Students Of Success

As we crossed the border the summer of 1997, my nine-year old daughter, Ashley was detained. A stranger in a strange land, she was now surrounded by short, dark men that talked funny. She immediately donned a solemn face and pleads for my assistance. Her practical jokes suddenly stopped and tears formed.

My brow too, began to sweat as the border patrol studied the paperwork carefully. One very serious officer looked up from the papers and stated matter of fact, “Usted no puede pasar de contrabando animales en nuestro pas. Se ha vacunado este animal? No vemos ningn papel aqu para el mono. Tendremos que ponerlo en cuarentena. Démelo.”
(You can’t smuggle animals into our country. Has this animal been vaccinated? We see no papers. We will have to put him in quarantine. Give him to me.)

As the other man reached for the monkey saying, “Podra separar enfermedad,” (It could spread disease.) Ashley’s tears fell. She insisted on taking her stuffed monkey with us on the trip. I saw nothing out of the ordinary about it so I agreed.

I possessed a lack of faculty with Spanish conjugation. By inflection and body language I thought this was their way of welcoming three Americans into the country. But, I couldn’t be sure just yet. We had some very challenging moments the past several years. This incident was posing another I didn’t know quite what to do with.

Travel agents will tell you that if you are traveling as a single adult with children you must carry not only their birth certificates, but also a travel document or letter signed by the absent parent. Children cannot travel with only one parent without the permission of the other acting as proof they have not been kidnapped. I wondered how I was going to get around that impossibility?

An old Maltese proverb came to mind, “A mother becomes a liar and a thief for the love of her children”. I was divorced from the girls’ father. Besides the fact he had passed away a couple of years before. Since he was married to someone else, well, I didn’t possess a death certificate. So, I forged his name to the travel documents with a bogus letter letting them travel with only one parent.

I really didn’t have any answers just yet for my daughter’s dilemna, much less my own. I thought we would be jailed or put back on the plane for the states. My youngest daughter’s generally thick skin she wore around me quickly peeled away. She hung onto the monkey for her life. Suddenly, the two officers began to laugh, noting that we were really confused.

I was relieved. We were allowed to step foot in Puerto Vallarta. It was July. My oldest daughter just turned fifteen. We had never gone on vacation together. This was her birthday present. It just had to be better, didn’t it?

After we said thank you and good-bye we got in our shuttle to the hotel. The girls immediately took off to the beach. We had a lot to pack into our three-day all-inclusive stay. Including airfare, it was a bargain at a hundred dollars a day. The Meza del Mar is an old, expansive and beautiful hotel with whitewashed walls and Spanish tile roof. See this site for more information about Club Meza del Mar; http://www.vallartashores.com/mezadelmar/

With the girls off I sat down to a beer under the nearest palapa.

We are not the only ones who experience challenges. Yolanda, only nineteen, raising three children braided hair in the courtyard of Meza del Mar for fourteen dollars. I always wanted to see what I would like with a Bo Derek ‘10′ hairstyle, and I wanted to help Yolanda out. The next day we three girls were Bo One, Bo Two, and Bo Three.

Ashley monkeyed around for hours in the pool with a friend named Cynthia from Monterrey, Mexico. No language barrier exists during amiable play.

The next day our threesome took off on an all-day cruise. Best yet, it was only $55.00 USD and the offer was sold right in the hotel. An all inclusive, free food, all the Corona I could drink, dancing on the deck, lively conversation with University students wanting to come to the U.S., and I hung out with a recently married couple from Denver. The couple was two men. They were on their honeymoon.

Jose, our taxi driver drove wildly to the dock that day. He drove 70km in downtown traffic, not stopping at lights and only slowing for signs, frantically changing lanes and oblivious to the fear it might cause tourists. I didn’t have proper Mexican currency or any change. He was shockingly kind to say, “Just leave it with Juan, the concierge at Mesa del Mar with my name on it and he will get it to me.” I was flabbergasted.

We headed to Yelapa at the end of the peninsula south of Majoya Mismaloya. Ashley and I attempted to snorkel, but failed. Alyssian was, I swear a mile away from the ship and in the current of the engines as she returned to the ship. She loved it and thrilled at the many tropical fish. The boat motored to shore and we followed a mountain trail to a café on top. The girls wasted no time climbing the falls, while I sat drinking more Corona.

We saw many iguanas on the way. If locals hold them be prepared to pay for a photo if you take one. Horseback rides were readily available for $20.00, and on the way back Ashley did. She threw a fit when she was tired of walking. One witness felt sorry for her and allowed her to ride down the mountain for free. She was a happy camper. Well, so was I. Being a brat in Ashley’s case has paid off on many occasions. There were many memorable moments.

Another memorable was our walk to town and back from the hotel. Being in a strange place and having two daughters made me cautious and protective. Ashley wanted to run off by herself, but I kept her under tow regardless. We were actually being stalked. I stopped a policeman on the corner dressed from head-to-toe in white duds with a trusty steed at his side. It’s odd that body language and hand signals work so well when you don’t speak the language. The officer didn’t indicate he spoke English. Although I could not voice my concern in an audible way, the girls and I were not followed after that.

On the way back to the hotel it rained. It was a warm and heavy downfall. Local hospitality was terrific. Three times we were motioned to come in out of the rain, but we were having too much fun. One extremely funny fellow met us on the bridge about three blocks from our room. As we approached he scurried across ahead of us. As we passed him, his back went up against the wall of the bridge abutment and his claws reached for the sky, as if to say, “I surrender.” Have you ever seen a crab do that? It was priceless. I’ve only seen crabs in grocery stores and crab pots, but I can’t say that anymore. We were drenched and laughed ourselves silly as we continued the walk.

For More Information:
http://www.vallartashores.com/mezadelmar/
http://www.virtualvallarta.com/vallarta/information/definitions/yelapa.html

My writing appears in From Eulogy to Joy, Beischel, Xlibris Press, 2000, http://www.Bootsnall.com, and ezinearticles.com. I love to travel, write, design, decorate, and paint. I studied writing through Long Ridge Writers Group in Connecticut, journalism at Metropolitan State College of Denver, and painting at the Art Academy in Loveland, Colorado, USA.

Tourism in New Zealand is changing its focus. Backpacking and bungy jumping are still popular but a more affluent traveller is now visiting. And more often.

Are you a member of this new profile? Are you an Interactive Traveller®?

Or do you cater to them?

Who is an Interactive Traveller®?

“Interactive Travellers® are regular international travellers who consume a wide range of tourism products and services. They are travellers who seek out new experiences that involve engagement and interaction, and they demonstrate respect for natural, social and cultural environments.”
Tourism New Zealand

Tourism New Zealand has made good use of the information that you give when you fill in all those forms “for statistical purposes only”.

There is a new group of tourists coming to New Zealand in increasing numbers. They come from a range of countries around the world and are more likely to fall into one of two age groups: 25-34 years of age or 50-64 years.

As a member of the younger group, you probably haven’t yet had children, while those of you in the older age group are likely to be ‘empty nesters’ (your children have left home) or travelling with teenagers (who need their own space).

Regardless of age, you are more likely to have discretionary income available to spend on travel. So luxury travel is an obvious choice.

Do you see yourself fitting in here? Regardless of age-group?

In addition to these two more general aspects, as an Interactive Traveller® you are more likely to:

Read newspapers and magazines. You make a point of staying informed, following business news, current affairs and travel publications.

Research travel destinations thoroughly. You like to know about where you’re going and what you can do when you get there. You research destinations using the internet, guide books, word of mouth and travel agents. But you also like to leave room for spontaneity…

Go to the cinema, theatre, galleries and museums. You pursue culture at home and when you’re away on holiday. You appreciate both contemporary and historical cultural experiences.

Be high users of technology. Interactive Travellers® have fully embraced computers, the internet, digital cameras, pay TV and other forms of lifestyle information technology.

Aim to be healthy. You are more likely to exercise regularly and eat healthy foods. Some of you also prefer organic foods.

Entertain at home. You enjoy cooking and socialising with friends at all times of the year. Travel is a likely topic of conversation.

Have liberal attitudes. Interactive Travellers® have open minds. You’re tolerant of beliefs that don’t match your own, and you’re prepared to listen to new ideas.

Take risks. Challenging situations, both mental and physical, appeal. You enjoy the sense of accomplishment that comes with doing something you haven’t done before. Yes, you can still bungy-jump should you wish.

Have a high disposable income. Interactive Travellers® have enough money to travel regularly and purchase high-value travel experiences. You’re also willing to pay more for experiences that are authentic or exclusive.

Enjoy fine cuisine and wine. Food and wine adds essential flavour to travel, as far as the Interactive Traveller® is concerned. You expect hospitality of an international standard, but you also want to try authentic local delicacies and cooking styles.

Have influence in your peer group. Most importantly, you share travel stories, both at home and while you’re travelling. You follow word-of-mouth recommendations from people you respect, and you are a dependable source, sharing your own travel experiences.

Importantly, Tourism New Zealand determined that, “while Interactive Travellers® enjoy these things, they are not primary motivations for travel to New Zealand.”

So why visit?

Your key reason to visit New Zealand is to interact with the landscape. Landscapes you can taste…

http://www.luxury-new-zealand.com/, THE site for the Interactive Traveller.
About the Author

Stephen Hay invites you to explore the opportunities for luxury travel and accommodation in New Zealand.

The site, http://www.luxury-new-zealand.com/, brings together all luxury offerings in New Zealand. Private jet companies, charter yachts, luxury rental cars, luxury adventure holidays and 165 luxury lodges, resorts and boutique hotels for your enjoyment.

As friends and lovers everywhere prepare to celebrate Valentine’s Day, we thought it would be nice to take a look back at the origins of this very special Holiday. It may surprise you to learn that there’s more to the story than Cupid shooting arrows into the unsuspecting hearts of potential suitors.

Late in the third century, around 270 A.D., the Roman Empire was in a downward spiral that it never quite recovered from. There were ever increasing threats from outside invaders, not to mention the lack of qualified men to serve in the government and the military. The reigning emperor, Claudius II, decided that single men were better suited than married men to serve in these capacities so he decided to ban marriage.

A local Christian bishop, Valentine, secretly continued to offer the sacrament of marriage to couples who desired to do so. When Claudius learned of this he had Valentine arrested and ordered him to convert to worshipping the pagan Roman gods.

Instead of converting, Valentine, displaying great dignity and valor, turned the tables on Claudius and attempted to convert him to Christianity even though the consequence could be his death. Claudius was unpersuaded and on the 24th of February he had Valentine executed.

While in prison, tradition has it that the jailer in charge asked Bishop Valentine to pray for his blind daughter to be healed. Through Valentine’s prayers the daughter’s sight was miraculously restored. Afterward Valentine penned a note to the daughter and signed it “from your Valentine.”

That’s the traditional story of the beginning of what we now celebrate as St. Valentine’s Day. As usual, truth is stranger than fiction.

Phil Rather, a noted researcher and author, contributed this article for
Valentine for Lovers

Have you ever tried booking or reserving a Caribbean travel deal only to find that it’s full already? This happens sometimes if you do your booking and reservations at the last minute. As a rule, you ought to book your vacation well ahead of time to make sure that you can still get that deal you want. But what if you’re one of those busy persons who barely even have time for themselves? In such a case, a last minute rule is in order.

We know how hard it can be to plan a trip. There are so many factors that you have to concern yourself with, least of which is the budget and your actual vacation time. Below are some great tips to help you get that last minute Caribbean travel deal without messing up your budget or your schedule:

Hotel Riu Paradise Island

The Hotel Riu in Paradise Island in the Bahamas is another great last minute Caribbean travel resort with its fantastic building facilities (including a “Colony” lobby bar, “Calypso” lounge bar with terrace, and “Atlantic” Restaurant with non-smoking section and terrace), and other facilities. The main grounds of the hotel are dominated by a 300sq.m. swimming pool with an adjoining Jacuzzi, while all around it are complimentary lounge chairs, towels, and umbrellas.

Enjoy one of their 379 guestrooms with their last minute Caribbean travel bargains startin gat $521 per person double occupancy. But hurry and book now. This last minute Caribbean travel discount only runs from April through June and all bookings must be made by March.

Wyndham Aruba Beach Resort & Casino

For a perfect island destination, the Wyndham Aruba Beach Resort & Casino offers the charm of the Dutch Caribbean, a magnificent beach, glittering casino, and a host of outdoor pleasures. Nestled on the soft, white sands of Aruba’s Palm Beach and surrounded by lush, landscaped gardens, this resort offers you a chance to enjoy that last minute Caribbean travel vacation with their new 2006 deals.

The Wyndham Aruba Beach Resort & Casino offers you rooms where you can relax and enjoy the delightful extras offered, including satellite television, refrigerator, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a private balcony with a spectacular view. For activities, this last minute Caribbean travel resort provides plenty of opportunity for sailing, wind surfing, scuba diving, deep sea fishing, and golf. Not only that, but after a refreshing swim in the ocean, you can simply relax and drift in the gorgeous seaside pool near it.

For their Spring Sale, Wyndham Aruba Beach Resort & Casino offers superior rooms for $634 per person double occupancy, and a $100 food and beverage credit for five nights or more.

The Fairmont Southampton - Bermuda

Imagine: lush tropical gardens, shimmering pink sand beaches, azure blue seas, and spectacular sunsets…. This is Bermuda. Royally perched on the island’s highest point, the Fairmont Southampton overlooks lush acres of land, pink sandy beaches and bountiful gardens. With its old world British charm blended so well with the new spirit of Bermuda, this last minute Caribbean travel resort offers just the right mix for the island-hopper.

As you can see, there are plenty of places to check out when looking for last minute Caribbean travel deals on the Internet, you just need to know where to look.

For more information about holidays, hotels, car rentals and more, visit my blog “Travel and Holidays Tips”:
blog.onlythebestarticles.com/travel

Pick up any newspaper or watch any news channel and many times you will find something about the airline industry. Popular topics range in how gas prices affect airline prices, the latest merger or bankruptcy claim, an airline crash or problem with a flight and even terrorist attempts. Airlines even capture our attention by running airfare specials in the newspaper and on TV. The funny thing is, you don’t even pay attention to these advertisements unless you travel often or are planning a trip. So which airline is the best anyway?

There are a lot of things to take into consideration when deciding which airline is the best for you. Price is usually a big factor for most travelers. There are a few things to consider when thinking about price. If you live near a hub for an airline you are certain to be able to get better fares. Think about if it is worth it for you to travel to a larger airport rather than taking a flight out of the airport that you live 10 minutes away from. If you are only saving about $50.00 it is probably better to just take a flight from the airport you live closest to. Remember, you need to think of gas prices and traffic - both of which are on the rise.

Consider being flexible in your travel days to receive the best prices. If you can leave mid-week, then you are more likely to receive a better deal than if you were to fly Thursday - Sunday. These are the busiest travel days so the airlines take full advantage of this fact. Airlines also run special deals if you are more flexible with your departure schedule. This includes the time that you want to leave too. Early morning flights - very early morning flights - are often less expensive than mid-morning or evening flights. Think about rush hour traffic. If you leave before rush hour in the morning, or after rush hour in the evening you’ll most likely land a better deal.

The best time to book your own flight online is Tuesday evenings between 12 and 1 a.m. Airline’s computers change their fares at this point and this is when they are available to the public to be purchased. If you catch an airline just right, then anyone of them can be the “best” when it comes to pricing. There isn’t any one airline that consistently has the best prices. Although, the discount airlines like Air Tran and Jet Blue tend to be cheaper. But these flights are only available in select areas so many times you cannot fly these airlines.

Another factor to look at when deciding which airline is the best is the percent of flights that they have on time. These are the results of one survey that was conducted:

Hawaiian Air
Jet Blue
Southwest
ATA
United
Sometimes it’s better to drive than to be stuck on a flight that is delayed. Consider this on shorter distance flights.

Carry on luggage has become more popular with travelers because nobody wants to be caught without their clothes and people want to get off a flight and go - not wait around for their bag to come round the corner of the luggage carousel. This is how airlines ranked for lost baggage:

1) Hawaiian Air

2) Jet Blue

3) Southwest

4) Alaska Air

5) Continental

It’s also pretty frustrating when you have booked a flight and you aren’t allowed to get on it because someone overbooked the flight. How does that happen anyway? Here’s how the airlines ranked on passengers that were denied boarding:

Jet Blue
Hawaiian Air
United
American Airlines
US Airways
So which airline is the best? Everyone is going to have their personal opinions. But according to this, you should book a trip to Hawaii right away or else fly Jet Blue whenever possible.

Find more information about airlines, quotes, last minute booking and more at www.airlineb.com

Holiday spending can be a wonderful time. We shop for our loved ones, friends, co-workers, and associates. Finding just the right gift and paying by credit card. Then, Ouch! Your credit card is declined. You know you haven’t exceeded your credit limit, and the clerk can’t tell you anything. How frustrating.

Now begins the trek to uncovering the reason for the error. Calling the credit card company results in the discovery that some else has been using your credit. How could this have happened?

We often become lax when we go shopping. And holiday time is a busy time for shoppers as well as retailers and thieves are prowling for the opportunity to take your information.

In busy stores, rushed sales clerks and crowded lines we can loose track of our credit card or easily give shoulder surfers the information they want. In the midst of all the distractions we become a victim of identity theft.

Take the time this year to protect your information. Pay closer attention to transactions and watch out for thieves causing distractions.

* Shoulder Surfers. Pay attention to people who are standing close in your space. If you are using a PIN pad at a store, guard your information. Block the other persons view with your body and your hand. If you are using an ATM, pay attention to anyone who is too close for comfort. Put your body between them and the ATM. If you haven’t started your transaction, step aside and let the other person go first.

* Check the store’s receipt. When the clerk hands you the charge card receipt for your signature, look at the copy you are signing-this is the copy the store will keep. Is your entire credit card number printed on it? If so, mark out all but the last five digits. If you leave the entire number on the receipt it is possible that a thief can copy the entire receipt, and on it is your full name, card number and signature. The store only needs the last 5 digits for reference, not the entire number.

* Sales Clerks on the Phone. When making your purchase, don’t hand your credit card over to a clerk who is on the telephone. Your card information could be relayed to another person.

* Unorganized Sales Clerks. Sales clerks who seem overly rushed or unorganized could be using that to cover up the way they are copying your credit card information. Copying your card information by hand or by a skimmer. If the clerk seems too busy, wait until he/she is finished before handing over your credit card.

* Keep sight of your credit card. Don’t let anyone walk away with your credit card. This is common in restaurants. The wait staff will take your payment and return with a receipt. What happens with your credit card while it is out of your sight? You’ll never know. Pay with cash or accompany the wait staff to the register than hand over your card. Stay with your card until the transaction is completed.

* Watch for skimmers. Skimmers are used to record magnetic information. They can be hand held, attached to a belt or attached to an ATM or gas pump. When you use an ATM or gas pump, look for anything that looks like it’s attached or not part of the original equipment. Attached skimmers will let you complete your transaction but will also copy your information for the thieves to use later.

* Writing a Check. If you write a check, the clerk may ask you for identification. This is normal. What is not normal is for the clerk to write down your identification or information. They should not write it down on your check, or anywhere else. They are only allowed to look at it to verify you are the person named on the check. Always remember the clerk cannot write it down, anywhere.

* Junk Mail & Pre-Approved Credit Offers. Holiday shopping is filled with flyers, advertisements, pre-approved credit and offers of increasing credit limits. Don’t let these get into the hands of mail thieves. Pick up your mail daily. Shred anything that has your name on it, not just pre-approved offers.

* Watch for Statements. With more mail delivered during the holidays, you may not be aware that your bank or credit card statements did not arrive. Know when to expect them and watch for them. Check your charges with against your statement. Notify them as soon as you suspect unauthorized activity.

* Charitable donations. This time of year charities can be found everywhere. Make sure you know who you are donating to. Imposters may set up legitimate looking collection points. If you want to donate find out a local contact and make your donation directly. Don’t make a donation by check or credit card if you are not familiar with the person or organization.

* Parties. Holiday parties can be fun. It can also be a means for people to have access to your personal information in your home or at the office. Unlocked file drawers, documents or statements lying out on a desk, and outgoing mail can be an easy source for a thief to pick up. With party activities going on around you, you may not even notice someone slip into your office to steal information.

Steps to guard our information should become second nature. It takes some getting used to because we have to change our thinking. Even though we want to trust people, we should be suspicious of everyone. Over 50% of reported identity thefts have been committed by someone the victim knew. Family, friends, co-workers, service people, sales clerks or associates could all be potential thieves if given the right circumstances.

The holidays can be happy and hectic. Don’t let your guard down or provide thieves with easy access to your information. Keep your identity safe this holiday season.

Cindy Graham is author of the book, “Who Else is You?” In it, she outlines strategies on how to reduce the risk of becoming an identity theft victim. An expert who has studied current identity theft trends, Cindy understands the risks of business owners and consumers when it comes to the exposure of personal information. For more information on her speaking, consulting or book, please visit: http://www.whoelseisyou.com or call: 970-285-1581 or Cindy@EasyAs123.biz

Christmas coloring pages can help kids learn about the subject matter depicted on the page while they develop their hand and eye coordination. By coloring, children can work on developing their fine motor skills that are crucial, especially to preschoolers.

When children enter school, some of them have more trouble than others with simple tasks like writing and cutting with scissors. Children who have developed their fine motor skills tend to perform much better throughout their academic lives.

Holiday coloring sheets offer a young person the opportunity to gain a positive and independent attitude they’ll use later in life; it gives them an outlet for expressing the way they perceive the world that surrounds them. When they see the blank figures come to life as they complete their coloring, it’ll stimulate their minds and teach them about colors and shapes.

When a child sits down for a coloring session they should be given free rein to express their own personal concepts, allowing their personality and attitudes to shine through. It is fine to help the child learn how to used coloring tools, but when you step aside and let them apply their own special touch to a coloring page, they’ll discover a sense of who they are and it will jump start their appetite for knowledge.

Show a genuine interest in their “masterpieces” and set aside some time to discuss their work. Christmas coloring pages can instill a confidence in a child that they’ll carry with them as they enter school and begin their journey into adulthood.

Article provided by http://www.letters-from-santa.net

A place where you can get free letters from Santa, coloring & activity pages, lyrics to your favorite Christmas music, and even purchase a piece of the northpole!

Out of the twelve German cities to play hosts to the FIFA 2006 World Cup Finals it is Berlin - Germany’s capital - that has arguably the most important role to play. It is in this city on Sunday 9th July that two teams will contest the final game of the tournament, and one of those teams will claim the ultimate prize in international football…the World Cup.

The stadium in which the Final will take place is Berlin’s Olympic Stadium - the very same venue that was used for the 1936 Olympic Games where Jessie Owen claimed four gold medals. In preparation for the FIFA 2006 World Cup finals the Olympic Stadium has undergone a complete renovation. Some 242 million euros were invested to bring the stadium into the 21st century. Work was completed in July 2004, and in September of that year Brazil met Germany for the inaugural international game.

Aside from the World Cup Final on 9th July, Berlin’s Olympic Stadium hosts a number of other World Cup matches. Brazil play Croatia here on 13th June, Sweden take on Paraguay in Group B on the 15th June, and Ecuador will attempt to defeat the hosts Germany at Berlin on the 20th. Ukraine face-off against Tunisia on the final day of group competition in the tournament too, while Berlin will be home to the first 2006 World Cup quarter-final on 30th June.

Berlin Sights

Berlin has so much to offer visitors this summer. There are world famous monuments, parks, restaurants, shops, museums and a zoo to take in. Two ‘must see’ attractions that should top everyone’s list are Brandenburg Gate and the TV Tower.

Brandenburg Gate

Arguably Berlin’s most famous monument, the Brandenburg Gate towers 20 metres high into the Berlin sky. It was built in 1791 and survived the conquest of Napoleon, but was badly damaged in the Second World War. For years it stood as a partition between East and West Germany as part of the Berlin Wall. Today, it is a symbol of a reunited Germany.

The TV Tower

Affectionately known as the ‘toothpick’ the TV Tower near Alexander Square is the second highest in Europe. It can be seen from almost anywhere in the city and offers spectacular views from the viewing tower and restaurant. On a clear day you can see up to 25 miles out into the German countryside. It’s well worth a visit!

Seb Jay is a freelance writer specializing in the origination of web content for http://www.your-carhire.com.

You may have been to an all-inclusive beach holiday in the Caribbean or Mexico. Or perhaps one of the upscale cruises on smaller luxurious ships where everything including the French champagne is part of your cruise fare. But have you ever had an all-inclusive ski holiday? The likelihood is not, unless you are from Britain and do your skiing in France, Switzerland or Austria. The ‘catered chalet’ is a uniquely British institution. Tour companies rent a chalet from the owner for several seasons and send out one or more ‘chalet girls’ (depending on the size of the property); usually a well-spoken young woman aged 18-23 who has done a ‘Cordon Bleu’ or similar cookery course. Her job is to do everything in her chalet to take care of you: make, serve and clear up 3 meals a day, clean the house, make the beds, give advice on the best runs and ski shops etc. Staying in a catered chalet is a truly relaxing experience: no cooking, no cleaning, no hassle. When you come home from the slopes your chalet girl will have a delicious cake waiting for you with tea and hot chocolate (they call it cocoa in England), and later on will serve wine with a 3 or 4 course meal. Depending on your budget, you can be eating true gourmet or something simpler. By the way, 3 meals a day means breakfast, afternoon tea and dinner - you have lunch up the mountain.

This concept is now starting to be introduced to North America. So far it has served exclusively the British market, but some companies are now starting to introduce it to North Americans. After all, it can’t only be the British who prefer not to spend their vacations shopping, making beds and cleaning up. One of the innovators marketing this service to North Americans is Holiday Whistler, owned by a British couple. They offer 45 properties in Whistler, BC (repeatedly voted North America’s #1 ski resort), and British-style catering is offered as an option in all their properties. So if you want a Whistler rental which combines the pampering of a luxury hotel, with the privacy and charm of some the loveliest mountain homes in Canada (think peeled log interiors, cowhide rugs, wood-burning fireplaces, steam rooms and private hot tubs), click on
“>this link, or give them a call.

Henry Schlee is the owner of Holiday Whistler. He also operates several other travel websites actively engaged in link exchange with legitimate, high-traffic travel-related websites. If you want a link from a high PR URL, go to on of these sites: Travel link exchange, or Free travel links, or Free link exchange, complete the form and he will guarantee you a high-quality high PR return link

If you’ve spent any time in a resort community, you’ve probably encountered a good number of vacation rentals. These can vary, from cabins to condos and perhaps even a seaside bungalow. These are properties frequently owned by absent investors and rented out to guests on a nightly, weekly or monthly basis. In a busy resort community these homes can not only be a gracious lodging experience, but often more economical than hotels especially at “high season” rates.

If you’re among the many considering investing in a rental property you must make a choice. Prepare to spend the time to maintain the unit and arrange for reliable housekeeping services, advertise your little getaway on the internet and in the local media, and provide facilities for checking guests in and out. The alternative is the preference of a majority of out of town owners…hire a reputable property management company to help maximize your ROI.

Here are a few guidelines to help in selecting the management company that best meets your needs.

• Naturally, word of mouth can help you in your research. Talk to locals and other rental property owners. Most will be happy to share their experiences with you.

• Note the visibility of the management company in the market. Are they easily located in the local phone book? How many units do they manage? Do they have actual office facilities or are your guests reporting for check-in to someone’s garage? Do they advertise in the local travel guides and other area publications?

• Technology plays an important part in property management success. Does your candidate have a solid internet presence? Can you see ample photos online to help selecting an appropriate retreat? Can you easily check availability and book online? Most important, how easily can your candidate be found in the online community? Target a search engine and a search term that you feel people might actually use to shop for a property.

In Ruidoso, New Mexico a mountain resort community the most popular vacation rental is the mountain cabin.

Select, for example MSN…and the simple search phrase “ruidoso cabin”. If your property management candidate shows up in the first page, you’ve located a firm that has the marketing savvy to help your investment succeed. If the company you’re investigating is number one on the first search page you’ve found an aggressive, professional marketer with the tools you need to maximize the return from your investment. If they do not appear in the first three pages of search results…move on. They may have a website, but it is not positioned to help you make reservations.

• What is the rental experience like for the guest? Is the initial contact with a friendly, knowlegeable reservationist? Here’s where your own powers of observation come into play. Call your candidate and actually book a stay in one of their managed properties. How were you treated? Was the property well maintained and clean? Would you rent from them again? This simple technique can be a real eye opener.

These basic questions will help you get started in selecting the property management that can help you realize your investment plans.

Bob Huntington works in property management in Ruidoso, New Mexico. Visit his websites at http://www.casasderuidoso.com and http://www.ruidosocentralreservations.com Bob also authors the blog Visiting Ruidoso at http://www.visitruidoso.blogspot.com