Before You Start

Your Vehicle

There are a number of things you can do in order to start off on the right foot on your next trip. Begin by making sure you car is in good working order. You wouldn’t leave if you were sick, make sure your vehicle is in top condition as well. Make sure your oil is fresh and full and consider getting a tune up and making sure systems such as your brakes, heating and cooling systems and other systems are in good working order. Your tires are another thing you should check on as well. Consider that your tires should have at least 1/8 of an inch tread depth when properly inflated and that cooler temperatures may affect your tire pressure. Always make sure your tire pressures are properly maintained when traveling in winter.

Emergency Kit

Before you travel any distance that you are unfamiliar with, it is important that you prepare an emergency kit before you leave. Some of things you should consider putting in your kit include:

• cell phone
• shovel and sand or kitty litter
• jumper cables
• flares
• ice scraper
• blankets and extra warm clothing
• flashlights and batteries
• water and high calorie snacks
• tire chains

Note – It is important that you have a spare tire and the tools to change a tire in case of emergency as well.

When You Leave

Make sure that you have the ability to get the updated information as to your destination such as am stations or cb radios that can offer you advisories on conditions as you travel. If the weather gets to bad when you are on the road, never be afraid to find a place to stay for the night. Better to postpone your trip and stay safe then to push onward if it could be dangerous.

As you drive, it is important that you maintain safe distance from vehicles around you and are aware of the conditions of the road in front of you. If the roads are wet at all, never use cruise control for example. Slow down. These two words can save your life.

Travel safe and smart with tips to help from Tradewinds Vacations.

We wish you only the best in your travels. Learn more about travel and how to make the most of your vacations with tips and advice to help you from your friends at Tradewinds Vacations.

Just a few great ways to get out and explore this amazing part of the American West is to take advantage of the open road. New Mexico is nothing if not diverse and offers many wonderful ways in which you can get out and explore the many areas of interest and do so on a budget. Taking a road trip in New Mexico is a great way to explore, especially if you focus on the many historic byways found throughout the state. Take a look at the many Byways of New Mexico with a review from Tradewinds Vacations and get to know more about what this nation has to offer.

Billy the Kid Trail – 84 miles – Travels throught the Lincoln National Forest. Known for its beauty and history associated with Billy the Kid

El Camino Real – 299 miles – Explores the road from El Paso to Santa Fe along the Royal Road of the Interior Land.

Geronimo Trail Scenic Byway – 154 miles – Filled with Appache History, visits old mining towns, hot mineral springs and desert lakes as well as mountains.

Historic Route 66 – 1410 miles – The mother road – An adventure in history and charm.

Jemez Mountain Trail – 163 miles – Filled with geologic and historical sites of interest, it takes you through areas rich in ancient ruins and the area heritage. Includes monuments, hot springs and historical sites of interest.

Santa Fe Trail – 565 miles – One of America’s first trade routes, this road was imperative to our nations expansion west. Sites include Raton Pas, Fort Union and Santa Fe.

Trail of the Mountain Spirits Scenic Byway – 95 miles – Gila National Forest. Miners, homesteaders, Indians and explorers left there mark on this area.

Turquoise Trail – 62 miles – Cibola National Forest and Santa Fe National Forest the area is rich in geological formations like no where else on earth.

Other NM Scenic Byways include, but may not be limited to:

• Abo Pass Trail
• Chain of Craters Back Country Byway
• Corrales Road
• Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway
• Guadalupe Back Country Byway
• High Road to Taos
• La Frontera del Llano Byway
• Lake Valley Back Country Byway
• Mesalands Scenic Byway
• Narrow-Gauge Scenic Byway
• Puye Cliffs Scenic Byway
• Quebradas Back Country Byway
• Salt Missions Trail
• Sandia Crest Byway
• Santa Fe National Forest Scenic Byway
• Socorro Historical District Scenic Byway
• Sunspot Scenic Byway
• Trail of the Ancients – NM
• Wild Rivers Back Country Scenic Byway

Have you been to New Mexico and have a story you would like to share? Tradewinds Vacations welcomes your travel stories. Share your experiences and let others be a part of your vacations as well.

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Located on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico in the Sarasota area of Florida, Siesta Key Beach has been rated number one by Dr. Beach in 2011. Known for its beautiful quartz crystal sand, the sand of Siesta Key beach is soft and more like sugar than sand. Ranked as the “finest, whitest sand beach in the world” walking on this beach is an experience unmatched by any beach in the world. Not just your average beach by any means, this beautiful stretch of beach is known for its energy and activities in addition to its beauty. Any time of the year, you can see as well as enjoy a number of activities including jogging, Frisbee, picnics, volleyball, swimming or simply relaxing on the beach.

Amenities Of Siesta Key Public Beach include:

• public restrooms, snack bar & gift shop
• showers and handicap ramps
• picnic areas with & without roofs
• picnic shelters & tables (8 – family size shelters)
• gazebos (holds up to 60 people)
• large shelter (holds up to 120 people)
• free lighted public tennis courts
• volleyball courts (on the beach)
• 20 station fitness trail
• playground equipment
• lifeguards on duty year round
• handicap beach chairs/wheel chairs available
• first aid

Other popular beaches in the Siesta Key area include Turtle Beach, Crescent Beach and Palmer Point Beach. Choose from miles of beaches near the Sarasota area. From those perfect for shelling to the more remote beaches known for the unspoiled and wilder nature, the choice is up to you.

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If you look like and act like a tourist, chances are you are a tourist and that makes you an easy target when you travel abroad. Though most people are generally quite honest, there are those throughout the world who are just out to make an easy buck and tourists in unfamiliar settings are generally the chosen ones. No concept of the money the area or what is expected of them in a foreign land, scam artists can see a tourist coming from a mile away and will take advantage of this unsuspecting person. The trick is to know what to look for so you know what to avoid. Take a closer look at some of the more common scams which impact travelers while traveling abroad and learn what you can do to avoid becoming a target when you vacation with tips to help from Tradewinds Vacations.

It is important that you understand that you are not the only one who may have become a victim. You can do your part to avoid becoming a target, but that does not mean that you will not have something happen to you, however, it can improve your chances. For example, if a criminal is looking for a passport and you look like a tourist, chances are better that you will become a victim than if you did not look like a tourist. So dressing less like a tourist is a good way for you to avoid becoming an easy target, but it does not make you invincible. Other crimes such as money changing scams or taxi cab scams are harder to avoid as you will generally have to change money or hail a taxi when you are traveling abroad. If you prepare, you may be able to avoid these scams as well however. Changing some money before you leave and using atms at your destination are easy ways to avoid the money changing scams and renting a car or using public transportation you can avoid the taxi cab scams as well.

Most scams involve your money and generally, it is less than $100. To protect yourself, take a proactive approach to travel and your safety by:

Wearing a money belt
Leaving your credit cards and passport in a safe spot, not in your wallet
Avoid dark areas
Travel with a group
Keep your eye on your bags at all times
Take only cabs which are well marked
Dress more like the locals
Do not look at maps while you walk
Do not buy things off the street

Note: It is important to note that scams on tourists are not new in the world, just more easily reported. You are generally no more likely to be a victim today in most places than you were 10 years ago, but now you can learn what to look for and what to avoid. It is your job as an informed traveler to know what to look for and do your due diligence to prevent yourself from becoming a victim. Stay alert, stay smart and become an informed traveler. Avoid scams with advice to help from Tradewinds Vacations.

Tradewinds Vacations wishes you only the best experiences when you travel. Avoid becoming a scam victim by knowing what to look for when you travel and how you can better avoid it. Be smart, pay attention to your surroundings and practice safety when you travel abroad. Know what to look for and what you can do to protect yourself and make the most of your vacations.

Planning for the ideal road trip is not horrible complicated however, there is some planning required on your part. Though you do not have to worry about issues generally associated with flying such as security checkpoints or the cost of luggage, there are some aspects to planning your road trip that will require some forethought on your part. Take advantage of these tips to help you plan the perfect road trip and make the most of your valuable travel time and money.

Think Comfort First, Not Style – When you are driving, a fashion show is not what you should be thinking about. You will be trapped in a small space with not much room and no one will be looking at your clothes, therefore, comfort first. Not saying that you need to look like a slob either, but put your comfort first when planning what to wear on your feet as well as your body.

Remember Your Charger – Most of us have at least a cell phone that requires charging. Many of us have many other things which we bring along that rquire charging as well including laptops, pads and gps units. Remember to bring your chargers and avoid having to spend an extra 30 or more dollars on another one.

Emergency Kits Are A Must – Flashlights, batteries, jumper cables, sand or traction mats in winter, ice scraper, gloves, a blanket and water can all be handy in case of an emergency. Make sure you have this packed and also, make sure you check to be sure everything is in working order before you go.

GPS It – Just an easy way to ensure you can get to where you are going with less hassle, GPS units are not horribly expensive anymore and work quite well when planning the perfect road trip.

Maximize Space – Pack as much as possible in the trunk to save space and hassle. If you will need something frequently however, make sure you put it in an easy to get to place.

Bring A Cooler And Keep It Accessible – A cooler stocked with water and snacks can literally save you hundreds on a road trip. Not only can you avoid gaining weight and eating at fast food restaurants but you can also save money and time.

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From planning your vacation in the U.S. or destinations across the globe, Tradewinds Travel Club invites you to learn more about travel with us. Review destinations and tips to help you travel as well as other topics that are important to you as a vacationer. We welcome your comments. If you have a topic you would like to discuss about travel, let us know. Travel more and make the most of your vacations with Tradewinds Travel Club, your friend in travel.

Part of Nueces County, the total population of residents in Port Aransas is under 4,000 with summer populations swelling to as high as 60,000 or more in a good season. Offering a humid subtropical climate similar to other cities in the Gulf Coast region, temperatures range from the 50′s and 60′s in the winter months to the upper 80′s and 90′s in the summer months. Average rainfall is just over 30 inches with most falling in the summer and fall months.

Historically speaking, the past of the area has been quite varied and includes not only local native Indian tribes but early French explorers, Spanish explorers and even pirates. The story goes that into the 1800′s, pirates in search of riches were still haunting the area. Stories of buried treasures and the pirates in search of it include not only Port Aransas but Mustang Island, a well known as a favorite spot of one of the areas most famous pirates make for wonderful stories and great ways to enjoy the area and its history.

Popular year round, Port Aransas gets quite busy during the spring as a well known and popular spring break vacation destination. Sun, sand, parties and hundreds of small bars, restaurants and hangouts make Port Aransas one of the top Spring Break Gulf Coast destinations year after year.

Those who choose to visit Port Aransas or nearby Mustang Island have a diverse number of interests to choose from. From the biological diversity of the area to culture, art and an active nightlife, shopping, dining, exploring or watersports, there is always something going on.

Top activities and destinations in the area include:

• Fishing Including Pier and Charter Fishing
• Bike or Beach Buggy rentals
• Golf
• Galleries
• Relaxing On The Beach
• Shopping
• Kite Surfing
• Camping
• Surfing
• Sailing
• Live Music and Shows
• Birding
• Whooping Crane Festival – February
• Texas Sand Festival – April
• Deep Sea Roundup – July
• Harvest Moon Regatta – October
• Mustang Fest – October

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From areas in the U.S. to those around the globe, Tradewinds Travel Club reviews those destinations worth exploring. Learn more about top destination and area activities with reviews to help from Tradewinds Travel Club and start making the most of your time and money when you travel. Travel smart and know what to expect when you travel to make the most of your money. Be smart, be informed and travel moire with Tradewinds Travel Club.

Founded in the 1600′s soon after the area was discovered by Spanish explorers, San Diego was once named San Miguel. Already inhabited by local native American tribes, it didn’t take long for San Diego to change and become an important site for trade and commerce as well as a growing culturally important destination.

Today, this small town is now a thriving metropolis and home to millions of residents, second in size in the state of Califonria and 8th in the U.S.

Tourism And Temperature In San Diego

One of the largest industries in San Diego, tourism owes its success not only to the great sites that can be found throughout the city but also the wonderful weather that can be expected throughout the year. With temperatures quite steady year round, San Diego boasts a Mediterranean climate in addition to a semi arid climate making it an “arid Mediterranean” climate. Mild winters and mostly dry throughout most months, San Diego experiences an average of 200 days each year above 70 degrees.

Top sites in San Diego are generally considered family friendly and accommodating to people of all ages. They include sites ranging from those of historical interest to those focusing on wildlife, art, culture, and physical recreation. Focused on tourism, one way to save when traveling to San Diego is to purchase a Go San Diego Card which allows you access and express entry to many of the cities top sites. They include:

• Balboa Park
• Sea World
• Legoland
• San Diego Zoo
• Many More

Other Top Sites which may or may not be included but rank high on the top lists include Universal Studios, La Jolla, Birch Aquarium, Point Loma Lighthouse, Downtown, the USS Midway Museum, Cabrillo National Monument, Imperial Beach, Blacks Beach and Mission Bay.

Top activities include site seeing as well as surfing, diving, whale watching, sailing, swimming, golfing, hiking, shopping and exploring.

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The Weather And The Airport

Though not all airline policies are the same when it comes to dealing with weather related delays and cancellations, there are some aspects that are similar. From hurricanes to high winds and blizzards, learn what you should expect when your flight is grounded due to nature’s fury. Become a more informed traveler and know what to expect when the weather interrupts your next vacation.

Possibilities When Your Flight Is Canceled

These may options afforded to you in case of a canceled flight. Options may include ticket flexibility including moving your trip, ticket alterations such as replacing your ticket with another of similar or lesser value, refunds for your tickets full or partial. These may or may not be offered to you, especially if you have not purchased insurance for your trip. You may be out of luck completely. It is important that you review the policies relating to weather related cancellations when you travel to make sure you are not left stranded this holiday season.

How To Avoid Weather Related Issues

As an informed traveler, being vigilant is a good start to avoid getting stuck at the airport this holiday season. Take a look at some of the things you can do to ensure you have a happy holiday season.

• If you are on a connecting flight, ask the counter if they have assistance for those who are in transit as many will be willing to help you.

• Check your airline before you leave for the airport to see if there are delays or cancellations.

• If your flight is canceled when you arrive, do not be afraid to ask what your otpions are at the ticket counter.

• Do not wait to see if you can make alternate plans as you may be too late as others try to do the same thing.

• See if you can catch a later flight to get to your destination.

• Pay attention to the weather at bother where you are and where you are going.

Tradewinds Travel Club reviews the topics which can help you most when traveling. Become a more informed traveler and learn what you can do to make the most of your time and money. If you are interested in learning more about travel and destinations, let Tradewinds Travel Club review topics to help. Make the most of your vacations by knowing before you go.

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Happily for millions of roadtrippers, the prices on gas around the U.S. are falling once again and will most likely continue to do so, at least for a while. As you plan your roadtrip for the holiday season, it may help you to know that you can better budget your trip by paying attention to gas prices along your route. Easy enough to do, there are many websites that offer you gas prices from city to city across the U.S. Sites such as gas buddy and even mapquest can offer you the current prices throughout the U.S. making it simpler to stay on budget and know what to expect when you travel.

Current gas prices as of early December range from $2.84 in New Mexico to around $3.65 in California. This is down for the year, but still higher than last year at this time. You will most likely see a rise as the holidays approach however, it shouldn’t be the prices we saw this summer.

Tradewinds Travel Club Reviews Tips To Save Money On Gas

A great way to save money during your roadtrip is to follow the many tips that can help you save gas. Become a more informed traveler and review the top five gas saving tips with Tradewinds Travel Club.

Slow Down – Driving 60 mph instead of 75 mph on the highway can reduce fuel consumption greatly. Leave a little early and slow down.

Keep Your Tires Inflated – It may not make a huge difference right away, but combine this with other fuel saving tips and you can really see some improvement.

Anticipate Travelers Around You – This is good for your safety and your fuel economy. By avoiding quick starts and stops and maintaining a more constant speed you can save up to 20% in your fuel economy.

Keep Your Windows Closed – Believe it or not, open windows create drag and decrease your fuel economy.

Cruise Control – As already mentioned, constant speeds save gas, ergo, using cruise control is a great way to save fuel and money.

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Tradewinds Travel Club hopes that this review has helped you be a little more aware of issues that may impact your holiday travel. Instead of guessing, learn more about travel and review the topics which may help you more with reviews from Tradewinds Travel Club. Tradewinds Travel Club reviews the issues that mean the most to you and your vacation. If you have a topic you would like to review with us, feel free to contact us.

Millions of people visit Europe each year to see some of the worlds oldest, most influential or most stunning sights. In cities including Venice, Rome and London, dishonest people, out to take advantage of the millions of tourists can be found causing problems throughout the year, though of course, mostly during the peak travel seasons. These dishonest people may be good at what they do however, they also tend to follow the same routines and habits as others doing the same thing, thereby making you able to learn what to look for when traveling to Europe.

In order to avoid becoming the victim of one of these thieves, take a closer look at some of the most common tricks to be on the lookout for and avoid. Become informed and avoid common complaints with tips from Tradewinds Vacations.

Latest Tricks Of The Trade

Oldies But Goodies – Pickpockets

The classic pickpocket has been around for decades. Found in practically every city worldwide, a pickpocket finds new and creative ways to draw your attention away from your pockets in order to keep you oblivious. It is this distraction that you need to be on the lookout for when you travel, especially in big or crowded cities throughout Europe and worldwide. If you see a commotion or something that appears to be a distraction, keep your hands on your wallet so that you do not become the latest victim.

Other Schemes To Look For

Fake police, shifty cab drivers, slow counts, and incorrect change are all easy ways that dishonest people will try to take advantage of you and your inexperience. In order to avoid becoming an easy target, the first step is to avoiding looking like a target. By blending in when you travel, you will be less apt to becoming a mark for the many dishonest people out to get your money.

Tradewinds Vacations Helping You Avoid Complaints

In order to avoid common complaints when you travel, Tradewinds Vacations encourages you to know what to look for and what to avoid when you travel abroad. Become an informed traveler, avoid common complaints and take advantage of the knowledge of others to enhance your vacation experience.