Archive for the ‘Travel Happy’ Category
Prehistoric Entrepreneurs
Following extensive field studies Prof. Krik Semaj believes that self storage has been a thriving business for 35,000 years. This article explores the historical development of self storage.
The earliest known European cave paintings date to Aurignacian, some 35,000 years ago. The evidence suggests that they were not merely decorations of living areas, since the caves in which they have been found do not have signs of ongoing habitation. It is now thought that the paintings advertised the animals that could be safely stored in the cave. Aurochs and reindeer were particularly popular.
The world’s most ambitious self storage operator must have been King Khufu. In 2560BC he finished The Great Pyramid of Giza. It’s the only storage facility listed as one of the 7 Ancient Wonders of the World. The craftsmanship is remarkable, but the storage space a touch inefficient offering only 3 chambers. Clearly this building was intended for personal use rather than as a viable commercial operation. Customers would not have been impressed with the security as the contents of all 3 chambers were removed by thieves.
Noahs Ark offered the first mobile self storage solution. According to chapters 6-9 of the Book of Genesis, the Ark was a large vessel built by Noah, at God’s command. It saved Noah, his family, and a representation of the world’s animals from a great flood. Modern storage companies dont store animals, but fortunately Noah saw the advantage of ignoring this rule.
In 210BC Qin Shi Huang, the First Emperor of China decided to store a terracotta army. In all 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots, 520 horses and 150 cavalry horses were put into storage. This modest effort required 7,000 workers. In this case security was superb and the army was only discovered in 1974 by some farmers drilling for water. Having survived for over 2000 years the army is now under attack by 9 different kinds of mould and by the breath of visitors. They should have opted for a climate controlled storage facility.
Stalag Luft III was a Luftwaffe (German Air Force) prisoner-of-war camp during World War II that housed captured air force servicemen. The site near Sagan, now aga in Poland, was chosen because it would be difficult to escape from by tunneling. However as we know from the film, The Great Escape, Steve McQueen had no problem in escaping. Charles Bronson seemed to dig a 300ft tunnel by himself, using tools acquired by James Garner. Even Donald Pleasence, for whom tea was terribly important, managed to get out. So this storage facility failed in its primary task of safely and securely storing prisoners.
The United States Bullion Depository, commonly called Fort Knox, is a fortified vault building located near Fort Knox, Kentucky, which is used to store a large portion of United States official gold reserves and, occasionally, other precious items belonging or entrusted to the federal government. Now that makes it a pretty valuable self storage operation. Who else can claim to store $134 billion worth of goods? Well Jeremy Irons in Die Hard with a Vengeance knew that he’d make more by targeting the Federal Reserve in New York.
In all it’s glorious history, self storage operatives have striven for the highest levels of honesty, integrity and professionalism. Sadly one storage centre in London has recently let the side down. What is going on in the Houses of Parliament, where British politicians are stored? This building seems to house a lot of bad eggs. Security is lapse; they can come and go as they please. Instead of offering leadership of the highest order, many appear to have their noses in the trough. Time for a cull.
That dash through history illustrates the importance of self storage through the ages. Did you know there are over 52,000 self storage facilities in the US offering 2.2 billion square feet of space? And there’s another 7 in Glasgow, Scotland.
Tags: business, comedy, entertainment, fun, Happy Career & Business, humor, humour, marketing, Writing
Travel for Your Health
I need a vacation! There may be more to that statement than we realize. Recent studies show your life may depend on it. With a struggling economy and corporate layoffs, Americans are leaning towards not planning a vacation next year.
According to the Conference Board, a firm specializing in private research, the number of Americans who will take a vacation within six months is the lowest in thirty years. 39% of the respondents who took their standard consumer survey were also not considering travel next year — a low since 1978. Public health consultants believe this is a mistake.
We need a break from the all-time high levels of stress and job uncertainty. A visionary health research project since 1948, known as the Framingham Heart Study, has made major scientific contributions toward identifying risk factors for heart disease. The project assessed and studied twenty years of questionnaires over three generations. According to the data, women who took vacations once in six years or less were near eight times more susceptible to developing heart disease or having a heart attack.
There is a clear correlation between lifestyle and stress. A study published in 2000 involving 12,000 men over a nine year period had parallel findings. Men who did not vacation annually were 33% more likely to die of a heart attack and had a 21% risk of death from other causes. The facts also point to the effect vacations have on your mental health. Research scientists at the Marshfield Clinic in Wisconsin report the rate of depression increased as the frequency of vacations decreased.
So, there is true evidence that travel is necessary to a healthy well-being. The time is now to redefine our vacation planning strategy. Tighter budgets require that we consider all the options. In the not too distant past, the ambitious travel giant, MOR Vacations, made public a new product that makes family travel on a shoestring budget a reality. Getting vacation time approved may be the only hurdle.
Almost 25% of Americans working in the private sector do not receive paid vacations according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. There are 127 countries that mandate paid vacations. The U.S. does not. John de Graaf, executive director of the Take Back Your Time board, is lobbying Congress to pass the Minimum Leave Protection, Family Bonding, and Personal Well-Being Act that will mandate three weeks of vacation. It’s a tough sell to business, but more enticing than sick time because it is more predictable.
Economic indicators are still pointing downhill. Making up for the negative effects is necessary to our continued health. Allocating funds towards a lavish, tranquil vacation is even more compelling. We all have it coming.
A lifetime travel club membership could add up to be an excellent investment. Steer clear of timeshare scams which require annual maintenance fees and lengthy payment arrangements. Investigate options offering only an up-front fee and a membership that is fully-transferrable. Free unlimited guest travel and upgrade to VIP status for new members is even more valuable. A product like this will leverage your work-life balance and make the most of your travel budget.
Tags: education, Family, health, healthy time off, leisure, luxury travel, recreation, recreational travel, resort vacations, Travel
The Best Family Vacation Packages
The road trip is a classic American vacation. While higher prices for gas in the summer months can deter some, the savvy traveler can find ways to budget this accordingly. Renting smaller, fuel-efficient vehicles is a great way to keep gas prices low on a road trip. Renting a car for a road trip also avoids putting costly miles on your own vehicle. It is also just enjoyable to drive a different car while you get away with your family, significant other, or even by yourself.
One of the fastest ways to travel to your destination, be it London or Benidorm, Spain is by air. Millions of travelers rely on the airlines to get them to their destinations quickly and safely. While this may be a choice method of travel due to its speed, it can be costly. Another thing to consider is if your final destination has an airport close by. A good idea is to travel on an off day like Tuesday or Wednesday so you can achieve lower prices and less busy airports.
Finally, rail travel is becoming more popular again. For the same price as most would pay for a decent vacation destination, a couple can travel in a private car on a train through the United States. Some train vacations are even coupled with cruises through the shores and wilderness of Alaska and Canada. These mobile vacations allow the travelers to see wildlife and untouched scenery that is hard to find anymore.
Remember, the vacation isn’t just about the destination, it is about how you get there that can make it an adventure. Take the time to plan what you will be doing along the way to your destination. If driving, stop off at scenic landmarks or monuments. These not only have historical value, but can also give people a change to stretch their legs and get out of the car for a few minutes.
If traveling by plane, look at a map, travel guide, or other book to see which activities you want to participate in once you arrive. While you don’t have to plan your entire vacation, having a few ideas never hurts, especially if you run into bad weather or places that are closed. This is true whether visiting Benidorm or the shores of Italy.
Your summer vacation should be about bonding together as a family. Planning your vacation and giving everyone a voice when it comes to making decisions will allow people to enjoy the entire vacation. It will also give people a chance to appreciate each other.
Tags: Family, family vacation, home & family, Travel
Taking A Beautiful Camping Trip
Camping equipment such as tents and sleeping bags are the first pieces of equipment that people think of when the topic of camping comes up. If you have never been camping before, you will be amazed by the different types of tents and sleeping bags that are available. Choosing the right type is important, especially if you plan on camping with your family or a group of friends. While you may need two or three tents for larger groups, choosing the right tents can help keep water, bugs, and the cold night air from interrupting your sleep. Waking upi refreshed so you can enjoy some of the many activities you have planned is essential if you want to have a good time.
Tents are available in different sizes. One person, two person, and three person tents are the most common tents you will find. There are larger tents, but these usually have to specially ordered. When determining which size you need, keep in mind that in addition to the number of people sleeping in the tent, you will also have to provide enough room for luggage, camping equipment, sleeping bags, and other items. Most people buy a tent that is a size larger than the number of people using the tent so they will have plenty of room.
Sleeping bags are also available in a variety of sizes and materials. Depending on the type of camping trip you are planning, you may need to invest in a sleeping bag that keeps you warm in very cold temperatures.
Examine the lining, the materials, and learn more about the technology that goes into making a sleeping bag before buying one. If you are planning to camp during the summertime, you may not need to invest too much in a bag that will keep you warm.
The types of camping equipment you buy could effect how much fun you have on your trip. Determining what your needs are and buying quality equipment is the best way to be certain you have purchased the kinds. Before any camping trip, check all equipment to make sure that it can be used or if it needs to be replaced.
Tags: camping equipment, camping hiking fishing, fun family events, home, outdoor activities, weekend getaway
Carnival Destinations Around the World
Carnival is a festival season that marks the initiative of lent holding troops, masquerades, balls, and for lots of individuals, a beach holiday. This year, most countries celebrate Carnival during the first week of February. So bundle your bags and head out to some of the best destinations to celebrate Carnival.
Brazil Brazil is the list 1 Carnival destination in the international. The Carnival in Brazil dates back to the 1720’s when Portuguese immigrants come. Today, the Brazilian carnival is celebrated with parades having samba schools composed of thousands of members who make unique themes for their blows. The main parade in Brazil takes place at the Sambodromo, a parade route in Rio de Janeiro complete with bleachers on both sides.
Trinidad and Tobago In Trinidad & Tobago, Carnival is a holiday that ends over a month and ends in large festivities in Port of Spain, capital of Trinidad, on the Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. The Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago has got dresses up, dancing, music, challengers, rum, and partying (also pertained to as fete-ing).
Ecuador Carnival in Ecuador goes a couple of weeks and is normally celebrated with water balloons, fantastic string, blooms, fruit and more water. People in the coastal regions incline to celebrate Carnival by going to the beach and throwing away water balloons to friends and sometimes unsuspicious victims. Don’t be stunned if a water balloon hits you. Don’t feel bruised; it’s just a game. Ecuador is a country heavy of surprises!
Mexico In Mexico, the biggest Carnival festivities occur in Veracruz and Mazatlan where parades, costumes, music and dancing take place. The Mexican Carnival starts with the burning of effigies (Quema del Mal Humor) that stands for the burning of ill mood and sets the introductory of loose days.
New Orleans Mardi Gras is known more or less the world as one of the most stimulating festivities in the US. The Carnival in New Orleans beginnings the weekend before Fat Tuesday (Mardi Gras) with parades, beads, parties, balls, hurricanes (the toasts, not the conditions phenomenon) and more beads. The French Quarter becomes a big party center with people thrashing beads left and right. The chief streets turn the destination for parade spectators who put up there to look up to the attractively crafted blows and experience beads in refund.
Tags: carnival worldwide, Family, international destinations
Lake District Bed and Breakfast for a Weekend Getaway
If you are in lookout of a good natural place to vacation in the UK, then thus your initial alternative should be Lake District. This is a very beautiful area that is filled with all kinds of greenery, trees, a beautiful lake and of course, a beautiful landscape. If you are searching for a place filled with peace and quiet, then there is no alternative place that you can choose besides Lake District. Therefore, this way not only your body, but furthermore your mind will be rested and you will feel at ease after your vacation.
This is perhaps why many persons and families come to Lake District so that they can enjoy themselves in the wilderness. Especially in the United Kingdom , it is one of the most popular places to travel to in the summer time. Therefore, the roads leading to Lake District can be very full especially during summer time. One such reason for that is because internationally travelers come to Lake District too. Of course, this is also a beautiful place to visit in the spring time and autumn time. But, in the winter it can get quite chilly in that area.
When you go to Lake District Area, one of the recommended places that you can stay at is Lake District Cottages. These cottages are very cozy and they allow the individual to enjoy the Lake District Area in quiet and peace. In fact, compared to Lake District Hotels, the Lake District Cottages are also much cheaper with more of a chance to feel rested.
On of the extra advantages of staying at a Lake District Cottage will be the fact that most cottages will come with a fully equipped kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and a living room with a TV. Thus, if you are traveling there as a family, then staying at one of these beautiful Lake District Cottages can be the best move that you can execute In fact, nowadays it is possible to find a cottage that can suit your needs starting from 35 Sterling per day. Therefore, as you can see, having a nice quiet vacation at Lake District does not need to cost a lot of money to be enjoyable.
Thus, many families will travel to Lake District, so that they can spend some time together during a refreshing weekend getaway. In fact, for a 3-4 day vacation, Lake District Area was chosen as one of the best places to go in the UK during the year 2007. Thus, you can also avail yourself of such a solution by going to a nice vacation in the Lake District Area. Just with a budget of 200-300 pounds you can have a nice weekend vacation in the Lake District Cottages. However, due to the popularity of the location mentioned above, you should make sure to make reservations well in advance previous to traveling to the area. You can easily search for a place to stay in the area by using the Internet to locate a Lake District Cottage suited to you.
Tags: b&b, bed and breakfast lake district, Family
Costa Del Sol Golfing Fun Weather
You will find that not only is Malaga weather forecasts right on the dot, usually, but you will also find that it is a very good place to kick off a family vacation or to spend quality time with your family. You will find that it gets little rains and it usually only rains a lot in the fall and winter times. It is very important to understand that rain in the summertime is rare, but can happen. With weather like Malaga, you will be able to spend at least 300 sunny days on and off the beaches, because it rarely rains at all in this Spanish city.
As for the climate, you will notice that it is typical climate, weather for the4 Mediterranean areas. You will notice that it is dry and hot in the spring and summer time, while it is cooler and wet during the fall and winter seasons. It is very important that you understand the important of the mountains to this city. The mountains tend to keep the winds from this area. Therefore, there are little to no rainfall during the year (especially through the summer months. The climate and location makes a great reason for the destination to be a popular one throughout the year.
When it comes to the outdoors you will want to be able to do things like fish, golf, hike, boat, water ski, and even horseback riding. This way you can take in all the natural beauty of the place and see just how special Malaga is.
As for the weather in the region, you will notice that there are many floral plants and scrubs that preside in the country, as well as many things like palm trees, cypress, and hibiscus. The average temperatures for the area tends to be very giving and its hardly ever cold in Malaga. You will want to keep in mind that the majority of the days tend to be warm and filled with sunshine.
As for the fall weather in Malaga, you will want to keep in mind that this is a great time to travel. The crowds are at home and dealing with school issues, and so on. You will find that the crowds do not exist in fall. It maybe from the schools going back into session, however, it could be because it’s more likely to have a bad storm in the fall then in the spring or summertime.
Keep in mind that the temperatures will drop. You will need to consider what it is that you are looking to see when in Malaga in order for you to make some vacation choices. Also, you will be able to feel good about the decisions that you make because they are based on facts.
Tags: family vacation, getaways, golf holiday, home, malaga vacation, spanish vacation
