Anne’s Beach, Islamorada, Florida Keys
Posted July 22, 2009 , add a commentby Barbara Ann Weibel at Hole In The Donut Travels
At Anne’s Beach in Islamorada in the Florida Keys, it is possible to grab a patch of soft sand on the postage stamp beaches that jut from beneath the mangroves and loll the day away. However, its real beauty can only be experienced upon entering the water. Tidal flats stretch for nearly half a mile beyond the tiny scalloped beaches, covered by just inches of water. The major activity here is not sunbathing, sunning, or boating; people come here to wade.
One visitor exercises by striding through the shallow tidal flats for miles
I stepped into this giant bathtub (because of the shallow depth, the water temperature is always extremely warm) and sank into sand so soft it felt like mud or silt squishing through my toes. Some visitors turned their dogs loose to romp in the water. Others beach-goers strode purposely through the shallows, aiming for a workout. I wandered aimlessly, head down, peering beneath the water to discover its mysteries.
A quarter mile from shore, the water is not even calf high
At first glance, this shallow bay seemed devoid of underwater activity. But looking more closely I realized that life was everywhere. Transparent minnows darted back and forth between the sparkling ripples in the turquoise water. Where sea grass covered the bottom, soft shell crabs scampered sideways, then suddenly stopped and disappeared, perfectly camouflaged by the surrounding sand. Hermit crabs tentatively ventured out of their borrowed homes and clawed their way across the bottom. When I touched their shell or disturbed the water they instantly ducked back inside and sank to the bottom, becoming just another discarded snail shell.
Look closely - the bottom is covered with critters like this hermit crab
In addition to two small parking areas (one with restrooms) connected by a boardwalk, several little covered decks have been built beneath the trees lining the boardwalk; these are perfect for picnics and most have steps leading down to the beach. Anne’s Beach is not for everyday sunning and swimming, but it is an intriguing beach that every visitor to the Keys should experience at least once.
Located at mile marker 73, just off the Overseas Highway on Lower Matecumbe Key in the town of Islamorada, Anne’s Beach is open each day from sunrise to sunset.
Photos courtesy of Barbara Weibel
Xcellimark Launches OrlandoTravelHotels.com in Partnership with WCT, a Division of Travelocity Partner Network
Posted , add a comment) Orlando, FL July 1, 2009 — OrlandoTravelHotels.com is a new destination travel site launched by Xcellimark in partnership with WCT, a division of Travelocity Partner Network. OrlandoTravelHotels.com provides everything visitors need to plan their vacation or travel to the Central Florida Orlando area such as information on hotel accommodations, favorite restaurants, local insight into events, local activities, attractions, entertainment, nightlife, shopping, theme parks, beaches, spas, recreation, transportation, parks, museums and science centers, water parks, tours and sightseeing.
“Xcellimark designed OrlandoTravelHotels.com with the unique needs of the travel consumer in mind. Visitors can book a room online using an intuitive hotel search widget to help them select the best hotel option based on price, rating, proximity to landmarks and more. There is also the option to search by type of hotel such as Family Friendly, Luxury, Disney, Universal, Orlando Airport, and Downtown Orlando hotels. For price conscious travelers, Hot Deals and Last Minute Deals in Orlando are available and updated continuously to help travelers save even more on their travel plans or vacation packages,” said Scott Lambert, President of Xcellimark. “Visitors can also purchase tickets to local attractions without ever leaving the site. This makes for a convenient and personalized vacation planning experience.”
Once visitors secure their flight to Orlando and hotel in Orlando, they can look around at the comprehensive information listed on the site to plan the rest of their trip. OrlandoTravelHotels.com provides everything travel consumers need to know about hotels, Orlando car rental companies and local area attractions with complete contact information including an address, telephone number, and map to make getting around Orlando as convenient and easy as possible.
“When travel consumers book their Orlando vacation packages online, they want a comprehensive travel website that has everything they need in one location. From the beginning, Xcellimark set out to create a travel website that would be a one stop destination website for anyone looking to travel to Orlando Florida. From the ‘Best of Orlando’ lists that feature highly recommended, top rated restaurants, luxurious spas, popular attractions, thrilling entertainment, and more, to being able to purchase tickets to theme parks online, OrlandoTravelHotels.com offers every feature travelers desire,” said Nancy Lambert Vice President of Xcellimark.
In addition to providing travel and vacation planners with everything they need to plan a trip to Orlando on one convenient website, OrlandoTravelHotels.com is also backed by a 110% Best Rate Guarantee from WCT. What this means for vacation planners is that if they find a lower rate on another website for the same room, at the same hotel, on the same dates, within 24 hours of booking, a price match is guaranteed, plus the traveler gets paid 10% of the difference in price.
About Xcellimark
Xcellimark is an award-winning Internet Marketing firm based in Orlando, Florida with clients throughout the US, Canada, UK, and Barbados. Xcellimark specializes in providing clients with exclusive, qualified sales leads using a skilled online conversion process that includes design, search engine marketing strategies and copywriting. Through their unique approach to internet marketing, Xcellimark has significantly increased their client’s qualified sales inquiries. For more information on how Xcellimark can help you improve your bottom line, contact Scott Lambert or visit www.xcellimark.com
EL AL Israel Airlines Issues Boarding Passes via Mobile Phone
Posted , add a comment) Tel Aviv, Israel ? June 30, 2009? EL AL, the Israeli national airline this week announced it’s plans to roll-out a new boarding pass system using state of the art barcode technology and mobile devices. An electronic barcode boarding pass is sent directly to passengers’ cell phones or PDA’s thereby allowing them to check in within minutes instead of waiting in long queues.
By shortening waiting time and increasing check-in efficiency ELAL believe their flights to Israel and around the world can save the company $1.5 billion per year. At Ben Gurion Airport in Israel, the technology has been in trial for some time, only now has the project passed quality control tests to warrant a full roll-out. “We are ready with the cellular service that many airlines around the world use,” said David Maimon, El Al’s senior vice president of customer service.
Passengers using the new service will receive a barcode directly to their mobile phone, PDA’s or laptop. The barcode will include full ticket, passenger and flight information. Customers already used to online checkin will enjoy this extension to an already popular service, as specifically passengers traveling with only carry-on luggage will be able to bypass the long queues and head directly to security and then to the boarding gate, where the barcode will be scanned from their mobile device before boarding the flight to Israel or one of the many other international routes flown by the airline.
Passengers traveling with non carry-on baggage are to be directed to a special express line to check the luggage. From there, they go straight to security thereby avoiding having to wait in line with other passengers not using advanced barcode boarding pass services.
A spokesman from IATA (International Air Transport Association) said the switch from magnetic boarding cards to mobile phone barcode boarding passes is set to globally save airlines over $1.5 billion per year in staff and administration costs.
At the IAA (Israel Airports Authority), preparations are in place for Ben Gurion Airport to switch to the new technology, as part of the implementation, they have installed barcode scanners at every departure gates. The total investment in the switch-over is set to reach NIS 1 million ($260,000).
About EL AL
In 2009, ELAL Celebrates 61 years of service as Israel’s National Airline Carrier. Across the World, EL AL flies to more than 40 destinations from Israel. The airline has annual revenues of approximately $1.93 billion and carries more than 1.8 million passengers every year.
EL AL embodies Israel’s values of innovation and caring and the promise of a genuine Israeli welcome. Your Israel experience begins with EL AL with warm Israeli hospitality and the highest trained Israeli pilots will fly you to Israel and back while you enjoy enhanced in-flight dining with freshly prepared healthy meals. EL AL. It’s not just an airline. It’s Israel.
A Slice of SoCal in NorCal: Stinson Beach, Marin County, California
Posted , add a commentI owe the cluster of freckles on my shoulders from summers spent at Stinson Beach, the smattering of teeny dots left over from a terrible teenage rebellion against sunscreen, the inevitability of aging and my mother nagging me about the danger of melanoma. Oblivious to anything but the draw of the sun and cute boys who surfed, I would pile into my friend’s Volkswagen Bug and speed over the hill and to the beach, the window wide open because the car leaked a constant cloud of gasoline fumes from beneath the dashboard. Once there we would rub ourselves with oil, no SPF, cooking oil really, but somehow it smelled of coconut and young. We squeezed lemon on our hair and flicked on our portable radio, listened to reggae and laid out.
View from the bluff over Stinson Beach. http://www.flickr.com/photos/jweiss3/473570667/
These days I’m all about SPF 50+. I know that lemon only dries out one’s hair and there is this spot on the back of my hand that maybe-might-possibly-please-say-it-’aint-so-but-admittedly is an age spot. The last thing I laid out is an outfit for work the next day. Still I love Stinson Beach. The wide beach, the lifeguards in the summer, the smell of corn dogs and french fries wafting from the little cafe. I love the way that everything is a little brighter at Stinson Beach, the water a smidgeon bluer than up the coast, the sand almost white and clean. Stinson Beach is the closest to a Southern California beach one can get without having to drive through the traffic of Los Angeles.
Surfers at Stinson. http://www.flickr.com/photos/monkeythumbsca/357256755/
In addition to the beach itself, Stinson boasts such facilities as rest rooms, (cold) showers, picnic areas, bbq grills and plenty of parking, making this an ideal beach for a party or family gathering. If you don’t want to cook for yourself but find yourself hungry after a beach walk, a tasty snack bar is open during summer months at the base of the main lifeguard tower.
Regardless of your interests, Stinson Beach has a bit of something for everyone: surfing, kayaking, hiking, beach combing, volleyball or just snoozing on the sand. Do watch out while in the water, though. Not only are there sneaker waves and fierce rip currents, but there have also been a few documented Great White shark attacks in the area. Luckily, the water is usually quite cold and not entirely inviting.
10 Backpacker Stereotypes You’ll Meet on the Road
Posted , add a comment10 Backpacker Stereotypes You’ll Meet on the Road
There is no doubt that having an open mind and a level of tolerance for differences in cultures is essential for any backpacker during their travels overseas. I also believe that there is no such thing as a ‘typical’ traveler, that not all backpackers from the same country necessarily bear resemblance to each other, and that where in the world an individual comes from should not affect how they are perceived and treated when traveling.
However, in the spirit of poking fun, and with a hint of political incorrectness, below is a list of the top ten backpacker region stereotypes (including my own!) that you may have encountered during your world travels…
1 - The American Backpacker
You will hear this backpacker immediately upon entering the hostel. Loud, enthusiastic and friendly, the American Backpacker either travels in large groups of young college girls or guys, or, if a little bit older, travels hans solo. The delightful college girl American Backpacker wears pajamas during the day and tight bright clothing at night, and is never without numerous layers of make up and hairspray, and the college boy American Backpacker has usually found their way to Central or South America on a cheap flight from Miami and are ready for a week of drinking and partying.
In contrast, the older single American Backpackers are usually travel bloggers, photographers, or hippies that are trying to find the deeper meaning in their travel experiences. All American backpackers give themselves massive kudos for being one of the 20-30% of American citizens that own passports and like to brag about anything remotely ‘foreign’ they have done on their travels. Depending on the type, great for partying the night away or discussing the meaning of life.
2 - The European Backpacker
Usually travels in pairs, stays in the private rooms, and spends much of the time speaking to only each other in their native language. The European Backpacker is ridiculously good looking but very quiet and reserved, until copious amounts of red wine are consumed.
Usually has way more money than the rest of the hostel combined and can tell smug stories of expensive trips and activities which others could only dream of. Great for when you want to pretend you are not a grimy backpacker and go to a nice restaurant or bar for once.
3 - The Canadian Backpacker
Can spot these a mile away due to the prevalence of Canadian flags sewn on to their backpack and the ‘ey’ at the end of every sentence (“Canada, ey”).
Always friendly and impeccably polite (unless you mistake them for their louder cousin, American backpacker). Often stoned. If you hit them, they will apologize. Great for switching rooms to get away from the snorer.
4 - The Israeli Backpacker
The Israeli backpacker tends to travel in large packs after doing their time in the army. Easy to find as they will be the ones haggling at every spot. Friendly and always speak impeccable English, but are slightly scary and a little smelly. Great for when you want the best deal at the local kebab shop.
5 - The Asian Backpacker
Very rare breed of backpacker. Quiet and courteous (until they have a beer), the Asian Backpacker usually travels in small packs with large cameras and a multitude of electrical equipment in a Hello Kitty backpack. Great for when you need that s150 charger you left at home.
6 - The English Backpacker
The English Backpacker travels in a massive group with other suntanned/burnt/fake-tan orange English Backpackers. Friendly but often spends time whinging on a hostel balcony.
Usually has enough money to find English booze and fried food thanks to the pound. Usually on a Gap Year. Always up for hostel drinking games, and able to drink nearly as much as the Australian Backpacker (and often goes home with one). Great for having a laugh at the pub.
7 - The South African Backpacker
Another rare breed. Usually men. Very arrogant and most have the crazy eyes, but they come complete with a divine accent and amazing abs. Can handle a shotgun. Great for when you need a handyman to fix the hostel bunk, someone to protect you in a dangerous part of town, or when you have a hankering for a backpacker fling.
8 - The Australian Backpacker
Friendly, adventurous and laid back, but can be annoyingly loud and is the centre of every party once drunk. Always the one that does the stupid dares.
Can be found traveling in packs, pairs or alone, but if alone will often have run into a cousin/friend/acquaintance at every stop, however remote (“maaaaate, didn’t realise you were over here in the middle of the amazon jungle. lets go for a drink.”).
Great for when you want to start drinking at 9am and have a skinny dip in a public fountain.
9 - The New Zealand Backpacker
Often confused with its Australian cousin; can be distinguished by their questionable fashion sense and hilarious pronunciation of the phrases “fish and chips” and “six, please”. Very friendly but usually a little reserved in large groups. Well experienced in camping and ‘tramping’ (hiking) and is at home in cold and mud and snow.
Extremely loose on the booze and has the ability to do even crazier things than the Australian Backpacker when provoked, especially if from Dunedin. Great for a laugh when ordering six beers, or for borrowing clothes when the weather is chilly.
10 - The Irish Backpacker
Not to be confused with the English Backpacker, the Irish Backpacker is usually a little older and travels in pairs or by themselves. Like a homing pigeon, this gem of a backpacker always manages to find the best deals on a pint at any time of the day and is friendly and inclusive of all other travelers.
Loses the ability to speak English after a few alcoholic beverages but good at miming their usually hilarious drinking stories. Great for a friendly face if traveling alone.
Photo credits:
Americans by greggoconnell on Flickr, Canadian by wisely on Flickr, Irish by Barnacles Hostels on Flickr, English and Drinking by Happy Little Nomad on Flickr