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Tourism in Forks jumps 600 percent since ‘Twilight’

June 30th, 2010

Twilight travel to Forks, Washington

In town that considers its population to contain 3,175 people and 8.5 vampires, there is one stoplight and many questions about fictional romantic monsters.

Visitors flock to Forks, Washington for its wooded green areas and local hangouts to re-live the mystical events of Stephanie Meyer’s Twilight saga.

A small town in the Olympic Peninsula of Washington, Forks receives 10-12 feet of rainfall a year, making it one of the rainiest locations in the continental US. Once a quiet logging town with one stop light, Forks has become a Mecca for intense fans (mostly female) who book flights to Washington to explore the deep forests where Bella Swan and Edward Cullen have their most intense conversations, and the chilly beaches in La Push where Bella first learns of the Cullen family’s secret.

Although the movies aren’t actually filmed here (shooting actually takes place in Oregon and British Columbia) that didn’t stop more than 70,000 fans in the last year from traveling to Forks to absorb the town’s sentimental nature.

All this information comes right in time for the third film release, Eclipse, tonight June 29 at midnight. As fans gather in droves to cinemas across the nation to catch the first glimpse of the premier, die-hards (or Twi-hards) are also heading to the small town where the four books take place.

Most head to spots like Forks High School, where Bella and Edward attend classes, or the Community Hospital, where there is actually a parking spot “reserved for Dr. Cullen.”

Travel tips for Twi-hards:
Getting there: Book a flight to Seattle Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and rent a car to drive to Forks. Along the way, you’ll drive through Port Angeles, another significant location in the books and movies.

Twilight tours: A group called Dazzled by Twilight starts in the center of Forks and costs $39 per person. The Forks Chamber of Commerce also offers a Twilight map for those who prefer to take to the grounds themselves.

Where to stay: The Miller Tree Inn, a farmhouse built in 1916 has deemed itself the official Cullen house, and staffers reportedly wear aprons that say “I work for the Cullens.”

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Tourism in Forks jumps 600 percent since 'Twilight'

Tags: Book romantic monsters seattle tacoma international airport tourism Twi-hards twilight travel

Worlds Best Golf Course Being Built?

June 30th, 2010

There have been a lot of angry protesters around plans by Donald Trump to create a £1bn golf resort and there are many reasons for this.

Negatives

Homes

One of the biggest negatives is that it would force people out of their homes and although Trump has offered support to these people if they are happy where they are why on earth should they have to even think about leaving?. People should not have to drop everything they know and love for a golf resort?

Eyesore

On the whole golf courses are beautiful areas of land it would seem that an entire resort is supposed to be being built here which would mean an eyesore on the very beautiful landscape north of Aberdeen.

Positives

Money

The resort would bring in many jobs to the area as well as providing the council with a lot of money from things like membership fees and looking after the grounds themselves. It is also good because it can attract tourists to the area and this is great because it would be a brand new form of revenue for the place.

Best Golf Course

If this idea actually works and Trump manages to make the best golf course in the world then surely this is something that Aberdeen, Scotland and the entire UK should be proud of having, its something that the Americans dont have at the very least. People would flock in from all over the world just to sample a hole of the course let alone play the entire thing.

It would encourage people to get those golf batteries out so that they can have a bit of fun. 12v batteries and marine batteries can also be used to power up all kinds of different golf trolleys.

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Worlds Best Golf Course Being Built?

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When An Urgent Pasport Is Appropriate

June 30th, 2010

Taking a look at procedures for obtaining an urgent USA Passport reveals that there is, indeed, a way to get such a document and that it actually wont be all that hard. People, after all, are electing to travel more often and to more places around the world. Missing out on such travel, because of a passport that couldnt be produced in time, would be a real shame.

When it comes to obtaining a passport in a short amount of time, many people choose to take on the services of express passport processing companies or businesses. Almost all have a presence on the Internet, so keep that in mind. Additionally, the State Department also has set up a website outlining procedures for getting one in a very short amount of time. Use them, if possible.

Keep in mind that normal processing time for a passport that is requested to be issued in a hurry is usually from two to three weeks. This is via an expedited service that includes overnight delivery to and from one of the US passport processing centers. For those who need a passport in a seriously short amount of time – for example, within one day – getting one can be accomplished, though it will take some work.

Urgent US passports that need to be obtained within a day or two are always easier to get if the person who needs it is willing to work closely with an expediting service or go directly to a regional passport processing center. There are 14 of them, with three in the Midwest (Chicago is the main one) and several on both coasts. New York, Los Angeles, Washington DC and Miami all feature centers.

The first thing one is going to need to do to get an urgent passport, outside of working with an expediter service, is to make an appointment at one of the regional processing centers. This is done by calling a toll-free government number to schedule the appointment. Its always advised to make the appointment as early in the day as possible, because processing can take from three to five hours.

Also remember that no regional servicing center is able to take any sort of passport photograph. Just go to a larger US Post Office or one of many businesses that take such photographs. Remember as well that not having photographs can throw off the whole process, sometimes adding several days to it. Thats a point worth remembering when an urgently needed passport is required.

Always keep in mind that there are certain documentary requirements. For one, bring the right application form. For another, make sure to bring proof of identity and citizenship. Usually, security regulations mandate the provision of some sort of official birth certificate or certificate of citizenship. Make sure to check the State Department website for other acceptable documents.

Travel being the way it is nowadays, and given that many people are doing it on extremely short notice, it just might be that knowing how to go about getting an urgent United States passport issued can be helpful. Outside of using of an expediter service, remember that only those regional service centers are capable of same-day passport production. Also, remember to bring the right documents to ensure smooth processing.

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When An Urgent Pasport Is Appropriate

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Thailand Holiday Homes : Luxury Homes By The Sea

June 29th, 2010

There are a wide variety of Thailand holiday homes available to cater for your every need. From a small beach hut on a secluded island, to a downtown apartment in the city, it is all available. Literally, there is something available for everyone.Fortunately, there are plenty of locations that offer the same benefits as Phuket and Pattaya (i.e. beautiful beaches, clear blue sea, exquisite restaurants, shopping malls, etc.), but which are less commercialized and so less expensive. There is also Mae Phim, Bangsaen and Rayong which are all seaside towns, all with close proximity to the countrys capital city, Bangkok.Whichever location you eventually to decide upon for your Thailand holiday home, the process of buying or renting it is easy enough. Speaking the Thai language is unnecessary as the entire transaction is carried out for you. Real estate companies will handle a lot of the paperwork and communication for you thus ensuring a smooth and efficient operation.These companies specialize in finding their clients the Thai holiday home of their dreams. They have massive portfolios of properties, which include pictures and detailed descriptions. You can ask them to make recommendations to you, or you can browse their websites, where all available properties are just a click of the mouse away.Currently, very good deals are to be had for Thailand holiday homes. Though you must get in quick as popularity is increasing every year, along with an increasingly competitive exchange rates making prices inflate constantly. Why wait? A tropical paradise is so close you can almost feel the sand between your toes and the sun on your back.

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Thailand Holiday Homes : Luxury Homes By The Sea

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Looking Into Same Day US Passport Processes

June 29th, 2010

What to know about a same day new passport comes down to realizing that its very difficult, generally speaking, to get the government to produce anything in a single day. The exception to this, however, appears to be when it has to do with passports. It might take a bit of effort to get one quickly, and there may be some travel involved, but its doable and thats good news.

For the most part, people who need a passport in a rush tend to hire one of the many expediting services that do business on the Internet. If considering that route, understand that it may be necessary to pay a premium fee – which isnt actually all that high – to get the passport extremely quickly. If thats not an option, there are other ways of obtaining one that involve the government.

There are, scattered around the country, a number of passport service centers, though none accept applications without an appointment. For what its worth, there are centers on both coasts and in the Midwest, chief among them being the large regional center in Chicago, Illinois. Others are in Los Angeles and San Francisco as well as Miami, New York, and Washington DC. Just call to make an appointment.

If a passport is to be done on the same day, its important the person needing a passport show up in person at the center, because thats the only way passport application forms can be processed. Also, it will take between 3 and 5 hours to process a passport application. This means that those who need one are advised to make an appointment as early as possible in the day to ensure same-day processing.

Those who have been successful in obtaining a single-day passport all say that working through the governments automated appointment system is the way to go. In addition, they also all say that its a vital move to get passport photos taken ahead of time and then brought along. Surprisingly, regional centers arent set up to take passport photographs, though many post offices can.

Come appointment day, its extremely important to be on time. Theres no way to be slotted in later in the day, in other words, if an appointment is missed. Its also important to understand that higher fees are attached to passport applications made for same-day service. At present, a same-day passport will cost between $220 and $300, so make sure sufficient funds are on hand.

In addition to money and passport photos, along with the right passport application (it can be downloaded online), make sure to bring proof of citizenship and identity. The State Department has strict guidelines when it comes to documentation of citizenship. Usually that means birth certificates with seals or other such documents. There are other fees attached if background information is looked for as well.

Remember – getting a same day USA Passport will usually necessitate the use of an expediting service or a personal trip to one of 14 regional passport centers. Fees are higher for such passports and its advised that anybody needing one bring along a pair of passport photos and sufficient money to cover fees and incidentals. As well, always make an appointment as early in the day as possible.

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Looking Into Same Day US Passport Processes

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Complimentary flights to the Galapagos from LAN

June 29th, 2010

Book a flight to Guayaquil and get a flight to the Galapagos Islands

LAN Airlines is offering new service to the Galapagos Islands, and to celebrate they are giving free connecting flights to the Galapagos when you book a flight to Guayaquil.

Don’t limit yourself to one destination when you can visit two. Stay for a few nights in Guayaquil to experience the economic backbone of Ecuador and stroll along the Malecon, the strip along the waterfront where the best art, shops, museums, and food is to be found. Then continue on to the Galapagos for a tropical adventure and an education in wildlife.

Sample fares are round-trip and do not include additional fees and taxes. Fares to the Galapagos Islands are based on flights to Guayaquil with complimentary flight.

Miami flights to the Galapagos Islands from $499
New York flights to the Galapagos Islands from $595

Book your trip by July 21 with LAN Airlines.

Complimentary flights valid only from New York City or Miami to Guayaquil. Free flight to the Galapagos Islands must be booked at the same time as flight to Guayaquil.

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Complimentary flights to the Galapagos from LAN

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Foreign Entry Requirements: Everything You Should Know About Passports And Visas

June 27th, 2010

People who are considering traveling overseas are often faced with a problem. Whats the difference between a passport and a visa? This is a concern to be taken seriously, as one cannot be substituted from the other. As an example, a United States passports renewal is considerably easier to obtain than visa renewals. Its important to know and recognize the difference between the two so you know exactly what you need to do and what sort of paperwork to acquire when traveling to another country.

Visas

A visa is a physical stamp or a sticker that gets placed in your passport upon arrival to a country. This mark is placed in your passport by a representative official of the country your traveling to, and it simply means that a the holder of the passport is authorized to visit that country. These are generally shown upon entrance to a foreign country, and many countries actually require you to get a visa in order to enter the country.

On the down side, the rules dealing with visas are not set. Visas are required by some countries, while other countries do not require them. And to top it all off, the rules keep changing. You may need a visa one day and a week goes by and you wont need a visa. The cost of a visa can differ significantly from country to country and since the countrys have no competition in issuing visas, end up charging ridiculous fees.

There are various types of visa. They differ according to the type of visit you are doing. There are three main categories. First the business trip. Next are tourist trips and the final is transitory trips. There are some other types of visas that relate to international travel, but the three mentioned cover most travel.

Passports

A passport is an official document that states and verifies ones identity and country of origin. These are needed in order to both enter and leave a country and are a necessary part of international travel plans. A passport is obtained in your native country from passport agencies with a United States passport application.

Passports dont specifically allow you to enter the country, but it promises protection while abroad and allows you to return to the country that issued the passport. You probably wont ever have to deal with these details, but theyre good to know. A passport is the only universally recognized form of identification, making them your lifeline when you travel to different countries.

Passports are valid for ten years if you are over sixteen and only five years if you are under sixteen, while a visas period of validity varies greatly. A visa can be valid for as long as ten years or as short as just the duration of your trip. Once the visa expires, you will require a new one in order to be able to get into the country again. The same goes for passports. Once your passport is expired, a new one is needed before you can go abroad again.

Traveling abroad can be an adventure. I have had some of the greatest times of my life overseas. To make things easy you can get your U.S. online passport renewal right on the internet. Find a travel agent to help you with your passport application. These steps require very little work so you can get your show on the road!

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Foreign Entry Requirements: Everything You Should Know About Passports And Visas

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Solo in South America: Part I

June 26th, 2010

Traveling to Brazil by myself was equally one of the most exciting and terrifying decisions I’ve ever made. Brazil has an incomparable allure, from the postcard landscapes of Rio to the music and culture of Bahia. After traveling to Rio de Janeiro, Salvador da Bahia and Sao Paulo, I ultimately found its people to be some of the friendliest on the planet.

Ipanema

I booked my round-trip flight from Boston to Sao Paulo with Delta, and stayed at Hotel Unique in the Jardim Paulista neighborhood. Jardim Paulista is the green area of Sampa (Sao Paulo’s local nick-name) and home to Parque Ibirapuera (Sampa’s Central Park). The best shopping, dining and nightlife can be found in here, and the Hotel Unique offers the best vistas in this metropolis.

Hotel Unique, Sao Paulo

The hotel is a steel semi-circle resting on its arch with the flat cross-section facing the sky. The flat surface houses a pool and outdoor club area, busy until the wee hours of the morning with Sao Paulo’s elite.

I rarely left the Jardim neighborhood of Sao Paulo, since that’s where all the action was. The Paulistas (citizens of Sao Paulo) of Jardim are trendy, sophisticated and love to have fun. I met a few locals on Rua Frei Caneca that were more than happy to introduce me to fun nightspots. After three electrifying days in Sao Paulo, I packed everything in my oversized room and said “tchau” to Sao Paulo and “oi” to Salvador.

Unlike Sao Paulo, Salvador’s international airport is very close to downtown and the beach. I deplaned and checked into Hotel Cocoon within a half-hour. Set on Jaguaribe beach, the hotel is accented by Afro-Brazilian art and soda-can upholstered furniture. It was immediately clear that Bahia’s overall vibe was much more laid back than Sao Paulo.

Salvador is a two-level city with two distinct areas aptly named ‘The Upper City’ and ‘The Lower City.’ There is a Colonial Portuguese elevator that descends alongside a cliff connecting both parts that can be accessed for $R .05 (Real is the currency of Brazil).

The neighborhood of Pelourinho is the quintessential cityscape of Salvador’s Colonial churches and architecture. I attended a free concert of traditional Afro-Bahian music in the amphitheater of Pelourinho which occurs every Tuesday night. Swaying and stomping to the samba beat of “Mas Que Nada” in sync with the palm trees in the exact location of Michal Jackson’s filming of “They Don’t Care About Us” was an experience that words cannot describe.

Christ Redeemer

Rio de Janeiro was my next stop. Touching down in Rio offered clear views across the Copacabana of Corcovado (Christ the Redeemer) and Pao de Acucar (Sugarloaf Mountain). The amount of excitement on the plane was unparalleled, and almost every passenger tried to catch a glimpse through the windows.

The most popular area to visit in Rio is the South Zone, which encompasses Botafogo, Copacabana, Lapa, Leblon, and Ipanema. Ipanema was my beach of choice, made famous by the Bossa Nova classic “The Girl from Ipanema.”

Its rooftop marble infinity pool and mirrored balconies over Ipanema make Hotel Fasano a regular resting spot of Madonna, Beyonce and Alicia Keys. Like any other Philippe Starck design hotel there is a luxury and quirkiness here that creates a unique distinction.

Hotel Fasano

Cariocas (the people from Rio) seemed generally energetic and life-loving throughout my entire experience. My time there revolved around nights of dancing until sunrise, observing Corcovado, challenging Sugarloaf, and exploring Botafogo – home to one of Rio’s best futebol teams. From the Friday night street parties of Lapa to the cuisine at the churrascaria (Brazilian steakhouse), Rio glistens with its vast opportunities for fun.

Two hours from Rio by bus is a small, quaint fishing village named Buzios, made famous by Brigitte Bardot for her trips there in the 1960’s to visit her Brazilian beau. I love it for its lazy, sleepy beaches during the day and its high-end shopping, dining and nightlife after sunset.

On my way out, I was fortunate enough to encounter several World Cup opening parties - which can only be described as insane.

Next time – yes, there will be a next time – I plan to visit Florianopolis and Fortaleza, two coastal cities in the south and north, respectively. My hunt for another cheap flight has already begun.

Note to US citizens: You need a tourist visa for entry into Brazil. Most are valid for up to 5 years with multiple entries, $130.

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Solo in South America: Part I