girls

There are many different types of kids bedding that is gender neutral, from everything such as a color scheme to characters, to animal themes. At the same time, though, there are many that are very gender specific.

Girls have many different choices for what types of kids bedding they may want. A good theme for girls that can start at an early age is princesses, and girls will usually like this one for a long time. The same goes with flowers and pastel or pinks and purples.

Boys have the equivalent in sports themes and things like camouflage. In this area, it can be one specific sport, such as football, or a more generalized theme that involves all sports. This works well, because they may change their minds on their favorite sport within a matter of months, or even weeks, and feel very adamantly about their favorite sport. Colors tend to be darker and brighter most of the time in boys' rooms, so it is usually the same, or similar, when it comes to the kids bedding choices for them.

The many gender neutral types can be such things as cartoon themes, certain animals, etc. especially when they are younger, as in babies or toddlers, it can be a lot easier to find gender neutral themes as opposed to gender specific. One of the reasons for this is that small children tend to not care quite as much about colors being a certain way and care more about characters or animals, and these all tend to be the same. This is especially true with nurseries, because so many times a person doesn't find out what the sex of the baby will be before it's born, or they do, but the sonogram is wrong, or they are concerned with it possibly being wrong. Many parents tend to go with neutral bedding so that they won't have to worry about this if it happens to them. Luckily, with babies, no one cares that a little boy's room is done in light greens and yellows, but when they get older their friends might tend to make fun of them if this were still the case.

Girls have an option that boys don't have as they get older, and this is to have a canopy bed, with the curtains hanging on the rods above. For a girl, this would seem like they have the bed of a princess, but for a boy, they would feel like they were a girl in a bed like this. There are daybeds, as well, which are typically not a boy's favorite type of bed. There are many different types of toddler beds as well, such as racecar beds, and for girls there are princess beds and more. Toddler beds are always made slightly differently than regular beds, so you will want to make sure the kids bedding is specifically made for that type of bed, as well as pick bedding to match it.

There are bunk beds of many different types that a child may have, as well. This includes the kind with a twin bed on bottom, or it could be a full size, or even a futon. Each of these bed options leads to more options in bedding for them, because there are different types of sheets, and other bedding items that are specifically made for most types of bunk beds, so that they fit better than a regular sheet would.

So, there are many things about boy kids bedding that is similar to girl kids bedding, but there are also many differences, and these are always a good thing to keep in mind when purchasing bedding for a child.

Kids Publish Instantly - Kids Can Publish Articles Too

When I first started writing, I wanted to do more than just write for class. My mom suggested I write articles about what interested me and publish them on EzineArticles. At first, I thought I'd have a hard time getting published, and it was a little difficult getting past "Mom the Editor." But, once I got past mom, it was pretty easy to get them published.

There were a few rejected articles at first, because I added links, misspelled links, or had a minor problem with an article, such as miscounting my bullet points, but in reality, it was all easy. And other people began to pickup my articles for publication. That was pretty awesome. At first I only had a Free Blog to send them to in my resource box, but then I got a regular website with my name on it.

I learned to write articles with:

high quality content (because ezine article rejects empty articles)



good grammar



accurate spelling



information about something other people would be interested in.



interactive links that showed value and information.

I wasn't sure what I could write about, but Mom helped me with that too. She suggested I write about what I do. I write, and I home school. I'm also interested in Komodo Dragons, so I created a free website about that. I included some of my other interests there, but I wanted my website to be more professional.

So I learned to write about important things, like:

education and what I was learning, but more importantly, what others could learn from me.



writing and how others could write too.



designing my website and how other kids could accomplish the same thing.



resources other people could use on their websites.



valuable information and content that other people would look for.

My website was simple, but ineffective at first, then I figured out I had a large audience, and that's when I started writing more articles, adding more to my website, and increasing the value of my links. So, for all of you out there who think just because you're twelve years old, you don't have anything of value to say, I've got news for you. Not only do you have something to say, but people want to read what you say, and they want to know more about what you're saying.

If you have something to say, write it into an article with some information about how others can accomplish their goals, write better articles, or achieve something important and write it down, in more than 250 words. If EzineArticles thinks it isn't good enough, they'll reject it like your teacher at school and you can rewrite it. (The best part is, you don't flunk the class, you just rewrite your article.)

So, write articles and post them at EzineArticles.com and bring readers back to your website with a resource box that tells us about you.

Do you want to know what a resource box is? It's that blurb at the bottom of your article where you put your website link, your name, and some information about you, so people will click on your link and go back to your website.

Here, read mine:

Tips For Renting Your Next Car

Having a vehicle at your disposal gives you both freedom and flexibility when traveling. Before you rent a vehicle for your next vacation or business trip it's important not only to find the best deal but also to find the right vehicle for your needs.

Choosing a Vehicle

One of the first determinations is what type of vehicle do you need? A small car might save you on gas and rental fees but may not be a practical choice. If you are traveling with children or have a lot of luggage a larger car or SUV might be a better choice. It is also important to consider what souvenirs you might pick up or shopping you might be doing on your trip. Will you need extra space to carry home these treasures?

Where to Book a Vehicle

The length of your trip should be a consideration before booking your vehicle. If you will only need a vehicle for a week or less then it is probably best to go with a major car rental company such as Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National or Thrifty. If you need a car for longer than a week, then it might be better for your budget to check with local companies or auto dealerships. But be aware that they may not offer the same perks as the larger companies such as roadside assistance if you have a break down.

Getting the Best Deal

Always shop around and compare prices before renting a car. Check out websites and call companies to find the best deals. Ask about discounts such as AAA if you are member. Before booking online do an Internet search for coupons or promotion codes. Just type in the name of the company followed by "coupon code" and you will often find special promotions. This could save you 5 to 20 percent.

It is also a good idea to join the car rental company's loyalty program if they have one. It is often free and entitles you to certain privileges such as avoiding long lines and paperwork when picking up your vehicle since they already have your information on file and may also make you eligible for certain discounts or free upgrades.

Read the Fine Print

Be sure you know the conditions of your reservation. Is there a penalty for no-shows? How long will the car be held if you are late? Is there a fee for additional drivers? Is there a drop-off fee for one-way rentals? Is there roadside assistance if the car breaks down?

Ask About Hidden Costs

The advertised price may not be the real price of the rental. Ask about any additional costs some may include:
o Taxes
o Airport surcharges
o Additional driver fees
o Insurance
o Gasoline bills
o Drop-off charges

Inspect Before You leave the Lot

Make sure you inspect the vehicle with the sales agent before you drive the car off the lot. Have them make a note of any scratches or dings in the car so that you won't be held liable for the damage.

Summer Activities for Kids

Summer is one of the best seasons for kids to have fun. There is so much to do because the kids are out of school and the weather is great. The days are also long so there is plenty of time to pack a summer full of activities.

Depending on what you have available, where you live, and what you want to do, there are several field trips you can go on. The zoo is usually open during the summer. In most states there are a good 5 or 6 zoos to choose from and each has something special about it. You could spend a few days checking out different zoos.

There are also a lot of water parks open all over the country during the summer months. Water slides are a huge part of these theme parks and kids absolutely love them. Other theme parks are open as well, such as Disney, Busch Gardens, Hershey, and lots more. No matter where you live you should be able to find something fun to take the kids to do for a day.

If you don't want to spend money on fun, there is still a lot to do. Most cities have a public pool area, and a lot of places offer swimming lessons usually for pretty cheap, if not free. If you don't have a pool in your area you could always hook up a hose and sprinkler, the cost is just for the water used, and the kids usually have a lot of fun.

Another idea for summer activities is going to the local state park. The beaches, trails, camping and boating would definitely keep the kids busy for quite some time. Most parks let them bring their bikes as well.

There are other things you can do around your own house to entertain the kids during the summer. They can play sports outside, but should drink a lot of water. You could go hiking in the woods behind your house, or a friend's house. Summer afternoons are a great time to take a walk in your neighborhood, and the kids can jump through other people's sprinklers, but only those that come out to the sidewalk. It might not be such a good idea to let them run through all the lawns.

If it is a rainy day, but muggy, you could let the kids dance in the rain, even in their bathing suits. You might want to stay in side and be air conditioned and watch movie together, or even better, go to a movie together. The summer season is one of the biggest times of the year that blockbuster movies are released.

When it comes to summer vacation, one thing is for sure, parents always get worried about keeping their kids occupied and kids just want to have fun. Keep these simple things in mind when planning your summer: Kids want to get wet, be outside and have their friends around, with these in mind, you are good to go when it comes to planning.

Summer Fun - 8 Weeks of Creative Fun For Kids

Summertime. The kids are out of school and they have the long lazy days of July and August ahead. They could spend their days in front of the TV or they could be using their imaginations to create projects that are a reflection of their own unique talents.

Does it matter what kids do on their summer vacation? After all, they are in school 10 months of the year and most do take some art classes. Don't they get enough art lessons in school?

Creative and artistic are not the same thing. Creativity is an approach to life. Creative thinkers know that problems have many different solutions. When they encounter an obstacle, they find a way around rather than giving up. They have to be willing to take risks as they learn new skills. These are important life skills that need to be encouraged in children.

Crafts and creative projects give children the opportunity to learn and practice these skills. Even if they follow a project guide exactly, they will still to make decisions about shades of colours and where to place items. Once they are familiar with the project, most children will want to make it again. That is when they get really creative. First the colours change, then the shapes, and suddenly it is a new project from their own imagination.

Creative projects encourage children to find the resources to make what they want, rather than opening up a box that has all the supplies in one place. The first project in the weekly project list (see below) uses an old knee-hi or pair of pantyhose. What if none are available? Should the children wait until someone else finds all the 'right' materials. No, have them start thinking about what they could substitute. Would an old sock work? How about a dish cloth? It is fun to sit back and watch children solve their own problems.

These Summer Projects encourage children to work with a wide variety of materials. One of the best things about summer projects is that they can be done outside. Less mess to clean up!

Summer Projects

Week 1 - Hairy Heads (old knee hi or cut off panty hose, grass seed, dirt, 2 small elastics, and decorations)

Put 2 tsp of grass seed in the bottom of toe of the panty hose. Add 1-2 cups of dirt. Make sure the seeds stay in the top of the head, otherwise you'll have hair sprouting from under the eyes. Use the small elastic to pinch off a nose about half way up the head. Use the second elastic to tie off the bottom. Decorate by pasting on eyes, mouth, ears, or what ever else intrigues the kids. Use paper, felt, colored plastic, markers, pipe cleaners, any materials you have on hand.

Keep the Hairy Head in a small dish with water in the bottom. The 'hair' should sprout in less than a week. Kids can style the hair with elastics, clips and scissors. (Warning: My daughter decided to cut her own hair after giving her Hairy Head a trim!)

Week 2 - Fabric Paint on T-shirts (plain shirts, fabric paint, card board, brushes, and sponges)

Have the kids start with an old T-shirt or piece of fabric in the beginning. Put a piece of cardboard under the first layer of fabric to make sure there is no leaking. Some fabric paint comes in squeeze bottles which is good for lines, or they can use a paint brush or sponge. Designs from handprints are interesting and make a great present for grandma. If they need pattern ideas, use the pictures in a child's coloring book for line drawings.

Week 3 - Pet Rocks (rocks, acrylic paint, glue, brushes)

Collect a lots of rocks. Be sure there are different sizes and shapes. Start by choosing the rocks that will make up the pet (head, ears, maybe a nose, body, arms and legs). Paint the entire rock, top and bottom in one color. When the first coat of paint dries, start adding the details, eyes, whiskers, fur. When everything is dry, glue the pieces together.

If the kids get tired of the pet, it can become a door stop, book end, garden ornament, or paper weight.

Week 4 - Make your own Fossils (clay, items to imprint - leaves, coins, bugs)

Make a rock or plaque shape from the clay or use the dough recipe (included below). Use water to make a smooth surface. Make imprints with different objects. Try leaves, coins, shells, or even a small toy. When it dries, rub on a bit shoe polish and acrylic sealer to make it last for months and months. Bury them in sand or dirt and have a expedition to dig up fossils like an archeologist. Combine with a treasure hunt (week 8), and use as clues to a treasure.

Dough Recipe (1 cup flour, 1/2 cup salt, 1 cup water, 1 tbsp oil, 2 tsp cream of tartar) mix all ingredients in a pot and stir over medium heat. Mixture will be soupy with lumps, suddenly it will form into a ball. Remove from heat, and knead on a non-stick surface. Useful for many types of projects. Store in fridge, or allow creations to air dry.

Week 5 - Start a Journal (notebook and pen or pencil)

Find a interesting blank note book and have the kids write in it each day. A great time to start a journal is on the first day of a trip. Then, there will be lots of new things to write about and it can become a habit.

Adults can help ideas for topics. Ask is the first thing the child can remember? Was there a birthday that was his or her favorite? What does he or she like about their best friend? What is the best thing they have ever done? Keep a list of these questions on the last page of the journal for quiet days.

Week 6 - Rain Sticks (long tubes from gift wrap or paper towel, strips of cardboard, paper, tape, seeds or rice)

Cut out two 4 inch circles out of the paper (trace a cereal bowl for the shape). Put one over the end of the tube, and fold the sides down, and tape around the tube. Make sure the cardboard strips are narrower than the tube (about 1 inch wide should work). Fold them back and forth like a fan. Put the strips into the tube. The first one should fall to the bottom of the tube. Keep adding strips until they reach the top of the tube. Pour in 1/4 cup of rice and 2 tbsp of seeds (dried peas, popcorn, or lentils). Tape the other circle over the open end of the tube and tape in place. Decorate the tube with markers, paints or by glueing on paper or ribbon.

Week 7 - Memory Board (Matt board, exacto knife, photos and objects)

While on vacation, take photos and have the kids collect objects to remind them of their trip (shells from the seashore, ticket stubs from a fair, pine cones from a walk in a forest, brochure from a hotel or attraction). When the photos are developed, have the kids select 2-3 to have enlarged into 5x7 or 8x10. The photos should be a mix of sizes. Get a large piece of matt board (Art Supply stores, or framing shops). Have the kids try different arrangements of photos and objects until they decide on the one they like best. Trace lightly in pencil where each of the objects is placed. An adult should use an craft knife to cut out the holes for the photos (slightly smaller than the pictures). Tape the photos on from the back, and glue the objects on from the front. If you have a frame the same size, but it in a frame with a cardboard backing (no glass on front) or just hang it on the wall without a frame. The kids have all their mementoes in one place.

Week 8 - Treasure Hunt

There are many different ways to plan a treasure hunt. For younger children, an adult can hide clues in different locations. Each clue can lead the child to the next clue (picture of shovel and pail would lead to a clue hidden in the sand box). The final clue would lead to the treasure (plate of cookies, invitation to go to the water slides, movie pass, lemonade). For older children, the clues could be riddles they need to solve. Or have one of the kids make a treasure map (or list of directions) that would lead to the treasure. In the beginning, limit the number of clues to the age of the child ( 7year old could follow seven clues to the treasure).

Check the website (http://www.creativekidsathome.com) for more pictures and hints on completing each of the projects. By the end of the summer, the kids will have completed lots of great projects. More importantly they will have spent time thinking creatively.

Things to Remember With Maui Auto Rentals

If you are wondering what is the best way to see Maui, car rentals are definitely the option to look into. Here's why.

It is true that a public bus service is now available in Maui. Unfortunately, the bus service is available from Monday to Friday only, and is unavailable during the weekends. Also, these buses ply at certain times and visitors who hope to make use of buses will need to adjust their travel according to the timings of the bus. However, if you do intend to stay at Maui for a while and like the idea of sunbathing or spending your time in the hotel, or if you are about to enjoy a long stay, you could make use of the public transportation system, which is by far the most inexpensive travel option.

Many people like to try their hands at exotic vehicles like mopeds and bikes. However, these vehicles are not allowed at all the places in Maui. Therefore, you might find yourself seriously crippled if you are using one of these.

Other means of public transport are few and far between, including taxis and shuttles. Taxis are not really viable because fares are quite high.

Renting a car is the best way to see and enjoy the beauty of Maui. Auto rental is a thriving business in Maui. Therefore, you will find that all the major rental companies have a finger in the pie. Thanks to the competitiveness between companies, the auto rental prices are quite affordable. In fact, they are the lowest in the world!

Before you choose one of the auto rentals at Maui, it is important to shop around for the best prices. Maui has well over two dozen car rental agencies. Different agencies offer different prices. Some of them have attractive offers too. For instance, some agencies offer great discounts if you rent their vehicle for long periods like 5-10 days.

Many people mistakenly believe that Maui may be explored in SUVs only. Actually, unless you have a weakness for jeeps or heavy vehicles, there is no reason to opt for a heavy vehicle. The roads in Maui are exceptionally well kept (after all, the place thrives on tourism). So, you really do not need a jeep. Only some places, like the rough roads on West Maui require hardy vehicles. Otherwise, such vehicles could prove to be a pain. Lesson to be learnt - choose your vehicle with care.

The best way to choose the best of Kaui auto rentals is to go online. Browse through the rates and vehicles offered by different agencies and choose one that suits your requirements.

You may be able to avail of better discounts by booking your car well in advance. Seasonal discounts can really make a difference particularly if you are going there during the lean season.

Car Rental in Chonburi

The region of Chonburi is often overlooked by tourists visiting Thailand  but it is well worth considering as an alternative to the more popular regions.

The city of Chonburi can be reached easily from Bangkok by taking the Bang Na Trad Highway 34 which will take you direct to this beautiful region of Thailand.  The distance from Bangkok is approx 80 kilometers . Chonburi city is considered an international world class tourist city and has experienced rapid growth over the past few years so you will find good hotels and first class restaurants.

Driving Tip: Always keep a few hundred Thai Baht in your car  should you be stopped by the Thai police for a traffic violation also handy for the many tollways that you will encounter.

Do visit Ang Sila a typical seaside fishing village just 5 kilometers from Chonburi center.  Ang Sila is famed for its seafood in particular oysters and mussels.  It is also the place to buy a solid stone pestle and mortar,  please note you luggage allowance as these mortars are heavy  but do come in different sizes. Well worth setting aside some space and will last a life time unless dropped.

Bangsaen beach which  is also close by is a very popular destination for Thai's  on a day trip to  from  Bangkok.  The nearby Nogmom market specializes in dried seafood such as dried squid , dried shrimps and salted fish all an acquired taste.

Jomtien beach south of Pattaya offers 4 kilometers of clean sandy beaches,  this area of Pattaya is peaceful and is favored by both Thais and foreigners. Nearby Pattaya can be visited during the day for shopping or in the evening to experience  the nightlife on offer in walking street.

To visit all the worthwhile locations in Chonburi it is advised to rent car, ensure the car that you rent comes with first class insurance with either a low or zero excess. Budget Thailand offer a zero excess package which will allow you to drive worry free.

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CDW Insurance

CDW insurance stands for Collision Damage Waiver insurance. It is a term that might be unfamiliar to a number of UK drivers, more accustomed to the basic distinctions between third party, third party, fire and theft, and comprehensive insurance cover available on their domestic motor insurance policies. CDW insurance, on the other hand, is widely used in the car hire industry around the world to provide cover for the person renting the car against the risks of loss or damage to the hired vehicle.

Together with the minimum level of insurance against claims by third parties and the risk of the vehicle being stolen, the Collision Damage Waiver generally represents the basic insurance package that will be offered by the car rental company with the vehicle. Like many things in life, however, covering just the minimum requirements is rarely enough for decent peace of mind. This is true of CDW insurance.

First and foremost, CDW insurance is designed to give the hirer of the vehicle a degree of financial protection in the event of his or her damaging the vehicle in a collision - the insurance will indemnify the hirer against the worst of the repair costs. However, it is not what UK drivers, for example, would recognise as comprehensive insurance. With typical CDW policies, several areas of damage are specifically excluded from the cover. These areas include damage to the roof and the underside of the vehicle as well as repairs to broken, cracked or chipped glass windows, and punctured or otherwise damaged tyres and wheels.

Another major consideration to bear in mind with respect to CDW insurance is the excess it usually attracts. The excess, of course, is the proportion of any repair bill that the policy holder must pay him or herself. In the event of any claim under the CDW insurance, the excess represents an uninsured portion of the loss or damage. Still worse from the policy holder's point of view is that, in the event of any claim for repairs, it is the excess paid by the policy holder that must be paid first. The effect of this is that if the repairs cost less than the excess, then the policy holder will be footing the entire bill for the repairs. Clearly, this is an important consideration, especially since the typical excess on the CDW insurance for a car rental in the UK, for example, is likely to be at least £600 - and possibly more.

To reduce this liability, therefore, most customers take up the offer of the car hire company to purchase further insurance - CDW excess insurance - in order to remove or reduce the amount of excess on the CDW insurance. However, all of the shortcomings of the rental company's CDW insurance can be avoided entirely by purchasing a complete insurance package for the car hire in advance, from a specialist insurance provider. Not only will such an independent provider quote a far more competitive rate (up to half of that quoted by the car rental company), but the insurance provided is likely to be considerably more comprehensive in its scope.

An Independent Look at Rental Car Insurance

When you step up to the Rental Car Counter the Rental Agent is going to ask you if you want to purchase insurance for the rental vehicle. If you say no they will ask you to initial next to each coverage that you decline. The decisions that you make in these few moments could have a dramatic impact on your financial situation. Deciding if you need to purchase the auto insurance offered at the Rental Car counter before you arrive can keep you from incurring a serious financial loss or wasting your money on insurance that you already have or do not need. One of the questions that we are asked most as auto insurance agents is "Do I need to purchase the auto insurance offered at the rental car counter when I rent a car?" The answer to this question is maybe. You may be able to provide coverage for the rental car using insurance policies you already own or you may decide you need to purchase additional protection. In this article we are going to give you the information that you need to make these crucial decisions.

When You Rent A Car There Are Several Ways To Secure Coverage For It Without Having To Purchase Coverage At The Rental Car Counter.

Transfer Coverage From Your Existing Auto Insurance Policy - If you are going to be renting a car and you have an existing auto insurance policy you should take your insurance I.D. card with you when you rent the car. The car rental company may require it and it can save you a lot of time and aggravation if you are pulled over by the police in your rental vehicle. The coverage and deductibles on your own auto insurance policy will automatically transfer to cars that you rent as long as you are not using the rental car for business purposes or renting in another country. You should check the declarations page of your personal auto insurance policy to find out if you currently carry Property Damage Liability, Comprehensive and Collision coverage. Make note of your Property Damage Liability limit and your Comprehensive and Collision Deductible. If you are renting a car in another country you should definitely consider purchasing coverage at the rental counter as most personal auto insurance policies only cover their owners in the country where the policy was written.

Damages to your rental car will be covered by the Property Damage Liability portion of your personal auto insurance policy if you are renting the car for pleasure use. However, if you were involved in an accident that is covered by your auto insurance policy and your car is in the shop being repaired. Damages to the replacement car that you rent will be covered by the Comprehensive and Collision coverage portion of your personal auto insurance policy. That means that you will have to pay the deductible for these coverages if you damage the rental car.

Use Coverage Provided By Your Credit Card - Most major credit cards advertise rental car insurance as one of the benefits of owning their card. The truth is that the coverage that these cards provide usually only pays after your personal auto insurance policy limits have been exhausted and only if you used their card to pay for the entire price of the rental. The level of protection with credit cards seems to change on a daily basis so we recommend calling your credit card company to determine your exact level of protection for rental cars. When you talk to the credit card representative ask them for information about Liability, Comprehensive and Collision coverage for rental cars. It is best to get this in writing as it is not unheard of to get several different answers from the same credit card company. You should also ask if there are any exclusions. Many credit cards exclude coverage for luxury or exotic car rentals.

Purchase A Non-owned Auto Insurance Policy - If you rent cars frequently but you do not have your own auto insurance policy you can save yourself a lot of money by purchasing a "Non-Owned Auto" Liability policy. This policy provides you with the same type of protection as the Excess Liability coverage offered at the rental car counter. These types of policies usually cost around $300 a year and will cover you when you are driving any private passenger automobile. This policy only provides protection for Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability. It will not pay for damages to your rental car so you will still need to purchase the Collision Damage Waiver or use one of the coverage methods we discussed earlier.

If you are unable to secure coverage by using any of the methods listed in the previous chapter you should seriously consider purchasing coverage at the Rental Car Counter. It can be hard to get an honest advice about these coverages from the rental car agent because they are paid a commission every time they sell it to you. Don't worry; we have provided you with all of the help you need below.

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) - This protection is also called the loss damage waiver (LDW) by some rental car companies. It is often referred to as insurance but this is incorrect. It is actually a waiver of responsibility. When you purchase this protection the rental car company waives your responsibility for damages or theft of the rental car. If something were to happen to the car you would simply file a quick claim form when you returned the car and the rental car company would pay to repair or replace it. The price for this protection usually ranges from $15 to $25 depending on where you are renting.
Caution: This coverage may become void if you cause an accident while breaking the law. This includes excessive speeding, driving off road or driving while intoxicated so be careful when you are driving a rental car or any car for that matter.

If you carry a minimum limit such as $10,000 for Property Damage Liability coverage you may want to consider purchasing the Collision Damage Waiver because this low limit may not be enough to pay for repairing or replacing the rental car. Remember you could also be held responsible for damages to other peoples car's or property if you are involved in accident and found to be at fault and Rental car companies will charge you for loss of rental income for the car that you damaged. These are all important factors that should be considered when deciding if you should purchase the Collision Damage Waiver.

Another advantage to this coverage is that there is no deductible. This can come in handy if you were involved in an accident that is covered by your auto insurance policy and you are renting a replacement car while your car is in the shop being repaired. You see in this scenario any damages to the rental car would be covered by your Comprehensive or Collision coverage which means that you would have to pay the deductible.

Excess Liability - Car rental companies are required by law in most states to provide a minimum amount of liability protection for renters of their vehicles but this is rarely enough to protect your interests if you seriously injure someone in an accident. The liability portion of your personal auto insurance policy will transfer to your rental car so you have adequate limits of bodily injury and property damage liability on your personal auto insurance policy we would not recommend purchasing this coverage. This coverage would only pay after your personal auto insurance policy limits are exhausted. This price for this protection is around $10 to $13 dollars per day for 1 million dollars worth of excess protection.

Personal Accident Insurance - If you or your passengers are injured in an accident or as a pedestrian this coverage will pay for your medical expenses and ambulance fees if needed. If you live in a "no fault" state, have health insurance or carry medical expenses coverage you probably already have this protection and do not need to buy it from the car rental company. Check your auto insurance and health insurance policy to find out for sure. A claim for this type of loss on your personal auto policy will not cause an increase in price so if it is covered on another policy there is really no benefit to buying it from the car rental company. The price of this protection usually runs from $2 to $5 a day depending on where you rent.

Personal Effects Coverage - This is coverage for theft of you or your passenger's personal items such as cameras, camcorders or Laptop computers. This protection may also be provided on your homeowners or renters policy if you have one so you may not need to buy it from the rental car company. However, homeowners or renters deductibles are usually $500 or higher and all of your articles may not be covered. Check the declarations page of your policy for your deductible and the exclusions section to find out if the items you are taking with you are covered.

One of the benefits of purchasing this coverage from the rental car company is that you usually do not have to pay a deductible. You simply file a claim when you return the rental car and you are reimbursed for the theft of your items. You will usually need to prove ownership of the items that you claim were stolen by providing the rental car company with receipts or other proofs of ownership. You should also ask the rental agent if any exclusions apply to this coverage prior to purchasing it. The price for this protection is $2 to $5 dollars a day.

It is better make all of your rental car insurance decisions before you step up to the rental counter. Nobody should be forced to make snap decisions on issues of this much importance and now you don't have to. We hope that you have found the help that you needed in this handbook. I love to get feedback on this article so please send your questions or comments to info@theautoinsurancebuyersguide.com. I look forward to hearing from you!

Great Money Making Ideas For Kids

Most kids are quite happy when they get some pocket money. They feel like a part of the adult world since they can make decisions on their own. However, parents are not there to give all the pocket money kids would like to spend. Kids also have to learn how to deal with money. Money is not for free and kids can learn a lot when they have to earn their own pocket money. Here are some money making ideas for kids.

Organize a flea market or swap meets. Many people have lots of stuff that they want to get rid of - some even have a whole basement full of stuff that can be sold elsewhere. It can be organized indoors or in front of your house. Smaller kids will need assistance from their parents. Bigger kids will be happy taking responsibility and doing everything on their own. You can give unwanted household items away and help your child "start" their business.

Gather and sell collectibles. There are hundreds of types of collectibles. You will be amazed to know what strange stuff people collect. Kids, who can research the Internet like no one else, can find places where they can find and sell collectibles. eBay is a good place to start with. This money making idea won't cost you more than a couple of dollars and can bring a pretty decent revenue if you have a good source for collectibles.

Being a tutor. Kids can tutor smaller children. If your kid is good in a field like math, for example, he can teach lower grades. At least for math, there is always some other kid who needs a good tutor. This is also a boast for his self-esteem.

Whatever your kid chooses to do, be sure to support him or her in it.  There are many more ideas, this is just a brief overview of different ideas for kids to start to become entrepreneurs.