Travel Net Connect
Vacations, Tours, and Cruises
Travel Articles
If you would like to post a travel article, please contact us at travelnetconnect@gmail.com
Avoiding Jet Lag when you Travel
People who travel frequently or through multiple time zones can experience jet lag at some point during their vacation. Jet lag is a term used to describe the experience of people who travel and have a period of disorientation that occurs after landing in a different time zone, typically multiple time zones away from home. It can affect your physical condition and mental state. Mostly it has to do with your "internal clock" that remains stable while stationed at home, but can be thrown off by a relatively quick journey across time zones.
How Does it Happen? Jet lag results in serious changes in your sleep pattern that may conceivably influence your waking up up at 1:00 a.m. and going to bed at 4:00 p.m. It also causes fatigue while you are awake because your body is routinely alerting you that it is time for bed. This can lead to headaches, the inability to concentrate or focus, and put you in a really bad mood.
Jet lag depends a good deal on your travel destination and the time difference in hours from your home. Experts agree that jet lag is at its worst when you travel east since your body rhythm gets extended for up to 27 hours when flying westward. Compensating for Jet Lag The longer you travel outside your time zone, the more difficult it is to make up for the difference. Once you have jet lag, there is no way to "cure it." However there are precautions you can take to help avoid it in the first place or at least minimize its impact.
One way to avoid jet lag is to begin adjusting to the new time zone several days before you leave for your trip. This means going to bed later or waking up earlier depending on your time zone difference. Doing so will help you to adjust your inner clock. Preparation Before Your Flight Although living that way may feel strange at first, it is better that you start at home than slog through your vacation trip because of jet lag. As with sleep, you should also adjust your eating and activity patterns as well so that when you arrive at the destination, your body and mind will be on the destination geography clock already.
If you arrive and experience fatigue at an odd time of the day, it helps to resist the pull of taking naps. Rather, step outside, get some fresh air, and allow the sunlight to help adjust your internal clock. By using natural light, your mind will think that your body needs to be awake since it is sunny outside. Additionally, try to avoid staying exclusively inside or in darkness if you can during most of your waking hours. Keep the Good Fluids Coming You also want to avoid caffeine or alcohol, each being able to make you sleepy or jittery during strange hours. By staying hydrated with lots of water, you help your body to adjust naturally.
Finally, if you can, try to travel out a day or two early to
avoid being a walking zombie on your vacation. If you are able to allow yourself
a few days to adjust, you will enjoy your vacation much more.
Article Source:http://www.isnare.com
Train Travel On Holiday Across America
Have you ever wanted to travel across the United States on a train? Well, most people do not realize that it is actually possible now. Industrial goods are one of the first things that come to my mind when thinking of the current conditions of the rail road industry. The reason is because passenger trains are relatively few and far between in comparison.
However, Amtrak was first introduced in May of 1971. Amtrak is a reference to the corporation ran by the government that is responsible for the American Track. This is the largest and perhaps one of only a few passenger train agencies in America. Amtrak is actually relatively big. It has almost 19,000 employees and the tracks cover 21,000 miles (33,800 km). With over 500 destinations and covering 46 states, it is definitely a viable travelling method.
The year 2007 was a good one for Amtrak. It saw a 6% increase in the amount of passengers using their service from 2006. To fully understand the impact of Amtrak you have to go back in history to view the turns that the rail road industry has taken. Almost everyone who understands the history of the United States knows that for about 70 years up until about 1920 if you were going to travel a relatively long distance you would almost always use the rail road. At that point in time, the rail roads were almost all owned privately and were in existence for profit. In fact, there were more rail road passenger cars back then than there are now. According to historians there were about 65,000 passenger cars actively being used in the year 1929. Due to the introduction of the car though, rail roads suffered greatly. In fact, whereas travelling was almost always done by rail road at one point, by 1940 it was only 67% of the travelling miles occurring in the United States was done by rail road.
World War II did, however, make a drastic change in the rail road industry. The government was forced to put fuel consumption restrictions on people in the United States. Almost all fuel was needed for troop movement throughout the war. With that said, many people returned to the rail roads once again to do any travelling at long distances. After the war though, people began using their cars again for travelling. The rail road industry was failing miserably. By 1946 after the war, there were 45 percent fewer passenger carts being used than there were in 1929. It did not stop there, and the decline even fell greater by 1969 by a drop rate of 80 percent. There were very few trains that generated profits at all and many were producing losses. Thanks to the government though, the rail road industry was somewhat bailed out through government funding. The federal aid was a sum of $40 million and Amtrak began operations with a $100 million insured loan. Amtrak started slow and by 1981 they were $1.25 billion in debt. Aid to Amtrak has been controversial however, Amtrak is slowly beginning to see profits and the rail road industry is now improving as more people find it as a viable source of traveling.
by:
Andrew@bradleygibson.co.uk
Touring the Beaches of St. Thomas
Though the Caribbean is home to scores of wonderful resorts, stores and restaurants, the beaches set the region apart as an excellent family destination. Likewise, St. Thomas is known for its accommodations and duty-free shopping, but visitors are often surprised at the wealth of excellent beaches. From the spacious, activity-filled beaches near Charlotte Amalie to the rocky coastline of the northern shore, St. Thomas has the perfect stretch of sand for every type of traveler. If you are in search of a friendly Caribbean island with plenty of sun, sand and fun, look no further than St. Thomas.
As many of St. Thomas best resorts are located near the harbor of Charlotte Amalie, it should come as no surprise that some of the island's most well-known beaches are also nearby. However, rather than being busy and crowded, the beaches near Charlotte Amalie offer plenty of space to relax in the sun and calm waters for family-friendly activities. One of the best choices for sandy relaxation in St. Thomas is Morningstar Bay, a peaceful stretch of shoreline perfect for swimming or reclining beneath an umbrella. Throughout the year, Morningstar's turquoise waters sparkle beneath the Caribbean sun. As the beach offers extensive water sports rentals and features exceptional food and drink options, Morningstar can be enjoyed by visiting families and couples alike. Nearby, the beach at Lindberg Bay also known as Emerald Beach offers many of the same relaxing amenities and plenty of sandy real estate. Visitors staying near Charlotte Amalie may also want to visit the beaches at Bolongo Bay and Brewers Bay. Bolongo Bay features a slightly rockier, but incredibly picturesque, coastline and has recently become known as a great location for novices and families to try snorkeling. The onsite rental shops at Bolongo Bay also offer water sports equipment such as water bikes and kayaks to complete a relaxing day in the water. Brewer's Bay is the beach of choice for St. Thomas residents. The beach at Brewers Bay is clean and wide; the water calm and clear; the atmosphere casual with a flourish of Caribbean hospitality. On weekends, it is common for food vendors to set up shop along this undeveloped stretch of sand, enticing both locals and visitors with some of St. Thomas's most unique recipes.
The east end of St. Thomas is home to the greatest collection of beaches, many of which feature calm surf and extensive water sport activities. The most popular beach along the eastern shore is Coki Point, a favorite amongst locals and tourists for snorkeling and picnicking in the sun. Though Coki Point is often busy on the weekends, the vibrant Caribbean atmosphere usually featuring numerous vendors and musicians makes this beach a can't-miss destination. Tourists in search of the large, luxurious beaches that made the Caribbean famous should also visit Sapphire Beach a roomy white-sand beach known for snorkeling, windsurfing and numerous refreshment options and Lindquist Beach a spacious, undeveloped beach with a truly tropical atmosphere. Those looking for quiet beaches with clean sand and calm breezes on the eastern shore of St. Thomas will enjoy Turtle Cove and Bluebeard's Beach. Connected by a small walkway, both of these pleasant beaches offer ample room to stretch out and enjoy the Caribbean weather. If you are feeling adventurous, windsurfing and kiteboarding are popular activities in the rolling waves offshore. The eastern shore of St. Thomas is also home to a trio of small beaches known for unmatched natural beauty and sightseeing opportunities. Secret Harbor is named for the rock walls that form a protective bay. As a result, the beach has a distinctively tropical feel, while the water is known to be calm and warm year-round. Limetree Beach rests along a natural cove and is frequented by those in search of a quiet piece of paradise for tanning, reading or picnicking. Lastly, Sugar Bay is a small, picturesque beach similar to Secret Harbor and Limetree Beach, but more water sport activities are typically available making this stretch of sand a good option for families in search of both adventure and relaxation.
The northern shore of St. Thomas is home to the island's most
famous beach, Magens Bay. Selected as one of the world's most beautiful beaches
by publications such as National Geographic and Cond? Nast Traveler, Magens Bay
is a mile-long public park known for impeccable sand and crystal-clear water.
The beach is a great place for families with children to spend an afternoon, as
the shallow water and lifeguards ensure safe swimming and water sports, while
all types of refreshments are just a sandy walk away. Though Magens Bay charges
a small entry fee for adults, all the funds are dedicated to the maintenance of
this incredible Caribbean destination. In addition to Magens Bay, the northern
shore is also home to a number of smaller beaches that offer a glimpse into
traditional island culture of St. Thomas. Hull Bay, Stumpy Bay, Mandahl Bay are
three such quiet beaches with a relaxed, old world atmosphere. Local fishermen
frequent many of these small beaches on the northern shore, so it is common to
see small vessels bobbing in the waves or anchored near the sand. Yet, while the
northern shore has plenty of beaches with calm conditions perfect for swimming
and other water sports, there is one windswept beach that perfectly captures the
exotic, windswept side of St. Thomas. The beach at Dorothea Bay rests against a
rocky coastline and is known for crashing waves and a steady Caribbean breeze.
As a result, Dorothea Bay is the perfect destination for an afternoon of
photography or simple contemplation. Whether you want to swim and snorkel or
just relax in the sun, St. Thomas has more than enough beaches to make your
Caribbean dream a reality.
Article Source:http://www.isnare.com
Book A Fishing Trip
