Myrtle Beach Vacation Rentals
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$ Priceless $
Vacation Rentals M
ag
az
ine
a Vacation Homeaway FRom HomeReconnect witH natuRePlan a tRiP to a national PaRk
tiPs to sucessFully get you wHeRe you need to be Fast
co
nt
en
ts how to cash in on ression-driven travel deals 11
a vacation hoMe away froM hoMe 15
warM weather relaxing or Playing in the snow 19
the best tiMe to rediscover a destination 24
reconnect with nature Plan a triP to a national Park 28
charlestonrsquos office of cultural affairs launches new website 33
a retireMent hoMe that helPs Pay for itself 36
signature golf 39
tiPs to sucessfully get you where you need to be fast 44
setting and sticking to your travel budget 48
need an easy getaway for the faMily 52
bookMark your favorite road 56
business or leisure driving or flying travel safely naturally 59
PrePare your vehicle for hurrican evacuation 65
direct dePosit of social security is easier for winter travelers 69
tiMe to refinance or buy 73
easy-to-do Maintenance helPs extend vehicle life 76
Promoting local business is as simple as having other companyrsquos business cards or brochures posted on a board in your store we are doing our part so please join us and promote your local merchants and everyone will benefit
toP ten Reasons to tHink localbuy local - be local ndash HelP local businesses
1 buy local support yourself and downtown Many studies have revealed when you buy from an independent locally owned business in the your own area rather than a nationally owned businesses considerably more of your money is used to make purchases from other local businesses local businesses continue to strengthen the economic base of the local community these include case studies showing that local local owned businesses generate a premium in enhanced economic impact to the community and our tax base
2suPPoRt local aRea community gRouPs non-profit organizations receive an average 250 more support from smaller area business owners than they do from large companies
3 keeP youR aRea unique where we shop where we eat and have fun -- all of it makes our community home our one-of-a-kind local businesses are an integral part of the distinctive character local tourism businesses also benefit ldquowhen people go on vacation they generally seek out destinations that offer them the sense of being someplace not just anyplacerdquo ~ richard Moe President national historic Preservation trust
4 Reduce enViRonmental imPact locally owned businesses in your area can make more local purchases requiring less transportation this generally means contributing less to sprawl congestion habitat loss and pollution
5 cReate additional Jobs small local businesses are the largest employer nationally and in the community provide the most jobs to local residents
6 ReceiVe betteR seRVice local businesses often hire people with a better understanding of the products and services they offer and take more time to get to know customers
7inVest in youR community local businesses are owned by people who live in this community and they are less likely to leave and are more invested in the communityrsquos future
8 Put youR taxes to good use local businesses require a relatively little infrastructure investment and make more efficient use of public services as compared to nationally owned stores entering your area
FRom tHe editoRSupporting LocaL Vacation BuSineSSeS in South caroLina
wwwvacationrentalssc online Magazine | 2009 5
9 buy wHat you want not wHat big adVeRtising budgets want you to buy a south carolina marketplace comprised of tens of thousands of small businesses is the best way to ensure innovation and low prices over the long-term a multitude of small businesses each selecting products and services based not on a national sales plan but on their own interests and the needs of their local customers promises a much broader range of product choices
10 PRomote local PRosPeRity an escalating body of economic research shows that in an increasingly homogenized world entrepreneurs and skilled workers are more likely to invest and settle in communities that preserve their one-of-a-kind businesses and distinctive character
larry localeditor in chief
wwwvacationrentalssc online Magazine | 2009 6
wwwvacationrentalssc online Magazine | 2009 7
ceo dennis stewart
editoR in cHieFlarry local
aRt diRectoRamy coats
web deVeloPeR Matthew coats
administRation amp maRketingshaun stacy
wwwVacationRentalssc online magaZinecopyright copy 2009carolina Media services all rights reserved reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts or photographs
3290 ashley Phosphate road charleston sc 29418toll free (843)720-9604fax (843)725-4734infovacationrentalssc wwwvacationsreantalsc
carolina media SERVICES
carolina media SERVICES
Vacation Rentals M
ag
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ine
How to casH in on Recession-dRiVen tRaVel deals(ara) - travelers are finding the silver lining of the current economic climate is the availability of some incredible travel values hotel airfare and vacation package prices are all down significantly from last year helping to make travel more affordable than it has been in years
you can spend the same amount and get more - for example choosing to extend a vacation or trading up your hotel choice - or you can pocket the savings
with a little planning even the most budget-conscious can find affordable trips this fall and winter tim Macdonald general manager of expediacom offers some advice for ways to get the most value out of your next vacation
Plan aHead and book witH conFidencein many cases scheduling travel in advance helps you secure the lowest airfare and hotel rates though therersquos always a chance for last-minute sales waiting could
increase the likelihood that you will pay higher
prices this frequently happens during peak times like the winter holidays when there are fewer options for flights and hotel rooms
while airlines and hotels may charge penalties expediacom has eliminated change and cancel fees for hotels cruises car rental and most flight reservations with fewer change and cancel fees to worry about travelers have the flexibility they need to book in advance with confidence
book togetHeR booking airfare and hotel accommodations at the same time not only simplifies the vacation planning process but also can help substantially reduce the overall costs of vacation travel
ldquobooking travel together is one of the easiest ways to save money and get the most value when planning a trip thatrsquos because when you bundle your air travel and hotel together and book them at the same time expediacom is able to pass substantial savings onto
yourdquo says Macdonald ldquolast year expediacom customers saved $248 million by
booking their air travel and hotels togetherrdquo
tRade uPalthough some people may be looking to scale back travel plans or follow a vacation budget more closely than in the past for others there are opportunities to get more for their money this year for roughly the price of a three-star hotel stay last year travelers can now book at a four-star hotel in fact the average daily rate of a four-star hotel is $143 per night 22 percent lower than the average for 2008
ldquowersquore seeing incredible values for luxury hotel prop-erties this yearrdquo says Macdonald ldquofor some travelers this may be their chance to stretch their dollars and upgrade to hotels that have previously been out of their price rangerdquo
be Flexible and tRy sometHing new take time to look for current travel deals to help choose a vacation destination look for exclusive special values and promotional rates to popular destinations including Mexico las vegas new york city and hawaii as well as deals on all-inclusive resorts and cruises all-inclusive options have always been good values because they include meals and many activities in the upfront price whatrsquos more this year the average daily rates for all-inclusive properties are even lower than last year - for instance average daily rates for all-inclusive resorts in the bahamas are 16 percent lower this year from last year
ReseaRcH actiVities in adVance sticking to a travel budget can sometimes be difficult when factoring in activities so be sure to research activities and attractions before your trip to identify these costs in advance in addition booking activities in advance ensures you wonrsquot miss out on attractions events and activities that sell out virtually all vacation destinations also offer inexpensive and free attractions like city parks cultural festivals and museums taking advantage of a mix of free and paid activities can help you get the most out of your vacation for a reasonable price
know beFoRe you gothoroughly researching vacation destinations including available public transportation or local tipping customs (if traveling outside the us) can help avoid any unexpected costs you may be able to avoid the expense of a rental car by identifying public transportation options or by selecting a hotel that provides free transportation if you do need a a rental car make your reservation early and consider adding it to a flight or hotel booking to help secure the best price in fact adding a rental car to your air travel or hotel booking could mean savings of up to 30 percent off typical prices
tHe woRld is a book amp tHose wHo do not tRaVelRead only one Page
a V
ac
at
ion
Ho
me
a
wa
y F
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om
e (ara) - getting away during the spring months is popular for many families especially families with children in school looking for a break from the spring semester visiting relatives traveling from one sightseeing opportunity to another and cramming the whole crew into a hotel room with tight sleeping quarters and one bathroom is all par for the course right well it doesnrsquot have to be
travelers are jumping on the vacation home rental bandwagon where theyrsquore finding comfortable spaces just-like-home amenities and a more relaxing experience - all for about what it costs to book a hotel room in this tough economy owners of second homes are increasingly renting out their properties for some extra cash according to homeaway a collection of vacation-rental web sites and as the market floods prices drop to lure renters
a recent online search of hotels in la Jolla calif a beautiful seaside commu-nity thatrsquos technically part of san diego revealed some hotel rooms starting around $150 a night a search for vacation homes returned two bedroom two bathroom options starting at just over $100 a night
not only do you get more space you get the luxuries of home such as a full kitchen washerdryer and parking all of which are further money-savers Plus standard hotel rooms can be pretty boring rarely lending insight into the destinationrsquos character vacation rentals are an actual personrsquos home albeit a second home and some are even pet-friendly
herersquos how to find a vacation rental that suits your needs
wHeRe to staRtawaycom a research and travel-planning web site offers a comprehensive listing of vacation rentals including houses and condos from all over the web find it at awaycomvacationrentals
be comFoRtableif the thought of renting a vacation home ldquosight unseenrdquo and directly from the owner is daunting work with a property management company such companies particularly ones with local offices know the market well and might even be able to move you to another property if a problem arises
do youR HomewoRkcheck out online photos and read all property reviews if yoursquore renting directly from an owner reach out to them with questions and put a face to the transaction and the golden rule clarify all costs and payment methods upfront time invested in the beginning will yield a more enjoyable experience in the end
whatever you decide is right for your spring vacation book it now as usual the early bird will get the worm
Get Your Carolina
Girl Gear
waRm weatHeR Relaxing oR Playing in tHe snowtiPs FoR Planning youR winteR tRaVels(ara) - the winter months offer the perfect excuse to plan a fabulous getaway and you donrsquot have to travel far to find something that fits your vacation expectations
if you need to flee from the cold depths of winter there are plenty of beaches in florida and california and warm desert landscapes to enjoy in arizona and new Mexico that will warm you up and give your skin a bit of summer glow Picture yourself playing tennis in the sun or lounging by the pool with a book while the kids are splashing around in the water
here are tips on how to best plan your warm-weather winter vacation
look FoR deals duRing tHe slow montHsbecause January and february are so close to the holidays but too early yet for spring break hotels and resorts tend to offer special discounts to encourage traveling
Pack sunblock eVen iF yoursquoVe been ldquotanningrdquo
also make sure your travel bags include sun shades a hat with a brim and a water bottle nothing makes a vacation more uncomfortable than sunburn and dehydration
add a Jacket to tHe luggagenights can get chilly and if the wind blows in a rain cloud or two yoursquoll be glad you have that jacket to ward off the goose bumps
Maybe you like to play in the fluffy white stuff and canrsquot wait to schedule downhill skiing in colorado snowshoeing in Maine or ice fishing in Minnesota the images yoursquoll take home this winter include majestic mountains covered in snow your daughter pulling a
360 while snowboarding down a half-pipe or even a moose with
a full rack of antlers on his head browsing for vegetation along a back country road
tips for planning your snow vacation include
FiguRe out iF yoursquoRe going to take youR geaR oR Rent it at youR destinationwhile looking into this determine if your vehicle can carry all the gear or if there are any restrictions bar-ring you from taking it on the airplane if you plan to rent call ahead of time to reserve your equipment
Pack many layeRs oF clotHing Many snow activities can make you warm but once you stop moving yoursquore going to want the heavier layers back
again donrsquot forget sunblock goggles shades or hat because the sun glaring on snow can easily burn your skin and eyes and winter rays can be just as damaging as those in summer
once you have your destination picked and travels planned therersquos one more step to ensure your winter getaway is successful while away from home having your health and safety front-of-mind is very important so you are prepared for emergencies like falling and breaking a bone while swishing down a ski slope or suddenly discovering you have seafood allergies while sampling fresh crawfish in louisiana
on call international provides travel assistance anywhere in the world to travelers who experience an emergency need medical care or evacuation while away from home if you want to return to your local hospital for treatment because you are familiar with the area and can have your personal doctor available on call will coordinate a medical evacuation for the sick person and help arrange transportation for the rest of the family
only a small percentage of health insurance plans cover medical evacuation when the member is on vacation and away from home this means you could be on the hook for thousands of dollars if you need to be transported from the resortrsquos local clinic to a better hospital hundreds of miles away or need a nurse to monitor your care on the way home after a skiing accident
so when you plan your next trip to sunny texas or snowy Michigan donrsquot forget to pack some comfort and safety for you and your family and consider enrolling in an on call international membership just in case you experience a travel emergency
tHe best time to RediscoVeR a destination
sHouldeR season
(ara) - the first few months of the year when many americans are spending time at home trying to recu-perate from the hustle and bustle of the holidays may not seem like an ideal time to plan a vacation how-ever planning for a time known as ldquoshoulder seasonrdquo the time between peak season and low season is a fantastic time for savvy travelers to find great deals on airfare hotels and attractions while simultaneously experiencing top destinations in a whole new way
ldquoMany travelers donrsquot think to travel in the weeks and months following the holidaysrdquo says brad dean President and ceo for the Myrtle beach area convention and visitorrsquos bureau ldquohowever a shoulder season trip can be the best way for travelers to relax after a busy holiday season destinations offer their lowest rates and best deals of the year at this time and consumers can get away for a fraction of the high-season costrdquo
so when is ldquoshoulder seasonrdquo it will vary slightly depending on your destination figuring out a regionrsquos shoulder season could be as easy as checking out rates at a few area hotels to determine when the rates are at their lowest
consider these convincing facts about shoulder season travel and what a great value it can be for your vacation dollars
Hotel rates airfare and attraction fees are often significantly lower during the shoulder season than any other time of year hotels especially are eager for business during this season and respond with deeply discounted rates and incentives to entice travelers
last minute deals you can plan and implement a very budget-friendly travel itinerary in a relatively short time - sometimes just a day or two as opposed to weeks or months of planning ahead thatrsquos needed during busier seasons
shoulder season travel presents the opportunity to view and experience a popular destination one you may have visited before during peak season in a whole new way for example destinations like Myrtle beach sc that bustle and buzz with activity in the peak season can take on a more laid-back relaxed atmosphere in shoulder season yoursquoll have access to the same major attractions
shows dining and shopping that peak season travelers enjoy but at a less frantic pace
and in that vein yoursquoll enjoy free access to popular attractions lines for popular attractions - most of which will stay open year round - will be shorter in shoulder seasons than any other time of year for example in Myrtle beach top entertainment venues and attractions as well as multiple live entertainment theaters are all open for business but with shorter (if any) lines and less crowds
because yoursquoll be getting a great deal therersquos also the opportunity to extend your vacation by a day or two and take some exciting trips to surround-ing areas the more relaxed attitude of shoulder season travel means you will feel more open to the idea of exploring the surrounding area visitors to the
Myrtle beach area for example can enjoy side trips to huntington beach state Park the nearby pictur-esque community of conway and the lowcountry gem of Pawleyrsquos island
finally shoulder season is a great time to travel to a drive destination like Myrtle beach yoursquoll find less traffic and a more relaxed commute to a location considered one of the top driving destinations for leisure travelers along the eastern seaboard and Midwest
to learn more about shoulder season travel opportunities in Myrtle beach log on to wwwvisitmyrtlebeachcom
Want to grow your business
Join the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce
As the unified voice of business the South Carolina Chamber is working to grow wealth for South Carolinians and businesses in order to improve economic development and quality of life
We help your business and you by
bull GettingyourvoiceheardbyourstatelegislatorsthroughourGrassrootsNetworkbull Workingtopassbusiness-friendlylegislationbull Keepingyouinformedonissuesandprovidingsolutionsforgrowingyour business through our monthly magazine South Carolina Business bull Providingnetworkingopportunitieswithlegislatorsandotherbusinessownersbull Trainingyouremployeesonhumanresourcesqualityandmanagementissuesbull Publishingalegalreferenceseries
Join the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce Contactustodayat800-799-4601Learnmoreatwwwscchambernet
Reconnect with Nature plan a trip to a National Park
Reconnect with Nature plan a trip to a National Park
(ARA) - Considered ldquoAmericarsquos best ideardquo national parks provide travelers preserved views of natural wonder as far as the eye can see An American invention they give us a unique backyard vacation oasis where postcard views meet real life-altering experiences And itrsquos this beauty exploration and enrichment combined with the accessibility of national parks that make them a popular vacation choice
According to the National Park Service trips to national parks are on the rise Tour operators offering guided visits through Americarsquos parks agree
ldquoBookings on our North American National Park tours have witnessed an increase of 180 percent in the last yearrdquo says Scott Nisbet president and CEO for the Globus family of brands ldquoNational parks are idyllic vacation lsquohot spotsrsquo perfect for relaxation and introspection wildlife exploration or adventure depending on the traveler and his or her interestsrdquo
A wide range of experiences can be had at national parks including everything from snorkeling rafting and hiking to learning about the environment geology and wildlife They also provide a perfect retreat for those hoping to reconnect with themselves or nature
And itrsquos the diversity of experiences national parks offer travelers that can make booking a national park vacation seem overwhelming Use these tips from Globus to simplify the process and book the perfect getaway for 2010
Choose the right park destinationFrom the east to west coasts Alaska to Hawaii America has more than 50 national parks to explore Do your research to choose a park that has what yoursquore looking for For instance if yoursquore interested in an abundance of hoodoos and canyons Bryce Canyon National Park might be the right fit Or if you want a vacation filled with bird watching or
boating the Everglades National Park could be a great choice
Go rustic or go luxuryLodging is an important consideration for any vacation Some travelers prefer to experience the outdoor beauty of the parks 24 hours a day and choose to camp Others want to escape to the more modern conveniences provided by nearby hotels cabins and lodges Decide what experience best suits you or your family - and decide early Spots (camping or lodging) fill up quickly especially during peak seasons
On your own or with a guideSome travelers prefer to hike or road trip through national parks while others are interested in a more insightful and pre-planned journey While maps are available for nearly every park guided tours have become a popular option for travelers and are often offered as part of a packaged tour vacation including accommodations
ldquoOur national park-focused tours offer an inclusive-style of travel with incomparable exploration and enrichment opportunitiesrdquo says Nisbet ldquoWith a wide range of national park destinations hotels and price points
coupled with unparalleled service and storytelling we create experiences for travelers they couldnrsquot produce on their ownrdquo
For more information or assistance planning your national park vacation visit wwwus-parkscom wwwnpsgov or wwwglobusjourneyscom Or call your travel agent or the Globus family of brands toll-free at (866) 313-2855
Looking For Your Chance To Win
Check Out Radioscrsquos Contest
South Carolinarsquos Internet
Powered By
(843)720-9604 InfoOnlysc
Win a $100 Shopping Spree
Win Tickets To Events amp Concerts
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Check wwwRadiosc for weekly House of Blues ticket giveaways
Win 4 tickets for ice skating and skate rentals at Carolina Ice Palace
Win 4 tickets for Medieval Times in Myrtle Beach
You could win tickets to a Stingraysrsquo Home Game
Each week you have a chance to win an Applebeersquos gift card worth up to $2500
cHaRlestonrsquos oFFice oF cultuRal aFFaiRslauncHes wwwcHaRlestonaRtssc as tHieR new aRts web sitefrom charleston currents
the city of charlestonrsquos office of cultural affairs has launched httpwwwcharlestonartssc a companion web site to the ocarsquos primary page at the cityrsquos official site charlestonartssc will be updated daily with information and features including an arts calendar that users can search by date artist presenting group or venue social networking widgets and a directory of local arts and cultural organizations and venues
ldquowe are hopeful that charlestonartssc will be a major benefit to local artists and arts organizations by disseminating information about their events with the most up-to-date information to a broader publicrdquo said ellen dressler Moryl director of the office of cultural affairs
other options for users at charlestonartssc include the following
bull Arts organizations can download forms from the Office of Cultural Affairs submit events update contact information and compare performance dates with other area organizations
bull The Tools for Professional section of the Web site features job listings for arts professionals including full time and part time work as well as internships and volunteer opportunities with arts and cultural organizations in the tri-county area
bull Updated grant opportunities for arts organizations with detailed information including deadlines application and contact information
bull Call for Submissions and Call for Auditions pages with details about the location deadlines fees andadditional requirements
the new web site also hosts connecting pages for general information on the office of cultural affairs and its projects the charleston farmers Market the city gallery at waterfront Park holiday Magic happy new year charleston the holiday Parade of boats the lowcountry Quarterly arts grant Program Piccolo spoleto and the MoJa arts festival
the web site was developed and is being hosted by carolina Media services ( wwwonlysc)
a RetiRement HometHat HelPs Pay FoR itselF(ara) - with todayrsquos record low real estate prices and at-tractive mortgage rates now may be a good time to think about investing in a second home that ultimately can be used as your permanent residence upon retirement by taking a ldquobuy-and-rentrdquo approach before yoursquore ready to retire your new home will actually have partly paid for itself by the time yoursquore ready to move into it
ldquobuying and renting out a second home as a vacation rental property until yoursquore ready to move in upon retirement can significantly help offset the cost of ownershiprdquo says brian sharples ceo of homeaway the worldrsquos leading online vacation rental marketplace ldquothe income stream in addition to tax write-offs for maintenance and repairs make this an attractive strategy for many people nearing retirementrdquo
according to homeaway the average second-home owner rents out their property to travelers 17 weeks a year generating more than $28000 in rental income annually and the demand for vacation rentals among travelers is growing which is good news for second-home owners in fact 87 percent of travelers who looked into a vacation rental in the past say they plan to stay in a vacation rental in 2010 - a significant increase from the 67 percent who stayed in a vacation rental in 2009
to generate income from a second home prior to moving into it when you retire sharples suggests consumers take the following steps
location and maRket Potentialcarefully review the markets where you want to retire and before you buy consider the areas where consumer demand for vacation rentals is high but inventory is low for example atlantic city nJ sunny isles beach fla hampton beach nh dauphin island ala and Mount Pocono Pa were among some of the most underserved markets for vacation rental properties in 2009 according to homeaway
FactoR in tax wRite-oFFstalk to an accountant about the tax advantages of owning and renting out a second home expenses such as insurance utilities home maintenance and depreciation can be deducted depending on how often you rent out the property and how many weeks you personally stay there each year
adVeRtise to attRact RenteRs when yoursquore ready to rent out the property be sure to market the availability of the vacation rental to travelers by listing it on sites like homeawaycom or vrbocom which reach millions of travelers each month a 12-month listing costs $329 - or less than $28 per month - on homeawaycom so the advertising pays for itself with your first booking - and the rest is pure rental income
stay comPetitiVe amp netwoRk witH owneRs check out other similar vacation rentals in the area to determine what rates theyrsquore charging travelers and price your home at a competitiverate to help drive bookings also be sure to talk with other owners to get their tips and advice for maximizing a second home investment
for more information on buying a second home and effective strategies for maximizing rental income check out homeawayrsquos online community for vacation rental owners at ownercommunityhomeawaycom
tiPs to successFully get youwHeRe you need to be - Fast(ara) - do you ever get a headache just thinking about navigating the streets of an unfamiliar city have you ever booked a hotel in a less-than-great part of town or been late to an appointment because you canrsquot find a parking garage
even the savviest of travelers who can find their way around a city with their eyes closed run into travel snafus sending their blood pressure through the roof navigating the streets of a new city can be one of the most stressful parts of booking and taking a trip whether itrsquos for business or leisure
so you finally landed and yoursquore on your way to the hotel that you booked in the heart of the city everything is going just as you planned not so fast somehow you find yourself nowhere near the bright city lights and in a hotel on the outskirts of town where you wouldnrsquot even venture out for a cup of Joe
sound familiar well yoursquore not alone - more than half of travelers say theyrsquove experienced this very nightmare according to a recent bing survey
while finding decent lodging can be difficult sometimes even thinking about how to get around a city can strike fear into the hearts of business and leisure travelers alike so which city gets travelers hearts racing when just thinking about how to get around unsurprisingly for anyone who has ever visited either new york or los angeles (even just once) both cities topped bingrsquos survey as the worst cities to navigate More than 40 percent said ldquothe heck with driving irsquom getting a taxirdquo when visiting the big apple and a quarter said that the concrete jungle otherwise known as los angeles is too wild for them
so how can you ensure you know enough about a city to get around like you were a local book a decent hotel check out a local concert or find a local hot spot to grab a bite to eat well the folks at bing have a few tips to make your next adventure stress-free
Pay attention to ReViews Most online booking sites offer reviews from other guests who have stayed at the hotel that yoursquore considering while you may be inclined to take the overly positive reviews with a grain of salt itrsquos best to steer clear if a hotel receives consistent negative customer reviews
study uPcheck out the local convention center visitorsrsquo bureau or chamber of commerce web sites to learn more about the city and its surrounding neighborhoods this will help give you a better idea of whatrsquos near your destination and the neighborhoods that surround it
RemembeRyou get wHat you Pay FoRif yoursquore paying a two-star rate donrsquot expect to get four- or five-star accommodations and a mint on your pillow a cheaper rate rarely buys you luxury but you should still be able to score a clean safe room that provides for your basic needs
HoP onlineuse online resources like bing Mapsrsquo new streetside experience a three-dimensional mapping tool Just log on to bing Maps where you can zoom in from satellite level to birdrsquos eye view and even down to street level for 56 major us metro areas
now you can virtually walk the streets of your next adventure with actual 360-degree footage of the area not only can you tell if a hotel is in a good neighborhood yoursquoll be able to see if therersquos a wifi coffee shop nearby where you can sync up your computer before your next meeting or scope out any traffic jams before you head out and you can even find the nearest parking garage so yoursquore never late again to your lunch date - unlike the more than 40 percent of bing survey respondents who were fashionably late because they couldnrsquot find a parking spot
ldquobooking a hotel room on the internet can be a risky proposition if you canrsquot see the room hotel or area itrsquos in before you bookrdquo says blaise aguera y arcas architect of bing Maps and Msn at Microsoft ldquobut technology like streetside is making it possible to scope out a neighborhood - and ensure itrsquos one you want to stay in - without ever having to leave the comfort of your computer chairrdquo in fact the bing survey found that nearly a quarter of travelers rated finding a decent hotel as the most frustrating part of planning their trip
Plus stay up-to-date on the best places to check out on your next trip by using bingrsquos twitter mapping app now you can get real-time information about an area - such as seeing the latest tweets for the local shopping mall before you even go there or even updates about local events and breaking news
log onto bing Maps where you can plan your next trip whether itrsquos a far away city or even your own town now you can be a travel guru no matter where you are
setting and stickingto youR tRaVel budget(ara) - travel can be one of the biggest-ticket items you invest in each year so itrsquos worth it to plan ahead
setting a budget - and sticking to it - can help you stay in better control of spending according to a recent visa survey a majority (54 percent) of last yearrsquos summer travelers either didnrsquot set a budget oroverspent their budget while traveling and more than a quarter of those surveyed overspent by more than $250 to make sure this doesnrsquot happen to you itrsquos important to create a realistic travel budget and make a plan for how you will spend within your means while on the road
to create a budget think through your trip first include the basics such as transportation to and from your destination and lodging next plan for expenses that come up along the way such as meals on the road
hosthostess gifts rental cars or public transportation donrsquot forget to include entertainment - whether sightseeing or going to the movies itrsquos also a good idea to build in a cushion for the unexpected
once yoursquove set your travel budget you need to stick to it one tool that can help is a prepaid travel card a prepaid card draws from funds that are set aside in advance for purchases here are a few ways prepaid travel cards can come in handy
keeP tRaVel Funds sePaRate an easy way to make sure you donrsquot go over budget is to set your travel budget aside on a prepaid travel card simply load the card with your travel budget and use it for everything from online booking to grabbing lunch during an (unexpectedly extended) layover without worrying about spending more than you planned or dipping into gift-buying funds
access casHwhether you need a few dollars or several yen choose a prepaid card that will allow you to withdraw cash from atMs around the world if yoursquore traveling internationally itrsquoll also save you the hassle of tracking down and waiting in line for local currency
bRowse and buy look for a prepaid card that you can use online travel sites offer a wealth of information and detailed listings of competing offers from airlines and hotels as well as reviews from fellow travelers for flights you can typically compare possible savings by traveling on al-ternate days or from nearby airports once you spot the deal that works for your budget use your prepaid travel card to snap it up
enJoy Peace oF mind wHen tRaVeling Prepaid cards may come with travel-related services for example the visa travelMoney card offers zero liability for lost or stolen cards as well as lost luggage reimbursement and purchase security Make sure you know which benefits your card offers and how they work so you can tap into them should the need arise
with some advance preparation and the right tools in place you donrsquot have to overspend on travel in fact with some careful planning you could end up with enough left to buy yourself a little something to remember the trip for more information about visa travelMoney visit wwwvisacomtravelmoney
Click To Listen While You Browse
South Carolinarsquos Internet
Powered By
(843)720-9604 InfoOnlysc
need an easy getaway FoR tHe Family Plan a budget-FRiendly tRiP to a national PaRk(ara) - american families have spoken the vacation is a top priority ninety-four percent of americans agreed that even in tough economic times family vacations are worth the money according to a recent survey by expediacom to keep the vacation affordable and easy think about introducing your family to the splendor of the national park system - where activities are abundant and costs are minimal
expediacom recently partnered with the national Park foundation to provide a permanent one-stop shop to help travelers plan and book vacations to americarsquos national parks
ldquothere are excellent values for traveling families right now and taking a trip to a national park is one of the best ways to stretch your vacation dollarsrdquo says lee woodruff author travel expert and mother of four
ldquofamilies are looking for ways to reconnect with each other and what better option for an affordable vacation than a national parkrdquo
here are five easy steps to plan the perfect national park getaway
1 get inspired ken burns recently debuted a six-part documentary series for Pbs titledldquothe national Parks americarsquos best ideardquo tune into Pbs or order a copy online to find inspiration and a detailed look at some of the most beautiful places in the world from acadia to the grand canyon and yosemite to the gates of the arctic in alaska
2 Pick the park with original content from the national Park foundation expediacomrsquos national park web site is the perfect resource for families to find the national park to fit their vacation needs
the site offers pre-set ldquolong weekendrdquo itineraries to start your planning you can also search through the ldquocanrsquot Miss national Parksrdquo section to learn about the parkrsquos location its natural features little-known facts including the best times to visit and activities to choose from in each area expediarsquos site also offers downloadable park maps to help you get your bearings
3 more ways to save take advantage of the public amenities that national parks offer like camping and picnic sites while there is a small entrance fee to the parks you can cut back on costs by bringing your own meals and treating the kids to lunch by a waterfall or overlooking the grand canyon also enjoy the free activities such as hiking biking and birding that the parks offer
4 book your hotel and rental car if camping isnrsquot your familyrsquos style consider any of the great lodges in and around the national park of your choice and if yoursquore planning to rent a car consider booking lodging and car together to substantially reduce the overall costs of your vacation
5 give back consider giving back to the national Park foundation by visiting the web site wwwnationalparksorg and donate or learn more about volunteer opportunities within americarsquos national parks helping out in these small ways ensures the parks will remain beautiful so your kids can bring their own children one day
ldquoPlanning the vacation is half of the fun so get every-one involved in the processrdquo says woodruff ldquothere are so many options in our national park system many of which have rich and amazing heritage so the whole family is going to enjoy something when you visitrdquo
bookmaRk youRFaVoRite Road
a bRieF HistoRyoF PaVed Roads
(ara) - Planes and trains may have their place in our society but for the dedicated traveler therersquos still nothing like getting in your car and taking a trip along americarsquos highways
half the fun of road trips in the minds of many is getting home and telling friends and family about the adventure - and the roads they traveled
in the past driversrsquo road stories were largely told by word of mouth to a few people at a time now drivers can tell their tales to millions via the internet favoriteroadcom is a new web site that features americarsquos favorite highways and byways
the site encourages you to post your favorite roads and explain why you like them simply log on to submit a photo and story of your favorite road use links posted on the site to share your road via popular social networks such as facebook and twitter your submission may even win a prize in contest giveaways
the past yearrsquos economic downturn has reintroduced the word ldquoinfrastructurerdquo to our vocabulary as a result of stimulus legislation passed in 2009 the federal government has allocated millions of dollars to specifically improve state roads and highways and with more affordable gasoline prices people are increasingly using americarsquos roads for leisure travel
by posting on favoriteroadcom yoursquore doing more than just ldquotelling a good storyrdquo your testimonials may help encourage lawmakers to push for increased infrastructure spending to keep america driving smoothly and safely for years to come
whatrsquos your favorite road log on and tell the world at favoriteroadcom
625 bc the babylonians are credited with the first recorded use of asphalt as a road building material the ancient greeks were also familiar with asphalt (the word comes from the greek ldquoasphaltosrdquo meaning ldquosecurerdquo)
1500s christopher columbus landed off the shores of trinidad in 1498 and discovered the famous asphalt lake which would later be used on the Pennsylvania avenue project in washington dc covering 54000 square yards
1800s Macadam roads became popular in the us for rural road construction during the 1830s and 40s belgian chemist edmund J desmedt laid the first true asphalt pavement in the us in newark nJ the cummer company opened the first central hot mix production facilities in the us the first asphalt patent was filed by nathan b abbott of brooklyn ny in 1871
1920s world war i ended and the use of the automo-bile was steadily rising but roads outside the city limits were frequently too muddy or dusty for travel to fix this problem road engineers used oils and asphalt
1940s-1950s the modern american turnpike is born after world war ii full scale automobile production resumed along with major levels of road maintenance and new highway construction by 1950 vehicle registration exceeded 40 million cars and 8 million trucks in 1956 President eisenhower signed the federal-aid highway act and launched the interstate system to create an infrastructure highway program -unmatched anywhere in the world
1970s a national move to conserve energy and materials initiated a widespread interest in recycling of pavement materials asphalt is now americarsquos most recycled product
1990s a traffic study by the world road association indicates that asphalt pavements are at least 4 decibels quieter than concrete pavements
2000s the us population has increased 23 percent since 1990 and the number of miles driven has risen by 41 percent only half of the nationrsquos major roads are in good condition based on an analysis of recent federal highway administration data
wandeRing Re-establisHes tHe oRiginal
HaRmony wHicH once existed between
man and tHe uniVeRse
business oR leisuRe dRiVing oR FlyingtRaVel saFely natuRally(ara) - weekend getaways shorter vacations and overnight business trips are great ways to save money and are becoming more prevalent according to the bureau of transportation taking a few simple and natural steps to stay safe and healthy while on the road can not only protect your travel investment butenhance your entire experience
ReFResHed and aleRt dRiVing diFFusion
a shorter thriftier trip is likely to be by car the inevitable rush to make the most of the limited time
away after a tiring work week can create fatigue so donrsquot make it a dangerous driving situation enliven your senses with essential oil scents
ditch the cardboard cutout car ldquofreshenerrdquo that hangs from the rearview mirror not only distracting these products are usually saturated with synthetic fragrance chemicals and probably arenrsquot the best thing to inhale while enclosed in your vehicle instead rely on a sleek essential oil diffuser that plugs into your automobilersquos phone charger power outlet these devices feature small paper fiber pads to which you can apply your own custom blend of essential oils allowing you to not only
scent the air inside the car but also to provide refreshing aromatherapy benefits to help keep you alert and focused on the road
a simpler alternative way to diffuse is to apply several drops of oil to a tissue and tuck it carefully into one of the vents in the dash
try these essential oils for the car Peppermint essential oil - refreshing awakening
uplifting eucalyptus essential oil - bracing purifying
protecting lemon essential oil - pleasant deodorizing
cheering
How clean is youR Hotel Room
overnight stays in less than posh hotel digs may be part of the money-saving travel trend even upscale hotels arenrsquot immune to dirt and germs or worse an apparent outbreak of bedbug infestations in the united states recently publicized by the environmental Protection agency
bedbugs aside there are always nagging doubts about just how clean a hotel room actually is has the shower or tub been scrubbed or merely wiped down is the toilet sanitized has the bedspread ever really been thoroughly cleaned fortunately there are ways to protect yourself after you check in but before you settle into your temporary overnight home
air and surface sanitizing spray feel good about travel with a bottle of homemade purifying aromatherapy solution that relies on pleasantly scented and highly effective essential oils rather than harsh chemical disinfectants the following spray will help you create a hygienic environment in your temporary hotel home apply it to tub vanity and toilet surfaces
ingredientsempty 12 to16 ounce spray bottle10 ounces water2 ounces isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or
vodka12 teaspoon tea tree essential oil
(antimicrobial)12 teaspoon lemon essential oil
(cleansing)12 teaspoon lavandin essential oil
(protecting)12 teaspoon sweet orange essential oil
(freshening)
directions combine all ingredients in the spray bottle shake and apply to a washcloth and wipe down the tvrsquos remote the clock radio the door handles and the faucethandles in the bathroom
Purifying and Relaxing linen mist here are some great tips for making a strange bed feel more like home take along your own pillow and replace the ones provided create your own linen mist and use it on your own bed at home then travel with the same blend taking a little bit of home with you when you arrive at your destination turn down the covers exchange the pillows and apply your signature scent to the bed
ingredientsempty 4 to 8 ounce spray bottle4 to 8 ounces water13 drops lavender essential oil
(relaxing calming)5 drops lavandin or spike lavender
essential oil (purifying protecting)
directionscombine the water and oil in the bottle shake the contents thoroughly just before application
remember to look for pure and natural essential oil brands like aura cacia that donrsquot include synthetic petrochemical fragrances for more information on how to enhance your life through aromatherapy visit wwwauracaciacom
PRePaRe youR VeHicle FoR a HuRRicane eVacuation(ara) - ana bill claudette - the first three atlantic ocean hurricanes of the season made headlines but not to the extent of katrina or ike of recent years and while these three hurricanes have come and gone who knows if - or when - grace or henry might pay a visit to your town
the 2009 hurricane season has an expected 90 percent chance of being a near-normal or below-normal season for the atlantic ocean according to the national oceanic and atmospheric administration this prediction - if accurate - will be welcomed with a sigh of relief by many residents in coastal towns after the above-normal year in 2008
but even if noaa is predicting a quiet year for hurricanes you can never be over prepared if you donrsquot have your emergency evacuation plan organized itrsquos time to make one no matter if yoursquore planning on traveling 100 miles or 1000 miles you need an evacuation plan as a representative of a gulf coast
company Maricela carter a health safety security environment coordinator with soPus has some tips on how to prepare your vehicle for potential evacuations
Plan eVacuation Routescheck newspapers online sites the local emergency broadcast radio station and local television stations for the latest information on official evacuation routes Purchase a good map with details on elevations waterways and county roads and familiarize yourself with the most efficient ways to get out of town
Pack an emeRgency kitautomobiles are susceptible to unexpected problems so keep an emergency kit in your trunk include jumper cables extra motor oil window washing brake and coolant fluids simple tools like an air pressure gauge screwdriver pliers and adjustable wrench a role of
paper towels a windup flashlight and a can of fix-a-flat in case you get a flat tire
fix-a-flat creates a temporary emergency seal on contact with the tire and inflates the tire between eight and 14 pounds per square inch so that the car can be driven to a gas station for proper repair of the tire this can help you to get back on the road and out of the hurricanersquos way quickly and easily
Fill uP tHe tankeveryone is going to need fuel in order to evacuate so plan to fill up your tank as soon as you hear a hurricane warning this helps to prevent sudden demands on the supply once your tank is full conserve the amount of gas you use for the next couple of days by combining your errands into one trip and not traveling during rush hour
cHeck tiRe PRessuRein order to help conserve fuel make sure your tires are at the manufacturerrsquos recommended pressure - usually printed on the driverrsquos door of your car keeping tires at the correct pressure can improve your gasoline mileage by 33 percent according to fueleconomygov which means yoursquoll be able to travel further when evacuating
use PRoPeR FluidsMake sure you follow all the manufacturer recommendations for motor oil which can also improve your gasoline mileage by 1 or 2 percent according to fuelecomonygov one helpful hint is to look for oil that has an ldquoenergy conservingrdquo label by the american Petroleum institution to ensure it contains friction-reducing additives
it is not down inany maP tRue PlacesneVeR aRe
diRect dePosit oF social secuRity is easieR FoR winteR tRaVeleRs(ara) - as cold weather sets in thousands of retirees are making plans for a winter getaway if yoursquore one of them switch to direct deposit for your social security payments before you leave - itrsquos the safest easiest way to receive your money
ldquoeach year the us department of the treasury receives more than 14 million inquiries regarding paper check-related problemsrdquo says david a lebryk commissioner of the treasury departmentrsquos financial Management service
yet approximately 105 million americans continue to receive their social security and supplemental security income (ssi) payments by paper check each month the treasury departmentrsquos go direct (r) campaign encourages senior citizens and people with disabilities to switch to direct deposit
incReased saFety conVenience and Reliability
ldquowhen therersquos a problem with a social security payment nine times out of 10 itrsquos with a paper check not a direct deposit paymentrdquo says lebryk
Paper checks can be vulnerable to financial crimes like theft and fraud in fact the treasury department investigates more than 70000 cases of altered or fraudulently endorsed checks each year totaling $64 million in estimated value
ldquoin 2008 alone more than 485000 social security and ssi checks were reported lost or stolen and had to be reissuedrdquo says lebryk
direct deposit is also more convenient and reliable there is no more waiting for a check to arrive in the mail and there are no more worries about delivery delays due to severe weather localemergencies and other check related problems last year alone severe weather events forced alternative delivery arrangements for millions of social security and ssi paper checks
ldquoswitching to direct deposit for federal benefits is such an easy way
for people to safeguard their money es-pecially when traveling for extended pe-riods of timerdquo says lebryk ldquoyour money is deposited to your account on payment day so therersquos no need to worry
about delivery delays or a check sitting in your mailbox while yoursquore gonerdquo
PRePaid debit caRd oPtion
in addition to direct deposit the treasury department recommends the direct express (r) debit Mastercard (r) card as an alternative to paper checks for people without bank accounts
More than half a million americans signed up for the optional direct express (r) card in its first year of availability according to the treasury department a recent survey of cardholders finds that 95 percent say they are satisfied with the prepaid debit card and 86 percent say they would recommend it to family members or friends who receive a federal benefit payment
with the direct express card cardholders can make purchases pay bills and get cash at thousands of locations nationwide sign-up is free and no bank account is required while most services are free there are fees for a limited number of optional transactions and services
making tHe switcH is easy
it is easy to make the switch to electronic payments for federal benefits to sign up for direct deposit call the treasury departmentrsquos go direct campaign helpline at 1-800-333-1795 or visit wwwgodirectorg to sign up for the treasury-recommended direct express card or to learn more about the cardrsquos features and fees call 1-877-212-9991 or visit wwwusdirectexpresscom
the preceding information has been provided by the us department of the treasury financial Management service
the go direct (r) campaign is sponsored by the us department of the treasury and the federal reserve banks the direct express (r) debit Mastercard (r) card is issued by comerica bank pursuant to a license by Mastercard international incorporated Mastercard (r) and the Mastercard (r) brand Mark are registered trademarks of Mastercard international incorporated the go direct(r) logo direct express (r) logo and direct express (r) are service marks of the us department of the treasury financial Management service
biZaRRe tRaVel Plans aRe dancing lessons FRom god
time to ReFinance oR buy
right now mortgage rates are at their lowest level since 1971 think about that twenty-five years ago homeowners were paying as much as 18 on a 30-year fixed today itrsquos just a little over 5combine that rate with the tax advantages
of a mortgage and you have an incredibly cheap way to build wealth but you better act now
real estate guru barbara corcoran has already seen a tremendous surge in refinance applications ndash more than triple the average ndash and the number of people getting approved is astronomically higher as well she says but that doesnrsquot mean the low rates are a panacea for the ills of the housing market it is only once home prices start to go up that we will finally see a light at the end of tunnel corcoran says until that happens we are still going to have to crawl out of this mess ldquo[low interest rates are] not a lifesaverrdquo corcoran says ldquothis is just a helping handrdquo
david kittle chairman of the Mortgage bankers association has this advice to homeowners looking to refinance do it donrsquot get greedy searching for another quarter-point lock in rates now he is seeing applications soar over 125 just since thanksgiving due to the low rates
of course you should only refinance if it saves you at least 38 on the rate and if you plan on staying in your home for at least four years kittle says along with good credit proof of income and money by means of a down payment or equity in the home there are certain things every homeowner needs regardless of interest rate levels
easy-to-do maintenance HelPs extend VeHicle liFe(ara) - after their homes most americansrsquo largest financial investment is their vehicle so helping it stay in good working order for as long as possible is a high priority in fact the average age of a passenger car in north america has grown to more than nine years according to rl Polk and co which indicates that motorists are looking for ways to help extend the life of their vehicle
even so todayrsquos tight budgets leave some motorists reluctant to spend on services or maintenance that they think can be delayed at least for the short term however compared to the cost of engine repair spending a little today on the right maintenance routine performed by trusted service technicians using quality products makes sense Mark ferner Pennzoil technical specialist and ase-certified master mechanic offers some simple cost-effective tips for helping to protect the performance and longevity of your vehicle
replace dirty air filters a dirty air filter will restrict airflow to the engine which may reduce power output if the filter fails it will allow unfiltered air into the engine which can be abrasive inside an engine to avoid these issues and help promote long engine life check your enginersquos air filter regularly and change it when it is dirty
use HigH-quality Fuelseveral automotive manufacturers (bMw gM honda toyota volkswagen and audi) have published technical service bulletins recommending the use of top-tier fuel top-tier fuel contains more additives than is required by the industryrsquos lowest additive content (lac) treat rate regular use of fuel that only meets lac requirements may cause deposits to form on engine intake valves and fuel injectors
cHange youR oilregular oil changes are one of the most important steps to maximize the life of a vehicle oil change in-tervals vary by vehicle and driving conditions so follow the interval and oil specifications found in the ownerrsquos manual
also be sure to use quality motor oils in your vehicle Properly functioning motor oils help prevent sludge and neutralize and disperse harmful deposits and using the recommended viscosity grade of motor oil may also help enhance fuel economy if you are having the oil changed for you ask for quality oils by name Quality motor oil will maintain its effectiveness throughout the oil change interval allowing it to help keep the engine clean
as a bonus some motor oil brands offer lubrication warranties at no additional cost for example the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranty Programs protect qualified engines for 300000 miles whether their owners use conventional synthetic-blend or full synthetic motor oils meeting their vehiclesrsquo requirements Participants can enroll online and maintaining eligibility is easy simply get an oil change with the specified brand change the filter perform regular maintenance and keep the service receipts
to learn more about the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranties visit either wwwPennzoilcom or wwwQuakerstatecom or speak with an automotive professional at a participating automotive dealership or oil change facility that features Pennzoil or Quaker state products
PeoPle donrsquot take tRiPs tRiPs take PeoPle
Fin
al
wo
Rd
s
a vacation is what you take when you can no longer take what yoursquove been taking
eaRl wilson
- 1-12-2010pdf
co
nt
en
ts how to cash in on ression-driven travel deals 11
a vacation hoMe away froM hoMe 15
warM weather relaxing or Playing in the snow 19
the best tiMe to rediscover a destination 24
reconnect with nature Plan a triP to a national Park 28
charlestonrsquos office of cultural affairs launches new website 33
a retireMent hoMe that helPs Pay for itself 36
signature golf 39
tiPs to sucessfully get you where you need to be fast 44
setting and sticking to your travel budget 48
need an easy getaway for the faMily 52
bookMark your favorite road 56
business or leisure driving or flying travel safely naturally 59
PrePare your vehicle for hurrican evacuation 65
direct dePosit of social security is easier for winter travelers 69
tiMe to refinance or buy 73
easy-to-do Maintenance helPs extend vehicle life 76
Promoting local business is as simple as having other companyrsquos business cards or brochures posted on a board in your store we are doing our part so please join us and promote your local merchants and everyone will benefit
toP ten Reasons to tHink localbuy local - be local ndash HelP local businesses
1 buy local support yourself and downtown Many studies have revealed when you buy from an independent locally owned business in the your own area rather than a nationally owned businesses considerably more of your money is used to make purchases from other local businesses local businesses continue to strengthen the economic base of the local community these include case studies showing that local local owned businesses generate a premium in enhanced economic impact to the community and our tax base
2suPPoRt local aRea community gRouPs non-profit organizations receive an average 250 more support from smaller area business owners than they do from large companies
3 keeP youR aRea unique where we shop where we eat and have fun -- all of it makes our community home our one-of-a-kind local businesses are an integral part of the distinctive character local tourism businesses also benefit ldquowhen people go on vacation they generally seek out destinations that offer them the sense of being someplace not just anyplacerdquo ~ richard Moe President national historic Preservation trust
4 Reduce enViRonmental imPact locally owned businesses in your area can make more local purchases requiring less transportation this generally means contributing less to sprawl congestion habitat loss and pollution
5 cReate additional Jobs small local businesses are the largest employer nationally and in the community provide the most jobs to local residents
6 ReceiVe betteR seRVice local businesses often hire people with a better understanding of the products and services they offer and take more time to get to know customers
7inVest in youR community local businesses are owned by people who live in this community and they are less likely to leave and are more invested in the communityrsquos future
8 Put youR taxes to good use local businesses require a relatively little infrastructure investment and make more efficient use of public services as compared to nationally owned stores entering your area
FRom tHe editoRSupporting LocaL Vacation BuSineSSeS in South caroLina
wwwvacationrentalssc online Magazine | 2009 5
9 buy wHat you want not wHat big adVeRtising budgets want you to buy a south carolina marketplace comprised of tens of thousands of small businesses is the best way to ensure innovation and low prices over the long-term a multitude of small businesses each selecting products and services based not on a national sales plan but on their own interests and the needs of their local customers promises a much broader range of product choices
10 PRomote local PRosPeRity an escalating body of economic research shows that in an increasingly homogenized world entrepreneurs and skilled workers are more likely to invest and settle in communities that preserve their one-of-a-kind businesses and distinctive character
larry localeditor in chief
wwwvacationrentalssc online Magazine | 2009 6
wwwvacationrentalssc online Magazine | 2009 7
ceo dennis stewart
editoR in cHieFlarry local
aRt diRectoRamy coats
web deVeloPeR Matthew coats
administRation amp maRketingshaun stacy
wwwVacationRentalssc online magaZinecopyright copy 2009carolina Media services all rights reserved reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts or photographs
3290 ashley Phosphate road charleston sc 29418toll free (843)720-9604fax (843)725-4734infovacationrentalssc wwwvacationsreantalsc
carolina media SERVICES
carolina media SERVICES
Vacation Rentals M
ag
az
ine
How to casH in on Recession-dRiVen tRaVel deals(ara) - travelers are finding the silver lining of the current economic climate is the availability of some incredible travel values hotel airfare and vacation package prices are all down significantly from last year helping to make travel more affordable than it has been in years
you can spend the same amount and get more - for example choosing to extend a vacation or trading up your hotel choice - or you can pocket the savings
with a little planning even the most budget-conscious can find affordable trips this fall and winter tim Macdonald general manager of expediacom offers some advice for ways to get the most value out of your next vacation
Plan aHead and book witH conFidencein many cases scheduling travel in advance helps you secure the lowest airfare and hotel rates though therersquos always a chance for last-minute sales waiting could
increase the likelihood that you will pay higher
prices this frequently happens during peak times like the winter holidays when there are fewer options for flights and hotel rooms
while airlines and hotels may charge penalties expediacom has eliminated change and cancel fees for hotels cruises car rental and most flight reservations with fewer change and cancel fees to worry about travelers have the flexibility they need to book in advance with confidence
book togetHeR booking airfare and hotel accommodations at the same time not only simplifies the vacation planning process but also can help substantially reduce the overall costs of vacation travel
ldquobooking travel together is one of the easiest ways to save money and get the most value when planning a trip thatrsquos because when you bundle your air travel and hotel together and book them at the same time expediacom is able to pass substantial savings onto
yourdquo says Macdonald ldquolast year expediacom customers saved $248 million by
booking their air travel and hotels togetherrdquo
tRade uPalthough some people may be looking to scale back travel plans or follow a vacation budget more closely than in the past for others there are opportunities to get more for their money this year for roughly the price of a three-star hotel stay last year travelers can now book at a four-star hotel in fact the average daily rate of a four-star hotel is $143 per night 22 percent lower than the average for 2008
ldquowersquore seeing incredible values for luxury hotel prop-erties this yearrdquo says Macdonald ldquofor some travelers this may be their chance to stretch their dollars and upgrade to hotels that have previously been out of their price rangerdquo
be Flexible and tRy sometHing new take time to look for current travel deals to help choose a vacation destination look for exclusive special values and promotional rates to popular destinations including Mexico las vegas new york city and hawaii as well as deals on all-inclusive resorts and cruises all-inclusive options have always been good values because they include meals and many activities in the upfront price whatrsquos more this year the average daily rates for all-inclusive properties are even lower than last year - for instance average daily rates for all-inclusive resorts in the bahamas are 16 percent lower this year from last year
ReseaRcH actiVities in adVance sticking to a travel budget can sometimes be difficult when factoring in activities so be sure to research activities and attractions before your trip to identify these costs in advance in addition booking activities in advance ensures you wonrsquot miss out on attractions events and activities that sell out virtually all vacation destinations also offer inexpensive and free attractions like city parks cultural festivals and museums taking advantage of a mix of free and paid activities can help you get the most out of your vacation for a reasonable price
know beFoRe you gothoroughly researching vacation destinations including available public transportation or local tipping customs (if traveling outside the us) can help avoid any unexpected costs you may be able to avoid the expense of a rental car by identifying public transportation options or by selecting a hotel that provides free transportation if you do need a a rental car make your reservation early and consider adding it to a flight or hotel booking to help secure the best price in fact adding a rental car to your air travel or hotel booking could mean savings of up to 30 percent off typical prices
tHe woRld is a book amp tHose wHo do not tRaVelRead only one Page
a V
ac
at
ion
Ho
me
a
wa
y F
Ro
m H
om
e (ara) - getting away during the spring months is popular for many families especially families with children in school looking for a break from the spring semester visiting relatives traveling from one sightseeing opportunity to another and cramming the whole crew into a hotel room with tight sleeping quarters and one bathroom is all par for the course right well it doesnrsquot have to be
travelers are jumping on the vacation home rental bandwagon where theyrsquore finding comfortable spaces just-like-home amenities and a more relaxing experience - all for about what it costs to book a hotel room in this tough economy owners of second homes are increasingly renting out their properties for some extra cash according to homeaway a collection of vacation-rental web sites and as the market floods prices drop to lure renters
a recent online search of hotels in la Jolla calif a beautiful seaside commu-nity thatrsquos technically part of san diego revealed some hotel rooms starting around $150 a night a search for vacation homes returned two bedroom two bathroom options starting at just over $100 a night
not only do you get more space you get the luxuries of home such as a full kitchen washerdryer and parking all of which are further money-savers Plus standard hotel rooms can be pretty boring rarely lending insight into the destinationrsquos character vacation rentals are an actual personrsquos home albeit a second home and some are even pet-friendly
herersquos how to find a vacation rental that suits your needs
wHeRe to staRtawaycom a research and travel-planning web site offers a comprehensive listing of vacation rentals including houses and condos from all over the web find it at awaycomvacationrentals
be comFoRtableif the thought of renting a vacation home ldquosight unseenrdquo and directly from the owner is daunting work with a property management company such companies particularly ones with local offices know the market well and might even be able to move you to another property if a problem arises
do youR HomewoRkcheck out online photos and read all property reviews if yoursquore renting directly from an owner reach out to them with questions and put a face to the transaction and the golden rule clarify all costs and payment methods upfront time invested in the beginning will yield a more enjoyable experience in the end
whatever you decide is right for your spring vacation book it now as usual the early bird will get the worm
Get Your Carolina
Girl Gear
waRm weatHeR Relaxing oR Playing in tHe snowtiPs FoR Planning youR winteR tRaVels(ara) - the winter months offer the perfect excuse to plan a fabulous getaway and you donrsquot have to travel far to find something that fits your vacation expectations
if you need to flee from the cold depths of winter there are plenty of beaches in florida and california and warm desert landscapes to enjoy in arizona and new Mexico that will warm you up and give your skin a bit of summer glow Picture yourself playing tennis in the sun or lounging by the pool with a book while the kids are splashing around in the water
here are tips on how to best plan your warm-weather winter vacation
look FoR deals duRing tHe slow montHsbecause January and february are so close to the holidays but too early yet for spring break hotels and resorts tend to offer special discounts to encourage traveling
Pack sunblock eVen iF yoursquoVe been ldquotanningrdquo
also make sure your travel bags include sun shades a hat with a brim and a water bottle nothing makes a vacation more uncomfortable than sunburn and dehydration
add a Jacket to tHe luggagenights can get chilly and if the wind blows in a rain cloud or two yoursquoll be glad you have that jacket to ward off the goose bumps
Maybe you like to play in the fluffy white stuff and canrsquot wait to schedule downhill skiing in colorado snowshoeing in Maine or ice fishing in Minnesota the images yoursquoll take home this winter include majestic mountains covered in snow your daughter pulling a
360 while snowboarding down a half-pipe or even a moose with
a full rack of antlers on his head browsing for vegetation along a back country road
tips for planning your snow vacation include
FiguRe out iF yoursquoRe going to take youR geaR oR Rent it at youR destinationwhile looking into this determine if your vehicle can carry all the gear or if there are any restrictions bar-ring you from taking it on the airplane if you plan to rent call ahead of time to reserve your equipment
Pack many layeRs oF clotHing Many snow activities can make you warm but once you stop moving yoursquore going to want the heavier layers back
again donrsquot forget sunblock goggles shades or hat because the sun glaring on snow can easily burn your skin and eyes and winter rays can be just as damaging as those in summer
once you have your destination picked and travels planned therersquos one more step to ensure your winter getaway is successful while away from home having your health and safety front-of-mind is very important so you are prepared for emergencies like falling and breaking a bone while swishing down a ski slope or suddenly discovering you have seafood allergies while sampling fresh crawfish in louisiana
on call international provides travel assistance anywhere in the world to travelers who experience an emergency need medical care or evacuation while away from home if you want to return to your local hospital for treatment because you are familiar with the area and can have your personal doctor available on call will coordinate a medical evacuation for the sick person and help arrange transportation for the rest of the family
only a small percentage of health insurance plans cover medical evacuation when the member is on vacation and away from home this means you could be on the hook for thousands of dollars if you need to be transported from the resortrsquos local clinic to a better hospital hundreds of miles away or need a nurse to monitor your care on the way home after a skiing accident
so when you plan your next trip to sunny texas or snowy Michigan donrsquot forget to pack some comfort and safety for you and your family and consider enrolling in an on call international membership just in case you experience a travel emergency
tHe best time to RediscoVeR a destination
sHouldeR season
(ara) - the first few months of the year when many americans are spending time at home trying to recu-perate from the hustle and bustle of the holidays may not seem like an ideal time to plan a vacation how-ever planning for a time known as ldquoshoulder seasonrdquo the time between peak season and low season is a fantastic time for savvy travelers to find great deals on airfare hotels and attractions while simultaneously experiencing top destinations in a whole new way
ldquoMany travelers donrsquot think to travel in the weeks and months following the holidaysrdquo says brad dean President and ceo for the Myrtle beach area convention and visitorrsquos bureau ldquohowever a shoulder season trip can be the best way for travelers to relax after a busy holiday season destinations offer their lowest rates and best deals of the year at this time and consumers can get away for a fraction of the high-season costrdquo
so when is ldquoshoulder seasonrdquo it will vary slightly depending on your destination figuring out a regionrsquos shoulder season could be as easy as checking out rates at a few area hotels to determine when the rates are at their lowest
consider these convincing facts about shoulder season travel and what a great value it can be for your vacation dollars
Hotel rates airfare and attraction fees are often significantly lower during the shoulder season than any other time of year hotels especially are eager for business during this season and respond with deeply discounted rates and incentives to entice travelers
last minute deals you can plan and implement a very budget-friendly travel itinerary in a relatively short time - sometimes just a day or two as opposed to weeks or months of planning ahead thatrsquos needed during busier seasons
shoulder season travel presents the opportunity to view and experience a popular destination one you may have visited before during peak season in a whole new way for example destinations like Myrtle beach sc that bustle and buzz with activity in the peak season can take on a more laid-back relaxed atmosphere in shoulder season yoursquoll have access to the same major attractions
shows dining and shopping that peak season travelers enjoy but at a less frantic pace
and in that vein yoursquoll enjoy free access to popular attractions lines for popular attractions - most of which will stay open year round - will be shorter in shoulder seasons than any other time of year for example in Myrtle beach top entertainment venues and attractions as well as multiple live entertainment theaters are all open for business but with shorter (if any) lines and less crowds
because yoursquoll be getting a great deal therersquos also the opportunity to extend your vacation by a day or two and take some exciting trips to surround-ing areas the more relaxed attitude of shoulder season travel means you will feel more open to the idea of exploring the surrounding area visitors to the
Myrtle beach area for example can enjoy side trips to huntington beach state Park the nearby pictur-esque community of conway and the lowcountry gem of Pawleyrsquos island
finally shoulder season is a great time to travel to a drive destination like Myrtle beach yoursquoll find less traffic and a more relaxed commute to a location considered one of the top driving destinations for leisure travelers along the eastern seaboard and Midwest
to learn more about shoulder season travel opportunities in Myrtle beach log on to wwwvisitmyrtlebeachcom
Want to grow your business
Join the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce
As the unified voice of business the South Carolina Chamber is working to grow wealth for South Carolinians and businesses in order to improve economic development and quality of life
We help your business and you by
bull GettingyourvoiceheardbyourstatelegislatorsthroughourGrassrootsNetworkbull Workingtopassbusiness-friendlylegislationbull Keepingyouinformedonissuesandprovidingsolutionsforgrowingyour business through our monthly magazine South Carolina Business bull Providingnetworkingopportunitieswithlegislatorsandotherbusinessownersbull Trainingyouremployeesonhumanresourcesqualityandmanagementissuesbull Publishingalegalreferenceseries
Join the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce Contactustodayat800-799-4601Learnmoreatwwwscchambernet
Reconnect with Nature plan a trip to a National Park
Reconnect with Nature plan a trip to a National Park
(ARA) - Considered ldquoAmericarsquos best ideardquo national parks provide travelers preserved views of natural wonder as far as the eye can see An American invention they give us a unique backyard vacation oasis where postcard views meet real life-altering experiences And itrsquos this beauty exploration and enrichment combined with the accessibility of national parks that make them a popular vacation choice
According to the National Park Service trips to national parks are on the rise Tour operators offering guided visits through Americarsquos parks agree
ldquoBookings on our North American National Park tours have witnessed an increase of 180 percent in the last yearrdquo says Scott Nisbet president and CEO for the Globus family of brands ldquoNational parks are idyllic vacation lsquohot spotsrsquo perfect for relaxation and introspection wildlife exploration or adventure depending on the traveler and his or her interestsrdquo
A wide range of experiences can be had at national parks including everything from snorkeling rafting and hiking to learning about the environment geology and wildlife They also provide a perfect retreat for those hoping to reconnect with themselves or nature
And itrsquos the diversity of experiences national parks offer travelers that can make booking a national park vacation seem overwhelming Use these tips from Globus to simplify the process and book the perfect getaway for 2010
Choose the right park destinationFrom the east to west coasts Alaska to Hawaii America has more than 50 national parks to explore Do your research to choose a park that has what yoursquore looking for For instance if yoursquore interested in an abundance of hoodoos and canyons Bryce Canyon National Park might be the right fit Or if you want a vacation filled with bird watching or
boating the Everglades National Park could be a great choice
Go rustic or go luxuryLodging is an important consideration for any vacation Some travelers prefer to experience the outdoor beauty of the parks 24 hours a day and choose to camp Others want to escape to the more modern conveniences provided by nearby hotels cabins and lodges Decide what experience best suits you or your family - and decide early Spots (camping or lodging) fill up quickly especially during peak seasons
On your own or with a guideSome travelers prefer to hike or road trip through national parks while others are interested in a more insightful and pre-planned journey While maps are available for nearly every park guided tours have become a popular option for travelers and are often offered as part of a packaged tour vacation including accommodations
ldquoOur national park-focused tours offer an inclusive-style of travel with incomparable exploration and enrichment opportunitiesrdquo says Nisbet ldquoWith a wide range of national park destinations hotels and price points
coupled with unparalleled service and storytelling we create experiences for travelers they couldnrsquot produce on their ownrdquo
For more information or assistance planning your national park vacation visit wwwus-parkscom wwwnpsgov or wwwglobusjourneyscom Or call your travel agent or the Globus family of brands toll-free at (866) 313-2855
Looking For Your Chance To Win
Check Out Radioscrsquos Contest
South Carolinarsquos Internet
Powered By
(843)720-9604 InfoOnlysc
Win a $100 Shopping Spree
Win Tickets To Events amp Concerts
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Times
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Tickets
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Check wwwRadiosc for weekly House of Blues ticket giveaways
Win 4 tickets for ice skating and skate rentals at Carolina Ice Palace
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Each week you have a chance to win an Applebeersquos gift card worth up to $2500
cHaRlestonrsquos oFFice oF cultuRal aFFaiRslauncHes wwwcHaRlestonaRtssc as tHieR new aRts web sitefrom charleston currents
the city of charlestonrsquos office of cultural affairs has launched httpwwwcharlestonartssc a companion web site to the ocarsquos primary page at the cityrsquos official site charlestonartssc will be updated daily with information and features including an arts calendar that users can search by date artist presenting group or venue social networking widgets and a directory of local arts and cultural organizations and venues
ldquowe are hopeful that charlestonartssc will be a major benefit to local artists and arts organizations by disseminating information about their events with the most up-to-date information to a broader publicrdquo said ellen dressler Moryl director of the office of cultural affairs
other options for users at charlestonartssc include the following
bull Arts organizations can download forms from the Office of Cultural Affairs submit events update contact information and compare performance dates with other area organizations
bull The Tools for Professional section of the Web site features job listings for arts professionals including full time and part time work as well as internships and volunteer opportunities with arts and cultural organizations in the tri-county area
bull Updated grant opportunities for arts organizations with detailed information including deadlines application and contact information
bull Call for Submissions and Call for Auditions pages with details about the location deadlines fees andadditional requirements
the new web site also hosts connecting pages for general information on the office of cultural affairs and its projects the charleston farmers Market the city gallery at waterfront Park holiday Magic happy new year charleston the holiday Parade of boats the lowcountry Quarterly arts grant Program Piccolo spoleto and the MoJa arts festival
the web site was developed and is being hosted by carolina Media services ( wwwonlysc)
a RetiRement HometHat HelPs Pay FoR itselF(ara) - with todayrsquos record low real estate prices and at-tractive mortgage rates now may be a good time to think about investing in a second home that ultimately can be used as your permanent residence upon retirement by taking a ldquobuy-and-rentrdquo approach before yoursquore ready to retire your new home will actually have partly paid for itself by the time yoursquore ready to move into it
ldquobuying and renting out a second home as a vacation rental property until yoursquore ready to move in upon retirement can significantly help offset the cost of ownershiprdquo says brian sharples ceo of homeaway the worldrsquos leading online vacation rental marketplace ldquothe income stream in addition to tax write-offs for maintenance and repairs make this an attractive strategy for many people nearing retirementrdquo
according to homeaway the average second-home owner rents out their property to travelers 17 weeks a year generating more than $28000 in rental income annually and the demand for vacation rentals among travelers is growing which is good news for second-home owners in fact 87 percent of travelers who looked into a vacation rental in the past say they plan to stay in a vacation rental in 2010 - a significant increase from the 67 percent who stayed in a vacation rental in 2009
to generate income from a second home prior to moving into it when you retire sharples suggests consumers take the following steps
location and maRket Potentialcarefully review the markets where you want to retire and before you buy consider the areas where consumer demand for vacation rentals is high but inventory is low for example atlantic city nJ sunny isles beach fla hampton beach nh dauphin island ala and Mount Pocono Pa were among some of the most underserved markets for vacation rental properties in 2009 according to homeaway
FactoR in tax wRite-oFFstalk to an accountant about the tax advantages of owning and renting out a second home expenses such as insurance utilities home maintenance and depreciation can be deducted depending on how often you rent out the property and how many weeks you personally stay there each year
adVeRtise to attRact RenteRs when yoursquore ready to rent out the property be sure to market the availability of the vacation rental to travelers by listing it on sites like homeawaycom or vrbocom which reach millions of travelers each month a 12-month listing costs $329 - or less than $28 per month - on homeawaycom so the advertising pays for itself with your first booking - and the rest is pure rental income
stay comPetitiVe amp netwoRk witH owneRs check out other similar vacation rentals in the area to determine what rates theyrsquore charging travelers and price your home at a competitiverate to help drive bookings also be sure to talk with other owners to get their tips and advice for maximizing a second home investment
for more information on buying a second home and effective strategies for maximizing rental income check out homeawayrsquos online community for vacation rental owners at ownercommunityhomeawaycom
tiPs to successFully get youwHeRe you need to be - Fast(ara) - do you ever get a headache just thinking about navigating the streets of an unfamiliar city have you ever booked a hotel in a less-than-great part of town or been late to an appointment because you canrsquot find a parking garage
even the savviest of travelers who can find their way around a city with their eyes closed run into travel snafus sending their blood pressure through the roof navigating the streets of a new city can be one of the most stressful parts of booking and taking a trip whether itrsquos for business or leisure
so you finally landed and yoursquore on your way to the hotel that you booked in the heart of the city everything is going just as you planned not so fast somehow you find yourself nowhere near the bright city lights and in a hotel on the outskirts of town where you wouldnrsquot even venture out for a cup of Joe
sound familiar well yoursquore not alone - more than half of travelers say theyrsquove experienced this very nightmare according to a recent bing survey
while finding decent lodging can be difficult sometimes even thinking about how to get around a city can strike fear into the hearts of business and leisure travelers alike so which city gets travelers hearts racing when just thinking about how to get around unsurprisingly for anyone who has ever visited either new york or los angeles (even just once) both cities topped bingrsquos survey as the worst cities to navigate More than 40 percent said ldquothe heck with driving irsquom getting a taxirdquo when visiting the big apple and a quarter said that the concrete jungle otherwise known as los angeles is too wild for them
so how can you ensure you know enough about a city to get around like you were a local book a decent hotel check out a local concert or find a local hot spot to grab a bite to eat well the folks at bing have a few tips to make your next adventure stress-free
Pay attention to ReViews Most online booking sites offer reviews from other guests who have stayed at the hotel that yoursquore considering while you may be inclined to take the overly positive reviews with a grain of salt itrsquos best to steer clear if a hotel receives consistent negative customer reviews
study uPcheck out the local convention center visitorsrsquo bureau or chamber of commerce web sites to learn more about the city and its surrounding neighborhoods this will help give you a better idea of whatrsquos near your destination and the neighborhoods that surround it
RemembeRyou get wHat you Pay FoRif yoursquore paying a two-star rate donrsquot expect to get four- or five-star accommodations and a mint on your pillow a cheaper rate rarely buys you luxury but you should still be able to score a clean safe room that provides for your basic needs
HoP onlineuse online resources like bing Mapsrsquo new streetside experience a three-dimensional mapping tool Just log on to bing Maps where you can zoom in from satellite level to birdrsquos eye view and even down to street level for 56 major us metro areas
now you can virtually walk the streets of your next adventure with actual 360-degree footage of the area not only can you tell if a hotel is in a good neighborhood yoursquoll be able to see if therersquos a wifi coffee shop nearby where you can sync up your computer before your next meeting or scope out any traffic jams before you head out and you can even find the nearest parking garage so yoursquore never late again to your lunch date - unlike the more than 40 percent of bing survey respondents who were fashionably late because they couldnrsquot find a parking spot
ldquobooking a hotel room on the internet can be a risky proposition if you canrsquot see the room hotel or area itrsquos in before you bookrdquo says blaise aguera y arcas architect of bing Maps and Msn at Microsoft ldquobut technology like streetside is making it possible to scope out a neighborhood - and ensure itrsquos one you want to stay in - without ever having to leave the comfort of your computer chairrdquo in fact the bing survey found that nearly a quarter of travelers rated finding a decent hotel as the most frustrating part of planning their trip
Plus stay up-to-date on the best places to check out on your next trip by using bingrsquos twitter mapping app now you can get real-time information about an area - such as seeing the latest tweets for the local shopping mall before you even go there or even updates about local events and breaking news
log onto bing Maps where you can plan your next trip whether itrsquos a far away city or even your own town now you can be a travel guru no matter where you are
setting and stickingto youR tRaVel budget(ara) - travel can be one of the biggest-ticket items you invest in each year so itrsquos worth it to plan ahead
setting a budget - and sticking to it - can help you stay in better control of spending according to a recent visa survey a majority (54 percent) of last yearrsquos summer travelers either didnrsquot set a budget oroverspent their budget while traveling and more than a quarter of those surveyed overspent by more than $250 to make sure this doesnrsquot happen to you itrsquos important to create a realistic travel budget and make a plan for how you will spend within your means while on the road
to create a budget think through your trip first include the basics such as transportation to and from your destination and lodging next plan for expenses that come up along the way such as meals on the road
hosthostess gifts rental cars or public transportation donrsquot forget to include entertainment - whether sightseeing or going to the movies itrsquos also a good idea to build in a cushion for the unexpected
once yoursquove set your travel budget you need to stick to it one tool that can help is a prepaid travel card a prepaid card draws from funds that are set aside in advance for purchases here are a few ways prepaid travel cards can come in handy
keeP tRaVel Funds sePaRate an easy way to make sure you donrsquot go over budget is to set your travel budget aside on a prepaid travel card simply load the card with your travel budget and use it for everything from online booking to grabbing lunch during an (unexpectedly extended) layover without worrying about spending more than you planned or dipping into gift-buying funds
access casHwhether you need a few dollars or several yen choose a prepaid card that will allow you to withdraw cash from atMs around the world if yoursquore traveling internationally itrsquoll also save you the hassle of tracking down and waiting in line for local currency
bRowse and buy look for a prepaid card that you can use online travel sites offer a wealth of information and detailed listings of competing offers from airlines and hotels as well as reviews from fellow travelers for flights you can typically compare possible savings by traveling on al-ternate days or from nearby airports once you spot the deal that works for your budget use your prepaid travel card to snap it up
enJoy Peace oF mind wHen tRaVeling Prepaid cards may come with travel-related services for example the visa travelMoney card offers zero liability for lost or stolen cards as well as lost luggage reimbursement and purchase security Make sure you know which benefits your card offers and how they work so you can tap into them should the need arise
with some advance preparation and the right tools in place you donrsquot have to overspend on travel in fact with some careful planning you could end up with enough left to buy yourself a little something to remember the trip for more information about visa travelMoney visit wwwvisacomtravelmoney
Click To Listen While You Browse
South Carolinarsquos Internet
Powered By
(843)720-9604 InfoOnlysc
need an easy getaway FoR tHe Family Plan a budget-FRiendly tRiP to a national PaRk(ara) - american families have spoken the vacation is a top priority ninety-four percent of americans agreed that even in tough economic times family vacations are worth the money according to a recent survey by expediacom to keep the vacation affordable and easy think about introducing your family to the splendor of the national park system - where activities are abundant and costs are minimal
expediacom recently partnered with the national Park foundation to provide a permanent one-stop shop to help travelers plan and book vacations to americarsquos national parks
ldquothere are excellent values for traveling families right now and taking a trip to a national park is one of the best ways to stretch your vacation dollarsrdquo says lee woodruff author travel expert and mother of four
ldquofamilies are looking for ways to reconnect with each other and what better option for an affordable vacation than a national parkrdquo
here are five easy steps to plan the perfect national park getaway
1 get inspired ken burns recently debuted a six-part documentary series for Pbs titledldquothe national Parks americarsquos best ideardquo tune into Pbs or order a copy online to find inspiration and a detailed look at some of the most beautiful places in the world from acadia to the grand canyon and yosemite to the gates of the arctic in alaska
2 Pick the park with original content from the national Park foundation expediacomrsquos national park web site is the perfect resource for families to find the national park to fit their vacation needs
the site offers pre-set ldquolong weekendrdquo itineraries to start your planning you can also search through the ldquocanrsquot Miss national Parksrdquo section to learn about the parkrsquos location its natural features little-known facts including the best times to visit and activities to choose from in each area expediarsquos site also offers downloadable park maps to help you get your bearings
3 more ways to save take advantage of the public amenities that national parks offer like camping and picnic sites while there is a small entrance fee to the parks you can cut back on costs by bringing your own meals and treating the kids to lunch by a waterfall or overlooking the grand canyon also enjoy the free activities such as hiking biking and birding that the parks offer
4 book your hotel and rental car if camping isnrsquot your familyrsquos style consider any of the great lodges in and around the national park of your choice and if yoursquore planning to rent a car consider booking lodging and car together to substantially reduce the overall costs of your vacation
5 give back consider giving back to the national Park foundation by visiting the web site wwwnationalparksorg and donate or learn more about volunteer opportunities within americarsquos national parks helping out in these small ways ensures the parks will remain beautiful so your kids can bring their own children one day
ldquoPlanning the vacation is half of the fun so get every-one involved in the processrdquo says woodruff ldquothere are so many options in our national park system many of which have rich and amazing heritage so the whole family is going to enjoy something when you visitrdquo
bookmaRk youRFaVoRite Road
a bRieF HistoRyoF PaVed Roads
(ara) - Planes and trains may have their place in our society but for the dedicated traveler therersquos still nothing like getting in your car and taking a trip along americarsquos highways
half the fun of road trips in the minds of many is getting home and telling friends and family about the adventure - and the roads they traveled
in the past driversrsquo road stories were largely told by word of mouth to a few people at a time now drivers can tell their tales to millions via the internet favoriteroadcom is a new web site that features americarsquos favorite highways and byways
the site encourages you to post your favorite roads and explain why you like them simply log on to submit a photo and story of your favorite road use links posted on the site to share your road via popular social networks such as facebook and twitter your submission may even win a prize in contest giveaways
the past yearrsquos economic downturn has reintroduced the word ldquoinfrastructurerdquo to our vocabulary as a result of stimulus legislation passed in 2009 the federal government has allocated millions of dollars to specifically improve state roads and highways and with more affordable gasoline prices people are increasingly using americarsquos roads for leisure travel
by posting on favoriteroadcom yoursquore doing more than just ldquotelling a good storyrdquo your testimonials may help encourage lawmakers to push for increased infrastructure spending to keep america driving smoothly and safely for years to come
whatrsquos your favorite road log on and tell the world at favoriteroadcom
625 bc the babylonians are credited with the first recorded use of asphalt as a road building material the ancient greeks were also familiar with asphalt (the word comes from the greek ldquoasphaltosrdquo meaning ldquosecurerdquo)
1500s christopher columbus landed off the shores of trinidad in 1498 and discovered the famous asphalt lake which would later be used on the Pennsylvania avenue project in washington dc covering 54000 square yards
1800s Macadam roads became popular in the us for rural road construction during the 1830s and 40s belgian chemist edmund J desmedt laid the first true asphalt pavement in the us in newark nJ the cummer company opened the first central hot mix production facilities in the us the first asphalt patent was filed by nathan b abbott of brooklyn ny in 1871
1920s world war i ended and the use of the automo-bile was steadily rising but roads outside the city limits were frequently too muddy or dusty for travel to fix this problem road engineers used oils and asphalt
1940s-1950s the modern american turnpike is born after world war ii full scale automobile production resumed along with major levels of road maintenance and new highway construction by 1950 vehicle registration exceeded 40 million cars and 8 million trucks in 1956 President eisenhower signed the federal-aid highway act and launched the interstate system to create an infrastructure highway program -unmatched anywhere in the world
1970s a national move to conserve energy and materials initiated a widespread interest in recycling of pavement materials asphalt is now americarsquos most recycled product
1990s a traffic study by the world road association indicates that asphalt pavements are at least 4 decibels quieter than concrete pavements
2000s the us population has increased 23 percent since 1990 and the number of miles driven has risen by 41 percent only half of the nationrsquos major roads are in good condition based on an analysis of recent federal highway administration data
wandeRing Re-establisHes tHe oRiginal
HaRmony wHicH once existed between
man and tHe uniVeRse
business oR leisuRe dRiVing oR FlyingtRaVel saFely natuRally(ara) - weekend getaways shorter vacations and overnight business trips are great ways to save money and are becoming more prevalent according to the bureau of transportation taking a few simple and natural steps to stay safe and healthy while on the road can not only protect your travel investment butenhance your entire experience
ReFResHed and aleRt dRiVing diFFusion
a shorter thriftier trip is likely to be by car the inevitable rush to make the most of the limited time
away after a tiring work week can create fatigue so donrsquot make it a dangerous driving situation enliven your senses with essential oil scents
ditch the cardboard cutout car ldquofreshenerrdquo that hangs from the rearview mirror not only distracting these products are usually saturated with synthetic fragrance chemicals and probably arenrsquot the best thing to inhale while enclosed in your vehicle instead rely on a sleek essential oil diffuser that plugs into your automobilersquos phone charger power outlet these devices feature small paper fiber pads to which you can apply your own custom blend of essential oils allowing you to not only
scent the air inside the car but also to provide refreshing aromatherapy benefits to help keep you alert and focused on the road
a simpler alternative way to diffuse is to apply several drops of oil to a tissue and tuck it carefully into one of the vents in the dash
try these essential oils for the car Peppermint essential oil - refreshing awakening
uplifting eucalyptus essential oil - bracing purifying
protecting lemon essential oil - pleasant deodorizing
cheering
How clean is youR Hotel Room
overnight stays in less than posh hotel digs may be part of the money-saving travel trend even upscale hotels arenrsquot immune to dirt and germs or worse an apparent outbreak of bedbug infestations in the united states recently publicized by the environmental Protection agency
bedbugs aside there are always nagging doubts about just how clean a hotel room actually is has the shower or tub been scrubbed or merely wiped down is the toilet sanitized has the bedspread ever really been thoroughly cleaned fortunately there are ways to protect yourself after you check in but before you settle into your temporary overnight home
air and surface sanitizing spray feel good about travel with a bottle of homemade purifying aromatherapy solution that relies on pleasantly scented and highly effective essential oils rather than harsh chemical disinfectants the following spray will help you create a hygienic environment in your temporary hotel home apply it to tub vanity and toilet surfaces
ingredientsempty 12 to16 ounce spray bottle10 ounces water2 ounces isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or
vodka12 teaspoon tea tree essential oil
(antimicrobial)12 teaspoon lemon essential oil
(cleansing)12 teaspoon lavandin essential oil
(protecting)12 teaspoon sweet orange essential oil
(freshening)
directions combine all ingredients in the spray bottle shake and apply to a washcloth and wipe down the tvrsquos remote the clock radio the door handles and the faucethandles in the bathroom
Purifying and Relaxing linen mist here are some great tips for making a strange bed feel more like home take along your own pillow and replace the ones provided create your own linen mist and use it on your own bed at home then travel with the same blend taking a little bit of home with you when you arrive at your destination turn down the covers exchange the pillows and apply your signature scent to the bed
ingredientsempty 4 to 8 ounce spray bottle4 to 8 ounces water13 drops lavender essential oil
(relaxing calming)5 drops lavandin or spike lavender
essential oil (purifying protecting)
directionscombine the water and oil in the bottle shake the contents thoroughly just before application
remember to look for pure and natural essential oil brands like aura cacia that donrsquot include synthetic petrochemical fragrances for more information on how to enhance your life through aromatherapy visit wwwauracaciacom
PRePaRe youR VeHicle FoR a HuRRicane eVacuation(ara) - ana bill claudette - the first three atlantic ocean hurricanes of the season made headlines but not to the extent of katrina or ike of recent years and while these three hurricanes have come and gone who knows if - or when - grace or henry might pay a visit to your town
the 2009 hurricane season has an expected 90 percent chance of being a near-normal or below-normal season for the atlantic ocean according to the national oceanic and atmospheric administration this prediction - if accurate - will be welcomed with a sigh of relief by many residents in coastal towns after the above-normal year in 2008
but even if noaa is predicting a quiet year for hurricanes you can never be over prepared if you donrsquot have your emergency evacuation plan organized itrsquos time to make one no matter if yoursquore planning on traveling 100 miles or 1000 miles you need an evacuation plan as a representative of a gulf coast
company Maricela carter a health safety security environment coordinator with soPus has some tips on how to prepare your vehicle for potential evacuations
Plan eVacuation Routescheck newspapers online sites the local emergency broadcast radio station and local television stations for the latest information on official evacuation routes Purchase a good map with details on elevations waterways and county roads and familiarize yourself with the most efficient ways to get out of town
Pack an emeRgency kitautomobiles are susceptible to unexpected problems so keep an emergency kit in your trunk include jumper cables extra motor oil window washing brake and coolant fluids simple tools like an air pressure gauge screwdriver pliers and adjustable wrench a role of
paper towels a windup flashlight and a can of fix-a-flat in case you get a flat tire
fix-a-flat creates a temporary emergency seal on contact with the tire and inflates the tire between eight and 14 pounds per square inch so that the car can be driven to a gas station for proper repair of the tire this can help you to get back on the road and out of the hurricanersquos way quickly and easily
Fill uP tHe tankeveryone is going to need fuel in order to evacuate so plan to fill up your tank as soon as you hear a hurricane warning this helps to prevent sudden demands on the supply once your tank is full conserve the amount of gas you use for the next couple of days by combining your errands into one trip and not traveling during rush hour
cHeck tiRe PRessuRein order to help conserve fuel make sure your tires are at the manufacturerrsquos recommended pressure - usually printed on the driverrsquos door of your car keeping tires at the correct pressure can improve your gasoline mileage by 33 percent according to fueleconomygov which means yoursquoll be able to travel further when evacuating
use PRoPeR FluidsMake sure you follow all the manufacturer recommendations for motor oil which can also improve your gasoline mileage by 1 or 2 percent according to fuelecomonygov one helpful hint is to look for oil that has an ldquoenergy conservingrdquo label by the american Petroleum institution to ensure it contains friction-reducing additives
it is not down inany maP tRue PlacesneVeR aRe
diRect dePosit oF social secuRity is easieR FoR winteR tRaVeleRs(ara) - as cold weather sets in thousands of retirees are making plans for a winter getaway if yoursquore one of them switch to direct deposit for your social security payments before you leave - itrsquos the safest easiest way to receive your money
ldquoeach year the us department of the treasury receives more than 14 million inquiries regarding paper check-related problemsrdquo says david a lebryk commissioner of the treasury departmentrsquos financial Management service
yet approximately 105 million americans continue to receive their social security and supplemental security income (ssi) payments by paper check each month the treasury departmentrsquos go direct (r) campaign encourages senior citizens and people with disabilities to switch to direct deposit
incReased saFety conVenience and Reliability
ldquowhen therersquos a problem with a social security payment nine times out of 10 itrsquos with a paper check not a direct deposit paymentrdquo says lebryk
Paper checks can be vulnerable to financial crimes like theft and fraud in fact the treasury department investigates more than 70000 cases of altered or fraudulently endorsed checks each year totaling $64 million in estimated value
ldquoin 2008 alone more than 485000 social security and ssi checks were reported lost or stolen and had to be reissuedrdquo says lebryk
direct deposit is also more convenient and reliable there is no more waiting for a check to arrive in the mail and there are no more worries about delivery delays due to severe weather localemergencies and other check related problems last year alone severe weather events forced alternative delivery arrangements for millions of social security and ssi paper checks
ldquoswitching to direct deposit for federal benefits is such an easy way
for people to safeguard their money es-pecially when traveling for extended pe-riods of timerdquo says lebryk ldquoyour money is deposited to your account on payment day so therersquos no need to worry
about delivery delays or a check sitting in your mailbox while yoursquore gonerdquo
PRePaid debit caRd oPtion
in addition to direct deposit the treasury department recommends the direct express (r) debit Mastercard (r) card as an alternative to paper checks for people without bank accounts
More than half a million americans signed up for the optional direct express (r) card in its first year of availability according to the treasury department a recent survey of cardholders finds that 95 percent say they are satisfied with the prepaid debit card and 86 percent say they would recommend it to family members or friends who receive a federal benefit payment
with the direct express card cardholders can make purchases pay bills and get cash at thousands of locations nationwide sign-up is free and no bank account is required while most services are free there are fees for a limited number of optional transactions and services
making tHe switcH is easy
it is easy to make the switch to electronic payments for federal benefits to sign up for direct deposit call the treasury departmentrsquos go direct campaign helpline at 1-800-333-1795 or visit wwwgodirectorg to sign up for the treasury-recommended direct express card or to learn more about the cardrsquos features and fees call 1-877-212-9991 or visit wwwusdirectexpresscom
the preceding information has been provided by the us department of the treasury financial Management service
the go direct (r) campaign is sponsored by the us department of the treasury and the federal reserve banks the direct express (r) debit Mastercard (r) card is issued by comerica bank pursuant to a license by Mastercard international incorporated Mastercard (r) and the Mastercard (r) brand Mark are registered trademarks of Mastercard international incorporated the go direct(r) logo direct express (r) logo and direct express (r) are service marks of the us department of the treasury financial Management service
biZaRRe tRaVel Plans aRe dancing lessons FRom god
time to ReFinance oR buy
right now mortgage rates are at their lowest level since 1971 think about that twenty-five years ago homeowners were paying as much as 18 on a 30-year fixed today itrsquos just a little over 5combine that rate with the tax advantages
of a mortgage and you have an incredibly cheap way to build wealth but you better act now
real estate guru barbara corcoran has already seen a tremendous surge in refinance applications ndash more than triple the average ndash and the number of people getting approved is astronomically higher as well she says but that doesnrsquot mean the low rates are a panacea for the ills of the housing market it is only once home prices start to go up that we will finally see a light at the end of tunnel corcoran says until that happens we are still going to have to crawl out of this mess ldquo[low interest rates are] not a lifesaverrdquo corcoran says ldquothis is just a helping handrdquo
david kittle chairman of the Mortgage bankers association has this advice to homeowners looking to refinance do it donrsquot get greedy searching for another quarter-point lock in rates now he is seeing applications soar over 125 just since thanksgiving due to the low rates
of course you should only refinance if it saves you at least 38 on the rate and if you plan on staying in your home for at least four years kittle says along with good credit proof of income and money by means of a down payment or equity in the home there are certain things every homeowner needs regardless of interest rate levels
easy-to-do maintenance HelPs extend VeHicle liFe(ara) - after their homes most americansrsquo largest financial investment is their vehicle so helping it stay in good working order for as long as possible is a high priority in fact the average age of a passenger car in north america has grown to more than nine years according to rl Polk and co which indicates that motorists are looking for ways to help extend the life of their vehicle
even so todayrsquos tight budgets leave some motorists reluctant to spend on services or maintenance that they think can be delayed at least for the short term however compared to the cost of engine repair spending a little today on the right maintenance routine performed by trusted service technicians using quality products makes sense Mark ferner Pennzoil technical specialist and ase-certified master mechanic offers some simple cost-effective tips for helping to protect the performance and longevity of your vehicle
replace dirty air filters a dirty air filter will restrict airflow to the engine which may reduce power output if the filter fails it will allow unfiltered air into the engine which can be abrasive inside an engine to avoid these issues and help promote long engine life check your enginersquos air filter regularly and change it when it is dirty
use HigH-quality Fuelseveral automotive manufacturers (bMw gM honda toyota volkswagen and audi) have published technical service bulletins recommending the use of top-tier fuel top-tier fuel contains more additives than is required by the industryrsquos lowest additive content (lac) treat rate regular use of fuel that only meets lac requirements may cause deposits to form on engine intake valves and fuel injectors
cHange youR oilregular oil changes are one of the most important steps to maximize the life of a vehicle oil change in-tervals vary by vehicle and driving conditions so follow the interval and oil specifications found in the ownerrsquos manual
also be sure to use quality motor oils in your vehicle Properly functioning motor oils help prevent sludge and neutralize and disperse harmful deposits and using the recommended viscosity grade of motor oil may also help enhance fuel economy if you are having the oil changed for you ask for quality oils by name Quality motor oil will maintain its effectiveness throughout the oil change interval allowing it to help keep the engine clean
as a bonus some motor oil brands offer lubrication warranties at no additional cost for example the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranty Programs protect qualified engines for 300000 miles whether their owners use conventional synthetic-blend or full synthetic motor oils meeting their vehiclesrsquo requirements Participants can enroll online and maintaining eligibility is easy simply get an oil change with the specified brand change the filter perform regular maintenance and keep the service receipts
to learn more about the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranties visit either wwwPennzoilcom or wwwQuakerstatecom or speak with an automotive professional at a participating automotive dealership or oil change facility that features Pennzoil or Quaker state products
PeoPle donrsquot take tRiPs tRiPs take PeoPle
Fin
al
wo
Rd
s
a vacation is what you take when you can no longer take what yoursquove been taking
eaRl wilson
- 1-12-2010pdf
Promoting local business is as simple as having other companyrsquos business cards or brochures posted on a board in your store we are doing our part so please join us and promote your local merchants and everyone will benefit
toP ten Reasons to tHink localbuy local - be local ndash HelP local businesses
1 buy local support yourself and downtown Many studies have revealed when you buy from an independent locally owned business in the your own area rather than a nationally owned businesses considerably more of your money is used to make purchases from other local businesses local businesses continue to strengthen the economic base of the local community these include case studies showing that local local owned businesses generate a premium in enhanced economic impact to the community and our tax base
2suPPoRt local aRea community gRouPs non-profit organizations receive an average 250 more support from smaller area business owners than they do from large companies
3 keeP youR aRea unique where we shop where we eat and have fun -- all of it makes our community home our one-of-a-kind local businesses are an integral part of the distinctive character local tourism businesses also benefit ldquowhen people go on vacation they generally seek out destinations that offer them the sense of being someplace not just anyplacerdquo ~ richard Moe President national historic Preservation trust
4 Reduce enViRonmental imPact locally owned businesses in your area can make more local purchases requiring less transportation this generally means contributing less to sprawl congestion habitat loss and pollution
5 cReate additional Jobs small local businesses are the largest employer nationally and in the community provide the most jobs to local residents
6 ReceiVe betteR seRVice local businesses often hire people with a better understanding of the products and services they offer and take more time to get to know customers
7inVest in youR community local businesses are owned by people who live in this community and they are less likely to leave and are more invested in the communityrsquos future
8 Put youR taxes to good use local businesses require a relatively little infrastructure investment and make more efficient use of public services as compared to nationally owned stores entering your area
FRom tHe editoRSupporting LocaL Vacation BuSineSSeS in South caroLina
wwwvacationrentalssc online Magazine | 2009 5
9 buy wHat you want not wHat big adVeRtising budgets want you to buy a south carolina marketplace comprised of tens of thousands of small businesses is the best way to ensure innovation and low prices over the long-term a multitude of small businesses each selecting products and services based not on a national sales plan but on their own interests and the needs of their local customers promises a much broader range of product choices
10 PRomote local PRosPeRity an escalating body of economic research shows that in an increasingly homogenized world entrepreneurs and skilled workers are more likely to invest and settle in communities that preserve their one-of-a-kind businesses and distinctive character
larry localeditor in chief
wwwvacationrentalssc online Magazine | 2009 6
wwwvacationrentalssc online Magazine | 2009 7
ceo dennis stewart
editoR in cHieFlarry local
aRt diRectoRamy coats
web deVeloPeR Matthew coats
administRation amp maRketingshaun stacy
wwwVacationRentalssc online magaZinecopyright copy 2009carolina Media services all rights reserved reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts or photographs
3290 ashley Phosphate road charleston sc 29418toll free (843)720-9604fax (843)725-4734infovacationrentalssc wwwvacationsreantalsc
carolina media SERVICES
carolina media SERVICES
Vacation Rentals M
ag
az
ine
How to casH in on Recession-dRiVen tRaVel deals(ara) - travelers are finding the silver lining of the current economic climate is the availability of some incredible travel values hotel airfare and vacation package prices are all down significantly from last year helping to make travel more affordable than it has been in years
you can spend the same amount and get more - for example choosing to extend a vacation or trading up your hotel choice - or you can pocket the savings
with a little planning even the most budget-conscious can find affordable trips this fall and winter tim Macdonald general manager of expediacom offers some advice for ways to get the most value out of your next vacation
Plan aHead and book witH conFidencein many cases scheduling travel in advance helps you secure the lowest airfare and hotel rates though therersquos always a chance for last-minute sales waiting could
increase the likelihood that you will pay higher
prices this frequently happens during peak times like the winter holidays when there are fewer options for flights and hotel rooms
while airlines and hotels may charge penalties expediacom has eliminated change and cancel fees for hotels cruises car rental and most flight reservations with fewer change and cancel fees to worry about travelers have the flexibility they need to book in advance with confidence
book togetHeR booking airfare and hotel accommodations at the same time not only simplifies the vacation planning process but also can help substantially reduce the overall costs of vacation travel
ldquobooking travel together is one of the easiest ways to save money and get the most value when planning a trip thatrsquos because when you bundle your air travel and hotel together and book them at the same time expediacom is able to pass substantial savings onto
yourdquo says Macdonald ldquolast year expediacom customers saved $248 million by
booking their air travel and hotels togetherrdquo
tRade uPalthough some people may be looking to scale back travel plans or follow a vacation budget more closely than in the past for others there are opportunities to get more for their money this year for roughly the price of a three-star hotel stay last year travelers can now book at a four-star hotel in fact the average daily rate of a four-star hotel is $143 per night 22 percent lower than the average for 2008
ldquowersquore seeing incredible values for luxury hotel prop-erties this yearrdquo says Macdonald ldquofor some travelers this may be their chance to stretch their dollars and upgrade to hotels that have previously been out of their price rangerdquo
be Flexible and tRy sometHing new take time to look for current travel deals to help choose a vacation destination look for exclusive special values and promotional rates to popular destinations including Mexico las vegas new york city and hawaii as well as deals on all-inclusive resorts and cruises all-inclusive options have always been good values because they include meals and many activities in the upfront price whatrsquos more this year the average daily rates for all-inclusive properties are even lower than last year - for instance average daily rates for all-inclusive resorts in the bahamas are 16 percent lower this year from last year
ReseaRcH actiVities in adVance sticking to a travel budget can sometimes be difficult when factoring in activities so be sure to research activities and attractions before your trip to identify these costs in advance in addition booking activities in advance ensures you wonrsquot miss out on attractions events and activities that sell out virtually all vacation destinations also offer inexpensive and free attractions like city parks cultural festivals and museums taking advantage of a mix of free and paid activities can help you get the most out of your vacation for a reasonable price
know beFoRe you gothoroughly researching vacation destinations including available public transportation or local tipping customs (if traveling outside the us) can help avoid any unexpected costs you may be able to avoid the expense of a rental car by identifying public transportation options or by selecting a hotel that provides free transportation if you do need a a rental car make your reservation early and consider adding it to a flight or hotel booking to help secure the best price in fact adding a rental car to your air travel or hotel booking could mean savings of up to 30 percent off typical prices
tHe woRld is a book amp tHose wHo do not tRaVelRead only one Page
a V
ac
at
ion
Ho
me
a
wa
y F
Ro
m H
om
e (ara) - getting away during the spring months is popular for many families especially families with children in school looking for a break from the spring semester visiting relatives traveling from one sightseeing opportunity to another and cramming the whole crew into a hotel room with tight sleeping quarters and one bathroom is all par for the course right well it doesnrsquot have to be
travelers are jumping on the vacation home rental bandwagon where theyrsquore finding comfortable spaces just-like-home amenities and a more relaxing experience - all for about what it costs to book a hotel room in this tough economy owners of second homes are increasingly renting out their properties for some extra cash according to homeaway a collection of vacation-rental web sites and as the market floods prices drop to lure renters
a recent online search of hotels in la Jolla calif a beautiful seaside commu-nity thatrsquos technically part of san diego revealed some hotel rooms starting around $150 a night a search for vacation homes returned two bedroom two bathroom options starting at just over $100 a night
not only do you get more space you get the luxuries of home such as a full kitchen washerdryer and parking all of which are further money-savers Plus standard hotel rooms can be pretty boring rarely lending insight into the destinationrsquos character vacation rentals are an actual personrsquos home albeit a second home and some are even pet-friendly
herersquos how to find a vacation rental that suits your needs
wHeRe to staRtawaycom a research and travel-planning web site offers a comprehensive listing of vacation rentals including houses and condos from all over the web find it at awaycomvacationrentals
be comFoRtableif the thought of renting a vacation home ldquosight unseenrdquo and directly from the owner is daunting work with a property management company such companies particularly ones with local offices know the market well and might even be able to move you to another property if a problem arises
do youR HomewoRkcheck out online photos and read all property reviews if yoursquore renting directly from an owner reach out to them with questions and put a face to the transaction and the golden rule clarify all costs and payment methods upfront time invested in the beginning will yield a more enjoyable experience in the end
whatever you decide is right for your spring vacation book it now as usual the early bird will get the worm
Get Your Carolina
Girl Gear
waRm weatHeR Relaxing oR Playing in tHe snowtiPs FoR Planning youR winteR tRaVels(ara) - the winter months offer the perfect excuse to plan a fabulous getaway and you donrsquot have to travel far to find something that fits your vacation expectations
if you need to flee from the cold depths of winter there are plenty of beaches in florida and california and warm desert landscapes to enjoy in arizona and new Mexico that will warm you up and give your skin a bit of summer glow Picture yourself playing tennis in the sun or lounging by the pool with a book while the kids are splashing around in the water
here are tips on how to best plan your warm-weather winter vacation
look FoR deals duRing tHe slow montHsbecause January and february are so close to the holidays but too early yet for spring break hotels and resorts tend to offer special discounts to encourage traveling
Pack sunblock eVen iF yoursquoVe been ldquotanningrdquo
also make sure your travel bags include sun shades a hat with a brim and a water bottle nothing makes a vacation more uncomfortable than sunburn and dehydration
add a Jacket to tHe luggagenights can get chilly and if the wind blows in a rain cloud or two yoursquoll be glad you have that jacket to ward off the goose bumps
Maybe you like to play in the fluffy white stuff and canrsquot wait to schedule downhill skiing in colorado snowshoeing in Maine or ice fishing in Minnesota the images yoursquoll take home this winter include majestic mountains covered in snow your daughter pulling a
360 while snowboarding down a half-pipe or even a moose with
a full rack of antlers on his head browsing for vegetation along a back country road
tips for planning your snow vacation include
FiguRe out iF yoursquoRe going to take youR geaR oR Rent it at youR destinationwhile looking into this determine if your vehicle can carry all the gear or if there are any restrictions bar-ring you from taking it on the airplane if you plan to rent call ahead of time to reserve your equipment
Pack many layeRs oF clotHing Many snow activities can make you warm but once you stop moving yoursquore going to want the heavier layers back
again donrsquot forget sunblock goggles shades or hat because the sun glaring on snow can easily burn your skin and eyes and winter rays can be just as damaging as those in summer
once you have your destination picked and travels planned therersquos one more step to ensure your winter getaway is successful while away from home having your health and safety front-of-mind is very important so you are prepared for emergencies like falling and breaking a bone while swishing down a ski slope or suddenly discovering you have seafood allergies while sampling fresh crawfish in louisiana
on call international provides travel assistance anywhere in the world to travelers who experience an emergency need medical care or evacuation while away from home if you want to return to your local hospital for treatment because you are familiar with the area and can have your personal doctor available on call will coordinate a medical evacuation for the sick person and help arrange transportation for the rest of the family
only a small percentage of health insurance plans cover medical evacuation when the member is on vacation and away from home this means you could be on the hook for thousands of dollars if you need to be transported from the resortrsquos local clinic to a better hospital hundreds of miles away or need a nurse to monitor your care on the way home after a skiing accident
so when you plan your next trip to sunny texas or snowy Michigan donrsquot forget to pack some comfort and safety for you and your family and consider enrolling in an on call international membership just in case you experience a travel emergency
tHe best time to RediscoVeR a destination
sHouldeR season
(ara) - the first few months of the year when many americans are spending time at home trying to recu-perate from the hustle and bustle of the holidays may not seem like an ideal time to plan a vacation how-ever planning for a time known as ldquoshoulder seasonrdquo the time between peak season and low season is a fantastic time for savvy travelers to find great deals on airfare hotels and attractions while simultaneously experiencing top destinations in a whole new way
ldquoMany travelers donrsquot think to travel in the weeks and months following the holidaysrdquo says brad dean President and ceo for the Myrtle beach area convention and visitorrsquos bureau ldquohowever a shoulder season trip can be the best way for travelers to relax after a busy holiday season destinations offer their lowest rates and best deals of the year at this time and consumers can get away for a fraction of the high-season costrdquo
so when is ldquoshoulder seasonrdquo it will vary slightly depending on your destination figuring out a regionrsquos shoulder season could be as easy as checking out rates at a few area hotels to determine when the rates are at their lowest
consider these convincing facts about shoulder season travel and what a great value it can be for your vacation dollars
Hotel rates airfare and attraction fees are often significantly lower during the shoulder season than any other time of year hotels especially are eager for business during this season and respond with deeply discounted rates and incentives to entice travelers
last minute deals you can plan and implement a very budget-friendly travel itinerary in a relatively short time - sometimes just a day or two as opposed to weeks or months of planning ahead thatrsquos needed during busier seasons
shoulder season travel presents the opportunity to view and experience a popular destination one you may have visited before during peak season in a whole new way for example destinations like Myrtle beach sc that bustle and buzz with activity in the peak season can take on a more laid-back relaxed atmosphere in shoulder season yoursquoll have access to the same major attractions
shows dining and shopping that peak season travelers enjoy but at a less frantic pace
and in that vein yoursquoll enjoy free access to popular attractions lines for popular attractions - most of which will stay open year round - will be shorter in shoulder seasons than any other time of year for example in Myrtle beach top entertainment venues and attractions as well as multiple live entertainment theaters are all open for business but with shorter (if any) lines and less crowds
because yoursquoll be getting a great deal therersquos also the opportunity to extend your vacation by a day or two and take some exciting trips to surround-ing areas the more relaxed attitude of shoulder season travel means you will feel more open to the idea of exploring the surrounding area visitors to the
Myrtle beach area for example can enjoy side trips to huntington beach state Park the nearby pictur-esque community of conway and the lowcountry gem of Pawleyrsquos island
finally shoulder season is a great time to travel to a drive destination like Myrtle beach yoursquoll find less traffic and a more relaxed commute to a location considered one of the top driving destinations for leisure travelers along the eastern seaboard and Midwest
to learn more about shoulder season travel opportunities in Myrtle beach log on to wwwvisitmyrtlebeachcom
Want to grow your business
Join the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce
As the unified voice of business the South Carolina Chamber is working to grow wealth for South Carolinians and businesses in order to improve economic development and quality of life
We help your business and you by
bull GettingyourvoiceheardbyourstatelegislatorsthroughourGrassrootsNetworkbull Workingtopassbusiness-friendlylegislationbull Keepingyouinformedonissuesandprovidingsolutionsforgrowingyour business through our monthly magazine South Carolina Business bull Providingnetworkingopportunitieswithlegislatorsandotherbusinessownersbull Trainingyouremployeesonhumanresourcesqualityandmanagementissuesbull Publishingalegalreferenceseries
Join the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce Contactustodayat800-799-4601Learnmoreatwwwscchambernet
Reconnect with Nature plan a trip to a National Park
Reconnect with Nature plan a trip to a National Park
(ARA) - Considered ldquoAmericarsquos best ideardquo national parks provide travelers preserved views of natural wonder as far as the eye can see An American invention they give us a unique backyard vacation oasis where postcard views meet real life-altering experiences And itrsquos this beauty exploration and enrichment combined with the accessibility of national parks that make them a popular vacation choice
According to the National Park Service trips to national parks are on the rise Tour operators offering guided visits through Americarsquos parks agree
ldquoBookings on our North American National Park tours have witnessed an increase of 180 percent in the last yearrdquo says Scott Nisbet president and CEO for the Globus family of brands ldquoNational parks are idyllic vacation lsquohot spotsrsquo perfect for relaxation and introspection wildlife exploration or adventure depending on the traveler and his or her interestsrdquo
A wide range of experiences can be had at national parks including everything from snorkeling rafting and hiking to learning about the environment geology and wildlife They also provide a perfect retreat for those hoping to reconnect with themselves or nature
And itrsquos the diversity of experiences national parks offer travelers that can make booking a national park vacation seem overwhelming Use these tips from Globus to simplify the process and book the perfect getaway for 2010
Choose the right park destinationFrom the east to west coasts Alaska to Hawaii America has more than 50 national parks to explore Do your research to choose a park that has what yoursquore looking for For instance if yoursquore interested in an abundance of hoodoos and canyons Bryce Canyon National Park might be the right fit Or if you want a vacation filled with bird watching or
boating the Everglades National Park could be a great choice
Go rustic or go luxuryLodging is an important consideration for any vacation Some travelers prefer to experience the outdoor beauty of the parks 24 hours a day and choose to camp Others want to escape to the more modern conveniences provided by nearby hotels cabins and lodges Decide what experience best suits you or your family - and decide early Spots (camping or lodging) fill up quickly especially during peak seasons
On your own or with a guideSome travelers prefer to hike or road trip through national parks while others are interested in a more insightful and pre-planned journey While maps are available for nearly every park guided tours have become a popular option for travelers and are often offered as part of a packaged tour vacation including accommodations
ldquoOur national park-focused tours offer an inclusive-style of travel with incomparable exploration and enrichment opportunitiesrdquo says Nisbet ldquoWith a wide range of national park destinations hotels and price points
coupled with unparalleled service and storytelling we create experiences for travelers they couldnrsquot produce on their ownrdquo
For more information or assistance planning your national park vacation visit wwwus-parkscom wwwnpsgov or wwwglobusjourneyscom Or call your travel agent or the Globus family of brands toll-free at (866) 313-2855
Looking For Your Chance To Win
Check Out Radioscrsquos Contest
South Carolinarsquos Internet
Powered By
(843)720-9604 InfoOnlysc
Win a $100 Shopping Spree
Win Tickets To Events amp Concerts
Win Free Ice Skating For
The Family
Win Tickets To Medieval
Times
Win Stingrays Hockey
Tickets
Win A $25 Gift Card
Radiosc is proud to sponsor $100 Shopping Sprees for Publix grocery stores
Check wwwRadiosc for weekly House of Blues ticket giveaways
Win 4 tickets for ice skating and skate rentals at Carolina Ice Palace
Win 4 tickets for Medieval Times in Myrtle Beach
You could win tickets to a Stingraysrsquo Home Game
Each week you have a chance to win an Applebeersquos gift card worth up to $2500
cHaRlestonrsquos oFFice oF cultuRal aFFaiRslauncHes wwwcHaRlestonaRtssc as tHieR new aRts web sitefrom charleston currents
the city of charlestonrsquos office of cultural affairs has launched httpwwwcharlestonartssc a companion web site to the ocarsquos primary page at the cityrsquos official site charlestonartssc will be updated daily with information and features including an arts calendar that users can search by date artist presenting group or venue social networking widgets and a directory of local arts and cultural organizations and venues
ldquowe are hopeful that charlestonartssc will be a major benefit to local artists and arts organizations by disseminating information about their events with the most up-to-date information to a broader publicrdquo said ellen dressler Moryl director of the office of cultural affairs
other options for users at charlestonartssc include the following
bull Arts organizations can download forms from the Office of Cultural Affairs submit events update contact information and compare performance dates with other area organizations
bull The Tools for Professional section of the Web site features job listings for arts professionals including full time and part time work as well as internships and volunteer opportunities with arts and cultural organizations in the tri-county area
bull Updated grant opportunities for arts organizations with detailed information including deadlines application and contact information
bull Call for Submissions and Call for Auditions pages with details about the location deadlines fees andadditional requirements
the new web site also hosts connecting pages for general information on the office of cultural affairs and its projects the charleston farmers Market the city gallery at waterfront Park holiday Magic happy new year charleston the holiday Parade of boats the lowcountry Quarterly arts grant Program Piccolo spoleto and the MoJa arts festival
the web site was developed and is being hosted by carolina Media services ( wwwonlysc)
a RetiRement HometHat HelPs Pay FoR itselF(ara) - with todayrsquos record low real estate prices and at-tractive mortgage rates now may be a good time to think about investing in a second home that ultimately can be used as your permanent residence upon retirement by taking a ldquobuy-and-rentrdquo approach before yoursquore ready to retire your new home will actually have partly paid for itself by the time yoursquore ready to move into it
ldquobuying and renting out a second home as a vacation rental property until yoursquore ready to move in upon retirement can significantly help offset the cost of ownershiprdquo says brian sharples ceo of homeaway the worldrsquos leading online vacation rental marketplace ldquothe income stream in addition to tax write-offs for maintenance and repairs make this an attractive strategy for many people nearing retirementrdquo
according to homeaway the average second-home owner rents out their property to travelers 17 weeks a year generating more than $28000 in rental income annually and the demand for vacation rentals among travelers is growing which is good news for second-home owners in fact 87 percent of travelers who looked into a vacation rental in the past say they plan to stay in a vacation rental in 2010 - a significant increase from the 67 percent who stayed in a vacation rental in 2009
to generate income from a second home prior to moving into it when you retire sharples suggests consumers take the following steps
location and maRket Potentialcarefully review the markets where you want to retire and before you buy consider the areas where consumer demand for vacation rentals is high but inventory is low for example atlantic city nJ sunny isles beach fla hampton beach nh dauphin island ala and Mount Pocono Pa were among some of the most underserved markets for vacation rental properties in 2009 according to homeaway
FactoR in tax wRite-oFFstalk to an accountant about the tax advantages of owning and renting out a second home expenses such as insurance utilities home maintenance and depreciation can be deducted depending on how often you rent out the property and how many weeks you personally stay there each year
adVeRtise to attRact RenteRs when yoursquore ready to rent out the property be sure to market the availability of the vacation rental to travelers by listing it on sites like homeawaycom or vrbocom which reach millions of travelers each month a 12-month listing costs $329 - or less than $28 per month - on homeawaycom so the advertising pays for itself with your first booking - and the rest is pure rental income
stay comPetitiVe amp netwoRk witH owneRs check out other similar vacation rentals in the area to determine what rates theyrsquore charging travelers and price your home at a competitiverate to help drive bookings also be sure to talk with other owners to get their tips and advice for maximizing a second home investment
for more information on buying a second home and effective strategies for maximizing rental income check out homeawayrsquos online community for vacation rental owners at ownercommunityhomeawaycom
tiPs to successFully get youwHeRe you need to be - Fast(ara) - do you ever get a headache just thinking about navigating the streets of an unfamiliar city have you ever booked a hotel in a less-than-great part of town or been late to an appointment because you canrsquot find a parking garage
even the savviest of travelers who can find their way around a city with their eyes closed run into travel snafus sending their blood pressure through the roof navigating the streets of a new city can be one of the most stressful parts of booking and taking a trip whether itrsquos for business or leisure
so you finally landed and yoursquore on your way to the hotel that you booked in the heart of the city everything is going just as you planned not so fast somehow you find yourself nowhere near the bright city lights and in a hotel on the outskirts of town where you wouldnrsquot even venture out for a cup of Joe
sound familiar well yoursquore not alone - more than half of travelers say theyrsquove experienced this very nightmare according to a recent bing survey
while finding decent lodging can be difficult sometimes even thinking about how to get around a city can strike fear into the hearts of business and leisure travelers alike so which city gets travelers hearts racing when just thinking about how to get around unsurprisingly for anyone who has ever visited either new york or los angeles (even just once) both cities topped bingrsquos survey as the worst cities to navigate More than 40 percent said ldquothe heck with driving irsquom getting a taxirdquo when visiting the big apple and a quarter said that the concrete jungle otherwise known as los angeles is too wild for them
so how can you ensure you know enough about a city to get around like you were a local book a decent hotel check out a local concert or find a local hot spot to grab a bite to eat well the folks at bing have a few tips to make your next adventure stress-free
Pay attention to ReViews Most online booking sites offer reviews from other guests who have stayed at the hotel that yoursquore considering while you may be inclined to take the overly positive reviews with a grain of salt itrsquos best to steer clear if a hotel receives consistent negative customer reviews
study uPcheck out the local convention center visitorsrsquo bureau or chamber of commerce web sites to learn more about the city and its surrounding neighborhoods this will help give you a better idea of whatrsquos near your destination and the neighborhoods that surround it
RemembeRyou get wHat you Pay FoRif yoursquore paying a two-star rate donrsquot expect to get four- or five-star accommodations and a mint on your pillow a cheaper rate rarely buys you luxury but you should still be able to score a clean safe room that provides for your basic needs
HoP onlineuse online resources like bing Mapsrsquo new streetside experience a three-dimensional mapping tool Just log on to bing Maps where you can zoom in from satellite level to birdrsquos eye view and even down to street level for 56 major us metro areas
now you can virtually walk the streets of your next adventure with actual 360-degree footage of the area not only can you tell if a hotel is in a good neighborhood yoursquoll be able to see if therersquos a wifi coffee shop nearby where you can sync up your computer before your next meeting or scope out any traffic jams before you head out and you can even find the nearest parking garage so yoursquore never late again to your lunch date - unlike the more than 40 percent of bing survey respondents who were fashionably late because they couldnrsquot find a parking spot
ldquobooking a hotel room on the internet can be a risky proposition if you canrsquot see the room hotel or area itrsquos in before you bookrdquo says blaise aguera y arcas architect of bing Maps and Msn at Microsoft ldquobut technology like streetside is making it possible to scope out a neighborhood - and ensure itrsquos one you want to stay in - without ever having to leave the comfort of your computer chairrdquo in fact the bing survey found that nearly a quarter of travelers rated finding a decent hotel as the most frustrating part of planning their trip
Plus stay up-to-date on the best places to check out on your next trip by using bingrsquos twitter mapping app now you can get real-time information about an area - such as seeing the latest tweets for the local shopping mall before you even go there or even updates about local events and breaking news
log onto bing Maps where you can plan your next trip whether itrsquos a far away city or even your own town now you can be a travel guru no matter where you are
setting and stickingto youR tRaVel budget(ara) - travel can be one of the biggest-ticket items you invest in each year so itrsquos worth it to plan ahead
setting a budget - and sticking to it - can help you stay in better control of spending according to a recent visa survey a majority (54 percent) of last yearrsquos summer travelers either didnrsquot set a budget oroverspent their budget while traveling and more than a quarter of those surveyed overspent by more than $250 to make sure this doesnrsquot happen to you itrsquos important to create a realistic travel budget and make a plan for how you will spend within your means while on the road
to create a budget think through your trip first include the basics such as transportation to and from your destination and lodging next plan for expenses that come up along the way such as meals on the road
hosthostess gifts rental cars or public transportation donrsquot forget to include entertainment - whether sightseeing or going to the movies itrsquos also a good idea to build in a cushion for the unexpected
once yoursquove set your travel budget you need to stick to it one tool that can help is a prepaid travel card a prepaid card draws from funds that are set aside in advance for purchases here are a few ways prepaid travel cards can come in handy
keeP tRaVel Funds sePaRate an easy way to make sure you donrsquot go over budget is to set your travel budget aside on a prepaid travel card simply load the card with your travel budget and use it for everything from online booking to grabbing lunch during an (unexpectedly extended) layover without worrying about spending more than you planned or dipping into gift-buying funds
access casHwhether you need a few dollars or several yen choose a prepaid card that will allow you to withdraw cash from atMs around the world if yoursquore traveling internationally itrsquoll also save you the hassle of tracking down and waiting in line for local currency
bRowse and buy look for a prepaid card that you can use online travel sites offer a wealth of information and detailed listings of competing offers from airlines and hotels as well as reviews from fellow travelers for flights you can typically compare possible savings by traveling on al-ternate days or from nearby airports once you spot the deal that works for your budget use your prepaid travel card to snap it up
enJoy Peace oF mind wHen tRaVeling Prepaid cards may come with travel-related services for example the visa travelMoney card offers zero liability for lost or stolen cards as well as lost luggage reimbursement and purchase security Make sure you know which benefits your card offers and how they work so you can tap into them should the need arise
with some advance preparation and the right tools in place you donrsquot have to overspend on travel in fact with some careful planning you could end up with enough left to buy yourself a little something to remember the trip for more information about visa travelMoney visit wwwvisacomtravelmoney
Click To Listen While You Browse
South Carolinarsquos Internet
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need an easy getaway FoR tHe Family Plan a budget-FRiendly tRiP to a national PaRk(ara) - american families have spoken the vacation is a top priority ninety-four percent of americans agreed that even in tough economic times family vacations are worth the money according to a recent survey by expediacom to keep the vacation affordable and easy think about introducing your family to the splendor of the national park system - where activities are abundant and costs are minimal
expediacom recently partnered with the national Park foundation to provide a permanent one-stop shop to help travelers plan and book vacations to americarsquos national parks
ldquothere are excellent values for traveling families right now and taking a trip to a national park is one of the best ways to stretch your vacation dollarsrdquo says lee woodruff author travel expert and mother of four
ldquofamilies are looking for ways to reconnect with each other and what better option for an affordable vacation than a national parkrdquo
here are five easy steps to plan the perfect national park getaway
1 get inspired ken burns recently debuted a six-part documentary series for Pbs titledldquothe national Parks americarsquos best ideardquo tune into Pbs or order a copy online to find inspiration and a detailed look at some of the most beautiful places in the world from acadia to the grand canyon and yosemite to the gates of the arctic in alaska
2 Pick the park with original content from the national Park foundation expediacomrsquos national park web site is the perfect resource for families to find the national park to fit their vacation needs
the site offers pre-set ldquolong weekendrdquo itineraries to start your planning you can also search through the ldquocanrsquot Miss national Parksrdquo section to learn about the parkrsquos location its natural features little-known facts including the best times to visit and activities to choose from in each area expediarsquos site also offers downloadable park maps to help you get your bearings
3 more ways to save take advantage of the public amenities that national parks offer like camping and picnic sites while there is a small entrance fee to the parks you can cut back on costs by bringing your own meals and treating the kids to lunch by a waterfall or overlooking the grand canyon also enjoy the free activities such as hiking biking and birding that the parks offer
4 book your hotel and rental car if camping isnrsquot your familyrsquos style consider any of the great lodges in and around the national park of your choice and if yoursquore planning to rent a car consider booking lodging and car together to substantially reduce the overall costs of your vacation
5 give back consider giving back to the national Park foundation by visiting the web site wwwnationalparksorg and donate or learn more about volunteer opportunities within americarsquos national parks helping out in these small ways ensures the parks will remain beautiful so your kids can bring their own children one day
ldquoPlanning the vacation is half of the fun so get every-one involved in the processrdquo says woodruff ldquothere are so many options in our national park system many of which have rich and amazing heritage so the whole family is going to enjoy something when you visitrdquo
bookmaRk youRFaVoRite Road
a bRieF HistoRyoF PaVed Roads
(ara) - Planes and trains may have their place in our society but for the dedicated traveler therersquos still nothing like getting in your car and taking a trip along americarsquos highways
half the fun of road trips in the minds of many is getting home and telling friends and family about the adventure - and the roads they traveled
in the past driversrsquo road stories were largely told by word of mouth to a few people at a time now drivers can tell their tales to millions via the internet favoriteroadcom is a new web site that features americarsquos favorite highways and byways
the site encourages you to post your favorite roads and explain why you like them simply log on to submit a photo and story of your favorite road use links posted on the site to share your road via popular social networks such as facebook and twitter your submission may even win a prize in contest giveaways
the past yearrsquos economic downturn has reintroduced the word ldquoinfrastructurerdquo to our vocabulary as a result of stimulus legislation passed in 2009 the federal government has allocated millions of dollars to specifically improve state roads and highways and with more affordable gasoline prices people are increasingly using americarsquos roads for leisure travel
by posting on favoriteroadcom yoursquore doing more than just ldquotelling a good storyrdquo your testimonials may help encourage lawmakers to push for increased infrastructure spending to keep america driving smoothly and safely for years to come
whatrsquos your favorite road log on and tell the world at favoriteroadcom
625 bc the babylonians are credited with the first recorded use of asphalt as a road building material the ancient greeks were also familiar with asphalt (the word comes from the greek ldquoasphaltosrdquo meaning ldquosecurerdquo)
1500s christopher columbus landed off the shores of trinidad in 1498 and discovered the famous asphalt lake which would later be used on the Pennsylvania avenue project in washington dc covering 54000 square yards
1800s Macadam roads became popular in the us for rural road construction during the 1830s and 40s belgian chemist edmund J desmedt laid the first true asphalt pavement in the us in newark nJ the cummer company opened the first central hot mix production facilities in the us the first asphalt patent was filed by nathan b abbott of brooklyn ny in 1871
1920s world war i ended and the use of the automo-bile was steadily rising but roads outside the city limits were frequently too muddy or dusty for travel to fix this problem road engineers used oils and asphalt
1940s-1950s the modern american turnpike is born after world war ii full scale automobile production resumed along with major levels of road maintenance and new highway construction by 1950 vehicle registration exceeded 40 million cars and 8 million trucks in 1956 President eisenhower signed the federal-aid highway act and launched the interstate system to create an infrastructure highway program -unmatched anywhere in the world
1970s a national move to conserve energy and materials initiated a widespread interest in recycling of pavement materials asphalt is now americarsquos most recycled product
1990s a traffic study by the world road association indicates that asphalt pavements are at least 4 decibels quieter than concrete pavements
2000s the us population has increased 23 percent since 1990 and the number of miles driven has risen by 41 percent only half of the nationrsquos major roads are in good condition based on an analysis of recent federal highway administration data
wandeRing Re-establisHes tHe oRiginal
HaRmony wHicH once existed between
man and tHe uniVeRse
business oR leisuRe dRiVing oR FlyingtRaVel saFely natuRally(ara) - weekend getaways shorter vacations and overnight business trips are great ways to save money and are becoming more prevalent according to the bureau of transportation taking a few simple and natural steps to stay safe and healthy while on the road can not only protect your travel investment butenhance your entire experience
ReFResHed and aleRt dRiVing diFFusion
a shorter thriftier trip is likely to be by car the inevitable rush to make the most of the limited time
away after a tiring work week can create fatigue so donrsquot make it a dangerous driving situation enliven your senses with essential oil scents
ditch the cardboard cutout car ldquofreshenerrdquo that hangs from the rearview mirror not only distracting these products are usually saturated with synthetic fragrance chemicals and probably arenrsquot the best thing to inhale while enclosed in your vehicle instead rely on a sleek essential oil diffuser that plugs into your automobilersquos phone charger power outlet these devices feature small paper fiber pads to which you can apply your own custom blend of essential oils allowing you to not only
scent the air inside the car but also to provide refreshing aromatherapy benefits to help keep you alert and focused on the road
a simpler alternative way to diffuse is to apply several drops of oil to a tissue and tuck it carefully into one of the vents in the dash
try these essential oils for the car Peppermint essential oil - refreshing awakening
uplifting eucalyptus essential oil - bracing purifying
protecting lemon essential oil - pleasant deodorizing
cheering
How clean is youR Hotel Room
overnight stays in less than posh hotel digs may be part of the money-saving travel trend even upscale hotels arenrsquot immune to dirt and germs or worse an apparent outbreak of bedbug infestations in the united states recently publicized by the environmental Protection agency
bedbugs aside there are always nagging doubts about just how clean a hotel room actually is has the shower or tub been scrubbed or merely wiped down is the toilet sanitized has the bedspread ever really been thoroughly cleaned fortunately there are ways to protect yourself after you check in but before you settle into your temporary overnight home
air and surface sanitizing spray feel good about travel with a bottle of homemade purifying aromatherapy solution that relies on pleasantly scented and highly effective essential oils rather than harsh chemical disinfectants the following spray will help you create a hygienic environment in your temporary hotel home apply it to tub vanity and toilet surfaces
ingredientsempty 12 to16 ounce spray bottle10 ounces water2 ounces isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or
vodka12 teaspoon tea tree essential oil
(antimicrobial)12 teaspoon lemon essential oil
(cleansing)12 teaspoon lavandin essential oil
(protecting)12 teaspoon sweet orange essential oil
(freshening)
directions combine all ingredients in the spray bottle shake and apply to a washcloth and wipe down the tvrsquos remote the clock radio the door handles and the faucethandles in the bathroom
Purifying and Relaxing linen mist here are some great tips for making a strange bed feel more like home take along your own pillow and replace the ones provided create your own linen mist and use it on your own bed at home then travel with the same blend taking a little bit of home with you when you arrive at your destination turn down the covers exchange the pillows and apply your signature scent to the bed
ingredientsempty 4 to 8 ounce spray bottle4 to 8 ounces water13 drops lavender essential oil
(relaxing calming)5 drops lavandin or spike lavender
essential oil (purifying protecting)
directionscombine the water and oil in the bottle shake the contents thoroughly just before application
remember to look for pure and natural essential oil brands like aura cacia that donrsquot include synthetic petrochemical fragrances for more information on how to enhance your life through aromatherapy visit wwwauracaciacom
PRePaRe youR VeHicle FoR a HuRRicane eVacuation(ara) - ana bill claudette - the first three atlantic ocean hurricanes of the season made headlines but not to the extent of katrina or ike of recent years and while these three hurricanes have come and gone who knows if - or when - grace or henry might pay a visit to your town
the 2009 hurricane season has an expected 90 percent chance of being a near-normal or below-normal season for the atlantic ocean according to the national oceanic and atmospheric administration this prediction - if accurate - will be welcomed with a sigh of relief by many residents in coastal towns after the above-normal year in 2008
but even if noaa is predicting a quiet year for hurricanes you can never be over prepared if you donrsquot have your emergency evacuation plan organized itrsquos time to make one no matter if yoursquore planning on traveling 100 miles or 1000 miles you need an evacuation plan as a representative of a gulf coast
company Maricela carter a health safety security environment coordinator with soPus has some tips on how to prepare your vehicle for potential evacuations
Plan eVacuation Routescheck newspapers online sites the local emergency broadcast radio station and local television stations for the latest information on official evacuation routes Purchase a good map with details on elevations waterways and county roads and familiarize yourself with the most efficient ways to get out of town
Pack an emeRgency kitautomobiles are susceptible to unexpected problems so keep an emergency kit in your trunk include jumper cables extra motor oil window washing brake and coolant fluids simple tools like an air pressure gauge screwdriver pliers and adjustable wrench a role of
paper towels a windup flashlight and a can of fix-a-flat in case you get a flat tire
fix-a-flat creates a temporary emergency seal on contact with the tire and inflates the tire between eight and 14 pounds per square inch so that the car can be driven to a gas station for proper repair of the tire this can help you to get back on the road and out of the hurricanersquos way quickly and easily
Fill uP tHe tankeveryone is going to need fuel in order to evacuate so plan to fill up your tank as soon as you hear a hurricane warning this helps to prevent sudden demands on the supply once your tank is full conserve the amount of gas you use for the next couple of days by combining your errands into one trip and not traveling during rush hour
cHeck tiRe PRessuRein order to help conserve fuel make sure your tires are at the manufacturerrsquos recommended pressure - usually printed on the driverrsquos door of your car keeping tires at the correct pressure can improve your gasoline mileage by 33 percent according to fueleconomygov which means yoursquoll be able to travel further when evacuating
use PRoPeR FluidsMake sure you follow all the manufacturer recommendations for motor oil which can also improve your gasoline mileage by 1 or 2 percent according to fuelecomonygov one helpful hint is to look for oil that has an ldquoenergy conservingrdquo label by the american Petroleum institution to ensure it contains friction-reducing additives
it is not down inany maP tRue PlacesneVeR aRe
diRect dePosit oF social secuRity is easieR FoR winteR tRaVeleRs(ara) - as cold weather sets in thousands of retirees are making plans for a winter getaway if yoursquore one of them switch to direct deposit for your social security payments before you leave - itrsquos the safest easiest way to receive your money
ldquoeach year the us department of the treasury receives more than 14 million inquiries regarding paper check-related problemsrdquo says david a lebryk commissioner of the treasury departmentrsquos financial Management service
yet approximately 105 million americans continue to receive their social security and supplemental security income (ssi) payments by paper check each month the treasury departmentrsquos go direct (r) campaign encourages senior citizens and people with disabilities to switch to direct deposit
incReased saFety conVenience and Reliability
ldquowhen therersquos a problem with a social security payment nine times out of 10 itrsquos with a paper check not a direct deposit paymentrdquo says lebryk
Paper checks can be vulnerable to financial crimes like theft and fraud in fact the treasury department investigates more than 70000 cases of altered or fraudulently endorsed checks each year totaling $64 million in estimated value
ldquoin 2008 alone more than 485000 social security and ssi checks were reported lost or stolen and had to be reissuedrdquo says lebryk
direct deposit is also more convenient and reliable there is no more waiting for a check to arrive in the mail and there are no more worries about delivery delays due to severe weather localemergencies and other check related problems last year alone severe weather events forced alternative delivery arrangements for millions of social security and ssi paper checks
ldquoswitching to direct deposit for federal benefits is such an easy way
for people to safeguard their money es-pecially when traveling for extended pe-riods of timerdquo says lebryk ldquoyour money is deposited to your account on payment day so therersquos no need to worry
about delivery delays or a check sitting in your mailbox while yoursquore gonerdquo
PRePaid debit caRd oPtion
in addition to direct deposit the treasury department recommends the direct express (r) debit Mastercard (r) card as an alternative to paper checks for people without bank accounts
More than half a million americans signed up for the optional direct express (r) card in its first year of availability according to the treasury department a recent survey of cardholders finds that 95 percent say they are satisfied with the prepaid debit card and 86 percent say they would recommend it to family members or friends who receive a federal benefit payment
with the direct express card cardholders can make purchases pay bills and get cash at thousands of locations nationwide sign-up is free and no bank account is required while most services are free there are fees for a limited number of optional transactions and services
making tHe switcH is easy
it is easy to make the switch to electronic payments for federal benefits to sign up for direct deposit call the treasury departmentrsquos go direct campaign helpline at 1-800-333-1795 or visit wwwgodirectorg to sign up for the treasury-recommended direct express card or to learn more about the cardrsquos features and fees call 1-877-212-9991 or visit wwwusdirectexpresscom
the preceding information has been provided by the us department of the treasury financial Management service
the go direct (r) campaign is sponsored by the us department of the treasury and the federal reserve banks the direct express (r) debit Mastercard (r) card is issued by comerica bank pursuant to a license by Mastercard international incorporated Mastercard (r) and the Mastercard (r) brand Mark are registered trademarks of Mastercard international incorporated the go direct(r) logo direct express (r) logo and direct express (r) are service marks of the us department of the treasury financial Management service
biZaRRe tRaVel Plans aRe dancing lessons FRom god
time to ReFinance oR buy
right now mortgage rates are at their lowest level since 1971 think about that twenty-five years ago homeowners were paying as much as 18 on a 30-year fixed today itrsquos just a little over 5combine that rate with the tax advantages
of a mortgage and you have an incredibly cheap way to build wealth but you better act now
real estate guru barbara corcoran has already seen a tremendous surge in refinance applications ndash more than triple the average ndash and the number of people getting approved is astronomically higher as well she says but that doesnrsquot mean the low rates are a panacea for the ills of the housing market it is only once home prices start to go up that we will finally see a light at the end of tunnel corcoran says until that happens we are still going to have to crawl out of this mess ldquo[low interest rates are] not a lifesaverrdquo corcoran says ldquothis is just a helping handrdquo
david kittle chairman of the Mortgage bankers association has this advice to homeowners looking to refinance do it donrsquot get greedy searching for another quarter-point lock in rates now he is seeing applications soar over 125 just since thanksgiving due to the low rates
of course you should only refinance if it saves you at least 38 on the rate and if you plan on staying in your home for at least four years kittle says along with good credit proof of income and money by means of a down payment or equity in the home there are certain things every homeowner needs regardless of interest rate levels
easy-to-do maintenance HelPs extend VeHicle liFe(ara) - after their homes most americansrsquo largest financial investment is their vehicle so helping it stay in good working order for as long as possible is a high priority in fact the average age of a passenger car in north america has grown to more than nine years according to rl Polk and co which indicates that motorists are looking for ways to help extend the life of their vehicle
even so todayrsquos tight budgets leave some motorists reluctant to spend on services or maintenance that they think can be delayed at least for the short term however compared to the cost of engine repair spending a little today on the right maintenance routine performed by trusted service technicians using quality products makes sense Mark ferner Pennzoil technical specialist and ase-certified master mechanic offers some simple cost-effective tips for helping to protect the performance and longevity of your vehicle
replace dirty air filters a dirty air filter will restrict airflow to the engine which may reduce power output if the filter fails it will allow unfiltered air into the engine which can be abrasive inside an engine to avoid these issues and help promote long engine life check your enginersquos air filter regularly and change it when it is dirty
use HigH-quality Fuelseveral automotive manufacturers (bMw gM honda toyota volkswagen and audi) have published technical service bulletins recommending the use of top-tier fuel top-tier fuel contains more additives than is required by the industryrsquos lowest additive content (lac) treat rate regular use of fuel that only meets lac requirements may cause deposits to form on engine intake valves and fuel injectors
cHange youR oilregular oil changes are one of the most important steps to maximize the life of a vehicle oil change in-tervals vary by vehicle and driving conditions so follow the interval and oil specifications found in the ownerrsquos manual
also be sure to use quality motor oils in your vehicle Properly functioning motor oils help prevent sludge and neutralize and disperse harmful deposits and using the recommended viscosity grade of motor oil may also help enhance fuel economy if you are having the oil changed for you ask for quality oils by name Quality motor oil will maintain its effectiveness throughout the oil change interval allowing it to help keep the engine clean
as a bonus some motor oil brands offer lubrication warranties at no additional cost for example the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranty Programs protect qualified engines for 300000 miles whether their owners use conventional synthetic-blend or full synthetic motor oils meeting their vehiclesrsquo requirements Participants can enroll online and maintaining eligibility is easy simply get an oil change with the specified brand change the filter perform regular maintenance and keep the service receipts
to learn more about the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranties visit either wwwPennzoilcom or wwwQuakerstatecom or speak with an automotive professional at a participating automotive dealership or oil change facility that features Pennzoil or Quaker state products
PeoPle donrsquot take tRiPs tRiPs take PeoPle
Fin
al
wo
Rd
s
a vacation is what you take when you can no longer take what yoursquove been taking
eaRl wilson
- 1-12-2010pdf
9 buy wHat you want not wHat big adVeRtising budgets want you to buy a south carolina marketplace comprised of tens of thousands of small businesses is the best way to ensure innovation and low prices over the long-term a multitude of small businesses each selecting products and services based not on a national sales plan but on their own interests and the needs of their local customers promises a much broader range of product choices
10 PRomote local PRosPeRity an escalating body of economic research shows that in an increasingly homogenized world entrepreneurs and skilled workers are more likely to invest and settle in communities that preserve their one-of-a-kind businesses and distinctive character
larry localeditor in chief
wwwvacationrentalssc online Magazine | 2009 6
wwwvacationrentalssc online Magazine | 2009 7
ceo dennis stewart
editoR in cHieFlarry local
aRt diRectoRamy coats
web deVeloPeR Matthew coats
administRation amp maRketingshaun stacy
wwwVacationRentalssc online magaZinecopyright copy 2009carolina Media services all rights reserved reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts or photographs
3290 ashley Phosphate road charleston sc 29418toll free (843)720-9604fax (843)725-4734infovacationrentalssc wwwvacationsreantalsc
carolina media SERVICES
carolina media SERVICES
Vacation Rentals M
ag
az
ine
How to casH in on Recession-dRiVen tRaVel deals(ara) - travelers are finding the silver lining of the current economic climate is the availability of some incredible travel values hotel airfare and vacation package prices are all down significantly from last year helping to make travel more affordable than it has been in years
you can spend the same amount and get more - for example choosing to extend a vacation or trading up your hotel choice - or you can pocket the savings
with a little planning even the most budget-conscious can find affordable trips this fall and winter tim Macdonald general manager of expediacom offers some advice for ways to get the most value out of your next vacation
Plan aHead and book witH conFidencein many cases scheduling travel in advance helps you secure the lowest airfare and hotel rates though therersquos always a chance for last-minute sales waiting could
increase the likelihood that you will pay higher
prices this frequently happens during peak times like the winter holidays when there are fewer options for flights and hotel rooms
while airlines and hotels may charge penalties expediacom has eliminated change and cancel fees for hotels cruises car rental and most flight reservations with fewer change and cancel fees to worry about travelers have the flexibility they need to book in advance with confidence
book togetHeR booking airfare and hotel accommodations at the same time not only simplifies the vacation planning process but also can help substantially reduce the overall costs of vacation travel
ldquobooking travel together is one of the easiest ways to save money and get the most value when planning a trip thatrsquos because when you bundle your air travel and hotel together and book them at the same time expediacom is able to pass substantial savings onto
yourdquo says Macdonald ldquolast year expediacom customers saved $248 million by
booking their air travel and hotels togetherrdquo
tRade uPalthough some people may be looking to scale back travel plans or follow a vacation budget more closely than in the past for others there are opportunities to get more for their money this year for roughly the price of a three-star hotel stay last year travelers can now book at a four-star hotel in fact the average daily rate of a four-star hotel is $143 per night 22 percent lower than the average for 2008
ldquowersquore seeing incredible values for luxury hotel prop-erties this yearrdquo says Macdonald ldquofor some travelers this may be their chance to stretch their dollars and upgrade to hotels that have previously been out of their price rangerdquo
be Flexible and tRy sometHing new take time to look for current travel deals to help choose a vacation destination look for exclusive special values and promotional rates to popular destinations including Mexico las vegas new york city and hawaii as well as deals on all-inclusive resorts and cruises all-inclusive options have always been good values because they include meals and many activities in the upfront price whatrsquos more this year the average daily rates for all-inclusive properties are even lower than last year - for instance average daily rates for all-inclusive resorts in the bahamas are 16 percent lower this year from last year
ReseaRcH actiVities in adVance sticking to a travel budget can sometimes be difficult when factoring in activities so be sure to research activities and attractions before your trip to identify these costs in advance in addition booking activities in advance ensures you wonrsquot miss out on attractions events and activities that sell out virtually all vacation destinations also offer inexpensive and free attractions like city parks cultural festivals and museums taking advantage of a mix of free and paid activities can help you get the most out of your vacation for a reasonable price
know beFoRe you gothoroughly researching vacation destinations including available public transportation or local tipping customs (if traveling outside the us) can help avoid any unexpected costs you may be able to avoid the expense of a rental car by identifying public transportation options or by selecting a hotel that provides free transportation if you do need a a rental car make your reservation early and consider adding it to a flight or hotel booking to help secure the best price in fact adding a rental car to your air travel or hotel booking could mean savings of up to 30 percent off typical prices
tHe woRld is a book amp tHose wHo do not tRaVelRead only one Page
a V
ac
at
ion
Ho
me
a
wa
y F
Ro
m H
om
e (ara) - getting away during the spring months is popular for many families especially families with children in school looking for a break from the spring semester visiting relatives traveling from one sightseeing opportunity to another and cramming the whole crew into a hotel room with tight sleeping quarters and one bathroom is all par for the course right well it doesnrsquot have to be
travelers are jumping on the vacation home rental bandwagon where theyrsquore finding comfortable spaces just-like-home amenities and a more relaxing experience - all for about what it costs to book a hotel room in this tough economy owners of second homes are increasingly renting out their properties for some extra cash according to homeaway a collection of vacation-rental web sites and as the market floods prices drop to lure renters
a recent online search of hotels in la Jolla calif a beautiful seaside commu-nity thatrsquos technically part of san diego revealed some hotel rooms starting around $150 a night a search for vacation homes returned two bedroom two bathroom options starting at just over $100 a night
not only do you get more space you get the luxuries of home such as a full kitchen washerdryer and parking all of which are further money-savers Plus standard hotel rooms can be pretty boring rarely lending insight into the destinationrsquos character vacation rentals are an actual personrsquos home albeit a second home and some are even pet-friendly
herersquos how to find a vacation rental that suits your needs
wHeRe to staRtawaycom a research and travel-planning web site offers a comprehensive listing of vacation rentals including houses and condos from all over the web find it at awaycomvacationrentals
be comFoRtableif the thought of renting a vacation home ldquosight unseenrdquo and directly from the owner is daunting work with a property management company such companies particularly ones with local offices know the market well and might even be able to move you to another property if a problem arises
do youR HomewoRkcheck out online photos and read all property reviews if yoursquore renting directly from an owner reach out to them with questions and put a face to the transaction and the golden rule clarify all costs and payment methods upfront time invested in the beginning will yield a more enjoyable experience in the end
whatever you decide is right for your spring vacation book it now as usual the early bird will get the worm
Get Your Carolina
Girl Gear
waRm weatHeR Relaxing oR Playing in tHe snowtiPs FoR Planning youR winteR tRaVels(ara) - the winter months offer the perfect excuse to plan a fabulous getaway and you donrsquot have to travel far to find something that fits your vacation expectations
if you need to flee from the cold depths of winter there are plenty of beaches in florida and california and warm desert landscapes to enjoy in arizona and new Mexico that will warm you up and give your skin a bit of summer glow Picture yourself playing tennis in the sun or lounging by the pool with a book while the kids are splashing around in the water
here are tips on how to best plan your warm-weather winter vacation
look FoR deals duRing tHe slow montHsbecause January and february are so close to the holidays but too early yet for spring break hotels and resorts tend to offer special discounts to encourage traveling
Pack sunblock eVen iF yoursquoVe been ldquotanningrdquo
also make sure your travel bags include sun shades a hat with a brim and a water bottle nothing makes a vacation more uncomfortable than sunburn and dehydration
add a Jacket to tHe luggagenights can get chilly and if the wind blows in a rain cloud or two yoursquoll be glad you have that jacket to ward off the goose bumps
Maybe you like to play in the fluffy white stuff and canrsquot wait to schedule downhill skiing in colorado snowshoeing in Maine or ice fishing in Minnesota the images yoursquoll take home this winter include majestic mountains covered in snow your daughter pulling a
360 while snowboarding down a half-pipe or even a moose with
a full rack of antlers on his head browsing for vegetation along a back country road
tips for planning your snow vacation include
FiguRe out iF yoursquoRe going to take youR geaR oR Rent it at youR destinationwhile looking into this determine if your vehicle can carry all the gear or if there are any restrictions bar-ring you from taking it on the airplane if you plan to rent call ahead of time to reserve your equipment
Pack many layeRs oF clotHing Many snow activities can make you warm but once you stop moving yoursquore going to want the heavier layers back
again donrsquot forget sunblock goggles shades or hat because the sun glaring on snow can easily burn your skin and eyes and winter rays can be just as damaging as those in summer
once you have your destination picked and travels planned therersquos one more step to ensure your winter getaway is successful while away from home having your health and safety front-of-mind is very important so you are prepared for emergencies like falling and breaking a bone while swishing down a ski slope or suddenly discovering you have seafood allergies while sampling fresh crawfish in louisiana
on call international provides travel assistance anywhere in the world to travelers who experience an emergency need medical care or evacuation while away from home if you want to return to your local hospital for treatment because you are familiar with the area and can have your personal doctor available on call will coordinate a medical evacuation for the sick person and help arrange transportation for the rest of the family
only a small percentage of health insurance plans cover medical evacuation when the member is on vacation and away from home this means you could be on the hook for thousands of dollars if you need to be transported from the resortrsquos local clinic to a better hospital hundreds of miles away or need a nurse to monitor your care on the way home after a skiing accident
so when you plan your next trip to sunny texas or snowy Michigan donrsquot forget to pack some comfort and safety for you and your family and consider enrolling in an on call international membership just in case you experience a travel emergency
tHe best time to RediscoVeR a destination
sHouldeR season
(ara) - the first few months of the year when many americans are spending time at home trying to recu-perate from the hustle and bustle of the holidays may not seem like an ideal time to plan a vacation how-ever planning for a time known as ldquoshoulder seasonrdquo the time between peak season and low season is a fantastic time for savvy travelers to find great deals on airfare hotels and attractions while simultaneously experiencing top destinations in a whole new way
ldquoMany travelers donrsquot think to travel in the weeks and months following the holidaysrdquo says brad dean President and ceo for the Myrtle beach area convention and visitorrsquos bureau ldquohowever a shoulder season trip can be the best way for travelers to relax after a busy holiday season destinations offer their lowest rates and best deals of the year at this time and consumers can get away for a fraction of the high-season costrdquo
so when is ldquoshoulder seasonrdquo it will vary slightly depending on your destination figuring out a regionrsquos shoulder season could be as easy as checking out rates at a few area hotels to determine when the rates are at their lowest
consider these convincing facts about shoulder season travel and what a great value it can be for your vacation dollars
Hotel rates airfare and attraction fees are often significantly lower during the shoulder season than any other time of year hotels especially are eager for business during this season and respond with deeply discounted rates and incentives to entice travelers
last minute deals you can plan and implement a very budget-friendly travel itinerary in a relatively short time - sometimes just a day or two as opposed to weeks or months of planning ahead thatrsquos needed during busier seasons
shoulder season travel presents the opportunity to view and experience a popular destination one you may have visited before during peak season in a whole new way for example destinations like Myrtle beach sc that bustle and buzz with activity in the peak season can take on a more laid-back relaxed atmosphere in shoulder season yoursquoll have access to the same major attractions
shows dining and shopping that peak season travelers enjoy but at a less frantic pace
and in that vein yoursquoll enjoy free access to popular attractions lines for popular attractions - most of which will stay open year round - will be shorter in shoulder seasons than any other time of year for example in Myrtle beach top entertainment venues and attractions as well as multiple live entertainment theaters are all open for business but with shorter (if any) lines and less crowds
because yoursquoll be getting a great deal therersquos also the opportunity to extend your vacation by a day or two and take some exciting trips to surround-ing areas the more relaxed attitude of shoulder season travel means you will feel more open to the idea of exploring the surrounding area visitors to the
Myrtle beach area for example can enjoy side trips to huntington beach state Park the nearby pictur-esque community of conway and the lowcountry gem of Pawleyrsquos island
finally shoulder season is a great time to travel to a drive destination like Myrtle beach yoursquoll find less traffic and a more relaxed commute to a location considered one of the top driving destinations for leisure travelers along the eastern seaboard and Midwest
to learn more about shoulder season travel opportunities in Myrtle beach log on to wwwvisitmyrtlebeachcom
Want to grow your business
Join the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce
As the unified voice of business the South Carolina Chamber is working to grow wealth for South Carolinians and businesses in order to improve economic development and quality of life
We help your business and you by
bull GettingyourvoiceheardbyourstatelegislatorsthroughourGrassrootsNetworkbull Workingtopassbusiness-friendlylegislationbull Keepingyouinformedonissuesandprovidingsolutionsforgrowingyour business through our monthly magazine South Carolina Business bull Providingnetworkingopportunitieswithlegislatorsandotherbusinessownersbull Trainingyouremployeesonhumanresourcesqualityandmanagementissuesbull Publishingalegalreferenceseries
Join the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce Contactustodayat800-799-4601Learnmoreatwwwscchambernet
Reconnect with Nature plan a trip to a National Park
Reconnect with Nature plan a trip to a National Park
(ARA) - Considered ldquoAmericarsquos best ideardquo national parks provide travelers preserved views of natural wonder as far as the eye can see An American invention they give us a unique backyard vacation oasis where postcard views meet real life-altering experiences And itrsquos this beauty exploration and enrichment combined with the accessibility of national parks that make them a popular vacation choice
According to the National Park Service trips to national parks are on the rise Tour operators offering guided visits through Americarsquos parks agree
ldquoBookings on our North American National Park tours have witnessed an increase of 180 percent in the last yearrdquo says Scott Nisbet president and CEO for the Globus family of brands ldquoNational parks are idyllic vacation lsquohot spotsrsquo perfect for relaxation and introspection wildlife exploration or adventure depending on the traveler and his or her interestsrdquo
A wide range of experiences can be had at national parks including everything from snorkeling rafting and hiking to learning about the environment geology and wildlife They also provide a perfect retreat for those hoping to reconnect with themselves or nature
And itrsquos the diversity of experiences national parks offer travelers that can make booking a national park vacation seem overwhelming Use these tips from Globus to simplify the process and book the perfect getaway for 2010
Choose the right park destinationFrom the east to west coasts Alaska to Hawaii America has more than 50 national parks to explore Do your research to choose a park that has what yoursquore looking for For instance if yoursquore interested in an abundance of hoodoos and canyons Bryce Canyon National Park might be the right fit Or if you want a vacation filled with bird watching or
boating the Everglades National Park could be a great choice
Go rustic or go luxuryLodging is an important consideration for any vacation Some travelers prefer to experience the outdoor beauty of the parks 24 hours a day and choose to camp Others want to escape to the more modern conveniences provided by nearby hotels cabins and lodges Decide what experience best suits you or your family - and decide early Spots (camping or lodging) fill up quickly especially during peak seasons
On your own or with a guideSome travelers prefer to hike or road trip through national parks while others are interested in a more insightful and pre-planned journey While maps are available for nearly every park guided tours have become a popular option for travelers and are often offered as part of a packaged tour vacation including accommodations
ldquoOur national park-focused tours offer an inclusive-style of travel with incomparable exploration and enrichment opportunitiesrdquo says Nisbet ldquoWith a wide range of national park destinations hotels and price points
coupled with unparalleled service and storytelling we create experiences for travelers they couldnrsquot produce on their ownrdquo
For more information or assistance planning your national park vacation visit wwwus-parkscom wwwnpsgov or wwwglobusjourneyscom Or call your travel agent or the Globus family of brands toll-free at (866) 313-2855
Looking For Your Chance To Win
Check Out Radioscrsquos Contest
South Carolinarsquos Internet
Powered By
(843)720-9604 InfoOnlysc
Win a $100 Shopping Spree
Win Tickets To Events amp Concerts
Win Free Ice Skating For
The Family
Win Tickets To Medieval
Times
Win Stingrays Hockey
Tickets
Win A $25 Gift Card
Radiosc is proud to sponsor $100 Shopping Sprees for Publix grocery stores
Check wwwRadiosc for weekly House of Blues ticket giveaways
Win 4 tickets for ice skating and skate rentals at Carolina Ice Palace
Win 4 tickets for Medieval Times in Myrtle Beach
You could win tickets to a Stingraysrsquo Home Game
Each week you have a chance to win an Applebeersquos gift card worth up to $2500
cHaRlestonrsquos oFFice oF cultuRal aFFaiRslauncHes wwwcHaRlestonaRtssc as tHieR new aRts web sitefrom charleston currents
the city of charlestonrsquos office of cultural affairs has launched httpwwwcharlestonartssc a companion web site to the ocarsquos primary page at the cityrsquos official site charlestonartssc will be updated daily with information and features including an arts calendar that users can search by date artist presenting group or venue social networking widgets and a directory of local arts and cultural organizations and venues
ldquowe are hopeful that charlestonartssc will be a major benefit to local artists and arts organizations by disseminating information about their events with the most up-to-date information to a broader publicrdquo said ellen dressler Moryl director of the office of cultural affairs
other options for users at charlestonartssc include the following
bull Arts organizations can download forms from the Office of Cultural Affairs submit events update contact information and compare performance dates with other area organizations
bull The Tools for Professional section of the Web site features job listings for arts professionals including full time and part time work as well as internships and volunteer opportunities with arts and cultural organizations in the tri-county area
bull Updated grant opportunities for arts organizations with detailed information including deadlines application and contact information
bull Call for Submissions and Call for Auditions pages with details about the location deadlines fees andadditional requirements
the new web site also hosts connecting pages for general information on the office of cultural affairs and its projects the charleston farmers Market the city gallery at waterfront Park holiday Magic happy new year charleston the holiday Parade of boats the lowcountry Quarterly arts grant Program Piccolo spoleto and the MoJa arts festival
the web site was developed and is being hosted by carolina Media services ( wwwonlysc)
a RetiRement HometHat HelPs Pay FoR itselF(ara) - with todayrsquos record low real estate prices and at-tractive mortgage rates now may be a good time to think about investing in a second home that ultimately can be used as your permanent residence upon retirement by taking a ldquobuy-and-rentrdquo approach before yoursquore ready to retire your new home will actually have partly paid for itself by the time yoursquore ready to move into it
ldquobuying and renting out a second home as a vacation rental property until yoursquore ready to move in upon retirement can significantly help offset the cost of ownershiprdquo says brian sharples ceo of homeaway the worldrsquos leading online vacation rental marketplace ldquothe income stream in addition to tax write-offs for maintenance and repairs make this an attractive strategy for many people nearing retirementrdquo
according to homeaway the average second-home owner rents out their property to travelers 17 weeks a year generating more than $28000 in rental income annually and the demand for vacation rentals among travelers is growing which is good news for second-home owners in fact 87 percent of travelers who looked into a vacation rental in the past say they plan to stay in a vacation rental in 2010 - a significant increase from the 67 percent who stayed in a vacation rental in 2009
to generate income from a second home prior to moving into it when you retire sharples suggests consumers take the following steps
location and maRket Potentialcarefully review the markets where you want to retire and before you buy consider the areas where consumer demand for vacation rentals is high but inventory is low for example atlantic city nJ sunny isles beach fla hampton beach nh dauphin island ala and Mount Pocono Pa were among some of the most underserved markets for vacation rental properties in 2009 according to homeaway
FactoR in tax wRite-oFFstalk to an accountant about the tax advantages of owning and renting out a second home expenses such as insurance utilities home maintenance and depreciation can be deducted depending on how often you rent out the property and how many weeks you personally stay there each year
adVeRtise to attRact RenteRs when yoursquore ready to rent out the property be sure to market the availability of the vacation rental to travelers by listing it on sites like homeawaycom or vrbocom which reach millions of travelers each month a 12-month listing costs $329 - or less than $28 per month - on homeawaycom so the advertising pays for itself with your first booking - and the rest is pure rental income
stay comPetitiVe amp netwoRk witH owneRs check out other similar vacation rentals in the area to determine what rates theyrsquore charging travelers and price your home at a competitiverate to help drive bookings also be sure to talk with other owners to get their tips and advice for maximizing a second home investment
for more information on buying a second home and effective strategies for maximizing rental income check out homeawayrsquos online community for vacation rental owners at ownercommunityhomeawaycom
tiPs to successFully get youwHeRe you need to be - Fast(ara) - do you ever get a headache just thinking about navigating the streets of an unfamiliar city have you ever booked a hotel in a less-than-great part of town or been late to an appointment because you canrsquot find a parking garage
even the savviest of travelers who can find their way around a city with their eyes closed run into travel snafus sending their blood pressure through the roof navigating the streets of a new city can be one of the most stressful parts of booking and taking a trip whether itrsquos for business or leisure
so you finally landed and yoursquore on your way to the hotel that you booked in the heart of the city everything is going just as you planned not so fast somehow you find yourself nowhere near the bright city lights and in a hotel on the outskirts of town where you wouldnrsquot even venture out for a cup of Joe
sound familiar well yoursquore not alone - more than half of travelers say theyrsquove experienced this very nightmare according to a recent bing survey
while finding decent lodging can be difficult sometimes even thinking about how to get around a city can strike fear into the hearts of business and leisure travelers alike so which city gets travelers hearts racing when just thinking about how to get around unsurprisingly for anyone who has ever visited either new york or los angeles (even just once) both cities topped bingrsquos survey as the worst cities to navigate More than 40 percent said ldquothe heck with driving irsquom getting a taxirdquo when visiting the big apple and a quarter said that the concrete jungle otherwise known as los angeles is too wild for them
so how can you ensure you know enough about a city to get around like you were a local book a decent hotel check out a local concert or find a local hot spot to grab a bite to eat well the folks at bing have a few tips to make your next adventure stress-free
Pay attention to ReViews Most online booking sites offer reviews from other guests who have stayed at the hotel that yoursquore considering while you may be inclined to take the overly positive reviews with a grain of salt itrsquos best to steer clear if a hotel receives consistent negative customer reviews
study uPcheck out the local convention center visitorsrsquo bureau or chamber of commerce web sites to learn more about the city and its surrounding neighborhoods this will help give you a better idea of whatrsquos near your destination and the neighborhoods that surround it
RemembeRyou get wHat you Pay FoRif yoursquore paying a two-star rate donrsquot expect to get four- or five-star accommodations and a mint on your pillow a cheaper rate rarely buys you luxury but you should still be able to score a clean safe room that provides for your basic needs
HoP onlineuse online resources like bing Mapsrsquo new streetside experience a three-dimensional mapping tool Just log on to bing Maps where you can zoom in from satellite level to birdrsquos eye view and even down to street level for 56 major us metro areas
now you can virtually walk the streets of your next adventure with actual 360-degree footage of the area not only can you tell if a hotel is in a good neighborhood yoursquoll be able to see if therersquos a wifi coffee shop nearby where you can sync up your computer before your next meeting or scope out any traffic jams before you head out and you can even find the nearest parking garage so yoursquore never late again to your lunch date - unlike the more than 40 percent of bing survey respondents who were fashionably late because they couldnrsquot find a parking spot
ldquobooking a hotel room on the internet can be a risky proposition if you canrsquot see the room hotel or area itrsquos in before you bookrdquo says blaise aguera y arcas architect of bing Maps and Msn at Microsoft ldquobut technology like streetside is making it possible to scope out a neighborhood - and ensure itrsquos one you want to stay in - without ever having to leave the comfort of your computer chairrdquo in fact the bing survey found that nearly a quarter of travelers rated finding a decent hotel as the most frustrating part of planning their trip
Plus stay up-to-date on the best places to check out on your next trip by using bingrsquos twitter mapping app now you can get real-time information about an area - such as seeing the latest tweets for the local shopping mall before you even go there or even updates about local events and breaking news
log onto bing Maps where you can plan your next trip whether itrsquos a far away city or even your own town now you can be a travel guru no matter where you are
setting and stickingto youR tRaVel budget(ara) - travel can be one of the biggest-ticket items you invest in each year so itrsquos worth it to plan ahead
setting a budget - and sticking to it - can help you stay in better control of spending according to a recent visa survey a majority (54 percent) of last yearrsquos summer travelers either didnrsquot set a budget oroverspent their budget while traveling and more than a quarter of those surveyed overspent by more than $250 to make sure this doesnrsquot happen to you itrsquos important to create a realistic travel budget and make a plan for how you will spend within your means while on the road
to create a budget think through your trip first include the basics such as transportation to and from your destination and lodging next plan for expenses that come up along the way such as meals on the road
hosthostess gifts rental cars or public transportation donrsquot forget to include entertainment - whether sightseeing or going to the movies itrsquos also a good idea to build in a cushion for the unexpected
once yoursquove set your travel budget you need to stick to it one tool that can help is a prepaid travel card a prepaid card draws from funds that are set aside in advance for purchases here are a few ways prepaid travel cards can come in handy
keeP tRaVel Funds sePaRate an easy way to make sure you donrsquot go over budget is to set your travel budget aside on a prepaid travel card simply load the card with your travel budget and use it for everything from online booking to grabbing lunch during an (unexpectedly extended) layover without worrying about spending more than you planned or dipping into gift-buying funds
access casHwhether you need a few dollars or several yen choose a prepaid card that will allow you to withdraw cash from atMs around the world if yoursquore traveling internationally itrsquoll also save you the hassle of tracking down and waiting in line for local currency
bRowse and buy look for a prepaid card that you can use online travel sites offer a wealth of information and detailed listings of competing offers from airlines and hotels as well as reviews from fellow travelers for flights you can typically compare possible savings by traveling on al-ternate days or from nearby airports once you spot the deal that works for your budget use your prepaid travel card to snap it up
enJoy Peace oF mind wHen tRaVeling Prepaid cards may come with travel-related services for example the visa travelMoney card offers zero liability for lost or stolen cards as well as lost luggage reimbursement and purchase security Make sure you know which benefits your card offers and how they work so you can tap into them should the need arise
with some advance preparation and the right tools in place you donrsquot have to overspend on travel in fact with some careful planning you could end up with enough left to buy yourself a little something to remember the trip for more information about visa travelMoney visit wwwvisacomtravelmoney
Click To Listen While You Browse
South Carolinarsquos Internet
Powered By
(843)720-9604 InfoOnlysc
need an easy getaway FoR tHe Family Plan a budget-FRiendly tRiP to a national PaRk(ara) - american families have spoken the vacation is a top priority ninety-four percent of americans agreed that even in tough economic times family vacations are worth the money according to a recent survey by expediacom to keep the vacation affordable and easy think about introducing your family to the splendor of the national park system - where activities are abundant and costs are minimal
expediacom recently partnered with the national Park foundation to provide a permanent one-stop shop to help travelers plan and book vacations to americarsquos national parks
ldquothere are excellent values for traveling families right now and taking a trip to a national park is one of the best ways to stretch your vacation dollarsrdquo says lee woodruff author travel expert and mother of four
ldquofamilies are looking for ways to reconnect with each other and what better option for an affordable vacation than a national parkrdquo
here are five easy steps to plan the perfect national park getaway
1 get inspired ken burns recently debuted a six-part documentary series for Pbs titledldquothe national Parks americarsquos best ideardquo tune into Pbs or order a copy online to find inspiration and a detailed look at some of the most beautiful places in the world from acadia to the grand canyon and yosemite to the gates of the arctic in alaska
2 Pick the park with original content from the national Park foundation expediacomrsquos national park web site is the perfect resource for families to find the national park to fit their vacation needs
the site offers pre-set ldquolong weekendrdquo itineraries to start your planning you can also search through the ldquocanrsquot Miss national Parksrdquo section to learn about the parkrsquos location its natural features little-known facts including the best times to visit and activities to choose from in each area expediarsquos site also offers downloadable park maps to help you get your bearings
3 more ways to save take advantage of the public amenities that national parks offer like camping and picnic sites while there is a small entrance fee to the parks you can cut back on costs by bringing your own meals and treating the kids to lunch by a waterfall or overlooking the grand canyon also enjoy the free activities such as hiking biking and birding that the parks offer
4 book your hotel and rental car if camping isnrsquot your familyrsquos style consider any of the great lodges in and around the national park of your choice and if yoursquore planning to rent a car consider booking lodging and car together to substantially reduce the overall costs of your vacation
5 give back consider giving back to the national Park foundation by visiting the web site wwwnationalparksorg and donate or learn more about volunteer opportunities within americarsquos national parks helping out in these small ways ensures the parks will remain beautiful so your kids can bring their own children one day
ldquoPlanning the vacation is half of the fun so get every-one involved in the processrdquo says woodruff ldquothere are so many options in our national park system many of which have rich and amazing heritage so the whole family is going to enjoy something when you visitrdquo
bookmaRk youRFaVoRite Road
a bRieF HistoRyoF PaVed Roads
(ara) - Planes and trains may have their place in our society but for the dedicated traveler therersquos still nothing like getting in your car and taking a trip along americarsquos highways
half the fun of road trips in the minds of many is getting home and telling friends and family about the adventure - and the roads they traveled
in the past driversrsquo road stories were largely told by word of mouth to a few people at a time now drivers can tell their tales to millions via the internet favoriteroadcom is a new web site that features americarsquos favorite highways and byways
the site encourages you to post your favorite roads and explain why you like them simply log on to submit a photo and story of your favorite road use links posted on the site to share your road via popular social networks such as facebook and twitter your submission may even win a prize in contest giveaways
the past yearrsquos economic downturn has reintroduced the word ldquoinfrastructurerdquo to our vocabulary as a result of stimulus legislation passed in 2009 the federal government has allocated millions of dollars to specifically improve state roads and highways and with more affordable gasoline prices people are increasingly using americarsquos roads for leisure travel
by posting on favoriteroadcom yoursquore doing more than just ldquotelling a good storyrdquo your testimonials may help encourage lawmakers to push for increased infrastructure spending to keep america driving smoothly and safely for years to come
whatrsquos your favorite road log on and tell the world at favoriteroadcom
625 bc the babylonians are credited with the first recorded use of asphalt as a road building material the ancient greeks were also familiar with asphalt (the word comes from the greek ldquoasphaltosrdquo meaning ldquosecurerdquo)
1500s christopher columbus landed off the shores of trinidad in 1498 and discovered the famous asphalt lake which would later be used on the Pennsylvania avenue project in washington dc covering 54000 square yards
1800s Macadam roads became popular in the us for rural road construction during the 1830s and 40s belgian chemist edmund J desmedt laid the first true asphalt pavement in the us in newark nJ the cummer company opened the first central hot mix production facilities in the us the first asphalt patent was filed by nathan b abbott of brooklyn ny in 1871
1920s world war i ended and the use of the automo-bile was steadily rising but roads outside the city limits were frequently too muddy or dusty for travel to fix this problem road engineers used oils and asphalt
1940s-1950s the modern american turnpike is born after world war ii full scale automobile production resumed along with major levels of road maintenance and new highway construction by 1950 vehicle registration exceeded 40 million cars and 8 million trucks in 1956 President eisenhower signed the federal-aid highway act and launched the interstate system to create an infrastructure highway program -unmatched anywhere in the world
1970s a national move to conserve energy and materials initiated a widespread interest in recycling of pavement materials asphalt is now americarsquos most recycled product
1990s a traffic study by the world road association indicates that asphalt pavements are at least 4 decibels quieter than concrete pavements
2000s the us population has increased 23 percent since 1990 and the number of miles driven has risen by 41 percent only half of the nationrsquos major roads are in good condition based on an analysis of recent federal highway administration data
wandeRing Re-establisHes tHe oRiginal
HaRmony wHicH once existed between
man and tHe uniVeRse
business oR leisuRe dRiVing oR FlyingtRaVel saFely natuRally(ara) - weekend getaways shorter vacations and overnight business trips are great ways to save money and are becoming more prevalent according to the bureau of transportation taking a few simple and natural steps to stay safe and healthy while on the road can not only protect your travel investment butenhance your entire experience
ReFResHed and aleRt dRiVing diFFusion
a shorter thriftier trip is likely to be by car the inevitable rush to make the most of the limited time
away after a tiring work week can create fatigue so donrsquot make it a dangerous driving situation enliven your senses with essential oil scents
ditch the cardboard cutout car ldquofreshenerrdquo that hangs from the rearview mirror not only distracting these products are usually saturated with synthetic fragrance chemicals and probably arenrsquot the best thing to inhale while enclosed in your vehicle instead rely on a sleek essential oil diffuser that plugs into your automobilersquos phone charger power outlet these devices feature small paper fiber pads to which you can apply your own custom blend of essential oils allowing you to not only
scent the air inside the car but also to provide refreshing aromatherapy benefits to help keep you alert and focused on the road
a simpler alternative way to diffuse is to apply several drops of oil to a tissue and tuck it carefully into one of the vents in the dash
try these essential oils for the car Peppermint essential oil - refreshing awakening
uplifting eucalyptus essential oil - bracing purifying
protecting lemon essential oil - pleasant deodorizing
cheering
How clean is youR Hotel Room
overnight stays in less than posh hotel digs may be part of the money-saving travel trend even upscale hotels arenrsquot immune to dirt and germs or worse an apparent outbreak of bedbug infestations in the united states recently publicized by the environmental Protection agency
bedbugs aside there are always nagging doubts about just how clean a hotel room actually is has the shower or tub been scrubbed or merely wiped down is the toilet sanitized has the bedspread ever really been thoroughly cleaned fortunately there are ways to protect yourself after you check in but before you settle into your temporary overnight home
air and surface sanitizing spray feel good about travel with a bottle of homemade purifying aromatherapy solution that relies on pleasantly scented and highly effective essential oils rather than harsh chemical disinfectants the following spray will help you create a hygienic environment in your temporary hotel home apply it to tub vanity and toilet surfaces
ingredientsempty 12 to16 ounce spray bottle10 ounces water2 ounces isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or
vodka12 teaspoon tea tree essential oil
(antimicrobial)12 teaspoon lemon essential oil
(cleansing)12 teaspoon lavandin essential oil
(protecting)12 teaspoon sweet orange essential oil
(freshening)
directions combine all ingredients in the spray bottle shake and apply to a washcloth and wipe down the tvrsquos remote the clock radio the door handles and the faucethandles in the bathroom
Purifying and Relaxing linen mist here are some great tips for making a strange bed feel more like home take along your own pillow and replace the ones provided create your own linen mist and use it on your own bed at home then travel with the same blend taking a little bit of home with you when you arrive at your destination turn down the covers exchange the pillows and apply your signature scent to the bed
ingredientsempty 4 to 8 ounce spray bottle4 to 8 ounces water13 drops lavender essential oil
(relaxing calming)5 drops lavandin or spike lavender
essential oil (purifying protecting)
directionscombine the water and oil in the bottle shake the contents thoroughly just before application
remember to look for pure and natural essential oil brands like aura cacia that donrsquot include synthetic petrochemical fragrances for more information on how to enhance your life through aromatherapy visit wwwauracaciacom
PRePaRe youR VeHicle FoR a HuRRicane eVacuation(ara) - ana bill claudette - the first three atlantic ocean hurricanes of the season made headlines but not to the extent of katrina or ike of recent years and while these three hurricanes have come and gone who knows if - or when - grace or henry might pay a visit to your town
the 2009 hurricane season has an expected 90 percent chance of being a near-normal or below-normal season for the atlantic ocean according to the national oceanic and atmospheric administration this prediction - if accurate - will be welcomed with a sigh of relief by many residents in coastal towns after the above-normal year in 2008
but even if noaa is predicting a quiet year for hurricanes you can never be over prepared if you donrsquot have your emergency evacuation plan organized itrsquos time to make one no matter if yoursquore planning on traveling 100 miles or 1000 miles you need an evacuation plan as a representative of a gulf coast
company Maricela carter a health safety security environment coordinator with soPus has some tips on how to prepare your vehicle for potential evacuations
Plan eVacuation Routescheck newspapers online sites the local emergency broadcast radio station and local television stations for the latest information on official evacuation routes Purchase a good map with details on elevations waterways and county roads and familiarize yourself with the most efficient ways to get out of town
Pack an emeRgency kitautomobiles are susceptible to unexpected problems so keep an emergency kit in your trunk include jumper cables extra motor oil window washing brake and coolant fluids simple tools like an air pressure gauge screwdriver pliers and adjustable wrench a role of
paper towels a windup flashlight and a can of fix-a-flat in case you get a flat tire
fix-a-flat creates a temporary emergency seal on contact with the tire and inflates the tire between eight and 14 pounds per square inch so that the car can be driven to a gas station for proper repair of the tire this can help you to get back on the road and out of the hurricanersquos way quickly and easily
Fill uP tHe tankeveryone is going to need fuel in order to evacuate so plan to fill up your tank as soon as you hear a hurricane warning this helps to prevent sudden demands on the supply once your tank is full conserve the amount of gas you use for the next couple of days by combining your errands into one trip and not traveling during rush hour
cHeck tiRe PRessuRein order to help conserve fuel make sure your tires are at the manufacturerrsquos recommended pressure - usually printed on the driverrsquos door of your car keeping tires at the correct pressure can improve your gasoline mileage by 33 percent according to fueleconomygov which means yoursquoll be able to travel further when evacuating
use PRoPeR FluidsMake sure you follow all the manufacturer recommendations for motor oil which can also improve your gasoline mileage by 1 or 2 percent according to fuelecomonygov one helpful hint is to look for oil that has an ldquoenergy conservingrdquo label by the american Petroleum institution to ensure it contains friction-reducing additives
it is not down inany maP tRue PlacesneVeR aRe
diRect dePosit oF social secuRity is easieR FoR winteR tRaVeleRs(ara) - as cold weather sets in thousands of retirees are making plans for a winter getaway if yoursquore one of them switch to direct deposit for your social security payments before you leave - itrsquos the safest easiest way to receive your money
ldquoeach year the us department of the treasury receives more than 14 million inquiries regarding paper check-related problemsrdquo says david a lebryk commissioner of the treasury departmentrsquos financial Management service
yet approximately 105 million americans continue to receive their social security and supplemental security income (ssi) payments by paper check each month the treasury departmentrsquos go direct (r) campaign encourages senior citizens and people with disabilities to switch to direct deposit
incReased saFety conVenience and Reliability
ldquowhen therersquos a problem with a social security payment nine times out of 10 itrsquos with a paper check not a direct deposit paymentrdquo says lebryk
Paper checks can be vulnerable to financial crimes like theft and fraud in fact the treasury department investigates more than 70000 cases of altered or fraudulently endorsed checks each year totaling $64 million in estimated value
ldquoin 2008 alone more than 485000 social security and ssi checks were reported lost or stolen and had to be reissuedrdquo says lebryk
direct deposit is also more convenient and reliable there is no more waiting for a check to arrive in the mail and there are no more worries about delivery delays due to severe weather localemergencies and other check related problems last year alone severe weather events forced alternative delivery arrangements for millions of social security and ssi paper checks
ldquoswitching to direct deposit for federal benefits is such an easy way
for people to safeguard their money es-pecially when traveling for extended pe-riods of timerdquo says lebryk ldquoyour money is deposited to your account on payment day so therersquos no need to worry
about delivery delays or a check sitting in your mailbox while yoursquore gonerdquo
PRePaid debit caRd oPtion
in addition to direct deposit the treasury department recommends the direct express (r) debit Mastercard (r) card as an alternative to paper checks for people without bank accounts
More than half a million americans signed up for the optional direct express (r) card in its first year of availability according to the treasury department a recent survey of cardholders finds that 95 percent say they are satisfied with the prepaid debit card and 86 percent say they would recommend it to family members or friends who receive a federal benefit payment
with the direct express card cardholders can make purchases pay bills and get cash at thousands of locations nationwide sign-up is free and no bank account is required while most services are free there are fees for a limited number of optional transactions and services
making tHe switcH is easy
it is easy to make the switch to electronic payments for federal benefits to sign up for direct deposit call the treasury departmentrsquos go direct campaign helpline at 1-800-333-1795 or visit wwwgodirectorg to sign up for the treasury-recommended direct express card or to learn more about the cardrsquos features and fees call 1-877-212-9991 or visit wwwusdirectexpresscom
the preceding information has been provided by the us department of the treasury financial Management service
the go direct (r) campaign is sponsored by the us department of the treasury and the federal reserve banks the direct express (r) debit Mastercard (r) card is issued by comerica bank pursuant to a license by Mastercard international incorporated Mastercard (r) and the Mastercard (r) brand Mark are registered trademarks of Mastercard international incorporated the go direct(r) logo direct express (r) logo and direct express (r) are service marks of the us department of the treasury financial Management service
biZaRRe tRaVel Plans aRe dancing lessons FRom god
time to ReFinance oR buy
right now mortgage rates are at their lowest level since 1971 think about that twenty-five years ago homeowners were paying as much as 18 on a 30-year fixed today itrsquos just a little over 5combine that rate with the tax advantages
of a mortgage and you have an incredibly cheap way to build wealth but you better act now
real estate guru barbara corcoran has already seen a tremendous surge in refinance applications ndash more than triple the average ndash and the number of people getting approved is astronomically higher as well she says but that doesnrsquot mean the low rates are a panacea for the ills of the housing market it is only once home prices start to go up that we will finally see a light at the end of tunnel corcoran says until that happens we are still going to have to crawl out of this mess ldquo[low interest rates are] not a lifesaverrdquo corcoran says ldquothis is just a helping handrdquo
david kittle chairman of the Mortgage bankers association has this advice to homeowners looking to refinance do it donrsquot get greedy searching for another quarter-point lock in rates now he is seeing applications soar over 125 just since thanksgiving due to the low rates
of course you should only refinance if it saves you at least 38 on the rate and if you plan on staying in your home for at least four years kittle says along with good credit proof of income and money by means of a down payment or equity in the home there are certain things every homeowner needs regardless of interest rate levels
easy-to-do maintenance HelPs extend VeHicle liFe(ara) - after their homes most americansrsquo largest financial investment is their vehicle so helping it stay in good working order for as long as possible is a high priority in fact the average age of a passenger car in north america has grown to more than nine years according to rl Polk and co which indicates that motorists are looking for ways to help extend the life of their vehicle
even so todayrsquos tight budgets leave some motorists reluctant to spend on services or maintenance that they think can be delayed at least for the short term however compared to the cost of engine repair spending a little today on the right maintenance routine performed by trusted service technicians using quality products makes sense Mark ferner Pennzoil technical specialist and ase-certified master mechanic offers some simple cost-effective tips for helping to protect the performance and longevity of your vehicle
replace dirty air filters a dirty air filter will restrict airflow to the engine which may reduce power output if the filter fails it will allow unfiltered air into the engine which can be abrasive inside an engine to avoid these issues and help promote long engine life check your enginersquos air filter regularly and change it when it is dirty
use HigH-quality Fuelseveral automotive manufacturers (bMw gM honda toyota volkswagen and audi) have published technical service bulletins recommending the use of top-tier fuel top-tier fuel contains more additives than is required by the industryrsquos lowest additive content (lac) treat rate regular use of fuel that only meets lac requirements may cause deposits to form on engine intake valves and fuel injectors
cHange youR oilregular oil changes are one of the most important steps to maximize the life of a vehicle oil change in-tervals vary by vehicle and driving conditions so follow the interval and oil specifications found in the ownerrsquos manual
also be sure to use quality motor oils in your vehicle Properly functioning motor oils help prevent sludge and neutralize and disperse harmful deposits and using the recommended viscosity grade of motor oil may also help enhance fuel economy if you are having the oil changed for you ask for quality oils by name Quality motor oil will maintain its effectiveness throughout the oil change interval allowing it to help keep the engine clean
as a bonus some motor oil brands offer lubrication warranties at no additional cost for example the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranty Programs protect qualified engines for 300000 miles whether their owners use conventional synthetic-blend or full synthetic motor oils meeting their vehiclesrsquo requirements Participants can enroll online and maintaining eligibility is easy simply get an oil change with the specified brand change the filter perform regular maintenance and keep the service receipts
to learn more about the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranties visit either wwwPennzoilcom or wwwQuakerstatecom or speak with an automotive professional at a participating automotive dealership or oil change facility that features Pennzoil or Quaker state products
PeoPle donrsquot take tRiPs tRiPs take PeoPle
Fin
al
wo
Rd
s
a vacation is what you take when you can no longer take what yoursquove been taking
eaRl wilson
- 1-12-2010pdf
wwwvacationrentalssc online Magazine | 2009 7
ceo dennis stewart
editoR in cHieFlarry local
aRt diRectoRamy coats
web deVeloPeR Matthew coats
administRation amp maRketingshaun stacy
wwwVacationRentalssc online magaZinecopyright copy 2009carolina Media services all rights reserved reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts or photographs
3290 ashley Phosphate road charleston sc 29418toll free (843)720-9604fax (843)725-4734infovacationrentalssc wwwvacationsreantalsc
carolina media SERVICES
carolina media SERVICES
Vacation Rentals M
ag
az
ine
How to casH in on Recession-dRiVen tRaVel deals(ara) - travelers are finding the silver lining of the current economic climate is the availability of some incredible travel values hotel airfare and vacation package prices are all down significantly from last year helping to make travel more affordable than it has been in years
you can spend the same amount and get more - for example choosing to extend a vacation or trading up your hotel choice - or you can pocket the savings
with a little planning even the most budget-conscious can find affordable trips this fall and winter tim Macdonald general manager of expediacom offers some advice for ways to get the most value out of your next vacation
Plan aHead and book witH conFidencein many cases scheduling travel in advance helps you secure the lowest airfare and hotel rates though therersquos always a chance for last-minute sales waiting could
increase the likelihood that you will pay higher
prices this frequently happens during peak times like the winter holidays when there are fewer options for flights and hotel rooms
while airlines and hotels may charge penalties expediacom has eliminated change and cancel fees for hotels cruises car rental and most flight reservations with fewer change and cancel fees to worry about travelers have the flexibility they need to book in advance with confidence
book togetHeR booking airfare and hotel accommodations at the same time not only simplifies the vacation planning process but also can help substantially reduce the overall costs of vacation travel
ldquobooking travel together is one of the easiest ways to save money and get the most value when planning a trip thatrsquos because when you bundle your air travel and hotel together and book them at the same time expediacom is able to pass substantial savings onto
yourdquo says Macdonald ldquolast year expediacom customers saved $248 million by
booking their air travel and hotels togetherrdquo
tRade uPalthough some people may be looking to scale back travel plans or follow a vacation budget more closely than in the past for others there are opportunities to get more for their money this year for roughly the price of a three-star hotel stay last year travelers can now book at a four-star hotel in fact the average daily rate of a four-star hotel is $143 per night 22 percent lower than the average for 2008
ldquowersquore seeing incredible values for luxury hotel prop-erties this yearrdquo says Macdonald ldquofor some travelers this may be their chance to stretch their dollars and upgrade to hotels that have previously been out of their price rangerdquo
be Flexible and tRy sometHing new take time to look for current travel deals to help choose a vacation destination look for exclusive special values and promotional rates to popular destinations including Mexico las vegas new york city and hawaii as well as deals on all-inclusive resorts and cruises all-inclusive options have always been good values because they include meals and many activities in the upfront price whatrsquos more this year the average daily rates for all-inclusive properties are even lower than last year - for instance average daily rates for all-inclusive resorts in the bahamas are 16 percent lower this year from last year
ReseaRcH actiVities in adVance sticking to a travel budget can sometimes be difficult when factoring in activities so be sure to research activities and attractions before your trip to identify these costs in advance in addition booking activities in advance ensures you wonrsquot miss out on attractions events and activities that sell out virtually all vacation destinations also offer inexpensive and free attractions like city parks cultural festivals and museums taking advantage of a mix of free and paid activities can help you get the most out of your vacation for a reasonable price
know beFoRe you gothoroughly researching vacation destinations including available public transportation or local tipping customs (if traveling outside the us) can help avoid any unexpected costs you may be able to avoid the expense of a rental car by identifying public transportation options or by selecting a hotel that provides free transportation if you do need a a rental car make your reservation early and consider adding it to a flight or hotel booking to help secure the best price in fact adding a rental car to your air travel or hotel booking could mean savings of up to 30 percent off typical prices
tHe woRld is a book amp tHose wHo do not tRaVelRead only one Page
a V
ac
at
ion
Ho
me
a
wa
y F
Ro
m H
om
e (ara) - getting away during the spring months is popular for many families especially families with children in school looking for a break from the spring semester visiting relatives traveling from one sightseeing opportunity to another and cramming the whole crew into a hotel room with tight sleeping quarters and one bathroom is all par for the course right well it doesnrsquot have to be
travelers are jumping on the vacation home rental bandwagon where theyrsquore finding comfortable spaces just-like-home amenities and a more relaxing experience - all for about what it costs to book a hotel room in this tough economy owners of second homes are increasingly renting out their properties for some extra cash according to homeaway a collection of vacation-rental web sites and as the market floods prices drop to lure renters
a recent online search of hotels in la Jolla calif a beautiful seaside commu-nity thatrsquos technically part of san diego revealed some hotel rooms starting around $150 a night a search for vacation homes returned two bedroom two bathroom options starting at just over $100 a night
not only do you get more space you get the luxuries of home such as a full kitchen washerdryer and parking all of which are further money-savers Plus standard hotel rooms can be pretty boring rarely lending insight into the destinationrsquos character vacation rentals are an actual personrsquos home albeit a second home and some are even pet-friendly
herersquos how to find a vacation rental that suits your needs
wHeRe to staRtawaycom a research and travel-planning web site offers a comprehensive listing of vacation rentals including houses and condos from all over the web find it at awaycomvacationrentals
be comFoRtableif the thought of renting a vacation home ldquosight unseenrdquo and directly from the owner is daunting work with a property management company such companies particularly ones with local offices know the market well and might even be able to move you to another property if a problem arises
do youR HomewoRkcheck out online photos and read all property reviews if yoursquore renting directly from an owner reach out to them with questions and put a face to the transaction and the golden rule clarify all costs and payment methods upfront time invested in the beginning will yield a more enjoyable experience in the end
whatever you decide is right for your spring vacation book it now as usual the early bird will get the worm
Get Your Carolina
Girl Gear
waRm weatHeR Relaxing oR Playing in tHe snowtiPs FoR Planning youR winteR tRaVels(ara) - the winter months offer the perfect excuse to plan a fabulous getaway and you donrsquot have to travel far to find something that fits your vacation expectations
if you need to flee from the cold depths of winter there are plenty of beaches in florida and california and warm desert landscapes to enjoy in arizona and new Mexico that will warm you up and give your skin a bit of summer glow Picture yourself playing tennis in the sun or lounging by the pool with a book while the kids are splashing around in the water
here are tips on how to best plan your warm-weather winter vacation
look FoR deals duRing tHe slow montHsbecause January and february are so close to the holidays but too early yet for spring break hotels and resorts tend to offer special discounts to encourage traveling
Pack sunblock eVen iF yoursquoVe been ldquotanningrdquo
also make sure your travel bags include sun shades a hat with a brim and a water bottle nothing makes a vacation more uncomfortable than sunburn and dehydration
add a Jacket to tHe luggagenights can get chilly and if the wind blows in a rain cloud or two yoursquoll be glad you have that jacket to ward off the goose bumps
Maybe you like to play in the fluffy white stuff and canrsquot wait to schedule downhill skiing in colorado snowshoeing in Maine or ice fishing in Minnesota the images yoursquoll take home this winter include majestic mountains covered in snow your daughter pulling a
360 while snowboarding down a half-pipe or even a moose with
a full rack of antlers on his head browsing for vegetation along a back country road
tips for planning your snow vacation include
FiguRe out iF yoursquoRe going to take youR geaR oR Rent it at youR destinationwhile looking into this determine if your vehicle can carry all the gear or if there are any restrictions bar-ring you from taking it on the airplane if you plan to rent call ahead of time to reserve your equipment
Pack many layeRs oF clotHing Many snow activities can make you warm but once you stop moving yoursquore going to want the heavier layers back
again donrsquot forget sunblock goggles shades or hat because the sun glaring on snow can easily burn your skin and eyes and winter rays can be just as damaging as those in summer
once you have your destination picked and travels planned therersquos one more step to ensure your winter getaway is successful while away from home having your health and safety front-of-mind is very important so you are prepared for emergencies like falling and breaking a bone while swishing down a ski slope or suddenly discovering you have seafood allergies while sampling fresh crawfish in louisiana
on call international provides travel assistance anywhere in the world to travelers who experience an emergency need medical care or evacuation while away from home if you want to return to your local hospital for treatment because you are familiar with the area and can have your personal doctor available on call will coordinate a medical evacuation for the sick person and help arrange transportation for the rest of the family
only a small percentage of health insurance plans cover medical evacuation when the member is on vacation and away from home this means you could be on the hook for thousands of dollars if you need to be transported from the resortrsquos local clinic to a better hospital hundreds of miles away or need a nurse to monitor your care on the way home after a skiing accident
so when you plan your next trip to sunny texas or snowy Michigan donrsquot forget to pack some comfort and safety for you and your family and consider enrolling in an on call international membership just in case you experience a travel emergency
tHe best time to RediscoVeR a destination
sHouldeR season
(ara) - the first few months of the year when many americans are spending time at home trying to recu-perate from the hustle and bustle of the holidays may not seem like an ideal time to plan a vacation how-ever planning for a time known as ldquoshoulder seasonrdquo the time between peak season and low season is a fantastic time for savvy travelers to find great deals on airfare hotels and attractions while simultaneously experiencing top destinations in a whole new way
ldquoMany travelers donrsquot think to travel in the weeks and months following the holidaysrdquo says brad dean President and ceo for the Myrtle beach area convention and visitorrsquos bureau ldquohowever a shoulder season trip can be the best way for travelers to relax after a busy holiday season destinations offer their lowest rates and best deals of the year at this time and consumers can get away for a fraction of the high-season costrdquo
so when is ldquoshoulder seasonrdquo it will vary slightly depending on your destination figuring out a regionrsquos shoulder season could be as easy as checking out rates at a few area hotels to determine when the rates are at their lowest
consider these convincing facts about shoulder season travel and what a great value it can be for your vacation dollars
Hotel rates airfare and attraction fees are often significantly lower during the shoulder season than any other time of year hotels especially are eager for business during this season and respond with deeply discounted rates and incentives to entice travelers
last minute deals you can plan and implement a very budget-friendly travel itinerary in a relatively short time - sometimes just a day or two as opposed to weeks or months of planning ahead thatrsquos needed during busier seasons
shoulder season travel presents the opportunity to view and experience a popular destination one you may have visited before during peak season in a whole new way for example destinations like Myrtle beach sc that bustle and buzz with activity in the peak season can take on a more laid-back relaxed atmosphere in shoulder season yoursquoll have access to the same major attractions
shows dining and shopping that peak season travelers enjoy but at a less frantic pace
and in that vein yoursquoll enjoy free access to popular attractions lines for popular attractions - most of which will stay open year round - will be shorter in shoulder seasons than any other time of year for example in Myrtle beach top entertainment venues and attractions as well as multiple live entertainment theaters are all open for business but with shorter (if any) lines and less crowds
because yoursquoll be getting a great deal therersquos also the opportunity to extend your vacation by a day or two and take some exciting trips to surround-ing areas the more relaxed attitude of shoulder season travel means you will feel more open to the idea of exploring the surrounding area visitors to the
Myrtle beach area for example can enjoy side trips to huntington beach state Park the nearby pictur-esque community of conway and the lowcountry gem of Pawleyrsquos island
finally shoulder season is a great time to travel to a drive destination like Myrtle beach yoursquoll find less traffic and a more relaxed commute to a location considered one of the top driving destinations for leisure travelers along the eastern seaboard and Midwest
to learn more about shoulder season travel opportunities in Myrtle beach log on to wwwvisitmyrtlebeachcom
Want to grow your business
Join the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce
As the unified voice of business the South Carolina Chamber is working to grow wealth for South Carolinians and businesses in order to improve economic development and quality of life
We help your business and you by
bull GettingyourvoiceheardbyourstatelegislatorsthroughourGrassrootsNetworkbull Workingtopassbusiness-friendlylegislationbull Keepingyouinformedonissuesandprovidingsolutionsforgrowingyour business through our monthly magazine South Carolina Business bull Providingnetworkingopportunitieswithlegislatorsandotherbusinessownersbull Trainingyouremployeesonhumanresourcesqualityandmanagementissuesbull Publishingalegalreferenceseries
Join the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce Contactustodayat800-799-4601Learnmoreatwwwscchambernet
Reconnect with Nature plan a trip to a National Park
Reconnect with Nature plan a trip to a National Park
(ARA) - Considered ldquoAmericarsquos best ideardquo national parks provide travelers preserved views of natural wonder as far as the eye can see An American invention they give us a unique backyard vacation oasis where postcard views meet real life-altering experiences And itrsquos this beauty exploration and enrichment combined with the accessibility of national parks that make them a popular vacation choice
According to the National Park Service trips to national parks are on the rise Tour operators offering guided visits through Americarsquos parks agree
ldquoBookings on our North American National Park tours have witnessed an increase of 180 percent in the last yearrdquo says Scott Nisbet president and CEO for the Globus family of brands ldquoNational parks are idyllic vacation lsquohot spotsrsquo perfect for relaxation and introspection wildlife exploration or adventure depending on the traveler and his or her interestsrdquo
A wide range of experiences can be had at national parks including everything from snorkeling rafting and hiking to learning about the environment geology and wildlife They also provide a perfect retreat for those hoping to reconnect with themselves or nature
And itrsquos the diversity of experiences national parks offer travelers that can make booking a national park vacation seem overwhelming Use these tips from Globus to simplify the process and book the perfect getaway for 2010
Choose the right park destinationFrom the east to west coasts Alaska to Hawaii America has more than 50 national parks to explore Do your research to choose a park that has what yoursquore looking for For instance if yoursquore interested in an abundance of hoodoos and canyons Bryce Canyon National Park might be the right fit Or if you want a vacation filled with bird watching or
boating the Everglades National Park could be a great choice
Go rustic or go luxuryLodging is an important consideration for any vacation Some travelers prefer to experience the outdoor beauty of the parks 24 hours a day and choose to camp Others want to escape to the more modern conveniences provided by nearby hotels cabins and lodges Decide what experience best suits you or your family - and decide early Spots (camping or lodging) fill up quickly especially during peak seasons
On your own or with a guideSome travelers prefer to hike or road trip through national parks while others are interested in a more insightful and pre-planned journey While maps are available for nearly every park guided tours have become a popular option for travelers and are often offered as part of a packaged tour vacation including accommodations
ldquoOur national park-focused tours offer an inclusive-style of travel with incomparable exploration and enrichment opportunitiesrdquo says Nisbet ldquoWith a wide range of national park destinations hotels and price points
coupled with unparalleled service and storytelling we create experiences for travelers they couldnrsquot produce on their ownrdquo
For more information or assistance planning your national park vacation visit wwwus-parkscom wwwnpsgov or wwwglobusjourneyscom Or call your travel agent or the Globus family of brands toll-free at (866) 313-2855
Looking For Your Chance To Win
Check Out Radioscrsquos Contest
South Carolinarsquos Internet
Powered By
(843)720-9604 InfoOnlysc
Win a $100 Shopping Spree
Win Tickets To Events amp Concerts
Win Free Ice Skating For
The Family
Win Tickets To Medieval
Times
Win Stingrays Hockey
Tickets
Win A $25 Gift Card
Radiosc is proud to sponsor $100 Shopping Sprees for Publix grocery stores
Check wwwRadiosc for weekly House of Blues ticket giveaways
Win 4 tickets for ice skating and skate rentals at Carolina Ice Palace
Win 4 tickets for Medieval Times in Myrtle Beach
You could win tickets to a Stingraysrsquo Home Game
Each week you have a chance to win an Applebeersquos gift card worth up to $2500
cHaRlestonrsquos oFFice oF cultuRal aFFaiRslauncHes wwwcHaRlestonaRtssc as tHieR new aRts web sitefrom charleston currents
the city of charlestonrsquos office of cultural affairs has launched httpwwwcharlestonartssc a companion web site to the ocarsquos primary page at the cityrsquos official site charlestonartssc will be updated daily with information and features including an arts calendar that users can search by date artist presenting group or venue social networking widgets and a directory of local arts and cultural organizations and venues
ldquowe are hopeful that charlestonartssc will be a major benefit to local artists and arts organizations by disseminating information about their events with the most up-to-date information to a broader publicrdquo said ellen dressler Moryl director of the office of cultural affairs
other options for users at charlestonartssc include the following
bull Arts organizations can download forms from the Office of Cultural Affairs submit events update contact information and compare performance dates with other area organizations
bull The Tools for Professional section of the Web site features job listings for arts professionals including full time and part time work as well as internships and volunteer opportunities with arts and cultural organizations in the tri-county area
bull Updated grant opportunities for arts organizations with detailed information including deadlines application and contact information
bull Call for Submissions and Call for Auditions pages with details about the location deadlines fees andadditional requirements
the new web site also hosts connecting pages for general information on the office of cultural affairs and its projects the charleston farmers Market the city gallery at waterfront Park holiday Magic happy new year charleston the holiday Parade of boats the lowcountry Quarterly arts grant Program Piccolo spoleto and the MoJa arts festival
the web site was developed and is being hosted by carolina Media services ( wwwonlysc)
a RetiRement HometHat HelPs Pay FoR itselF(ara) - with todayrsquos record low real estate prices and at-tractive mortgage rates now may be a good time to think about investing in a second home that ultimately can be used as your permanent residence upon retirement by taking a ldquobuy-and-rentrdquo approach before yoursquore ready to retire your new home will actually have partly paid for itself by the time yoursquore ready to move into it
ldquobuying and renting out a second home as a vacation rental property until yoursquore ready to move in upon retirement can significantly help offset the cost of ownershiprdquo says brian sharples ceo of homeaway the worldrsquos leading online vacation rental marketplace ldquothe income stream in addition to tax write-offs for maintenance and repairs make this an attractive strategy for many people nearing retirementrdquo
according to homeaway the average second-home owner rents out their property to travelers 17 weeks a year generating more than $28000 in rental income annually and the demand for vacation rentals among travelers is growing which is good news for second-home owners in fact 87 percent of travelers who looked into a vacation rental in the past say they plan to stay in a vacation rental in 2010 - a significant increase from the 67 percent who stayed in a vacation rental in 2009
to generate income from a second home prior to moving into it when you retire sharples suggests consumers take the following steps
location and maRket Potentialcarefully review the markets where you want to retire and before you buy consider the areas where consumer demand for vacation rentals is high but inventory is low for example atlantic city nJ sunny isles beach fla hampton beach nh dauphin island ala and Mount Pocono Pa were among some of the most underserved markets for vacation rental properties in 2009 according to homeaway
FactoR in tax wRite-oFFstalk to an accountant about the tax advantages of owning and renting out a second home expenses such as insurance utilities home maintenance and depreciation can be deducted depending on how often you rent out the property and how many weeks you personally stay there each year
adVeRtise to attRact RenteRs when yoursquore ready to rent out the property be sure to market the availability of the vacation rental to travelers by listing it on sites like homeawaycom or vrbocom which reach millions of travelers each month a 12-month listing costs $329 - or less than $28 per month - on homeawaycom so the advertising pays for itself with your first booking - and the rest is pure rental income
stay comPetitiVe amp netwoRk witH owneRs check out other similar vacation rentals in the area to determine what rates theyrsquore charging travelers and price your home at a competitiverate to help drive bookings also be sure to talk with other owners to get their tips and advice for maximizing a second home investment
for more information on buying a second home and effective strategies for maximizing rental income check out homeawayrsquos online community for vacation rental owners at ownercommunityhomeawaycom
tiPs to successFully get youwHeRe you need to be - Fast(ara) - do you ever get a headache just thinking about navigating the streets of an unfamiliar city have you ever booked a hotel in a less-than-great part of town or been late to an appointment because you canrsquot find a parking garage
even the savviest of travelers who can find their way around a city with their eyes closed run into travel snafus sending their blood pressure through the roof navigating the streets of a new city can be one of the most stressful parts of booking and taking a trip whether itrsquos for business or leisure
so you finally landed and yoursquore on your way to the hotel that you booked in the heart of the city everything is going just as you planned not so fast somehow you find yourself nowhere near the bright city lights and in a hotel on the outskirts of town where you wouldnrsquot even venture out for a cup of Joe
sound familiar well yoursquore not alone - more than half of travelers say theyrsquove experienced this very nightmare according to a recent bing survey
while finding decent lodging can be difficult sometimes even thinking about how to get around a city can strike fear into the hearts of business and leisure travelers alike so which city gets travelers hearts racing when just thinking about how to get around unsurprisingly for anyone who has ever visited either new york or los angeles (even just once) both cities topped bingrsquos survey as the worst cities to navigate More than 40 percent said ldquothe heck with driving irsquom getting a taxirdquo when visiting the big apple and a quarter said that the concrete jungle otherwise known as los angeles is too wild for them
so how can you ensure you know enough about a city to get around like you were a local book a decent hotel check out a local concert or find a local hot spot to grab a bite to eat well the folks at bing have a few tips to make your next adventure stress-free
Pay attention to ReViews Most online booking sites offer reviews from other guests who have stayed at the hotel that yoursquore considering while you may be inclined to take the overly positive reviews with a grain of salt itrsquos best to steer clear if a hotel receives consistent negative customer reviews
study uPcheck out the local convention center visitorsrsquo bureau or chamber of commerce web sites to learn more about the city and its surrounding neighborhoods this will help give you a better idea of whatrsquos near your destination and the neighborhoods that surround it
RemembeRyou get wHat you Pay FoRif yoursquore paying a two-star rate donrsquot expect to get four- or five-star accommodations and a mint on your pillow a cheaper rate rarely buys you luxury but you should still be able to score a clean safe room that provides for your basic needs
HoP onlineuse online resources like bing Mapsrsquo new streetside experience a three-dimensional mapping tool Just log on to bing Maps where you can zoom in from satellite level to birdrsquos eye view and even down to street level for 56 major us metro areas
now you can virtually walk the streets of your next adventure with actual 360-degree footage of the area not only can you tell if a hotel is in a good neighborhood yoursquoll be able to see if therersquos a wifi coffee shop nearby where you can sync up your computer before your next meeting or scope out any traffic jams before you head out and you can even find the nearest parking garage so yoursquore never late again to your lunch date - unlike the more than 40 percent of bing survey respondents who were fashionably late because they couldnrsquot find a parking spot
ldquobooking a hotel room on the internet can be a risky proposition if you canrsquot see the room hotel or area itrsquos in before you bookrdquo says blaise aguera y arcas architect of bing Maps and Msn at Microsoft ldquobut technology like streetside is making it possible to scope out a neighborhood - and ensure itrsquos one you want to stay in - without ever having to leave the comfort of your computer chairrdquo in fact the bing survey found that nearly a quarter of travelers rated finding a decent hotel as the most frustrating part of planning their trip
Plus stay up-to-date on the best places to check out on your next trip by using bingrsquos twitter mapping app now you can get real-time information about an area - such as seeing the latest tweets for the local shopping mall before you even go there or even updates about local events and breaking news
log onto bing Maps where you can plan your next trip whether itrsquos a far away city or even your own town now you can be a travel guru no matter where you are
setting and stickingto youR tRaVel budget(ara) - travel can be one of the biggest-ticket items you invest in each year so itrsquos worth it to plan ahead
setting a budget - and sticking to it - can help you stay in better control of spending according to a recent visa survey a majority (54 percent) of last yearrsquos summer travelers either didnrsquot set a budget oroverspent their budget while traveling and more than a quarter of those surveyed overspent by more than $250 to make sure this doesnrsquot happen to you itrsquos important to create a realistic travel budget and make a plan for how you will spend within your means while on the road
to create a budget think through your trip first include the basics such as transportation to and from your destination and lodging next plan for expenses that come up along the way such as meals on the road
hosthostess gifts rental cars or public transportation donrsquot forget to include entertainment - whether sightseeing or going to the movies itrsquos also a good idea to build in a cushion for the unexpected
once yoursquove set your travel budget you need to stick to it one tool that can help is a prepaid travel card a prepaid card draws from funds that are set aside in advance for purchases here are a few ways prepaid travel cards can come in handy
keeP tRaVel Funds sePaRate an easy way to make sure you donrsquot go over budget is to set your travel budget aside on a prepaid travel card simply load the card with your travel budget and use it for everything from online booking to grabbing lunch during an (unexpectedly extended) layover without worrying about spending more than you planned or dipping into gift-buying funds
access casHwhether you need a few dollars or several yen choose a prepaid card that will allow you to withdraw cash from atMs around the world if yoursquore traveling internationally itrsquoll also save you the hassle of tracking down and waiting in line for local currency
bRowse and buy look for a prepaid card that you can use online travel sites offer a wealth of information and detailed listings of competing offers from airlines and hotels as well as reviews from fellow travelers for flights you can typically compare possible savings by traveling on al-ternate days or from nearby airports once you spot the deal that works for your budget use your prepaid travel card to snap it up
enJoy Peace oF mind wHen tRaVeling Prepaid cards may come with travel-related services for example the visa travelMoney card offers zero liability for lost or stolen cards as well as lost luggage reimbursement and purchase security Make sure you know which benefits your card offers and how they work so you can tap into them should the need arise
with some advance preparation and the right tools in place you donrsquot have to overspend on travel in fact with some careful planning you could end up with enough left to buy yourself a little something to remember the trip for more information about visa travelMoney visit wwwvisacomtravelmoney
Click To Listen While You Browse
South Carolinarsquos Internet
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need an easy getaway FoR tHe Family Plan a budget-FRiendly tRiP to a national PaRk(ara) - american families have spoken the vacation is a top priority ninety-four percent of americans agreed that even in tough economic times family vacations are worth the money according to a recent survey by expediacom to keep the vacation affordable and easy think about introducing your family to the splendor of the national park system - where activities are abundant and costs are minimal
expediacom recently partnered with the national Park foundation to provide a permanent one-stop shop to help travelers plan and book vacations to americarsquos national parks
ldquothere are excellent values for traveling families right now and taking a trip to a national park is one of the best ways to stretch your vacation dollarsrdquo says lee woodruff author travel expert and mother of four
ldquofamilies are looking for ways to reconnect with each other and what better option for an affordable vacation than a national parkrdquo
here are five easy steps to plan the perfect national park getaway
1 get inspired ken burns recently debuted a six-part documentary series for Pbs titledldquothe national Parks americarsquos best ideardquo tune into Pbs or order a copy online to find inspiration and a detailed look at some of the most beautiful places in the world from acadia to the grand canyon and yosemite to the gates of the arctic in alaska
2 Pick the park with original content from the national Park foundation expediacomrsquos national park web site is the perfect resource for families to find the national park to fit their vacation needs
the site offers pre-set ldquolong weekendrdquo itineraries to start your planning you can also search through the ldquocanrsquot Miss national Parksrdquo section to learn about the parkrsquos location its natural features little-known facts including the best times to visit and activities to choose from in each area expediarsquos site also offers downloadable park maps to help you get your bearings
3 more ways to save take advantage of the public amenities that national parks offer like camping and picnic sites while there is a small entrance fee to the parks you can cut back on costs by bringing your own meals and treating the kids to lunch by a waterfall or overlooking the grand canyon also enjoy the free activities such as hiking biking and birding that the parks offer
4 book your hotel and rental car if camping isnrsquot your familyrsquos style consider any of the great lodges in and around the national park of your choice and if yoursquore planning to rent a car consider booking lodging and car together to substantially reduce the overall costs of your vacation
5 give back consider giving back to the national Park foundation by visiting the web site wwwnationalparksorg and donate or learn more about volunteer opportunities within americarsquos national parks helping out in these small ways ensures the parks will remain beautiful so your kids can bring their own children one day
ldquoPlanning the vacation is half of the fun so get every-one involved in the processrdquo says woodruff ldquothere are so many options in our national park system many of which have rich and amazing heritage so the whole family is going to enjoy something when you visitrdquo
bookmaRk youRFaVoRite Road
a bRieF HistoRyoF PaVed Roads
(ara) - Planes and trains may have their place in our society but for the dedicated traveler therersquos still nothing like getting in your car and taking a trip along americarsquos highways
half the fun of road trips in the minds of many is getting home and telling friends and family about the adventure - and the roads they traveled
in the past driversrsquo road stories were largely told by word of mouth to a few people at a time now drivers can tell their tales to millions via the internet favoriteroadcom is a new web site that features americarsquos favorite highways and byways
the site encourages you to post your favorite roads and explain why you like them simply log on to submit a photo and story of your favorite road use links posted on the site to share your road via popular social networks such as facebook and twitter your submission may even win a prize in contest giveaways
the past yearrsquos economic downturn has reintroduced the word ldquoinfrastructurerdquo to our vocabulary as a result of stimulus legislation passed in 2009 the federal government has allocated millions of dollars to specifically improve state roads and highways and with more affordable gasoline prices people are increasingly using americarsquos roads for leisure travel
by posting on favoriteroadcom yoursquore doing more than just ldquotelling a good storyrdquo your testimonials may help encourage lawmakers to push for increased infrastructure spending to keep america driving smoothly and safely for years to come
whatrsquos your favorite road log on and tell the world at favoriteroadcom
625 bc the babylonians are credited with the first recorded use of asphalt as a road building material the ancient greeks were also familiar with asphalt (the word comes from the greek ldquoasphaltosrdquo meaning ldquosecurerdquo)
1500s christopher columbus landed off the shores of trinidad in 1498 and discovered the famous asphalt lake which would later be used on the Pennsylvania avenue project in washington dc covering 54000 square yards
1800s Macadam roads became popular in the us for rural road construction during the 1830s and 40s belgian chemist edmund J desmedt laid the first true asphalt pavement in the us in newark nJ the cummer company opened the first central hot mix production facilities in the us the first asphalt patent was filed by nathan b abbott of brooklyn ny in 1871
1920s world war i ended and the use of the automo-bile was steadily rising but roads outside the city limits were frequently too muddy or dusty for travel to fix this problem road engineers used oils and asphalt
1940s-1950s the modern american turnpike is born after world war ii full scale automobile production resumed along with major levels of road maintenance and new highway construction by 1950 vehicle registration exceeded 40 million cars and 8 million trucks in 1956 President eisenhower signed the federal-aid highway act and launched the interstate system to create an infrastructure highway program -unmatched anywhere in the world
1970s a national move to conserve energy and materials initiated a widespread interest in recycling of pavement materials asphalt is now americarsquos most recycled product
1990s a traffic study by the world road association indicates that asphalt pavements are at least 4 decibels quieter than concrete pavements
2000s the us population has increased 23 percent since 1990 and the number of miles driven has risen by 41 percent only half of the nationrsquos major roads are in good condition based on an analysis of recent federal highway administration data
wandeRing Re-establisHes tHe oRiginal
HaRmony wHicH once existed between
man and tHe uniVeRse
business oR leisuRe dRiVing oR FlyingtRaVel saFely natuRally(ara) - weekend getaways shorter vacations and overnight business trips are great ways to save money and are becoming more prevalent according to the bureau of transportation taking a few simple and natural steps to stay safe and healthy while on the road can not only protect your travel investment butenhance your entire experience
ReFResHed and aleRt dRiVing diFFusion
a shorter thriftier trip is likely to be by car the inevitable rush to make the most of the limited time
away after a tiring work week can create fatigue so donrsquot make it a dangerous driving situation enliven your senses with essential oil scents
ditch the cardboard cutout car ldquofreshenerrdquo that hangs from the rearview mirror not only distracting these products are usually saturated with synthetic fragrance chemicals and probably arenrsquot the best thing to inhale while enclosed in your vehicle instead rely on a sleek essential oil diffuser that plugs into your automobilersquos phone charger power outlet these devices feature small paper fiber pads to which you can apply your own custom blend of essential oils allowing you to not only
scent the air inside the car but also to provide refreshing aromatherapy benefits to help keep you alert and focused on the road
a simpler alternative way to diffuse is to apply several drops of oil to a tissue and tuck it carefully into one of the vents in the dash
try these essential oils for the car Peppermint essential oil - refreshing awakening
uplifting eucalyptus essential oil - bracing purifying
protecting lemon essential oil - pleasant deodorizing
cheering
How clean is youR Hotel Room
overnight stays in less than posh hotel digs may be part of the money-saving travel trend even upscale hotels arenrsquot immune to dirt and germs or worse an apparent outbreak of bedbug infestations in the united states recently publicized by the environmental Protection agency
bedbugs aside there are always nagging doubts about just how clean a hotel room actually is has the shower or tub been scrubbed or merely wiped down is the toilet sanitized has the bedspread ever really been thoroughly cleaned fortunately there are ways to protect yourself after you check in but before you settle into your temporary overnight home
air and surface sanitizing spray feel good about travel with a bottle of homemade purifying aromatherapy solution that relies on pleasantly scented and highly effective essential oils rather than harsh chemical disinfectants the following spray will help you create a hygienic environment in your temporary hotel home apply it to tub vanity and toilet surfaces
ingredientsempty 12 to16 ounce spray bottle10 ounces water2 ounces isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or
vodka12 teaspoon tea tree essential oil
(antimicrobial)12 teaspoon lemon essential oil
(cleansing)12 teaspoon lavandin essential oil
(protecting)12 teaspoon sweet orange essential oil
(freshening)
directions combine all ingredients in the spray bottle shake and apply to a washcloth and wipe down the tvrsquos remote the clock radio the door handles and the faucethandles in the bathroom
Purifying and Relaxing linen mist here are some great tips for making a strange bed feel more like home take along your own pillow and replace the ones provided create your own linen mist and use it on your own bed at home then travel with the same blend taking a little bit of home with you when you arrive at your destination turn down the covers exchange the pillows and apply your signature scent to the bed
ingredientsempty 4 to 8 ounce spray bottle4 to 8 ounces water13 drops lavender essential oil
(relaxing calming)5 drops lavandin or spike lavender
essential oil (purifying protecting)
directionscombine the water and oil in the bottle shake the contents thoroughly just before application
remember to look for pure and natural essential oil brands like aura cacia that donrsquot include synthetic petrochemical fragrances for more information on how to enhance your life through aromatherapy visit wwwauracaciacom
PRePaRe youR VeHicle FoR a HuRRicane eVacuation(ara) - ana bill claudette - the first three atlantic ocean hurricanes of the season made headlines but not to the extent of katrina or ike of recent years and while these three hurricanes have come and gone who knows if - or when - grace or henry might pay a visit to your town
the 2009 hurricane season has an expected 90 percent chance of being a near-normal or below-normal season for the atlantic ocean according to the national oceanic and atmospheric administration this prediction - if accurate - will be welcomed with a sigh of relief by many residents in coastal towns after the above-normal year in 2008
but even if noaa is predicting a quiet year for hurricanes you can never be over prepared if you donrsquot have your emergency evacuation plan organized itrsquos time to make one no matter if yoursquore planning on traveling 100 miles or 1000 miles you need an evacuation plan as a representative of a gulf coast
company Maricela carter a health safety security environment coordinator with soPus has some tips on how to prepare your vehicle for potential evacuations
Plan eVacuation Routescheck newspapers online sites the local emergency broadcast radio station and local television stations for the latest information on official evacuation routes Purchase a good map with details on elevations waterways and county roads and familiarize yourself with the most efficient ways to get out of town
Pack an emeRgency kitautomobiles are susceptible to unexpected problems so keep an emergency kit in your trunk include jumper cables extra motor oil window washing brake and coolant fluids simple tools like an air pressure gauge screwdriver pliers and adjustable wrench a role of
paper towels a windup flashlight and a can of fix-a-flat in case you get a flat tire
fix-a-flat creates a temporary emergency seal on contact with the tire and inflates the tire between eight and 14 pounds per square inch so that the car can be driven to a gas station for proper repair of the tire this can help you to get back on the road and out of the hurricanersquos way quickly and easily
Fill uP tHe tankeveryone is going to need fuel in order to evacuate so plan to fill up your tank as soon as you hear a hurricane warning this helps to prevent sudden demands on the supply once your tank is full conserve the amount of gas you use for the next couple of days by combining your errands into one trip and not traveling during rush hour
cHeck tiRe PRessuRein order to help conserve fuel make sure your tires are at the manufacturerrsquos recommended pressure - usually printed on the driverrsquos door of your car keeping tires at the correct pressure can improve your gasoline mileage by 33 percent according to fueleconomygov which means yoursquoll be able to travel further when evacuating
use PRoPeR FluidsMake sure you follow all the manufacturer recommendations for motor oil which can also improve your gasoline mileage by 1 or 2 percent according to fuelecomonygov one helpful hint is to look for oil that has an ldquoenergy conservingrdquo label by the american Petroleum institution to ensure it contains friction-reducing additives
it is not down inany maP tRue PlacesneVeR aRe
diRect dePosit oF social secuRity is easieR FoR winteR tRaVeleRs(ara) - as cold weather sets in thousands of retirees are making plans for a winter getaway if yoursquore one of them switch to direct deposit for your social security payments before you leave - itrsquos the safest easiest way to receive your money
ldquoeach year the us department of the treasury receives more than 14 million inquiries regarding paper check-related problemsrdquo says david a lebryk commissioner of the treasury departmentrsquos financial Management service
yet approximately 105 million americans continue to receive their social security and supplemental security income (ssi) payments by paper check each month the treasury departmentrsquos go direct (r) campaign encourages senior citizens and people with disabilities to switch to direct deposit
incReased saFety conVenience and Reliability
ldquowhen therersquos a problem with a social security payment nine times out of 10 itrsquos with a paper check not a direct deposit paymentrdquo says lebryk
Paper checks can be vulnerable to financial crimes like theft and fraud in fact the treasury department investigates more than 70000 cases of altered or fraudulently endorsed checks each year totaling $64 million in estimated value
ldquoin 2008 alone more than 485000 social security and ssi checks were reported lost or stolen and had to be reissuedrdquo says lebryk
direct deposit is also more convenient and reliable there is no more waiting for a check to arrive in the mail and there are no more worries about delivery delays due to severe weather localemergencies and other check related problems last year alone severe weather events forced alternative delivery arrangements for millions of social security and ssi paper checks
ldquoswitching to direct deposit for federal benefits is such an easy way
for people to safeguard their money es-pecially when traveling for extended pe-riods of timerdquo says lebryk ldquoyour money is deposited to your account on payment day so therersquos no need to worry
about delivery delays or a check sitting in your mailbox while yoursquore gonerdquo
PRePaid debit caRd oPtion
in addition to direct deposit the treasury department recommends the direct express (r) debit Mastercard (r) card as an alternative to paper checks for people without bank accounts
More than half a million americans signed up for the optional direct express (r) card in its first year of availability according to the treasury department a recent survey of cardholders finds that 95 percent say they are satisfied with the prepaid debit card and 86 percent say they would recommend it to family members or friends who receive a federal benefit payment
with the direct express card cardholders can make purchases pay bills and get cash at thousands of locations nationwide sign-up is free and no bank account is required while most services are free there are fees for a limited number of optional transactions and services
making tHe switcH is easy
it is easy to make the switch to electronic payments for federal benefits to sign up for direct deposit call the treasury departmentrsquos go direct campaign helpline at 1-800-333-1795 or visit wwwgodirectorg to sign up for the treasury-recommended direct express card or to learn more about the cardrsquos features and fees call 1-877-212-9991 or visit wwwusdirectexpresscom
the preceding information has been provided by the us department of the treasury financial Management service
the go direct (r) campaign is sponsored by the us department of the treasury and the federal reserve banks the direct express (r) debit Mastercard (r) card is issued by comerica bank pursuant to a license by Mastercard international incorporated Mastercard (r) and the Mastercard (r) brand Mark are registered trademarks of Mastercard international incorporated the go direct(r) logo direct express (r) logo and direct express (r) are service marks of the us department of the treasury financial Management service
biZaRRe tRaVel Plans aRe dancing lessons FRom god
time to ReFinance oR buy
right now mortgage rates are at their lowest level since 1971 think about that twenty-five years ago homeowners were paying as much as 18 on a 30-year fixed today itrsquos just a little over 5combine that rate with the tax advantages
of a mortgage and you have an incredibly cheap way to build wealth but you better act now
real estate guru barbara corcoran has already seen a tremendous surge in refinance applications ndash more than triple the average ndash and the number of people getting approved is astronomically higher as well she says but that doesnrsquot mean the low rates are a panacea for the ills of the housing market it is only once home prices start to go up that we will finally see a light at the end of tunnel corcoran says until that happens we are still going to have to crawl out of this mess ldquo[low interest rates are] not a lifesaverrdquo corcoran says ldquothis is just a helping handrdquo
david kittle chairman of the Mortgage bankers association has this advice to homeowners looking to refinance do it donrsquot get greedy searching for another quarter-point lock in rates now he is seeing applications soar over 125 just since thanksgiving due to the low rates
of course you should only refinance if it saves you at least 38 on the rate and if you plan on staying in your home for at least four years kittle says along with good credit proof of income and money by means of a down payment or equity in the home there are certain things every homeowner needs regardless of interest rate levels
easy-to-do maintenance HelPs extend VeHicle liFe(ara) - after their homes most americansrsquo largest financial investment is their vehicle so helping it stay in good working order for as long as possible is a high priority in fact the average age of a passenger car in north america has grown to more than nine years according to rl Polk and co which indicates that motorists are looking for ways to help extend the life of their vehicle
even so todayrsquos tight budgets leave some motorists reluctant to spend on services or maintenance that they think can be delayed at least for the short term however compared to the cost of engine repair spending a little today on the right maintenance routine performed by trusted service technicians using quality products makes sense Mark ferner Pennzoil technical specialist and ase-certified master mechanic offers some simple cost-effective tips for helping to protect the performance and longevity of your vehicle
replace dirty air filters a dirty air filter will restrict airflow to the engine which may reduce power output if the filter fails it will allow unfiltered air into the engine which can be abrasive inside an engine to avoid these issues and help promote long engine life check your enginersquos air filter regularly and change it when it is dirty
use HigH-quality Fuelseveral automotive manufacturers (bMw gM honda toyota volkswagen and audi) have published technical service bulletins recommending the use of top-tier fuel top-tier fuel contains more additives than is required by the industryrsquos lowest additive content (lac) treat rate regular use of fuel that only meets lac requirements may cause deposits to form on engine intake valves and fuel injectors
cHange youR oilregular oil changes are one of the most important steps to maximize the life of a vehicle oil change in-tervals vary by vehicle and driving conditions so follow the interval and oil specifications found in the ownerrsquos manual
also be sure to use quality motor oils in your vehicle Properly functioning motor oils help prevent sludge and neutralize and disperse harmful deposits and using the recommended viscosity grade of motor oil may also help enhance fuel economy if you are having the oil changed for you ask for quality oils by name Quality motor oil will maintain its effectiveness throughout the oil change interval allowing it to help keep the engine clean
as a bonus some motor oil brands offer lubrication warranties at no additional cost for example the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranty Programs protect qualified engines for 300000 miles whether their owners use conventional synthetic-blend or full synthetic motor oils meeting their vehiclesrsquo requirements Participants can enroll online and maintaining eligibility is easy simply get an oil change with the specified brand change the filter perform regular maintenance and keep the service receipts
to learn more about the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranties visit either wwwPennzoilcom or wwwQuakerstatecom or speak with an automotive professional at a participating automotive dealership or oil change facility that features Pennzoil or Quaker state products
PeoPle donrsquot take tRiPs tRiPs take PeoPle
Fin
al
wo
Rd
s
a vacation is what you take when you can no longer take what yoursquove been taking
eaRl wilson
- 1-12-2010pdf
ceo dennis stewart
editoR in cHieFlarry local
aRt diRectoRamy coats
web deVeloPeR Matthew coats
administRation amp maRketingshaun stacy
wwwVacationRentalssc online magaZinecopyright copy 2009carolina Media services all rights reserved reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts or photographs
3290 ashley Phosphate road charleston sc 29418toll free (843)720-9604fax (843)725-4734infovacationrentalssc wwwvacationsreantalsc
carolina media SERVICES
carolina media SERVICES
Vacation Rentals M
ag
az
ine
How to casH in on Recession-dRiVen tRaVel deals(ara) - travelers are finding the silver lining of the current economic climate is the availability of some incredible travel values hotel airfare and vacation package prices are all down significantly from last year helping to make travel more affordable than it has been in years
you can spend the same amount and get more - for example choosing to extend a vacation or trading up your hotel choice - or you can pocket the savings
with a little planning even the most budget-conscious can find affordable trips this fall and winter tim Macdonald general manager of expediacom offers some advice for ways to get the most value out of your next vacation
Plan aHead and book witH conFidencein many cases scheduling travel in advance helps you secure the lowest airfare and hotel rates though therersquos always a chance for last-minute sales waiting could
increase the likelihood that you will pay higher
prices this frequently happens during peak times like the winter holidays when there are fewer options for flights and hotel rooms
while airlines and hotels may charge penalties expediacom has eliminated change and cancel fees for hotels cruises car rental and most flight reservations with fewer change and cancel fees to worry about travelers have the flexibility they need to book in advance with confidence
book togetHeR booking airfare and hotel accommodations at the same time not only simplifies the vacation planning process but also can help substantially reduce the overall costs of vacation travel
ldquobooking travel together is one of the easiest ways to save money and get the most value when planning a trip thatrsquos because when you bundle your air travel and hotel together and book them at the same time expediacom is able to pass substantial savings onto
yourdquo says Macdonald ldquolast year expediacom customers saved $248 million by
booking their air travel and hotels togetherrdquo
tRade uPalthough some people may be looking to scale back travel plans or follow a vacation budget more closely than in the past for others there are opportunities to get more for their money this year for roughly the price of a three-star hotel stay last year travelers can now book at a four-star hotel in fact the average daily rate of a four-star hotel is $143 per night 22 percent lower than the average for 2008
ldquowersquore seeing incredible values for luxury hotel prop-erties this yearrdquo says Macdonald ldquofor some travelers this may be their chance to stretch their dollars and upgrade to hotels that have previously been out of their price rangerdquo
be Flexible and tRy sometHing new take time to look for current travel deals to help choose a vacation destination look for exclusive special values and promotional rates to popular destinations including Mexico las vegas new york city and hawaii as well as deals on all-inclusive resorts and cruises all-inclusive options have always been good values because they include meals and many activities in the upfront price whatrsquos more this year the average daily rates for all-inclusive properties are even lower than last year - for instance average daily rates for all-inclusive resorts in the bahamas are 16 percent lower this year from last year
ReseaRcH actiVities in adVance sticking to a travel budget can sometimes be difficult when factoring in activities so be sure to research activities and attractions before your trip to identify these costs in advance in addition booking activities in advance ensures you wonrsquot miss out on attractions events and activities that sell out virtually all vacation destinations also offer inexpensive and free attractions like city parks cultural festivals and museums taking advantage of a mix of free and paid activities can help you get the most out of your vacation for a reasonable price
know beFoRe you gothoroughly researching vacation destinations including available public transportation or local tipping customs (if traveling outside the us) can help avoid any unexpected costs you may be able to avoid the expense of a rental car by identifying public transportation options or by selecting a hotel that provides free transportation if you do need a a rental car make your reservation early and consider adding it to a flight or hotel booking to help secure the best price in fact adding a rental car to your air travel or hotel booking could mean savings of up to 30 percent off typical prices
tHe woRld is a book amp tHose wHo do not tRaVelRead only one Page
a V
ac
at
ion
Ho
me
a
wa
y F
Ro
m H
om
e (ara) - getting away during the spring months is popular for many families especially families with children in school looking for a break from the spring semester visiting relatives traveling from one sightseeing opportunity to another and cramming the whole crew into a hotel room with tight sleeping quarters and one bathroom is all par for the course right well it doesnrsquot have to be
travelers are jumping on the vacation home rental bandwagon where theyrsquore finding comfortable spaces just-like-home amenities and a more relaxing experience - all for about what it costs to book a hotel room in this tough economy owners of second homes are increasingly renting out their properties for some extra cash according to homeaway a collection of vacation-rental web sites and as the market floods prices drop to lure renters
a recent online search of hotels in la Jolla calif a beautiful seaside commu-nity thatrsquos technically part of san diego revealed some hotel rooms starting around $150 a night a search for vacation homes returned two bedroom two bathroom options starting at just over $100 a night
not only do you get more space you get the luxuries of home such as a full kitchen washerdryer and parking all of which are further money-savers Plus standard hotel rooms can be pretty boring rarely lending insight into the destinationrsquos character vacation rentals are an actual personrsquos home albeit a second home and some are even pet-friendly
herersquos how to find a vacation rental that suits your needs
wHeRe to staRtawaycom a research and travel-planning web site offers a comprehensive listing of vacation rentals including houses and condos from all over the web find it at awaycomvacationrentals
be comFoRtableif the thought of renting a vacation home ldquosight unseenrdquo and directly from the owner is daunting work with a property management company such companies particularly ones with local offices know the market well and might even be able to move you to another property if a problem arises
do youR HomewoRkcheck out online photos and read all property reviews if yoursquore renting directly from an owner reach out to them with questions and put a face to the transaction and the golden rule clarify all costs and payment methods upfront time invested in the beginning will yield a more enjoyable experience in the end
whatever you decide is right for your spring vacation book it now as usual the early bird will get the worm
Get Your Carolina
Girl Gear
waRm weatHeR Relaxing oR Playing in tHe snowtiPs FoR Planning youR winteR tRaVels(ara) - the winter months offer the perfect excuse to plan a fabulous getaway and you donrsquot have to travel far to find something that fits your vacation expectations
if you need to flee from the cold depths of winter there are plenty of beaches in florida and california and warm desert landscapes to enjoy in arizona and new Mexico that will warm you up and give your skin a bit of summer glow Picture yourself playing tennis in the sun or lounging by the pool with a book while the kids are splashing around in the water
here are tips on how to best plan your warm-weather winter vacation
look FoR deals duRing tHe slow montHsbecause January and february are so close to the holidays but too early yet for spring break hotels and resorts tend to offer special discounts to encourage traveling
Pack sunblock eVen iF yoursquoVe been ldquotanningrdquo
also make sure your travel bags include sun shades a hat with a brim and a water bottle nothing makes a vacation more uncomfortable than sunburn and dehydration
add a Jacket to tHe luggagenights can get chilly and if the wind blows in a rain cloud or two yoursquoll be glad you have that jacket to ward off the goose bumps
Maybe you like to play in the fluffy white stuff and canrsquot wait to schedule downhill skiing in colorado snowshoeing in Maine or ice fishing in Minnesota the images yoursquoll take home this winter include majestic mountains covered in snow your daughter pulling a
360 while snowboarding down a half-pipe or even a moose with
a full rack of antlers on his head browsing for vegetation along a back country road
tips for planning your snow vacation include
FiguRe out iF yoursquoRe going to take youR geaR oR Rent it at youR destinationwhile looking into this determine if your vehicle can carry all the gear or if there are any restrictions bar-ring you from taking it on the airplane if you plan to rent call ahead of time to reserve your equipment
Pack many layeRs oF clotHing Many snow activities can make you warm but once you stop moving yoursquore going to want the heavier layers back
again donrsquot forget sunblock goggles shades or hat because the sun glaring on snow can easily burn your skin and eyes and winter rays can be just as damaging as those in summer
once you have your destination picked and travels planned therersquos one more step to ensure your winter getaway is successful while away from home having your health and safety front-of-mind is very important so you are prepared for emergencies like falling and breaking a bone while swishing down a ski slope or suddenly discovering you have seafood allergies while sampling fresh crawfish in louisiana
on call international provides travel assistance anywhere in the world to travelers who experience an emergency need medical care or evacuation while away from home if you want to return to your local hospital for treatment because you are familiar with the area and can have your personal doctor available on call will coordinate a medical evacuation for the sick person and help arrange transportation for the rest of the family
only a small percentage of health insurance plans cover medical evacuation when the member is on vacation and away from home this means you could be on the hook for thousands of dollars if you need to be transported from the resortrsquos local clinic to a better hospital hundreds of miles away or need a nurse to monitor your care on the way home after a skiing accident
so when you plan your next trip to sunny texas or snowy Michigan donrsquot forget to pack some comfort and safety for you and your family and consider enrolling in an on call international membership just in case you experience a travel emergency
tHe best time to RediscoVeR a destination
sHouldeR season
(ara) - the first few months of the year when many americans are spending time at home trying to recu-perate from the hustle and bustle of the holidays may not seem like an ideal time to plan a vacation how-ever planning for a time known as ldquoshoulder seasonrdquo the time between peak season and low season is a fantastic time for savvy travelers to find great deals on airfare hotels and attractions while simultaneously experiencing top destinations in a whole new way
ldquoMany travelers donrsquot think to travel in the weeks and months following the holidaysrdquo says brad dean President and ceo for the Myrtle beach area convention and visitorrsquos bureau ldquohowever a shoulder season trip can be the best way for travelers to relax after a busy holiday season destinations offer their lowest rates and best deals of the year at this time and consumers can get away for a fraction of the high-season costrdquo
so when is ldquoshoulder seasonrdquo it will vary slightly depending on your destination figuring out a regionrsquos shoulder season could be as easy as checking out rates at a few area hotels to determine when the rates are at their lowest
consider these convincing facts about shoulder season travel and what a great value it can be for your vacation dollars
Hotel rates airfare and attraction fees are often significantly lower during the shoulder season than any other time of year hotels especially are eager for business during this season and respond with deeply discounted rates and incentives to entice travelers
last minute deals you can plan and implement a very budget-friendly travel itinerary in a relatively short time - sometimes just a day or two as opposed to weeks or months of planning ahead thatrsquos needed during busier seasons
shoulder season travel presents the opportunity to view and experience a popular destination one you may have visited before during peak season in a whole new way for example destinations like Myrtle beach sc that bustle and buzz with activity in the peak season can take on a more laid-back relaxed atmosphere in shoulder season yoursquoll have access to the same major attractions
shows dining and shopping that peak season travelers enjoy but at a less frantic pace
and in that vein yoursquoll enjoy free access to popular attractions lines for popular attractions - most of which will stay open year round - will be shorter in shoulder seasons than any other time of year for example in Myrtle beach top entertainment venues and attractions as well as multiple live entertainment theaters are all open for business but with shorter (if any) lines and less crowds
because yoursquoll be getting a great deal therersquos also the opportunity to extend your vacation by a day or two and take some exciting trips to surround-ing areas the more relaxed attitude of shoulder season travel means you will feel more open to the idea of exploring the surrounding area visitors to the
Myrtle beach area for example can enjoy side trips to huntington beach state Park the nearby pictur-esque community of conway and the lowcountry gem of Pawleyrsquos island
finally shoulder season is a great time to travel to a drive destination like Myrtle beach yoursquoll find less traffic and a more relaxed commute to a location considered one of the top driving destinations for leisure travelers along the eastern seaboard and Midwest
to learn more about shoulder season travel opportunities in Myrtle beach log on to wwwvisitmyrtlebeachcom
Want to grow your business
Join the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce
As the unified voice of business the South Carolina Chamber is working to grow wealth for South Carolinians and businesses in order to improve economic development and quality of life
We help your business and you by
bull GettingyourvoiceheardbyourstatelegislatorsthroughourGrassrootsNetworkbull Workingtopassbusiness-friendlylegislationbull Keepingyouinformedonissuesandprovidingsolutionsforgrowingyour business through our monthly magazine South Carolina Business bull Providingnetworkingopportunitieswithlegislatorsandotherbusinessownersbull Trainingyouremployeesonhumanresourcesqualityandmanagementissuesbull Publishingalegalreferenceseries
Join the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce Contactustodayat800-799-4601Learnmoreatwwwscchambernet
Reconnect with Nature plan a trip to a National Park
Reconnect with Nature plan a trip to a National Park
(ARA) - Considered ldquoAmericarsquos best ideardquo national parks provide travelers preserved views of natural wonder as far as the eye can see An American invention they give us a unique backyard vacation oasis where postcard views meet real life-altering experiences And itrsquos this beauty exploration and enrichment combined with the accessibility of national parks that make them a popular vacation choice
According to the National Park Service trips to national parks are on the rise Tour operators offering guided visits through Americarsquos parks agree
ldquoBookings on our North American National Park tours have witnessed an increase of 180 percent in the last yearrdquo says Scott Nisbet president and CEO for the Globus family of brands ldquoNational parks are idyllic vacation lsquohot spotsrsquo perfect for relaxation and introspection wildlife exploration or adventure depending on the traveler and his or her interestsrdquo
A wide range of experiences can be had at national parks including everything from snorkeling rafting and hiking to learning about the environment geology and wildlife They also provide a perfect retreat for those hoping to reconnect with themselves or nature
And itrsquos the diversity of experiences national parks offer travelers that can make booking a national park vacation seem overwhelming Use these tips from Globus to simplify the process and book the perfect getaway for 2010
Choose the right park destinationFrom the east to west coasts Alaska to Hawaii America has more than 50 national parks to explore Do your research to choose a park that has what yoursquore looking for For instance if yoursquore interested in an abundance of hoodoos and canyons Bryce Canyon National Park might be the right fit Or if you want a vacation filled with bird watching or
boating the Everglades National Park could be a great choice
Go rustic or go luxuryLodging is an important consideration for any vacation Some travelers prefer to experience the outdoor beauty of the parks 24 hours a day and choose to camp Others want to escape to the more modern conveniences provided by nearby hotels cabins and lodges Decide what experience best suits you or your family - and decide early Spots (camping or lodging) fill up quickly especially during peak seasons
On your own or with a guideSome travelers prefer to hike or road trip through national parks while others are interested in a more insightful and pre-planned journey While maps are available for nearly every park guided tours have become a popular option for travelers and are often offered as part of a packaged tour vacation including accommodations
ldquoOur national park-focused tours offer an inclusive-style of travel with incomparable exploration and enrichment opportunitiesrdquo says Nisbet ldquoWith a wide range of national park destinations hotels and price points
coupled with unparalleled service and storytelling we create experiences for travelers they couldnrsquot produce on their ownrdquo
For more information or assistance planning your national park vacation visit wwwus-parkscom wwwnpsgov or wwwglobusjourneyscom Or call your travel agent or the Globus family of brands toll-free at (866) 313-2855
Looking For Your Chance To Win
Check Out Radioscrsquos Contest
South Carolinarsquos Internet
Powered By
(843)720-9604 InfoOnlysc
Win a $100 Shopping Spree
Win Tickets To Events amp Concerts
Win Free Ice Skating For
The Family
Win Tickets To Medieval
Times
Win Stingrays Hockey
Tickets
Win A $25 Gift Card
Radiosc is proud to sponsor $100 Shopping Sprees for Publix grocery stores
Check wwwRadiosc for weekly House of Blues ticket giveaways
Win 4 tickets for ice skating and skate rentals at Carolina Ice Palace
Win 4 tickets for Medieval Times in Myrtle Beach
You could win tickets to a Stingraysrsquo Home Game
Each week you have a chance to win an Applebeersquos gift card worth up to $2500
cHaRlestonrsquos oFFice oF cultuRal aFFaiRslauncHes wwwcHaRlestonaRtssc as tHieR new aRts web sitefrom charleston currents
the city of charlestonrsquos office of cultural affairs has launched httpwwwcharlestonartssc a companion web site to the ocarsquos primary page at the cityrsquos official site charlestonartssc will be updated daily with information and features including an arts calendar that users can search by date artist presenting group or venue social networking widgets and a directory of local arts and cultural organizations and venues
ldquowe are hopeful that charlestonartssc will be a major benefit to local artists and arts organizations by disseminating information about their events with the most up-to-date information to a broader publicrdquo said ellen dressler Moryl director of the office of cultural affairs
other options for users at charlestonartssc include the following
bull Arts organizations can download forms from the Office of Cultural Affairs submit events update contact information and compare performance dates with other area organizations
bull The Tools for Professional section of the Web site features job listings for arts professionals including full time and part time work as well as internships and volunteer opportunities with arts and cultural organizations in the tri-county area
bull Updated grant opportunities for arts organizations with detailed information including deadlines application and contact information
bull Call for Submissions and Call for Auditions pages with details about the location deadlines fees andadditional requirements
the new web site also hosts connecting pages for general information on the office of cultural affairs and its projects the charleston farmers Market the city gallery at waterfront Park holiday Magic happy new year charleston the holiday Parade of boats the lowcountry Quarterly arts grant Program Piccolo spoleto and the MoJa arts festival
the web site was developed and is being hosted by carolina Media services ( wwwonlysc)
a RetiRement HometHat HelPs Pay FoR itselF(ara) - with todayrsquos record low real estate prices and at-tractive mortgage rates now may be a good time to think about investing in a second home that ultimately can be used as your permanent residence upon retirement by taking a ldquobuy-and-rentrdquo approach before yoursquore ready to retire your new home will actually have partly paid for itself by the time yoursquore ready to move into it
ldquobuying and renting out a second home as a vacation rental property until yoursquore ready to move in upon retirement can significantly help offset the cost of ownershiprdquo says brian sharples ceo of homeaway the worldrsquos leading online vacation rental marketplace ldquothe income stream in addition to tax write-offs for maintenance and repairs make this an attractive strategy for many people nearing retirementrdquo
according to homeaway the average second-home owner rents out their property to travelers 17 weeks a year generating more than $28000 in rental income annually and the demand for vacation rentals among travelers is growing which is good news for second-home owners in fact 87 percent of travelers who looked into a vacation rental in the past say they plan to stay in a vacation rental in 2010 - a significant increase from the 67 percent who stayed in a vacation rental in 2009
to generate income from a second home prior to moving into it when you retire sharples suggests consumers take the following steps
location and maRket Potentialcarefully review the markets where you want to retire and before you buy consider the areas where consumer demand for vacation rentals is high but inventory is low for example atlantic city nJ sunny isles beach fla hampton beach nh dauphin island ala and Mount Pocono Pa were among some of the most underserved markets for vacation rental properties in 2009 according to homeaway
FactoR in tax wRite-oFFstalk to an accountant about the tax advantages of owning and renting out a second home expenses such as insurance utilities home maintenance and depreciation can be deducted depending on how often you rent out the property and how many weeks you personally stay there each year
adVeRtise to attRact RenteRs when yoursquore ready to rent out the property be sure to market the availability of the vacation rental to travelers by listing it on sites like homeawaycom or vrbocom which reach millions of travelers each month a 12-month listing costs $329 - or less than $28 per month - on homeawaycom so the advertising pays for itself with your first booking - and the rest is pure rental income
stay comPetitiVe amp netwoRk witH owneRs check out other similar vacation rentals in the area to determine what rates theyrsquore charging travelers and price your home at a competitiverate to help drive bookings also be sure to talk with other owners to get their tips and advice for maximizing a second home investment
for more information on buying a second home and effective strategies for maximizing rental income check out homeawayrsquos online community for vacation rental owners at ownercommunityhomeawaycom
tiPs to successFully get youwHeRe you need to be - Fast(ara) - do you ever get a headache just thinking about navigating the streets of an unfamiliar city have you ever booked a hotel in a less-than-great part of town or been late to an appointment because you canrsquot find a parking garage
even the savviest of travelers who can find their way around a city with their eyes closed run into travel snafus sending their blood pressure through the roof navigating the streets of a new city can be one of the most stressful parts of booking and taking a trip whether itrsquos for business or leisure
so you finally landed and yoursquore on your way to the hotel that you booked in the heart of the city everything is going just as you planned not so fast somehow you find yourself nowhere near the bright city lights and in a hotel on the outskirts of town where you wouldnrsquot even venture out for a cup of Joe
sound familiar well yoursquore not alone - more than half of travelers say theyrsquove experienced this very nightmare according to a recent bing survey
while finding decent lodging can be difficult sometimes even thinking about how to get around a city can strike fear into the hearts of business and leisure travelers alike so which city gets travelers hearts racing when just thinking about how to get around unsurprisingly for anyone who has ever visited either new york or los angeles (even just once) both cities topped bingrsquos survey as the worst cities to navigate More than 40 percent said ldquothe heck with driving irsquom getting a taxirdquo when visiting the big apple and a quarter said that the concrete jungle otherwise known as los angeles is too wild for them
so how can you ensure you know enough about a city to get around like you were a local book a decent hotel check out a local concert or find a local hot spot to grab a bite to eat well the folks at bing have a few tips to make your next adventure stress-free
Pay attention to ReViews Most online booking sites offer reviews from other guests who have stayed at the hotel that yoursquore considering while you may be inclined to take the overly positive reviews with a grain of salt itrsquos best to steer clear if a hotel receives consistent negative customer reviews
study uPcheck out the local convention center visitorsrsquo bureau or chamber of commerce web sites to learn more about the city and its surrounding neighborhoods this will help give you a better idea of whatrsquos near your destination and the neighborhoods that surround it
RemembeRyou get wHat you Pay FoRif yoursquore paying a two-star rate donrsquot expect to get four- or five-star accommodations and a mint on your pillow a cheaper rate rarely buys you luxury but you should still be able to score a clean safe room that provides for your basic needs
HoP onlineuse online resources like bing Mapsrsquo new streetside experience a three-dimensional mapping tool Just log on to bing Maps where you can zoom in from satellite level to birdrsquos eye view and even down to street level for 56 major us metro areas
now you can virtually walk the streets of your next adventure with actual 360-degree footage of the area not only can you tell if a hotel is in a good neighborhood yoursquoll be able to see if therersquos a wifi coffee shop nearby where you can sync up your computer before your next meeting or scope out any traffic jams before you head out and you can even find the nearest parking garage so yoursquore never late again to your lunch date - unlike the more than 40 percent of bing survey respondents who were fashionably late because they couldnrsquot find a parking spot
ldquobooking a hotel room on the internet can be a risky proposition if you canrsquot see the room hotel or area itrsquos in before you bookrdquo says blaise aguera y arcas architect of bing Maps and Msn at Microsoft ldquobut technology like streetside is making it possible to scope out a neighborhood - and ensure itrsquos one you want to stay in - without ever having to leave the comfort of your computer chairrdquo in fact the bing survey found that nearly a quarter of travelers rated finding a decent hotel as the most frustrating part of planning their trip
Plus stay up-to-date on the best places to check out on your next trip by using bingrsquos twitter mapping app now you can get real-time information about an area - such as seeing the latest tweets for the local shopping mall before you even go there or even updates about local events and breaking news
log onto bing Maps where you can plan your next trip whether itrsquos a far away city or even your own town now you can be a travel guru no matter where you are
setting and stickingto youR tRaVel budget(ara) - travel can be one of the biggest-ticket items you invest in each year so itrsquos worth it to plan ahead
setting a budget - and sticking to it - can help you stay in better control of spending according to a recent visa survey a majority (54 percent) of last yearrsquos summer travelers either didnrsquot set a budget oroverspent their budget while traveling and more than a quarter of those surveyed overspent by more than $250 to make sure this doesnrsquot happen to you itrsquos important to create a realistic travel budget and make a plan for how you will spend within your means while on the road
to create a budget think through your trip first include the basics such as transportation to and from your destination and lodging next plan for expenses that come up along the way such as meals on the road
hosthostess gifts rental cars or public transportation donrsquot forget to include entertainment - whether sightseeing or going to the movies itrsquos also a good idea to build in a cushion for the unexpected
once yoursquove set your travel budget you need to stick to it one tool that can help is a prepaid travel card a prepaid card draws from funds that are set aside in advance for purchases here are a few ways prepaid travel cards can come in handy
keeP tRaVel Funds sePaRate an easy way to make sure you donrsquot go over budget is to set your travel budget aside on a prepaid travel card simply load the card with your travel budget and use it for everything from online booking to grabbing lunch during an (unexpectedly extended) layover without worrying about spending more than you planned or dipping into gift-buying funds
access casHwhether you need a few dollars or several yen choose a prepaid card that will allow you to withdraw cash from atMs around the world if yoursquore traveling internationally itrsquoll also save you the hassle of tracking down and waiting in line for local currency
bRowse and buy look for a prepaid card that you can use online travel sites offer a wealth of information and detailed listings of competing offers from airlines and hotels as well as reviews from fellow travelers for flights you can typically compare possible savings by traveling on al-ternate days or from nearby airports once you spot the deal that works for your budget use your prepaid travel card to snap it up
enJoy Peace oF mind wHen tRaVeling Prepaid cards may come with travel-related services for example the visa travelMoney card offers zero liability for lost or stolen cards as well as lost luggage reimbursement and purchase security Make sure you know which benefits your card offers and how they work so you can tap into them should the need arise
with some advance preparation and the right tools in place you donrsquot have to overspend on travel in fact with some careful planning you could end up with enough left to buy yourself a little something to remember the trip for more information about visa travelMoney visit wwwvisacomtravelmoney
Click To Listen While You Browse
South Carolinarsquos Internet
Powered By
(843)720-9604 InfoOnlysc
need an easy getaway FoR tHe Family Plan a budget-FRiendly tRiP to a national PaRk(ara) - american families have spoken the vacation is a top priority ninety-four percent of americans agreed that even in tough economic times family vacations are worth the money according to a recent survey by expediacom to keep the vacation affordable and easy think about introducing your family to the splendor of the national park system - where activities are abundant and costs are minimal
expediacom recently partnered with the national Park foundation to provide a permanent one-stop shop to help travelers plan and book vacations to americarsquos national parks
ldquothere are excellent values for traveling families right now and taking a trip to a national park is one of the best ways to stretch your vacation dollarsrdquo says lee woodruff author travel expert and mother of four
ldquofamilies are looking for ways to reconnect with each other and what better option for an affordable vacation than a national parkrdquo
here are five easy steps to plan the perfect national park getaway
1 get inspired ken burns recently debuted a six-part documentary series for Pbs titledldquothe national Parks americarsquos best ideardquo tune into Pbs or order a copy online to find inspiration and a detailed look at some of the most beautiful places in the world from acadia to the grand canyon and yosemite to the gates of the arctic in alaska
2 Pick the park with original content from the national Park foundation expediacomrsquos national park web site is the perfect resource for families to find the national park to fit their vacation needs
the site offers pre-set ldquolong weekendrdquo itineraries to start your planning you can also search through the ldquocanrsquot Miss national Parksrdquo section to learn about the parkrsquos location its natural features little-known facts including the best times to visit and activities to choose from in each area expediarsquos site also offers downloadable park maps to help you get your bearings
3 more ways to save take advantage of the public amenities that national parks offer like camping and picnic sites while there is a small entrance fee to the parks you can cut back on costs by bringing your own meals and treating the kids to lunch by a waterfall or overlooking the grand canyon also enjoy the free activities such as hiking biking and birding that the parks offer
4 book your hotel and rental car if camping isnrsquot your familyrsquos style consider any of the great lodges in and around the national park of your choice and if yoursquore planning to rent a car consider booking lodging and car together to substantially reduce the overall costs of your vacation
5 give back consider giving back to the national Park foundation by visiting the web site wwwnationalparksorg and donate or learn more about volunteer opportunities within americarsquos national parks helping out in these small ways ensures the parks will remain beautiful so your kids can bring their own children one day
ldquoPlanning the vacation is half of the fun so get every-one involved in the processrdquo says woodruff ldquothere are so many options in our national park system many of which have rich and amazing heritage so the whole family is going to enjoy something when you visitrdquo
bookmaRk youRFaVoRite Road
a bRieF HistoRyoF PaVed Roads
(ara) - Planes and trains may have their place in our society but for the dedicated traveler therersquos still nothing like getting in your car and taking a trip along americarsquos highways
half the fun of road trips in the minds of many is getting home and telling friends and family about the adventure - and the roads they traveled
in the past driversrsquo road stories were largely told by word of mouth to a few people at a time now drivers can tell their tales to millions via the internet favoriteroadcom is a new web site that features americarsquos favorite highways and byways
the site encourages you to post your favorite roads and explain why you like them simply log on to submit a photo and story of your favorite road use links posted on the site to share your road via popular social networks such as facebook and twitter your submission may even win a prize in contest giveaways
the past yearrsquos economic downturn has reintroduced the word ldquoinfrastructurerdquo to our vocabulary as a result of stimulus legislation passed in 2009 the federal government has allocated millions of dollars to specifically improve state roads and highways and with more affordable gasoline prices people are increasingly using americarsquos roads for leisure travel
by posting on favoriteroadcom yoursquore doing more than just ldquotelling a good storyrdquo your testimonials may help encourage lawmakers to push for increased infrastructure spending to keep america driving smoothly and safely for years to come
whatrsquos your favorite road log on and tell the world at favoriteroadcom
625 bc the babylonians are credited with the first recorded use of asphalt as a road building material the ancient greeks were also familiar with asphalt (the word comes from the greek ldquoasphaltosrdquo meaning ldquosecurerdquo)
1500s christopher columbus landed off the shores of trinidad in 1498 and discovered the famous asphalt lake which would later be used on the Pennsylvania avenue project in washington dc covering 54000 square yards
1800s Macadam roads became popular in the us for rural road construction during the 1830s and 40s belgian chemist edmund J desmedt laid the first true asphalt pavement in the us in newark nJ the cummer company opened the first central hot mix production facilities in the us the first asphalt patent was filed by nathan b abbott of brooklyn ny in 1871
1920s world war i ended and the use of the automo-bile was steadily rising but roads outside the city limits were frequently too muddy or dusty for travel to fix this problem road engineers used oils and asphalt
1940s-1950s the modern american turnpike is born after world war ii full scale automobile production resumed along with major levels of road maintenance and new highway construction by 1950 vehicle registration exceeded 40 million cars and 8 million trucks in 1956 President eisenhower signed the federal-aid highway act and launched the interstate system to create an infrastructure highway program -unmatched anywhere in the world
1970s a national move to conserve energy and materials initiated a widespread interest in recycling of pavement materials asphalt is now americarsquos most recycled product
1990s a traffic study by the world road association indicates that asphalt pavements are at least 4 decibels quieter than concrete pavements
2000s the us population has increased 23 percent since 1990 and the number of miles driven has risen by 41 percent only half of the nationrsquos major roads are in good condition based on an analysis of recent federal highway administration data
wandeRing Re-establisHes tHe oRiginal
HaRmony wHicH once existed between
man and tHe uniVeRse
business oR leisuRe dRiVing oR FlyingtRaVel saFely natuRally(ara) - weekend getaways shorter vacations and overnight business trips are great ways to save money and are becoming more prevalent according to the bureau of transportation taking a few simple and natural steps to stay safe and healthy while on the road can not only protect your travel investment butenhance your entire experience
ReFResHed and aleRt dRiVing diFFusion
a shorter thriftier trip is likely to be by car the inevitable rush to make the most of the limited time
away after a tiring work week can create fatigue so donrsquot make it a dangerous driving situation enliven your senses with essential oil scents
ditch the cardboard cutout car ldquofreshenerrdquo that hangs from the rearview mirror not only distracting these products are usually saturated with synthetic fragrance chemicals and probably arenrsquot the best thing to inhale while enclosed in your vehicle instead rely on a sleek essential oil diffuser that plugs into your automobilersquos phone charger power outlet these devices feature small paper fiber pads to which you can apply your own custom blend of essential oils allowing you to not only
scent the air inside the car but also to provide refreshing aromatherapy benefits to help keep you alert and focused on the road
a simpler alternative way to diffuse is to apply several drops of oil to a tissue and tuck it carefully into one of the vents in the dash
try these essential oils for the car Peppermint essential oil - refreshing awakening
uplifting eucalyptus essential oil - bracing purifying
protecting lemon essential oil - pleasant deodorizing
cheering
How clean is youR Hotel Room
overnight stays in less than posh hotel digs may be part of the money-saving travel trend even upscale hotels arenrsquot immune to dirt and germs or worse an apparent outbreak of bedbug infestations in the united states recently publicized by the environmental Protection agency
bedbugs aside there are always nagging doubts about just how clean a hotel room actually is has the shower or tub been scrubbed or merely wiped down is the toilet sanitized has the bedspread ever really been thoroughly cleaned fortunately there are ways to protect yourself after you check in but before you settle into your temporary overnight home
air and surface sanitizing spray feel good about travel with a bottle of homemade purifying aromatherapy solution that relies on pleasantly scented and highly effective essential oils rather than harsh chemical disinfectants the following spray will help you create a hygienic environment in your temporary hotel home apply it to tub vanity and toilet surfaces
ingredientsempty 12 to16 ounce spray bottle10 ounces water2 ounces isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or
vodka12 teaspoon tea tree essential oil
(antimicrobial)12 teaspoon lemon essential oil
(cleansing)12 teaspoon lavandin essential oil
(protecting)12 teaspoon sweet orange essential oil
(freshening)
directions combine all ingredients in the spray bottle shake and apply to a washcloth and wipe down the tvrsquos remote the clock radio the door handles and the faucethandles in the bathroom
Purifying and Relaxing linen mist here are some great tips for making a strange bed feel more like home take along your own pillow and replace the ones provided create your own linen mist and use it on your own bed at home then travel with the same blend taking a little bit of home with you when you arrive at your destination turn down the covers exchange the pillows and apply your signature scent to the bed
ingredientsempty 4 to 8 ounce spray bottle4 to 8 ounces water13 drops lavender essential oil
(relaxing calming)5 drops lavandin or spike lavender
essential oil (purifying protecting)
directionscombine the water and oil in the bottle shake the contents thoroughly just before application
remember to look for pure and natural essential oil brands like aura cacia that donrsquot include synthetic petrochemical fragrances for more information on how to enhance your life through aromatherapy visit wwwauracaciacom
PRePaRe youR VeHicle FoR a HuRRicane eVacuation(ara) - ana bill claudette - the first three atlantic ocean hurricanes of the season made headlines but not to the extent of katrina or ike of recent years and while these three hurricanes have come and gone who knows if - or when - grace or henry might pay a visit to your town
the 2009 hurricane season has an expected 90 percent chance of being a near-normal or below-normal season for the atlantic ocean according to the national oceanic and atmospheric administration this prediction - if accurate - will be welcomed with a sigh of relief by many residents in coastal towns after the above-normal year in 2008
but even if noaa is predicting a quiet year for hurricanes you can never be over prepared if you donrsquot have your emergency evacuation plan organized itrsquos time to make one no matter if yoursquore planning on traveling 100 miles or 1000 miles you need an evacuation plan as a representative of a gulf coast
company Maricela carter a health safety security environment coordinator with soPus has some tips on how to prepare your vehicle for potential evacuations
Plan eVacuation Routescheck newspapers online sites the local emergency broadcast radio station and local television stations for the latest information on official evacuation routes Purchase a good map with details on elevations waterways and county roads and familiarize yourself with the most efficient ways to get out of town
Pack an emeRgency kitautomobiles are susceptible to unexpected problems so keep an emergency kit in your trunk include jumper cables extra motor oil window washing brake and coolant fluids simple tools like an air pressure gauge screwdriver pliers and adjustable wrench a role of
paper towels a windup flashlight and a can of fix-a-flat in case you get a flat tire
fix-a-flat creates a temporary emergency seal on contact with the tire and inflates the tire between eight and 14 pounds per square inch so that the car can be driven to a gas station for proper repair of the tire this can help you to get back on the road and out of the hurricanersquos way quickly and easily
Fill uP tHe tankeveryone is going to need fuel in order to evacuate so plan to fill up your tank as soon as you hear a hurricane warning this helps to prevent sudden demands on the supply once your tank is full conserve the amount of gas you use for the next couple of days by combining your errands into one trip and not traveling during rush hour
cHeck tiRe PRessuRein order to help conserve fuel make sure your tires are at the manufacturerrsquos recommended pressure - usually printed on the driverrsquos door of your car keeping tires at the correct pressure can improve your gasoline mileage by 33 percent according to fueleconomygov which means yoursquoll be able to travel further when evacuating
use PRoPeR FluidsMake sure you follow all the manufacturer recommendations for motor oil which can also improve your gasoline mileage by 1 or 2 percent according to fuelecomonygov one helpful hint is to look for oil that has an ldquoenergy conservingrdquo label by the american Petroleum institution to ensure it contains friction-reducing additives
it is not down inany maP tRue PlacesneVeR aRe
diRect dePosit oF social secuRity is easieR FoR winteR tRaVeleRs(ara) - as cold weather sets in thousands of retirees are making plans for a winter getaway if yoursquore one of them switch to direct deposit for your social security payments before you leave - itrsquos the safest easiest way to receive your money
ldquoeach year the us department of the treasury receives more than 14 million inquiries regarding paper check-related problemsrdquo says david a lebryk commissioner of the treasury departmentrsquos financial Management service
yet approximately 105 million americans continue to receive their social security and supplemental security income (ssi) payments by paper check each month the treasury departmentrsquos go direct (r) campaign encourages senior citizens and people with disabilities to switch to direct deposit
incReased saFety conVenience and Reliability
ldquowhen therersquos a problem with a social security payment nine times out of 10 itrsquos with a paper check not a direct deposit paymentrdquo says lebryk
Paper checks can be vulnerable to financial crimes like theft and fraud in fact the treasury department investigates more than 70000 cases of altered or fraudulently endorsed checks each year totaling $64 million in estimated value
ldquoin 2008 alone more than 485000 social security and ssi checks were reported lost or stolen and had to be reissuedrdquo says lebryk
direct deposit is also more convenient and reliable there is no more waiting for a check to arrive in the mail and there are no more worries about delivery delays due to severe weather localemergencies and other check related problems last year alone severe weather events forced alternative delivery arrangements for millions of social security and ssi paper checks
ldquoswitching to direct deposit for federal benefits is such an easy way
for people to safeguard their money es-pecially when traveling for extended pe-riods of timerdquo says lebryk ldquoyour money is deposited to your account on payment day so therersquos no need to worry
about delivery delays or a check sitting in your mailbox while yoursquore gonerdquo
PRePaid debit caRd oPtion
in addition to direct deposit the treasury department recommends the direct express (r) debit Mastercard (r) card as an alternative to paper checks for people without bank accounts
More than half a million americans signed up for the optional direct express (r) card in its first year of availability according to the treasury department a recent survey of cardholders finds that 95 percent say they are satisfied with the prepaid debit card and 86 percent say they would recommend it to family members or friends who receive a federal benefit payment
with the direct express card cardholders can make purchases pay bills and get cash at thousands of locations nationwide sign-up is free and no bank account is required while most services are free there are fees for a limited number of optional transactions and services
making tHe switcH is easy
it is easy to make the switch to electronic payments for federal benefits to sign up for direct deposit call the treasury departmentrsquos go direct campaign helpline at 1-800-333-1795 or visit wwwgodirectorg to sign up for the treasury-recommended direct express card or to learn more about the cardrsquos features and fees call 1-877-212-9991 or visit wwwusdirectexpresscom
the preceding information has been provided by the us department of the treasury financial Management service
the go direct (r) campaign is sponsored by the us department of the treasury and the federal reserve banks the direct express (r) debit Mastercard (r) card is issued by comerica bank pursuant to a license by Mastercard international incorporated Mastercard (r) and the Mastercard (r) brand Mark are registered trademarks of Mastercard international incorporated the go direct(r) logo direct express (r) logo and direct express (r) are service marks of the us department of the treasury financial Management service
biZaRRe tRaVel Plans aRe dancing lessons FRom god
time to ReFinance oR buy
right now mortgage rates are at their lowest level since 1971 think about that twenty-five years ago homeowners were paying as much as 18 on a 30-year fixed today itrsquos just a little over 5combine that rate with the tax advantages
of a mortgage and you have an incredibly cheap way to build wealth but you better act now
real estate guru barbara corcoran has already seen a tremendous surge in refinance applications ndash more than triple the average ndash and the number of people getting approved is astronomically higher as well she says but that doesnrsquot mean the low rates are a panacea for the ills of the housing market it is only once home prices start to go up that we will finally see a light at the end of tunnel corcoran says until that happens we are still going to have to crawl out of this mess ldquo[low interest rates are] not a lifesaverrdquo corcoran says ldquothis is just a helping handrdquo
david kittle chairman of the Mortgage bankers association has this advice to homeowners looking to refinance do it donrsquot get greedy searching for another quarter-point lock in rates now he is seeing applications soar over 125 just since thanksgiving due to the low rates
of course you should only refinance if it saves you at least 38 on the rate and if you plan on staying in your home for at least four years kittle says along with good credit proof of income and money by means of a down payment or equity in the home there are certain things every homeowner needs regardless of interest rate levels
easy-to-do maintenance HelPs extend VeHicle liFe(ara) - after their homes most americansrsquo largest financial investment is their vehicle so helping it stay in good working order for as long as possible is a high priority in fact the average age of a passenger car in north america has grown to more than nine years according to rl Polk and co which indicates that motorists are looking for ways to help extend the life of their vehicle
even so todayrsquos tight budgets leave some motorists reluctant to spend on services or maintenance that they think can be delayed at least for the short term however compared to the cost of engine repair spending a little today on the right maintenance routine performed by trusted service technicians using quality products makes sense Mark ferner Pennzoil technical specialist and ase-certified master mechanic offers some simple cost-effective tips for helping to protect the performance and longevity of your vehicle
replace dirty air filters a dirty air filter will restrict airflow to the engine which may reduce power output if the filter fails it will allow unfiltered air into the engine which can be abrasive inside an engine to avoid these issues and help promote long engine life check your enginersquos air filter regularly and change it when it is dirty
use HigH-quality Fuelseveral automotive manufacturers (bMw gM honda toyota volkswagen and audi) have published technical service bulletins recommending the use of top-tier fuel top-tier fuel contains more additives than is required by the industryrsquos lowest additive content (lac) treat rate regular use of fuel that only meets lac requirements may cause deposits to form on engine intake valves and fuel injectors
cHange youR oilregular oil changes are one of the most important steps to maximize the life of a vehicle oil change in-tervals vary by vehicle and driving conditions so follow the interval and oil specifications found in the ownerrsquos manual
also be sure to use quality motor oils in your vehicle Properly functioning motor oils help prevent sludge and neutralize and disperse harmful deposits and using the recommended viscosity grade of motor oil may also help enhance fuel economy if you are having the oil changed for you ask for quality oils by name Quality motor oil will maintain its effectiveness throughout the oil change interval allowing it to help keep the engine clean
as a bonus some motor oil brands offer lubrication warranties at no additional cost for example the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranty Programs protect qualified engines for 300000 miles whether their owners use conventional synthetic-blend or full synthetic motor oils meeting their vehiclesrsquo requirements Participants can enroll online and maintaining eligibility is easy simply get an oil change with the specified brand change the filter perform regular maintenance and keep the service receipts
to learn more about the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranties visit either wwwPennzoilcom or wwwQuakerstatecom or speak with an automotive professional at a participating automotive dealership or oil change facility that features Pennzoil or Quaker state products
PeoPle donrsquot take tRiPs tRiPs take PeoPle
Fin
al
wo
Rd
s
a vacation is what you take when you can no longer take what yoursquove been taking
eaRl wilson
- 1-12-2010pdf
How to casH in on Recession-dRiVen tRaVel deals(ara) - travelers are finding the silver lining of the current economic climate is the availability of some incredible travel values hotel airfare and vacation package prices are all down significantly from last year helping to make travel more affordable than it has been in years
you can spend the same amount and get more - for example choosing to extend a vacation or trading up your hotel choice - or you can pocket the savings
with a little planning even the most budget-conscious can find affordable trips this fall and winter tim Macdonald general manager of expediacom offers some advice for ways to get the most value out of your next vacation
Plan aHead and book witH conFidencein many cases scheduling travel in advance helps you secure the lowest airfare and hotel rates though therersquos always a chance for last-minute sales waiting could
increase the likelihood that you will pay higher
prices this frequently happens during peak times like the winter holidays when there are fewer options for flights and hotel rooms
while airlines and hotels may charge penalties expediacom has eliminated change and cancel fees for hotels cruises car rental and most flight reservations with fewer change and cancel fees to worry about travelers have the flexibility they need to book in advance with confidence
book togetHeR booking airfare and hotel accommodations at the same time not only simplifies the vacation planning process but also can help substantially reduce the overall costs of vacation travel
ldquobooking travel together is one of the easiest ways to save money and get the most value when planning a trip thatrsquos because when you bundle your air travel and hotel together and book them at the same time expediacom is able to pass substantial savings onto
yourdquo says Macdonald ldquolast year expediacom customers saved $248 million by
booking their air travel and hotels togetherrdquo
tRade uPalthough some people may be looking to scale back travel plans or follow a vacation budget more closely than in the past for others there are opportunities to get more for their money this year for roughly the price of a three-star hotel stay last year travelers can now book at a four-star hotel in fact the average daily rate of a four-star hotel is $143 per night 22 percent lower than the average for 2008
ldquowersquore seeing incredible values for luxury hotel prop-erties this yearrdquo says Macdonald ldquofor some travelers this may be their chance to stretch their dollars and upgrade to hotels that have previously been out of their price rangerdquo
be Flexible and tRy sometHing new take time to look for current travel deals to help choose a vacation destination look for exclusive special values and promotional rates to popular destinations including Mexico las vegas new york city and hawaii as well as deals on all-inclusive resorts and cruises all-inclusive options have always been good values because they include meals and many activities in the upfront price whatrsquos more this year the average daily rates for all-inclusive properties are even lower than last year - for instance average daily rates for all-inclusive resorts in the bahamas are 16 percent lower this year from last year
ReseaRcH actiVities in adVance sticking to a travel budget can sometimes be difficult when factoring in activities so be sure to research activities and attractions before your trip to identify these costs in advance in addition booking activities in advance ensures you wonrsquot miss out on attractions events and activities that sell out virtually all vacation destinations also offer inexpensive and free attractions like city parks cultural festivals and museums taking advantage of a mix of free and paid activities can help you get the most out of your vacation for a reasonable price
know beFoRe you gothoroughly researching vacation destinations including available public transportation or local tipping customs (if traveling outside the us) can help avoid any unexpected costs you may be able to avoid the expense of a rental car by identifying public transportation options or by selecting a hotel that provides free transportation if you do need a a rental car make your reservation early and consider adding it to a flight or hotel booking to help secure the best price in fact adding a rental car to your air travel or hotel booking could mean savings of up to 30 percent off typical prices
tHe woRld is a book amp tHose wHo do not tRaVelRead only one Page
a V
ac
at
ion
Ho
me
a
wa
y F
Ro
m H
om
e (ara) - getting away during the spring months is popular for many families especially families with children in school looking for a break from the spring semester visiting relatives traveling from one sightseeing opportunity to another and cramming the whole crew into a hotel room with tight sleeping quarters and one bathroom is all par for the course right well it doesnrsquot have to be
travelers are jumping on the vacation home rental bandwagon where theyrsquore finding comfortable spaces just-like-home amenities and a more relaxing experience - all for about what it costs to book a hotel room in this tough economy owners of second homes are increasingly renting out their properties for some extra cash according to homeaway a collection of vacation-rental web sites and as the market floods prices drop to lure renters
a recent online search of hotels in la Jolla calif a beautiful seaside commu-nity thatrsquos technically part of san diego revealed some hotel rooms starting around $150 a night a search for vacation homes returned two bedroom two bathroom options starting at just over $100 a night
not only do you get more space you get the luxuries of home such as a full kitchen washerdryer and parking all of which are further money-savers Plus standard hotel rooms can be pretty boring rarely lending insight into the destinationrsquos character vacation rentals are an actual personrsquos home albeit a second home and some are even pet-friendly
herersquos how to find a vacation rental that suits your needs
wHeRe to staRtawaycom a research and travel-planning web site offers a comprehensive listing of vacation rentals including houses and condos from all over the web find it at awaycomvacationrentals
be comFoRtableif the thought of renting a vacation home ldquosight unseenrdquo and directly from the owner is daunting work with a property management company such companies particularly ones with local offices know the market well and might even be able to move you to another property if a problem arises
do youR HomewoRkcheck out online photos and read all property reviews if yoursquore renting directly from an owner reach out to them with questions and put a face to the transaction and the golden rule clarify all costs and payment methods upfront time invested in the beginning will yield a more enjoyable experience in the end
whatever you decide is right for your spring vacation book it now as usual the early bird will get the worm
Get Your Carolina
Girl Gear
waRm weatHeR Relaxing oR Playing in tHe snowtiPs FoR Planning youR winteR tRaVels(ara) - the winter months offer the perfect excuse to plan a fabulous getaway and you donrsquot have to travel far to find something that fits your vacation expectations
if you need to flee from the cold depths of winter there are plenty of beaches in florida and california and warm desert landscapes to enjoy in arizona and new Mexico that will warm you up and give your skin a bit of summer glow Picture yourself playing tennis in the sun or lounging by the pool with a book while the kids are splashing around in the water
here are tips on how to best plan your warm-weather winter vacation
look FoR deals duRing tHe slow montHsbecause January and february are so close to the holidays but too early yet for spring break hotels and resorts tend to offer special discounts to encourage traveling
Pack sunblock eVen iF yoursquoVe been ldquotanningrdquo
also make sure your travel bags include sun shades a hat with a brim and a water bottle nothing makes a vacation more uncomfortable than sunburn and dehydration
add a Jacket to tHe luggagenights can get chilly and if the wind blows in a rain cloud or two yoursquoll be glad you have that jacket to ward off the goose bumps
Maybe you like to play in the fluffy white stuff and canrsquot wait to schedule downhill skiing in colorado snowshoeing in Maine or ice fishing in Minnesota the images yoursquoll take home this winter include majestic mountains covered in snow your daughter pulling a
360 while snowboarding down a half-pipe or even a moose with
a full rack of antlers on his head browsing for vegetation along a back country road
tips for planning your snow vacation include
FiguRe out iF yoursquoRe going to take youR geaR oR Rent it at youR destinationwhile looking into this determine if your vehicle can carry all the gear or if there are any restrictions bar-ring you from taking it on the airplane if you plan to rent call ahead of time to reserve your equipment
Pack many layeRs oF clotHing Many snow activities can make you warm but once you stop moving yoursquore going to want the heavier layers back
again donrsquot forget sunblock goggles shades or hat because the sun glaring on snow can easily burn your skin and eyes and winter rays can be just as damaging as those in summer
once you have your destination picked and travels planned therersquos one more step to ensure your winter getaway is successful while away from home having your health and safety front-of-mind is very important so you are prepared for emergencies like falling and breaking a bone while swishing down a ski slope or suddenly discovering you have seafood allergies while sampling fresh crawfish in louisiana
on call international provides travel assistance anywhere in the world to travelers who experience an emergency need medical care or evacuation while away from home if you want to return to your local hospital for treatment because you are familiar with the area and can have your personal doctor available on call will coordinate a medical evacuation for the sick person and help arrange transportation for the rest of the family
only a small percentage of health insurance plans cover medical evacuation when the member is on vacation and away from home this means you could be on the hook for thousands of dollars if you need to be transported from the resortrsquos local clinic to a better hospital hundreds of miles away or need a nurse to monitor your care on the way home after a skiing accident
so when you plan your next trip to sunny texas or snowy Michigan donrsquot forget to pack some comfort and safety for you and your family and consider enrolling in an on call international membership just in case you experience a travel emergency
tHe best time to RediscoVeR a destination
sHouldeR season
(ara) - the first few months of the year when many americans are spending time at home trying to recu-perate from the hustle and bustle of the holidays may not seem like an ideal time to plan a vacation how-ever planning for a time known as ldquoshoulder seasonrdquo the time between peak season and low season is a fantastic time for savvy travelers to find great deals on airfare hotels and attractions while simultaneously experiencing top destinations in a whole new way
ldquoMany travelers donrsquot think to travel in the weeks and months following the holidaysrdquo says brad dean President and ceo for the Myrtle beach area convention and visitorrsquos bureau ldquohowever a shoulder season trip can be the best way for travelers to relax after a busy holiday season destinations offer their lowest rates and best deals of the year at this time and consumers can get away for a fraction of the high-season costrdquo
so when is ldquoshoulder seasonrdquo it will vary slightly depending on your destination figuring out a regionrsquos shoulder season could be as easy as checking out rates at a few area hotels to determine when the rates are at their lowest
consider these convincing facts about shoulder season travel and what a great value it can be for your vacation dollars
Hotel rates airfare and attraction fees are often significantly lower during the shoulder season than any other time of year hotels especially are eager for business during this season and respond with deeply discounted rates and incentives to entice travelers
last minute deals you can plan and implement a very budget-friendly travel itinerary in a relatively short time - sometimes just a day or two as opposed to weeks or months of planning ahead thatrsquos needed during busier seasons
shoulder season travel presents the opportunity to view and experience a popular destination one you may have visited before during peak season in a whole new way for example destinations like Myrtle beach sc that bustle and buzz with activity in the peak season can take on a more laid-back relaxed atmosphere in shoulder season yoursquoll have access to the same major attractions
shows dining and shopping that peak season travelers enjoy but at a less frantic pace
and in that vein yoursquoll enjoy free access to popular attractions lines for popular attractions - most of which will stay open year round - will be shorter in shoulder seasons than any other time of year for example in Myrtle beach top entertainment venues and attractions as well as multiple live entertainment theaters are all open for business but with shorter (if any) lines and less crowds
because yoursquoll be getting a great deal therersquos also the opportunity to extend your vacation by a day or two and take some exciting trips to surround-ing areas the more relaxed attitude of shoulder season travel means you will feel more open to the idea of exploring the surrounding area visitors to the
Myrtle beach area for example can enjoy side trips to huntington beach state Park the nearby pictur-esque community of conway and the lowcountry gem of Pawleyrsquos island
finally shoulder season is a great time to travel to a drive destination like Myrtle beach yoursquoll find less traffic and a more relaxed commute to a location considered one of the top driving destinations for leisure travelers along the eastern seaboard and Midwest
to learn more about shoulder season travel opportunities in Myrtle beach log on to wwwvisitmyrtlebeachcom
Want to grow your business
Join the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce
As the unified voice of business the South Carolina Chamber is working to grow wealth for South Carolinians and businesses in order to improve economic development and quality of life
We help your business and you by
bull GettingyourvoiceheardbyourstatelegislatorsthroughourGrassrootsNetworkbull Workingtopassbusiness-friendlylegislationbull Keepingyouinformedonissuesandprovidingsolutionsforgrowingyour business through our monthly magazine South Carolina Business bull Providingnetworkingopportunitieswithlegislatorsandotherbusinessownersbull Trainingyouremployeesonhumanresourcesqualityandmanagementissuesbull Publishingalegalreferenceseries
Join the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce Contactustodayat800-799-4601Learnmoreatwwwscchambernet
Reconnect with Nature plan a trip to a National Park
Reconnect with Nature plan a trip to a National Park
(ARA) - Considered ldquoAmericarsquos best ideardquo national parks provide travelers preserved views of natural wonder as far as the eye can see An American invention they give us a unique backyard vacation oasis where postcard views meet real life-altering experiences And itrsquos this beauty exploration and enrichment combined with the accessibility of national parks that make them a popular vacation choice
According to the National Park Service trips to national parks are on the rise Tour operators offering guided visits through Americarsquos parks agree
ldquoBookings on our North American National Park tours have witnessed an increase of 180 percent in the last yearrdquo says Scott Nisbet president and CEO for the Globus family of brands ldquoNational parks are idyllic vacation lsquohot spotsrsquo perfect for relaxation and introspection wildlife exploration or adventure depending on the traveler and his or her interestsrdquo
A wide range of experiences can be had at national parks including everything from snorkeling rafting and hiking to learning about the environment geology and wildlife They also provide a perfect retreat for those hoping to reconnect with themselves or nature
And itrsquos the diversity of experiences national parks offer travelers that can make booking a national park vacation seem overwhelming Use these tips from Globus to simplify the process and book the perfect getaway for 2010
Choose the right park destinationFrom the east to west coasts Alaska to Hawaii America has more than 50 national parks to explore Do your research to choose a park that has what yoursquore looking for For instance if yoursquore interested in an abundance of hoodoos and canyons Bryce Canyon National Park might be the right fit Or if you want a vacation filled with bird watching or
boating the Everglades National Park could be a great choice
Go rustic or go luxuryLodging is an important consideration for any vacation Some travelers prefer to experience the outdoor beauty of the parks 24 hours a day and choose to camp Others want to escape to the more modern conveniences provided by nearby hotels cabins and lodges Decide what experience best suits you or your family - and decide early Spots (camping or lodging) fill up quickly especially during peak seasons
On your own or with a guideSome travelers prefer to hike or road trip through national parks while others are interested in a more insightful and pre-planned journey While maps are available for nearly every park guided tours have become a popular option for travelers and are often offered as part of a packaged tour vacation including accommodations
ldquoOur national park-focused tours offer an inclusive-style of travel with incomparable exploration and enrichment opportunitiesrdquo says Nisbet ldquoWith a wide range of national park destinations hotels and price points
coupled with unparalleled service and storytelling we create experiences for travelers they couldnrsquot produce on their ownrdquo
For more information or assistance planning your national park vacation visit wwwus-parkscom wwwnpsgov or wwwglobusjourneyscom Or call your travel agent or the Globus family of brands toll-free at (866) 313-2855
Looking For Your Chance To Win
Check Out Radioscrsquos Contest
South Carolinarsquos Internet
Powered By
(843)720-9604 InfoOnlysc
Win a $100 Shopping Spree
Win Tickets To Events amp Concerts
Win Free Ice Skating For
The Family
Win Tickets To Medieval
Times
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Tickets
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Radiosc is proud to sponsor $100 Shopping Sprees for Publix grocery stores
Check wwwRadiosc for weekly House of Blues ticket giveaways
Win 4 tickets for ice skating and skate rentals at Carolina Ice Palace
Win 4 tickets for Medieval Times in Myrtle Beach
You could win tickets to a Stingraysrsquo Home Game
Each week you have a chance to win an Applebeersquos gift card worth up to $2500
cHaRlestonrsquos oFFice oF cultuRal aFFaiRslauncHes wwwcHaRlestonaRtssc as tHieR new aRts web sitefrom charleston currents
the city of charlestonrsquos office of cultural affairs has launched httpwwwcharlestonartssc a companion web site to the ocarsquos primary page at the cityrsquos official site charlestonartssc will be updated daily with information and features including an arts calendar that users can search by date artist presenting group or venue social networking widgets and a directory of local arts and cultural organizations and venues
ldquowe are hopeful that charlestonartssc will be a major benefit to local artists and arts organizations by disseminating information about their events with the most up-to-date information to a broader publicrdquo said ellen dressler Moryl director of the office of cultural affairs
other options for users at charlestonartssc include the following
bull Arts organizations can download forms from the Office of Cultural Affairs submit events update contact information and compare performance dates with other area organizations
bull The Tools for Professional section of the Web site features job listings for arts professionals including full time and part time work as well as internships and volunteer opportunities with arts and cultural organizations in the tri-county area
bull Updated grant opportunities for arts organizations with detailed information including deadlines application and contact information
bull Call for Submissions and Call for Auditions pages with details about the location deadlines fees andadditional requirements
the new web site also hosts connecting pages for general information on the office of cultural affairs and its projects the charleston farmers Market the city gallery at waterfront Park holiday Magic happy new year charleston the holiday Parade of boats the lowcountry Quarterly arts grant Program Piccolo spoleto and the MoJa arts festival
the web site was developed and is being hosted by carolina Media services ( wwwonlysc)
a RetiRement HometHat HelPs Pay FoR itselF(ara) - with todayrsquos record low real estate prices and at-tractive mortgage rates now may be a good time to think about investing in a second home that ultimately can be used as your permanent residence upon retirement by taking a ldquobuy-and-rentrdquo approach before yoursquore ready to retire your new home will actually have partly paid for itself by the time yoursquore ready to move into it
ldquobuying and renting out a second home as a vacation rental property until yoursquore ready to move in upon retirement can significantly help offset the cost of ownershiprdquo says brian sharples ceo of homeaway the worldrsquos leading online vacation rental marketplace ldquothe income stream in addition to tax write-offs for maintenance and repairs make this an attractive strategy for many people nearing retirementrdquo
according to homeaway the average second-home owner rents out their property to travelers 17 weeks a year generating more than $28000 in rental income annually and the demand for vacation rentals among travelers is growing which is good news for second-home owners in fact 87 percent of travelers who looked into a vacation rental in the past say they plan to stay in a vacation rental in 2010 - a significant increase from the 67 percent who stayed in a vacation rental in 2009
to generate income from a second home prior to moving into it when you retire sharples suggests consumers take the following steps
location and maRket Potentialcarefully review the markets where you want to retire and before you buy consider the areas where consumer demand for vacation rentals is high but inventory is low for example atlantic city nJ sunny isles beach fla hampton beach nh dauphin island ala and Mount Pocono Pa were among some of the most underserved markets for vacation rental properties in 2009 according to homeaway
FactoR in tax wRite-oFFstalk to an accountant about the tax advantages of owning and renting out a second home expenses such as insurance utilities home maintenance and depreciation can be deducted depending on how often you rent out the property and how many weeks you personally stay there each year
adVeRtise to attRact RenteRs when yoursquore ready to rent out the property be sure to market the availability of the vacation rental to travelers by listing it on sites like homeawaycom or vrbocom which reach millions of travelers each month a 12-month listing costs $329 - or less than $28 per month - on homeawaycom so the advertising pays for itself with your first booking - and the rest is pure rental income
stay comPetitiVe amp netwoRk witH owneRs check out other similar vacation rentals in the area to determine what rates theyrsquore charging travelers and price your home at a competitiverate to help drive bookings also be sure to talk with other owners to get their tips and advice for maximizing a second home investment
for more information on buying a second home and effective strategies for maximizing rental income check out homeawayrsquos online community for vacation rental owners at ownercommunityhomeawaycom
tiPs to successFully get youwHeRe you need to be - Fast(ara) - do you ever get a headache just thinking about navigating the streets of an unfamiliar city have you ever booked a hotel in a less-than-great part of town or been late to an appointment because you canrsquot find a parking garage
even the savviest of travelers who can find their way around a city with their eyes closed run into travel snafus sending their blood pressure through the roof navigating the streets of a new city can be one of the most stressful parts of booking and taking a trip whether itrsquos for business or leisure
so you finally landed and yoursquore on your way to the hotel that you booked in the heart of the city everything is going just as you planned not so fast somehow you find yourself nowhere near the bright city lights and in a hotel on the outskirts of town where you wouldnrsquot even venture out for a cup of Joe
sound familiar well yoursquore not alone - more than half of travelers say theyrsquove experienced this very nightmare according to a recent bing survey
while finding decent lodging can be difficult sometimes even thinking about how to get around a city can strike fear into the hearts of business and leisure travelers alike so which city gets travelers hearts racing when just thinking about how to get around unsurprisingly for anyone who has ever visited either new york or los angeles (even just once) both cities topped bingrsquos survey as the worst cities to navigate More than 40 percent said ldquothe heck with driving irsquom getting a taxirdquo when visiting the big apple and a quarter said that the concrete jungle otherwise known as los angeles is too wild for them
so how can you ensure you know enough about a city to get around like you were a local book a decent hotel check out a local concert or find a local hot spot to grab a bite to eat well the folks at bing have a few tips to make your next adventure stress-free
Pay attention to ReViews Most online booking sites offer reviews from other guests who have stayed at the hotel that yoursquore considering while you may be inclined to take the overly positive reviews with a grain of salt itrsquos best to steer clear if a hotel receives consistent negative customer reviews
study uPcheck out the local convention center visitorsrsquo bureau or chamber of commerce web sites to learn more about the city and its surrounding neighborhoods this will help give you a better idea of whatrsquos near your destination and the neighborhoods that surround it
RemembeRyou get wHat you Pay FoRif yoursquore paying a two-star rate donrsquot expect to get four- or five-star accommodations and a mint on your pillow a cheaper rate rarely buys you luxury but you should still be able to score a clean safe room that provides for your basic needs
HoP onlineuse online resources like bing Mapsrsquo new streetside experience a three-dimensional mapping tool Just log on to bing Maps where you can zoom in from satellite level to birdrsquos eye view and even down to street level for 56 major us metro areas
now you can virtually walk the streets of your next adventure with actual 360-degree footage of the area not only can you tell if a hotel is in a good neighborhood yoursquoll be able to see if therersquos a wifi coffee shop nearby where you can sync up your computer before your next meeting or scope out any traffic jams before you head out and you can even find the nearest parking garage so yoursquore never late again to your lunch date - unlike the more than 40 percent of bing survey respondents who were fashionably late because they couldnrsquot find a parking spot
ldquobooking a hotel room on the internet can be a risky proposition if you canrsquot see the room hotel or area itrsquos in before you bookrdquo says blaise aguera y arcas architect of bing Maps and Msn at Microsoft ldquobut technology like streetside is making it possible to scope out a neighborhood - and ensure itrsquos one you want to stay in - without ever having to leave the comfort of your computer chairrdquo in fact the bing survey found that nearly a quarter of travelers rated finding a decent hotel as the most frustrating part of planning their trip
Plus stay up-to-date on the best places to check out on your next trip by using bingrsquos twitter mapping app now you can get real-time information about an area - such as seeing the latest tweets for the local shopping mall before you even go there or even updates about local events and breaking news
log onto bing Maps where you can plan your next trip whether itrsquos a far away city or even your own town now you can be a travel guru no matter where you are
setting and stickingto youR tRaVel budget(ara) - travel can be one of the biggest-ticket items you invest in each year so itrsquos worth it to plan ahead
setting a budget - and sticking to it - can help you stay in better control of spending according to a recent visa survey a majority (54 percent) of last yearrsquos summer travelers either didnrsquot set a budget oroverspent their budget while traveling and more than a quarter of those surveyed overspent by more than $250 to make sure this doesnrsquot happen to you itrsquos important to create a realistic travel budget and make a plan for how you will spend within your means while on the road
to create a budget think through your trip first include the basics such as transportation to and from your destination and lodging next plan for expenses that come up along the way such as meals on the road
hosthostess gifts rental cars or public transportation donrsquot forget to include entertainment - whether sightseeing or going to the movies itrsquos also a good idea to build in a cushion for the unexpected
once yoursquove set your travel budget you need to stick to it one tool that can help is a prepaid travel card a prepaid card draws from funds that are set aside in advance for purchases here are a few ways prepaid travel cards can come in handy
keeP tRaVel Funds sePaRate an easy way to make sure you donrsquot go over budget is to set your travel budget aside on a prepaid travel card simply load the card with your travel budget and use it for everything from online booking to grabbing lunch during an (unexpectedly extended) layover without worrying about spending more than you planned or dipping into gift-buying funds
access casHwhether you need a few dollars or several yen choose a prepaid card that will allow you to withdraw cash from atMs around the world if yoursquore traveling internationally itrsquoll also save you the hassle of tracking down and waiting in line for local currency
bRowse and buy look for a prepaid card that you can use online travel sites offer a wealth of information and detailed listings of competing offers from airlines and hotels as well as reviews from fellow travelers for flights you can typically compare possible savings by traveling on al-ternate days or from nearby airports once you spot the deal that works for your budget use your prepaid travel card to snap it up
enJoy Peace oF mind wHen tRaVeling Prepaid cards may come with travel-related services for example the visa travelMoney card offers zero liability for lost or stolen cards as well as lost luggage reimbursement and purchase security Make sure you know which benefits your card offers and how they work so you can tap into them should the need arise
with some advance preparation and the right tools in place you donrsquot have to overspend on travel in fact with some careful planning you could end up with enough left to buy yourself a little something to remember the trip for more information about visa travelMoney visit wwwvisacomtravelmoney
Click To Listen While You Browse
South Carolinarsquos Internet
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need an easy getaway FoR tHe Family Plan a budget-FRiendly tRiP to a national PaRk(ara) - american families have spoken the vacation is a top priority ninety-four percent of americans agreed that even in tough economic times family vacations are worth the money according to a recent survey by expediacom to keep the vacation affordable and easy think about introducing your family to the splendor of the national park system - where activities are abundant and costs are minimal
expediacom recently partnered with the national Park foundation to provide a permanent one-stop shop to help travelers plan and book vacations to americarsquos national parks
ldquothere are excellent values for traveling families right now and taking a trip to a national park is one of the best ways to stretch your vacation dollarsrdquo says lee woodruff author travel expert and mother of four
ldquofamilies are looking for ways to reconnect with each other and what better option for an affordable vacation than a national parkrdquo
here are five easy steps to plan the perfect national park getaway
1 get inspired ken burns recently debuted a six-part documentary series for Pbs titledldquothe national Parks americarsquos best ideardquo tune into Pbs or order a copy online to find inspiration and a detailed look at some of the most beautiful places in the world from acadia to the grand canyon and yosemite to the gates of the arctic in alaska
2 Pick the park with original content from the national Park foundation expediacomrsquos national park web site is the perfect resource for families to find the national park to fit their vacation needs
the site offers pre-set ldquolong weekendrdquo itineraries to start your planning you can also search through the ldquocanrsquot Miss national Parksrdquo section to learn about the parkrsquos location its natural features little-known facts including the best times to visit and activities to choose from in each area expediarsquos site also offers downloadable park maps to help you get your bearings
3 more ways to save take advantage of the public amenities that national parks offer like camping and picnic sites while there is a small entrance fee to the parks you can cut back on costs by bringing your own meals and treating the kids to lunch by a waterfall or overlooking the grand canyon also enjoy the free activities such as hiking biking and birding that the parks offer
4 book your hotel and rental car if camping isnrsquot your familyrsquos style consider any of the great lodges in and around the national park of your choice and if yoursquore planning to rent a car consider booking lodging and car together to substantially reduce the overall costs of your vacation
5 give back consider giving back to the national Park foundation by visiting the web site wwwnationalparksorg and donate or learn more about volunteer opportunities within americarsquos national parks helping out in these small ways ensures the parks will remain beautiful so your kids can bring their own children one day
ldquoPlanning the vacation is half of the fun so get every-one involved in the processrdquo says woodruff ldquothere are so many options in our national park system many of which have rich and amazing heritage so the whole family is going to enjoy something when you visitrdquo
bookmaRk youRFaVoRite Road
a bRieF HistoRyoF PaVed Roads
(ara) - Planes and trains may have their place in our society but for the dedicated traveler therersquos still nothing like getting in your car and taking a trip along americarsquos highways
half the fun of road trips in the minds of many is getting home and telling friends and family about the adventure - and the roads they traveled
in the past driversrsquo road stories were largely told by word of mouth to a few people at a time now drivers can tell their tales to millions via the internet favoriteroadcom is a new web site that features americarsquos favorite highways and byways
the site encourages you to post your favorite roads and explain why you like them simply log on to submit a photo and story of your favorite road use links posted on the site to share your road via popular social networks such as facebook and twitter your submission may even win a prize in contest giveaways
the past yearrsquos economic downturn has reintroduced the word ldquoinfrastructurerdquo to our vocabulary as a result of stimulus legislation passed in 2009 the federal government has allocated millions of dollars to specifically improve state roads and highways and with more affordable gasoline prices people are increasingly using americarsquos roads for leisure travel
by posting on favoriteroadcom yoursquore doing more than just ldquotelling a good storyrdquo your testimonials may help encourage lawmakers to push for increased infrastructure spending to keep america driving smoothly and safely for years to come
whatrsquos your favorite road log on and tell the world at favoriteroadcom
625 bc the babylonians are credited with the first recorded use of asphalt as a road building material the ancient greeks were also familiar with asphalt (the word comes from the greek ldquoasphaltosrdquo meaning ldquosecurerdquo)
1500s christopher columbus landed off the shores of trinidad in 1498 and discovered the famous asphalt lake which would later be used on the Pennsylvania avenue project in washington dc covering 54000 square yards
1800s Macadam roads became popular in the us for rural road construction during the 1830s and 40s belgian chemist edmund J desmedt laid the first true asphalt pavement in the us in newark nJ the cummer company opened the first central hot mix production facilities in the us the first asphalt patent was filed by nathan b abbott of brooklyn ny in 1871
1920s world war i ended and the use of the automo-bile was steadily rising but roads outside the city limits were frequently too muddy or dusty for travel to fix this problem road engineers used oils and asphalt
1940s-1950s the modern american turnpike is born after world war ii full scale automobile production resumed along with major levels of road maintenance and new highway construction by 1950 vehicle registration exceeded 40 million cars and 8 million trucks in 1956 President eisenhower signed the federal-aid highway act and launched the interstate system to create an infrastructure highway program -unmatched anywhere in the world
1970s a national move to conserve energy and materials initiated a widespread interest in recycling of pavement materials asphalt is now americarsquos most recycled product
1990s a traffic study by the world road association indicates that asphalt pavements are at least 4 decibels quieter than concrete pavements
2000s the us population has increased 23 percent since 1990 and the number of miles driven has risen by 41 percent only half of the nationrsquos major roads are in good condition based on an analysis of recent federal highway administration data
wandeRing Re-establisHes tHe oRiginal
HaRmony wHicH once existed between
man and tHe uniVeRse
business oR leisuRe dRiVing oR FlyingtRaVel saFely natuRally(ara) - weekend getaways shorter vacations and overnight business trips are great ways to save money and are becoming more prevalent according to the bureau of transportation taking a few simple and natural steps to stay safe and healthy while on the road can not only protect your travel investment butenhance your entire experience
ReFResHed and aleRt dRiVing diFFusion
a shorter thriftier trip is likely to be by car the inevitable rush to make the most of the limited time
away after a tiring work week can create fatigue so donrsquot make it a dangerous driving situation enliven your senses with essential oil scents
ditch the cardboard cutout car ldquofreshenerrdquo that hangs from the rearview mirror not only distracting these products are usually saturated with synthetic fragrance chemicals and probably arenrsquot the best thing to inhale while enclosed in your vehicle instead rely on a sleek essential oil diffuser that plugs into your automobilersquos phone charger power outlet these devices feature small paper fiber pads to which you can apply your own custom blend of essential oils allowing you to not only
scent the air inside the car but also to provide refreshing aromatherapy benefits to help keep you alert and focused on the road
a simpler alternative way to diffuse is to apply several drops of oil to a tissue and tuck it carefully into one of the vents in the dash
try these essential oils for the car Peppermint essential oil - refreshing awakening
uplifting eucalyptus essential oil - bracing purifying
protecting lemon essential oil - pleasant deodorizing
cheering
How clean is youR Hotel Room
overnight stays in less than posh hotel digs may be part of the money-saving travel trend even upscale hotels arenrsquot immune to dirt and germs or worse an apparent outbreak of bedbug infestations in the united states recently publicized by the environmental Protection agency
bedbugs aside there are always nagging doubts about just how clean a hotel room actually is has the shower or tub been scrubbed or merely wiped down is the toilet sanitized has the bedspread ever really been thoroughly cleaned fortunately there are ways to protect yourself after you check in but before you settle into your temporary overnight home
air and surface sanitizing spray feel good about travel with a bottle of homemade purifying aromatherapy solution that relies on pleasantly scented and highly effective essential oils rather than harsh chemical disinfectants the following spray will help you create a hygienic environment in your temporary hotel home apply it to tub vanity and toilet surfaces
ingredientsempty 12 to16 ounce spray bottle10 ounces water2 ounces isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or
vodka12 teaspoon tea tree essential oil
(antimicrobial)12 teaspoon lemon essential oil
(cleansing)12 teaspoon lavandin essential oil
(protecting)12 teaspoon sweet orange essential oil
(freshening)
directions combine all ingredients in the spray bottle shake and apply to a washcloth and wipe down the tvrsquos remote the clock radio the door handles and the faucethandles in the bathroom
Purifying and Relaxing linen mist here are some great tips for making a strange bed feel more like home take along your own pillow and replace the ones provided create your own linen mist and use it on your own bed at home then travel with the same blend taking a little bit of home with you when you arrive at your destination turn down the covers exchange the pillows and apply your signature scent to the bed
ingredientsempty 4 to 8 ounce spray bottle4 to 8 ounces water13 drops lavender essential oil
(relaxing calming)5 drops lavandin or spike lavender
essential oil (purifying protecting)
directionscombine the water and oil in the bottle shake the contents thoroughly just before application
remember to look for pure and natural essential oil brands like aura cacia that donrsquot include synthetic petrochemical fragrances for more information on how to enhance your life through aromatherapy visit wwwauracaciacom
PRePaRe youR VeHicle FoR a HuRRicane eVacuation(ara) - ana bill claudette - the first three atlantic ocean hurricanes of the season made headlines but not to the extent of katrina or ike of recent years and while these three hurricanes have come and gone who knows if - or when - grace or henry might pay a visit to your town
the 2009 hurricane season has an expected 90 percent chance of being a near-normal or below-normal season for the atlantic ocean according to the national oceanic and atmospheric administration this prediction - if accurate - will be welcomed with a sigh of relief by many residents in coastal towns after the above-normal year in 2008
but even if noaa is predicting a quiet year for hurricanes you can never be over prepared if you donrsquot have your emergency evacuation plan organized itrsquos time to make one no matter if yoursquore planning on traveling 100 miles or 1000 miles you need an evacuation plan as a representative of a gulf coast
company Maricela carter a health safety security environment coordinator with soPus has some tips on how to prepare your vehicle for potential evacuations
Plan eVacuation Routescheck newspapers online sites the local emergency broadcast radio station and local television stations for the latest information on official evacuation routes Purchase a good map with details on elevations waterways and county roads and familiarize yourself with the most efficient ways to get out of town
Pack an emeRgency kitautomobiles are susceptible to unexpected problems so keep an emergency kit in your trunk include jumper cables extra motor oil window washing brake and coolant fluids simple tools like an air pressure gauge screwdriver pliers and adjustable wrench a role of
paper towels a windup flashlight and a can of fix-a-flat in case you get a flat tire
fix-a-flat creates a temporary emergency seal on contact with the tire and inflates the tire between eight and 14 pounds per square inch so that the car can be driven to a gas station for proper repair of the tire this can help you to get back on the road and out of the hurricanersquos way quickly and easily
Fill uP tHe tankeveryone is going to need fuel in order to evacuate so plan to fill up your tank as soon as you hear a hurricane warning this helps to prevent sudden demands on the supply once your tank is full conserve the amount of gas you use for the next couple of days by combining your errands into one trip and not traveling during rush hour
cHeck tiRe PRessuRein order to help conserve fuel make sure your tires are at the manufacturerrsquos recommended pressure - usually printed on the driverrsquos door of your car keeping tires at the correct pressure can improve your gasoline mileage by 33 percent according to fueleconomygov which means yoursquoll be able to travel further when evacuating
use PRoPeR FluidsMake sure you follow all the manufacturer recommendations for motor oil which can also improve your gasoline mileage by 1 or 2 percent according to fuelecomonygov one helpful hint is to look for oil that has an ldquoenergy conservingrdquo label by the american Petroleum institution to ensure it contains friction-reducing additives
it is not down inany maP tRue PlacesneVeR aRe
diRect dePosit oF social secuRity is easieR FoR winteR tRaVeleRs(ara) - as cold weather sets in thousands of retirees are making plans for a winter getaway if yoursquore one of them switch to direct deposit for your social security payments before you leave - itrsquos the safest easiest way to receive your money
ldquoeach year the us department of the treasury receives more than 14 million inquiries regarding paper check-related problemsrdquo says david a lebryk commissioner of the treasury departmentrsquos financial Management service
yet approximately 105 million americans continue to receive their social security and supplemental security income (ssi) payments by paper check each month the treasury departmentrsquos go direct (r) campaign encourages senior citizens and people with disabilities to switch to direct deposit
incReased saFety conVenience and Reliability
ldquowhen therersquos a problem with a social security payment nine times out of 10 itrsquos with a paper check not a direct deposit paymentrdquo says lebryk
Paper checks can be vulnerable to financial crimes like theft and fraud in fact the treasury department investigates more than 70000 cases of altered or fraudulently endorsed checks each year totaling $64 million in estimated value
ldquoin 2008 alone more than 485000 social security and ssi checks were reported lost or stolen and had to be reissuedrdquo says lebryk
direct deposit is also more convenient and reliable there is no more waiting for a check to arrive in the mail and there are no more worries about delivery delays due to severe weather localemergencies and other check related problems last year alone severe weather events forced alternative delivery arrangements for millions of social security and ssi paper checks
ldquoswitching to direct deposit for federal benefits is such an easy way
for people to safeguard their money es-pecially when traveling for extended pe-riods of timerdquo says lebryk ldquoyour money is deposited to your account on payment day so therersquos no need to worry
about delivery delays or a check sitting in your mailbox while yoursquore gonerdquo
PRePaid debit caRd oPtion
in addition to direct deposit the treasury department recommends the direct express (r) debit Mastercard (r) card as an alternative to paper checks for people without bank accounts
More than half a million americans signed up for the optional direct express (r) card in its first year of availability according to the treasury department a recent survey of cardholders finds that 95 percent say they are satisfied with the prepaid debit card and 86 percent say they would recommend it to family members or friends who receive a federal benefit payment
with the direct express card cardholders can make purchases pay bills and get cash at thousands of locations nationwide sign-up is free and no bank account is required while most services are free there are fees for a limited number of optional transactions and services
making tHe switcH is easy
it is easy to make the switch to electronic payments for federal benefits to sign up for direct deposit call the treasury departmentrsquos go direct campaign helpline at 1-800-333-1795 or visit wwwgodirectorg to sign up for the treasury-recommended direct express card or to learn more about the cardrsquos features and fees call 1-877-212-9991 or visit wwwusdirectexpresscom
the preceding information has been provided by the us department of the treasury financial Management service
the go direct (r) campaign is sponsored by the us department of the treasury and the federal reserve banks the direct express (r) debit Mastercard (r) card is issued by comerica bank pursuant to a license by Mastercard international incorporated Mastercard (r) and the Mastercard (r) brand Mark are registered trademarks of Mastercard international incorporated the go direct(r) logo direct express (r) logo and direct express (r) are service marks of the us department of the treasury financial Management service
biZaRRe tRaVel Plans aRe dancing lessons FRom god
time to ReFinance oR buy
right now mortgage rates are at their lowest level since 1971 think about that twenty-five years ago homeowners were paying as much as 18 on a 30-year fixed today itrsquos just a little over 5combine that rate with the tax advantages
of a mortgage and you have an incredibly cheap way to build wealth but you better act now
real estate guru barbara corcoran has already seen a tremendous surge in refinance applications ndash more than triple the average ndash and the number of people getting approved is astronomically higher as well she says but that doesnrsquot mean the low rates are a panacea for the ills of the housing market it is only once home prices start to go up that we will finally see a light at the end of tunnel corcoran says until that happens we are still going to have to crawl out of this mess ldquo[low interest rates are] not a lifesaverrdquo corcoran says ldquothis is just a helping handrdquo
david kittle chairman of the Mortgage bankers association has this advice to homeowners looking to refinance do it donrsquot get greedy searching for another quarter-point lock in rates now he is seeing applications soar over 125 just since thanksgiving due to the low rates
of course you should only refinance if it saves you at least 38 on the rate and if you plan on staying in your home for at least four years kittle says along with good credit proof of income and money by means of a down payment or equity in the home there are certain things every homeowner needs regardless of interest rate levels
easy-to-do maintenance HelPs extend VeHicle liFe(ara) - after their homes most americansrsquo largest financial investment is their vehicle so helping it stay in good working order for as long as possible is a high priority in fact the average age of a passenger car in north america has grown to more than nine years according to rl Polk and co which indicates that motorists are looking for ways to help extend the life of their vehicle
even so todayrsquos tight budgets leave some motorists reluctant to spend on services or maintenance that they think can be delayed at least for the short term however compared to the cost of engine repair spending a little today on the right maintenance routine performed by trusted service technicians using quality products makes sense Mark ferner Pennzoil technical specialist and ase-certified master mechanic offers some simple cost-effective tips for helping to protect the performance and longevity of your vehicle
replace dirty air filters a dirty air filter will restrict airflow to the engine which may reduce power output if the filter fails it will allow unfiltered air into the engine which can be abrasive inside an engine to avoid these issues and help promote long engine life check your enginersquos air filter regularly and change it when it is dirty
use HigH-quality Fuelseveral automotive manufacturers (bMw gM honda toyota volkswagen and audi) have published technical service bulletins recommending the use of top-tier fuel top-tier fuel contains more additives than is required by the industryrsquos lowest additive content (lac) treat rate regular use of fuel that only meets lac requirements may cause deposits to form on engine intake valves and fuel injectors
cHange youR oilregular oil changes are one of the most important steps to maximize the life of a vehicle oil change in-tervals vary by vehicle and driving conditions so follow the interval and oil specifications found in the ownerrsquos manual
also be sure to use quality motor oils in your vehicle Properly functioning motor oils help prevent sludge and neutralize and disperse harmful deposits and using the recommended viscosity grade of motor oil may also help enhance fuel economy if you are having the oil changed for you ask for quality oils by name Quality motor oil will maintain its effectiveness throughout the oil change interval allowing it to help keep the engine clean
as a bonus some motor oil brands offer lubrication warranties at no additional cost for example the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranty Programs protect qualified engines for 300000 miles whether their owners use conventional synthetic-blend or full synthetic motor oils meeting their vehiclesrsquo requirements Participants can enroll online and maintaining eligibility is easy simply get an oil change with the specified brand change the filter perform regular maintenance and keep the service receipts
to learn more about the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranties visit either wwwPennzoilcom or wwwQuakerstatecom or speak with an automotive professional at a participating automotive dealership or oil change facility that features Pennzoil or Quaker state products
PeoPle donrsquot take tRiPs tRiPs take PeoPle
Fin
al
wo
Rd
s
a vacation is what you take when you can no longer take what yoursquove been taking
eaRl wilson
- 1-12-2010pdf
tRade uPalthough some people may be looking to scale back travel plans or follow a vacation budget more closely than in the past for others there are opportunities to get more for their money this year for roughly the price of a three-star hotel stay last year travelers can now book at a four-star hotel in fact the average daily rate of a four-star hotel is $143 per night 22 percent lower than the average for 2008
ldquowersquore seeing incredible values for luxury hotel prop-erties this yearrdquo says Macdonald ldquofor some travelers this may be their chance to stretch their dollars and upgrade to hotels that have previously been out of their price rangerdquo
be Flexible and tRy sometHing new take time to look for current travel deals to help choose a vacation destination look for exclusive special values and promotional rates to popular destinations including Mexico las vegas new york city and hawaii as well as deals on all-inclusive resorts and cruises all-inclusive options have always been good values because they include meals and many activities in the upfront price whatrsquos more this year the average daily rates for all-inclusive properties are even lower than last year - for instance average daily rates for all-inclusive resorts in the bahamas are 16 percent lower this year from last year
ReseaRcH actiVities in adVance sticking to a travel budget can sometimes be difficult when factoring in activities so be sure to research activities and attractions before your trip to identify these costs in advance in addition booking activities in advance ensures you wonrsquot miss out on attractions events and activities that sell out virtually all vacation destinations also offer inexpensive and free attractions like city parks cultural festivals and museums taking advantage of a mix of free and paid activities can help you get the most out of your vacation for a reasonable price
know beFoRe you gothoroughly researching vacation destinations including available public transportation or local tipping customs (if traveling outside the us) can help avoid any unexpected costs you may be able to avoid the expense of a rental car by identifying public transportation options or by selecting a hotel that provides free transportation if you do need a a rental car make your reservation early and consider adding it to a flight or hotel booking to help secure the best price in fact adding a rental car to your air travel or hotel booking could mean savings of up to 30 percent off typical prices
tHe woRld is a book amp tHose wHo do not tRaVelRead only one Page
a V
ac
at
ion
Ho
me
a
wa
y F
Ro
m H
om
e (ara) - getting away during the spring months is popular for many families especially families with children in school looking for a break from the spring semester visiting relatives traveling from one sightseeing opportunity to another and cramming the whole crew into a hotel room with tight sleeping quarters and one bathroom is all par for the course right well it doesnrsquot have to be
travelers are jumping on the vacation home rental bandwagon where theyrsquore finding comfortable spaces just-like-home amenities and a more relaxing experience - all for about what it costs to book a hotel room in this tough economy owners of second homes are increasingly renting out their properties for some extra cash according to homeaway a collection of vacation-rental web sites and as the market floods prices drop to lure renters
a recent online search of hotels in la Jolla calif a beautiful seaside commu-nity thatrsquos technically part of san diego revealed some hotel rooms starting around $150 a night a search for vacation homes returned two bedroom two bathroom options starting at just over $100 a night
not only do you get more space you get the luxuries of home such as a full kitchen washerdryer and parking all of which are further money-savers Plus standard hotel rooms can be pretty boring rarely lending insight into the destinationrsquos character vacation rentals are an actual personrsquos home albeit a second home and some are even pet-friendly
herersquos how to find a vacation rental that suits your needs
wHeRe to staRtawaycom a research and travel-planning web site offers a comprehensive listing of vacation rentals including houses and condos from all over the web find it at awaycomvacationrentals
be comFoRtableif the thought of renting a vacation home ldquosight unseenrdquo and directly from the owner is daunting work with a property management company such companies particularly ones with local offices know the market well and might even be able to move you to another property if a problem arises
do youR HomewoRkcheck out online photos and read all property reviews if yoursquore renting directly from an owner reach out to them with questions and put a face to the transaction and the golden rule clarify all costs and payment methods upfront time invested in the beginning will yield a more enjoyable experience in the end
whatever you decide is right for your spring vacation book it now as usual the early bird will get the worm
Get Your Carolina
Girl Gear
waRm weatHeR Relaxing oR Playing in tHe snowtiPs FoR Planning youR winteR tRaVels(ara) - the winter months offer the perfect excuse to plan a fabulous getaway and you donrsquot have to travel far to find something that fits your vacation expectations
if you need to flee from the cold depths of winter there are plenty of beaches in florida and california and warm desert landscapes to enjoy in arizona and new Mexico that will warm you up and give your skin a bit of summer glow Picture yourself playing tennis in the sun or lounging by the pool with a book while the kids are splashing around in the water
here are tips on how to best plan your warm-weather winter vacation
look FoR deals duRing tHe slow montHsbecause January and february are so close to the holidays but too early yet for spring break hotels and resorts tend to offer special discounts to encourage traveling
Pack sunblock eVen iF yoursquoVe been ldquotanningrdquo
also make sure your travel bags include sun shades a hat with a brim and a water bottle nothing makes a vacation more uncomfortable than sunburn and dehydration
add a Jacket to tHe luggagenights can get chilly and if the wind blows in a rain cloud or two yoursquoll be glad you have that jacket to ward off the goose bumps
Maybe you like to play in the fluffy white stuff and canrsquot wait to schedule downhill skiing in colorado snowshoeing in Maine or ice fishing in Minnesota the images yoursquoll take home this winter include majestic mountains covered in snow your daughter pulling a
360 while snowboarding down a half-pipe or even a moose with
a full rack of antlers on his head browsing for vegetation along a back country road
tips for planning your snow vacation include
FiguRe out iF yoursquoRe going to take youR geaR oR Rent it at youR destinationwhile looking into this determine if your vehicle can carry all the gear or if there are any restrictions bar-ring you from taking it on the airplane if you plan to rent call ahead of time to reserve your equipment
Pack many layeRs oF clotHing Many snow activities can make you warm but once you stop moving yoursquore going to want the heavier layers back
again donrsquot forget sunblock goggles shades or hat because the sun glaring on snow can easily burn your skin and eyes and winter rays can be just as damaging as those in summer
once you have your destination picked and travels planned therersquos one more step to ensure your winter getaway is successful while away from home having your health and safety front-of-mind is very important so you are prepared for emergencies like falling and breaking a bone while swishing down a ski slope or suddenly discovering you have seafood allergies while sampling fresh crawfish in louisiana
on call international provides travel assistance anywhere in the world to travelers who experience an emergency need medical care or evacuation while away from home if you want to return to your local hospital for treatment because you are familiar with the area and can have your personal doctor available on call will coordinate a medical evacuation for the sick person and help arrange transportation for the rest of the family
only a small percentage of health insurance plans cover medical evacuation when the member is on vacation and away from home this means you could be on the hook for thousands of dollars if you need to be transported from the resortrsquos local clinic to a better hospital hundreds of miles away or need a nurse to monitor your care on the way home after a skiing accident
so when you plan your next trip to sunny texas or snowy Michigan donrsquot forget to pack some comfort and safety for you and your family and consider enrolling in an on call international membership just in case you experience a travel emergency
tHe best time to RediscoVeR a destination
sHouldeR season
(ara) - the first few months of the year when many americans are spending time at home trying to recu-perate from the hustle and bustle of the holidays may not seem like an ideal time to plan a vacation how-ever planning for a time known as ldquoshoulder seasonrdquo the time between peak season and low season is a fantastic time for savvy travelers to find great deals on airfare hotels and attractions while simultaneously experiencing top destinations in a whole new way
ldquoMany travelers donrsquot think to travel in the weeks and months following the holidaysrdquo says brad dean President and ceo for the Myrtle beach area convention and visitorrsquos bureau ldquohowever a shoulder season trip can be the best way for travelers to relax after a busy holiday season destinations offer their lowest rates and best deals of the year at this time and consumers can get away for a fraction of the high-season costrdquo
so when is ldquoshoulder seasonrdquo it will vary slightly depending on your destination figuring out a regionrsquos shoulder season could be as easy as checking out rates at a few area hotels to determine when the rates are at their lowest
consider these convincing facts about shoulder season travel and what a great value it can be for your vacation dollars
Hotel rates airfare and attraction fees are often significantly lower during the shoulder season than any other time of year hotels especially are eager for business during this season and respond with deeply discounted rates and incentives to entice travelers
last minute deals you can plan and implement a very budget-friendly travel itinerary in a relatively short time - sometimes just a day or two as opposed to weeks or months of planning ahead thatrsquos needed during busier seasons
shoulder season travel presents the opportunity to view and experience a popular destination one you may have visited before during peak season in a whole new way for example destinations like Myrtle beach sc that bustle and buzz with activity in the peak season can take on a more laid-back relaxed atmosphere in shoulder season yoursquoll have access to the same major attractions
shows dining and shopping that peak season travelers enjoy but at a less frantic pace
and in that vein yoursquoll enjoy free access to popular attractions lines for popular attractions - most of which will stay open year round - will be shorter in shoulder seasons than any other time of year for example in Myrtle beach top entertainment venues and attractions as well as multiple live entertainment theaters are all open for business but with shorter (if any) lines and less crowds
because yoursquoll be getting a great deal therersquos also the opportunity to extend your vacation by a day or two and take some exciting trips to surround-ing areas the more relaxed attitude of shoulder season travel means you will feel more open to the idea of exploring the surrounding area visitors to the
Myrtle beach area for example can enjoy side trips to huntington beach state Park the nearby pictur-esque community of conway and the lowcountry gem of Pawleyrsquos island
finally shoulder season is a great time to travel to a drive destination like Myrtle beach yoursquoll find less traffic and a more relaxed commute to a location considered one of the top driving destinations for leisure travelers along the eastern seaboard and Midwest
to learn more about shoulder season travel opportunities in Myrtle beach log on to wwwvisitmyrtlebeachcom
Want to grow your business
Join the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce
As the unified voice of business the South Carolina Chamber is working to grow wealth for South Carolinians and businesses in order to improve economic development and quality of life
We help your business and you by
bull GettingyourvoiceheardbyourstatelegislatorsthroughourGrassrootsNetworkbull Workingtopassbusiness-friendlylegislationbull Keepingyouinformedonissuesandprovidingsolutionsforgrowingyour business through our monthly magazine South Carolina Business bull Providingnetworkingopportunitieswithlegislatorsandotherbusinessownersbull Trainingyouremployeesonhumanresourcesqualityandmanagementissuesbull Publishingalegalreferenceseries
Join the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce Contactustodayat800-799-4601Learnmoreatwwwscchambernet
Reconnect with Nature plan a trip to a National Park
Reconnect with Nature plan a trip to a National Park
(ARA) - Considered ldquoAmericarsquos best ideardquo national parks provide travelers preserved views of natural wonder as far as the eye can see An American invention they give us a unique backyard vacation oasis where postcard views meet real life-altering experiences And itrsquos this beauty exploration and enrichment combined with the accessibility of national parks that make them a popular vacation choice
According to the National Park Service trips to national parks are on the rise Tour operators offering guided visits through Americarsquos parks agree
ldquoBookings on our North American National Park tours have witnessed an increase of 180 percent in the last yearrdquo says Scott Nisbet president and CEO for the Globus family of brands ldquoNational parks are idyllic vacation lsquohot spotsrsquo perfect for relaxation and introspection wildlife exploration or adventure depending on the traveler and his or her interestsrdquo
A wide range of experiences can be had at national parks including everything from snorkeling rafting and hiking to learning about the environment geology and wildlife They also provide a perfect retreat for those hoping to reconnect with themselves or nature
And itrsquos the diversity of experiences national parks offer travelers that can make booking a national park vacation seem overwhelming Use these tips from Globus to simplify the process and book the perfect getaway for 2010
Choose the right park destinationFrom the east to west coasts Alaska to Hawaii America has more than 50 national parks to explore Do your research to choose a park that has what yoursquore looking for For instance if yoursquore interested in an abundance of hoodoos and canyons Bryce Canyon National Park might be the right fit Or if you want a vacation filled with bird watching or
boating the Everglades National Park could be a great choice
Go rustic or go luxuryLodging is an important consideration for any vacation Some travelers prefer to experience the outdoor beauty of the parks 24 hours a day and choose to camp Others want to escape to the more modern conveniences provided by nearby hotels cabins and lodges Decide what experience best suits you or your family - and decide early Spots (camping or lodging) fill up quickly especially during peak seasons
On your own or with a guideSome travelers prefer to hike or road trip through national parks while others are interested in a more insightful and pre-planned journey While maps are available for nearly every park guided tours have become a popular option for travelers and are often offered as part of a packaged tour vacation including accommodations
ldquoOur national park-focused tours offer an inclusive-style of travel with incomparable exploration and enrichment opportunitiesrdquo says Nisbet ldquoWith a wide range of national park destinations hotels and price points
coupled with unparalleled service and storytelling we create experiences for travelers they couldnrsquot produce on their ownrdquo
For more information or assistance planning your national park vacation visit wwwus-parkscom wwwnpsgov or wwwglobusjourneyscom Or call your travel agent or the Globus family of brands toll-free at (866) 313-2855
Looking For Your Chance To Win
Check Out Radioscrsquos Contest
South Carolinarsquos Internet
Powered By
(843)720-9604 InfoOnlysc
Win a $100 Shopping Spree
Win Tickets To Events amp Concerts
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The Family
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Times
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Tickets
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Radiosc is proud to sponsor $100 Shopping Sprees for Publix grocery stores
Check wwwRadiosc for weekly House of Blues ticket giveaways
Win 4 tickets for ice skating and skate rentals at Carolina Ice Palace
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Each week you have a chance to win an Applebeersquos gift card worth up to $2500
cHaRlestonrsquos oFFice oF cultuRal aFFaiRslauncHes wwwcHaRlestonaRtssc as tHieR new aRts web sitefrom charleston currents
the city of charlestonrsquos office of cultural affairs has launched httpwwwcharlestonartssc a companion web site to the ocarsquos primary page at the cityrsquos official site charlestonartssc will be updated daily with information and features including an arts calendar that users can search by date artist presenting group or venue social networking widgets and a directory of local arts and cultural organizations and venues
ldquowe are hopeful that charlestonartssc will be a major benefit to local artists and arts organizations by disseminating information about their events with the most up-to-date information to a broader publicrdquo said ellen dressler Moryl director of the office of cultural affairs
other options for users at charlestonartssc include the following
bull Arts organizations can download forms from the Office of Cultural Affairs submit events update contact information and compare performance dates with other area organizations
bull The Tools for Professional section of the Web site features job listings for arts professionals including full time and part time work as well as internships and volunteer opportunities with arts and cultural organizations in the tri-county area
bull Updated grant opportunities for arts organizations with detailed information including deadlines application and contact information
bull Call for Submissions and Call for Auditions pages with details about the location deadlines fees andadditional requirements
the new web site also hosts connecting pages for general information on the office of cultural affairs and its projects the charleston farmers Market the city gallery at waterfront Park holiday Magic happy new year charleston the holiday Parade of boats the lowcountry Quarterly arts grant Program Piccolo spoleto and the MoJa arts festival
the web site was developed and is being hosted by carolina Media services ( wwwonlysc)
a RetiRement HometHat HelPs Pay FoR itselF(ara) - with todayrsquos record low real estate prices and at-tractive mortgage rates now may be a good time to think about investing in a second home that ultimately can be used as your permanent residence upon retirement by taking a ldquobuy-and-rentrdquo approach before yoursquore ready to retire your new home will actually have partly paid for itself by the time yoursquore ready to move into it
ldquobuying and renting out a second home as a vacation rental property until yoursquore ready to move in upon retirement can significantly help offset the cost of ownershiprdquo says brian sharples ceo of homeaway the worldrsquos leading online vacation rental marketplace ldquothe income stream in addition to tax write-offs for maintenance and repairs make this an attractive strategy for many people nearing retirementrdquo
according to homeaway the average second-home owner rents out their property to travelers 17 weeks a year generating more than $28000 in rental income annually and the demand for vacation rentals among travelers is growing which is good news for second-home owners in fact 87 percent of travelers who looked into a vacation rental in the past say they plan to stay in a vacation rental in 2010 - a significant increase from the 67 percent who stayed in a vacation rental in 2009
to generate income from a second home prior to moving into it when you retire sharples suggests consumers take the following steps
location and maRket Potentialcarefully review the markets where you want to retire and before you buy consider the areas where consumer demand for vacation rentals is high but inventory is low for example atlantic city nJ sunny isles beach fla hampton beach nh dauphin island ala and Mount Pocono Pa were among some of the most underserved markets for vacation rental properties in 2009 according to homeaway
FactoR in tax wRite-oFFstalk to an accountant about the tax advantages of owning and renting out a second home expenses such as insurance utilities home maintenance and depreciation can be deducted depending on how often you rent out the property and how many weeks you personally stay there each year
adVeRtise to attRact RenteRs when yoursquore ready to rent out the property be sure to market the availability of the vacation rental to travelers by listing it on sites like homeawaycom or vrbocom which reach millions of travelers each month a 12-month listing costs $329 - or less than $28 per month - on homeawaycom so the advertising pays for itself with your first booking - and the rest is pure rental income
stay comPetitiVe amp netwoRk witH owneRs check out other similar vacation rentals in the area to determine what rates theyrsquore charging travelers and price your home at a competitiverate to help drive bookings also be sure to talk with other owners to get their tips and advice for maximizing a second home investment
for more information on buying a second home and effective strategies for maximizing rental income check out homeawayrsquos online community for vacation rental owners at ownercommunityhomeawaycom
tiPs to successFully get youwHeRe you need to be - Fast(ara) - do you ever get a headache just thinking about navigating the streets of an unfamiliar city have you ever booked a hotel in a less-than-great part of town or been late to an appointment because you canrsquot find a parking garage
even the savviest of travelers who can find their way around a city with their eyes closed run into travel snafus sending their blood pressure through the roof navigating the streets of a new city can be one of the most stressful parts of booking and taking a trip whether itrsquos for business or leisure
so you finally landed and yoursquore on your way to the hotel that you booked in the heart of the city everything is going just as you planned not so fast somehow you find yourself nowhere near the bright city lights and in a hotel on the outskirts of town where you wouldnrsquot even venture out for a cup of Joe
sound familiar well yoursquore not alone - more than half of travelers say theyrsquove experienced this very nightmare according to a recent bing survey
while finding decent lodging can be difficult sometimes even thinking about how to get around a city can strike fear into the hearts of business and leisure travelers alike so which city gets travelers hearts racing when just thinking about how to get around unsurprisingly for anyone who has ever visited either new york or los angeles (even just once) both cities topped bingrsquos survey as the worst cities to navigate More than 40 percent said ldquothe heck with driving irsquom getting a taxirdquo when visiting the big apple and a quarter said that the concrete jungle otherwise known as los angeles is too wild for them
so how can you ensure you know enough about a city to get around like you were a local book a decent hotel check out a local concert or find a local hot spot to grab a bite to eat well the folks at bing have a few tips to make your next adventure stress-free
Pay attention to ReViews Most online booking sites offer reviews from other guests who have stayed at the hotel that yoursquore considering while you may be inclined to take the overly positive reviews with a grain of salt itrsquos best to steer clear if a hotel receives consistent negative customer reviews
study uPcheck out the local convention center visitorsrsquo bureau or chamber of commerce web sites to learn more about the city and its surrounding neighborhoods this will help give you a better idea of whatrsquos near your destination and the neighborhoods that surround it
RemembeRyou get wHat you Pay FoRif yoursquore paying a two-star rate donrsquot expect to get four- or five-star accommodations and a mint on your pillow a cheaper rate rarely buys you luxury but you should still be able to score a clean safe room that provides for your basic needs
HoP onlineuse online resources like bing Mapsrsquo new streetside experience a three-dimensional mapping tool Just log on to bing Maps where you can zoom in from satellite level to birdrsquos eye view and even down to street level for 56 major us metro areas
now you can virtually walk the streets of your next adventure with actual 360-degree footage of the area not only can you tell if a hotel is in a good neighborhood yoursquoll be able to see if therersquos a wifi coffee shop nearby where you can sync up your computer before your next meeting or scope out any traffic jams before you head out and you can even find the nearest parking garage so yoursquore never late again to your lunch date - unlike the more than 40 percent of bing survey respondents who were fashionably late because they couldnrsquot find a parking spot
ldquobooking a hotel room on the internet can be a risky proposition if you canrsquot see the room hotel or area itrsquos in before you bookrdquo says blaise aguera y arcas architect of bing Maps and Msn at Microsoft ldquobut technology like streetside is making it possible to scope out a neighborhood - and ensure itrsquos one you want to stay in - without ever having to leave the comfort of your computer chairrdquo in fact the bing survey found that nearly a quarter of travelers rated finding a decent hotel as the most frustrating part of planning their trip
Plus stay up-to-date on the best places to check out on your next trip by using bingrsquos twitter mapping app now you can get real-time information about an area - such as seeing the latest tweets for the local shopping mall before you even go there or even updates about local events and breaking news
log onto bing Maps where you can plan your next trip whether itrsquos a far away city or even your own town now you can be a travel guru no matter where you are
setting and stickingto youR tRaVel budget(ara) - travel can be one of the biggest-ticket items you invest in each year so itrsquos worth it to plan ahead
setting a budget - and sticking to it - can help you stay in better control of spending according to a recent visa survey a majority (54 percent) of last yearrsquos summer travelers either didnrsquot set a budget oroverspent their budget while traveling and more than a quarter of those surveyed overspent by more than $250 to make sure this doesnrsquot happen to you itrsquos important to create a realistic travel budget and make a plan for how you will spend within your means while on the road
to create a budget think through your trip first include the basics such as transportation to and from your destination and lodging next plan for expenses that come up along the way such as meals on the road
hosthostess gifts rental cars or public transportation donrsquot forget to include entertainment - whether sightseeing or going to the movies itrsquos also a good idea to build in a cushion for the unexpected
once yoursquove set your travel budget you need to stick to it one tool that can help is a prepaid travel card a prepaid card draws from funds that are set aside in advance for purchases here are a few ways prepaid travel cards can come in handy
keeP tRaVel Funds sePaRate an easy way to make sure you donrsquot go over budget is to set your travel budget aside on a prepaid travel card simply load the card with your travel budget and use it for everything from online booking to grabbing lunch during an (unexpectedly extended) layover without worrying about spending more than you planned or dipping into gift-buying funds
access casHwhether you need a few dollars or several yen choose a prepaid card that will allow you to withdraw cash from atMs around the world if yoursquore traveling internationally itrsquoll also save you the hassle of tracking down and waiting in line for local currency
bRowse and buy look for a prepaid card that you can use online travel sites offer a wealth of information and detailed listings of competing offers from airlines and hotels as well as reviews from fellow travelers for flights you can typically compare possible savings by traveling on al-ternate days or from nearby airports once you spot the deal that works for your budget use your prepaid travel card to snap it up
enJoy Peace oF mind wHen tRaVeling Prepaid cards may come with travel-related services for example the visa travelMoney card offers zero liability for lost or stolen cards as well as lost luggage reimbursement and purchase security Make sure you know which benefits your card offers and how they work so you can tap into them should the need arise
with some advance preparation and the right tools in place you donrsquot have to overspend on travel in fact with some careful planning you could end up with enough left to buy yourself a little something to remember the trip for more information about visa travelMoney visit wwwvisacomtravelmoney
Click To Listen While You Browse
South Carolinarsquos Internet
Powered By
(843)720-9604 InfoOnlysc
need an easy getaway FoR tHe Family Plan a budget-FRiendly tRiP to a national PaRk(ara) - american families have spoken the vacation is a top priority ninety-four percent of americans agreed that even in tough economic times family vacations are worth the money according to a recent survey by expediacom to keep the vacation affordable and easy think about introducing your family to the splendor of the national park system - where activities are abundant and costs are minimal
expediacom recently partnered with the national Park foundation to provide a permanent one-stop shop to help travelers plan and book vacations to americarsquos national parks
ldquothere are excellent values for traveling families right now and taking a trip to a national park is one of the best ways to stretch your vacation dollarsrdquo says lee woodruff author travel expert and mother of four
ldquofamilies are looking for ways to reconnect with each other and what better option for an affordable vacation than a national parkrdquo
here are five easy steps to plan the perfect national park getaway
1 get inspired ken burns recently debuted a six-part documentary series for Pbs titledldquothe national Parks americarsquos best ideardquo tune into Pbs or order a copy online to find inspiration and a detailed look at some of the most beautiful places in the world from acadia to the grand canyon and yosemite to the gates of the arctic in alaska
2 Pick the park with original content from the national Park foundation expediacomrsquos national park web site is the perfect resource for families to find the national park to fit their vacation needs
the site offers pre-set ldquolong weekendrdquo itineraries to start your planning you can also search through the ldquocanrsquot Miss national Parksrdquo section to learn about the parkrsquos location its natural features little-known facts including the best times to visit and activities to choose from in each area expediarsquos site also offers downloadable park maps to help you get your bearings
3 more ways to save take advantage of the public amenities that national parks offer like camping and picnic sites while there is a small entrance fee to the parks you can cut back on costs by bringing your own meals and treating the kids to lunch by a waterfall or overlooking the grand canyon also enjoy the free activities such as hiking biking and birding that the parks offer
4 book your hotel and rental car if camping isnrsquot your familyrsquos style consider any of the great lodges in and around the national park of your choice and if yoursquore planning to rent a car consider booking lodging and car together to substantially reduce the overall costs of your vacation
5 give back consider giving back to the national Park foundation by visiting the web site wwwnationalparksorg and donate or learn more about volunteer opportunities within americarsquos national parks helping out in these small ways ensures the parks will remain beautiful so your kids can bring their own children one day
ldquoPlanning the vacation is half of the fun so get every-one involved in the processrdquo says woodruff ldquothere are so many options in our national park system many of which have rich and amazing heritage so the whole family is going to enjoy something when you visitrdquo
bookmaRk youRFaVoRite Road
a bRieF HistoRyoF PaVed Roads
(ara) - Planes and trains may have their place in our society but for the dedicated traveler therersquos still nothing like getting in your car and taking a trip along americarsquos highways
half the fun of road trips in the minds of many is getting home and telling friends and family about the adventure - and the roads they traveled
in the past driversrsquo road stories were largely told by word of mouth to a few people at a time now drivers can tell their tales to millions via the internet favoriteroadcom is a new web site that features americarsquos favorite highways and byways
the site encourages you to post your favorite roads and explain why you like them simply log on to submit a photo and story of your favorite road use links posted on the site to share your road via popular social networks such as facebook and twitter your submission may even win a prize in contest giveaways
the past yearrsquos economic downturn has reintroduced the word ldquoinfrastructurerdquo to our vocabulary as a result of stimulus legislation passed in 2009 the federal government has allocated millions of dollars to specifically improve state roads and highways and with more affordable gasoline prices people are increasingly using americarsquos roads for leisure travel
by posting on favoriteroadcom yoursquore doing more than just ldquotelling a good storyrdquo your testimonials may help encourage lawmakers to push for increased infrastructure spending to keep america driving smoothly and safely for years to come
whatrsquos your favorite road log on and tell the world at favoriteroadcom
625 bc the babylonians are credited with the first recorded use of asphalt as a road building material the ancient greeks were also familiar with asphalt (the word comes from the greek ldquoasphaltosrdquo meaning ldquosecurerdquo)
1500s christopher columbus landed off the shores of trinidad in 1498 and discovered the famous asphalt lake which would later be used on the Pennsylvania avenue project in washington dc covering 54000 square yards
1800s Macadam roads became popular in the us for rural road construction during the 1830s and 40s belgian chemist edmund J desmedt laid the first true asphalt pavement in the us in newark nJ the cummer company opened the first central hot mix production facilities in the us the first asphalt patent was filed by nathan b abbott of brooklyn ny in 1871
1920s world war i ended and the use of the automo-bile was steadily rising but roads outside the city limits were frequently too muddy or dusty for travel to fix this problem road engineers used oils and asphalt
1940s-1950s the modern american turnpike is born after world war ii full scale automobile production resumed along with major levels of road maintenance and new highway construction by 1950 vehicle registration exceeded 40 million cars and 8 million trucks in 1956 President eisenhower signed the federal-aid highway act and launched the interstate system to create an infrastructure highway program -unmatched anywhere in the world
1970s a national move to conserve energy and materials initiated a widespread interest in recycling of pavement materials asphalt is now americarsquos most recycled product
1990s a traffic study by the world road association indicates that asphalt pavements are at least 4 decibels quieter than concrete pavements
2000s the us population has increased 23 percent since 1990 and the number of miles driven has risen by 41 percent only half of the nationrsquos major roads are in good condition based on an analysis of recent federal highway administration data
wandeRing Re-establisHes tHe oRiginal
HaRmony wHicH once existed between
man and tHe uniVeRse
business oR leisuRe dRiVing oR FlyingtRaVel saFely natuRally(ara) - weekend getaways shorter vacations and overnight business trips are great ways to save money and are becoming more prevalent according to the bureau of transportation taking a few simple and natural steps to stay safe and healthy while on the road can not only protect your travel investment butenhance your entire experience
ReFResHed and aleRt dRiVing diFFusion
a shorter thriftier trip is likely to be by car the inevitable rush to make the most of the limited time
away after a tiring work week can create fatigue so donrsquot make it a dangerous driving situation enliven your senses with essential oil scents
ditch the cardboard cutout car ldquofreshenerrdquo that hangs from the rearview mirror not only distracting these products are usually saturated with synthetic fragrance chemicals and probably arenrsquot the best thing to inhale while enclosed in your vehicle instead rely on a sleek essential oil diffuser that plugs into your automobilersquos phone charger power outlet these devices feature small paper fiber pads to which you can apply your own custom blend of essential oils allowing you to not only
scent the air inside the car but also to provide refreshing aromatherapy benefits to help keep you alert and focused on the road
a simpler alternative way to diffuse is to apply several drops of oil to a tissue and tuck it carefully into one of the vents in the dash
try these essential oils for the car Peppermint essential oil - refreshing awakening
uplifting eucalyptus essential oil - bracing purifying
protecting lemon essential oil - pleasant deodorizing
cheering
How clean is youR Hotel Room
overnight stays in less than posh hotel digs may be part of the money-saving travel trend even upscale hotels arenrsquot immune to dirt and germs or worse an apparent outbreak of bedbug infestations in the united states recently publicized by the environmental Protection agency
bedbugs aside there are always nagging doubts about just how clean a hotel room actually is has the shower or tub been scrubbed or merely wiped down is the toilet sanitized has the bedspread ever really been thoroughly cleaned fortunately there are ways to protect yourself after you check in but before you settle into your temporary overnight home
air and surface sanitizing spray feel good about travel with a bottle of homemade purifying aromatherapy solution that relies on pleasantly scented and highly effective essential oils rather than harsh chemical disinfectants the following spray will help you create a hygienic environment in your temporary hotel home apply it to tub vanity and toilet surfaces
ingredientsempty 12 to16 ounce spray bottle10 ounces water2 ounces isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or
vodka12 teaspoon tea tree essential oil
(antimicrobial)12 teaspoon lemon essential oil
(cleansing)12 teaspoon lavandin essential oil
(protecting)12 teaspoon sweet orange essential oil
(freshening)
directions combine all ingredients in the spray bottle shake and apply to a washcloth and wipe down the tvrsquos remote the clock radio the door handles and the faucethandles in the bathroom
Purifying and Relaxing linen mist here are some great tips for making a strange bed feel more like home take along your own pillow and replace the ones provided create your own linen mist and use it on your own bed at home then travel with the same blend taking a little bit of home with you when you arrive at your destination turn down the covers exchange the pillows and apply your signature scent to the bed
ingredientsempty 4 to 8 ounce spray bottle4 to 8 ounces water13 drops lavender essential oil
(relaxing calming)5 drops lavandin or spike lavender
essential oil (purifying protecting)
directionscombine the water and oil in the bottle shake the contents thoroughly just before application
remember to look for pure and natural essential oil brands like aura cacia that donrsquot include synthetic petrochemical fragrances for more information on how to enhance your life through aromatherapy visit wwwauracaciacom
PRePaRe youR VeHicle FoR a HuRRicane eVacuation(ara) - ana bill claudette - the first three atlantic ocean hurricanes of the season made headlines but not to the extent of katrina or ike of recent years and while these three hurricanes have come and gone who knows if - or when - grace or henry might pay a visit to your town
the 2009 hurricane season has an expected 90 percent chance of being a near-normal or below-normal season for the atlantic ocean according to the national oceanic and atmospheric administration this prediction - if accurate - will be welcomed with a sigh of relief by many residents in coastal towns after the above-normal year in 2008
but even if noaa is predicting a quiet year for hurricanes you can never be over prepared if you donrsquot have your emergency evacuation plan organized itrsquos time to make one no matter if yoursquore planning on traveling 100 miles or 1000 miles you need an evacuation plan as a representative of a gulf coast
company Maricela carter a health safety security environment coordinator with soPus has some tips on how to prepare your vehicle for potential evacuations
Plan eVacuation Routescheck newspapers online sites the local emergency broadcast radio station and local television stations for the latest information on official evacuation routes Purchase a good map with details on elevations waterways and county roads and familiarize yourself with the most efficient ways to get out of town
Pack an emeRgency kitautomobiles are susceptible to unexpected problems so keep an emergency kit in your trunk include jumper cables extra motor oil window washing brake and coolant fluids simple tools like an air pressure gauge screwdriver pliers and adjustable wrench a role of
paper towels a windup flashlight and a can of fix-a-flat in case you get a flat tire
fix-a-flat creates a temporary emergency seal on contact with the tire and inflates the tire between eight and 14 pounds per square inch so that the car can be driven to a gas station for proper repair of the tire this can help you to get back on the road and out of the hurricanersquos way quickly and easily
Fill uP tHe tankeveryone is going to need fuel in order to evacuate so plan to fill up your tank as soon as you hear a hurricane warning this helps to prevent sudden demands on the supply once your tank is full conserve the amount of gas you use for the next couple of days by combining your errands into one trip and not traveling during rush hour
cHeck tiRe PRessuRein order to help conserve fuel make sure your tires are at the manufacturerrsquos recommended pressure - usually printed on the driverrsquos door of your car keeping tires at the correct pressure can improve your gasoline mileage by 33 percent according to fueleconomygov which means yoursquoll be able to travel further when evacuating
use PRoPeR FluidsMake sure you follow all the manufacturer recommendations for motor oil which can also improve your gasoline mileage by 1 or 2 percent according to fuelecomonygov one helpful hint is to look for oil that has an ldquoenergy conservingrdquo label by the american Petroleum institution to ensure it contains friction-reducing additives
it is not down inany maP tRue PlacesneVeR aRe
diRect dePosit oF social secuRity is easieR FoR winteR tRaVeleRs(ara) - as cold weather sets in thousands of retirees are making plans for a winter getaway if yoursquore one of them switch to direct deposit for your social security payments before you leave - itrsquos the safest easiest way to receive your money
ldquoeach year the us department of the treasury receives more than 14 million inquiries regarding paper check-related problemsrdquo says david a lebryk commissioner of the treasury departmentrsquos financial Management service
yet approximately 105 million americans continue to receive their social security and supplemental security income (ssi) payments by paper check each month the treasury departmentrsquos go direct (r) campaign encourages senior citizens and people with disabilities to switch to direct deposit
incReased saFety conVenience and Reliability
ldquowhen therersquos a problem with a social security payment nine times out of 10 itrsquos with a paper check not a direct deposit paymentrdquo says lebryk
Paper checks can be vulnerable to financial crimes like theft and fraud in fact the treasury department investigates more than 70000 cases of altered or fraudulently endorsed checks each year totaling $64 million in estimated value
ldquoin 2008 alone more than 485000 social security and ssi checks were reported lost or stolen and had to be reissuedrdquo says lebryk
direct deposit is also more convenient and reliable there is no more waiting for a check to arrive in the mail and there are no more worries about delivery delays due to severe weather localemergencies and other check related problems last year alone severe weather events forced alternative delivery arrangements for millions of social security and ssi paper checks
ldquoswitching to direct deposit for federal benefits is such an easy way
for people to safeguard their money es-pecially when traveling for extended pe-riods of timerdquo says lebryk ldquoyour money is deposited to your account on payment day so therersquos no need to worry
about delivery delays or a check sitting in your mailbox while yoursquore gonerdquo
PRePaid debit caRd oPtion
in addition to direct deposit the treasury department recommends the direct express (r) debit Mastercard (r) card as an alternative to paper checks for people without bank accounts
More than half a million americans signed up for the optional direct express (r) card in its first year of availability according to the treasury department a recent survey of cardholders finds that 95 percent say they are satisfied with the prepaid debit card and 86 percent say they would recommend it to family members or friends who receive a federal benefit payment
with the direct express card cardholders can make purchases pay bills and get cash at thousands of locations nationwide sign-up is free and no bank account is required while most services are free there are fees for a limited number of optional transactions and services
making tHe switcH is easy
it is easy to make the switch to electronic payments for federal benefits to sign up for direct deposit call the treasury departmentrsquos go direct campaign helpline at 1-800-333-1795 or visit wwwgodirectorg to sign up for the treasury-recommended direct express card or to learn more about the cardrsquos features and fees call 1-877-212-9991 or visit wwwusdirectexpresscom
the preceding information has been provided by the us department of the treasury financial Management service
the go direct (r) campaign is sponsored by the us department of the treasury and the federal reserve banks the direct express (r) debit Mastercard (r) card is issued by comerica bank pursuant to a license by Mastercard international incorporated Mastercard (r) and the Mastercard (r) brand Mark are registered trademarks of Mastercard international incorporated the go direct(r) logo direct express (r) logo and direct express (r) are service marks of the us department of the treasury financial Management service
biZaRRe tRaVel Plans aRe dancing lessons FRom god
time to ReFinance oR buy
right now mortgage rates are at their lowest level since 1971 think about that twenty-five years ago homeowners were paying as much as 18 on a 30-year fixed today itrsquos just a little over 5combine that rate with the tax advantages
of a mortgage and you have an incredibly cheap way to build wealth but you better act now
real estate guru barbara corcoran has already seen a tremendous surge in refinance applications ndash more than triple the average ndash and the number of people getting approved is astronomically higher as well she says but that doesnrsquot mean the low rates are a panacea for the ills of the housing market it is only once home prices start to go up that we will finally see a light at the end of tunnel corcoran says until that happens we are still going to have to crawl out of this mess ldquo[low interest rates are] not a lifesaverrdquo corcoran says ldquothis is just a helping handrdquo
david kittle chairman of the Mortgage bankers association has this advice to homeowners looking to refinance do it donrsquot get greedy searching for another quarter-point lock in rates now he is seeing applications soar over 125 just since thanksgiving due to the low rates
of course you should only refinance if it saves you at least 38 on the rate and if you plan on staying in your home for at least four years kittle says along with good credit proof of income and money by means of a down payment or equity in the home there are certain things every homeowner needs regardless of interest rate levels
easy-to-do maintenance HelPs extend VeHicle liFe(ara) - after their homes most americansrsquo largest financial investment is their vehicle so helping it stay in good working order for as long as possible is a high priority in fact the average age of a passenger car in north america has grown to more than nine years according to rl Polk and co which indicates that motorists are looking for ways to help extend the life of their vehicle
even so todayrsquos tight budgets leave some motorists reluctant to spend on services or maintenance that they think can be delayed at least for the short term however compared to the cost of engine repair spending a little today on the right maintenance routine performed by trusted service technicians using quality products makes sense Mark ferner Pennzoil technical specialist and ase-certified master mechanic offers some simple cost-effective tips for helping to protect the performance and longevity of your vehicle
replace dirty air filters a dirty air filter will restrict airflow to the engine which may reduce power output if the filter fails it will allow unfiltered air into the engine which can be abrasive inside an engine to avoid these issues and help promote long engine life check your enginersquos air filter regularly and change it when it is dirty
use HigH-quality Fuelseveral automotive manufacturers (bMw gM honda toyota volkswagen and audi) have published technical service bulletins recommending the use of top-tier fuel top-tier fuel contains more additives than is required by the industryrsquos lowest additive content (lac) treat rate regular use of fuel that only meets lac requirements may cause deposits to form on engine intake valves and fuel injectors
cHange youR oilregular oil changes are one of the most important steps to maximize the life of a vehicle oil change in-tervals vary by vehicle and driving conditions so follow the interval and oil specifications found in the ownerrsquos manual
also be sure to use quality motor oils in your vehicle Properly functioning motor oils help prevent sludge and neutralize and disperse harmful deposits and using the recommended viscosity grade of motor oil may also help enhance fuel economy if you are having the oil changed for you ask for quality oils by name Quality motor oil will maintain its effectiveness throughout the oil change interval allowing it to help keep the engine clean
as a bonus some motor oil brands offer lubrication warranties at no additional cost for example the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranty Programs protect qualified engines for 300000 miles whether their owners use conventional synthetic-blend or full synthetic motor oils meeting their vehiclesrsquo requirements Participants can enroll online and maintaining eligibility is easy simply get an oil change with the specified brand change the filter perform regular maintenance and keep the service receipts
to learn more about the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranties visit either wwwPennzoilcom or wwwQuakerstatecom or speak with an automotive professional at a participating automotive dealership or oil change facility that features Pennzoil or Quaker state products
PeoPle donrsquot take tRiPs tRiPs take PeoPle
Fin
al
wo
Rd
s
a vacation is what you take when you can no longer take what yoursquove been taking
eaRl wilson
- 1-12-2010pdf
tHe woRld is a book amp tHose wHo do not tRaVelRead only one Page
a V
ac
at
ion
Ho
me
a
wa
y F
Ro
m H
om
e (ara) - getting away during the spring months is popular for many families especially families with children in school looking for a break from the spring semester visiting relatives traveling from one sightseeing opportunity to another and cramming the whole crew into a hotel room with tight sleeping quarters and one bathroom is all par for the course right well it doesnrsquot have to be
travelers are jumping on the vacation home rental bandwagon where theyrsquore finding comfortable spaces just-like-home amenities and a more relaxing experience - all for about what it costs to book a hotel room in this tough economy owners of second homes are increasingly renting out their properties for some extra cash according to homeaway a collection of vacation-rental web sites and as the market floods prices drop to lure renters
a recent online search of hotels in la Jolla calif a beautiful seaside commu-nity thatrsquos technically part of san diego revealed some hotel rooms starting around $150 a night a search for vacation homes returned two bedroom two bathroom options starting at just over $100 a night
not only do you get more space you get the luxuries of home such as a full kitchen washerdryer and parking all of which are further money-savers Plus standard hotel rooms can be pretty boring rarely lending insight into the destinationrsquos character vacation rentals are an actual personrsquos home albeit a second home and some are even pet-friendly
herersquos how to find a vacation rental that suits your needs
wHeRe to staRtawaycom a research and travel-planning web site offers a comprehensive listing of vacation rentals including houses and condos from all over the web find it at awaycomvacationrentals
be comFoRtableif the thought of renting a vacation home ldquosight unseenrdquo and directly from the owner is daunting work with a property management company such companies particularly ones with local offices know the market well and might even be able to move you to another property if a problem arises
do youR HomewoRkcheck out online photos and read all property reviews if yoursquore renting directly from an owner reach out to them with questions and put a face to the transaction and the golden rule clarify all costs and payment methods upfront time invested in the beginning will yield a more enjoyable experience in the end
whatever you decide is right for your spring vacation book it now as usual the early bird will get the worm
Get Your Carolina
Girl Gear
waRm weatHeR Relaxing oR Playing in tHe snowtiPs FoR Planning youR winteR tRaVels(ara) - the winter months offer the perfect excuse to plan a fabulous getaway and you donrsquot have to travel far to find something that fits your vacation expectations
if you need to flee from the cold depths of winter there are plenty of beaches in florida and california and warm desert landscapes to enjoy in arizona and new Mexico that will warm you up and give your skin a bit of summer glow Picture yourself playing tennis in the sun or lounging by the pool with a book while the kids are splashing around in the water
here are tips on how to best plan your warm-weather winter vacation
look FoR deals duRing tHe slow montHsbecause January and february are so close to the holidays but too early yet for spring break hotels and resorts tend to offer special discounts to encourage traveling
Pack sunblock eVen iF yoursquoVe been ldquotanningrdquo
also make sure your travel bags include sun shades a hat with a brim and a water bottle nothing makes a vacation more uncomfortable than sunburn and dehydration
add a Jacket to tHe luggagenights can get chilly and if the wind blows in a rain cloud or two yoursquoll be glad you have that jacket to ward off the goose bumps
Maybe you like to play in the fluffy white stuff and canrsquot wait to schedule downhill skiing in colorado snowshoeing in Maine or ice fishing in Minnesota the images yoursquoll take home this winter include majestic mountains covered in snow your daughter pulling a
360 while snowboarding down a half-pipe or even a moose with
a full rack of antlers on his head browsing for vegetation along a back country road
tips for planning your snow vacation include
FiguRe out iF yoursquoRe going to take youR geaR oR Rent it at youR destinationwhile looking into this determine if your vehicle can carry all the gear or if there are any restrictions bar-ring you from taking it on the airplane if you plan to rent call ahead of time to reserve your equipment
Pack many layeRs oF clotHing Many snow activities can make you warm but once you stop moving yoursquore going to want the heavier layers back
again donrsquot forget sunblock goggles shades or hat because the sun glaring on snow can easily burn your skin and eyes and winter rays can be just as damaging as those in summer
once you have your destination picked and travels planned therersquos one more step to ensure your winter getaway is successful while away from home having your health and safety front-of-mind is very important so you are prepared for emergencies like falling and breaking a bone while swishing down a ski slope or suddenly discovering you have seafood allergies while sampling fresh crawfish in louisiana
on call international provides travel assistance anywhere in the world to travelers who experience an emergency need medical care or evacuation while away from home if you want to return to your local hospital for treatment because you are familiar with the area and can have your personal doctor available on call will coordinate a medical evacuation for the sick person and help arrange transportation for the rest of the family
only a small percentage of health insurance plans cover medical evacuation when the member is on vacation and away from home this means you could be on the hook for thousands of dollars if you need to be transported from the resortrsquos local clinic to a better hospital hundreds of miles away or need a nurse to monitor your care on the way home after a skiing accident
so when you plan your next trip to sunny texas or snowy Michigan donrsquot forget to pack some comfort and safety for you and your family and consider enrolling in an on call international membership just in case you experience a travel emergency
tHe best time to RediscoVeR a destination
sHouldeR season
(ara) - the first few months of the year when many americans are spending time at home trying to recu-perate from the hustle and bustle of the holidays may not seem like an ideal time to plan a vacation how-ever planning for a time known as ldquoshoulder seasonrdquo the time between peak season and low season is a fantastic time for savvy travelers to find great deals on airfare hotels and attractions while simultaneously experiencing top destinations in a whole new way
ldquoMany travelers donrsquot think to travel in the weeks and months following the holidaysrdquo says brad dean President and ceo for the Myrtle beach area convention and visitorrsquos bureau ldquohowever a shoulder season trip can be the best way for travelers to relax after a busy holiday season destinations offer their lowest rates and best deals of the year at this time and consumers can get away for a fraction of the high-season costrdquo
so when is ldquoshoulder seasonrdquo it will vary slightly depending on your destination figuring out a regionrsquos shoulder season could be as easy as checking out rates at a few area hotels to determine when the rates are at their lowest
consider these convincing facts about shoulder season travel and what a great value it can be for your vacation dollars
Hotel rates airfare and attraction fees are often significantly lower during the shoulder season than any other time of year hotels especially are eager for business during this season and respond with deeply discounted rates and incentives to entice travelers
last minute deals you can plan and implement a very budget-friendly travel itinerary in a relatively short time - sometimes just a day or two as opposed to weeks or months of planning ahead thatrsquos needed during busier seasons
shoulder season travel presents the opportunity to view and experience a popular destination one you may have visited before during peak season in a whole new way for example destinations like Myrtle beach sc that bustle and buzz with activity in the peak season can take on a more laid-back relaxed atmosphere in shoulder season yoursquoll have access to the same major attractions
shows dining and shopping that peak season travelers enjoy but at a less frantic pace
and in that vein yoursquoll enjoy free access to popular attractions lines for popular attractions - most of which will stay open year round - will be shorter in shoulder seasons than any other time of year for example in Myrtle beach top entertainment venues and attractions as well as multiple live entertainment theaters are all open for business but with shorter (if any) lines and less crowds
because yoursquoll be getting a great deal therersquos also the opportunity to extend your vacation by a day or two and take some exciting trips to surround-ing areas the more relaxed attitude of shoulder season travel means you will feel more open to the idea of exploring the surrounding area visitors to the
Myrtle beach area for example can enjoy side trips to huntington beach state Park the nearby pictur-esque community of conway and the lowcountry gem of Pawleyrsquos island
finally shoulder season is a great time to travel to a drive destination like Myrtle beach yoursquoll find less traffic and a more relaxed commute to a location considered one of the top driving destinations for leisure travelers along the eastern seaboard and Midwest
to learn more about shoulder season travel opportunities in Myrtle beach log on to wwwvisitmyrtlebeachcom
Want to grow your business
Join the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce
As the unified voice of business the South Carolina Chamber is working to grow wealth for South Carolinians and businesses in order to improve economic development and quality of life
We help your business and you by
bull GettingyourvoiceheardbyourstatelegislatorsthroughourGrassrootsNetworkbull Workingtopassbusiness-friendlylegislationbull Keepingyouinformedonissuesandprovidingsolutionsforgrowingyour business through our monthly magazine South Carolina Business bull Providingnetworkingopportunitieswithlegislatorsandotherbusinessownersbull Trainingyouremployeesonhumanresourcesqualityandmanagementissuesbull Publishingalegalreferenceseries
Join the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce Contactustodayat800-799-4601Learnmoreatwwwscchambernet
Reconnect with Nature plan a trip to a National Park
Reconnect with Nature plan a trip to a National Park
(ARA) - Considered ldquoAmericarsquos best ideardquo national parks provide travelers preserved views of natural wonder as far as the eye can see An American invention they give us a unique backyard vacation oasis where postcard views meet real life-altering experiences And itrsquos this beauty exploration and enrichment combined with the accessibility of national parks that make them a popular vacation choice
According to the National Park Service trips to national parks are on the rise Tour operators offering guided visits through Americarsquos parks agree
ldquoBookings on our North American National Park tours have witnessed an increase of 180 percent in the last yearrdquo says Scott Nisbet president and CEO for the Globus family of brands ldquoNational parks are idyllic vacation lsquohot spotsrsquo perfect for relaxation and introspection wildlife exploration or adventure depending on the traveler and his or her interestsrdquo
A wide range of experiences can be had at national parks including everything from snorkeling rafting and hiking to learning about the environment geology and wildlife They also provide a perfect retreat for those hoping to reconnect with themselves or nature
And itrsquos the diversity of experiences national parks offer travelers that can make booking a national park vacation seem overwhelming Use these tips from Globus to simplify the process and book the perfect getaway for 2010
Choose the right park destinationFrom the east to west coasts Alaska to Hawaii America has more than 50 national parks to explore Do your research to choose a park that has what yoursquore looking for For instance if yoursquore interested in an abundance of hoodoos and canyons Bryce Canyon National Park might be the right fit Or if you want a vacation filled with bird watching or
boating the Everglades National Park could be a great choice
Go rustic or go luxuryLodging is an important consideration for any vacation Some travelers prefer to experience the outdoor beauty of the parks 24 hours a day and choose to camp Others want to escape to the more modern conveniences provided by nearby hotels cabins and lodges Decide what experience best suits you or your family - and decide early Spots (camping or lodging) fill up quickly especially during peak seasons
On your own or with a guideSome travelers prefer to hike or road trip through national parks while others are interested in a more insightful and pre-planned journey While maps are available for nearly every park guided tours have become a popular option for travelers and are often offered as part of a packaged tour vacation including accommodations
ldquoOur national park-focused tours offer an inclusive-style of travel with incomparable exploration and enrichment opportunitiesrdquo says Nisbet ldquoWith a wide range of national park destinations hotels and price points
coupled with unparalleled service and storytelling we create experiences for travelers they couldnrsquot produce on their ownrdquo
For more information or assistance planning your national park vacation visit wwwus-parkscom wwwnpsgov or wwwglobusjourneyscom Or call your travel agent or the Globus family of brands toll-free at (866) 313-2855
Looking For Your Chance To Win
Check Out Radioscrsquos Contest
South Carolinarsquos Internet
Powered By
(843)720-9604 InfoOnlysc
Win a $100 Shopping Spree
Win Tickets To Events amp Concerts
Win Free Ice Skating For
The Family
Win Tickets To Medieval
Times
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Tickets
Win A $25 Gift Card
Radiosc is proud to sponsor $100 Shopping Sprees for Publix grocery stores
Check wwwRadiosc for weekly House of Blues ticket giveaways
Win 4 tickets for ice skating and skate rentals at Carolina Ice Palace
Win 4 tickets for Medieval Times in Myrtle Beach
You could win tickets to a Stingraysrsquo Home Game
Each week you have a chance to win an Applebeersquos gift card worth up to $2500
cHaRlestonrsquos oFFice oF cultuRal aFFaiRslauncHes wwwcHaRlestonaRtssc as tHieR new aRts web sitefrom charleston currents
the city of charlestonrsquos office of cultural affairs has launched httpwwwcharlestonartssc a companion web site to the ocarsquos primary page at the cityrsquos official site charlestonartssc will be updated daily with information and features including an arts calendar that users can search by date artist presenting group or venue social networking widgets and a directory of local arts and cultural organizations and venues
ldquowe are hopeful that charlestonartssc will be a major benefit to local artists and arts organizations by disseminating information about their events with the most up-to-date information to a broader publicrdquo said ellen dressler Moryl director of the office of cultural affairs
other options for users at charlestonartssc include the following
bull Arts organizations can download forms from the Office of Cultural Affairs submit events update contact information and compare performance dates with other area organizations
bull The Tools for Professional section of the Web site features job listings for arts professionals including full time and part time work as well as internships and volunteer opportunities with arts and cultural organizations in the tri-county area
bull Updated grant opportunities for arts organizations with detailed information including deadlines application and contact information
bull Call for Submissions and Call for Auditions pages with details about the location deadlines fees andadditional requirements
the new web site also hosts connecting pages for general information on the office of cultural affairs and its projects the charleston farmers Market the city gallery at waterfront Park holiday Magic happy new year charleston the holiday Parade of boats the lowcountry Quarterly arts grant Program Piccolo spoleto and the MoJa arts festival
the web site was developed and is being hosted by carolina Media services ( wwwonlysc)
a RetiRement HometHat HelPs Pay FoR itselF(ara) - with todayrsquos record low real estate prices and at-tractive mortgage rates now may be a good time to think about investing in a second home that ultimately can be used as your permanent residence upon retirement by taking a ldquobuy-and-rentrdquo approach before yoursquore ready to retire your new home will actually have partly paid for itself by the time yoursquore ready to move into it
ldquobuying and renting out a second home as a vacation rental property until yoursquore ready to move in upon retirement can significantly help offset the cost of ownershiprdquo says brian sharples ceo of homeaway the worldrsquos leading online vacation rental marketplace ldquothe income stream in addition to tax write-offs for maintenance and repairs make this an attractive strategy for many people nearing retirementrdquo
according to homeaway the average second-home owner rents out their property to travelers 17 weeks a year generating more than $28000 in rental income annually and the demand for vacation rentals among travelers is growing which is good news for second-home owners in fact 87 percent of travelers who looked into a vacation rental in the past say they plan to stay in a vacation rental in 2010 - a significant increase from the 67 percent who stayed in a vacation rental in 2009
to generate income from a second home prior to moving into it when you retire sharples suggests consumers take the following steps
location and maRket Potentialcarefully review the markets where you want to retire and before you buy consider the areas where consumer demand for vacation rentals is high but inventory is low for example atlantic city nJ sunny isles beach fla hampton beach nh dauphin island ala and Mount Pocono Pa were among some of the most underserved markets for vacation rental properties in 2009 according to homeaway
FactoR in tax wRite-oFFstalk to an accountant about the tax advantages of owning and renting out a second home expenses such as insurance utilities home maintenance and depreciation can be deducted depending on how often you rent out the property and how many weeks you personally stay there each year
adVeRtise to attRact RenteRs when yoursquore ready to rent out the property be sure to market the availability of the vacation rental to travelers by listing it on sites like homeawaycom or vrbocom which reach millions of travelers each month a 12-month listing costs $329 - or less than $28 per month - on homeawaycom so the advertising pays for itself with your first booking - and the rest is pure rental income
stay comPetitiVe amp netwoRk witH owneRs check out other similar vacation rentals in the area to determine what rates theyrsquore charging travelers and price your home at a competitiverate to help drive bookings also be sure to talk with other owners to get their tips and advice for maximizing a second home investment
for more information on buying a second home and effective strategies for maximizing rental income check out homeawayrsquos online community for vacation rental owners at ownercommunityhomeawaycom
tiPs to successFully get youwHeRe you need to be - Fast(ara) - do you ever get a headache just thinking about navigating the streets of an unfamiliar city have you ever booked a hotel in a less-than-great part of town or been late to an appointment because you canrsquot find a parking garage
even the savviest of travelers who can find their way around a city with their eyes closed run into travel snafus sending their blood pressure through the roof navigating the streets of a new city can be one of the most stressful parts of booking and taking a trip whether itrsquos for business or leisure
so you finally landed and yoursquore on your way to the hotel that you booked in the heart of the city everything is going just as you planned not so fast somehow you find yourself nowhere near the bright city lights and in a hotel on the outskirts of town where you wouldnrsquot even venture out for a cup of Joe
sound familiar well yoursquore not alone - more than half of travelers say theyrsquove experienced this very nightmare according to a recent bing survey
while finding decent lodging can be difficult sometimes even thinking about how to get around a city can strike fear into the hearts of business and leisure travelers alike so which city gets travelers hearts racing when just thinking about how to get around unsurprisingly for anyone who has ever visited either new york or los angeles (even just once) both cities topped bingrsquos survey as the worst cities to navigate More than 40 percent said ldquothe heck with driving irsquom getting a taxirdquo when visiting the big apple and a quarter said that the concrete jungle otherwise known as los angeles is too wild for them
so how can you ensure you know enough about a city to get around like you were a local book a decent hotel check out a local concert or find a local hot spot to grab a bite to eat well the folks at bing have a few tips to make your next adventure stress-free
Pay attention to ReViews Most online booking sites offer reviews from other guests who have stayed at the hotel that yoursquore considering while you may be inclined to take the overly positive reviews with a grain of salt itrsquos best to steer clear if a hotel receives consistent negative customer reviews
study uPcheck out the local convention center visitorsrsquo bureau or chamber of commerce web sites to learn more about the city and its surrounding neighborhoods this will help give you a better idea of whatrsquos near your destination and the neighborhoods that surround it
RemembeRyou get wHat you Pay FoRif yoursquore paying a two-star rate donrsquot expect to get four- or five-star accommodations and a mint on your pillow a cheaper rate rarely buys you luxury but you should still be able to score a clean safe room that provides for your basic needs
HoP onlineuse online resources like bing Mapsrsquo new streetside experience a three-dimensional mapping tool Just log on to bing Maps where you can zoom in from satellite level to birdrsquos eye view and even down to street level for 56 major us metro areas
now you can virtually walk the streets of your next adventure with actual 360-degree footage of the area not only can you tell if a hotel is in a good neighborhood yoursquoll be able to see if therersquos a wifi coffee shop nearby where you can sync up your computer before your next meeting or scope out any traffic jams before you head out and you can even find the nearest parking garage so yoursquore never late again to your lunch date - unlike the more than 40 percent of bing survey respondents who were fashionably late because they couldnrsquot find a parking spot
ldquobooking a hotel room on the internet can be a risky proposition if you canrsquot see the room hotel or area itrsquos in before you bookrdquo says blaise aguera y arcas architect of bing Maps and Msn at Microsoft ldquobut technology like streetside is making it possible to scope out a neighborhood - and ensure itrsquos one you want to stay in - without ever having to leave the comfort of your computer chairrdquo in fact the bing survey found that nearly a quarter of travelers rated finding a decent hotel as the most frustrating part of planning their trip
Plus stay up-to-date on the best places to check out on your next trip by using bingrsquos twitter mapping app now you can get real-time information about an area - such as seeing the latest tweets for the local shopping mall before you even go there or even updates about local events and breaking news
log onto bing Maps where you can plan your next trip whether itrsquos a far away city or even your own town now you can be a travel guru no matter where you are
setting and stickingto youR tRaVel budget(ara) - travel can be one of the biggest-ticket items you invest in each year so itrsquos worth it to plan ahead
setting a budget - and sticking to it - can help you stay in better control of spending according to a recent visa survey a majority (54 percent) of last yearrsquos summer travelers either didnrsquot set a budget oroverspent their budget while traveling and more than a quarter of those surveyed overspent by more than $250 to make sure this doesnrsquot happen to you itrsquos important to create a realistic travel budget and make a plan for how you will spend within your means while on the road
to create a budget think through your trip first include the basics such as transportation to and from your destination and lodging next plan for expenses that come up along the way such as meals on the road
hosthostess gifts rental cars or public transportation donrsquot forget to include entertainment - whether sightseeing or going to the movies itrsquos also a good idea to build in a cushion for the unexpected
once yoursquove set your travel budget you need to stick to it one tool that can help is a prepaid travel card a prepaid card draws from funds that are set aside in advance for purchases here are a few ways prepaid travel cards can come in handy
keeP tRaVel Funds sePaRate an easy way to make sure you donrsquot go over budget is to set your travel budget aside on a prepaid travel card simply load the card with your travel budget and use it for everything from online booking to grabbing lunch during an (unexpectedly extended) layover without worrying about spending more than you planned or dipping into gift-buying funds
access casHwhether you need a few dollars or several yen choose a prepaid card that will allow you to withdraw cash from atMs around the world if yoursquore traveling internationally itrsquoll also save you the hassle of tracking down and waiting in line for local currency
bRowse and buy look for a prepaid card that you can use online travel sites offer a wealth of information and detailed listings of competing offers from airlines and hotels as well as reviews from fellow travelers for flights you can typically compare possible savings by traveling on al-ternate days or from nearby airports once you spot the deal that works for your budget use your prepaid travel card to snap it up
enJoy Peace oF mind wHen tRaVeling Prepaid cards may come with travel-related services for example the visa travelMoney card offers zero liability for lost or stolen cards as well as lost luggage reimbursement and purchase security Make sure you know which benefits your card offers and how they work so you can tap into them should the need arise
with some advance preparation and the right tools in place you donrsquot have to overspend on travel in fact with some careful planning you could end up with enough left to buy yourself a little something to remember the trip for more information about visa travelMoney visit wwwvisacomtravelmoney
Click To Listen While You Browse
South Carolinarsquos Internet
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need an easy getaway FoR tHe Family Plan a budget-FRiendly tRiP to a national PaRk(ara) - american families have spoken the vacation is a top priority ninety-four percent of americans agreed that even in tough economic times family vacations are worth the money according to a recent survey by expediacom to keep the vacation affordable and easy think about introducing your family to the splendor of the national park system - where activities are abundant and costs are minimal
expediacom recently partnered with the national Park foundation to provide a permanent one-stop shop to help travelers plan and book vacations to americarsquos national parks
ldquothere are excellent values for traveling families right now and taking a trip to a national park is one of the best ways to stretch your vacation dollarsrdquo says lee woodruff author travel expert and mother of four
ldquofamilies are looking for ways to reconnect with each other and what better option for an affordable vacation than a national parkrdquo
here are five easy steps to plan the perfect national park getaway
1 get inspired ken burns recently debuted a six-part documentary series for Pbs titledldquothe national Parks americarsquos best ideardquo tune into Pbs or order a copy online to find inspiration and a detailed look at some of the most beautiful places in the world from acadia to the grand canyon and yosemite to the gates of the arctic in alaska
2 Pick the park with original content from the national Park foundation expediacomrsquos national park web site is the perfect resource for families to find the national park to fit their vacation needs
the site offers pre-set ldquolong weekendrdquo itineraries to start your planning you can also search through the ldquocanrsquot Miss national Parksrdquo section to learn about the parkrsquos location its natural features little-known facts including the best times to visit and activities to choose from in each area expediarsquos site also offers downloadable park maps to help you get your bearings
3 more ways to save take advantage of the public amenities that national parks offer like camping and picnic sites while there is a small entrance fee to the parks you can cut back on costs by bringing your own meals and treating the kids to lunch by a waterfall or overlooking the grand canyon also enjoy the free activities such as hiking biking and birding that the parks offer
4 book your hotel and rental car if camping isnrsquot your familyrsquos style consider any of the great lodges in and around the national park of your choice and if yoursquore planning to rent a car consider booking lodging and car together to substantially reduce the overall costs of your vacation
5 give back consider giving back to the national Park foundation by visiting the web site wwwnationalparksorg and donate or learn more about volunteer opportunities within americarsquos national parks helping out in these small ways ensures the parks will remain beautiful so your kids can bring their own children one day
ldquoPlanning the vacation is half of the fun so get every-one involved in the processrdquo says woodruff ldquothere are so many options in our national park system many of which have rich and amazing heritage so the whole family is going to enjoy something when you visitrdquo
bookmaRk youRFaVoRite Road
a bRieF HistoRyoF PaVed Roads
(ara) - Planes and trains may have their place in our society but for the dedicated traveler therersquos still nothing like getting in your car and taking a trip along americarsquos highways
half the fun of road trips in the minds of many is getting home and telling friends and family about the adventure - and the roads they traveled
in the past driversrsquo road stories were largely told by word of mouth to a few people at a time now drivers can tell their tales to millions via the internet favoriteroadcom is a new web site that features americarsquos favorite highways and byways
the site encourages you to post your favorite roads and explain why you like them simply log on to submit a photo and story of your favorite road use links posted on the site to share your road via popular social networks such as facebook and twitter your submission may even win a prize in contest giveaways
the past yearrsquos economic downturn has reintroduced the word ldquoinfrastructurerdquo to our vocabulary as a result of stimulus legislation passed in 2009 the federal government has allocated millions of dollars to specifically improve state roads and highways and with more affordable gasoline prices people are increasingly using americarsquos roads for leisure travel
by posting on favoriteroadcom yoursquore doing more than just ldquotelling a good storyrdquo your testimonials may help encourage lawmakers to push for increased infrastructure spending to keep america driving smoothly and safely for years to come
whatrsquos your favorite road log on and tell the world at favoriteroadcom
625 bc the babylonians are credited with the first recorded use of asphalt as a road building material the ancient greeks were also familiar with asphalt (the word comes from the greek ldquoasphaltosrdquo meaning ldquosecurerdquo)
1500s christopher columbus landed off the shores of trinidad in 1498 and discovered the famous asphalt lake which would later be used on the Pennsylvania avenue project in washington dc covering 54000 square yards
1800s Macadam roads became popular in the us for rural road construction during the 1830s and 40s belgian chemist edmund J desmedt laid the first true asphalt pavement in the us in newark nJ the cummer company opened the first central hot mix production facilities in the us the first asphalt patent was filed by nathan b abbott of brooklyn ny in 1871
1920s world war i ended and the use of the automo-bile was steadily rising but roads outside the city limits were frequently too muddy or dusty for travel to fix this problem road engineers used oils and asphalt
1940s-1950s the modern american turnpike is born after world war ii full scale automobile production resumed along with major levels of road maintenance and new highway construction by 1950 vehicle registration exceeded 40 million cars and 8 million trucks in 1956 President eisenhower signed the federal-aid highway act and launched the interstate system to create an infrastructure highway program -unmatched anywhere in the world
1970s a national move to conserve energy and materials initiated a widespread interest in recycling of pavement materials asphalt is now americarsquos most recycled product
1990s a traffic study by the world road association indicates that asphalt pavements are at least 4 decibels quieter than concrete pavements
2000s the us population has increased 23 percent since 1990 and the number of miles driven has risen by 41 percent only half of the nationrsquos major roads are in good condition based on an analysis of recent federal highway administration data
wandeRing Re-establisHes tHe oRiginal
HaRmony wHicH once existed between
man and tHe uniVeRse
business oR leisuRe dRiVing oR FlyingtRaVel saFely natuRally(ara) - weekend getaways shorter vacations and overnight business trips are great ways to save money and are becoming more prevalent according to the bureau of transportation taking a few simple and natural steps to stay safe and healthy while on the road can not only protect your travel investment butenhance your entire experience
ReFResHed and aleRt dRiVing diFFusion
a shorter thriftier trip is likely to be by car the inevitable rush to make the most of the limited time
away after a tiring work week can create fatigue so donrsquot make it a dangerous driving situation enliven your senses with essential oil scents
ditch the cardboard cutout car ldquofreshenerrdquo that hangs from the rearview mirror not only distracting these products are usually saturated with synthetic fragrance chemicals and probably arenrsquot the best thing to inhale while enclosed in your vehicle instead rely on a sleek essential oil diffuser that plugs into your automobilersquos phone charger power outlet these devices feature small paper fiber pads to which you can apply your own custom blend of essential oils allowing you to not only
scent the air inside the car but also to provide refreshing aromatherapy benefits to help keep you alert and focused on the road
a simpler alternative way to diffuse is to apply several drops of oil to a tissue and tuck it carefully into one of the vents in the dash
try these essential oils for the car Peppermint essential oil - refreshing awakening
uplifting eucalyptus essential oil - bracing purifying
protecting lemon essential oil - pleasant deodorizing
cheering
How clean is youR Hotel Room
overnight stays in less than posh hotel digs may be part of the money-saving travel trend even upscale hotels arenrsquot immune to dirt and germs or worse an apparent outbreak of bedbug infestations in the united states recently publicized by the environmental Protection agency
bedbugs aside there are always nagging doubts about just how clean a hotel room actually is has the shower or tub been scrubbed or merely wiped down is the toilet sanitized has the bedspread ever really been thoroughly cleaned fortunately there are ways to protect yourself after you check in but before you settle into your temporary overnight home
air and surface sanitizing spray feel good about travel with a bottle of homemade purifying aromatherapy solution that relies on pleasantly scented and highly effective essential oils rather than harsh chemical disinfectants the following spray will help you create a hygienic environment in your temporary hotel home apply it to tub vanity and toilet surfaces
ingredientsempty 12 to16 ounce spray bottle10 ounces water2 ounces isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or
vodka12 teaspoon tea tree essential oil
(antimicrobial)12 teaspoon lemon essential oil
(cleansing)12 teaspoon lavandin essential oil
(protecting)12 teaspoon sweet orange essential oil
(freshening)
directions combine all ingredients in the spray bottle shake and apply to a washcloth and wipe down the tvrsquos remote the clock radio the door handles and the faucethandles in the bathroom
Purifying and Relaxing linen mist here are some great tips for making a strange bed feel more like home take along your own pillow and replace the ones provided create your own linen mist and use it on your own bed at home then travel with the same blend taking a little bit of home with you when you arrive at your destination turn down the covers exchange the pillows and apply your signature scent to the bed
ingredientsempty 4 to 8 ounce spray bottle4 to 8 ounces water13 drops lavender essential oil
(relaxing calming)5 drops lavandin or spike lavender
essential oil (purifying protecting)
directionscombine the water and oil in the bottle shake the contents thoroughly just before application
remember to look for pure and natural essential oil brands like aura cacia that donrsquot include synthetic petrochemical fragrances for more information on how to enhance your life through aromatherapy visit wwwauracaciacom
PRePaRe youR VeHicle FoR a HuRRicane eVacuation(ara) - ana bill claudette - the first three atlantic ocean hurricanes of the season made headlines but not to the extent of katrina or ike of recent years and while these three hurricanes have come and gone who knows if - or when - grace or henry might pay a visit to your town
the 2009 hurricane season has an expected 90 percent chance of being a near-normal or below-normal season for the atlantic ocean according to the national oceanic and atmospheric administration this prediction - if accurate - will be welcomed with a sigh of relief by many residents in coastal towns after the above-normal year in 2008
but even if noaa is predicting a quiet year for hurricanes you can never be over prepared if you donrsquot have your emergency evacuation plan organized itrsquos time to make one no matter if yoursquore planning on traveling 100 miles or 1000 miles you need an evacuation plan as a representative of a gulf coast
company Maricela carter a health safety security environment coordinator with soPus has some tips on how to prepare your vehicle for potential evacuations
Plan eVacuation Routescheck newspapers online sites the local emergency broadcast radio station and local television stations for the latest information on official evacuation routes Purchase a good map with details on elevations waterways and county roads and familiarize yourself with the most efficient ways to get out of town
Pack an emeRgency kitautomobiles are susceptible to unexpected problems so keep an emergency kit in your trunk include jumper cables extra motor oil window washing brake and coolant fluids simple tools like an air pressure gauge screwdriver pliers and adjustable wrench a role of
paper towels a windup flashlight and a can of fix-a-flat in case you get a flat tire
fix-a-flat creates a temporary emergency seal on contact with the tire and inflates the tire between eight and 14 pounds per square inch so that the car can be driven to a gas station for proper repair of the tire this can help you to get back on the road and out of the hurricanersquos way quickly and easily
Fill uP tHe tankeveryone is going to need fuel in order to evacuate so plan to fill up your tank as soon as you hear a hurricane warning this helps to prevent sudden demands on the supply once your tank is full conserve the amount of gas you use for the next couple of days by combining your errands into one trip and not traveling during rush hour
cHeck tiRe PRessuRein order to help conserve fuel make sure your tires are at the manufacturerrsquos recommended pressure - usually printed on the driverrsquos door of your car keeping tires at the correct pressure can improve your gasoline mileage by 33 percent according to fueleconomygov which means yoursquoll be able to travel further when evacuating
use PRoPeR FluidsMake sure you follow all the manufacturer recommendations for motor oil which can also improve your gasoline mileage by 1 or 2 percent according to fuelecomonygov one helpful hint is to look for oil that has an ldquoenergy conservingrdquo label by the american Petroleum institution to ensure it contains friction-reducing additives
it is not down inany maP tRue PlacesneVeR aRe
diRect dePosit oF social secuRity is easieR FoR winteR tRaVeleRs(ara) - as cold weather sets in thousands of retirees are making plans for a winter getaway if yoursquore one of them switch to direct deposit for your social security payments before you leave - itrsquos the safest easiest way to receive your money
ldquoeach year the us department of the treasury receives more than 14 million inquiries regarding paper check-related problemsrdquo says david a lebryk commissioner of the treasury departmentrsquos financial Management service
yet approximately 105 million americans continue to receive their social security and supplemental security income (ssi) payments by paper check each month the treasury departmentrsquos go direct (r) campaign encourages senior citizens and people with disabilities to switch to direct deposit
incReased saFety conVenience and Reliability
ldquowhen therersquos a problem with a social security payment nine times out of 10 itrsquos with a paper check not a direct deposit paymentrdquo says lebryk
Paper checks can be vulnerable to financial crimes like theft and fraud in fact the treasury department investigates more than 70000 cases of altered or fraudulently endorsed checks each year totaling $64 million in estimated value
ldquoin 2008 alone more than 485000 social security and ssi checks were reported lost or stolen and had to be reissuedrdquo says lebryk
direct deposit is also more convenient and reliable there is no more waiting for a check to arrive in the mail and there are no more worries about delivery delays due to severe weather localemergencies and other check related problems last year alone severe weather events forced alternative delivery arrangements for millions of social security and ssi paper checks
ldquoswitching to direct deposit for federal benefits is such an easy way
for people to safeguard their money es-pecially when traveling for extended pe-riods of timerdquo says lebryk ldquoyour money is deposited to your account on payment day so therersquos no need to worry
about delivery delays or a check sitting in your mailbox while yoursquore gonerdquo
PRePaid debit caRd oPtion
in addition to direct deposit the treasury department recommends the direct express (r) debit Mastercard (r) card as an alternative to paper checks for people without bank accounts
More than half a million americans signed up for the optional direct express (r) card in its first year of availability according to the treasury department a recent survey of cardholders finds that 95 percent say they are satisfied with the prepaid debit card and 86 percent say they would recommend it to family members or friends who receive a federal benefit payment
with the direct express card cardholders can make purchases pay bills and get cash at thousands of locations nationwide sign-up is free and no bank account is required while most services are free there are fees for a limited number of optional transactions and services
making tHe switcH is easy
it is easy to make the switch to electronic payments for federal benefits to sign up for direct deposit call the treasury departmentrsquos go direct campaign helpline at 1-800-333-1795 or visit wwwgodirectorg to sign up for the treasury-recommended direct express card or to learn more about the cardrsquos features and fees call 1-877-212-9991 or visit wwwusdirectexpresscom
the preceding information has been provided by the us department of the treasury financial Management service
the go direct (r) campaign is sponsored by the us department of the treasury and the federal reserve banks the direct express (r) debit Mastercard (r) card is issued by comerica bank pursuant to a license by Mastercard international incorporated Mastercard (r) and the Mastercard (r) brand Mark are registered trademarks of Mastercard international incorporated the go direct(r) logo direct express (r) logo and direct express (r) are service marks of the us department of the treasury financial Management service
biZaRRe tRaVel Plans aRe dancing lessons FRom god
time to ReFinance oR buy
right now mortgage rates are at their lowest level since 1971 think about that twenty-five years ago homeowners were paying as much as 18 on a 30-year fixed today itrsquos just a little over 5combine that rate with the tax advantages
of a mortgage and you have an incredibly cheap way to build wealth but you better act now
real estate guru barbara corcoran has already seen a tremendous surge in refinance applications ndash more than triple the average ndash and the number of people getting approved is astronomically higher as well she says but that doesnrsquot mean the low rates are a panacea for the ills of the housing market it is only once home prices start to go up that we will finally see a light at the end of tunnel corcoran says until that happens we are still going to have to crawl out of this mess ldquo[low interest rates are] not a lifesaverrdquo corcoran says ldquothis is just a helping handrdquo
david kittle chairman of the Mortgage bankers association has this advice to homeowners looking to refinance do it donrsquot get greedy searching for another quarter-point lock in rates now he is seeing applications soar over 125 just since thanksgiving due to the low rates
of course you should only refinance if it saves you at least 38 on the rate and if you plan on staying in your home for at least four years kittle says along with good credit proof of income and money by means of a down payment or equity in the home there are certain things every homeowner needs regardless of interest rate levels
easy-to-do maintenance HelPs extend VeHicle liFe(ara) - after their homes most americansrsquo largest financial investment is their vehicle so helping it stay in good working order for as long as possible is a high priority in fact the average age of a passenger car in north america has grown to more than nine years according to rl Polk and co which indicates that motorists are looking for ways to help extend the life of their vehicle
even so todayrsquos tight budgets leave some motorists reluctant to spend on services or maintenance that they think can be delayed at least for the short term however compared to the cost of engine repair spending a little today on the right maintenance routine performed by trusted service technicians using quality products makes sense Mark ferner Pennzoil technical specialist and ase-certified master mechanic offers some simple cost-effective tips for helping to protect the performance and longevity of your vehicle
replace dirty air filters a dirty air filter will restrict airflow to the engine which may reduce power output if the filter fails it will allow unfiltered air into the engine which can be abrasive inside an engine to avoid these issues and help promote long engine life check your enginersquos air filter regularly and change it when it is dirty
use HigH-quality Fuelseveral automotive manufacturers (bMw gM honda toyota volkswagen and audi) have published technical service bulletins recommending the use of top-tier fuel top-tier fuel contains more additives than is required by the industryrsquos lowest additive content (lac) treat rate regular use of fuel that only meets lac requirements may cause deposits to form on engine intake valves and fuel injectors
cHange youR oilregular oil changes are one of the most important steps to maximize the life of a vehicle oil change in-tervals vary by vehicle and driving conditions so follow the interval and oil specifications found in the ownerrsquos manual
also be sure to use quality motor oils in your vehicle Properly functioning motor oils help prevent sludge and neutralize and disperse harmful deposits and using the recommended viscosity grade of motor oil may also help enhance fuel economy if you are having the oil changed for you ask for quality oils by name Quality motor oil will maintain its effectiveness throughout the oil change interval allowing it to help keep the engine clean
as a bonus some motor oil brands offer lubrication warranties at no additional cost for example the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranty Programs protect qualified engines for 300000 miles whether their owners use conventional synthetic-blend or full synthetic motor oils meeting their vehiclesrsquo requirements Participants can enroll online and maintaining eligibility is easy simply get an oil change with the specified brand change the filter perform regular maintenance and keep the service receipts
to learn more about the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranties visit either wwwPennzoilcom or wwwQuakerstatecom or speak with an automotive professional at a participating automotive dealership or oil change facility that features Pennzoil or Quaker state products
PeoPle donrsquot take tRiPs tRiPs take PeoPle
Fin
al
wo
Rd
s
a vacation is what you take when you can no longer take what yoursquove been taking
eaRl wilson
- 1-12-2010pdf
a V
ac
at
ion
Ho
me
a
wa
y F
Ro
m H
om
e (ara) - getting away during the spring months is popular for many families especially families with children in school looking for a break from the spring semester visiting relatives traveling from one sightseeing opportunity to another and cramming the whole crew into a hotel room with tight sleeping quarters and one bathroom is all par for the course right well it doesnrsquot have to be
travelers are jumping on the vacation home rental bandwagon where theyrsquore finding comfortable spaces just-like-home amenities and a more relaxing experience - all for about what it costs to book a hotel room in this tough economy owners of second homes are increasingly renting out their properties for some extra cash according to homeaway a collection of vacation-rental web sites and as the market floods prices drop to lure renters
a recent online search of hotels in la Jolla calif a beautiful seaside commu-nity thatrsquos technically part of san diego revealed some hotel rooms starting around $150 a night a search for vacation homes returned two bedroom two bathroom options starting at just over $100 a night
not only do you get more space you get the luxuries of home such as a full kitchen washerdryer and parking all of which are further money-savers Plus standard hotel rooms can be pretty boring rarely lending insight into the destinationrsquos character vacation rentals are an actual personrsquos home albeit a second home and some are even pet-friendly
herersquos how to find a vacation rental that suits your needs
wHeRe to staRtawaycom a research and travel-planning web site offers a comprehensive listing of vacation rentals including houses and condos from all over the web find it at awaycomvacationrentals
be comFoRtableif the thought of renting a vacation home ldquosight unseenrdquo and directly from the owner is daunting work with a property management company such companies particularly ones with local offices know the market well and might even be able to move you to another property if a problem arises
do youR HomewoRkcheck out online photos and read all property reviews if yoursquore renting directly from an owner reach out to them with questions and put a face to the transaction and the golden rule clarify all costs and payment methods upfront time invested in the beginning will yield a more enjoyable experience in the end
whatever you decide is right for your spring vacation book it now as usual the early bird will get the worm
Get Your Carolina
Girl Gear
waRm weatHeR Relaxing oR Playing in tHe snowtiPs FoR Planning youR winteR tRaVels(ara) - the winter months offer the perfect excuse to plan a fabulous getaway and you donrsquot have to travel far to find something that fits your vacation expectations
if you need to flee from the cold depths of winter there are plenty of beaches in florida and california and warm desert landscapes to enjoy in arizona and new Mexico that will warm you up and give your skin a bit of summer glow Picture yourself playing tennis in the sun or lounging by the pool with a book while the kids are splashing around in the water
here are tips on how to best plan your warm-weather winter vacation
look FoR deals duRing tHe slow montHsbecause January and february are so close to the holidays but too early yet for spring break hotels and resorts tend to offer special discounts to encourage traveling
Pack sunblock eVen iF yoursquoVe been ldquotanningrdquo
also make sure your travel bags include sun shades a hat with a brim and a water bottle nothing makes a vacation more uncomfortable than sunburn and dehydration
add a Jacket to tHe luggagenights can get chilly and if the wind blows in a rain cloud or two yoursquoll be glad you have that jacket to ward off the goose bumps
Maybe you like to play in the fluffy white stuff and canrsquot wait to schedule downhill skiing in colorado snowshoeing in Maine or ice fishing in Minnesota the images yoursquoll take home this winter include majestic mountains covered in snow your daughter pulling a
360 while snowboarding down a half-pipe or even a moose with
a full rack of antlers on his head browsing for vegetation along a back country road
tips for planning your snow vacation include
FiguRe out iF yoursquoRe going to take youR geaR oR Rent it at youR destinationwhile looking into this determine if your vehicle can carry all the gear or if there are any restrictions bar-ring you from taking it on the airplane if you plan to rent call ahead of time to reserve your equipment
Pack many layeRs oF clotHing Many snow activities can make you warm but once you stop moving yoursquore going to want the heavier layers back
again donrsquot forget sunblock goggles shades or hat because the sun glaring on snow can easily burn your skin and eyes and winter rays can be just as damaging as those in summer
once you have your destination picked and travels planned therersquos one more step to ensure your winter getaway is successful while away from home having your health and safety front-of-mind is very important so you are prepared for emergencies like falling and breaking a bone while swishing down a ski slope or suddenly discovering you have seafood allergies while sampling fresh crawfish in louisiana
on call international provides travel assistance anywhere in the world to travelers who experience an emergency need medical care or evacuation while away from home if you want to return to your local hospital for treatment because you are familiar with the area and can have your personal doctor available on call will coordinate a medical evacuation for the sick person and help arrange transportation for the rest of the family
only a small percentage of health insurance plans cover medical evacuation when the member is on vacation and away from home this means you could be on the hook for thousands of dollars if you need to be transported from the resortrsquos local clinic to a better hospital hundreds of miles away or need a nurse to monitor your care on the way home after a skiing accident
so when you plan your next trip to sunny texas or snowy Michigan donrsquot forget to pack some comfort and safety for you and your family and consider enrolling in an on call international membership just in case you experience a travel emergency
tHe best time to RediscoVeR a destination
sHouldeR season
(ara) - the first few months of the year when many americans are spending time at home trying to recu-perate from the hustle and bustle of the holidays may not seem like an ideal time to plan a vacation how-ever planning for a time known as ldquoshoulder seasonrdquo the time between peak season and low season is a fantastic time for savvy travelers to find great deals on airfare hotels and attractions while simultaneously experiencing top destinations in a whole new way
ldquoMany travelers donrsquot think to travel in the weeks and months following the holidaysrdquo says brad dean President and ceo for the Myrtle beach area convention and visitorrsquos bureau ldquohowever a shoulder season trip can be the best way for travelers to relax after a busy holiday season destinations offer their lowest rates and best deals of the year at this time and consumers can get away for a fraction of the high-season costrdquo
so when is ldquoshoulder seasonrdquo it will vary slightly depending on your destination figuring out a regionrsquos shoulder season could be as easy as checking out rates at a few area hotels to determine when the rates are at their lowest
consider these convincing facts about shoulder season travel and what a great value it can be for your vacation dollars
Hotel rates airfare and attraction fees are often significantly lower during the shoulder season than any other time of year hotels especially are eager for business during this season and respond with deeply discounted rates and incentives to entice travelers
last minute deals you can plan and implement a very budget-friendly travel itinerary in a relatively short time - sometimes just a day or two as opposed to weeks or months of planning ahead thatrsquos needed during busier seasons
shoulder season travel presents the opportunity to view and experience a popular destination one you may have visited before during peak season in a whole new way for example destinations like Myrtle beach sc that bustle and buzz with activity in the peak season can take on a more laid-back relaxed atmosphere in shoulder season yoursquoll have access to the same major attractions
shows dining and shopping that peak season travelers enjoy but at a less frantic pace
and in that vein yoursquoll enjoy free access to popular attractions lines for popular attractions - most of which will stay open year round - will be shorter in shoulder seasons than any other time of year for example in Myrtle beach top entertainment venues and attractions as well as multiple live entertainment theaters are all open for business but with shorter (if any) lines and less crowds
because yoursquoll be getting a great deal therersquos also the opportunity to extend your vacation by a day or two and take some exciting trips to surround-ing areas the more relaxed attitude of shoulder season travel means you will feel more open to the idea of exploring the surrounding area visitors to the
Myrtle beach area for example can enjoy side trips to huntington beach state Park the nearby pictur-esque community of conway and the lowcountry gem of Pawleyrsquos island
finally shoulder season is a great time to travel to a drive destination like Myrtle beach yoursquoll find less traffic and a more relaxed commute to a location considered one of the top driving destinations for leisure travelers along the eastern seaboard and Midwest
to learn more about shoulder season travel opportunities in Myrtle beach log on to wwwvisitmyrtlebeachcom
Want to grow your business
Join the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce
As the unified voice of business the South Carolina Chamber is working to grow wealth for South Carolinians and businesses in order to improve economic development and quality of life
We help your business and you by
bull GettingyourvoiceheardbyourstatelegislatorsthroughourGrassrootsNetworkbull Workingtopassbusiness-friendlylegislationbull Keepingyouinformedonissuesandprovidingsolutionsforgrowingyour business through our monthly magazine South Carolina Business bull Providingnetworkingopportunitieswithlegislatorsandotherbusinessownersbull Trainingyouremployeesonhumanresourcesqualityandmanagementissuesbull Publishingalegalreferenceseries
Join the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce Contactustodayat800-799-4601Learnmoreatwwwscchambernet
Reconnect with Nature plan a trip to a National Park
Reconnect with Nature plan a trip to a National Park
(ARA) - Considered ldquoAmericarsquos best ideardquo national parks provide travelers preserved views of natural wonder as far as the eye can see An American invention they give us a unique backyard vacation oasis where postcard views meet real life-altering experiences And itrsquos this beauty exploration and enrichment combined with the accessibility of national parks that make them a popular vacation choice
According to the National Park Service trips to national parks are on the rise Tour operators offering guided visits through Americarsquos parks agree
ldquoBookings on our North American National Park tours have witnessed an increase of 180 percent in the last yearrdquo says Scott Nisbet president and CEO for the Globus family of brands ldquoNational parks are idyllic vacation lsquohot spotsrsquo perfect for relaxation and introspection wildlife exploration or adventure depending on the traveler and his or her interestsrdquo
A wide range of experiences can be had at national parks including everything from snorkeling rafting and hiking to learning about the environment geology and wildlife They also provide a perfect retreat for those hoping to reconnect with themselves or nature
And itrsquos the diversity of experiences national parks offer travelers that can make booking a national park vacation seem overwhelming Use these tips from Globus to simplify the process and book the perfect getaway for 2010
Choose the right park destinationFrom the east to west coasts Alaska to Hawaii America has more than 50 national parks to explore Do your research to choose a park that has what yoursquore looking for For instance if yoursquore interested in an abundance of hoodoos and canyons Bryce Canyon National Park might be the right fit Or if you want a vacation filled with bird watching or
boating the Everglades National Park could be a great choice
Go rustic or go luxuryLodging is an important consideration for any vacation Some travelers prefer to experience the outdoor beauty of the parks 24 hours a day and choose to camp Others want to escape to the more modern conveniences provided by nearby hotels cabins and lodges Decide what experience best suits you or your family - and decide early Spots (camping or lodging) fill up quickly especially during peak seasons
On your own or with a guideSome travelers prefer to hike or road trip through national parks while others are interested in a more insightful and pre-planned journey While maps are available for nearly every park guided tours have become a popular option for travelers and are often offered as part of a packaged tour vacation including accommodations
ldquoOur national park-focused tours offer an inclusive-style of travel with incomparable exploration and enrichment opportunitiesrdquo says Nisbet ldquoWith a wide range of national park destinations hotels and price points
coupled with unparalleled service and storytelling we create experiences for travelers they couldnrsquot produce on their ownrdquo
For more information or assistance planning your national park vacation visit wwwus-parkscom wwwnpsgov or wwwglobusjourneyscom Or call your travel agent or the Globus family of brands toll-free at (866) 313-2855
Looking For Your Chance To Win
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cHaRlestonrsquos oFFice oF cultuRal aFFaiRslauncHes wwwcHaRlestonaRtssc as tHieR new aRts web sitefrom charleston currents
the city of charlestonrsquos office of cultural affairs has launched httpwwwcharlestonartssc a companion web site to the ocarsquos primary page at the cityrsquos official site charlestonartssc will be updated daily with information and features including an arts calendar that users can search by date artist presenting group or venue social networking widgets and a directory of local arts and cultural organizations and venues
ldquowe are hopeful that charlestonartssc will be a major benefit to local artists and arts organizations by disseminating information about their events with the most up-to-date information to a broader publicrdquo said ellen dressler Moryl director of the office of cultural affairs
other options for users at charlestonartssc include the following
bull Arts organizations can download forms from the Office of Cultural Affairs submit events update contact information and compare performance dates with other area organizations
bull The Tools for Professional section of the Web site features job listings for arts professionals including full time and part time work as well as internships and volunteer opportunities with arts and cultural organizations in the tri-county area
bull Updated grant opportunities for arts organizations with detailed information including deadlines application and contact information
bull Call for Submissions and Call for Auditions pages with details about the location deadlines fees andadditional requirements
the new web site also hosts connecting pages for general information on the office of cultural affairs and its projects the charleston farmers Market the city gallery at waterfront Park holiday Magic happy new year charleston the holiday Parade of boats the lowcountry Quarterly arts grant Program Piccolo spoleto and the MoJa arts festival
the web site was developed and is being hosted by carolina Media services ( wwwonlysc)
a RetiRement HometHat HelPs Pay FoR itselF(ara) - with todayrsquos record low real estate prices and at-tractive mortgage rates now may be a good time to think about investing in a second home that ultimately can be used as your permanent residence upon retirement by taking a ldquobuy-and-rentrdquo approach before yoursquore ready to retire your new home will actually have partly paid for itself by the time yoursquore ready to move into it
ldquobuying and renting out a second home as a vacation rental property until yoursquore ready to move in upon retirement can significantly help offset the cost of ownershiprdquo says brian sharples ceo of homeaway the worldrsquos leading online vacation rental marketplace ldquothe income stream in addition to tax write-offs for maintenance and repairs make this an attractive strategy for many people nearing retirementrdquo
according to homeaway the average second-home owner rents out their property to travelers 17 weeks a year generating more than $28000 in rental income annually and the demand for vacation rentals among travelers is growing which is good news for second-home owners in fact 87 percent of travelers who looked into a vacation rental in the past say they plan to stay in a vacation rental in 2010 - a significant increase from the 67 percent who stayed in a vacation rental in 2009
to generate income from a second home prior to moving into it when you retire sharples suggests consumers take the following steps
location and maRket Potentialcarefully review the markets where you want to retire and before you buy consider the areas where consumer demand for vacation rentals is high but inventory is low for example atlantic city nJ sunny isles beach fla hampton beach nh dauphin island ala and Mount Pocono Pa were among some of the most underserved markets for vacation rental properties in 2009 according to homeaway
FactoR in tax wRite-oFFstalk to an accountant about the tax advantages of owning and renting out a second home expenses such as insurance utilities home maintenance and depreciation can be deducted depending on how often you rent out the property and how many weeks you personally stay there each year
adVeRtise to attRact RenteRs when yoursquore ready to rent out the property be sure to market the availability of the vacation rental to travelers by listing it on sites like homeawaycom or vrbocom which reach millions of travelers each month a 12-month listing costs $329 - or less than $28 per month - on homeawaycom so the advertising pays for itself with your first booking - and the rest is pure rental income
stay comPetitiVe amp netwoRk witH owneRs check out other similar vacation rentals in the area to determine what rates theyrsquore charging travelers and price your home at a competitiverate to help drive bookings also be sure to talk with other owners to get their tips and advice for maximizing a second home investment
for more information on buying a second home and effective strategies for maximizing rental income check out homeawayrsquos online community for vacation rental owners at ownercommunityhomeawaycom
tiPs to successFully get youwHeRe you need to be - Fast(ara) - do you ever get a headache just thinking about navigating the streets of an unfamiliar city have you ever booked a hotel in a less-than-great part of town or been late to an appointment because you canrsquot find a parking garage
even the savviest of travelers who can find their way around a city with their eyes closed run into travel snafus sending their blood pressure through the roof navigating the streets of a new city can be one of the most stressful parts of booking and taking a trip whether itrsquos for business or leisure
so you finally landed and yoursquore on your way to the hotel that you booked in the heart of the city everything is going just as you planned not so fast somehow you find yourself nowhere near the bright city lights and in a hotel on the outskirts of town where you wouldnrsquot even venture out for a cup of Joe
sound familiar well yoursquore not alone - more than half of travelers say theyrsquove experienced this very nightmare according to a recent bing survey
while finding decent lodging can be difficult sometimes even thinking about how to get around a city can strike fear into the hearts of business and leisure travelers alike so which city gets travelers hearts racing when just thinking about how to get around unsurprisingly for anyone who has ever visited either new york or los angeles (even just once) both cities topped bingrsquos survey as the worst cities to navigate More than 40 percent said ldquothe heck with driving irsquom getting a taxirdquo when visiting the big apple and a quarter said that the concrete jungle otherwise known as los angeles is too wild for them
so how can you ensure you know enough about a city to get around like you were a local book a decent hotel check out a local concert or find a local hot spot to grab a bite to eat well the folks at bing have a few tips to make your next adventure stress-free
Pay attention to ReViews Most online booking sites offer reviews from other guests who have stayed at the hotel that yoursquore considering while you may be inclined to take the overly positive reviews with a grain of salt itrsquos best to steer clear if a hotel receives consistent negative customer reviews
study uPcheck out the local convention center visitorsrsquo bureau or chamber of commerce web sites to learn more about the city and its surrounding neighborhoods this will help give you a better idea of whatrsquos near your destination and the neighborhoods that surround it
RemembeRyou get wHat you Pay FoRif yoursquore paying a two-star rate donrsquot expect to get four- or five-star accommodations and a mint on your pillow a cheaper rate rarely buys you luxury but you should still be able to score a clean safe room that provides for your basic needs
HoP onlineuse online resources like bing Mapsrsquo new streetside experience a three-dimensional mapping tool Just log on to bing Maps where you can zoom in from satellite level to birdrsquos eye view and even down to street level for 56 major us metro areas
now you can virtually walk the streets of your next adventure with actual 360-degree footage of the area not only can you tell if a hotel is in a good neighborhood yoursquoll be able to see if therersquos a wifi coffee shop nearby where you can sync up your computer before your next meeting or scope out any traffic jams before you head out and you can even find the nearest parking garage so yoursquore never late again to your lunch date - unlike the more than 40 percent of bing survey respondents who were fashionably late because they couldnrsquot find a parking spot
ldquobooking a hotel room on the internet can be a risky proposition if you canrsquot see the room hotel or area itrsquos in before you bookrdquo says blaise aguera y arcas architect of bing Maps and Msn at Microsoft ldquobut technology like streetside is making it possible to scope out a neighborhood - and ensure itrsquos one you want to stay in - without ever having to leave the comfort of your computer chairrdquo in fact the bing survey found that nearly a quarter of travelers rated finding a decent hotel as the most frustrating part of planning their trip
Plus stay up-to-date on the best places to check out on your next trip by using bingrsquos twitter mapping app now you can get real-time information about an area - such as seeing the latest tweets for the local shopping mall before you even go there or even updates about local events and breaking news
log onto bing Maps where you can plan your next trip whether itrsquos a far away city or even your own town now you can be a travel guru no matter where you are
setting and stickingto youR tRaVel budget(ara) - travel can be one of the biggest-ticket items you invest in each year so itrsquos worth it to plan ahead
setting a budget - and sticking to it - can help you stay in better control of spending according to a recent visa survey a majority (54 percent) of last yearrsquos summer travelers either didnrsquot set a budget oroverspent their budget while traveling and more than a quarter of those surveyed overspent by more than $250 to make sure this doesnrsquot happen to you itrsquos important to create a realistic travel budget and make a plan for how you will spend within your means while on the road
to create a budget think through your trip first include the basics such as transportation to and from your destination and lodging next plan for expenses that come up along the way such as meals on the road
hosthostess gifts rental cars or public transportation donrsquot forget to include entertainment - whether sightseeing or going to the movies itrsquos also a good idea to build in a cushion for the unexpected
once yoursquove set your travel budget you need to stick to it one tool that can help is a prepaid travel card a prepaid card draws from funds that are set aside in advance for purchases here are a few ways prepaid travel cards can come in handy
keeP tRaVel Funds sePaRate an easy way to make sure you donrsquot go over budget is to set your travel budget aside on a prepaid travel card simply load the card with your travel budget and use it for everything from online booking to grabbing lunch during an (unexpectedly extended) layover without worrying about spending more than you planned or dipping into gift-buying funds
access casHwhether you need a few dollars or several yen choose a prepaid card that will allow you to withdraw cash from atMs around the world if yoursquore traveling internationally itrsquoll also save you the hassle of tracking down and waiting in line for local currency
bRowse and buy look for a prepaid card that you can use online travel sites offer a wealth of information and detailed listings of competing offers from airlines and hotels as well as reviews from fellow travelers for flights you can typically compare possible savings by traveling on al-ternate days or from nearby airports once you spot the deal that works for your budget use your prepaid travel card to snap it up
enJoy Peace oF mind wHen tRaVeling Prepaid cards may come with travel-related services for example the visa travelMoney card offers zero liability for lost or stolen cards as well as lost luggage reimbursement and purchase security Make sure you know which benefits your card offers and how they work so you can tap into them should the need arise
with some advance preparation and the right tools in place you donrsquot have to overspend on travel in fact with some careful planning you could end up with enough left to buy yourself a little something to remember the trip for more information about visa travelMoney visit wwwvisacomtravelmoney
Click To Listen While You Browse
South Carolinarsquos Internet
Powered By
(843)720-9604 InfoOnlysc
need an easy getaway FoR tHe Family Plan a budget-FRiendly tRiP to a national PaRk(ara) - american families have spoken the vacation is a top priority ninety-four percent of americans agreed that even in tough economic times family vacations are worth the money according to a recent survey by expediacom to keep the vacation affordable and easy think about introducing your family to the splendor of the national park system - where activities are abundant and costs are minimal
expediacom recently partnered with the national Park foundation to provide a permanent one-stop shop to help travelers plan and book vacations to americarsquos national parks
ldquothere are excellent values for traveling families right now and taking a trip to a national park is one of the best ways to stretch your vacation dollarsrdquo says lee woodruff author travel expert and mother of four
ldquofamilies are looking for ways to reconnect with each other and what better option for an affordable vacation than a national parkrdquo
here are five easy steps to plan the perfect national park getaway
1 get inspired ken burns recently debuted a six-part documentary series for Pbs titledldquothe national Parks americarsquos best ideardquo tune into Pbs or order a copy online to find inspiration and a detailed look at some of the most beautiful places in the world from acadia to the grand canyon and yosemite to the gates of the arctic in alaska
2 Pick the park with original content from the national Park foundation expediacomrsquos national park web site is the perfect resource for families to find the national park to fit their vacation needs
the site offers pre-set ldquolong weekendrdquo itineraries to start your planning you can also search through the ldquocanrsquot Miss national Parksrdquo section to learn about the parkrsquos location its natural features little-known facts including the best times to visit and activities to choose from in each area expediarsquos site also offers downloadable park maps to help you get your bearings
3 more ways to save take advantage of the public amenities that national parks offer like camping and picnic sites while there is a small entrance fee to the parks you can cut back on costs by bringing your own meals and treating the kids to lunch by a waterfall or overlooking the grand canyon also enjoy the free activities such as hiking biking and birding that the parks offer
4 book your hotel and rental car if camping isnrsquot your familyrsquos style consider any of the great lodges in and around the national park of your choice and if yoursquore planning to rent a car consider booking lodging and car together to substantially reduce the overall costs of your vacation
5 give back consider giving back to the national Park foundation by visiting the web site wwwnationalparksorg and donate or learn more about volunteer opportunities within americarsquos national parks helping out in these small ways ensures the parks will remain beautiful so your kids can bring their own children one day
ldquoPlanning the vacation is half of the fun so get every-one involved in the processrdquo says woodruff ldquothere are so many options in our national park system many of which have rich and amazing heritage so the whole family is going to enjoy something when you visitrdquo
bookmaRk youRFaVoRite Road
a bRieF HistoRyoF PaVed Roads
(ara) - Planes and trains may have their place in our society but for the dedicated traveler therersquos still nothing like getting in your car and taking a trip along americarsquos highways
half the fun of road trips in the minds of many is getting home and telling friends and family about the adventure - and the roads they traveled
in the past driversrsquo road stories were largely told by word of mouth to a few people at a time now drivers can tell their tales to millions via the internet favoriteroadcom is a new web site that features americarsquos favorite highways and byways
the site encourages you to post your favorite roads and explain why you like them simply log on to submit a photo and story of your favorite road use links posted on the site to share your road via popular social networks such as facebook and twitter your submission may even win a prize in contest giveaways
the past yearrsquos economic downturn has reintroduced the word ldquoinfrastructurerdquo to our vocabulary as a result of stimulus legislation passed in 2009 the federal government has allocated millions of dollars to specifically improve state roads and highways and with more affordable gasoline prices people are increasingly using americarsquos roads for leisure travel
by posting on favoriteroadcom yoursquore doing more than just ldquotelling a good storyrdquo your testimonials may help encourage lawmakers to push for increased infrastructure spending to keep america driving smoothly and safely for years to come
whatrsquos your favorite road log on and tell the world at favoriteroadcom
625 bc the babylonians are credited with the first recorded use of asphalt as a road building material the ancient greeks were also familiar with asphalt (the word comes from the greek ldquoasphaltosrdquo meaning ldquosecurerdquo)
1500s christopher columbus landed off the shores of trinidad in 1498 and discovered the famous asphalt lake which would later be used on the Pennsylvania avenue project in washington dc covering 54000 square yards
1800s Macadam roads became popular in the us for rural road construction during the 1830s and 40s belgian chemist edmund J desmedt laid the first true asphalt pavement in the us in newark nJ the cummer company opened the first central hot mix production facilities in the us the first asphalt patent was filed by nathan b abbott of brooklyn ny in 1871
1920s world war i ended and the use of the automo-bile was steadily rising but roads outside the city limits were frequently too muddy or dusty for travel to fix this problem road engineers used oils and asphalt
1940s-1950s the modern american turnpike is born after world war ii full scale automobile production resumed along with major levels of road maintenance and new highway construction by 1950 vehicle registration exceeded 40 million cars and 8 million trucks in 1956 President eisenhower signed the federal-aid highway act and launched the interstate system to create an infrastructure highway program -unmatched anywhere in the world
1970s a national move to conserve energy and materials initiated a widespread interest in recycling of pavement materials asphalt is now americarsquos most recycled product
1990s a traffic study by the world road association indicates that asphalt pavements are at least 4 decibels quieter than concrete pavements
2000s the us population has increased 23 percent since 1990 and the number of miles driven has risen by 41 percent only half of the nationrsquos major roads are in good condition based on an analysis of recent federal highway administration data
wandeRing Re-establisHes tHe oRiginal
HaRmony wHicH once existed between
man and tHe uniVeRse
business oR leisuRe dRiVing oR FlyingtRaVel saFely natuRally(ara) - weekend getaways shorter vacations and overnight business trips are great ways to save money and are becoming more prevalent according to the bureau of transportation taking a few simple and natural steps to stay safe and healthy while on the road can not only protect your travel investment butenhance your entire experience
ReFResHed and aleRt dRiVing diFFusion
a shorter thriftier trip is likely to be by car the inevitable rush to make the most of the limited time
away after a tiring work week can create fatigue so donrsquot make it a dangerous driving situation enliven your senses with essential oil scents
ditch the cardboard cutout car ldquofreshenerrdquo that hangs from the rearview mirror not only distracting these products are usually saturated with synthetic fragrance chemicals and probably arenrsquot the best thing to inhale while enclosed in your vehicle instead rely on a sleek essential oil diffuser that plugs into your automobilersquos phone charger power outlet these devices feature small paper fiber pads to which you can apply your own custom blend of essential oils allowing you to not only
scent the air inside the car but also to provide refreshing aromatherapy benefits to help keep you alert and focused on the road
a simpler alternative way to diffuse is to apply several drops of oil to a tissue and tuck it carefully into one of the vents in the dash
try these essential oils for the car Peppermint essential oil - refreshing awakening
uplifting eucalyptus essential oil - bracing purifying
protecting lemon essential oil - pleasant deodorizing
cheering
How clean is youR Hotel Room
overnight stays in less than posh hotel digs may be part of the money-saving travel trend even upscale hotels arenrsquot immune to dirt and germs or worse an apparent outbreak of bedbug infestations in the united states recently publicized by the environmental Protection agency
bedbugs aside there are always nagging doubts about just how clean a hotel room actually is has the shower or tub been scrubbed or merely wiped down is the toilet sanitized has the bedspread ever really been thoroughly cleaned fortunately there are ways to protect yourself after you check in but before you settle into your temporary overnight home
air and surface sanitizing spray feel good about travel with a bottle of homemade purifying aromatherapy solution that relies on pleasantly scented and highly effective essential oils rather than harsh chemical disinfectants the following spray will help you create a hygienic environment in your temporary hotel home apply it to tub vanity and toilet surfaces
ingredientsempty 12 to16 ounce spray bottle10 ounces water2 ounces isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or
vodka12 teaspoon tea tree essential oil
(antimicrobial)12 teaspoon lemon essential oil
(cleansing)12 teaspoon lavandin essential oil
(protecting)12 teaspoon sweet orange essential oil
(freshening)
directions combine all ingredients in the spray bottle shake and apply to a washcloth and wipe down the tvrsquos remote the clock radio the door handles and the faucethandles in the bathroom
Purifying and Relaxing linen mist here are some great tips for making a strange bed feel more like home take along your own pillow and replace the ones provided create your own linen mist and use it on your own bed at home then travel with the same blend taking a little bit of home with you when you arrive at your destination turn down the covers exchange the pillows and apply your signature scent to the bed
ingredientsempty 4 to 8 ounce spray bottle4 to 8 ounces water13 drops lavender essential oil
(relaxing calming)5 drops lavandin or spike lavender
essential oil (purifying protecting)
directionscombine the water and oil in the bottle shake the contents thoroughly just before application
remember to look for pure and natural essential oil brands like aura cacia that donrsquot include synthetic petrochemical fragrances for more information on how to enhance your life through aromatherapy visit wwwauracaciacom
PRePaRe youR VeHicle FoR a HuRRicane eVacuation(ara) - ana bill claudette - the first three atlantic ocean hurricanes of the season made headlines but not to the extent of katrina or ike of recent years and while these three hurricanes have come and gone who knows if - or when - grace or henry might pay a visit to your town
the 2009 hurricane season has an expected 90 percent chance of being a near-normal or below-normal season for the atlantic ocean according to the national oceanic and atmospheric administration this prediction - if accurate - will be welcomed with a sigh of relief by many residents in coastal towns after the above-normal year in 2008
but even if noaa is predicting a quiet year for hurricanes you can never be over prepared if you donrsquot have your emergency evacuation plan organized itrsquos time to make one no matter if yoursquore planning on traveling 100 miles or 1000 miles you need an evacuation plan as a representative of a gulf coast
company Maricela carter a health safety security environment coordinator with soPus has some tips on how to prepare your vehicle for potential evacuations
Plan eVacuation Routescheck newspapers online sites the local emergency broadcast radio station and local television stations for the latest information on official evacuation routes Purchase a good map with details on elevations waterways and county roads and familiarize yourself with the most efficient ways to get out of town
Pack an emeRgency kitautomobiles are susceptible to unexpected problems so keep an emergency kit in your trunk include jumper cables extra motor oil window washing brake and coolant fluids simple tools like an air pressure gauge screwdriver pliers and adjustable wrench a role of
paper towels a windup flashlight and a can of fix-a-flat in case you get a flat tire
fix-a-flat creates a temporary emergency seal on contact with the tire and inflates the tire between eight and 14 pounds per square inch so that the car can be driven to a gas station for proper repair of the tire this can help you to get back on the road and out of the hurricanersquos way quickly and easily
Fill uP tHe tankeveryone is going to need fuel in order to evacuate so plan to fill up your tank as soon as you hear a hurricane warning this helps to prevent sudden demands on the supply once your tank is full conserve the amount of gas you use for the next couple of days by combining your errands into one trip and not traveling during rush hour
cHeck tiRe PRessuRein order to help conserve fuel make sure your tires are at the manufacturerrsquos recommended pressure - usually printed on the driverrsquos door of your car keeping tires at the correct pressure can improve your gasoline mileage by 33 percent according to fueleconomygov which means yoursquoll be able to travel further when evacuating
use PRoPeR FluidsMake sure you follow all the manufacturer recommendations for motor oil which can also improve your gasoline mileage by 1 or 2 percent according to fuelecomonygov one helpful hint is to look for oil that has an ldquoenergy conservingrdquo label by the american Petroleum institution to ensure it contains friction-reducing additives
it is not down inany maP tRue PlacesneVeR aRe
diRect dePosit oF social secuRity is easieR FoR winteR tRaVeleRs(ara) - as cold weather sets in thousands of retirees are making plans for a winter getaway if yoursquore one of them switch to direct deposit for your social security payments before you leave - itrsquos the safest easiest way to receive your money
ldquoeach year the us department of the treasury receives more than 14 million inquiries regarding paper check-related problemsrdquo says david a lebryk commissioner of the treasury departmentrsquos financial Management service
yet approximately 105 million americans continue to receive their social security and supplemental security income (ssi) payments by paper check each month the treasury departmentrsquos go direct (r) campaign encourages senior citizens and people with disabilities to switch to direct deposit
incReased saFety conVenience and Reliability
ldquowhen therersquos a problem with a social security payment nine times out of 10 itrsquos with a paper check not a direct deposit paymentrdquo says lebryk
Paper checks can be vulnerable to financial crimes like theft and fraud in fact the treasury department investigates more than 70000 cases of altered or fraudulently endorsed checks each year totaling $64 million in estimated value
ldquoin 2008 alone more than 485000 social security and ssi checks were reported lost or stolen and had to be reissuedrdquo says lebryk
direct deposit is also more convenient and reliable there is no more waiting for a check to arrive in the mail and there are no more worries about delivery delays due to severe weather localemergencies and other check related problems last year alone severe weather events forced alternative delivery arrangements for millions of social security and ssi paper checks
ldquoswitching to direct deposit for federal benefits is such an easy way
for people to safeguard their money es-pecially when traveling for extended pe-riods of timerdquo says lebryk ldquoyour money is deposited to your account on payment day so therersquos no need to worry
about delivery delays or a check sitting in your mailbox while yoursquore gonerdquo
PRePaid debit caRd oPtion
in addition to direct deposit the treasury department recommends the direct express (r) debit Mastercard (r) card as an alternative to paper checks for people without bank accounts
More than half a million americans signed up for the optional direct express (r) card in its first year of availability according to the treasury department a recent survey of cardholders finds that 95 percent say they are satisfied with the prepaid debit card and 86 percent say they would recommend it to family members or friends who receive a federal benefit payment
with the direct express card cardholders can make purchases pay bills and get cash at thousands of locations nationwide sign-up is free and no bank account is required while most services are free there are fees for a limited number of optional transactions and services
making tHe switcH is easy
it is easy to make the switch to electronic payments for federal benefits to sign up for direct deposit call the treasury departmentrsquos go direct campaign helpline at 1-800-333-1795 or visit wwwgodirectorg to sign up for the treasury-recommended direct express card or to learn more about the cardrsquos features and fees call 1-877-212-9991 or visit wwwusdirectexpresscom
the preceding information has been provided by the us department of the treasury financial Management service
the go direct (r) campaign is sponsored by the us department of the treasury and the federal reserve banks the direct express (r) debit Mastercard (r) card is issued by comerica bank pursuant to a license by Mastercard international incorporated Mastercard (r) and the Mastercard (r) brand Mark are registered trademarks of Mastercard international incorporated the go direct(r) logo direct express (r) logo and direct express (r) are service marks of the us department of the treasury financial Management service
biZaRRe tRaVel Plans aRe dancing lessons FRom god
time to ReFinance oR buy
right now mortgage rates are at their lowest level since 1971 think about that twenty-five years ago homeowners were paying as much as 18 on a 30-year fixed today itrsquos just a little over 5combine that rate with the tax advantages
of a mortgage and you have an incredibly cheap way to build wealth but you better act now
real estate guru barbara corcoran has already seen a tremendous surge in refinance applications ndash more than triple the average ndash and the number of people getting approved is astronomically higher as well she says but that doesnrsquot mean the low rates are a panacea for the ills of the housing market it is only once home prices start to go up that we will finally see a light at the end of tunnel corcoran says until that happens we are still going to have to crawl out of this mess ldquo[low interest rates are] not a lifesaverrdquo corcoran says ldquothis is just a helping handrdquo
david kittle chairman of the Mortgage bankers association has this advice to homeowners looking to refinance do it donrsquot get greedy searching for another quarter-point lock in rates now he is seeing applications soar over 125 just since thanksgiving due to the low rates
of course you should only refinance if it saves you at least 38 on the rate and if you plan on staying in your home for at least four years kittle says along with good credit proof of income and money by means of a down payment or equity in the home there are certain things every homeowner needs regardless of interest rate levels
easy-to-do maintenance HelPs extend VeHicle liFe(ara) - after their homes most americansrsquo largest financial investment is their vehicle so helping it stay in good working order for as long as possible is a high priority in fact the average age of a passenger car in north america has grown to more than nine years according to rl Polk and co which indicates that motorists are looking for ways to help extend the life of their vehicle
even so todayrsquos tight budgets leave some motorists reluctant to spend on services or maintenance that they think can be delayed at least for the short term however compared to the cost of engine repair spending a little today on the right maintenance routine performed by trusted service technicians using quality products makes sense Mark ferner Pennzoil technical specialist and ase-certified master mechanic offers some simple cost-effective tips for helping to protect the performance and longevity of your vehicle
replace dirty air filters a dirty air filter will restrict airflow to the engine which may reduce power output if the filter fails it will allow unfiltered air into the engine which can be abrasive inside an engine to avoid these issues and help promote long engine life check your enginersquos air filter regularly and change it when it is dirty
use HigH-quality Fuelseveral automotive manufacturers (bMw gM honda toyota volkswagen and audi) have published technical service bulletins recommending the use of top-tier fuel top-tier fuel contains more additives than is required by the industryrsquos lowest additive content (lac) treat rate regular use of fuel that only meets lac requirements may cause deposits to form on engine intake valves and fuel injectors
cHange youR oilregular oil changes are one of the most important steps to maximize the life of a vehicle oil change in-tervals vary by vehicle and driving conditions so follow the interval and oil specifications found in the ownerrsquos manual
also be sure to use quality motor oils in your vehicle Properly functioning motor oils help prevent sludge and neutralize and disperse harmful deposits and using the recommended viscosity grade of motor oil may also help enhance fuel economy if you are having the oil changed for you ask for quality oils by name Quality motor oil will maintain its effectiveness throughout the oil change interval allowing it to help keep the engine clean
as a bonus some motor oil brands offer lubrication warranties at no additional cost for example the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranty Programs protect qualified engines for 300000 miles whether their owners use conventional synthetic-blend or full synthetic motor oils meeting their vehiclesrsquo requirements Participants can enroll online and maintaining eligibility is easy simply get an oil change with the specified brand change the filter perform regular maintenance and keep the service receipts
to learn more about the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranties visit either wwwPennzoilcom or wwwQuakerstatecom or speak with an automotive professional at a participating automotive dealership or oil change facility that features Pennzoil or Quaker state products
PeoPle donrsquot take tRiPs tRiPs take PeoPle
Fin
al
wo
Rd
s
a vacation is what you take when you can no longer take what yoursquove been taking
eaRl wilson
- 1-12-2010pdf
not only do you get more space you get the luxuries of home such as a full kitchen washerdryer and parking all of which are further money-savers Plus standard hotel rooms can be pretty boring rarely lending insight into the destinationrsquos character vacation rentals are an actual personrsquos home albeit a second home and some are even pet-friendly
herersquos how to find a vacation rental that suits your needs
wHeRe to staRtawaycom a research and travel-planning web site offers a comprehensive listing of vacation rentals including houses and condos from all over the web find it at awaycomvacationrentals
be comFoRtableif the thought of renting a vacation home ldquosight unseenrdquo and directly from the owner is daunting work with a property management company such companies particularly ones with local offices know the market well and might even be able to move you to another property if a problem arises
do youR HomewoRkcheck out online photos and read all property reviews if yoursquore renting directly from an owner reach out to them with questions and put a face to the transaction and the golden rule clarify all costs and payment methods upfront time invested in the beginning will yield a more enjoyable experience in the end
whatever you decide is right for your spring vacation book it now as usual the early bird will get the worm
Get Your Carolina
Girl Gear
waRm weatHeR Relaxing oR Playing in tHe snowtiPs FoR Planning youR winteR tRaVels(ara) - the winter months offer the perfect excuse to plan a fabulous getaway and you donrsquot have to travel far to find something that fits your vacation expectations
if you need to flee from the cold depths of winter there are plenty of beaches in florida and california and warm desert landscapes to enjoy in arizona and new Mexico that will warm you up and give your skin a bit of summer glow Picture yourself playing tennis in the sun or lounging by the pool with a book while the kids are splashing around in the water
here are tips on how to best plan your warm-weather winter vacation
look FoR deals duRing tHe slow montHsbecause January and february are so close to the holidays but too early yet for spring break hotels and resorts tend to offer special discounts to encourage traveling
Pack sunblock eVen iF yoursquoVe been ldquotanningrdquo
also make sure your travel bags include sun shades a hat with a brim and a water bottle nothing makes a vacation more uncomfortable than sunburn and dehydration
add a Jacket to tHe luggagenights can get chilly and if the wind blows in a rain cloud or two yoursquoll be glad you have that jacket to ward off the goose bumps
Maybe you like to play in the fluffy white stuff and canrsquot wait to schedule downhill skiing in colorado snowshoeing in Maine or ice fishing in Minnesota the images yoursquoll take home this winter include majestic mountains covered in snow your daughter pulling a
360 while snowboarding down a half-pipe or even a moose with
a full rack of antlers on his head browsing for vegetation along a back country road
tips for planning your snow vacation include
FiguRe out iF yoursquoRe going to take youR geaR oR Rent it at youR destinationwhile looking into this determine if your vehicle can carry all the gear or if there are any restrictions bar-ring you from taking it on the airplane if you plan to rent call ahead of time to reserve your equipment
Pack many layeRs oF clotHing Many snow activities can make you warm but once you stop moving yoursquore going to want the heavier layers back
again donrsquot forget sunblock goggles shades or hat because the sun glaring on snow can easily burn your skin and eyes and winter rays can be just as damaging as those in summer
once you have your destination picked and travels planned therersquos one more step to ensure your winter getaway is successful while away from home having your health and safety front-of-mind is very important so you are prepared for emergencies like falling and breaking a bone while swishing down a ski slope or suddenly discovering you have seafood allergies while sampling fresh crawfish in louisiana
on call international provides travel assistance anywhere in the world to travelers who experience an emergency need medical care or evacuation while away from home if you want to return to your local hospital for treatment because you are familiar with the area and can have your personal doctor available on call will coordinate a medical evacuation for the sick person and help arrange transportation for the rest of the family
only a small percentage of health insurance plans cover medical evacuation when the member is on vacation and away from home this means you could be on the hook for thousands of dollars if you need to be transported from the resortrsquos local clinic to a better hospital hundreds of miles away or need a nurse to monitor your care on the way home after a skiing accident
so when you plan your next trip to sunny texas or snowy Michigan donrsquot forget to pack some comfort and safety for you and your family and consider enrolling in an on call international membership just in case you experience a travel emergency
tHe best time to RediscoVeR a destination
sHouldeR season
(ara) - the first few months of the year when many americans are spending time at home trying to recu-perate from the hustle and bustle of the holidays may not seem like an ideal time to plan a vacation how-ever planning for a time known as ldquoshoulder seasonrdquo the time between peak season and low season is a fantastic time for savvy travelers to find great deals on airfare hotels and attractions while simultaneously experiencing top destinations in a whole new way
ldquoMany travelers donrsquot think to travel in the weeks and months following the holidaysrdquo says brad dean President and ceo for the Myrtle beach area convention and visitorrsquos bureau ldquohowever a shoulder season trip can be the best way for travelers to relax after a busy holiday season destinations offer their lowest rates and best deals of the year at this time and consumers can get away for a fraction of the high-season costrdquo
so when is ldquoshoulder seasonrdquo it will vary slightly depending on your destination figuring out a regionrsquos shoulder season could be as easy as checking out rates at a few area hotels to determine when the rates are at their lowest
consider these convincing facts about shoulder season travel and what a great value it can be for your vacation dollars
Hotel rates airfare and attraction fees are often significantly lower during the shoulder season than any other time of year hotels especially are eager for business during this season and respond with deeply discounted rates and incentives to entice travelers
last minute deals you can plan and implement a very budget-friendly travel itinerary in a relatively short time - sometimes just a day or two as opposed to weeks or months of planning ahead thatrsquos needed during busier seasons
shoulder season travel presents the opportunity to view and experience a popular destination one you may have visited before during peak season in a whole new way for example destinations like Myrtle beach sc that bustle and buzz with activity in the peak season can take on a more laid-back relaxed atmosphere in shoulder season yoursquoll have access to the same major attractions
shows dining and shopping that peak season travelers enjoy but at a less frantic pace
and in that vein yoursquoll enjoy free access to popular attractions lines for popular attractions - most of which will stay open year round - will be shorter in shoulder seasons than any other time of year for example in Myrtle beach top entertainment venues and attractions as well as multiple live entertainment theaters are all open for business but with shorter (if any) lines and less crowds
because yoursquoll be getting a great deal therersquos also the opportunity to extend your vacation by a day or two and take some exciting trips to surround-ing areas the more relaxed attitude of shoulder season travel means you will feel more open to the idea of exploring the surrounding area visitors to the
Myrtle beach area for example can enjoy side trips to huntington beach state Park the nearby pictur-esque community of conway and the lowcountry gem of Pawleyrsquos island
finally shoulder season is a great time to travel to a drive destination like Myrtle beach yoursquoll find less traffic and a more relaxed commute to a location considered one of the top driving destinations for leisure travelers along the eastern seaboard and Midwest
to learn more about shoulder season travel opportunities in Myrtle beach log on to wwwvisitmyrtlebeachcom
Want to grow your business
Join the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce
As the unified voice of business the South Carolina Chamber is working to grow wealth for South Carolinians and businesses in order to improve economic development and quality of life
We help your business and you by
bull GettingyourvoiceheardbyourstatelegislatorsthroughourGrassrootsNetworkbull Workingtopassbusiness-friendlylegislationbull Keepingyouinformedonissuesandprovidingsolutionsforgrowingyour business through our monthly magazine South Carolina Business bull Providingnetworkingopportunitieswithlegislatorsandotherbusinessownersbull Trainingyouremployeesonhumanresourcesqualityandmanagementissuesbull Publishingalegalreferenceseries
Join the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce Contactustodayat800-799-4601Learnmoreatwwwscchambernet
Reconnect with Nature plan a trip to a National Park
Reconnect with Nature plan a trip to a National Park
(ARA) - Considered ldquoAmericarsquos best ideardquo national parks provide travelers preserved views of natural wonder as far as the eye can see An American invention they give us a unique backyard vacation oasis where postcard views meet real life-altering experiences And itrsquos this beauty exploration and enrichment combined with the accessibility of national parks that make them a popular vacation choice
According to the National Park Service trips to national parks are on the rise Tour operators offering guided visits through Americarsquos parks agree
ldquoBookings on our North American National Park tours have witnessed an increase of 180 percent in the last yearrdquo says Scott Nisbet president and CEO for the Globus family of brands ldquoNational parks are idyllic vacation lsquohot spotsrsquo perfect for relaxation and introspection wildlife exploration or adventure depending on the traveler and his or her interestsrdquo
A wide range of experiences can be had at national parks including everything from snorkeling rafting and hiking to learning about the environment geology and wildlife They also provide a perfect retreat for those hoping to reconnect with themselves or nature
And itrsquos the diversity of experiences national parks offer travelers that can make booking a national park vacation seem overwhelming Use these tips from Globus to simplify the process and book the perfect getaway for 2010
Choose the right park destinationFrom the east to west coasts Alaska to Hawaii America has more than 50 national parks to explore Do your research to choose a park that has what yoursquore looking for For instance if yoursquore interested in an abundance of hoodoos and canyons Bryce Canyon National Park might be the right fit Or if you want a vacation filled with bird watching or
boating the Everglades National Park could be a great choice
Go rustic or go luxuryLodging is an important consideration for any vacation Some travelers prefer to experience the outdoor beauty of the parks 24 hours a day and choose to camp Others want to escape to the more modern conveniences provided by nearby hotels cabins and lodges Decide what experience best suits you or your family - and decide early Spots (camping or lodging) fill up quickly especially during peak seasons
On your own or with a guideSome travelers prefer to hike or road trip through national parks while others are interested in a more insightful and pre-planned journey While maps are available for nearly every park guided tours have become a popular option for travelers and are often offered as part of a packaged tour vacation including accommodations
ldquoOur national park-focused tours offer an inclusive-style of travel with incomparable exploration and enrichment opportunitiesrdquo says Nisbet ldquoWith a wide range of national park destinations hotels and price points
coupled with unparalleled service and storytelling we create experiences for travelers they couldnrsquot produce on their ownrdquo
For more information or assistance planning your national park vacation visit wwwus-parkscom wwwnpsgov or wwwglobusjourneyscom Or call your travel agent or the Globus family of brands toll-free at (866) 313-2855
Looking For Your Chance To Win
Check Out Radioscrsquos Contest
South Carolinarsquos Internet
Powered By
(843)720-9604 InfoOnlysc
Win a $100 Shopping Spree
Win Tickets To Events amp Concerts
Win Free Ice Skating For
The Family
Win Tickets To Medieval
Times
Win Stingrays Hockey
Tickets
Win A $25 Gift Card
Radiosc is proud to sponsor $100 Shopping Sprees for Publix grocery stores
Check wwwRadiosc for weekly House of Blues ticket giveaways
Win 4 tickets for ice skating and skate rentals at Carolina Ice Palace
Win 4 tickets for Medieval Times in Myrtle Beach
You could win tickets to a Stingraysrsquo Home Game
Each week you have a chance to win an Applebeersquos gift card worth up to $2500
cHaRlestonrsquos oFFice oF cultuRal aFFaiRslauncHes wwwcHaRlestonaRtssc as tHieR new aRts web sitefrom charleston currents
the city of charlestonrsquos office of cultural affairs has launched httpwwwcharlestonartssc a companion web site to the ocarsquos primary page at the cityrsquos official site charlestonartssc will be updated daily with information and features including an arts calendar that users can search by date artist presenting group or venue social networking widgets and a directory of local arts and cultural organizations and venues
ldquowe are hopeful that charlestonartssc will be a major benefit to local artists and arts organizations by disseminating information about their events with the most up-to-date information to a broader publicrdquo said ellen dressler Moryl director of the office of cultural affairs
other options for users at charlestonartssc include the following
bull Arts organizations can download forms from the Office of Cultural Affairs submit events update contact information and compare performance dates with other area organizations
bull The Tools for Professional section of the Web site features job listings for arts professionals including full time and part time work as well as internships and volunteer opportunities with arts and cultural organizations in the tri-county area
bull Updated grant opportunities for arts organizations with detailed information including deadlines application and contact information
bull Call for Submissions and Call for Auditions pages with details about the location deadlines fees andadditional requirements
the new web site also hosts connecting pages for general information on the office of cultural affairs and its projects the charleston farmers Market the city gallery at waterfront Park holiday Magic happy new year charleston the holiday Parade of boats the lowcountry Quarterly arts grant Program Piccolo spoleto and the MoJa arts festival
the web site was developed and is being hosted by carolina Media services ( wwwonlysc)
a RetiRement HometHat HelPs Pay FoR itselF(ara) - with todayrsquos record low real estate prices and at-tractive mortgage rates now may be a good time to think about investing in a second home that ultimately can be used as your permanent residence upon retirement by taking a ldquobuy-and-rentrdquo approach before yoursquore ready to retire your new home will actually have partly paid for itself by the time yoursquore ready to move into it
ldquobuying and renting out a second home as a vacation rental property until yoursquore ready to move in upon retirement can significantly help offset the cost of ownershiprdquo says brian sharples ceo of homeaway the worldrsquos leading online vacation rental marketplace ldquothe income stream in addition to tax write-offs for maintenance and repairs make this an attractive strategy for many people nearing retirementrdquo
according to homeaway the average second-home owner rents out their property to travelers 17 weeks a year generating more than $28000 in rental income annually and the demand for vacation rentals among travelers is growing which is good news for second-home owners in fact 87 percent of travelers who looked into a vacation rental in the past say they plan to stay in a vacation rental in 2010 - a significant increase from the 67 percent who stayed in a vacation rental in 2009
to generate income from a second home prior to moving into it when you retire sharples suggests consumers take the following steps
location and maRket Potentialcarefully review the markets where you want to retire and before you buy consider the areas where consumer demand for vacation rentals is high but inventory is low for example atlantic city nJ sunny isles beach fla hampton beach nh dauphin island ala and Mount Pocono Pa were among some of the most underserved markets for vacation rental properties in 2009 according to homeaway
FactoR in tax wRite-oFFstalk to an accountant about the tax advantages of owning and renting out a second home expenses such as insurance utilities home maintenance and depreciation can be deducted depending on how often you rent out the property and how many weeks you personally stay there each year
adVeRtise to attRact RenteRs when yoursquore ready to rent out the property be sure to market the availability of the vacation rental to travelers by listing it on sites like homeawaycom or vrbocom which reach millions of travelers each month a 12-month listing costs $329 - or less than $28 per month - on homeawaycom so the advertising pays for itself with your first booking - and the rest is pure rental income
stay comPetitiVe amp netwoRk witH owneRs check out other similar vacation rentals in the area to determine what rates theyrsquore charging travelers and price your home at a competitiverate to help drive bookings also be sure to talk with other owners to get their tips and advice for maximizing a second home investment
for more information on buying a second home and effective strategies for maximizing rental income check out homeawayrsquos online community for vacation rental owners at ownercommunityhomeawaycom
tiPs to successFully get youwHeRe you need to be - Fast(ara) - do you ever get a headache just thinking about navigating the streets of an unfamiliar city have you ever booked a hotel in a less-than-great part of town or been late to an appointment because you canrsquot find a parking garage
even the savviest of travelers who can find their way around a city with their eyes closed run into travel snafus sending their blood pressure through the roof navigating the streets of a new city can be one of the most stressful parts of booking and taking a trip whether itrsquos for business or leisure
so you finally landed and yoursquore on your way to the hotel that you booked in the heart of the city everything is going just as you planned not so fast somehow you find yourself nowhere near the bright city lights and in a hotel on the outskirts of town where you wouldnrsquot even venture out for a cup of Joe
sound familiar well yoursquore not alone - more than half of travelers say theyrsquove experienced this very nightmare according to a recent bing survey
while finding decent lodging can be difficult sometimes even thinking about how to get around a city can strike fear into the hearts of business and leisure travelers alike so which city gets travelers hearts racing when just thinking about how to get around unsurprisingly for anyone who has ever visited either new york or los angeles (even just once) both cities topped bingrsquos survey as the worst cities to navigate More than 40 percent said ldquothe heck with driving irsquom getting a taxirdquo when visiting the big apple and a quarter said that the concrete jungle otherwise known as los angeles is too wild for them
so how can you ensure you know enough about a city to get around like you were a local book a decent hotel check out a local concert or find a local hot spot to grab a bite to eat well the folks at bing have a few tips to make your next adventure stress-free
Pay attention to ReViews Most online booking sites offer reviews from other guests who have stayed at the hotel that yoursquore considering while you may be inclined to take the overly positive reviews with a grain of salt itrsquos best to steer clear if a hotel receives consistent negative customer reviews
study uPcheck out the local convention center visitorsrsquo bureau or chamber of commerce web sites to learn more about the city and its surrounding neighborhoods this will help give you a better idea of whatrsquos near your destination and the neighborhoods that surround it
RemembeRyou get wHat you Pay FoRif yoursquore paying a two-star rate donrsquot expect to get four- or five-star accommodations and a mint on your pillow a cheaper rate rarely buys you luxury but you should still be able to score a clean safe room that provides for your basic needs
HoP onlineuse online resources like bing Mapsrsquo new streetside experience a three-dimensional mapping tool Just log on to bing Maps where you can zoom in from satellite level to birdrsquos eye view and even down to street level for 56 major us metro areas
now you can virtually walk the streets of your next adventure with actual 360-degree footage of the area not only can you tell if a hotel is in a good neighborhood yoursquoll be able to see if therersquos a wifi coffee shop nearby where you can sync up your computer before your next meeting or scope out any traffic jams before you head out and you can even find the nearest parking garage so yoursquore never late again to your lunch date - unlike the more than 40 percent of bing survey respondents who were fashionably late because they couldnrsquot find a parking spot
ldquobooking a hotel room on the internet can be a risky proposition if you canrsquot see the room hotel or area itrsquos in before you bookrdquo says blaise aguera y arcas architect of bing Maps and Msn at Microsoft ldquobut technology like streetside is making it possible to scope out a neighborhood - and ensure itrsquos one you want to stay in - without ever having to leave the comfort of your computer chairrdquo in fact the bing survey found that nearly a quarter of travelers rated finding a decent hotel as the most frustrating part of planning their trip
Plus stay up-to-date on the best places to check out on your next trip by using bingrsquos twitter mapping app now you can get real-time information about an area - such as seeing the latest tweets for the local shopping mall before you even go there or even updates about local events and breaking news
log onto bing Maps where you can plan your next trip whether itrsquos a far away city or even your own town now you can be a travel guru no matter where you are
setting and stickingto youR tRaVel budget(ara) - travel can be one of the biggest-ticket items you invest in each year so itrsquos worth it to plan ahead
setting a budget - and sticking to it - can help you stay in better control of spending according to a recent visa survey a majority (54 percent) of last yearrsquos summer travelers either didnrsquot set a budget oroverspent their budget while traveling and more than a quarter of those surveyed overspent by more than $250 to make sure this doesnrsquot happen to you itrsquos important to create a realistic travel budget and make a plan for how you will spend within your means while on the road
to create a budget think through your trip first include the basics such as transportation to and from your destination and lodging next plan for expenses that come up along the way such as meals on the road
hosthostess gifts rental cars or public transportation donrsquot forget to include entertainment - whether sightseeing or going to the movies itrsquos also a good idea to build in a cushion for the unexpected
once yoursquove set your travel budget you need to stick to it one tool that can help is a prepaid travel card a prepaid card draws from funds that are set aside in advance for purchases here are a few ways prepaid travel cards can come in handy
keeP tRaVel Funds sePaRate an easy way to make sure you donrsquot go over budget is to set your travel budget aside on a prepaid travel card simply load the card with your travel budget and use it for everything from online booking to grabbing lunch during an (unexpectedly extended) layover without worrying about spending more than you planned or dipping into gift-buying funds
access casHwhether you need a few dollars or several yen choose a prepaid card that will allow you to withdraw cash from atMs around the world if yoursquore traveling internationally itrsquoll also save you the hassle of tracking down and waiting in line for local currency
bRowse and buy look for a prepaid card that you can use online travel sites offer a wealth of information and detailed listings of competing offers from airlines and hotels as well as reviews from fellow travelers for flights you can typically compare possible savings by traveling on al-ternate days or from nearby airports once you spot the deal that works for your budget use your prepaid travel card to snap it up
enJoy Peace oF mind wHen tRaVeling Prepaid cards may come with travel-related services for example the visa travelMoney card offers zero liability for lost or stolen cards as well as lost luggage reimbursement and purchase security Make sure you know which benefits your card offers and how they work so you can tap into them should the need arise
with some advance preparation and the right tools in place you donrsquot have to overspend on travel in fact with some careful planning you could end up with enough left to buy yourself a little something to remember the trip for more information about visa travelMoney visit wwwvisacomtravelmoney
Click To Listen While You Browse
South Carolinarsquos Internet
Powered By
(843)720-9604 InfoOnlysc
need an easy getaway FoR tHe Family Plan a budget-FRiendly tRiP to a national PaRk(ara) - american families have spoken the vacation is a top priority ninety-four percent of americans agreed that even in tough economic times family vacations are worth the money according to a recent survey by expediacom to keep the vacation affordable and easy think about introducing your family to the splendor of the national park system - where activities are abundant and costs are minimal
expediacom recently partnered with the national Park foundation to provide a permanent one-stop shop to help travelers plan and book vacations to americarsquos national parks
ldquothere are excellent values for traveling families right now and taking a trip to a national park is one of the best ways to stretch your vacation dollarsrdquo says lee woodruff author travel expert and mother of four
ldquofamilies are looking for ways to reconnect with each other and what better option for an affordable vacation than a national parkrdquo
here are five easy steps to plan the perfect national park getaway
1 get inspired ken burns recently debuted a six-part documentary series for Pbs titledldquothe national Parks americarsquos best ideardquo tune into Pbs or order a copy online to find inspiration and a detailed look at some of the most beautiful places in the world from acadia to the grand canyon and yosemite to the gates of the arctic in alaska
2 Pick the park with original content from the national Park foundation expediacomrsquos national park web site is the perfect resource for families to find the national park to fit their vacation needs
the site offers pre-set ldquolong weekendrdquo itineraries to start your planning you can also search through the ldquocanrsquot Miss national Parksrdquo section to learn about the parkrsquos location its natural features little-known facts including the best times to visit and activities to choose from in each area expediarsquos site also offers downloadable park maps to help you get your bearings
3 more ways to save take advantage of the public amenities that national parks offer like camping and picnic sites while there is a small entrance fee to the parks you can cut back on costs by bringing your own meals and treating the kids to lunch by a waterfall or overlooking the grand canyon also enjoy the free activities such as hiking biking and birding that the parks offer
4 book your hotel and rental car if camping isnrsquot your familyrsquos style consider any of the great lodges in and around the national park of your choice and if yoursquore planning to rent a car consider booking lodging and car together to substantially reduce the overall costs of your vacation
5 give back consider giving back to the national Park foundation by visiting the web site wwwnationalparksorg and donate or learn more about volunteer opportunities within americarsquos national parks helping out in these small ways ensures the parks will remain beautiful so your kids can bring their own children one day
ldquoPlanning the vacation is half of the fun so get every-one involved in the processrdquo says woodruff ldquothere are so many options in our national park system many of which have rich and amazing heritage so the whole family is going to enjoy something when you visitrdquo
bookmaRk youRFaVoRite Road
a bRieF HistoRyoF PaVed Roads
(ara) - Planes and trains may have their place in our society but for the dedicated traveler therersquos still nothing like getting in your car and taking a trip along americarsquos highways
half the fun of road trips in the minds of many is getting home and telling friends and family about the adventure - and the roads they traveled
in the past driversrsquo road stories were largely told by word of mouth to a few people at a time now drivers can tell their tales to millions via the internet favoriteroadcom is a new web site that features americarsquos favorite highways and byways
the site encourages you to post your favorite roads and explain why you like them simply log on to submit a photo and story of your favorite road use links posted on the site to share your road via popular social networks such as facebook and twitter your submission may even win a prize in contest giveaways
the past yearrsquos economic downturn has reintroduced the word ldquoinfrastructurerdquo to our vocabulary as a result of stimulus legislation passed in 2009 the federal government has allocated millions of dollars to specifically improve state roads and highways and with more affordable gasoline prices people are increasingly using americarsquos roads for leisure travel
by posting on favoriteroadcom yoursquore doing more than just ldquotelling a good storyrdquo your testimonials may help encourage lawmakers to push for increased infrastructure spending to keep america driving smoothly and safely for years to come
whatrsquos your favorite road log on and tell the world at favoriteroadcom
625 bc the babylonians are credited with the first recorded use of asphalt as a road building material the ancient greeks were also familiar with asphalt (the word comes from the greek ldquoasphaltosrdquo meaning ldquosecurerdquo)
1500s christopher columbus landed off the shores of trinidad in 1498 and discovered the famous asphalt lake which would later be used on the Pennsylvania avenue project in washington dc covering 54000 square yards
1800s Macadam roads became popular in the us for rural road construction during the 1830s and 40s belgian chemist edmund J desmedt laid the first true asphalt pavement in the us in newark nJ the cummer company opened the first central hot mix production facilities in the us the first asphalt patent was filed by nathan b abbott of brooklyn ny in 1871
1920s world war i ended and the use of the automo-bile was steadily rising but roads outside the city limits were frequently too muddy or dusty for travel to fix this problem road engineers used oils and asphalt
1940s-1950s the modern american turnpike is born after world war ii full scale automobile production resumed along with major levels of road maintenance and new highway construction by 1950 vehicle registration exceeded 40 million cars and 8 million trucks in 1956 President eisenhower signed the federal-aid highway act and launched the interstate system to create an infrastructure highway program -unmatched anywhere in the world
1970s a national move to conserve energy and materials initiated a widespread interest in recycling of pavement materials asphalt is now americarsquos most recycled product
1990s a traffic study by the world road association indicates that asphalt pavements are at least 4 decibels quieter than concrete pavements
2000s the us population has increased 23 percent since 1990 and the number of miles driven has risen by 41 percent only half of the nationrsquos major roads are in good condition based on an analysis of recent federal highway administration data
wandeRing Re-establisHes tHe oRiginal
HaRmony wHicH once existed between
man and tHe uniVeRse
business oR leisuRe dRiVing oR FlyingtRaVel saFely natuRally(ara) - weekend getaways shorter vacations and overnight business trips are great ways to save money and are becoming more prevalent according to the bureau of transportation taking a few simple and natural steps to stay safe and healthy while on the road can not only protect your travel investment butenhance your entire experience
ReFResHed and aleRt dRiVing diFFusion
a shorter thriftier trip is likely to be by car the inevitable rush to make the most of the limited time
away after a tiring work week can create fatigue so donrsquot make it a dangerous driving situation enliven your senses with essential oil scents
ditch the cardboard cutout car ldquofreshenerrdquo that hangs from the rearview mirror not only distracting these products are usually saturated with synthetic fragrance chemicals and probably arenrsquot the best thing to inhale while enclosed in your vehicle instead rely on a sleek essential oil diffuser that plugs into your automobilersquos phone charger power outlet these devices feature small paper fiber pads to which you can apply your own custom blend of essential oils allowing you to not only
scent the air inside the car but also to provide refreshing aromatherapy benefits to help keep you alert and focused on the road
a simpler alternative way to diffuse is to apply several drops of oil to a tissue and tuck it carefully into one of the vents in the dash
try these essential oils for the car Peppermint essential oil - refreshing awakening
uplifting eucalyptus essential oil - bracing purifying
protecting lemon essential oil - pleasant deodorizing
cheering
How clean is youR Hotel Room
overnight stays in less than posh hotel digs may be part of the money-saving travel trend even upscale hotels arenrsquot immune to dirt and germs or worse an apparent outbreak of bedbug infestations in the united states recently publicized by the environmental Protection agency
bedbugs aside there are always nagging doubts about just how clean a hotel room actually is has the shower or tub been scrubbed or merely wiped down is the toilet sanitized has the bedspread ever really been thoroughly cleaned fortunately there are ways to protect yourself after you check in but before you settle into your temporary overnight home
air and surface sanitizing spray feel good about travel with a bottle of homemade purifying aromatherapy solution that relies on pleasantly scented and highly effective essential oils rather than harsh chemical disinfectants the following spray will help you create a hygienic environment in your temporary hotel home apply it to tub vanity and toilet surfaces
ingredientsempty 12 to16 ounce spray bottle10 ounces water2 ounces isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or
vodka12 teaspoon tea tree essential oil
(antimicrobial)12 teaspoon lemon essential oil
(cleansing)12 teaspoon lavandin essential oil
(protecting)12 teaspoon sweet orange essential oil
(freshening)
directions combine all ingredients in the spray bottle shake and apply to a washcloth and wipe down the tvrsquos remote the clock radio the door handles and the faucethandles in the bathroom
Purifying and Relaxing linen mist here are some great tips for making a strange bed feel more like home take along your own pillow and replace the ones provided create your own linen mist and use it on your own bed at home then travel with the same blend taking a little bit of home with you when you arrive at your destination turn down the covers exchange the pillows and apply your signature scent to the bed
ingredientsempty 4 to 8 ounce spray bottle4 to 8 ounces water13 drops lavender essential oil
(relaxing calming)5 drops lavandin or spike lavender
essential oil (purifying protecting)
directionscombine the water and oil in the bottle shake the contents thoroughly just before application
remember to look for pure and natural essential oil brands like aura cacia that donrsquot include synthetic petrochemical fragrances for more information on how to enhance your life through aromatherapy visit wwwauracaciacom
PRePaRe youR VeHicle FoR a HuRRicane eVacuation(ara) - ana bill claudette - the first three atlantic ocean hurricanes of the season made headlines but not to the extent of katrina or ike of recent years and while these three hurricanes have come and gone who knows if - or when - grace or henry might pay a visit to your town
the 2009 hurricane season has an expected 90 percent chance of being a near-normal or below-normal season for the atlantic ocean according to the national oceanic and atmospheric administration this prediction - if accurate - will be welcomed with a sigh of relief by many residents in coastal towns after the above-normal year in 2008
but even if noaa is predicting a quiet year for hurricanes you can never be over prepared if you donrsquot have your emergency evacuation plan organized itrsquos time to make one no matter if yoursquore planning on traveling 100 miles or 1000 miles you need an evacuation plan as a representative of a gulf coast
company Maricela carter a health safety security environment coordinator with soPus has some tips on how to prepare your vehicle for potential evacuations
Plan eVacuation Routescheck newspapers online sites the local emergency broadcast radio station and local television stations for the latest information on official evacuation routes Purchase a good map with details on elevations waterways and county roads and familiarize yourself with the most efficient ways to get out of town
Pack an emeRgency kitautomobiles are susceptible to unexpected problems so keep an emergency kit in your trunk include jumper cables extra motor oil window washing brake and coolant fluids simple tools like an air pressure gauge screwdriver pliers and adjustable wrench a role of
paper towels a windup flashlight and a can of fix-a-flat in case you get a flat tire
fix-a-flat creates a temporary emergency seal on contact with the tire and inflates the tire between eight and 14 pounds per square inch so that the car can be driven to a gas station for proper repair of the tire this can help you to get back on the road and out of the hurricanersquos way quickly and easily
Fill uP tHe tankeveryone is going to need fuel in order to evacuate so plan to fill up your tank as soon as you hear a hurricane warning this helps to prevent sudden demands on the supply once your tank is full conserve the amount of gas you use for the next couple of days by combining your errands into one trip and not traveling during rush hour
cHeck tiRe PRessuRein order to help conserve fuel make sure your tires are at the manufacturerrsquos recommended pressure - usually printed on the driverrsquos door of your car keeping tires at the correct pressure can improve your gasoline mileage by 33 percent according to fueleconomygov which means yoursquoll be able to travel further when evacuating
use PRoPeR FluidsMake sure you follow all the manufacturer recommendations for motor oil which can also improve your gasoline mileage by 1 or 2 percent according to fuelecomonygov one helpful hint is to look for oil that has an ldquoenergy conservingrdquo label by the american Petroleum institution to ensure it contains friction-reducing additives
it is not down inany maP tRue PlacesneVeR aRe
diRect dePosit oF social secuRity is easieR FoR winteR tRaVeleRs(ara) - as cold weather sets in thousands of retirees are making plans for a winter getaway if yoursquore one of them switch to direct deposit for your social security payments before you leave - itrsquos the safest easiest way to receive your money
ldquoeach year the us department of the treasury receives more than 14 million inquiries regarding paper check-related problemsrdquo says david a lebryk commissioner of the treasury departmentrsquos financial Management service
yet approximately 105 million americans continue to receive their social security and supplemental security income (ssi) payments by paper check each month the treasury departmentrsquos go direct (r) campaign encourages senior citizens and people with disabilities to switch to direct deposit
incReased saFety conVenience and Reliability
ldquowhen therersquos a problem with a social security payment nine times out of 10 itrsquos with a paper check not a direct deposit paymentrdquo says lebryk
Paper checks can be vulnerable to financial crimes like theft and fraud in fact the treasury department investigates more than 70000 cases of altered or fraudulently endorsed checks each year totaling $64 million in estimated value
ldquoin 2008 alone more than 485000 social security and ssi checks were reported lost or stolen and had to be reissuedrdquo says lebryk
direct deposit is also more convenient and reliable there is no more waiting for a check to arrive in the mail and there are no more worries about delivery delays due to severe weather localemergencies and other check related problems last year alone severe weather events forced alternative delivery arrangements for millions of social security and ssi paper checks
ldquoswitching to direct deposit for federal benefits is such an easy way
for people to safeguard their money es-pecially when traveling for extended pe-riods of timerdquo says lebryk ldquoyour money is deposited to your account on payment day so therersquos no need to worry
about delivery delays or a check sitting in your mailbox while yoursquore gonerdquo
PRePaid debit caRd oPtion
in addition to direct deposit the treasury department recommends the direct express (r) debit Mastercard (r) card as an alternative to paper checks for people without bank accounts
More than half a million americans signed up for the optional direct express (r) card in its first year of availability according to the treasury department a recent survey of cardholders finds that 95 percent say they are satisfied with the prepaid debit card and 86 percent say they would recommend it to family members or friends who receive a federal benefit payment
with the direct express card cardholders can make purchases pay bills and get cash at thousands of locations nationwide sign-up is free and no bank account is required while most services are free there are fees for a limited number of optional transactions and services
making tHe switcH is easy
it is easy to make the switch to electronic payments for federal benefits to sign up for direct deposit call the treasury departmentrsquos go direct campaign helpline at 1-800-333-1795 or visit wwwgodirectorg to sign up for the treasury-recommended direct express card or to learn more about the cardrsquos features and fees call 1-877-212-9991 or visit wwwusdirectexpresscom
the preceding information has been provided by the us department of the treasury financial Management service
the go direct (r) campaign is sponsored by the us department of the treasury and the federal reserve banks the direct express (r) debit Mastercard (r) card is issued by comerica bank pursuant to a license by Mastercard international incorporated Mastercard (r) and the Mastercard (r) brand Mark are registered trademarks of Mastercard international incorporated the go direct(r) logo direct express (r) logo and direct express (r) are service marks of the us department of the treasury financial Management service
biZaRRe tRaVel Plans aRe dancing lessons FRom god
time to ReFinance oR buy
right now mortgage rates are at their lowest level since 1971 think about that twenty-five years ago homeowners were paying as much as 18 on a 30-year fixed today itrsquos just a little over 5combine that rate with the tax advantages
of a mortgage and you have an incredibly cheap way to build wealth but you better act now
real estate guru barbara corcoran has already seen a tremendous surge in refinance applications ndash more than triple the average ndash and the number of people getting approved is astronomically higher as well she says but that doesnrsquot mean the low rates are a panacea for the ills of the housing market it is only once home prices start to go up that we will finally see a light at the end of tunnel corcoran says until that happens we are still going to have to crawl out of this mess ldquo[low interest rates are] not a lifesaverrdquo corcoran says ldquothis is just a helping handrdquo
david kittle chairman of the Mortgage bankers association has this advice to homeowners looking to refinance do it donrsquot get greedy searching for another quarter-point lock in rates now he is seeing applications soar over 125 just since thanksgiving due to the low rates
of course you should only refinance if it saves you at least 38 on the rate and if you plan on staying in your home for at least four years kittle says along with good credit proof of income and money by means of a down payment or equity in the home there are certain things every homeowner needs regardless of interest rate levels
easy-to-do maintenance HelPs extend VeHicle liFe(ara) - after their homes most americansrsquo largest financial investment is their vehicle so helping it stay in good working order for as long as possible is a high priority in fact the average age of a passenger car in north america has grown to more than nine years according to rl Polk and co which indicates that motorists are looking for ways to help extend the life of their vehicle
even so todayrsquos tight budgets leave some motorists reluctant to spend on services or maintenance that they think can be delayed at least for the short term however compared to the cost of engine repair spending a little today on the right maintenance routine performed by trusted service technicians using quality products makes sense Mark ferner Pennzoil technical specialist and ase-certified master mechanic offers some simple cost-effective tips for helping to protect the performance and longevity of your vehicle
replace dirty air filters a dirty air filter will restrict airflow to the engine which may reduce power output if the filter fails it will allow unfiltered air into the engine which can be abrasive inside an engine to avoid these issues and help promote long engine life check your enginersquos air filter regularly and change it when it is dirty
use HigH-quality Fuelseveral automotive manufacturers (bMw gM honda toyota volkswagen and audi) have published technical service bulletins recommending the use of top-tier fuel top-tier fuel contains more additives than is required by the industryrsquos lowest additive content (lac) treat rate regular use of fuel that only meets lac requirements may cause deposits to form on engine intake valves and fuel injectors
cHange youR oilregular oil changes are one of the most important steps to maximize the life of a vehicle oil change in-tervals vary by vehicle and driving conditions so follow the interval and oil specifications found in the ownerrsquos manual
also be sure to use quality motor oils in your vehicle Properly functioning motor oils help prevent sludge and neutralize and disperse harmful deposits and using the recommended viscosity grade of motor oil may also help enhance fuel economy if you are having the oil changed for you ask for quality oils by name Quality motor oil will maintain its effectiveness throughout the oil change interval allowing it to help keep the engine clean
as a bonus some motor oil brands offer lubrication warranties at no additional cost for example the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranty Programs protect qualified engines for 300000 miles whether their owners use conventional synthetic-blend or full synthetic motor oils meeting their vehiclesrsquo requirements Participants can enroll online and maintaining eligibility is easy simply get an oil change with the specified brand change the filter perform regular maintenance and keep the service receipts
to learn more about the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranties visit either wwwPennzoilcom or wwwQuakerstatecom or speak with an automotive professional at a participating automotive dealership or oil change facility that features Pennzoil or Quaker state products
PeoPle donrsquot take tRiPs tRiPs take PeoPle
Fin
al
wo
Rd
s
a vacation is what you take when you can no longer take what yoursquove been taking
eaRl wilson
- 1-12-2010pdf
Get Your Carolina
Girl Gear
waRm weatHeR Relaxing oR Playing in tHe snowtiPs FoR Planning youR winteR tRaVels(ara) - the winter months offer the perfect excuse to plan a fabulous getaway and you donrsquot have to travel far to find something that fits your vacation expectations
if you need to flee from the cold depths of winter there are plenty of beaches in florida and california and warm desert landscapes to enjoy in arizona and new Mexico that will warm you up and give your skin a bit of summer glow Picture yourself playing tennis in the sun or lounging by the pool with a book while the kids are splashing around in the water
here are tips on how to best plan your warm-weather winter vacation
look FoR deals duRing tHe slow montHsbecause January and february are so close to the holidays but too early yet for spring break hotels and resorts tend to offer special discounts to encourage traveling
Pack sunblock eVen iF yoursquoVe been ldquotanningrdquo
also make sure your travel bags include sun shades a hat with a brim and a water bottle nothing makes a vacation more uncomfortable than sunburn and dehydration
add a Jacket to tHe luggagenights can get chilly and if the wind blows in a rain cloud or two yoursquoll be glad you have that jacket to ward off the goose bumps
Maybe you like to play in the fluffy white stuff and canrsquot wait to schedule downhill skiing in colorado snowshoeing in Maine or ice fishing in Minnesota the images yoursquoll take home this winter include majestic mountains covered in snow your daughter pulling a
360 while snowboarding down a half-pipe or even a moose with
a full rack of antlers on his head browsing for vegetation along a back country road
tips for planning your snow vacation include
FiguRe out iF yoursquoRe going to take youR geaR oR Rent it at youR destinationwhile looking into this determine if your vehicle can carry all the gear or if there are any restrictions bar-ring you from taking it on the airplane if you plan to rent call ahead of time to reserve your equipment
Pack many layeRs oF clotHing Many snow activities can make you warm but once you stop moving yoursquore going to want the heavier layers back
again donrsquot forget sunblock goggles shades or hat because the sun glaring on snow can easily burn your skin and eyes and winter rays can be just as damaging as those in summer
once you have your destination picked and travels planned therersquos one more step to ensure your winter getaway is successful while away from home having your health and safety front-of-mind is very important so you are prepared for emergencies like falling and breaking a bone while swishing down a ski slope or suddenly discovering you have seafood allergies while sampling fresh crawfish in louisiana
on call international provides travel assistance anywhere in the world to travelers who experience an emergency need medical care or evacuation while away from home if you want to return to your local hospital for treatment because you are familiar with the area and can have your personal doctor available on call will coordinate a medical evacuation for the sick person and help arrange transportation for the rest of the family
only a small percentage of health insurance plans cover medical evacuation when the member is on vacation and away from home this means you could be on the hook for thousands of dollars if you need to be transported from the resortrsquos local clinic to a better hospital hundreds of miles away or need a nurse to monitor your care on the way home after a skiing accident
so when you plan your next trip to sunny texas or snowy Michigan donrsquot forget to pack some comfort and safety for you and your family and consider enrolling in an on call international membership just in case you experience a travel emergency
tHe best time to RediscoVeR a destination
sHouldeR season
(ara) - the first few months of the year when many americans are spending time at home trying to recu-perate from the hustle and bustle of the holidays may not seem like an ideal time to plan a vacation how-ever planning for a time known as ldquoshoulder seasonrdquo the time between peak season and low season is a fantastic time for savvy travelers to find great deals on airfare hotels and attractions while simultaneously experiencing top destinations in a whole new way
ldquoMany travelers donrsquot think to travel in the weeks and months following the holidaysrdquo says brad dean President and ceo for the Myrtle beach area convention and visitorrsquos bureau ldquohowever a shoulder season trip can be the best way for travelers to relax after a busy holiday season destinations offer their lowest rates and best deals of the year at this time and consumers can get away for a fraction of the high-season costrdquo
so when is ldquoshoulder seasonrdquo it will vary slightly depending on your destination figuring out a regionrsquos shoulder season could be as easy as checking out rates at a few area hotels to determine when the rates are at their lowest
consider these convincing facts about shoulder season travel and what a great value it can be for your vacation dollars
Hotel rates airfare and attraction fees are often significantly lower during the shoulder season than any other time of year hotels especially are eager for business during this season and respond with deeply discounted rates and incentives to entice travelers
last minute deals you can plan and implement a very budget-friendly travel itinerary in a relatively short time - sometimes just a day or two as opposed to weeks or months of planning ahead thatrsquos needed during busier seasons
shoulder season travel presents the opportunity to view and experience a popular destination one you may have visited before during peak season in a whole new way for example destinations like Myrtle beach sc that bustle and buzz with activity in the peak season can take on a more laid-back relaxed atmosphere in shoulder season yoursquoll have access to the same major attractions
shows dining and shopping that peak season travelers enjoy but at a less frantic pace
and in that vein yoursquoll enjoy free access to popular attractions lines for popular attractions - most of which will stay open year round - will be shorter in shoulder seasons than any other time of year for example in Myrtle beach top entertainment venues and attractions as well as multiple live entertainment theaters are all open for business but with shorter (if any) lines and less crowds
because yoursquoll be getting a great deal therersquos also the opportunity to extend your vacation by a day or two and take some exciting trips to surround-ing areas the more relaxed attitude of shoulder season travel means you will feel more open to the idea of exploring the surrounding area visitors to the
Myrtle beach area for example can enjoy side trips to huntington beach state Park the nearby pictur-esque community of conway and the lowcountry gem of Pawleyrsquos island
finally shoulder season is a great time to travel to a drive destination like Myrtle beach yoursquoll find less traffic and a more relaxed commute to a location considered one of the top driving destinations for leisure travelers along the eastern seaboard and Midwest
to learn more about shoulder season travel opportunities in Myrtle beach log on to wwwvisitmyrtlebeachcom
Want to grow your business
Join the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce
As the unified voice of business the South Carolina Chamber is working to grow wealth for South Carolinians and businesses in order to improve economic development and quality of life
We help your business and you by
bull GettingyourvoiceheardbyourstatelegislatorsthroughourGrassrootsNetworkbull Workingtopassbusiness-friendlylegislationbull Keepingyouinformedonissuesandprovidingsolutionsforgrowingyour business through our monthly magazine South Carolina Business bull Providingnetworkingopportunitieswithlegislatorsandotherbusinessownersbull Trainingyouremployeesonhumanresourcesqualityandmanagementissuesbull Publishingalegalreferenceseries
Join the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce Contactustodayat800-799-4601Learnmoreatwwwscchambernet
Reconnect with Nature plan a trip to a National Park
Reconnect with Nature plan a trip to a National Park
(ARA) - Considered ldquoAmericarsquos best ideardquo national parks provide travelers preserved views of natural wonder as far as the eye can see An American invention they give us a unique backyard vacation oasis where postcard views meet real life-altering experiences And itrsquos this beauty exploration and enrichment combined with the accessibility of national parks that make them a popular vacation choice
According to the National Park Service trips to national parks are on the rise Tour operators offering guided visits through Americarsquos parks agree
ldquoBookings on our North American National Park tours have witnessed an increase of 180 percent in the last yearrdquo says Scott Nisbet president and CEO for the Globus family of brands ldquoNational parks are idyllic vacation lsquohot spotsrsquo perfect for relaxation and introspection wildlife exploration or adventure depending on the traveler and his or her interestsrdquo
A wide range of experiences can be had at national parks including everything from snorkeling rafting and hiking to learning about the environment geology and wildlife They also provide a perfect retreat for those hoping to reconnect with themselves or nature
And itrsquos the diversity of experiences national parks offer travelers that can make booking a national park vacation seem overwhelming Use these tips from Globus to simplify the process and book the perfect getaway for 2010
Choose the right park destinationFrom the east to west coasts Alaska to Hawaii America has more than 50 national parks to explore Do your research to choose a park that has what yoursquore looking for For instance if yoursquore interested in an abundance of hoodoos and canyons Bryce Canyon National Park might be the right fit Or if you want a vacation filled with bird watching or
boating the Everglades National Park could be a great choice
Go rustic or go luxuryLodging is an important consideration for any vacation Some travelers prefer to experience the outdoor beauty of the parks 24 hours a day and choose to camp Others want to escape to the more modern conveniences provided by nearby hotels cabins and lodges Decide what experience best suits you or your family - and decide early Spots (camping or lodging) fill up quickly especially during peak seasons
On your own or with a guideSome travelers prefer to hike or road trip through national parks while others are interested in a more insightful and pre-planned journey While maps are available for nearly every park guided tours have become a popular option for travelers and are often offered as part of a packaged tour vacation including accommodations
ldquoOur national park-focused tours offer an inclusive-style of travel with incomparable exploration and enrichment opportunitiesrdquo says Nisbet ldquoWith a wide range of national park destinations hotels and price points
coupled with unparalleled service and storytelling we create experiences for travelers they couldnrsquot produce on their ownrdquo
For more information or assistance planning your national park vacation visit wwwus-parkscom wwwnpsgov or wwwglobusjourneyscom Or call your travel agent or the Globus family of brands toll-free at (866) 313-2855
Looking For Your Chance To Win
Check Out Radioscrsquos Contest
South Carolinarsquos Internet
Powered By
(843)720-9604 InfoOnlysc
Win a $100 Shopping Spree
Win Tickets To Events amp Concerts
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The Family
Win Tickets To Medieval
Times
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Tickets
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Radiosc is proud to sponsor $100 Shopping Sprees for Publix grocery stores
Check wwwRadiosc for weekly House of Blues ticket giveaways
Win 4 tickets for ice skating and skate rentals at Carolina Ice Palace
Win 4 tickets for Medieval Times in Myrtle Beach
You could win tickets to a Stingraysrsquo Home Game
Each week you have a chance to win an Applebeersquos gift card worth up to $2500
cHaRlestonrsquos oFFice oF cultuRal aFFaiRslauncHes wwwcHaRlestonaRtssc as tHieR new aRts web sitefrom charleston currents
the city of charlestonrsquos office of cultural affairs has launched httpwwwcharlestonartssc a companion web site to the ocarsquos primary page at the cityrsquos official site charlestonartssc will be updated daily with information and features including an arts calendar that users can search by date artist presenting group or venue social networking widgets and a directory of local arts and cultural organizations and venues
ldquowe are hopeful that charlestonartssc will be a major benefit to local artists and arts organizations by disseminating information about their events with the most up-to-date information to a broader publicrdquo said ellen dressler Moryl director of the office of cultural affairs
other options for users at charlestonartssc include the following
bull Arts organizations can download forms from the Office of Cultural Affairs submit events update contact information and compare performance dates with other area organizations
bull The Tools for Professional section of the Web site features job listings for arts professionals including full time and part time work as well as internships and volunteer opportunities with arts and cultural organizations in the tri-county area
bull Updated grant opportunities for arts organizations with detailed information including deadlines application and contact information
bull Call for Submissions and Call for Auditions pages with details about the location deadlines fees andadditional requirements
the new web site also hosts connecting pages for general information on the office of cultural affairs and its projects the charleston farmers Market the city gallery at waterfront Park holiday Magic happy new year charleston the holiday Parade of boats the lowcountry Quarterly arts grant Program Piccolo spoleto and the MoJa arts festival
the web site was developed and is being hosted by carolina Media services ( wwwonlysc)
a RetiRement HometHat HelPs Pay FoR itselF(ara) - with todayrsquos record low real estate prices and at-tractive mortgage rates now may be a good time to think about investing in a second home that ultimately can be used as your permanent residence upon retirement by taking a ldquobuy-and-rentrdquo approach before yoursquore ready to retire your new home will actually have partly paid for itself by the time yoursquore ready to move into it
ldquobuying and renting out a second home as a vacation rental property until yoursquore ready to move in upon retirement can significantly help offset the cost of ownershiprdquo says brian sharples ceo of homeaway the worldrsquos leading online vacation rental marketplace ldquothe income stream in addition to tax write-offs for maintenance and repairs make this an attractive strategy for many people nearing retirementrdquo
according to homeaway the average second-home owner rents out their property to travelers 17 weeks a year generating more than $28000 in rental income annually and the demand for vacation rentals among travelers is growing which is good news for second-home owners in fact 87 percent of travelers who looked into a vacation rental in the past say they plan to stay in a vacation rental in 2010 - a significant increase from the 67 percent who stayed in a vacation rental in 2009
to generate income from a second home prior to moving into it when you retire sharples suggests consumers take the following steps
location and maRket Potentialcarefully review the markets where you want to retire and before you buy consider the areas where consumer demand for vacation rentals is high but inventory is low for example atlantic city nJ sunny isles beach fla hampton beach nh dauphin island ala and Mount Pocono Pa were among some of the most underserved markets for vacation rental properties in 2009 according to homeaway
FactoR in tax wRite-oFFstalk to an accountant about the tax advantages of owning and renting out a second home expenses such as insurance utilities home maintenance and depreciation can be deducted depending on how often you rent out the property and how many weeks you personally stay there each year
adVeRtise to attRact RenteRs when yoursquore ready to rent out the property be sure to market the availability of the vacation rental to travelers by listing it on sites like homeawaycom or vrbocom which reach millions of travelers each month a 12-month listing costs $329 - or less than $28 per month - on homeawaycom so the advertising pays for itself with your first booking - and the rest is pure rental income
stay comPetitiVe amp netwoRk witH owneRs check out other similar vacation rentals in the area to determine what rates theyrsquore charging travelers and price your home at a competitiverate to help drive bookings also be sure to talk with other owners to get their tips and advice for maximizing a second home investment
for more information on buying a second home and effective strategies for maximizing rental income check out homeawayrsquos online community for vacation rental owners at ownercommunityhomeawaycom
tiPs to successFully get youwHeRe you need to be - Fast(ara) - do you ever get a headache just thinking about navigating the streets of an unfamiliar city have you ever booked a hotel in a less-than-great part of town or been late to an appointment because you canrsquot find a parking garage
even the savviest of travelers who can find their way around a city with their eyes closed run into travel snafus sending their blood pressure through the roof navigating the streets of a new city can be one of the most stressful parts of booking and taking a trip whether itrsquos for business or leisure
so you finally landed and yoursquore on your way to the hotel that you booked in the heart of the city everything is going just as you planned not so fast somehow you find yourself nowhere near the bright city lights and in a hotel on the outskirts of town where you wouldnrsquot even venture out for a cup of Joe
sound familiar well yoursquore not alone - more than half of travelers say theyrsquove experienced this very nightmare according to a recent bing survey
while finding decent lodging can be difficult sometimes even thinking about how to get around a city can strike fear into the hearts of business and leisure travelers alike so which city gets travelers hearts racing when just thinking about how to get around unsurprisingly for anyone who has ever visited either new york or los angeles (even just once) both cities topped bingrsquos survey as the worst cities to navigate More than 40 percent said ldquothe heck with driving irsquom getting a taxirdquo when visiting the big apple and a quarter said that the concrete jungle otherwise known as los angeles is too wild for them
so how can you ensure you know enough about a city to get around like you were a local book a decent hotel check out a local concert or find a local hot spot to grab a bite to eat well the folks at bing have a few tips to make your next adventure stress-free
Pay attention to ReViews Most online booking sites offer reviews from other guests who have stayed at the hotel that yoursquore considering while you may be inclined to take the overly positive reviews with a grain of salt itrsquos best to steer clear if a hotel receives consistent negative customer reviews
study uPcheck out the local convention center visitorsrsquo bureau or chamber of commerce web sites to learn more about the city and its surrounding neighborhoods this will help give you a better idea of whatrsquos near your destination and the neighborhoods that surround it
RemembeRyou get wHat you Pay FoRif yoursquore paying a two-star rate donrsquot expect to get four- or five-star accommodations and a mint on your pillow a cheaper rate rarely buys you luxury but you should still be able to score a clean safe room that provides for your basic needs
HoP onlineuse online resources like bing Mapsrsquo new streetside experience a three-dimensional mapping tool Just log on to bing Maps where you can zoom in from satellite level to birdrsquos eye view and even down to street level for 56 major us metro areas
now you can virtually walk the streets of your next adventure with actual 360-degree footage of the area not only can you tell if a hotel is in a good neighborhood yoursquoll be able to see if therersquos a wifi coffee shop nearby where you can sync up your computer before your next meeting or scope out any traffic jams before you head out and you can even find the nearest parking garage so yoursquore never late again to your lunch date - unlike the more than 40 percent of bing survey respondents who were fashionably late because they couldnrsquot find a parking spot
ldquobooking a hotel room on the internet can be a risky proposition if you canrsquot see the room hotel or area itrsquos in before you bookrdquo says blaise aguera y arcas architect of bing Maps and Msn at Microsoft ldquobut technology like streetside is making it possible to scope out a neighborhood - and ensure itrsquos one you want to stay in - without ever having to leave the comfort of your computer chairrdquo in fact the bing survey found that nearly a quarter of travelers rated finding a decent hotel as the most frustrating part of planning their trip
Plus stay up-to-date on the best places to check out on your next trip by using bingrsquos twitter mapping app now you can get real-time information about an area - such as seeing the latest tweets for the local shopping mall before you even go there or even updates about local events and breaking news
log onto bing Maps where you can plan your next trip whether itrsquos a far away city or even your own town now you can be a travel guru no matter where you are
setting and stickingto youR tRaVel budget(ara) - travel can be one of the biggest-ticket items you invest in each year so itrsquos worth it to plan ahead
setting a budget - and sticking to it - can help you stay in better control of spending according to a recent visa survey a majority (54 percent) of last yearrsquos summer travelers either didnrsquot set a budget oroverspent their budget while traveling and more than a quarter of those surveyed overspent by more than $250 to make sure this doesnrsquot happen to you itrsquos important to create a realistic travel budget and make a plan for how you will spend within your means while on the road
to create a budget think through your trip first include the basics such as transportation to and from your destination and lodging next plan for expenses that come up along the way such as meals on the road
hosthostess gifts rental cars or public transportation donrsquot forget to include entertainment - whether sightseeing or going to the movies itrsquos also a good idea to build in a cushion for the unexpected
once yoursquove set your travel budget you need to stick to it one tool that can help is a prepaid travel card a prepaid card draws from funds that are set aside in advance for purchases here are a few ways prepaid travel cards can come in handy
keeP tRaVel Funds sePaRate an easy way to make sure you donrsquot go over budget is to set your travel budget aside on a prepaid travel card simply load the card with your travel budget and use it for everything from online booking to grabbing lunch during an (unexpectedly extended) layover without worrying about spending more than you planned or dipping into gift-buying funds
access casHwhether you need a few dollars or several yen choose a prepaid card that will allow you to withdraw cash from atMs around the world if yoursquore traveling internationally itrsquoll also save you the hassle of tracking down and waiting in line for local currency
bRowse and buy look for a prepaid card that you can use online travel sites offer a wealth of information and detailed listings of competing offers from airlines and hotels as well as reviews from fellow travelers for flights you can typically compare possible savings by traveling on al-ternate days or from nearby airports once you spot the deal that works for your budget use your prepaid travel card to snap it up
enJoy Peace oF mind wHen tRaVeling Prepaid cards may come with travel-related services for example the visa travelMoney card offers zero liability for lost or stolen cards as well as lost luggage reimbursement and purchase security Make sure you know which benefits your card offers and how they work so you can tap into them should the need arise
with some advance preparation and the right tools in place you donrsquot have to overspend on travel in fact with some careful planning you could end up with enough left to buy yourself a little something to remember the trip for more information about visa travelMoney visit wwwvisacomtravelmoney
Click To Listen While You Browse
South Carolinarsquos Internet
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(843)720-9604 InfoOnlysc
need an easy getaway FoR tHe Family Plan a budget-FRiendly tRiP to a national PaRk(ara) - american families have spoken the vacation is a top priority ninety-four percent of americans agreed that even in tough economic times family vacations are worth the money according to a recent survey by expediacom to keep the vacation affordable and easy think about introducing your family to the splendor of the national park system - where activities are abundant and costs are minimal
expediacom recently partnered with the national Park foundation to provide a permanent one-stop shop to help travelers plan and book vacations to americarsquos national parks
ldquothere are excellent values for traveling families right now and taking a trip to a national park is one of the best ways to stretch your vacation dollarsrdquo says lee woodruff author travel expert and mother of four
ldquofamilies are looking for ways to reconnect with each other and what better option for an affordable vacation than a national parkrdquo
here are five easy steps to plan the perfect national park getaway
1 get inspired ken burns recently debuted a six-part documentary series for Pbs titledldquothe national Parks americarsquos best ideardquo tune into Pbs or order a copy online to find inspiration and a detailed look at some of the most beautiful places in the world from acadia to the grand canyon and yosemite to the gates of the arctic in alaska
2 Pick the park with original content from the national Park foundation expediacomrsquos national park web site is the perfect resource for families to find the national park to fit their vacation needs
the site offers pre-set ldquolong weekendrdquo itineraries to start your planning you can also search through the ldquocanrsquot Miss national Parksrdquo section to learn about the parkrsquos location its natural features little-known facts including the best times to visit and activities to choose from in each area expediarsquos site also offers downloadable park maps to help you get your bearings
3 more ways to save take advantage of the public amenities that national parks offer like camping and picnic sites while there is a small entrance fee to the parks you can cut back on costs by bringing your own meals and treating the kids to lunch by a waterfall or overlooking the grand canyon also enjoy the free activities such as hiking biking and birding that the parks offer
4 book your hotel and rental car if camping isnrsquot your familyrsquos style consider any of the great lodges in and around the national park of your choice and if yoursquore planning to rent a car consider booking lodging and car together to substantially reduce the overall costs of your vacation
5 give back consider giving back to the national Park foundation by visiting the web site wwwnationalparksorg and donate or learn more about volunteer opportunities within americarsquos national parks helping out in these small ways ensures the parks will remain beautiful so your kids can bring their own children one day
ldquoPlanning the vacation is half of the fun so get every-one involved in the processrdquo says woodruff ldquothere are so many options in our national park system many of which have rich and amazing heritage so the whole family is going to enjoy something when you visitrdquo
bookmaRk youRFaVoRite Road
a bRieF HistoRyoF PaVed Roads
(ara) - Planes and trains may have their place in our society but for the dedicated traveler therersquos still nothing like getting in your car and taking a trip along americarsquos highways
half the fun of road trips in the minds of many is getting home and telling friends and family about the adventure - and the roads they traveled
in the past driversrsquo road stories were largely told by word of mouth to a few people at a time now drivers can tell their tales to millions via the internet favoriteroadcom is a new web site that features americarsquos favorite highways and byways
the site encourages you to post your favorite roads and explain why you like them simply log on to submit a photo and story of your favorite road use links posted on the site to share your road via popular social networks such as facebook and twitter your submission may even win a prize in contest giveaways
the past yearrsquos economic downturn has reintroduced the word ldquoinfrastructurerdquo to our vocabulary as a result of stimulus legislation passed in 2009 the federal government has allocated millions of dollars to specifically improve state roads and highways and with more affordable gasoline prices people are increasingly using americarsquos roads for leisure travel
by posting on favoriteroadcom yoursquore doing more than just ldquotelling a good storyrdquo your testimonials may help encourage lawmakers to push for increased infrastructure spending to keep america driving smoothly and safely for years to come
whatrsquos your favorite road log on and tell the world at favoriteroadcom
625 bc the babylonians are credited with the first recorded use of asphalt as a road building material the ancient greeks were also familiar with asphalt (the word comes from the greek ldquoasphaltosrdquo meaning ldquosecurerdquo)
1500s christopher columbus landed off the shores of trinidad in 1498 and discovered the famous asphalt lake which would later be used on the Pennsylvania avenue project in washington dc covering 54000 square yards
1800s Macadam roads became popular in the us for rural road construction during the 1830s and 40s belgian chemist edmund J desmedt laid the first true asphalt pavement in the us in newark nJ the cummer company opened the first central hot mix production facilities in the us the first asphalt patent was filed by nathan b abbott of brooklyn ny in 1871
1920s world war i ended and the use of the automo-bile was steadily rising but roads outside the city limits were frequently too muddy or dusty for travel to fix this problem road engineers used oils and asphalt
1940s-1950s the modern american turnpike is born after world war ii full scale automobile production resumed along with major levels of road maintenance and new highway construction by 1950 vehicle registration exceeded 40 million cars and 8 million trucks in 1956 President eisenhower signed the federal-aid highway act and launched the interstate system to create an infrastructure highway program -unmatched anywhere in the world
1970s a national move to conserve energy and materials initiated a widespread interest in recycling of pavement materials asphalt is now americarsquos most recycled product
1990s a traffic study by the world road association indicates that asphalt pavements are at least 4 decibels quieter than concrete pavements
2000s the us population has increased 23 percent since 1990 and the number of miles driven has risen by 41 percent only half of the nationrsquos major roads are in good condition based on an analysis of recent federal highway administration data
wandeRing Re-establisHes tHe oRiginal
HaRmony wHicH once existed between
man and tHe uniVeRse
business oR leisuRe dRiVing oR FlyingtRaVel saFely natuRally(ara) - weekend getaways shorter vacations and overnight business trips are great ways to save money and are becoming more prevalent according to the bureau of transportation taking a few simple and natural steps to stay safe and healthy while on the road can not only protect your travel investment butenhance your entire experience
ReFResHed and aleRt dRiVing diFFusion
a shorter thriftier trip is likely to be by car the inevitable rush to make the most of the limited time
away after a tiring work week can create fatigue so donrsquot make it a dangerous driving situation enliven your senses with essential oil scents
ditch the cardboard cutout car ldquofreshenerrdquo that hangs from the rearview mirror not only distracting these products are usually saturated with synthetic fragrance chemicals and probably arenrsquot the best thing to inhale while enclosed in your vehicle instead rely on a sleek essential oil diffuser that plugs into your automobilersquos phone charger power outlet these devices feature small paper fiber pads to which you can apply your own custom blend of essential oils allowing you to not only
scent the air inside the car but also to provide refreshing aromatherapy benefits to help keep you alert and focused on the road
a simpler alternative way to diffuse is to apply several drops of oil to a tissue and tuck it carefully into one of the vents in the dash
try these essential oils for the car Peppermint essential oil - refreshing awakening
uplifting eucalyptus essential oil - bracing purifying
protecting lemon essential oil - pleasant deodorizing
cheering
How clean is youR Hotel Room
overnight stays in less than posh hotel digs may be part of the money-saving travel trend even upscale hotels arenrsquot immune to dirt and germs or worse an apparent outbreak of bedbug infestations in the united states recently publicized by the environmental Protection agency
bedbugs aside there are always nagging doubts about just how clean a hotel room actually is has the shower or tub been scrubbed or merely wiped down is the toilet sanitized has the bedspread ever really been thoroughly cleaned fortunately there are ways to protect yourself after you check in but before you settle into your temporary overnight home
air and surface sanitizing spray feel good about travel with a bottle of homemade purifying aromatherapy solution that relies on pleasantly scented and highly effective essential oils rather than harsh chemical disinfectants the following spray will help you create a hygienic environment in your temporary hotel home apply it to tub vanity and toilet surfaces
ingredientsempty 12 to16 ounce spray bottle10 ounces water2 ounces isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or
vodka12 teaspoon tea tree essential oil
(antimicrobial)12 teaspoon lemon essential oil
(cleansing)12 teaspoon lavandin essential oil
(protecting)12 teaspoon sweet orange essential oil
(freshening)
directions combine all ingredients in the spray bottle shake and apply to a washcloth and wipe down the tvrsquos remote the clock radio the door handles and the faucethandles in the bathroom
Purifying and Relaxing linen mist here are some great tips for making a strange bed feel more like home take along your own pillow and replace the ones provided create your own linen mist and use it on your own bed at home then travel with the same blend taking a little bit of home with you when you arrive at your destination turn down the covers exchange the pillows and apply your signature scent to the bed
ingredientsempty 4 to 8 ounce spray bottle4 to 8 ounces water13 drops lavender essential oil
(relaxing calming)5 drops lavandin or spike lavender
essential oil (purifying protecting)
directionscombine the water and oil in the bottle shake the contents thoroughly just before application
remember to look for pure and natural essential oil brands like aura cacia that donrsquot include synthetic petrochemical fragrances for more information on how to enhance your life through aromatherapy visit wwwauracaciacom
PRePaRe youR VeHicle FoR a HuRRicane eVacuation(ara) - ana bill claudette - the first three atlantic ocean hurricanes of the season made headlines but not to the extent of katrina or ike of recent years and while these three hurricanes have come and gone who knows if - or when - grace or henry might pay a visit to your town
the 2009 hurricane season has an expected 90 percent chance of being a near-normal or below-normal season for the atlantic ocean according to the national oceanic and atmospheric administration this prediction - if accurate - will be welcomed with a sigh of relief by many residents in coastal towns after the above-normal year in 2008
but even if noaa is predicting a quiet year for hurricanes you can never be over prepared if you donrsquot have your emergency evacuation plan organized itrsquos time to make one no matter if yoursquore planning on traveling 100 miles or 1000 miles you need an evacuation plan as a representative of a gulf coast
company Maricela carter a health safety security environment coordinator with soPus has some tips on how to prepare your vehicle for potential evacuations
Plan eVacuation Routescheck newspapers online sites the local emergency broadcast radio station and local television stations for the latest information on official evacuation routes Purchase a good map with details on elevations waterways and county roads and familiarize yourself with the most efficient ways to get out of town
Pack an emeRgency kitautomobiles are susceptible to unexpected problems so keep an emergency kit in your trunk include jumper cables extra motor oil window washing brake and coolant fluids simple tools like an air pressure gauge screwdriver pliers and adjustable wrench a role of
paper towels a windup flashlight and a can of fix-a-flat in case you get a flat tire
fix-a-flat creates a temporary emergency seal on contact with the tire and inflates the tire between eight and 14 pounds per square inch so that the car can be driven to a gas station for proper repair of the tire this can help you to get back on the road and out of the hurricanersquos way quickly and easily
Fill uP tHe tankeveryone is going to need fuel in order to evacuate so plan to fill up your tank as soon as you hear a hurricane warning this helps to prevent sudden demands on the supply once your tank is full conserve the amount of gas you use for the next couple of days by combining your errands into one trip and not traveling during rush hour
cHeck tiRe PRessuRein order to help conserve fuel make sure your tires are at the manufacturerrsquos recommended pressure - usually printed on the driverrsquos door of your car keeping tires at the correct pressure can improve your gasoline mileage by 33 percent according to fueleconomygov which means yoursquoll be able to travel further when evacuating
use PRoPeR FluidsMake sure you follow all the manufacturer recommendations for motor oil which can also improve your gasoline mileage by 1 or 2 percent according to fuelecomonygov one helpful hint is to look for oil that has an ldquoenergy conservingrdquo label by the american Petroleum institution to ensure it contains friction-reducing additives
it is not down inany maP tRue PlacesneVeR aRe
diRect dePosit oF social secuRity is easieR FoR winteR tRaVeleRs(ara) - as cold weather sets in thousands of retirees are making plans for a winter getaway if yoursquore one of them switch to direct deposit for your social security payments before you leave - itrsquos the safest easiest way to receive your money
ldquoeach year the us department of the treasury receives more than 14 million inquiries regarding paper check-related problemsrdquo says david a lebryk commissioner of the treasury departmentrsquos financial Management service
yet approximately 105 million americans continue to receive their social security and supplemental security income (ssi) payments by paper check each month the treasury departmentrsquos go direct (r) campaign encourages senior citizens and people with disabilities to switch to direct deposit
incReased saFety conVenience and Reliability
ldquowhen therersquos a problem with a social security payment nine times out of 10 itrsquos with a paper check not a direct deposit paymentrdquo says lebryk
Paper checks can be vulnerable to financial crimes like theft and fraud in fact the treasury department investigates more than 70000 cases of altered or fraudulently endorsed checks each year totaling $64 million in estimated value
ldquoin 2008 alone more than 485000 social security and ssi checks were reported lost or stolen and had to be reissuedrdquo says lebryk
direct deposit is also more convenient and reliable there is no more waiting for a check to arrive in the mail and there are no more worries about delivery delays due to severe weather localemergencies and other check related problems last year alone severe weather events forced alternative delivery arrangements for millions of social security and ssi paper checks
ldquoswitching to direct deposit for federal benefits is such an easy way
for people to safeguard their money es-pecially when traveling for extended pe-riods of timerdquo says lebryk ldquoyour money is deposited to your account on payment day so therersquos no need to worry
about delivery delays or a check sitting in your mailbox while yoursquore gonerdquo
PRePaid debit caRd oPtion
in addition to direct deposit the treasury department recommends the direct express (r) debit Mastercard (r) card as an alternative to paper checks for people without bank accounts
More than half a million americans signed up for the optional direct express (r) card in its first year of availability according to the treasury department a recent survey of cardholders finds that 95 percent say they are satisfied with the prepaid debit card and 86 percent say they would recommend it to family members or friends who receive a federal benefit payment
with the direct express card cardholders can make purchases pay bills and get cash at thousands of locations nationwide sign-up is free and no bank account is required while most services are free there are fees for a limited number of optional transactions and services
making tHe switcH is easy
it is easy to make the switch to electronic payments for federal benefits to sign up for direct deposit call the treasury departmentrsquos go direct campaign helpline at 1-800-333-1795 or visit wwwgodirectorg to sign up for the treasury-recommended direct express card or to learn more about the cardrsquos features and fees call 1-877-212-9991 or visit wwwusdirectexpresscom
the preceding information has been provided by the us department of the treasury financial Management service
the go direct (r) campaign is sponsored by the us department of the treasury and the federal reserve banks the direct express (r) debit Mastercard (r) card is issued by comerica bank pursuant to a license by Mastercard international incorporated Mastercard (r) and the Mastercard (r) brand Mark are registered trademarks of Mastercard international incorporated the go direct(r) logo direct express (r) logo and direct express (r) are service marks of the us department of the treasury financial Management service
biZaRRe tRaVel Plans aRe dancing lessons FRom god
time to ReFinance oR buy
right now mortgage rates are at their lowest level since 1971 think about that twenty-five years ago homeowners were paying as much as 18 on a 30-year fixed today itrsquos just a little over 5combine that rate with the tax advantages
of a mortgage and you have an incredibly cheap way to build wealth but you better act now
real estate guru barbara corcoran has already seen a tremendous surge in refinance applications ndash more than triple the average ndash and the number of people getting approved is astronomically higher as well she says but that doesnrsquot mean the low rates are a panacea for the ills of the housing market it is only once home prices start to go up that we will finally see a light at the end of tunnel corcoran says until that happens we are still going to have to crawl out of this mess ldquo[low interest rates are] not a lifesaverrdquo corcoran says ldquothis is just a helping handrdquo
david kittle chairman of the Mortgage bankers association has this advice to homeowners looking to refinance do it donrsquot get greedy searching for another quarter-point lock in rates now he is seeing applications soar over 125 just since thanksgiving due to the low rates
of course you should only refinance if it saves you at least 38 on the rate and if you plan on staying in your home for at least four years kittle says along with good credit proof of income and money by means of a down payment or equity in the home there are certain things every homeowner needs regardless of interest rate levels
easy-to-do maintenance HelPs extend VeHicle liFe(ara) - after their homes most americansrsquo largest financial investment is their vehicle so helping it stay in good working order for as long as possible is a high priority in fact the average age of a passenger car in north america has grown to more than nine years according to rl Polk and co which indicates that motorists are looking for ways to help extend the life of their vehicle
even so todayrsquos tight budgets leave some motorists reluctant to spend on services or maintenance that they think can be delayed at least for the short term however compared to the cost of engine repair spending a little today on the right maintenance routine performed by trusted service technicians using quality products makes sense Mark ferner Pennzoil technical specialist and ase-certified master mechanic offers some simple cost-effective tips for helping to protect the performance and longevity of your vehicle
replace dirty air filters a dirty air filter will restrict airflow to the engine which may reduce power output if the filter fails it will allow unfiltered air into the engine which can be abrasive inside an engine to avoid these issues and help promote long engine life check your enginersquos air filter regularly and change it when it is dirty
use HigH-quality Fuelseveral automotive manufacturers (bMw gM honda toyota volkswagen and audi) have published technical service bulletins recommending the use of top-tier fuel top-tier fuel contains more additives than is required by the industryrsquos lowest additive content (lac) treat rate regular use of fuel that only meets lac requirements may cause deposits to form on engine intake valves and fuel injectors
cHange youR oilregular oil changes are one of the most important steps to maximize the life of a vehicle oil change in-tervals vary by vehicle and driving conditions so follow the interval and oil specifications found in the ownerrsquos manual
also be sure to use quality motor oils in your vehicle Properly functioning motor oils help prevent sludge and neutralize and disperse harmful deposits and using the recommended viscosity grade of motor oil may also help enhance fuel economy if you are having the oil changed for you ask for quality oils by name Quality motor oil will maintain its effectiveness throughout the oil change interval allowing it to help keep the engine clean
as a bonus some motor oil brands offer lubrication warranties at no additional cost for example the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranty Programs protect qualified engines for 300000 miles whether their owners use conventional synthetic-blend or full synthetic motor oils meeting their vehiclesrsquo requirements Participants can enroll online and maintaining eligibility is easy simply get an oil change with the specified brand change the filter perform regular maintenance and keep the service receipts
to learn more about the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranties visit either wwwPennzoilcom or wwwQuakerstatecom or speak with an automotive professional at a participating automotive dealership or oil change facility that features Pennzoil or Quaker state products
PeoPle donrsquot take tRiPs tRiPs take PeoPle
Fin
al
wo
Rd
s
a vacation is what you take when you can no longer take what yoursquove been taking
eaRl wilson
- 1-12-2010pdf
waRm weatHeR Relaxing oR Playing in tHe snowtiPs FoR Planning youR winteR tRaVels(ara) - the winter months offer the perfect excuse to plan a fabulous getaway and you donrsquot have to travel far to find something that fits your vacation expectations
if you need to flee from the cold depths of winter there are plenty of beaches in florida and california and warm desert landscapes to enjoy in arizona and new Mexico that will warm you up and give your skin a bit of summer glow Picture yourself playing tennis in the sun or lounging by the pool with a book while the kids are splashing around in the water
here are tips on how to best plan your warm-weather winter vacation
look FoR deals duRing tHe slow montHsbecause January and february are so close to the holidays but too early yet for spring break hotels and resorts tend to offer special discounts to encourage traveling
Pack sunblock eVen iF yoursquoVe been ldquotanningrdquo
also make sure your travel bags include sun shades a hat with a brim and a water bottle nothing makes a vacation more uncomfortable than sunburn and dehydration
add a Jacket to tHe luggagenights can get chilly and if the wind blows in a rain cloud or two yoursquoll be glad you have that jacket to ward off the goose bumps
Maybe you like to play in the fluffy white stuff and canrsquot wait to schedule downhill skiing in colorado snowshoeing in Maine or ice fishing in Minnesota the images yoursquoll take home this winter include majestic mountains covered in snow your daughter pulling a
360 while snowboarding down a half-pipe or even a moose with
a full rack of antlers on his head browsing for vegetation along a back country road
tips for planning your snow vacation include
FiguRe out iF yoursquoRe going to take youR geaR oR Rent it at youR destinationwhile looking into this determine if your vehicle can carry all the gear or if there are any restrictions bar-ring you from taking it on the airplane if you plan to rent call ahead of time to reserve your equipment
Pack many layeRs oF clotHing Many snow activities can make you warm but once you stop moving yoursquore going to want the heavier layers back
again donrsquot forget sunblock goggles shades or hat because the sun glaring on snow can easily burn your skin and eyes and winter rays can be just as damaging as those in summer
once you have your destination picked and travels planned therersquos one more step to ensure your winter getaway is successful while away from home having your health and safety front-of-mind is very important so you are prepared for emergencies like falling and breaking a bone while swishing down a ski slope or suddenly discovering you have seafood allergies while sampling fresh crawfish in louisiana
on call international provides travel assistance anywhere in the world to travelers who experience an emergency need medical care or evacuation while away from home if you want to return to your local hospital for treatment because you are familiar with the area and can have your personal doctor available on call will coordinate a medical evacuation for the sick person and help arrange transportation for the rest of the family
only a small percentage of health insurance plans cover medical evacuation when the member is on vacation and away from home this means you could be on the hook for thousands of dollars if you need to be transported from the resortrsquos local clinic to a better hospital hundreds of miles away or need a nurse to monitor your care on the way home after a skiing accident
so when you plan your next trip to sunny texas or snowy Michigan donrsquot forget to pack some comfort and safety for you and your family and consider enrolling in an on call international membership just in case you experience a travel emergency
tHe best time to RediscoVeR a destination
sHouldeR season
(ara) - the first few months of the year when many americans are spending time at home trying to recu-perate from the hustle and bustle of the holidays may not seem like an ideal time to plan a vacation how-ever planning for a time known as ldquoshoulder seasonrdquo the time between peak season and low season is a fantastic time for savvy travelers to find great deals on airfare hotels and attractions while simultaneously experiencing top destinations in a whole new way
ldquoMany travelers donrsquot think to travel in the weeks and months following the holidaysrdquo says brad dean President and ceo for the Myrtle beach area convention and visitorrsquos bureau ldquohowever a shoulder season trip can be the best way for travelers to relax after a busy holiday season destinations offer their lowest rates and best deals of the year at this time and consumers can get away for a fraction of the high-season costrdquo
so when is ldquoshoulder seasonrdquo it will vary slightly depending on your destination figuring out a regionrsquos shoulder season could be as easy as checking out rates at a few area hotels to determine when the rates are at their lowest
consider these convincing facts about shoulder season travel and what a great value it can be for your vacation dollars
Hotel rates airfare and attraction fees are often significantly lower during the shoulder season than any other time of year hotels especially are eager for business during this season and respond with deeply discounted rates and incentives to entice travelers
last minute deals you can plan and implement a very budget-friendly travel itinerary in a relatively short time - sometimes just a day or two as opposed to weeks or months of planning ahead thatrsquos needed during busier seasons
shoulder season travel presents the opportunity to view and experience a popular destination one you may have visited before during peak season in a whole new way for example destinations like Myrtle beach sc that bustle and buzz with activity in the peak season can take on a more laid-back relaxed atmosphere in shoulder season yoursquoll have access to the same major attractions
shows dining and shopping that peak season travelers enjoy but at a less frantic pace
and in that vein yoursquoll enjoy free access to popular attractions lines for popular attractions - most of which will stay open year round - will be shorter in shoulder seasons than any other time of year for example in Myrtle beach top entertainment venues and attractions as well as multiple live entertainment theaters are all open for business but with shorter (if any) lines and less crowds
because yoursquoll be getting a great deal therersquos also the opportunity to extend your vacation by a day or two and take some exciting trips to surround-ing areas the more relaxed attitude of shoulder season travel means you will feel more open to the idea of exploring the surrounding area visitors to the
Myrtle beach area for example can enjoy side trips to huntington beach state Park the nearby pictur-esque community of conway and the lowcountry gem of Pawleyrsquos island
finally shoulder season is a great time to travel to a drive destination like Myrtle beach yoursquoll find less traffic and a more relaxed commute to a location considered one of the top driving destinations for leisure travelers along the eastern seaboard and Midwest
to learn more about shoulder season travel opportunities in Myrtle beach log on to wwwvisitmyrtlebeachcom
Want to grow your business
Join the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce
As the unified voice of business the South Carolina Chamber is working to grow wealth for South Carolinians and businesses in order to improve economic development and quality of life
We help your business and you by
bull GettingyourvoiceheardbyourstatelegislatorsthroughourGrassrootsNetworkbull Workingtopassbusiness-friendlylegislationbull Keepingyouinformedonissuesandprovidingsolutionsforgrowingyour business through our monthly magazine South Carolina Business bull Providingnetworkingopportunitieswithlegislatorsandotherbusinessownersbull Trainingyouremployeesonhumanresourcesqualityandmanagementissuesbull Publishingalegalreferenceseries
Join the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce Contactustodayat800-799-4601Learnmoreatwwwscchambernet
Reconnect with Nature plan a trip to a National Park
Reconnect with Nature plan a trip to a National Park
(ARA) - Considered ldquoAmericarsquos best ideardquo national parks provide travelers preserved views of natural wonder as far as the eye can see An American invention they give us a unique backyard vacation oasis where postcard views meet real life-altering experiences And itrsquos this beauty exploration and enrichment combined with the accessibility of national parks that make them a popular vacation choice
According to the National Park Service trips to national parks are on the rise Tour operators offering guided visits through Americarsquos parks agree
ldquoBookings on our North American National Park tours have witnessed an increase of 180 percent in the last yearrdquo says Scott Nisbet president and CEO for the Globus family of brands ldquoNational parks are idyllic vacation lsquohot spotsrsquo perfect for relaxation and introspection wildlife exploration or adventure depending on the traveler and his or her interestsrdquo
A wide range of experiences can be had at national parks including everything from snorkeling rafting and hiking to learning about the environment geology and wildlife They also provide a perfect retreat for those hoping to reconnect with themselves or nature
And itrsquos the diversity of experiences national parks offer travelers that can make booking a national park vacation seem overwhelming Use these tips from Globus to simplify the process and book the perfect getaway for 2010
Choose the right park destinationFrom the east to west coasts Alaska to Hawaii America has more than 50 national parks to explore Do your research to choose a park that has what yoursquore looking for For instance if yoursquore interested in an abundance of hoodoos and canyons Bryce Canyon National Park might be the right fit Or if you want a vacation filled with bird watching or
boating the Everglades National Park could be a great choice
Go rustic or go luxuryLodging is an important consideration for any vacation Some travelers prefer to experience the outdoor beauty of the parks 24 hours a day and choose to camp Others want to escape to the more modern conveniences provided by nearby hotels cabins and lodges Decide what experience best suits you or your family - and decide early Spots (camping or lodging) fill up quickly especially during peak seasons
On your own or with a guideSome travelers prefer to hike or road trip through national parks while others are interested in a more insightful and pre-planned journey While maps are available for nearly every park guided tours have become a popular option for travelers and are often offered as part of a packaged tour vacation including accommodations
ldquoOur national park-focused tours offer an inclusive-style of travel with incomparable exploration and enrichment opportunitiesrdquo says Nisbet ldquoWith a wide range of national park destinations hotels and price points
coupled with unparalleled service and storytelling we create experiences for travelers they couldnrsquot produce on their ownrdquo
For more information or assistance planning your national park vacation visit wwwus-parkscom wwwnpsgov or wwwglobusjourneyscom Or call your travel agent or the Globus family of brands toll-free at (866) 313-2855
Looking For Your Chance To Win
Check Out Radioscrsquos Contest
South Carolinarsquos Internet
Powered By
(843)720-9604 InfoOnlysc
Win a $100 Shopping Spree
Win Tickets To Events amp Concerts
Win Free Ice Skating For
The Family
Win Tickets To Medieval
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Tickets
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Check wwwRadiosc for weekly House of Blues ticket giveaways
Win 4 tickets for ice skating and skate rentals at Carolina Ice Palace
Win 4 tickets for Medieval Times in Myrtle Beach
You could win tickets to a Stingraysrsquo Home Game
Each week you have a chance to win an Applebeersquos gift card worth up to $2500
cHaRlestonrsquos oFFice oF cultuRal aFFaiRslauncHes wwwcHaRlestonaRtssc as tHieR new aRts web sitefrom charleston currents
the city of charlestonrsquos office of cultural affairs has launched httpwwwcharlestonartssc a companion web site to the ocarsquos primary page at the cityrsquos official site charlestonartssc will be updated daily with information and features including an arts calendar that users can search by date artist presenting group or venue social networking widgets and a directory of local arts and cultural organizations and venues
ldquowe are hopeful that charlestonartssc will be a major benefit to local artists and arts organizations by disseminating information about their events with the most up-to-date information to a broader publicrdquo said ellen dressler Moryl director of the office of cultural affairs
other options for users at charlestonartssc include the following
bull Arts organizations can download forms from the Office of Cultural Affairs submit events update contact information and compare performance dates with other area organizations
bull The Tools for Professional section of the Web site features job listings for arts professionals including full time and part time work as well as internships and volunteer opportunities with arts and cultural organizations in the tri-county area
bull Updated grant opportunities for arts organizations with detailed information including deadlines application and contact information
bull Call for Submissions and Call for Auditions pages with details about the location deadlines fees andadditional requirements
the new web site also hosts connecting pages for general information on the office of cultural affairs and its projects the charleston farmers Market the city gallery at waterfront Park holiday Magic happy new year charleston the holiday Parade of boats the lowcountry Quarterly arts grant Program Piccolo spoleto and the MoJa arts festival
the web site was developed and is being hosted by carolina Media services ( wwwonlysc)
a RetiRement HometHat HelPs Pay FoR itselF(ara) - with todayrsquos record low real estate prices and at-tractive mortgage rates now may be a good time to think about investing in a second home that ultimately can be used as your permanent residence upon retirement by taking a ldquobuy-and-rentrdquo approach before yoursquore ready to retire your new home will actually have partly paid for itself by the time yoursquore ready to move into it
ldquobuying and renting out a second home as a vacation rental property until yoursquore ready to move in upon retirement can significantly help offset the cost of ownershiprdquo says brian sharples ceo of homeaway the worldrsquos leading online vacation rental marketplace ldquothe income stream in addition to tax write-offs for maintenance and repairs make this an attractive strategy for many people nearing retirementrdquo
according to homeaway the average second-home owner rents out their property to travelers 17 weeks a year generating more than $28000 in rental income annually and the demand for vacation rentals among travelers is growing which is good news for second-home owners in fact 87 percent of travelers who looked into a vacation rental in the past say they plan to stay in a vacation rental in 2010 - a significant increase from the 67 percent who stayed in a vacation rental in 2009
to generate income from a second home prior to moving into it when you retire sharples suggests consumers take the following steps
location and maRket Potentialcarefully review the markets where you want to retire and before you buy consider the areas where consumer demand for vacation rentals is high but inventory is low for example atlantic city nJ sunny isles beach fla hampton beach nh dauphin island ala and Mount Pocono Pa were among some of the most underserved markets for vacation rental properties in 2009 according to homeaway
FactoR in tax wRite-oFFstalk to an accountant about the tax advantages of owning and renting out a second home expenses such as insurance utilities home maintenance and depreciation can be deducted depending on how often you rent out the property and how many weeks you personally stay there each year
adVeRtise to attRact RenteRs when yoursquore ready to rent out the property be sure to market the availability of the vacation rental to travelers by listing it on sites like homeawaycom or vrbocom which reach millions of travelers each month a 12-month listing costs $329 - or less than $28 per month - on homeawaycom so the advertising pays for itself with your first booking - and the rest is pure rental income
stay comPetitiVe amp netwoRk witH owneRs check out other similar vacation rentals in the area to determine what rates theyrsquore charging travelers and price your home at a competitiverate to help drive bookings also be sure to talk with other owners to get their tips and advice for maximizing a second home investment
for more information on buying a second home and effective strategies for maximizing rental income check out homeawayrsquos online community for vacation rental owners at ownercommunityhomeawaycom
tiPs to successFully get youwHeRe you need to be - Fast(ara) - do you ever get a headache just thinking about navigating the streets of an unfamiliar city have you ever booked a hotel in a less-than-great part of town or been late to an appointment because you canrsquot find a parking garage
even the savviest of travelers who can find their way around a city with their eyes closed run into travel snafus sending their blood pressure through the roof navigating the streets of a new city can be one of the most stressful parts of booking and taking a trip whether itrsquos for business or leisure
so you finally landed and yoursquore on your way to the hotel that you booked in the heart of the city everything is going just as you planned not so fast somehow you find yourself nowhere near the bright city lights and in a hotel on the outskirts of town where you wouldnrsquot even venture out for a cup of Joe
sound familiar well yoursquore not alone - more than half of travelers say theyrsquove experienced this very nightmare according to a recent bing survey
while finding decent lodging can be difficult sometimes even thinking about how to get around a city can strike fear into the hearts of business and leisure travelers alike so which city gets travelers hearts racing when just thinking about how to get around unsurprisingly for anyone who has ever visited either new york or los angeles (even just once) both cities topped bingrsquos survey as the worst cities to navigate More than 40 percent said ldquothe heck with driving irsquom getting a taxirdquo when visiting the big apple and a quarter said that the concrete jungle otherwise known as los angeles is too wild for them
so how can you ensure you know enough about a city to get around like you were a local book a decent hotel check out a local concert or find a local hot spot to grab a bite to eat well the folks at bing have a few tips to make your next adventure stress-free
Pay attention to ReViews Most online booking sites offer reviews from other guests who have stayed at the hotel that yoursquore considering while you may be inclined to take the overly positive reviews with a grain of salt itrsquos best to steer clear if a hotel receives consistent negative customer reviews
study uPcheck out the local convention center visitorsrsquo bureau or chamber of commerce web sites to learn more about the city and its surrounding neighborhoods this will help give you a better idea of whatrsquos near your destination and the neighborhoods that surround it
RemembeRyou get wHat you Pay FoRif yoursquore paying a two-star rate donrsquot expect to get four- or five-star accommodations and a mint on your pillow a cheaper rate rarely buys you luxury but you should still be able to score a clean safe room that provides for your basic needs
HoP onlineuse online resources like bing Mapsrsquo new streetside experience a three-dimensional mapping tool Just log on to bing Maps where you can zoom in from satellite level to birdrsquos eye view and even down to street level for 56 major us metro areas
now you can virtually walk the streets of your next adventure with actual 360-degree footage of the area not only can you tell if a hotel is in a good neighborhood yoursquoll be able to see if therersquos a wifi coffee shop nearby where you can sync up your computer before your next meeting or scope out any traffic jams before you head out and you can even find the nearest parking garage so yoursquore never late again to your lunch date - unlike the more than 40 percent of bing survey respondents who were fashionably late because they couldnrsquot find a parking spot
ldquobooking a hotel room on the internet can be a risky proposition if you canrsquot see the room hotel or area itrsquos in before you bookrdquo says blaise aguera y arcas architect of bing Maps and Msn at Microsoft ldquobut technology like streetside is making it possible to scope out a neighborhood - and ensure itrsquos one you want to stay in - without ever having to leave the comfort of your computer chairrdquo in fact the bing survey found that nearly a quarter of travelers rated finding a decent hotel as the most frustrating part of planning their trip
Plus stay up-to-date on the best places to check out on your next trip by using bingrsquos twitter mapping app now you can get real-time information about an area - such as seeing the latest tweets for the local shopping mall before you even go there or even updates about local events and breaking news
log onto bing Maps where you can plan your next trip whether itrsquos a far away city or even your own town now you can be a travel guru no matter where you are
setting and stickingto youR tRaVel budget(ara) - travel can be one of the biggest-ticket items you invest in each year so itrsquos worth it to plan ahead
setting a budget - and sticking to it - can help you stay in better control of spending according to a recent visa survey a majority (54 percent) of last yearrsquos summer travelers either didnrsquot set a budget oroverspent their budget while traveling and more than a quarter of those surveyed overspent by more than $250 to make sure this doesnrsquot happen to you itrsquos important to create a realistic travel budget and make a plan for how you will spend within your means while on the road
to create a budget think through your trip first include the basics such as transportation to and from your destination and lodging next plan for expenses that come up along the way such as meals on the road
hosthostess gifts rental cars or public transportation donrsquot forget to include entertainment - whether sightseeing or going to the movies itrsquos also a good idea to build in a cushion for the unexpected
once yoursquove set your travel budget you need to stick to it one tool that can help is a prepaid travel card a prepaid card draws from funds that are set aside in advance for purchases here are a few ways prepaid travel cards can come in handy
keeP tRaVel Funds sePaRate an easy way to make sure you donrsquot go over budget is to set your travel budget aside on a prepaid travel card simply load the card with your travel budget and use it for everything from online booking to grabbing lunch during an (unexpectedly extended) layover without worrying about spending more than you planned or dipping into gift-buying funds
access casHwhether you need a few dollars or several yen choose a prepaid card that will allow you to withdraw cash from atMs around the world if yoursquore traveling internationally itrsquoll also save you the hassle of tracking down and waiting in line for local currency
bRowse and buy look for a prepaid card that you can use online travel sites offer a wealth of information and detailed listings of competing offers from airlines and hotels as well as reviews from fellow travelers for flights you can typically compare possible savings by traveling on al-ternate days or from nearby airports once you spot the deal that works for your budget use your prepaid travel card to snap it up
enJoy Peace oF mind wHen tRaVeling Prepaid cards may come with travel-related services for example the visa travelMoney card offers zero liability for lost or stolen cards as well as lost luggage reimbursement and purchase security Make sure you know which benefits your card offers and how they work so you can tap into them should the need arise
with some advance preparation and the right tools in place you donrsquot have to overspend on travel in fact with some careful planning you could end up with enough left to buy yourself a little something to remember the trip for more information about visa travelMoney visit wwwvisacomtravelmoney
Click To Listen While You Browse
South Carolinarsquos Internet
Powered By
(843)720-9604 InfoOnlysc
need an easy getaway FoR tHe Family Plan a budget-FRiendly tRiP to a national PaRk(ara) - american families have spoken the vacation is a top priority ninety-four percent of americans agreed that even in tough economic times family vacations are worth the money according to a recent survey by expediacom to keep the vacation affordable and easy think about introducing your family to the splendor of the national park system - where activities are abundant and costs are minimal
expediacom recently partnered with the national Park foundation to provide a permanent one-stop shop to help travelers plan and book vacations to americarsquos national parks
ldquothere are excellent values for traveling families right now and taking a trip to a national park is one of the best ways to stretch your vacation dollarsrdquo says lee woodruff author travel expert and mother of four
ldquofamilies are looking for ways to reconnect with each other and what better option for an affordable vacation than a national parkrdquo
here are five easy steps to plan the perfect national park getaway
1 get inspired ken burns recently debuted a six-part documentary series for Pbs titledldquothe national Parks americarsquos best ideardquo tune into Pbs or order a copy online to find inspiration and a detailed look at some of the most beautiful places in the world from acadia to the grand canyon and yosemite to the gates of the arctic in alaska
2 Pick the park with original content from the national Park foundation expediacomrsquos national park web site is the perfect resource for families to find the national park to fit their vacation needs
the site offers pre-set ldquolong weekendrdquo itineraries to start your planning you can also search through the ldquocanrsquot Miss national Parksrdquo section to learn about the parkrsquos location its natural features little-known facts including the best times to visit and activities to choose from in each area expediarsquos site also offers downloadable park maps to help you get your bearings
3 more ways to save take advantage of the public amenities that national parks offer like camping and picnic sites while there is a small entrance fee to the parks you can cut back on costs by bringing your own meals and treating the kids to lunch by a waterfall or overlooking the grand canyon also enjoy the free activities such as hiking biking and birding that the parks offer
4 book your hotel and rental car if camping isnrsquot your familyrsquos style consider any of the great lodges in and around the national park of your choice and if yoursquore planning to rent a car consider booking lodging and car together to substantially reduce the overall costs of your vacation
5 give back consider giving back to the national Park foundation by visiting the web site wwwnationalparksorg and donate or learn more about volunteer opportunities within americarsquos national parks helping out in these small ways ensures the parks will remain beautiful so your kids can bring their own children one day
ldquoPlanning the vacation is half of the fun so get every-one involved in the processrdquo says woodruff ldquothere are so many options in our national park system many of which have rich and amazing heritage so the whole family is going to enjoy something when you visitrdquo
bookmaRk youRFaVoRite Road
a bRieF HistoRyoF PaVed Roads
(ara) - Planes and trains may have their place in our society but for the dedicated traveler therersquos still nothing like getting in your car and taking a trip along americarsquos highways
half the fun of road trips in the minds of many is getting home and telling friends and family about the adventure - and the roads they traveled
in the past driversrsquo road stories were largely told by word of mouth to a few people at a time now drivers can tell their tales to millions via the internet favoriteroadcom is a new web site that features americarsquos favorite highways and byways
the site encourages you to post your favorite roads and explain why you like them simply log on to submit a photo and story of your favorite road use links posted on the site to share your road via popular social networks such as facebook and twitter your submission may even win a prize in contest giveaways
the past yearrsquos economic downturn has reintroduced the word ldquoinfrastructurerdquo to our vocabulary as a result of stimulus legislation passed in 2009 the federal government has allocated millions of dollars to specifically improve state roads and highways and with more affordable gasoline prices people are increasingly using americarsquos roads for leisure travel
by posting on favoriteroadcom yoursquore doing more than just ldquotelling a good storyrdquo your testimonials may help encourage lawmakers to push for increased infrastructure spending to keep america driving smoothly and safely for years to come
whatrsquos your favorite road log on and tell the world at favoriteroadcom
625 bc the babylonians are credited with the first recorded use of asphalt as a road building material the ancient greeks were also familiar with asphalt (the word comes from the greek ldquoasphaltosrdquo meaning ldquosecurerdquo)
1500s christopher columbus landed off the shores of trinidad in 1498 and discovered the famous asphalt lake which would later be used on the Pennsylvania avenue project in washington dc covering 54000 square yards
1800s Macadam roads became popular in the us for rural road construction during the 1830s and 40s belgian chemist edmund J desmedt laid the first true asphalt pavement in the us in newark nJ the cummer company opened the first central hot mix production facilities in the us the first asphalt patent was filed by nathan b abbott of brooklyn ny in 1871
1920s world war i ended and the use of the automo-bile was steadily rising but roads outside the city limits were frequently too muddy or dusty for travel to fix this problem road engineers used oils and asphalt
1940s-1950s the modern american turnpike is born after world war ii full scale automobile production resumed along with major levels of road maintenance and new highway construction by 1950 vehicle registration exceeded 40 million cars and 8 million trucks in 1956 President eisenhower signed the federal-aid highway act and launched the interstate system to create an infrastructure highway program -unmatched anywhere in the world
1970s a national move to conserve energy and materials initiated a widespread interest in recycling of pavement materials asphalt is now americarsquos most recycled product
1990s a traffic study by the world road association indicates that asphalt pavements are at least 4 decibels quieter than concrete pavements
2000s the us population has increased 23 percent since 1990 and the number of miles driven has risen by 41 percent only half of the nationrsquos major roads are in good condition based on an analysis of recent federal highway administration data
wandeRing Re-establisHes tHe oRiginal
HaRmony wHicH once existed between
man and tHe uniVeRse
business oR leisuRe dRiVing oR FlyingtRaVel saFely natuRally(ara) - weekend getaways shorter vacations and overnight business trips are great ways to save money and are becoming more prevalent according to the bureau of transportation taking a few simple and natural steps to stay safe and healthy while on the road can not only protect your travel investment butenhance your entire experience
ReFResHed and aleRt dRiVing diFFusion
a shorter thriftier trip is likely to be by car the inevitable rush to make the most of the limited time
away after a tiring work week can create fatigue so donrsquot make it a dangerous driving situation enliven your senses with essential oil scents
ditch the cardboard cutout car ldquofreshenerrdquo that hangs from the rearview mirror not only distracting these products are usually saturated with synthetic fragrance chemicals and probably arenrsquot the best thing to inhale while enclosed in your vehicle instead rely on a sleek essential oil diffuser that plugs into your automobilersquos phone charger power outlet these devices feature small paper fiber pads to which you can apply your own custom blend of essential oils allowing you to not only
scent the air inside the car but also to provide refreshing aromatherapy benefits to help keep you alert and focused on the road
a simpler alternative way to diffuse is to apply several drops of oil to a tissue and tuck it carefully into one of the vents in the dash
try these essential oils for the car Peppermint essential oil - refreshing awakening
uplifting eucalyptus essential oil - bracing purifying
protecting lemon essential oil - pleasant deodorizing
cheering
How clean is youR Hotel Room
overnight stays in less than posh hotel digs may be part of the money-saving travel trend even upscale hotels arenrsquot immune to dirt and germs or worse an apparent outbreak of bedbug infestations in the united states recently publicized by the environmental Protection agency
bedbugs aside there are always nagging doubts about just how clean a hotel room actually is has the shower or tub been scrubbed or merely wiped down is the toilet sanitized has the bedspread ever really been thoroughly cleaned fortunately there are ways to protect yourself after you check in but before you settle into your temporary overnight home
air and surface sanitizing spray feel good about travel with a bottle of homemade purifying aromatherapy solution that relies on pleasantly scented and highly effective essential oils rather than harsh chemical disinfectants the following spray will help you create a hygienic environment in your temporary hotel home apply it to tub vanity and toilet surfaces
ingredientsempty 12 to16 ounce spray bottle10 ounces water2 ounces isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or
vodka12 teaspoon tea tree essential oil
(antimicrobial)12 teaspoon lemon essential oil
(cleansing)12 teaspoon lavandin essential oil
(protecting)12 teaspoon sweet orange essential oil
(freshening)
directions combine all ingredients in the spray bottle shake and apply to a washcloth and wipe down the tvrsquos remote the clock radio the door handles and the faucethandles in the bathroom
Purifying and Relaxing linen mist here are some great tips for making a strange bed feel more like home take along your own pillow and replace the ones provided create your own linen mist and use it on your own bed at home then travel with the same blend taking a little bit of home with you when you arrive at your destination turn down the covers exchange the pillows and apply your signature scent to the bed
ingredientsempty 4 to 8 ounce spray bottle4 to 8 ounces water13 drops lavender essential oil
(relaxing calming)5 drops lavandin or spike lavender
essential oil (purifying protecting)
directionscombine the water and oil in the bottle shake the contents thoroughly just before application
remember to look for pure and natural essential oil brands like aura cacia that donrsquot include synthetic petrochemical fragrances for more information on how to enhance your life through aromatherapy visit wwwauracaciacom
PRePaRe youR VeHicle FoR a HuRRicane eVacuation(ara) - ana bill claudette - the first three atlantic ocean hurricanes of the season made headlines but not to the extent of katrina or ike of recent years and while these three hurricanes have come and gone who knows if - or when - grace or henry might pay a visit to your town
the 2009 hurricane season has an expected 90 percent chance of being a near-normal or below-normal season for the atlantic ocean according to the national oceanic and atmospheric administration this prediction - if accurate - will be welcomed with a sigh of relief by many residents in coastal towns after the above-normal year in 2008
but even if noaa is predicting a quiet year for hurricanes you can never be over prepared if you donrsquot have your emergency evacuation plan organized itrsquos time to make one no matter if yoursquore planning on traveling 100 miles or 1000 miles you need an evacuation plan as a representative of a gulf coast
company Maricela carter a health safety security environment coordinator with soPus has some tips on how to prepare your vehicle for potential evacuations
Plan eVacuation Routescheck newspapers online sites the local emergency broadcast radio station and local television stations for the latest information on official evacuation routes Purchase a good map with details on elevations waterways and county roads and familiarize yourself with the most efficient ways to get out of town
Pack an emeRgency kitautomobiles are susceptible to unexpected problems so keep an emergency kit in your trunk include jumper cables extra motor oil window washing brake and coolant fluids simple tools like an air pressure gauge screwdriver pliers and adjustable wrench a role of
paper towels a windup flashlight and a can of fix-a-flat in case you get a flat tire
fix-a-flat creates a temporary emergency seal on contact with the tire and inflates the tire between eight and 14 pounds per square inch so that the car can be driven to a gas station for proper repair of the tire this can help you to get back on the road and out of the hurricanersquos way quickly and easily
Fill uP tHe tankeveryone is going to need fuel in order to evacuate so plan to fill up your tank as soon as you hear a hurricane warning this helps to prevent sudden demands on the supply once your tank is full conserve the amount of gas you use for the next couple of days by combining your errands into one trip and not traveling during rush hour
cHeck tiRe PRessuRein order to help conserve fuel make sure your tires are at the manufacturerrsquos recommended pressure - usually printed on the driverrsquos door of your car keeping tires at the correct pressure can improve your gasoline mileage by 33 percent according to fueleconomygov which means yoursquoll be able to travel further when evacuating
use PRoPeR FluidsMake sure you follow all the manufacturer recommendations for motor oil which can also improve your gasoline mileage by 1 or 2 percent according to fuelecomonygov one helpful hint is to look for oil that has an ldquoenergy conservingrdquo label by the american Petroleum institution to ensure it contains friction-reducing additives
it is not down inany maP tRue PlacesneVeR aRe
diRect dePosit oF social secuRity is easieR FoR winteR tRaVeleRs(ara) - as cold weather sets in thousands of retirees are making plans for a winter getaway if yoursquore one of them switch to direct deposit for your social security payments before you leave - itrsquos the safest easiest way to receive your money
ldquoeach year the us department of the treasury receives more than 14 million inquiries regarding paper check-related problemsrdquo says david a lebryk commissioner of the treasury departmentrsquos financial Management service
yet approximately 105 million americans continue to receive their social security and supplemental security income (ssi) payments by paper check each month the treasury departmentrsquos go direct (r) campaign encourages senior citizens and people with disabilities to switch to direct deposit
incReased saFety conVenience and Reliability
ldquowhen therersquos a problem with a social security payment nine times out of 10 itrsquos with a paper check not a direct deposit paymentrdquo says lebryk
Paper checks can be vulnerable to financial crimes like theft and fraud in fact the treasury department investigates more than 70000 cases of altered or fraudulently endorsed checks each year totaling $64 million in estimated value
ldquoin 2008 alone more than 485000 social security and ssi checks were reported lost or stolen and had to be reissuedrdquo says lebryk
direct deposit is also more convenient and reliable there is no more waiting for a check to arrive in the mail and there are no more worries about delivery delays due to severe weather localemergencies and other check related problems last year alone severe weather events forced alternative delivery arrangements for millions of social security and ssi paper checks
ldquoswitching to direct deposit for federal benefits is such an easy way
for people to safeguard their money es-pecially when traveling for extended pe-riods of timerdquo says lebryk ldquoyour money is deposited to your account on payment day so therersquos no need to worry
about delivery delays or a check sitting in your mailbox while yoursquore gonerdquo
PRePaid debit caRd oPtion
in addition to direct deposit the treasury department recommends the direct express (r) debit Mastercard (r) card as an alternative to paper checks for people without bank accounts
More than half a million americans signed up for the optional direct express (r) card in its first year of availability according to the treasury department a recent survey of cardholders finds that 95 percent say they are satisfied with the prepaid debit card and 86 percent say they would recommend it to family members or friends who receive a federal benefit payment
with the direct express card cardholders can make purchases pay bills and get cash at thousands of locations nationwide sign-up is free and no bank account is required while most services are free there are fees for a limited number of optional transactions and services
making tHe switcH is easy
it is easy to make the switch to electronic payments for federal benefits to sign up for direct deposit call the treasury departmentrsquos go direct campaign helpline at 1-800-333-1795 or visit wwwgodirectorg to sign up for the treasury-recommended direct express card or to learn more about the cardrsquos features and fees call 1-877-212-9991 or visit wwwusdirectexpresscom
the preceding information has been provided by the us department of the treasury financial Management service
the go direct (r) campaign is sponsored by the us department of the treasury and the federal reserve banks the direct express (r) debit Mastercard (r) card is issued by comerica bank pursuant to a license by Mastercard international incorporated Mastercard (r) and the Mastercard (r) brand Mark are registered trademarks of Mastercard international incorporated the go direct(r) logo direct express (r) logo and direct express (r) are service marks of the us department of the treasury financial Management service
biZaRRe tRaVel Plans aRe dancing lessons FRom god
time to ReFinance oR buy
right now mortgage rates are at their lowest level since 1971 think about that twenty-five years ago homeowners were paying as much as 18 on a 30-year fixed today itrsquos just a little over 5combine that rate with the tax advantages
of a mortgage and you have an incredibly cheap way to build wealth but you better act now
real estate guru barbara corcoran has already seen a tremendous surge in refinance applications ndash more than triple the average ndash and the number of people getting approved is astronomically higher as well she says but that doesnrsquot mean the low rates are a panacea for the ills of the housing market it is only once home prices start to go up that we will finally see a light at the end of tunnel corcoran says until that happens we are still going to have to crawl out of this mess ldquo[low interest rates are] not a lifesaverrdquo corcoran says ldquothis is just a helping handrdquo
david kittle chairman of the Mortgage bankers association has this advice to homeowners looking to refinance do it donrsquot get greedy searching for another quarter-point lock in rates now he is seeing applications soar over 125 just since thanksgiving due to the low rates
of course you should only refinance if it saves you at least 38 on the rate and if you plan on staying in your home for at least four years kittle says along with good credit proof of income and money by means of a down payment or equity in the home there are certain things every homeowner needs regardless of interest rate levels
easy-to-do maintenance HelPs extend VeHicle liFe(ara) - after their homes most americansrsquo largest financial investment is their vehicle so helping it stay in good working order for as long as possible is a high priority in fact the average age of a passenger car in north america has grown to more than nine years according to rl Polk and co which indicates that motorists are looking for ways to help extend the life of their vehicle
even so todayrsquos tight budgets leave some motorists reluctant to spend on services or maintenance that they think can be delayed at least for the short term however compared to the cost of engine repair spending a little today on the right maintenance routine performed by trusted service technicians using quality products makes sense Mark ferner Pennzoil technical specialist and ase-certified master mechanic offers some simple cost-effective tips for helping to protect the performance and longevity of your vehicle
replace dirty air filters a dirty air filter will restrict airflow to the engine which may reduce power output if the filter fails it will allow unfiltered air into the engine which can be abrasive inside an engine to avoid these issues and help promote long engine life check your enginersquos air filter regularly and change it when it is dirty
use HigH-quality Fuelseveral automotive manufacturers (bMw gM honda toyota volkswagen and audi) have published technical service bulletins recommending the use of top-tier fuel top-tier fuel contains more additives than is required by the industryrsquos lowest additive content (lac) treat rate regular use of fuel that only meets lac requirements may cause deposits to form on engine intake valves and fuel injectors
cHange youR oilregular oil changes are one of the most important steps to maximize the life of a vehicle oil change in-tervals vary by vehicle and driving conditions so follow the interval and oil specifications found in the ownerrsquos manual
also be sure to use quality motor oils in your vehicle Properly functioning motor oils help prevent sludge and neutralize and disperse harmful deposits and using the recommended viscosity grade of motor oil may also help enhance fuel economy if you are having the oil changed for you ask for quality oils by name Quality motor oil will maintain its effectiveness throughout the oil change interval allowing it to help keep the engine clean
as a bonus some motor oil brands offer lubrication warranties at no additional cost for example the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranty Programs protect qualified engines for 300000 miles whether their owners use conventional synthetic-blend or full synthetic motor oils meeting their vehiclesrsquo requirements Participants can enroll online and maintaining eligibility is easy simply get an oil change with the specified brand change the filter perform regular maintenance and keep the service receipts
to learn more about the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranties visit either wwwPennzoilcom or wwwQuakerstatecom or speak with an automotive professional at a participating automotive dealership or oil change facility that features Pennzoil or Quaker state products
PeoPle donrsquot take tRiPs tRiPs take PeoPle
Fin
al
wo
Rd
s
a vacation is what you take when you can no longer take what yoursquove been taking
eaRl wilson
- 1-12-2010pdf
tips for planning your snow vacation include
FiguRe out iF yoursquoRe going to take youR geaR oR Rent it at youR destinationwhile looking into this determine if your vehicle can carry all the gear or if there are any restrictions bar-ring you from taking it on the airplane if you plan to rent call ahead of time to reserve your equipment
Pack many layeRs oF clotHing Many snow activities can make you warm but once you stop moving yoursquore going to want the heavier layers back
again donrsquot forget sunblock goggles shades or hat because the sun glaring on snow can easily burn your skin and eyes and winter rays can be just as damaging as those in summer
once you have your destination picked and travels planned therersquos one more step to ensure your winter getaway is successful while away from home having your health and safety front-of-mind is very important so you are prepared for emergencies like falling and breaking a bone while swishing down a ski slope or suddenly discovering you have seafood allergies while sampling fresh crawfish in louisiana
on call international provides travel assistance anywhere in the world to travelers who experience an emergency need medical care or evacuation while away from home if you want to return to your local hospital for treatment because you are familiar with the area and can have your personal doctor available on call will coordinate a medical evacuation for the sick person and help arrange transportation for the rest of the family
only a small percentage of health insurance plans cover medical evacuation when the member is on vacation and away from home this means you could be on the hook for thousands of dollars if you need to be transported from the resortrsquos local clinic to a better hospital hundreds of miles away or need a nurse to monitor your care on the way home after a skiing accident
so when you plan your next trip to sunny texas or snowy Michigan donrsquot forget to pack some comfort and safety for you and your family and consider enrolling in an on call international membership just in case you experience a travel emergency
tHe best time to RediscoVeR a destination
sHouldeR season
(ara) - the first few months of the year when many americans are spending time at home trying to recu-perate from the hustle and bustle of the holidays may not seem like an ideal time to plan a vacation how-ever planning for a time known as ldquoshoulder seasonrdquo the time between peak season and low season is a fantastic time for savvy travelers to find great deals on airfare hotels and attractions while simultaneously experiencing top destinations in a whole new way
ldquoMany travelers donrsquot think to travel in the weeks and months following the holidaysrdquo says brad dean President and ceo for the Myrtle beach area convention and visitorrsquos bureau ldquohowever a shoulder season trip can be the best way for travelers to relax after a busy holiday season destinations offer their lowest rates and best deals of the year at this time and consumers can get away for a fraction of the high-season costrdquo
so when is ldquoshoulder seasonrdquo it will vary slightly depending on your destination figuring out a regionrsquos shoulder season could be as easy as checking out rates at a few area hotels to determine when the rates are at their lowest
consider these convincing facts about shoulder season travel and what a great value it can be for your vacation dollars
Hotel rates airfare and attraction fees are often significantly lower during the shoulder season than any other time of year hotels especially are eager for business during this season and respond with deeply discounted rates and incentives to entice travelers
last minute deals you can plan and implement a very budget-friendly travel itinerary in a relatively short time - sometimes just a day or two as opposed to weeks or months of planning ahead thatrsquos needed during busier seasons
shoulder season travel presents the opportunity to view and experience a popular destination one you may have visited before during peak season in a whole new way for example destinations like Myrtle beach sc that bustle and buzz with activity in the peak season can take on a more laid-back relaxed atmosphere in shoulder season yoursquoll have access to the same major attractions
shows dining and shopping that peak season travelers enjoy but at a less frantic pace
and in that vein yoursquoll enjoy free access to popular attractions lines for popular attractions - most of which will stay open year round - will be shorter in shoulder seasons than any other time of year for example in Myrtle beach top entertainment venues and attractions as well as multiple live entertainment theaters are all open for business but with shorter (if any) lines and less crowds
because yoursquoll be getting a great deal therersquos also the opportunity to extend your vacation by a day or two and take some exciting trips to surround-ing areas the more relaxed attitude of shoulder season travel means you will feel more open to the idea of exploring the surrounding area visitors to the
Myrtle beach area for example can enjoy side trips to huntington beach state Park the nearby pictur-esque community of conway and the lowcountry gem of Pawleyrsquos island
finally shoulder season is a great time to travel to a drive destination like Myrtle beach yoursquoll find less traffic and a more relaxed commute to a location considered one of the top driving destinations for leisure travelers along the eastern seaboard and Midwest
to learn more about shoulder season travel opportunities in Myrtle beach log on to wwwvisitmyrtlebeachcom
Want to grow your business
Join the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce
As the unified voice of business the South Carolina Chamber is working to grow wealth for South Carolinians and businesses in order to improve economic development and quality of life
We help your business and you by
bull GettingyourvoiceheardbyourstatelegislatorsthroughourGrassrootsNetworkbull Workingtopassbusiness-friendlylegislationbull Keepingyouinformedonissuesandprovidingsolutionsforgrowingyour business through our monthly magazine South Carolina Business bull Providingnetworkingopportunitieswithlegislatorsandotherbusinessownersbull Trainingyouremployeesonhumanresourcesqualityandmanagementissuesbull Publishingalegalreferenceseries
Join the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce Contactustodayat800-799-4601Learnmoreatwwwscchambernet
Reconnect with Nature plan a trip to a National Park
Reconnect with Nature plan a trip to a National Park
(ARA) - Considered ldquoAmericarsquos best ideardquo national parks provide travelers preserved views of natural wonder as far as the eye can see An American invention they give us a unique backyard vacation oasis where postcard views meet real life-altering experiences And itrsquos this beauty exploration and enrichment combined with the accessibility of national parks that make them a popular vacation choice
According to the National Park Service trips to national parks are on the rise Tour operators offering guided visits through Americarsquos parks agree
ldquoBookings on our North American National Park tours have witnessed an increase of 180 percent in the last yearrdquo says Scott Nisbet president and CEO for the Globus family of brands ldquoNational parks are idyllic vacation lsquohot spotsrsquo perfect for relaxation and introspection wildlife exploration or adventure depending on the traveler and his or her interestsrdquo
A wide range of experiences can be had at national parks including everything from snorkeling rafting and hiking to learning about the environment geology and wildlife They also provide a perfect retreat for those hoping to reconnect with themselves or nature
And itrsquos the diversity of experiences national parks offer travelers that can make booking a national park vacation seem overwhelming Use these tips from Globus to simplify the process and book the perfect getaway for 2010
Choose the right park destinationFrom the east to west coasts Alaska to Hawaii America has more than 50 national parks to explore Do your research to choose a park that has what yoursquore looking for For instance if yoursquore interested in an abundance of hoodoos and canyons Bryce Canyon National Park might be the right fit Or if you want a vacation filled with bird watching or
boating the Everglades National Park could be a great choice
Go rustic or go luxuryLodging is an important consideration for any vacation Some travelers prefer to experience the outdoor beauty of the parks 24 hours a day and choose to camp Others want to escape to the more modern conveniences provided by nearby hotels cabins and lodges Decide what experience best suits you or your family - and decide early Spots (camping or lodging) fill up quickly especially during peak seasons
On your own or with a guideSome travelers prefer to hike or road trip through national parks while others are interested in a more insightful and pre-planned journey While maps are available for nearly every park guided tours have become a popular option for travelers and are often offered as part of a packaged tour vacation including accommodations
ldquoOur national park-focused tours offer an inclusive-style of travel with incomparable exploration and enrichment opportunitiesrdquo says Nisbet ldquoWith a wide range of national park destinations hotels and price points
coupled with unparalleled service and storytelling we create experiences for travelers they couldnrsquot produce on their ownrdquo
For more information or assistance planning your national park vacation visit wwwus-parkscom wwwnpsgov or wwwglobusjourneyscom Or call your travel agent or the Globus family of brands toll-free at (866) 313-2855
Looking For Your Chance To Win
Check Out Radioscrsquos Contest
South Carolinarsquos Internet
Powered By
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Win a $100 Shopping Spree
Win Tickets To Events amp Concerts
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The Family
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Times
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Tickets
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Check wwwRadiosc for weekly House of Blues ticket giveaways
Win 4 tickets for ice skating and skate rentals at Carolina Ice Palace
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Each week you have a chance to win an Applebeersquos gift card worth up to $2500
cHaRlestonrsquos oFFice oF cultuRal aFFaiRslauncHes wwwcHaRlestonaRtssc as tHieR new aRts web sitefrom charleston currents
the city of charlestonrsquos office of cultural affairs has launched httpwwwcharlestonartssc a companion web site to the ocarsquos primary page at the cityrsquos official site charlestonartssc will be updated daily with information and features including an arts calendar that users can search by date artist presenting group or venue social networking widgets and a directory of local arts and cultural organizations and venues
ldquowe are hopeful that charlestonartssc will be a major benefit to local artists and arts organizations by disseminating information about their events with the most up-to-date information to a broader publicrdquo said ellen dressler Moryl director of the office of cultural affairs
other options for users at charlestonartssc include the following
bull Arts organizations can download forms from the Office of Cultural Affairs submit events update contact information and compare performance dates with other area organizations
bull The Tools for Professional section of the Web site features job listings for arts professionals including full time and part time work as well as internships and volunteer opportunities with arts and cultural organizations in the tri-county area
bull Updated grant opportunities for arts organizations with detailed information including deadlines application and contact information
bull Call for Submissions and Call for Auditions pages with details about the location deadlines fees andadditional requirements
the new web site also hosts connecting pages for general information on the office of cultural affairs and its projects the charleston farmers Market the city gallery at waterfront Park holiday Magic happy new year charleston the holiday Parade of boats the lowcountry Quarterly arts grant Program Piccolo spoleto and the MoJa arts festival
the web site was developed and is being hosted by carolina Media services ( wwwonlysc)
a RetiRement HometHat HelPs Pay FoR itselF(ara) - with todayrsquos record low real estate prices and at-tractive mortgage rates now may be a good time to think about investing in a second home that ultimately can be used as your permanent residence upon retirement by taking a ldquobuy-and-rentrdquo approach before yoursquore ready to retire your new home will actually have partly paid for itself by the time yoursquore ready to move into it
ldquobuying and renting out a second home as a vacation rental property until yoursquore ready to move in upon retirement can significantly help offset the cost of ownershiprdquo says brian sharples ceo of homeaway the worldrsquos leading online vacation rental marketplace ldquothe income stream in addition to tax write-offs for maintenance and repairs make this an attractive strategy for many people nearing retirementrdquo
according to homeaway the average second-home owner rents out their property to travelers 17 weeks a year generating more than $28000 in rental income annually and the demand for vacation rentals among travelers is growing which is good news for second-home owners in fact 87 percent of travelers who looked into a vacation rental in the past say they plan to stay in a vacation rental in 2010 - a significant increase from the 67 percent who stayed in a vacation rental in 2009
to generate income from a second home prior to moving into it when you retire sharples suggests consumers take the following steps
location and maRket Potentialcarefully review the markets where you want to retire and before you buy consider the areas where consumer demand for vacation rentals is high but inventory is low for example atlantic city nJ sunny isles beach fla hampton beach nh dauphin island ala and Mount Pocono Pa were among some of the most underserved markets for vacation rental properties in 2009 according to homeaway
FactoR in tax wRite-oFFstalk to an accountant about the tax advantages of owning and renting out a second home expenses such as insurance utilities home maintenance and depreciation can be deducted depending on how often you rent out the property and how many weeks you personally stay there each year
adVeRtise to attRact RenteRs when yoursquore ready to rent out the property be sure to market the availability of the vacation rental to travelers by listing it on sites like homeawaycom or vrbocom which reach millions of travelers each month a 12-month listing costs $329 - or less than $28 per month - on homeawaycom so the advertising pays for itself with your first booking - and the rest is pure rental income
stay comPetitiVe amp netwoRk witH owneRs check out other similar vacation rentals in the area to determine what rates theyrsquore charging travelers and price your home at a competitiverate to help drive bookings also be sure to talk with other owners to get their tips and advice for maximizing a second home investment
for more information on buying a second home and effective strategies for maximizing rental income check out homeawayrsquos online community for vacation rental owners at ownercommunityhomeawaycom
tiPs to successFully get youwHeRe you need to be - Fast(ara) - do you ever get a headache just thinking about navigating the streets of an unfamiliar city have you ever booked a hotel in a less-than-great part of town or been late to an appointment because you canrsquot find a parking garage
even the savviest of travelers who can find their way around a city with their eyes closed run into travel snafus sending their blood pressure through the roof navigating the streets of a new city can be one of the most stressful parts of booking and taking a trip whether itrsquos for business or leisure
so you finally landed and yoursquore on your way to the hotel that you booked in the heart of the city everything is going just as you planned not so fast somehow you find yourself nowhere near the bright city lights and in a hotel on the outskirts of town where you wouldnrsquot even venture out for a cup of Joe
sound familiar well yoursquore not alone - more than half of travelers say theyrsquove experienced this very nightmare according to a recent bing survey
while finding decent lodging can be difficult sometimes even thinking about how to get around a city can strike fear into the hearts of business and leisure travelers alike so which city gets travelers hearts racing when just thinking about how to get around unsurprisingly for anyone who has ever visited either new york or los angeles (even just once) both cities topped bingrsquos survey as the worst cities to navigate More than 40 percent said ldquothe heck with driving irsquom getting a taxirdquo when visiting the big apple and a quarter said that the concrete jungle otherwise known as los angeles is too wild for them
so how can you ensure you know enough about a city to get around like you were a local book a decent hotel check out a local concert or find a local hot spot to grab a bite to eat well the folks at bing have a few tips to make your next adventure stress-free
Pay attention to ReViews Most online booking sites offer reviews from other guests who have stayed at the hotel that yoursquore considering while you may be inclined to take the overly positive reviews with a grain of salt itrsquos best to steer clear if a hotel receives consistent negative customer reviews
study uPcheck out the local convention center visitorsrsquo bureau or chamber of commerce web sites to learn more about the city and its surrounding neighborhoods this will help give you a better idea of whatrsquos near your destination and the neighborhoods that surround it
RemembeRyou get wHat you Pay FoRif yoursquore paying a two-star rate donrsquot expect to get four- or five-star accommodations and a mint on your pillow a cheaper rate rarely buys you luxury but you should still be able to score a clean safe room that provides for your basic needs
HoP onlineuse online resources like bing Mapsrsquo new streetside experience a three-dimensional mapping tool Just log on to bing Maps where you can zoom in from satellite level to birdrsquos eye view and even down to street level for 56 major us metro areas
now you can virtually walk the streets of your next adventure with actual 360-degree footage of the area not only can you tell if a hotel is in a good neighborhood yoursquoll be able to see if therersquos a wifi coffee shop nearby where you can sync up your computer before your next meeting or scope out any traffic jams before you head out and you can even find the nearest parking garage so yoursquore never late again to your lunch date - unlike the more than 40 percent of bing survey respondents who were fashionably late because they couldnrsquot find a parking spot
ldquobooking a hotel room on the internet can be a risky proposition if you canrsquot see the room hotel or area itrsquos in before you bookrdquo says blaise aguera y arcas architect of bing Maps and Msn at Microsoft ldquobut technology like streetside is making it possible to scope out a neighborhood - and ensure itrsquos one you want to stay in - without ever having to leave the comfort of your computer chairrdquo in fact the bing survey found that nearly a quarter of travelers rated finding a decent hotel as the most frustrating part of planning their trip
Plus stay up-to-date on the best places to check out on your next trip by using bingrsquos twitter mapping app now you can get real-time information about an area - such as seeing the latest tweets for the local shopping mall before you even go there or even updates about local events and breaking news
log onto bing Maps where you can plan your next trip whether itrsquos a far away city or even your own town now you can be a travel guru no matter where you are
setting and stickingto youR tRaVel budget(ara) - travel can be one of the biggest-ticket items you invest in each year so itrsquos worth it to plan ahead
setting a budget - and sticking to it - can help you stay in better control of spending according to a recent visa survey a majority (54 percent) of last yearrsquos summer travelers either didnrsquot set a budget oroverspent their budget while traveling and more than a quarter of those surveyed overspent by more than $250 to make sure this doesnrsquot happen to you itrsquos important to create a realistic travel budget and make a plan for how you will spend within your means while on the road
to create a budget think through your trip first include the basics such as transportation to and from your destination and lodging next plan for expenses that come up along the way such as meals on the road
hosthostess gifts rental cars or public transportation donrsquot forget to include entertainment - whether sightseeing or going to the movies itrsquos also a good idea to build in a cushion for the unexpected
once yoursquove set your travel budget you need to stick to it one tool that can help is a prepaid travel card a prepaid card draws from funds that are set aside in advance for purchases here are a few ways prepaid travel cards can come in handy
keeP tRaVel Funds sePaRate an easy way to make sure you donrsquot go over budget is to set your travel budget aside on a prepaid travel card simply load the card with your travel budget and use it for everything from online booking to grabbing lunch during an (unexpectedly extended) layover without worrying about spending more than you planned or dipping into gift-buying funds
access casHwhether you need a few dollars or several yen choose a prepaid card that will allow you to withdraw cash from atMs around the world if yoursquore traveling internationally itrsquoll also save you the hassle of tracking down and waiting in line for local currency
bRowse and buy look for a prepaid card that you can use online travel sites offer a wealth of information and detailed listings of competing offers from airlines and hotels as well as reviews from fellow travelers for flights you can typically compare possible savings by traveling on al-ternate days or from nearby airports once you spot the deal that works for your budget use your prepaid travel card to snap it up
enJoy Peace oF mind wHen tRaVeling Prepaid cards may come with travel-related services for example the visa travelMoney card offers zero liability for lost or stolen cards as well as lost luggage reimbursement and purchase security Make sure you know which benefits your card offers and how they work so you can tap into them should the need arise
with some advance preparation and the right tools in place you donrsquot have to overspend on travel in fact with some careful planning you could end up with enough left to buy yourself a little something to remember the trip for more information about visa travelMoney visit wwwvisacomtravelmoney
Click To Listen While You Browse
South Carolinarsquos Internet
Powered By
(843)720-9604 InfoOnlysc
need an easy getaway FoR tHe Family Plan a budget-FRiendly tRiP to a national PaRk(ara) - american families have spoken the vacation is a top priority ninety-four percent of americans agreed that even in tough economic times family vacations are worth the money according to a recent survey by expediacom to keep the vacation affordable and easy think about introducing your family to the splendor of the national park system - where activities are abundant and costs are minimal
expediacom recently partnered with the national Park foundation to provide a permanent one-stop shop to help travelers plan and book vacations to americarsquos national parks
ldquothere are excellent values for traveling families right now and taking a trip to a national park is one of the best ways to stretch your vacation dollarsrdquo says lee woodruff author travel expert and mother of four
ldquofamilies are looking for ways to reconnect with each other and what better option for an affordable vacation than a national parkrdquo
here are five easy steps to plan the perfect national park getaway
1 get inspired ken burns recently debuted a six-part documentary series for Pbs titledldquothe national Parks americarsquos best ideardquo tune into Pbs or order a copy online to find inspiration and a detailed look at some of the most beautiful places in the world from acadia to the grand canyon and yosemite to the gates of the arctic in alaska
2 Pick the park with original content from the national Park foundation expediacomrsquos national park web site is the perfect resource for families to find the national park to fit their vacation needs
the site offers pre-set ldquolong weekendrdquo itineraries to start your planning you can also search through the ldquocanrsquot Miss national Parksrdquo section to learn about the parkrsquos location its natural features little-known facts including the best times to visit and activities to choose from in each area expediarsquos site also offers downloadable park maps to help you get your bearings
3 more ways to save take advantage of the public amenities that national parks offer like camping and picnic sites while there is a small entrance fee to the parks you can cut back on costs by bringing your own meals and treating the kids to lunch by a waterfall or overlooking the grand canyon also enjoy the free activities such as hiking biking and birding that the parks offer
4 book your hotel and rental car if camping isnrsquot your familyrsquos style consider any of the great lodges in and around the national park of your choice and if yoursquore planning to rent a car consider booking lodging and car together to substantially reduce the overall costs of your vacation
5 give back consider giving back to the national Park foundation by visiting the web site wwwnationalparksorg and donate or learn more about volunteer opportunities within americarsquos national parks helping out in these small ways ensures the parks will remain beautiful so your kids can bring their own children one day
ldquoPlanning the vacation is half of the fun so get every-one involved in the processrdquo says woodruff ldquothere are so many options in our national park system many of which have rich and amazing heritage so the whole family is going to enjoy something when you visitrdquo
bookmaRk youRFaVoRite Road
a bRieF HistoRyoF PaVed Roads
(ara) - Planes and trains may have their place in our society but for the dedicated traveler therersquos still nothing like getting in your car and taking a trip along americarsquos highways
half the fun of road trips in the minds of many is getting home and telling friends and family about the adventure - and the roads they traveled
in the past driversrsquo road stories were largely told by word of mouth to a few people at a time now drivers can tell their tales to millions via the internet favoriteroadcom is a new web site that features americarsquos favorite highways and byways
the site encourages you to post your favorite roads and explain why you like them simply log on to submit a photo and story of your favorite road use links posted on the site to share your road via popular social networks such as facebook and twitter your submission may even win a prize in contest giveaways
the past yearrsquos economic downturn has reintroduced the word ldquoinfrastructurerdquo to our vocabulary as a result of stimulus legislation passed in 2009 the federal government has allocated millions of dollars to specifically improve state roads and highways and with more affordable gasoline prices people are increasingly using americarsquos roads for leisure travel
by posting on favoriteroadcom yoursquore doing more than just ldquotelling a good storyrdquo your testimonials may help encourage lawmakers to push for increased infrastructure spending to keep america driving smoothly and safely for years to come
whatrsquos your favorite road log on and tell the world at favoriteroadcom
625 bc the babylonians are credited with the first recorded use of asphalt as a road building material the ancient greeks were also familiar with asphalt (the word comes from the greek ldquoasphaltosrdquo meaning ldquosecurerdquo)
1500s christopher columbus landed off the shores of trinidad in 1498 and discovered the famous asphalt lake which would later be used on the Pennsylvania avenue project in washington dc covering 54000 square yards
1800s Macadam roads became popular in the us for rural road construction during the 1830s and 40s belgian chemist edmund J desmedt laid the first true asphalt pavement in the us in newark nJ the cummer company opened the first central hot mix production facilities in the us the first asphalt patent was filed by nathan b abbott of brooklyn ny in 1871
1920s world war i ended and the use of the automo-bile was steadily rising but roads outside the city limits were frequently too muddy or dusty for travel to fix this problem road engineers used oils and asphalt
1940s-1950s the modern american turnpike is born after world war ii full scale automobile production resumed along with major levels of road maintenance and new highway construction by 1950 vehicle registration exceeded 40 million cars and 8 million trucks in 1956 President eisenhower signed the federal-aid highway act and launched the interstate system to create an infrastructure highway program -unmatched anywhere in the world
1970s a national move to conserve energy and materials initiated a widespread interest in recycling of pavement materials asphalt is now americarsquos most recycled product
1990s a traffic study by the world road association indicates that asphalt pavements are at least 4 decibels quieter than concrete pavements
2000s the us population has increased 23 percent since 1990 and the number of miles driven has risen by 41 percent only half of the nationrsquos major roads are in good condition based on an analysis of recent federal highway administration data
wandeRing Re-establisHes tHe oRiginal
HaRmony wHicH once existed between
man and tHe uniVeRse
business oR leisuRe dRiVing oR FlyingtRaVel saFely natuRally(ara) - weekend getaways shorter vacations and overnight business trips are great ways to save money and are becoming more prevalent according to the bureau of transportation taking a few simple and natural steps to stay safe and healthy while on the road can not only protect your travel investment butenhance your entire experience
ReFResHed and aleRt dRiVing diFFusion
a shorter thriftier trip is likely to be by car the inevitable rush to make the most of the limited time
away after a tiring work week can create fatigue so donrsquot make it a dangerous driving situation enliven your senses with essential oil scents
ditch the cardboard cutout car ldquofreshenerrdquo that hangs from the rearview mirror not only distracting these products are usually saturated with synthetic fragrance chemicals and probably arenrsquot the best thing to inhale while enclosed in your vehicle instead rely on a sleek essential oil diffuser that plugs into your automobilersquos phone charger power outlet these devices feature small paper fiber pads to which you can apply your own custom blend of essential oils allowing you to not only
scent the air inside the car but also to provide refreshing aromatherapy benefits to help keep you alert and focused on the road
a simpler alternative way to diffuse is to apply several drops of oil to a tissue and tuck it carefully into one of the vents in the dash
try these essential oils for the car Peppermint essential oil - refreshing awakening
uplifting eucalyptus essential oil - bracing purifying
protecting lemon essential oil - pleasant deodorizing
cheering
How clean is youR Hotel Room
overnight stays in less than posh hotel digs may be part of the money-saving travel trend even upscale hotels arenrsquot immune to dirt and germs or worse an apparent outbreak of bedbug infestations in the united states recently publicized by the environmental Protection agency
bedbugs aside there are always nagging doubts about just how clean a hotel room actually is has the shower or tub been scrubbed or merely wiped down is the toilet sanitized has the bedspread ever really been thoroughly cleaned fortunately there are ways to protect yourself after you check in but before you settle into your temporary overnight home
air and surface sanitizing spray feel good about travel with a bottle of homemade purifying aromatherapy solution that relies on pleasantly scented and highly effective essential oils rather than harsh chemical disinfectants the following spray will help you create a hygienic environment in your temporary hotel home apply it to tub vanity and toilet surfaces
ingredientsempty 12 to16 ounce spray bottle10 ounces water2 ounces isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or
vodka12 teaspoon tea tree essential oil
(antimicrobial)12 teaspoon lemon essential oil
(cleansing)12 teaspoon lavandin essential oil
(protecting)12 teaspoon sweet orange essential oil
(freshening)
directions combine all ingredients in the spray bottle shake and apply to a washcloth and wipe down the tvrsquos remote the clock radio the door handles and the faucethandles in the bathroom
Purifying and Relaxing linen mist here are some great tips for making a strange bed feel more like home take along your own pillow and replace the ones provided create your own linen mist and use it on your own bed at home then travel with the same blend taking a little bit of home with you when you arrive at your destination turn down the covers exchange the pillows and apply your signature scent to the bed
ingredientsempty 4 to 8 ounce spray bottle4 to 8 ounces water13 drops lavender essential oil
(relaxing calming)5 drops lavandin or spike lavender
essential oil (purifying protecting)
directionscombine the water and oil in the bottle shake the contents thoroughly just before application
remember to look for pure and natural essential oil brands like aura cacia that donrsquot include synthetic petrochemical fragrances for more information on how to enhance your life through aromatherapy visit wwwauracaciacom
PRePaRe youR VeHicle FoR a HuRRicane eVacuation(ara) - ana bill claudette - the first three atlantic ocean hurricanes of the season made headlines but not to the extent of katrina or ike of recent years and while these three hurricanes have come and gone who knows if - or when - grace or henry might pay a visit to your town
the 2009 hurricane season has an expected 90 percent chance of being a near-normal or below-normal season for the atlantic ocean according to the national oceanic and atmospheric administration this prediction - if accurate - will be welcomed with a sigh of relief by many residents in coastal towns after the above-normal year in 2008
but even if noaa is predicting a quiet year for hurricanes you can never be over prepared if you donrsquot have your emergency evacuation plan organized itrsquos time to make one no matter if yoursquore planning on traveling 100 miles or 1000 miles you need an evacuation plan as a representative of a gulf coast
company Maricela carter a health safety security environment coordinator with soPus has some tips on how to prepare your vehicle for potential evacuations
Plan eVacuation Routescheck newspapers online sites the local emergency broadcast radio station and local television stations for the latest information on official evacuation routes Purchase a good map with details on elevations waterways and county roads and familiarize yourself with the most efficient ways to get out of town
Pack an emeRgency kitautomobiles are susceptible to unexpected problems so keep an emergency kit in your trunk include jumper cables extra motor oil window washing brake and coolant fluids simple tools like an air pressure gauge screwdriver pliers and adjustable wrench a role of
paper towels a windup flashlight and a can of fix-a-flat in case you get a flat tire
fix-a-flat creates a temporary emergency seal on contact with the tire and inflates the tire between eight and 14 pounds per square inch so that the car can be driven to a gas station for proper repair of the tire this can help you to get back on the road and out of the hurricanersquos way quickly and easily
Fill uP tHe tankeveryone is going to need fuel in order to evacuate so plan to fill up your tank as soon as you hear a hurricane warning this helps to prevent sudden demands on the supply once your tank is full conserve the amount of gas you use for the next couple of days by combining your errands into one trip and not traveling during rush hour
cHeck tiRe PRessuRein order to help conserve fuel make sure your tires are at the manufacturerrsquos recommended pressure - usually printed on the driverrsquos door of your car keeping tires at the correct pressure can improve your gasoline mileage by 33 percent according to fueleconomygov which means yoursquoll be able to travel further when evacuating
use PRoPeR FluidsMake sure you follow all the manufacturer recommendations for motor oil which can also improve your gasoline mileage by 1 or 2 percent according to fuelecomonygov one helpful hint is to look for oil that has an ldquoenergy conservingrdquo label by the american Petroleum institution to ensure it contains friction-reducing additives
it is not down inany maP tRue PlacesneVeR aRe
diRect dePosit oF social secuRity is easieR FoR winteR tRaVeleRs(ara) - as cold weather sets in thousands of retirees are making plans for a winter getaway if yoursquore one of them switch to direct deposit for your social security payments before you leave - itrsquos the safest easiest way to receive your money
ldquoeach year the us department of the treasury receives more than 14 million inquiries regarding paper check-related problemsrdquo says david a lebryk commissioner of the treasury departmentrsquos financial Management service
yet approximately 105 million americans continue to receive their social security and supplemental security income (ssi) payments by paper check each month the treasury departmentrsquos go direct (r) campaign encourages senior citizens and people with disabilities to switch to direct deposit
incReased saFety conVenience and Reliability
ldquowhen therersquos a problem with a social security payment nine times out of 10 itrsquos with a paper check not a direct deposit paymentrdquo says lebryk
Paper checks can be vulnerable to financial crimes like theft and fraud in fact the treasury department investigates more than 70000 cases of altered or fraudulently endorsed checks each year totaling $64 million in estimated value
ldquoin 2008 alone more than 485000 social security and ssi checks were reported lost or stolen and had to be reissuedrdquo says lebryk
direct deposit is also more convenient and reliable there is no more waiting for a check to arrive in the mail and there are no more worries about delivery delays due to severe weather localemergencies and other check related problems last year alone severe weather events forced alternative delivery arrangements for millions of social security and ssi paper checks
ldquoswitching to direct deposit for federal benefits is such an easy way
for people to safeguard their money es-pecially when traveling for extended pe-riods of timerdquo says lebryk ldquoyour money is deposited to your account on payment day so therersquos no need to worry
about delivery delays or a check sitting in your mailbox while yoursquore gonerdquo
PRePaid debit caRd oPtion
in addition to direct deposit the treasury department recommends the direct express (r) debit Mastercard (r) card as an alternative to paper checks for people without bank accounts
More than half a million americans signed up for the optional direct express (r) card in its first year of availability according to the treasury department a recent survey of cardholders finds that 95 percent say they are satisfied with the prepaid debit card and 86 percent say they would recommend it to family members or friends who receive a federal benefit payment
with the direct express card cardholders can make purchases pay bills and get cash at thousands of locations nationwide sign-up is free and no bank account is required while most services are free there are fees for a limited number of optional transactions and services
making tHe switcH is easy
it is easy to make the switch to electronic payments for federal benefits to sign up for direct deposit call the treasury departmentrsquos go direct campaign helpline at 1-800-333-1795 or visit wwwgodirectorg to sign up for the treasury-recommended direct express card or to learn more about the cardrsquos features and fees call 1-877-212-9991 or visit wwwusdirectexpresscom
the preceding information has been provided by the us department of the treasury financial Management service
the go direct (r) campaign is sponsored by the us department of the treasury and the federal reserve banks the direct express (r) debit Mastercard (r) card is issued by comerica bank pursuant to a license by Mastercard international incorporated Mastercard (r) and the Mastercard (r) brand Mark are registered trademarks of Mastercard international incorporated the go direct(r) logo direct express (r) logo and direct express (r) are service marks of the us department of the treasury financial Management service
biZaRRe tRaVel Plans aRe dancing lessons FRom god
time to ReFinance oR buy
right now mortgage rates are at their lowest level since 1971 think about that twenty-five years ago homeowners were paying as much as 18 on a 30-year fixed today itrsquos just a little over 5combine that rate with the tax advantages
of a mortgage and you have an incredibly cheap way to build wealth but you better act now
real estate guru barbara corcoran has already seen a tremendous surge in refinance applications ndash more than triple the average ndash and the number of people getting approved is astronomically higher as well she says but that doesnrsquot mean the low rates are a panacea for the ills of the housing market it is only once home prices start to go up that we will finally see a light at the end of tunnel corcoran says until that happens we are still going to have to crawl out of this mess ldquo[low interest rates are] not a lifesaverrdquo corcoran says ldquothis is just a helping handrdquo
david kittle chairman of the Mortgage bankers association has this advice to homeowners looking to refinance do it donrsquot get greedy searching for another quarter-point lock in rates now he is seeing applications soar over 125 just since thanksgiving due to the low rates
of course you should only refinance if it saves you at least 38 on the rate and if you plan on staying in your home for at least four years kittle says along with good credit proof of income and money by means of a down payment or equity in the home there are certain things every homeowner needs regardless of interest rate levels
easy-to-do maintenance HelPs extend VeHicle liFe(ara) - after their homes most americansrsquo largest financial investment is their vehicle so helping it stay in good working order for as long as possible is a high priority in fact the average age of a passenger car in north america has grown to more than nine years according to rl Polk and co which indicates that motorists are looking for ways to help extend the life of their vehicle
even so todayrsquos tight budgets leave some motorists reluctant to spend on services or maintenance that they think can be delayed at least for the short term however compared to the cost of engine repair spending a little today on the right maintenance routine performed by trusted service technicians using quality products makes sense Mark ferner Pennzoil technical specialist and ase-certified master mechanic offers some simple cost-effective tips for helping to protect the performance and longevity of your vehicle
replace dirty air filters a dirty air filter will restrict airflow to the engine which may reduce power output if the filter fails it will allow unfiltered air into the engine which can be abrasive inside an engine to avoid these issues and help promote long engine life check your enginersquos air filter regularly and change it when it is dirty
use HigH-quality Fuelseveral automotive manufacturers (bMw gM honda toyota volkswagen and audi) have published technical service bulletins recommending the use of top-tier fuel top-tier fuel contains more additives than is required by the industryrsquos lowest additive content (lac) treat rate regular use of fuel that only meets lac requirements may cause deposits to form on engine intake valves and fuel injectors
cHange youR oilregular oil changes are one of the most important steps to maximize the life of a vehicle oil change in-tervals vary by vehicle and driving conditions so follow the interval and oil specifications found in the ownerrsquos manual
also be sure to use quality motor oils in your vehicle Properly functioning motor oils help prevent sludge and neutralize and disperse harmful deposits and using the recommended viscosity grade of motor oil may also help enhance fuel economy if you are having the oil changed for you ask for quality oils by name Quality motor oil will maintain its effectiveness throughout the oil change interval allowing it to help keep the engine clean
as a bonus some motor oil brands offer lubrication warranties at no additional cost for example the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranty Programs protect qualified engines for 300000 miles whether their owners use conventional synthetic-blend or full synthetic motor oils meeting their vehiclesrsquo requirements Participants can enroll online and maintaining eligibility is easy simply get an oil change with the specified brand change the filter perform regular maintenance and keep the service receipts
to learn more about the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranties visit either wwwPennzoilcom or wwwQuakerstatecom or speak with an automotive professional at a participating automotive dealership or oil change facility that features Pennzoil or Quaker state products
PeoPle donrsquot take tRiPs tRiPs take PeoPle
Fin
al
wo
Rd
s
a vacation is what you take when you can no longer take what yoursquove been taking
eaRl wilson
- 1-12-2010pdf
once you have your destination picked and travels planned therersquos one more step to ensure your winter getaway is successful while away from home having your health and safety front-of-mind is very important so you are prepared for emergencies like falling and breaking a bone while swishing down a ski slope or suddenly discovering you have seafood allergies while sampling fresh crawfish in louisiana
on call international provides travel assistance anywhere in the world to travelers who experience an emergency need medical care or evacuation while away from home if you want to return to your local hospital for treatment because you are familiar with the area and can have your personal doctor available on call will coordinate a medical evacuation for the sick person and help arrange transportation for the rest of the family
only a small percentage of health insurance plans cover medical evacuation when the member is on vacation and away from home this means you could be on the hook for thousands of dollars if you need to be transported from the resortrsquos local clinic to a better hospital hundreds of miles away or need a nurse to monitor your care on the way home after a skiing accident
so when you plan your next trip to sunny texas or snowy Michigan donrsquot forget to pack some comfort and safety for you and your family and consider enrolling in an on call international membership just in case you experience a travel emergency
tHe best time to RediscoVeR a destination
sHouldeR season
(ara) - the first few months of the year when many americans are spending time at home trying to recu-perate from the hustle and bustle of the holidays may not seem like an ideal time to plan a vacation how-ever planning for a time known as ldquoshoulder seasonrdquo the time between peak season and low season is a fantastic time for savvy travelers to find great deals on airfare hotels and attractions while simultaneously experiencing top destinations in a whole new way
ldquoMany travelers donrsquot think to travel in the weeks and months following the holidaysrdquo says brad dean President and ceo for the Myrtle beach area convention and visitorrsquos bureau ldquohowever a shoulder season trip can be the best way for travelers to relax after a busy holiday season destinations offer their lowest rates and best deals of the year at this time and consumers can get away for a fraction of the high-season costrdquo
so when is ldquoshoulder seasonrdquo it will vary slightly depending on your destination figuring out a regionrsquos shoulder season could be as easy as checking out rates at a few area hotels to determine when the rates are at their lowest
consider these convincing facts about shoulder season travel and what a great value it can be for your vacation dollars
Hotel rates airfare and attraction fees are often significantly lower during the shoulder season than any other time of year hotels especially are eager for business during this season and respond with deeply discounted rates and incentives to entice travelers
last minute deals you can plan and implement a very budget-friendly travel itinerary in a relatively short time - sometimes just a day or two as opposed to weeks or months of planning ahead thatrsquos needed during busier seasons
shoulder season travel presents the opportunity to view and experience a popular destination one you may have visited before during peak season in a whole new way for example destinations like Myrtle beach sc that bustle and buzz with activity in the peak season can take on a more laid-back relaxed atmosphere in shoulder season yoursquoll have access to the same major attractions
shows dining and shopping that peak season travelers enjoy but at a less frantic pace
and in that vein yoursquoll enjoy free access to popular attractions lines for popular attractions - most of which will stay open year round - will be shorter in shoulder seasons than any other time of year for example in Myrtle beach top entertainment venues and attractions as well as multiple live entertainment theaters are all open for business but with shorter (if any) lines and less crowds
because yoursquoll be getting a great deal therersquos also the opportunity to extend your vacation by a day or two and take some exciting trips to surround-ing areas the more relaxed attitude of shoulder season travel means you will feel more open to the idea of exploring the surrounding area visitors to the
Myrtle beach area for example can enjoy side trips to huntington beach state Park the nearby pictur-esque community of conway and the lowcountry gem of Pawleyrsquos island
finally shoulder season is a great time to travel to a drive destination like Myrtle beach yoursquoll find less traffic and a more relaxed commute to a location considered one of the top driving destinations for leisure travelers along the eastern seaboard and Midwest
to learn more about shoulder season travel opportunities in Myrtle beach log on to wwwvisitmyrtlebeachcom
Want to grow your business
Join the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce
As the unified voice of business the South Carolina Chamber is working to grow wealth for South Carolinians and businesses in order to improve economic development and quality of life
We help your business and you by
bull GettingyourvoiceheardbyourstatelegislatorsthroughourGrassrootsNetworkbull Workingtopassbusiness-friendlylegislationbull Keepingyouinformedonissuesandprovidingsolutionsforgrowingyour business through our monthly magazine South Carolina Business bull Providingnetworkingopportunitieswithlegislatorsandotherbusinessownersbull Trainingyouremployeesonhumanresourcesqualityandmanagementissuesbull Publishingalegalreferenceseries
Join the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce Contactustodayat800-799-4601Learnmoreatwwwscchambernet
Reconnect with Nature plan a trip to a National Park
Reconnect with Nature plan a trip to a National Park
(ARA) - Considered ldquoAmericarsquos best ideardquo national parks provide travelers preserved views of natural wonder as far as the eye can see An American invention they give us a unique backyard vacation oasis where postcard views meet real life-altering experiences And itrsquos this beauty exploration and enrichment combined with the accessibility of national parks that make them a popular vacation choice
According to the National Park Service trips to national parks are on the rise Tour operators offering guided visits through Americarsquos parks agree
ldquoBookings on our North American National Park tours have witnessed an increase of 180 percent in the last yearrdquo says Scott Nisbet president and CEO for the Globus family of brands ldquoNational parks are idyllic vacation lsquohot spotsrsquo perfect for relaxation and introspection wildlife exploration or adventure depending on the traveler and his or her interestsrdquo
A wide range of experiences can be had at national parks including everything from snorkeling rafting and hiking to learning about the environment geology and wildlife They also provide a perfect retreat for those hoping to reconnect with themselves or nature
And itrsquos the diversity of experiences national parks offer travelers that can make booking a national park vacation seem overwhelming Use these tips from Globus to simplify the process and book the perfect getaway for 2010
Choose the right park destinationFrom the east to west coasts Alaska to Hawaii America has more than 50 national parks to explore Do your research to choose a park that has what yoursquore looking for For instance if yoursquore interested in an abundance of hoodoos and canyons Bryce Canyon National Park might be the right fit Or if you want a vacation filled with bird watching or
boating the Everglades National Park could be a great choice
Go rustic or go luxuryLodging is an important consideration for any vacation Some travelers prefer to experience the outdoor beauty of the parks 24 hours a day and choose to camp Others want to escape to the more modern conveniences provided by nearby hotels cabins and lodges Decide what experience best suits you or your family - and decide early Spots (camping or lodging) fill up quickly especially during peak seasons
On your own or with a guideSome travelers prefer to hike or road trip through national parks while others are interested in a more insightful and pre-planned journey While maps are available for nearly every park guided tours have become a popular option for travelers and are often offered as part of a packaged tour vacation including accommodations
ldquoOur national park-focused tours offer an inclusive-style of travel with incomparable exploration and enrichment opportunitiesrdquo says Nisbet ldquoWith a wide range of national park destinations hotels and price points
coupled with unparalleled service and storytelling we create experiences for travelers they couldnrsquot produce on their ownrdquo
For more information or assistance planning your national park vacation visit wwwus-parkscom wwwnpsgov or wwwglobusjourneyscom Or call your travel agent or the Globus family of brands toll-free at (866) 313-2855
Looking For Your Chance To Win
Check Out Radioscrsquos Contest
South Carolinarsquos Internet
Powered By
(843)720-9604 InfoOnlysc
Win a $100 Shopping Spree
Win Tickets To Events amp Concerts
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The Family
Win Tickets To Medieval
Times
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Tickets
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Radiosc is proud to sponsor $100 Shopping Sprees for Publix grocery stores
Check wwwRadiosc for weekly House of Blues ticket giveaways
Win 4 tickets for ice skating and skate rentals at Carolina Ice Palace
Win 4 tickets for Medieval Times in Myrtle Beach
You could win tickets to a Stingraysrsquo Home Game
Each week you have a chance to win an Applebeersquos gift card worth up to $2500
cHaRlestonrsquos oFFice oF cultuRal aFFaiRslauncHes wwwcHaRlestonaRtssc as tHieR new aRts web sitefrom charleston currents
the city of charlestonrsquos office of cultural affairs has launched httpwwwcharlestonartssc a companion web site to the ocarsquos primary page at the cityrsquos official site charlestonartssc will be updated daily with information and features including an arts calendar that users can search by date artist presenting group or venue social networking widgets and a directory of local arts and cultural organizations and venues
ldquowe are hopeful that charlestonartssc will be a major benefit to local artists and arts organizations by disseminating information about their events with the most up-to-date information to a broader publicrdquo said ellen dressler Moryl director of the office of cultural affairs
other options for users at charlestonartssc include the following
bull Arts organizations can download forms from the Office of Cultural Affairs submit events update contact information and compare performance dates with other area organizations
bull The Tools for Professional section of the Web site features job listings for arts professionals including full time and part time work as well as internships and volunteer opportunities with arts and cultural organizations in the tri-county area
bull Updated grant opportunities for arts organizations with detailed information including deadlines application and contact information
bull Call for Submissions and Call for Auditions pages with details about the location deadlines fees andadditional requirements
the new web site also hosts connecting pages for general information on the office of cultural affairs and its projects the charleston farmers Market the city gallery at waterfront Park holiday Magic happy new year charleston the holiday Parade of boats the lowcountry Quarterly arts grant Program Piccolo spoleto and the MoJa arts festival
the web site was developed and is being hosted by carolina Media services ( wwwonlysc)
a RetiRement HometHat HelPs Pay FoR itselF(ara) - with todayrsquos record low real estate prices and at-tractive mortgage rates now may be a good time to think about investing in a second home that ultimately can be used as your permanent residence upon retirement by taking a ldquobuy-and-rentrdquo approach before yoursquore ready to retire your new home will actually have partly paid for itself by the time yoursquore ready to move into it
ldquobuying and renting out a second home as a vacation rental property until yoursquore ready to move in upon retirement can significantly help offset the cost of ownershiprdquo says brian sharples ceo of homeaway the worldrsquos leading online vacation rental marketplace ldquothe income stream in addition to tax write-offs for maintenance and repairs make this an attractive strategy for many people nearing retirementrdquo
according to homeaway the average second-home owner rents out their property to travelers 17 weeks a year generating more than $28000 in rental income annually and the demand for vacation rentals among travelers is growing which is good news for second-home owners in fact 87 percent of travelers who looked into a vacation rental in the past say they plan to stay in a vacation rental in 2010 - a significant increase from the 67 percent who stayed in a vacation rental in 2009
to generate income from a second home prior to moving into it when you retire sharples suggests consumers take the following steps
location and maRket Potentialcarefully review the markets where you want to retire and before you buy consider the areas where consumer demand for vacation rentals is high but inventory is low for example atlantic city nJ sunny isles beach fla hampton beach nh dauphin island ala and Mount Pocono Pa were among some of the most underserved markets for vacation rental properties in 2009 according to homeaway
FactoR in tax wRite-oFFstalk to an accountant about the tax advantages of owning and renting out a second home expenses such as insurance utilities home maintenance and depreciation can be deducted depending on how often you rent out the property and how many weeks you personally stay there each year
adVeRtise to attRact RenteRs when yoursquore ready to rent out the property be sure to market the availability of the vacation rental to travelers by listing it on sites like homeawaycom or vrbocom which reach millions of travelers each month a 12-month listing costs $329 - or less than $28 per month - on homeawaycom so the advertising pays for itself with your first booking - and the rest is pure rental income
stay comPetitiVe amp netwoRk witH owneRs check out other similar vacation rentals in the area to determine what rates theyrsquore charging travelers and price your home at a competitiverate to help drive bookings also be sure to talk with other owners to get their tips and advice for maximizing a second home investment
for more information on buying a second home and effective strategies for maximizing rental income check out homeawayrsquos online community for vacation rental owners at ownercommunityhomeawaycom
tiPs to successFully get youwHeRe you need to be - Fast(ara) - do you ever get a headache just thinking about navigating the streets of an unfamiliar city have you ever booked a hotel in a less-than-great part of town or been late to an appointment because you canrsquot find a parking garage
even the savviest of travelers who can find their way around a city with their eyes closed run into travel snafus sending their blood pressure through the roof navigating the streets of a new city can be one of the most stressful parts of booking and taking a trip whether itrsquos for business or leisure
so you finally landed and yoursquore on your way to the hotel that you booked in the heart of the city everything is going just as you planned not so fast somehow you find yourself nowhere near the bright city lights and in a hotel on the outskirts of town where you wouldnrsquot even venture out for a cup of Joe
sound familiar well yoursquore not alone - more than half of travelers say theyrsquove experienced this very nightmare according to a recent bing survey
while finding decent lodging can be difficult sometimes even thinking about how to get around a city can strike fear into the hearts of business and leisure travelers alike so which city gets travelers hearts racing when just thinking about how to get around unsurprisingly for anyone who has ever visited either new york or los angeles (even just once) both cities topped bingrsquos survey as the worst cities to navigate More than 40 percent said ldquothe heck with driving irsquom getting a taxirdquo when visiting the big apple and a quarter said that the concrete jungle otherwise known as los angeles is too wild for them
so how can you ensure you know enough about a city to get around like you were a local book a decent hotel check out a local concert or find a local hot spot to grab a bite to eat well the folks at bing have a few tips to make your next adventure stress-free
Pay attention to ReViews Most online booking sites offer reviews from other guests who have stayed at the hotel that yoursquore considering while you may be inclined to take the overly positive reviews with a grain of salt itrsquos best to steer clear if a hotel receives consistent negative customer reviews
study uPcheck out the local convention center visitorsrsquo bureau or chamber of commerce web sites to learn more about the city and its surrounding neighborhoods this will help give you a better idea of whatrsquos near your destination and the neighborhoods that surround it
RemembeRyou get wHat you Pay FoRif yoursquore paying a two-star rate donrsquot expect to get four- or five-star accommodations and a mint on your pillow a cheaper rate rarely buys you luxury but you should still be able to score a clean safe room that provides for your basic needs
HoP onlineuse online resources like bing Mapsrsquo new streetside experience a three-dimensional mapping tool Just log on to bing Maps where you can zoom in from satellite level to birdrsquos eye view and even down to street level for 56 major us metro areas
now you can virtually walk the streets of your next adventure with actual 360-degree footage of the area not only can you tell if a hotel is in a good neighborhood yoursquoll be able to see if therersquos a wifi coffee shop nearby where you can sync up your computer before your next meeting or scope out any traffic jams before you head out and you can even find the nearest parking garage so yoursquore never late again to your lunch date - unlike the more than 40 percent of bing survey respondents who were fashionably late because they couldnrsquot find a parking spot
ldquobooking a hotel room on the internet can be a risky proposition if you canrsquot see the room hotel or area itrsquos in before you bookrdquo says blaise aguera y arcas architect of bing Maps and Msn at Microsoft ldquobut technology like streetside is making it possible to scope out a neighborhood - and ensure itrsquos one you want to stay in - without ever having to leave the comfort of your computer chairrdquo in fact the bing survey found that nearly a quarter of travelers rated finding a decent hotel as the most frustrating part of planning their trip
Plus stay up-to-date on the best places to check out on your next trip by using bingrsquos twitter mapping app now you can get real-time information about an area - such as seeing the latest tweets for the local shopping mall before you even go there or even updates about local events and breaking news
log onto bing Maps where you can plan your next trip whether itrsquos a far away city or even your own town now you can be a travel guru no matter where you are
setting and stickingto youR tRaVel budget(ara) - travel can be one of the biggest-ticket items you invest in each year so itrsquos worth it to plan ahead
setting a budget - and sticking to it - can help you stay in better control of spending according to a recent visa survey a majority (54 percent) of last yearrsquos summer travelers either didnrsquot set a budget oroverspent their budget while traveling and more than a quarter of those surveyed overspent by more than $250 to make sure this doesnrsquot happen to you itrsquos important to create a realistic travel budget and make a plan for how you will spend within your means while on the road
to create a budget think through your trip first include the basics such as transportation to and from your destination and lodging next plan for expenses that come up along the way such as meals on the road
hosthostess gifts rental cars or public transportation donrsquot forget to include entertainment - whether sightseeing or going to the movies itrsquos also a good idea to build in a cushion for the unexpected
once yoursquove set your travel budget you need to stick to it one tool that can help is a prepaid travel card a prepaid card draws from funds that are set aside in advance for purchases here are a few ways prepaid travel cards can come in handy
keeP tRaVel Funds sePaRate an easy way to make sure you donrsquot go over budget is to set your travel budget aside on a prepaid travel card simply load the card with your travel budget and use it for everything from online booking to grabbing lunch during an (unexpectedly extended) layover without worrying about spending more than you planned or dipping into gift-buying funds
access casHwhether you need a few dollars or several yen choose a prepaid card that will allow you to withdraw cash from atMs around the world if yoursquore traveling internationally itrsquoll also save you the hassle of tracking down and waiting in line for local currency
bRowse and buy look for a prepaid card that you can use online travel sites offer a wealth of information and detailed listings of competing offers from airlines and hotels as well as reviews from fellow travelers for flights you can typically compare possible savings by traveling on al-ternate days or from nearby airports once you spot the deal that works for your budget use your prepaid travel card to snap it up
enJoy Peace oF mind wHen tRaVeling Prepaid cards may come with travel-related services for example the visa travelMoney card offers zero liability for lost or stolen cards as well as lost luggage reimbursement and purchase security Make sure you know which benefits your card offers and how they work so you can tap into them should the need arise
with some advance preparation and the right tools in place you donrsquot have to overspend on travel in fact with some careful planning you could end up with enough left to buy yourself a little something to remember the trip for more information about visa travelMoney visit wwwvisacomtravelmoney
Click To Listen While You Browse
South Carolinarsquos Internet
Powered By
(843)720-9604 InfoOnlysc
need an easy getaway FoR tHe Family Plan a budget-FRiendly tRiP to a national PaRk(ara) - american families have spoken the vacation is a top priority ninety-four percent of americans agreed that even in tough economic times family vacations are worth the money according to a recent survey by expediacom to keep the vacation affordable and easy think about introducing your family to the splendor of the national park system - where activities are abundant and costs are minimal
expediacom recently partnered with the national Park foundation to provide a permanent one-stop shop to help travelers plan and book vacations to americarsquos national parks
ldquothere are excellent values for traveling families right now and taking a trip to a national park is one of the best ways to stretch your vacation dollarsrdquo says lee woodruff author travel expert and mother of four
ldquofamilies are looking for ways to reconnect with each other and what better option for an affordable vacation than a national parkrdquo
here are five easy steps to plan the perfect national park getaway
1 get inspired ken burns recently debuted a six-part documentary series for Pbs titledldquothe national Parks americarsquos best ideardquo tune into Pbs or order a copy online to find inspiration and a detailed look at some of the most beautiful places in the world from acadia to the grand canyon and yosemite to the gates of the arctic in alaska
2 Pick the park with original content from the national Park foundation expediacomrsquos national park web site is the perfect resource for families to find the national park to fit their vacation needs
the site offers pre-set ldquolong weekendrdquo itineraries to start your planning you can also search through the ldquocanrsquot Miss national Parksrdquo section to learn about the parkrsquos location its natural features little-known facts including the best times to visit and activities to choose from in each area expediarsquos site also offers downloadable park maps to help you get your bearings
3 more ways to save take advantage of the public amenities that national parks offer like camping and picnic sites while there is a small entrance fee to the parks you can cut back on costs by bringing your own meals and treating the kids to lunch by a waterfall or overlooking the grand canyon also enjoy the free activities such as hiking biking and birding that the parks offer
4 book your hotel and rental car if camping isnrsquot your familyrsquos style consider any of the great lodges in and around the national park of your choice and if yoursquore planning to rent a car consider booking lodging and car together to substantially reduce the overall costs of your vacation
5 give back consider giving back to the national Park foundation by visiting the web site wwwnationalparksorg and donate or learn more about volunteer opportunities within americarsquos national parks helping out in these small ways ensures the parks will remain beautiful so your kids can bring their own children one day
ldquoPlanning the vacation is half of the fun so get every-one involved in the processrdquo says woodruff ldquothere are so many options in our national park system many of which have rich and amazing heritage so the whole family is going to enjoy something when you visitrdquo
bookmaRk youRFaVoRite Road
a bRieF HistoRyoF PaVed Roads
(ara) - Planes and trains may have their place in our society but for the dedicated traveler therersquos still nothing like getting in your car and taking a trip along americarsquos highways
half the fun of road trips in the minds of many is getting home and telling friends and family about the adventure - and the roads they traveled
in the past driversrsquo road stories were largely told by word of mouth to a few people at a time now drivers can tell their tales to millions via the internet favoriteroadcom is a new web site that features americarsquos favorite highways and byways
the site encourages you to post your favorite roads and explain why you like them simply log on to submit a photo and story of your favorite road use links posted on the site to share your road via popular social networks such as facebook and twitter your submission may even win a prize in contest giveaways
the past yearrsquos economic downturn has reintroduced the word ldquoinfrastructurerdquo to our vocabulary as a result of stimulus legislation passed in 2009 the federal government has allocated millions of dollars to specifically improve state roads and highways and with more affordable gasoline prices people are increasingly using americarsquos roads for leisure travel
by posting on favoriteroadcom yoursquore doing more than just ldquotelling a good storyrdquo your testimonials may help encourage lawmakers to push for increased infrastructure spending to keep america driving smoothly and safely for years to come
whatrsquos your favorite road log on and tell the world at favoriteroadcom
625 bc the babylonians are credited with the first recorded use of asphalt as a road building material the ancient greeks were also familiar with asphalt (the word comes from the greek ldquoasphaltosrdquo meaning ldquosecurerdquo)
1500s christopher columbus landed off the shores of trinidad in 1498 and discovered the famous asphalt lake which would later be used on the Pennsylvania avenue project in washington dc covering 54000 square yards
1800s Macadam roads became popular in the us for rural road construction during the 1830s and 40s belgian chemist edmund J desmedt laid the first true asphalt pavement in the us in newark nJ the cummer company opened the first central hot mix production facilities in the us the first asphalt patent was filed by nathan b abbott of brooklyn ny in 1871
1920s world war i ended and the use of the automo-bile was steadily rising but roads outside the city limits were frequently too muddy or dusty for travel to fix this problem road engineers used oils and asphalt
1940s-1950s the modern american turnpike is born after world war ii full scale automobile production resumed along with major levels of road maintenance and new highway construction by 1950 vehicle registration exceeded 40 million cars and 8 million trucks in 1956 President eisenhower signed the federal-aid highway act and launched the interstate system to create an infrastructure highway program -unmatched anywhere in the world
1970s a national move to conserve energy and materials initiated a widespread interest in recycling of pavement materials asphalt is now americarsquos most recycled product
1990s a traffic study by the world road association indicates that asphalt pavements are at least 4 decibels quieter than concrete pavements
2000s the us population has increased 23 percent since 1990 and the number of miles driven has risen by 41 percent only half of the nationrsquos major roads are in good condition based on an analysis of recent federal highway administration data
wandeRing Re-establisHes tHe oRiginal
HaRmony wHicH once existed between
man and tHe uniVeRse
business oR leisuRe dRiVing oR FlyingtRaVel saFely natuRally(ara) - weekend getaways shorter vacations and overnight business trips are great ways to save money and are becoming more prevalent according to the bureau of transportation taking a few simple and natural steps to stay safe and healthy while on the road can not only protect your travel investment butenhance your entire experience
ReFResHed and aleRt dRiVing diFFusion
a shorter thriftier trip is likely to be by car the inevitable rush to make the most of the limited time
away after a tiring work week can create fatigue so donrsquot make it a dangerous driving situation enliven your senses with essential oil scents
ditch the cardboard cutout car ldquofreshenerrdquo that hangs from the rearview mirror not only distracting these products are usually saturated with synthetic fragrance chemicals and probably arenrsquot the best thing to inhale while enclosed in your vehicle instead rely on a sleek essential oil diffuser that plugs into your automobilersquos phone charger power outlet these devices feature small paper fiber pads to which you can apply your own custom blend of essential oils allowing you to not only
scent the air inside the car but also to provide refreshing aromatherapy benefits to help keep you alert and focused on the road
a simpler alternative way to diffuse is to apply several drops of oil to a tissue and tuck it carefully into one of the vents in the dash
try these essential oils for the car Peppermint essential oil - refreshing awakening
uplifting eucalyptus essential oil - bracing purifying
protecting lemon essential oil - pleasant deodorizing
cheering
How clean is youR Hotel Room
overnight stays in less than posh hotel digs may be part of the money-saving travel trend even upscale hotels arenrsquot immune to dirt and germs or worse an apparent outbreak of bedbug infestations in the united states recently publicized by the environmental Protection agency
bedbugs aside there are always nagging doubts about just how clean a hotel room actually is has the shower or tub been scrubbed or merely wiped down is the toilet sanitized has the bedspread ever really been thoroughly cleaned fortunately there are ways to protect yourself after you check in but before you settle into your temporary overnight home
air and surface sanitizing spray feel good about travel with a bottle of homemade purifying aromatherapy solution that relies on pleasantly scented and highly effective essential oils rather than harsh chemical disinfectants the following spray will help you create a hygienic environment in your temporary hotel home apply it to tub vanity and toilet surfaces
ingredientsempty 12 to16 ounce spray bottle10 ounces water2 ounces isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or
vodka12 teaspoon tea tree essential oil
(antimicrobial)12 teaspoon lemon essential oil
(cleansing)12 teaspoon lavandin essential oil
(protecting)12 teaspoon sweet orange essential oil
(freshening)
directions combine all ingredients in the spray bottle shake and apply to a washcloth and wipe down the tvrsquos remote the clock radio the door handles and the faucethandles in the bathroom
Purifying and Relaxing linen mist here are some great tips for making a strange bed feel more like home take along your own pillow and replace the ones provided create your own linen mist and use it on your own bed at home then travel with the same blend taking a little bit of home with you when you arrive at your destination turn down the covers exchange the pillows and apply your signature scent to the bed
ingredientsempty 4 to 8 ounce spray bottle4 to 8 ounces water13 drops lavender essential oil
(relaxing calming)5 drops lavandin or spike lavender
essential oil (purifying protecting)
directionscombine the water and oil in the bottle shake the contents thoroughly just before application
remember to look for pure and natural essential oil brands like aura cacia that donrsquot include synthetic petrochemical fragrances for more information on how to enhance your life through aromatherapy visit wwwauracaciacom
PRePaRe youR VeHicle FoR a HuRRicane eVacuation(ara) - ana bill claudette - the first three atlantic ocean hurricanes of the season made headlines but not to the extent of katrina or ike of recent years and while these three hurricanes have come and gone who knows if - or when - grace or henry might pay a visit to your town
the 2009 hurricane season has an expected 90 percent chance of being a near-normal or below-normal season for the atlantic ocean according to the national oceanic and atmospheric administration this prediction - if accurate - will be welcomed with a sigh of relief by many residents in coastal towns after the above-normal year in 2008
but even if noaa is predicting a quiet year for hurricanes you can never be over prepared if you donrsquot have your emergency evacuation plan organized itrsquos time to make one no matter if yoursquore planning on traveling 100 miles or 1000 miles you need an evacuation plan as a representative of a gulf coast
company Maricela carter a health safety security environment coordinator with soPus has some tips on how to prepare your vehicle for potential evacuations
Plan eVacuation Routescheck newspapers online sites the local emergency broadcast radio station and local television stations for the latest information on official evacuation routes Purchase a good map with details on elevations waterways and county roads and familiarize yourself with the most efficient ways to get out of town
Pack an emeRgency kitautomobiles are susceptible to unexpected problems so keep an emergency kit in your trunk include jumper cables extra motor oil window washing brake and coolant fluids simple tools like an air pressure gauge screwdriver pliers and adjustable wrench a role of
paper towels a windup flashlight and a can of fix-a-flat in case you get a flat tire
fix-a-flat creates a temporary emergency seal on contact with the tire and inflates the tire between eight and 14 pounds per square inch so that the car can be driven to a gas station for proper repair of the tire this can help you to get back on the road and out of the hurricanersquos way quickly and easily
Fill uP tHe tankeveryone is going to need fuel in order to evacuate so plan to fill up your tank as soon as you hear a hurricane warning this helps to prevent sudden demands on the supply once your tank is full conserve the amount of gas you use for the next couple of days by combining your errands into one trip and not traveling during rush hour
cHeck tiRe PRessuRein order to help conserve fuel make sure your tires are at the manufacturerrsquos recommended pressure - usually printed on the driverrsquos door of your car keeping tires at the correct pressure can improve your gasoline mileage by 33 percent according to fueleconomygov which means yoursquoll be able to travel further when evacuating
use PRoPeR FluidsMake sure you follow all the manufacturer recommendations for motor oil which can also improve your gasoline mileage by 1 or 2 percent according to fuelecomonygov one helpful hint is to look for oil that has an ldquoenergy conservingrdquo label by the american Petroleum institution to ensure it contains friction-reducing additives
it is not down inany maP tRue PlacesneVeR aRe
diRect dePosit oF social secuRity is easieR FoR winteR tRaVeleRs(ara) - as cold weather sets in thousands of retirees are making plans for a winter getaway if yoursquore one of them switch to direct deposit for your social security payments before you leave - itrsquos the safest easiest way to receive your money
ldquoeach year the us department of the treasury receives more than 14 million inquiries regarding paper check-related problemsrdquo says david a lebryk commissioner of the treasury departmentrsquos financial Management service
yet approximately 105 million americans continue to receive their social security and supplemental security income (ssi) payments by paper check each month the treasury departmentrsquos go direct (r) campaign encourages senior citizens and people with disabilities to switch to direct deposit
incReased saFety conVenience and Reliability
ldquowhen therersquos a problem with a social security payment nine times out of 10 itrsquos with a paper check not a direct deposit paymentrdquo says lebryk
Paper checks can be vulnerable to financial crimes like theft and fraud in fact the treasury department investigates more than 70000 cases of altered or fraudulently endorsed checks each year totaling $64 million in estimated value
ldquoin 2008 alone more than 485000 social security and ssi checks were reported lost or stolen and had to be reissuedrdquo says lebryk
direct deposit is also more convenient and reliable there is no more waiting for a check to arrive in the mail and there are no more worries about delivery delays due to severe weather localemergencies and other check related problems last year alone severe weather events forced alternative delivery arrangements for millions of social security and ssi paper checks
ldquoswitching to direct deposit for federal benefits is such an easy way
for people to safeguard their money es-pecially when traveling for extended pe-riods of timerdquo says lebryk ldquoyour money is deposited to your account on payment day so therersquos no need to worry
about delivery delays or a check sitting in your mailbox while yoursquore gonerdquo
PRePaid debit caRd oPtion
in addition to direct deposit the treasury department recommends the direct express (r) debit Mastercard (r) card as an alternative to paper checks for people without bank accounts
More than half a million americans signed up for the optional direct express (r) card in its first year of availability according to the treasury department a recent survey of cardholders finds that 95 percent say they are satisfied with the prepaid debit card and 86 percent say they would recommend it to family members or friends who receive a federal benefit payment
with the direct express card cardholders can make purchases pay bills and get cash at thousands of locations nationwide sign-up is free and no bank account is required while most services are free there are fees for a limited number of optional transactions and services
making tHe switcH is easy
it is easy to make the switch to electronic payments for federal benefits to sign up for direct deposit call the treasury departmentrsquos go direct campaign helpline at 1-800-333-1795 or visit wwwgodirectorg to sign up for the treasury-recommended direct express card or to learn more about the cardrsquos features and fees call 1-877-212-9991 or visit wwwusdirectexpresscom
the preceding information has been provided by the us department of the treasury financial Management service
the go direct (r) campaign is sponsored by the us department of the treasury and the federal reserve banks the direct express (r) debit Mastercard (r) card is issued by comerica bank pursuant to a license by Mastercard international incorporated Mastercard (r) and the Mastercard (r) brand Mark are registered trademarks of Mastercard international incorporated the go direct(r) logo direct express (r) logo and direct express (r) are service marks of the us department of the treasury financial Management service
biZaRRe tRaVel Plans aRe dancing lessons FRom god
time to ReFinance oR buy
right now mortgage rates are at their lowest level since 1971 think about that twenty-five years ago homeowners were paying as much as 18 on a 30-year fixed today itrsquos just a little over 5combine that rate with the tax advantages
of a mortgage and you have an incredibly cheap way to build wealth but you better act now
real estate guru barbara corcoran has already seen a tremendous surge in refinance applications ndash more than triple the average ndash and the number of people getting approved is astronomically higher as well she says but that doesnrsquot mean the low rates are a panacea for the ills of the housing market it is only once home prices start to go up that we will finally see a light at the end of tunnel corcoran says until that happens we are still going to have to crawl out of this mess ldquo[low interest rates are] not a lifesaverrdquo corcoran says ldquothis is just a helping handrdquo
david kittle chairman of the Mortgage bankers association has this advice to homeowners looking to refinance do it donrsquot get greedy searching for another quarter-point lock in rates now he is seeing applications soar over 125 just since thanksgiving due to the low rates
of course you should only refinance if it saves you at least 38 on the rate and if you plan on staying in your home for at least four years kittle says along with good credit proof of income and money by means of a down payment or equity in the home there are certain things every homeowner needs regardless of interest rate levels
easy-to-do maintenance HelPs extend VeHicle liFe(ara) - after their homes most americansrsquo largest financial investment is their vehicle so helping it stay in good working order for as long as possible is a high priority in fact the average age of a passenger car in north america has grown to more than nine years according to rl Polk and co which indicates that motorists are looking for ways to help extend the life of their vehicle
even so todayrsquos tight budgets leave some motorists reluctant to spend on services or maintenance that they think can be delayed at least for the short term however compared to the cost of engine repair spending a little today on the right maintenance routine performed by trusted service technicians using quality products makes sense Mark ferner Pennzoil technical specialist and ase-certified master mechanic offers some simple cost-effective tips for helping to protect the performance and longevity of your vehicle
replace dirty air filters a dirty air filter will restrict airflow to the engine which may reduce power output if the filter fails it will allow unfiltered air into the engine which can be abrasive inside an engine to avoid these issues and help promote long engine life check your enginersquos air filter regularly and change it when it is dirty
use HigH-quality Fuelseveral automotive manufacturers (bMw gM honda toyota volkswagen and audi) have published technical service bulletins recommending the use of top-tier fuel top-tier fuel contains more additives than is required by the industryrsquos lowest additive content (lac) treat rate regular use of fuel that only meets lac requirements may cause deposits to form on engine intake valves and fuel injectors
cHange youR oilregular oil changes are one of the most important steps to maximize the life of a vehicle oil change in-tervals vary by vehicle and driving conditions so follow the interval and oil specifications found in the ownerrsquos manual
also be sure to use quality motor oils in your vehicle Properly functioning motor oils help prevent sludge and neutralize and disperse harmful deposits and using the recommended viscosity grade of motor oil may also help enhance fuel economy if you are having the oil changed for you ask for quality oils by name Quality motor oil will maintain its effectiveness throughout the oil change interval allowing it to help keep the engine clean
as a bonus some motor oil brands offer lubrication warranties at no additional cost for example the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranty Programs protect qualified engines for 300000 miles whether their owners use conventional synthetic-blend or full synthetic motor oils meeting their vehiclesrsquo requirements Participants can enroll online and maintaining eligibility is easy simply get an oil change with the specified brand change the filter perform regular maintenance and keep the service receipts
to learn more about the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranties visit either wwwPennzoilcom or wwwQuakerstatecom or speak with an automotive professional at a participating automotive dealership or oil change facility that features Pennzoil or Quaker state products
PeoPle donrsquot take tRiPs tRiPs take PeoPle
Fin
al
wo
Rd
s
a vacation is what you take when you can no longer take what yoursquove been taking
eaRl wilson
- 1-12-2010pdf
tHe best time to RediscoVeR a destination
sHouldeR season
(ara) - the first few months of the year when many americans are spending time at home trying to recu-perate from the hustle and bustle of the holidays may not seem like an ideal time to plan a vacation how-ever planning for a time known as ldquoshoulder seasonrdquo the time between peak season and low season is a fantastic time for savvy travelers to find great deals on airfare hotels and attractions while simultaneously experiencing top destinations in a whole new way
ldquoMany travelers donrsquot think to travel in the weeks and months following the holidaysrdquo says brad dean President and ceo for the Myrtle beach area convention and visitorrsquos bureau ldquohowever a shoulder season trip can be the best way for travelers to relax after a busy holiday season destinations offer their lowest rates and best deals of the year at this time and consumers can get away for a fraction of the high-season costrdquo
so when is ldquoshoulder seasonrdquo it will vary slightly depending on your destination figuring out a regionrsquos shoulder season could be as easy as checking out rates at a few area hotels to determine when the rates are at their lowest
consider these convincing facts about shoulder season travel and what a great value it can be for your vacation dollars
Hotel rates airfare and attraction fees are often significantly lower during the shoulder season than any other time of year hotels especially are eager for business during this season and respond with deeply discounted rates and incentives to entice travelers
last minute deals you can plan and implement a very budget-friendly travel itinerary in a relatively short time - sometimes just a day or two as opposed to weeks or months of planning ahead thatrsquos needed during busier seasons
shoulder season travel presents the opportunity to view and experience a popular destination one you may have visited before during peak season in a whole new way for example destinations like Myrtle beach sc that bustle and buzz with activity in the peak season can take on a more laid-back relaxed atmosphere in shoulder season yoursquoll have access to the same major attractions
shows dining and shopping that peak season travelers enjoy but at a less frantic pace
and in that vein yoursquoll enjoy free access to popular attractions lines for popular attractions - most of which will stay open year round - will be shorter in shoulder seasons than any other time of year for example in Myrtle beach top entertainment venues and attractions as well as multiple live entertainment theaters are all open for business but with shorter (if any) lines and less crowds
because yoursquoll be getting a great deal therersquos also the opportunity to extend your vacation by a day or two and take some exciting trips to surround-ing areas the more relaxed attitude of shoulder season travel means you will feel more open to the idea of exploring the surrounding area visitors to the
Myrtle beach area for example can enjoy side trips to huntington beach state Park the nearby pictur-esque community of conway and the lowcountry gem of Pawleyrsquos island
finally shoulder season is a great time to travel to a drive destination like Myrtle beach yoursquoll find less traffic and a more relaxed commute to a location considered one of the top driving destinations for leisure travelers along the eastern seaboard and Midwest
to learn more about shoulder season travel opportunities in Myrtle beach log on to wwwvisitmyrtlebeachcom
Want to grow your business
Join the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce
As the unified voice of business the South Carolina Chamber is working to grow wealth for South Carolinians and businesses in order to improve economic development and quality of life
We help your business and you by
bull GettingyourvoiceheardbyourstatelegislatorsthroughourGrassrootsNetworkbull Workingtopassbusiness-friendlylegislationbull Keepingyouinformedonissuesandprovidingsolutionsforgrowingyour business through our monthly magazine South Carolina Business bull Providingnetworkingopportunitieswithlegislatorsandotherbusinessownersbull Trainingyouremployeesonhumanresourcesqualityandmanagementissuesbull Publishingalegalreferenceseries
Join the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce Contactustodayat800-799-4601Learnmoreatwwwscchambernet
Reconnect with Nature plan a trip to a National Park
Reconnect with Nature plan a trip to a National Park
(ARA) - Considered ldquoAmericarsquos best ideardquo national parks provide travelers preserved views of natural wonder as far as the eye can see An American invention they give us a unique backyard vacation oasis where postcard views meet real life-altering experiences And itrsquos this beauty exploration and enrichment combined with the accessibility of national parks that make them a popular vacation choice
According to the National Park Service trips to national parks are on the rise Tour operators offering guided visits through Americarsquos parks agree
ldquoBookings on our North American National Park tours have witnessed an increase of 180 percent in the last yearrdquo says Scott Nisbet president and CEO for the Globus family of brands ldquoNational parks are idyllic vacation lsquohot spotsrsquo perfect for relaxation and introspection wildlife exploration or adventure depending on the traveler and his or her interestsrdquo
A wide range of experiences can be had at national parks including everything from snorkeling rafting and hiking to learning about the environment geology and wildlife They also provide a perfect retreat for those hoping to reconnect with themselves or nature
And itrsquos the diversity of experiences national parks offer travelers that can make booking a national park vacation seem overwhelming Use these tips from Globus to simplify the process and book the perfect getaway for 2010
Choose the right park destinationFrom the east to west coasts Alaska to Hawaii America has more than 50 national parks to explore Do your research to choose a park that has what yoursquore looking for For instance if yoursquore interested in an abundance of hoodoos and canyons Bryce Canyon National Park might be the right fit Or if you want a vacation filled with bird watching or
boating the Everglades National Park could be a great choice
Go rustic or go luxuryLodging is an important consideration for any vacation Some travelers prefer to experience the outdoor beauty of the parks 24 hours a day and choose to camp Others want to escape to the more modern conveniences provided by nearby hotels cabins and lodges Decide what experience best suits you or your family - and decide early Spots (camping or lodging) fill up quickly especially during peak seasons
On your own or with a guideSome travelers prefer to hike or road trip through national parks while others are interested in a more insightful and pre-planned journey While maps are available for nearly every park guided tours have become a popular option for travelers and are often offered as part of a packaged tour vacation including accommodations
ldquoOur national park-focused tours offer an inclusive-style of travel with incomparable exploration and enrichment opportunitiesrdquo says Nisbet ldquoWith a wide range of national park destinations hotels and price points
coupled with unparalleled service and storytelling we create experiences for travelers they couldnrsquot produce on their ownrdquo
For more information or assistance planning your national park vacation visit wwwus-parkscom wwwnpsgov or wwwglobusjourneyscom Or call your travel agent or the Globus family of brands toll-free at (866) 313-2855
Looking For Your Chance To Win
Check Out Radioscrsquos Contest
South Carolinarsquos Internet
Powered By
(843)720-9604 InfoOnlysc
Win a $100 Shopping Spree
Win Tickets To Events amp Concerts
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Win Tickets To Medieval
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Radiosc is proud to sponsor $100 Shopping Sprees for Publix grocery stores
Check wwwRadiosc for weekly House of Blues ticket giveaways
Win 4 tickets for ice skating and skate rentals at Carolina Ice Palace
Win 4 tickets for Medieval Times in Myrtle Beach
You could win tickets to a Stingraysrsquo Home Game
Each week you have a chance to win an Applebeersquos gift card worth up to $2500
cHaRlestonrsquos oFFice oF cultuRal aFFaiRslauncHes wwwcHaRlestonaRtssc as tHieR new aRts web sitefrom charleston currents
the city of charlestonrsquos office of cultural affairs has launched httpwwwcharlestonartssc a companion web site to the ocarsquos primary page at the cityrsquos official site charlestonartssc will be updated daily with information and features including an arts calendar that users can search by date artist presenting group or venue social networking widgets and a directory of local arts and cultural organizations and venues
ldquowe are hopeful that charlestonartssc will be a major benefit to local artists and arts organizations by disseminating information about their events with the most up-to-date information to a broader publicrdquo said ellen dressler Moryl director of the office of cultural affairs
other options for users at charlestonartssc include the following
bull Arts organizations can download forms from the Office of Cultural Affairs submit events update contact information and compare performance dates with other area organizations
bull The Tools for Professional section of the Web site features job listings for arts professionals including full time and part time work as well as internships and volunteer opportunities with arts and cultural organizations in the tri-county area
bull Updated grant opportunities for arts organizations with detailed information including deadlines application and contact information
bull Call for Submissions and Call for Auditions pages with details about the location deadlines fees andadditional requirements
the new web site also hosts connecting pages for general information on the office of cultural affairs and its projects the charleston farmers Market the city gallery at waterfront Park holiday Magic happy new year charleston the holiday Parade of boats the lowcountry Quarterly arts grant Program Piccolo spoleto and the MoJa arts festival
the web site was developed and is being hosted by carolina Media services ( wwwonlysc)
a RetiRement HometHat HelPs Pay FoR itselF(ara) - with todayrsquos record low real estate prices and at-tractive mortgage rates now may be a good time to think about investing in a second home that ultimately can be used as your permanent residence upon retirement by taking a ldquobuy-and-rentrdquo approach before yoursquore ready to retire your new home will actually have partly paid for itself by the time yoursquore ready to move into it
ldquobuying and renting out a second home as a vacation rental property until yoursquore ready to move in upon retirement can significantly help offset the cost of ownershiprdquo says brian sharples ceo of homeaway the worldrsquos leading online vacation rental marketplace ldquothe income stream in addition to tax write-offs for maintenance and repairs make this an attractive strategy for many people nearing retirementrdquo
according to homeaway the average second-home owner rents out their property to travelers 17 weeks a year generating more than $28000 in rental income annually and the demand for vacation rentals among travelers is growing which is good news for second-home owners in fact 87 percent of travelers who looked into a vacation rental in the past say they plan to stay in a vacation rental in 2010 - a significant increase from the 67 percent who stayed in a vacation rental in 2009
to generate income from a second home prior to moving into it when you retire sharples suggests consumers take the following steps
location and maRket Potentialcarefully review the markets where you want to retire and before you buy consider the areas where consumer demand for vacation rentals is high but inventory is low for example atlantic city nJ sunny isles beach fla hampton beach nh dauphin island ala and Mount Pocono Pa were among some of the most underserved markets for vacation rental properties in 2009 according to homeaway
FactoR in tax wRite-oFFstalk to an accountant about the tax advantages of owning and renting out a second home expenses such as insurance utilities home maintenance and depreciation can be deducted depending on how often you rent out the property and how many weeks you personally stay there each year
adVeRtise to attRact RenteRs when yoursquore ready to rent out the property be sure to market the availability of the vacation rental to travelers by listing it on sites like homeawaycom or vrbocom which reach millions of travelers each month a 12-month listing costs $329 - or less than $28 per month - on homeawaycom so the advertising pays for itself with your first booking - and the rest is pure rental income
stay comPetitiVe amp netwoRk witH owneRs check out other similar vacation rentals in the area to determine what rates theyrsquore charging travelers and price your home at a competitiverate to help drive bookings also be sure to talk with other owners to get their tips and advice for maximizing a second home investment
for more information on buying a second home and effective strategies for maximizing rental income check out homeawayrsquos online community for vacation rental owners at ownercommunityhomeawaycom
tiPs to successFully get youwHeRe you need to be - Fast(ara) - do you ever get a headache just thinking about navigating the streets of an unfamiliar city have you ever booked a hotel in a less-than-great part of town or been late to an appointment because you canrsquot find a parking garage
even the savviest of travelers who can find their way around a city with their eyes closed run into travel snafus sending their blood pressure through the roof navigating the streets of a new city can be one of the most stressful parts of booking and taking a trip whether itrsquos for business or leisure
so you finally landed and yoursquore on your way to the hotel that you booked in the heart of the city everything is going just as you planned not so fast somehow you find yourself nowhere near the bright city lights and in a hotel on the outskirts of town where you wouldnrsquot even venture out for a cup of Joe
sound familiar well yoursquore not alone - more than half of travelers say theyrsquove experienced this very nightmare according to a recent bing survey
while finding decent lodging can be difficult sometimes even thinking about how to get around a city can strike fear into the hearts of business and leisure travelers alike so which city gets travelers hearts racing when just thinking about how to get around unsurprisingly for anyone who has ever visited either new york or los angeles (even just once) both cities topped bingrsquos survey as the worst cities to navigate More than 40 percent said ldquothe heck with driving irsquom getting a taxirdquo when visiting the big apple and a quarter said that the concrete jungle otherwise known as los angeles is too wild for them
so how can you ensure you know enough about a city to get around like you were a local book a decent hotel check out a local concert or find a local hot spot to grab a bite to eat well the folks at bing have a few tips to make your next adventure stress-free
Pay attention to ReViews Most online booking sites offer reviews from other guests who have stayed at the hotel that yoursquore considering while you may be inclined to take the overly positive reviews with a grain of salt itrsquos best to steer clear if a hotel receives consistent negative customer reviews
study uPcheck out the local convention center visitorsrsquo bureau or chamber of commerce web sites to learn more about the city and its surrounding neighborhoods this will help give you a better idea of whatrsquos near your destination and the neighborhoods that surround it
RemembeRyou get wHat you Pay FoRif yoursquore paying a two-star rate donrsquot expect to get four- or five-star accommodations and a mint on your pillow a cheaper rate rarely buys you luxury but you should still be able to score a clean safe room that provides for your basic needs
HoP onlineuse online resources like bing Mapsrsquo new streetside experience a three-dimensional mapping tool Just log on to bing Maps where you can zoom in from satellite level to birdrsquos eye view and even down to street level for 56 major us metro areas
now you can virtually walk the streets of your next adventure with actual 360-degree footage of the area not only can you tell if a hotel is in a good neighborhood yoursquoll be able to see if therersquos a wifi coffee shop nearby where you can sync up your computer before your next meeting or scope out any traffic jams before you head out and you can even find the nearest parking garage so yoursquore never late again to your lunch date - unlike the more than 40 percent of bing survey respondents who were fashionably late because they couldnrsquot find a parking spot
ldquobooking a hotel room on the internet can be a risky proposition if you canrsquot see the room hotel or area itrsquos in before you bookrdquo says blaise aguera y arcas architect of bing Maps and Msn at Microsoft ldquobut technology like streetside is making it possible to scope out a neighborhood - and ensure itrsquos one you want to stay in - without ever having to leave the comfort of your computer chairrdquo in fact the bing survey found that nearly a quarter of travelers rated finding a decent hotel as the most frustrating part of planning their trip
Plus stay up-to-date on the best places to check out on your next trip by using bingrsquos twitter mapping app now you can get real-time information about an area - such as seeing the latest tweets for the local shopping mall before you even go there or even updates about local events and breaking news
log onto bing Maps where you can plan your next trip whether itrsquos a far away city or even your own town now you can be a travel guru no matter where you are
setting and stickingto youR tRaVel budget(ara) - travel can be one of the biggest-ticket items you invest in each year so itrsquos worth it to plan ahead
setting a budget - and sticking to it - can help you stay in better control of spending according to a recent visa survey a majority (54 percent) of last yearrsquos summer travelers either didnrsquot set a budget oroverspent their budget while traveling and more than a quarter of those surveyed overspent by more than $250 to make sure this doesnrsquot happen to you itrsquos important to create a realistic travel budget and make a plan for how you will spend within your means while on the road
to create a budget think through your trip first include the basics such as transportation to and from your destination and lodging next plan for expenses that come up along the way such as meals on the road
hosthostess gifts rental cars or public transportation donrsquot forget to include entertainment - whether sightseeing or going to the movies itrsquos also a good idea to build in a cushion for the unexpected
once yoursquove set your travel budget you need to stick to it one tool that can help is a prepaid travel card a prepaid card draws from funds that are set aside in advance for purchases here are a few ways prepaid travel cards can come in handy
keeP tRaVel Funds sePaRate an easy way to make sure you donrsquot go over budget is to set your travel budget aside on a prepaid travel card simply load the card with your travel budget and use it for everything from online booking to grabbing lunch during an (unexpectedly extended) layover without worrying about spending more than you planned or dipping into gift-buying funds
access casHwhether you need a few dollars or several yen choose a prepaid card that will allow you to withdraw cash from atMs around the world if yoursquore traveling internationally itrsquoll also save you the hassle of tracking down and waiting in line for local currency
bRowse and buy look for a prepaid card that you can use online travel sites offer a wealth of information and detailed listings of competing offers from airlines and hotels as well as reviews from fellow travelers for flights you can typically compare possible savings by traveling on al-ternate days or from nearby airports once you spot the deal that works for your budget use your prepaid travel card to snap it up
enJoy Peace oF mind wHen tRaVeling Prepaid cards may come with travel-related services for example the visa travelMoney card offers zero liability for lost or stolen cards as well as lost luggage reimbursement and purchase security Make sure you know which benefits your card offers and how they work so you can tap into them should the need arise
with some advance preparation and the right tools in place you donrsquot have to overspend on travel in fact with some careful planning you could end up with enough left to buy yourself a little something to remember the trip for more information about visa travelMoney visit wwwvisacomtravelmoney
Click To Listen While You Browse
South Carolinarsquos Internet
Powered By
(843)720-9604 InfoOnlysc
need an easy getaway FoR tHe Family Plan a budget-FRiendly tRiP to a national PaRk(ara) - american families have spoken the vacation is a top priority ninety-four percent of americans agreed that even in tough economic times family vacations are worth the money according to a recent survey by expediacom to keep the vacation affordable and easy think about introducing your family to the splendor of the national park system - where activities are abundant and costs are minimal
expediacom recently partnered with the national Park foundation to provide a permanent one-stop shop to help travelers plan and book vacations to americarsquos national parks
ldquothere are excellent values for traveling families right now and taking a trip to a national park is one of the best ways to stretch your vacation dollarsrdquo says lee woodruff author travel expert and mother of four
ldquofamilies are looking for ways to reconnect with each other and what better option for an affordable vacation than a national parkrdquo
here are five easy steps to plan the perfect national park getaway
1 get inspired ken burns recently debuted a six-part documentary series for Pbs titledldquothe national Parks americarsquos best ideardquo tune into Pbs or order a copy online to find inspiration and a detailed look at some of the most beautiful places in the world from acadia to the grand canyon and yosemite to the gates of the arctic in alaska
2 Pick the park with original content from the national Park foundation expediacomrsquos national park web site is the perfect resource for families to find the national park to fit their vacation needs
the site offers pre-set ldquolong weekendrdquo itineraries to start your planning you can also search through the ldquocanrsquot Miss national Parksrdquo section to learn about the parkrsquos location its natural features little-known facts including the best times to visit and activities to choose from in each area expediarsquos site also offers downloadable park maps to help you get your bearings
3 more ways to save take advantage of the public amenities that national parks offer like camping and picnic sites while there is a small entrance fee to the parks you can cut back on costs by bringing your own meals and treating the kids to lunch by a waterfall or overlooking the grand canyon also enjoy the free activities such as hiking biking and birding that the parks offer
4 book your hotel and rental car if camping isnrsquot your familyrsquos style consider any of the great lodges in and around the national park of your choice and if yoursquore planning to rent a car consider booking lodging and car together to substantially reduce the overall costs of your vacation
5 give back consider giving back to the national Park foundation by visiting the web site wwwnationalparksorg and donate or learn more about volunteer opportunities within americarsquos national parks helping out in these small ways ensures the parks will remain beautiful so your kids can bring their own children one day
ldquoPlanning the vacation is half of the fun so get every-one involved in the processrdquo says woodruff ldquothere are so many options in our national park system many of which have rich and amazing heritage so the whole family is going to enjoy something when you visitrdquo
bookmaRk youRFaVoRite Road
a bRieF HistoRyoF PaVed Roads
(ara) - Planes and trains may have their place in our society but for the dedicated traveler therersquos still nothing like getting in your car and taking a trip along americarsquos highways
half the fun of road trips in the minds of many is getting home and telling friends and family about the adventure - and the roads they traveled
in the past driversrsquo road stories were largely told by word of mouth to a few people at a time now drivers can tell their tales to millions via the internet favoriteroadcom is a new web site that features americarsquos favorite highways and byways
the site encourages you to post your favorite roads and explain why you like them simply log on to submit a photo and story of your favorite road use links posted on the site to share your road via popular social networks such as facebook and twitter your submission may even win a prize in contest giveaways
the past yearrsquos economic downturn has reintroduced the word ldquoinfrastructurerdquo to our vocabulary as a result of stimulus legislation passed in 2009 the federal government has allocated millions of dollars to specifically improve state roads and highways and with more affordable gasoline prices people are increasingly using americarsquos roads for leisure travel
by posting on favoriteroadcom yoursquore doing more than just ldquotelling a good storyrdquo your testimonials may help encourage lawmakers to push for increased infrastructure spending to keep america driving smoothly and safely for years to come
whatrsquos your favorite road log on and tell the world at favoriteroadcom
625 bc the babylonians are credited with the first recorded use of asphalt as a road building material the ancient greeks were also familiar with asphalt (the word comes from the greek ldquoasphaltosrdquo meaning ldquosecurerdquo)
1500s christopher columbus landed off the shores of trinidad in 1498 and discovered the famous asphalt lake which would later be used on the Pennsylvania avenue project in washington dc covering 54000 square yards
1800s Macadam roads became popular in the us for rural road construction during the 1830s and 40s belgian chemist edmund J desmedt laid the first true asphalt pavement in the us in newark nJ the cummer company opened the first central hot mix production facilities in the us the first asphalt patent was filed by nathan b abbott of brooklyn ny in 1871
1920s world war i ended and the use of the automo-bile was steadily rising but roads outside the city limits were frequently too muddy or dusty for travel to fix this problem road engineers used oils and asphalt
1940s-1950s the modern american turnpike is born after world war ii full scale automobile production resumed along with major levels of road maintenance and new highway construction by 1950 vehicle registration exceeded 40 million cars and 8 million trucks in 1956 President eisenhower signed the federal-aid highway act and launched the interstate system to create an infrastructure highway program -unmatched anywhere in the world
1970s a national move to conserve energy and materials initiated a widespread interest in recycling of pavement materials asphalt is now americarsquos most recycled product
1990s a traffic study by the world road association indicates that asphalt pavements are at least 4 decibels quieter than concrete pavements
2000s the us population has increased 23 percent since 1990 and the number of miles driven has risen by 41 percent only half of the nationrsquos major roads are in good condition based on an analysis of recent federal highway administration data
wandeRing Re-establisHes tHe oRiginal
HaRmony wHicH once existed between
man and tHe uniVeRse
business oR leisuRe dRiVing oR FlyingtRaVel saFely natuRally(ara) - weekend getaways shorter vacations and overnight business trips are great ways to save money and are becoming more prevalent according to the bureau of transportation taking a few simple and natural steps to stay safe and healthy while on the road can not only protect your travel investment butenhance your entire experience
ReFResHed and aleRt dRiVing diFFusion
a shorter thriftier trip is likely to be by car the inevitable rush to make the most of the limited time
away after a tiring work week can create fatigue so donrsquot make it a dangerous driving situation enliven your senses with essential oil scents
ditch the cardboard cutout car ldquofreshenerrdquo that hangs from the rearview mirror not only distracting these products are usually saturated with synthetic fragrance chemicals and probably arenrsquot the best thing to inhale while enclosed in your vehicle instead rely on a sleek essential oil diffuser that plugs into your automobilersquos phone charger power outlet these devices feature small paper fiber pads to which you can apply your own custom blend of essential oils allowing you to not only
scent the air inside the car but also to provide refreshing aromatherapy benefits to help keep you alert and focused on the road
a simpler alternative way to diffuse is to apply several drops of oil to a tissue and tuck it carefully into one of the vents in the dash
try these essential oils for the car Peppermint essential oil - refreshing awakening
uplifting eucalyptus essential oil - bracing purifying
protecting lemon essential oil - pleasant deodorizing
cheering
How clean is youR Hotel Room
overnight stays in less than posh hotel digs may be part of the money-saving travel trend even upscale hotels arenrsquot immune to dirt and germs or worse an apparent outbreak of bedbug infestations in the united states recently publicized by the environmental Protection agency
bedbugs aside there are always nagging doubts about just how clean a hotel room actually is has the shower or tub been scrubbed or merely wiped down is the toilet sanitized has the bedspread ever really been thoroughly cleaned fortunately there are ways to protect yourself after you check in but before you settle into your temporary overnight home
air and surface sanitizing spray feel good about travel with a bottle of homemade purifying aromatherapy solution that relies on pleasantly scented and highly effective essential oils rather than harsh chemical disinfectants the following spray will help you create a hygienic environment in your temporary hotel home apply it to tub vanity and toilet surfaces
ingredientsempty 12 to16 ounce spray bottle10 ounces water2 ounces isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or
vodka12 teaspoon tea tree essential oil
(antimicrobial)12 teaspoon lemon essential oil
(cleansing)12 teaspoon lavandin essential oil
(protecting)12 teaspoon sweet orange essential oil
(freshening)
directions combine all ingredients in the spray bottle shake and apply to a washcloth and wipe down the tvrsquos remote the clock radio the door handles and the faucethandles in the bathroom
Purifying and Relaxing linen mist here are some great tips for making a strange bed feel more like home take along your own pillow and replace the ones provided create your own linen mist and use it on your own bed at home then travel with the same blend taking a little bit of home with you when you arrive at your destination turn down the covers exchange the pillows and apply your signature scent to the bed
ingredientsempty 4 to 8 ounce spray bottle4 to 8 ounces water13 drops lavender essential oil
(relaxing calming)5 drops lavandin or spike lavender
essential oil (purifying protecting)
directionscombine the water and oil in the bottle shake the contents thoroughly just before application
remember to look for pure and natural essential oil brands like aura cacia that donrsquot include synthetic petrochemical fragrances for more information on how to enhance your life through aromatherapy visit wwwauracaciacom
PRePaRe youR VeHicle FoR a HuRRicane eVacuation(ara) - ana bill claudette - the first three atlantic ocean hurricanes of the season made headlines but not to the extent of katrina or ike of recent years and while these three hurricanes have come and gone who knows if - or when - grace or henry might pay a visit to your town
the 2009 hurricane season has an expected 90 percent chance of being a near-normal or below-normal season for the atlantic ocean according to the national oceanic and atmospheric administration this prediction - if accurate - will be welcomed with a sigh of relief by many residents in coastal towns after the above-normal year in 2008
but even if noaa is predicting a quiet year for hurricanes you can never be over prepared if you donrsquot have your emergency evacuation plan organized itrsquos time to make one no matter if yoursquore planning on traveling 100 miles or 1000 miles you need an evacuation plan as a representative of a gulf coast
company Maricela carter a health safety security environment coordinator with soPus has some tips on how to prepare your vehicle for potential evacuations
Plan eVacuation Routescheck newspapers online sites the local emergency broadcast radio station and local television stations for the latest information on official evacuation routes Purchase a good map with details on elevations waterways and county roads and familiarize yourself with the most efficient ways to get out of town
Pack an emeRgency kitautomobiles are susceptible to unexpected problems so keep an emergency kit in your trunk include jumper cables extra motor oil window washing brake and coolant fluids simple tools like an air pressure gauge screwdriver pliers and adjustable wrench a role of
paper towels a windup flashlight and a can of fix-a-flat in case you get a flat tire
fix-a-flat creates a temporary emergency seal on contact with the tire and inflates the tire between eight and 14 pounds per square inch so that the car can be driven to a gas station for proper repair of the tire this can help you to get back on the road and out of the hurricanersquos way quickly and easily
Fill uP tHe tankeveryone is going to need fuel in order to evacuate so plan to fill up your tank as soon as you hear a hurricane warning this helps to prevent sudden demands on the supply once your tank is full conserve the amount of gas you use for the next couple of days by combining your errands into one trip and not traveling during rush hour
cHeck tiRe PRessuRein order to help conserve fuel make sure your tires are at the manufacturerrsquos recommended pressure - usually printed on the driverrsquos door of your car keeping tires at the correct pressure can improve your gasoline mileage by 33 percent according to fueleconomygov which means yoursquoll be able to travel further when evacuating
use PRoPeR FluidsMake sure you follow all the manufacturer recommendations for motor oil which can also improve your gasoline mileage by 1 or 2 percent according to fuelecomonygov one helpful hint is to look for oil that has an ldquoenergy conservingrdquo label by the american Petroleum institution to ensure it contains friction-reducing additives
it is not down inany maP tRue PlacesneVeR aRe
diRect dePosit oF social secuRity is easieR FoR winteR tRaVeleRs(ara) - as cold weather sets in thousands of retirees are making plans for a winter getaway if yoursquore one of them switch to direct deposit for your social security payments before you leave - itrsquos the safest easiest way to receive your money
ldquoeach year the us department of the treasury receives more than 14 million inquiries regarding paper check-related problemsrdquo says david a lebryk commissioner of the treasury departmentrsquos financial Management service
yet approximately 105 million americans continue to receive their social security and supplemental security income (ssi) payments by paper check each month the treasury departmentrsquos go direct (r) campaign encourages senior citizens and people with disabilities to switch to direct deposit
incReased saFety conVenience and Reliability
ldquowhen therersquos a problem with a social security payment nine times out of 10 itrsquos with a paper check not a direct deposit paymentrdquo says lebryk
Paper checks can be vulnerable to financial crimes like theft and fraud in fact the treasury department investigates more than 70000 cases of altered or fraudulently endorsed checks each year totaling $64 million in estimated value
ldquoin 2008 alone more than 485000 social security and ssi checks were reported lost or stolen and had to be reissuedrdquo says lebryk
direct deposit is also more convenient and reliable there is no more waiting for a check to arrive in the mail and there are no more worries about delivery delays due to severe weather localemergencies and other check related problems last year alone severe weather events forced alternative delivery arrangements for millions of social security and ssi paper checks
ldquoswitching to direct deposit for federal benefits is such an easy way
for people to safeguard their money es-pecially when traveling for extended pe-riods of timerdquo says lebryk ldquoyour money is deposited to your account on payment day so therersquos no need to worry
about delivery delays or a check sitting in your mailbox while yoursquore gonerdquo
PRePaid debit caRd oPtion
in addition to direct deposit the treasury department recommends the direct express (r) debit Mastercard (r) card as an alternative to paper checks for people without bank accounts
More than half a million americans signed up for the optional direct express (r) card in its first year of availability according to the treasury department a recent survey of cardholders finds that 95 percent say they are satisfied with the prepaid debit card and 86 percent say they would recommend it to family members or friends who receive a federal benefit payment
with the direct express card cardholders can make purchases pay bills and get cash at thousands of locations nationwide sign-up is free and no bank account is required while most services are free there are fees for a limited number of optional transactions and services
making tHe switcH is easy
it is easy to make the switch to electronic payments for federal benefits to sign up for direct deposit call the treasury departmentrsquos go direct campaign helpline at 1-800-333-1795 or visit wwwgodirectorg to sign up for the treasury-recommended direct express card or to learn more about the cardrsquos features and fees call 1-877-212-9991 or visit wwwusdirectexpresscom
the preceding information has been provided by the us department of the treasury financial Management service
the go direct (r) campaign is sponsored by the us department of the treasury and the federal reserve banks the direct express (r) debit Mastercard (r) card is issued by comerica bank pursuant to a license by Mastercard international incorporated Mastercard (r) and the Mastercard (r) brand Mark are registered trademarks of Mastercard international incorporated the go direct(r) logo direct express (r) logo and direct express (r) are service marks of the us department of the treasury financial Management service
biZaRRe tRaVel Plans aRe dancing lessons FRom god
time to ReFinance oR buy
right now mortgage rates are at their lowest level since 1971 think about that twenty-five years ago homeowners were paying as much as 18 on a 30-year fixed today itrsquos just a little over 5combine that rate with the tax advantages
of a mortgage and you have an incredibly cheap way to build wealth but you better act now
real estate guru barbara corcoran has already seen a tremendous surge in refinance applications ndash more than triple the average ndash and the number of people getting approved is astronomically higher as well she says but that doesnrsquot mean the low rates are a panacea for the ills of the housing market it is only once home prices start to go up that we will finally see a light at the end of tunnel corcoran says until that happens we are still going to have to crawl out of this mess ldquo[low interest rates are] not a lifesaverrdquo corcoran says ldquothis is just a helping handrdquo
david kittle chairman of the Mortgage bankers association has this advice to homeowners looking to refinance do it donrsquot get greedy searching for another quarter-point lock in rates now he is seeing applications soar over 125 just since thanksgiving due to the low rates
of course you should only refinance if it saves you at least 38 on the rate and if you plan on staying in your home for at least four years kittle says along with good credit proof of income and money by means of a down payment or equity in the home there are certain things every homeowner needs regardless of interest rate levels
easy-to-do maintenance HelPs extend VeHicle liFe(ara) - after their homes most americansrsquo largest financial investment is their vehicle so helping it stay in good working order for as long as possible is a high priority in fact the average age of a passenger car in north america has grown to more than nine years according to rl Polk and co which indicates that motorists are looking for ways to help extend the life of their vehicle
even so todayrsquos tight budgets leave some motorists reluctant to spend on services or maintenance that they think can be delayed at least for the short term however compared to the cost of engine repair spending a little today on the right maintenance routine performed by trusted service technicians using quality products makes sense Mark ferner Pennzoil technical specialist and ase-certified master mechanic offers some simple cost-effective tips for helping to protect the performance and longevity of your vehicle
replace dirty air filters a dirty air filter will restrict airflow to the engine which may reduce power output if the filter fails it will allow unfiltered air into the engine which can be abrasive inside an engine to avoid these issues and help promote long engine life check your enginersquos air filter regularly and change it when it is dirty
use HigH-quality Fuelseveral automotive manufacturers (bMw gM honda toyota volkswagen and audi) have published technical service bulletins recommending the use of top-tier fuel top-tier fuel contains more additives than is required by the industryrsquos lowest additive content (lac) treat rate regular use of fuel that only meets lac requirements may cause deposits to form on engine intake valves and fuel injectors
cHange youR oilregular oil changes are one of the most important steps to maximize the life of a vehicle oil change in-tervals vary by vehicle and driving conditions so follow the interval and oil specifications found in the ownerrsquos manual
also be sure to use quality motor oils in your vehicle Properly functioning motor oils help prevent sludge and neutralize and disperse harmful deposits and using the recommended viscosity grade of motor oil may also help enhance fuel economy if you are having the oil changed for you ask for quality oils by name Quality motor oil will maintain its effectiveness throughout the oil change interval allowing it to help keep the engine clean
as a bonus some motor oil brands offer lubrication warranties at no additional cost for example the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranty Programs protect qualified engines for 300000 miles whether their owners use conventional synthetic-blend or full synthetic motor oils meeting their vehiclesrsquo requirements Participants can enroll online and maintaining eligibility is easy simply get an oil change with the specified brand change the filter perform regular maintenance and keep the service receipts
to learn more about the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranties visit either wwwPennzoilcom or wwwQuakerstatecom or speak with an automotive professional at a participating automotive dealership or oil change facility that features Pennzoil or Quaker state products
PeoPle donrsquot take tRiPs tRiPs take PeoPle
Fin
al
wo
Rd
s
a vacation is what you take when you can no longer take what yoursquove been taking
eaRl wilson
- 1-12-2010pdf
shows dining and shopping that peak season travelers enjoy but at a less frantic pace
and in that vein yoursquoll enjoy free access to popular attractions lines for popular attractions - most of which will stay open year round - will be shorter in shoulder seasons than any other time of year for example in Myrtle beach top entertainment venues and attractions as well as multiple live entertainment theaters are all open for business but with shorter (if any) lines and less crowds
because yoursquoll be getting a great deal therersquos also the opportunity to extend your vacation by a day or two and take some exciting trips to surround-ing areas the more relaxed attitude of shoulder season travel means you will feel more open to the idea of exploring the surrounding area visitors to the
Myrtle beach area for example can enjoy side trips to huntington beach state Park the nearby pictur-esque community of conway and the lowcountry gem of Pawleyrsquos island
finally shoulder season is a great time to travel to a drive destination like Myrtle beach yoursquoll find less traffic and a more relaxed commute to a location considered one of the top driving destinations for leisure travelers along the eastern seaboard and Midwest
to learn more about shoulder season travel opportunities in Myrtle beach log on to wwwvisitmyrtlebeachcom
Want to grow your business
Join the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce
As the unified voice of business the South Carolina Chamber is working to grow wealth for South Carolinians and businesses in order to improve economic development and quality of life
We help your business and you by
bull GettingyourvoiceheardbyourstatelegislatorsthroughourGrassrootsNetworkbull Workingtopassbusiness-friendlylegislationbull Keepingyouinformedonissuesandprovidingsolutionsforgrowingyour business through our monthly magazine South Carolina Business bull Providingnetworkingopportunitieswithlegislatorsandotherbusinessownersbull Trainingyouremployeesonhumanresourcesqualityandmanagementissuesbull Publishingalegalreferenceseries
Join the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce Contactustodayat800-799-4601Learnmoreatwwwscchambernet
Reconnect with Nature plan a trip to a National Park
Reconnect with Nature plan a trip to a National Park
(ARA) - Considered ldquoAmericarsquos best ideardquo national parks provide travelers preserved views of natural wonder as far as the eye can see An American invention they give us a unique backyard vacation oasis where postcard views meet real life-altering experiences And itrsquos this beauty exploration and enrichment combined with the accessibility of national parks that make them a popular vacation choice
According to the National Park Service trips to national parks are on the rise Tour operators offering guided visits through Americarsquos parks agree
ldquoBookings on our North American National Park tours have witnessed an increase of 180 percent in the last yearrdquo says Scott Nisbet president and CEO for the Globus family of brands ldquoNational parks are idyllic vacation lsquohot spotsrsquo perfect for relaxation and introspection wildlife exploration or adventure depending on the traveler and his or her interestsrdquo
A wide range of experiences can be had at national parks including everything from snorkeling rafting and hiking to learning about the environment geology and wildlife They also provide a perfect retreat for those hoping to reconnect with themselves or nature
And itrsquos the diversity of experiences national parks offer travelers that can make booking a national park vacation seem overwhelming Use these tips from Globus to simplify the process and book the perfect getaway for 2010
Choose the right park destinationFrom the east to west coasts Alaska to Hawaii America has more than 50 national parks to explore Do your research to choose a park that has what yoursquore looking for For instance if yoursquore interested in an abundance of hoodoos and canyons Bryce Canyon National Park might be the right fit Or if you want a vacation filled with bird watching or
boating the Everglades National Park could be a great choice
Go rustic or go luxuryLodging is an important consideration for any vacation Some travelers prefer to experience the outdoor beauty of the parks 24 hours a day and choose to camp Others want to escape to the more modern conveniences provided by nearby hotels cabins and lodges Decide what experience best suits you or your family - and decide early Spots (camping or lodging) fill up quickly especially during peak seasons
On your own or with a guideSome travelers prefer to hike or road trip through national parks while others are interested in a more insightful and pre-planned journey While maps are available for nearly every park guided tours have become a popular option for travelers and are often offered as part of a packaged tour vacation including accommodations
ldquoOur national park-focused tours offer an inclusive-style of travel with incomparable exploration and enrichment opportunitiesrdquo says Nisbet ldquoWith a wide range of national park destinations hotels and price points
coupled with unparalleled service and storytelling we create experiences for travelers they couldnrsquot produce on their ownrdquo
For more information or assistance planning your national park vacation visit wwwus-parkscom wwwnpsgov or wwwglobusjourneyscom Or call your travel agent or the Globus family of brands toll-free at (866) 313-2855
Looking For Your Chance To Win
Check Out Radioscrsquos Contest
South Carolinarsquos Internet
Powered By
(843)720-9604 InfoOnlysc
Win a $100 Shopping Spree
Win Tickets To Events amp Concerts
Win Free Ice Skating For
The Family
Win Tickets To Medieval
Times
Win Stingrays Hockey
Tickets
Win A $25 Gift Card
Radiosc is proud to sponsor $100 Shopping Sprees for Publix grocery stores
Check wwwRadiosc for weekly House of Blues ticket giveaways
Win 4 tickets for ice skating and skate rentals at Carolina Ice Palace
Win 4 tickets for Medieval Times in Myrtle Beach
You could win tickets to a Stingraysrsquo Home Game
Each week you have a chance to win an Applebeersquos gift card worth up to $2500
cHaRlestonrsquos oFFice oF cultuRal aFFaiRslauncHes wwwcHaRlestonaRtssc as tHieR new aRts web sitefrom charleston currents
the city of charlestonrsquos office of cultural affairs has launched httpwwwcharlestonartssc a companion web site to the ocarsquos primary page at the cityrsquos official site charlestonartssc will be updated daily with information and features including an arts calendar that users can search by date artist presenting group or venue social networking widgets and a directory of local arts and cultural organizations and venues
ldquowe are hopeful that charlestonartssc will be a major benefit to local artists and arts organizations by disseminating information about their events with the most up-to-date information to a broader publicrdquo said ellen dressler Moryl director of the office of cultural affairs
other options for users at charlestonartssc include the following
bull Arts organizations can download forms from the Office of Cultural Affairs submit events update contact information and compare performance dates with other area organizations
bull The Tools for Professional section of the Web site features job listings for arts professionals including full time and part time work as well as internships and volunteer opportunities with arts and cultural organizations in the tri-county area
bull Updated grant opportunities for arts organizations with detailed information including deadlines application and contact information
bull Call for Submissions and Call for Auditions pages with details about the location deadlines fees andadditional requirements
the new web site also hosts connecting pages for general information on the office of cultural affairs and its projects the charleston farmers Market the city gallery at waterfront Park holiday Magic happy new year charleston the holiday Parade of boats the lowcountry Quarterly arts grant Program Piccolo spoleto and the MoJa arts festival
the web site was developed and is being hosted by carolina Media services ( wwwonlysc)
a RetiRement HometHat HelPs Pay FoR itselF(ara) - with todayrsquos record low real estate prices and at-tractive mortgage rates now may be a good time to think about investing in a second home that ultimately can be used as your permanent residence upon retirement by taking a ldquobuy-and-rentrdquo approach before yoursquore ready to retire your new home will actually have partly paid for itself by the time yoursquore ready to move into it
ldquobuying and renting out a second home as a vacation rental property until yoursquore ready to move in upon retirement can significantly help offset the cost of ownershiprdquo says brian sharples ceo of homeaway the worldrsquos leading online vacation rental marketplace ldquothe income stream in addition to tax write-offs for maintenance and repairs make this an attractive strategy for many people nearing retirementrdquo
according to homeaway the average second-home owner rents out their property to travelers 17 weeks a year generating more than $28000 in rental income annually and the demand for vacation rentals among travelers is growing which is good news for second-home owners in fact 87 percent of travelers who looked into a vacation rental in the past say they plan to stay in a vacation rental in 2010 - a significant increase from the 67 percent who stayed in a vacation rental in 2009
to generate income from a second home prior to moving into it when you retire sharples suggests consumers take the following steps
location and maRket Potentialcarefully review the markets where you want to retire and before you buy consider the areas where consumer demand for vacation rentals is high but inventory is low for example atlantic city nJ sunny isles beach fla hampton beach nh dauphin island ala and Mount Pocono Pa were among some of the most underserved markets for vacation rental properties in 2009 according to homeaway
FactoR in tax wRite-oFFstalk to an accountant about the tax advantages of owning and renting out a second home expenses such as insurance utilities home maintenance and depreciation can be deducted depending on how often you rent out the property and how many weeks you personally stay there each year
adVeRtise to attRact RenteRs when yoursquore ready to rent out the property be sure to market the availability of the vacation rental to travelers by listing it on sites like homeawaycom or vrbocom which reach millions of travelers each month a 12-month listing costs $329 - or less than $28 per month - on homeawaycom so the advertising pays for itself with your first booking - and the rest is pure rental income
stay comPetitiVe amp netwoRk witH owneRs check out other similar vacation rentals in the area to determine what rates theyrsquore charging travelers and price your home at a competitiverate to help drive bookings also be sure to talk with other owners to get their tips and advice for maximizing a second home investment
for more information on buying a second home and effective strategies for maximizing rental income check out homeawayrsquos online community for vacation rental owners at ownercommunityhomeawaycom
tiPs to successFully get youwHeRe you need to be - Fast(ara) - do you ever get a headache just thinking about navigating the streets of an unfamiliar city have you ever booked a hotel in a less-than-great part of town or been late to an appointment because you canrsquot find a parking garage
even the savviest of travelers who can find their way around a city with their eyes closed run into travel snafus sending their blood pressure through the roof navigating the streets of a new city can be one of the most stressful parts of booking and taking a trip whether itrsquos for business or leisure
so you finally landed and yoursquore on your way to the hotel that you booked in the heart of the city everything is going just as you planned not so fast somehow you find yourself nowhere near the bright city lights and in a hotel on the outskirts of town where you wouldnrsquot even venture out for a cup of Joe
sound familiar well yoursquore not alone - more than half of travelers say theyrsquove experienced this very nightmare according to a recent bing survey
while finding decent lodging can be difficult sometimes even thinking about how to get around a city can strike fear into the hearts of business and leisure travelers alike so which city gets travelers hearts racing when just thinking about how to get around unsurprisingly for anyone who has ever visited either new york or los angeles (even just once) both cities topped bingrsquos survey as the worst cities to navigate More than 40 percent said ldquothe heck with driving irsquom getting a taxirdquo when visiting the big apple and a quarter said that the concrete jungle otherwise known as los angeles is too wild for them
so how can you ensure you know enough about a city to get around like you were a local book a decent hotel check out a local concert or find a local hot spot to grab a bite to eat well the folks at bing have a few tips to make your next adventure stress-free
Pay attention to ReViews Most online booking sites offer reviews from other guests who have stayed at the hotel that yoursquore considering while you may be inclined to take the overly positive reviews with a grain of salt itrsquos best to steer clear if a hotel receives consistent negative customer reviews
study uPcheck out the local convention center visitorsrsquo bureau or chamber of commerce web sites to learn more about the city and its surrounding neighborhoods this will help give you a better idea of whatrsquos near your destination and the neighborhoods that surround it
RemembeRyou get wHat you Pay FoRif yoursquore paying a two-star rate donrsquot expect to get four- or five-star accommodations and a mint on your pillow a cheaper rate rarely buys you luxury but you should still be able to score a clean safe room that provides for your basic needs
HoP onlineuse online resources like bing Mapsrsquo new streetside experience a three-dimensional mapping tool Just log on to bing Maps where you can zoom in from satellite level to birdrsquos eye view and even down to street level for 56 major us metro areas
now you can virtually walk the streets of your next adventure with actual 360-degree footage of the area not only can you tell if a hotel is in a good neighborhood yoursquoll be able to see if therersquos a wifi coffee shop nearby where you can sync up your computer before your next meeting or scope out any traffic jams before you head out and you can even find the nearest parking garage so yoursquore never late again to your lunch date - unlike the more than 40 percent of bing survey respondents who were fashionably late because they couldnrsquot find a parking spot
ldquobooking a hotel room on the internet can be a risky proposition if you canrsquot see the room hotel or area itrsquos in before you bookrdquo says blaise aguera y arcas architect of bing Maps and Msn at Microsoft ldquobut technology like streetside is making it possible to scope out a neighborhood - and ensure itrsquos one you want to stay in - without ever having to leave the comfort of your computer chairrdquo in fact the bing survey found that nearly a quarter of travelers rated finding a decent hotel as the most frustrating part of planning their trip
Plus stay up-to-date on the best places to check out on your next trip by using bingrsquos twitter mapping app now you can get real-time information about an area - such as seeing the latest tweets for the local shopping mall before you even go there or even updates about local events and breaking news
log onto bing Maps where you can plan your next trip whether itrsquos a far away city or even your own town now you can be a travel guru no matter where you are
setting and stickingto youR tRaVel budget(ara) - travel can be one of the biggest-ticket items you invest in each year so itrsquos worth it to plan ahead
setting a budget - and sticking to it - can help you stay in better control of spending according to a recent visa survey a majority (54 percent) of last yearrsquos summer travelers either didnrsquot set a budget oroverspent their budget while traveling and more than a quarter of those surveyed overspent by more than $250 to make sure this doesnrsquot happen to you itrsquos important to create a realistic travel budget and make a plan for how you will spend within your means while on the road
to create a budget think through your trip first include the basics such as transportation to and from your destination and lodging next plan for expenses that come up along the way such as meals on the road
hosthostess gifts rental cars or public transportation donrsquot forget to include entertainment - whether sightseeing or going to the movies itrsquos also a good idea to build in a cushion for the unexpected
once yoursquove set your travel budget you need to stick to it one tool that can help is a prepaid travel card a prepaid card draws from funds that are set aside in advance for purchases here are a few ways prepaid travel cards can come in handy
keeP tRaVel Funds sePaRate an easy way to make sure you donrsquot go over budget is to set your travel budget aside on a prepaid travel card simply load the card with your travel budget and use it for everything from online booking to grabbing lunch during an (unexpectedly extended) layover without worrying about spending more than you planned or dipping into gift-buying funds
access casHwhether you need a few dollars or several yen choose a prepaid card that will allow you to withdraw cash from atMs around the world if yoursquore traveling internationally itrsquoll also save you the hassle of tracking down and waiting in line for local currency
bRowse and buy look for a prepaid card that you can use online travel sites offer a wealth of information and detailed listings of competing offers from airlines and hotels as well as reviews from fellow travelers for flights you can typically compare possible savings by traveling on al-ternate days or from nearby airports once you spot the deal that works for your budget use your prepaid travel card to snap it up
enJoy Peace oF mind wHen tRaVeling Prepaid cards may come with travel-related services for example the visa travelMoney card offers zero liability for lost or stolen cards as well as lost luggage reimbursement and purchase security Make sure you know which benefits your card offers and how they work so you can tap into them should the need arise
with some advance preparation and the right tools in place you donrsquot have to overspend on travel in fact with some careful planning you could end up with enough left to buy yourself a little something to remember the trip for more information about visa travelMoney visit wwwvisacomtravelmoney
Click To Listen While You Browse
South Carolinarsquos Internet
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(843)720-9604 InfoOnlysc
need an easy getaway FoR tHe Family Plan a budget-FRiendly tRiP to a national PaRk(ara) - american families have spoken the vacation is a top priority ninety-four percent of americans agreed that even in tough economic times family vacations are worth the money according to a recent survey by expediacom to keep the vacation affordable and easy think about introducing your family to the splendor of the national park system - where activities are abundant and costs are minimal
expediacom recently partnered with the national Park foundation to provide a permanent one-stop shop to help travelers plan and book vacations to americarsquos national parks
ldquothere are excellent values for traveling families right now and taking a trip to a national park is one of the best ways to stretch your vacation dollarsrdquo says lee woodruff author travel expert and mother of four
ldquofamilies are looking for ways to reconnect with each other and what better option for an affordable vacation than a national parkrdquo
here are five easy steps to plan the perfect national park getaway
1 get inspired ken burns recently debuted a six-part documentary series for Pbs titledldquothe national Parks americarsquos best ideardquo tune into Pbs or order a copy online to find inspiration and a detailed look at some of the most beautiful places in the world from acadia to the grand canyon and yosemite to the gates of the arctic in alaska
2 Pick the park with original content from the national Park foundation expediacomrsquos national park web site is the perfect resource for families to find the national park to fit their vacation needs
the site offers pre-set ldquolong weekendrdquo itineraries to start your planning you can also search through the ldquocanrsquot Miss national Parksrdquo section to learn about the parkrsquos location its natural features little-known facts including the best times to visit and activities to choose from in each area expediarsquos site also offers downloadable park maps to help you get your bearings
3 more ways to save take advantage of the public amenities that national parks offer like camping and picnic sites while there is a small entrance fee to the parks you can cut back on costs by bringing your own meals and treating the kids to lunch by a waterfall or overlooking the grand canyon also enjoy the free activities such as hiking biking and birding that the parks offer
4 book your hotel and rental car if camping isnrsquot your familyrsquos style consider any of the great lodges in and around the national park of your choice and if yoursquore planning to rent a car consider booking lodging and car together to substantially reduce the overall costs of your vacation
5 give back consider giving back to the national Park foundation by visiting the web site wwwnationalparksorg and donate or learn more about volunteer opportunities within americarsquos national parks helping out in these small ways ensures the parks will remain beautiful so your kids can bring their own children one day
ldquoPlanning the vacation is half of the fun so get every-one involved in the processrdquo says woodruff ldquothere are so many options in our national park system many of which have rich and amazing heritage so the whole family is going to enjoy something when you visitrdquo
bookmaRk youRFaVoRite Road
a bRieF HistoRyoF PaVed Roads
(ara) - Planes and trains may have their place in our society but for the dedicated traveler therersquos still nothing like getting in your car and taking a trip along americarsquos highways
half the fun of road trips in the minds of many is getting home and telling friends and family about the adventure - and the roads they traveled
in the past driversrsquo road stories were largely told by word of mouth to a few people at a time now drivers can tell their tales to millions via the internet favoriteroadcom is a new web site that features americarsquos favorite highways and byways
the site encourages you to post your favorite roads and explain why you like them simply log on to submit a photo and story of your favorite road use links posted on the site to share your road via popular social networks such as facebook and twitter your submission may even win a prize in contest giveaways
the past yearrsquos economic downturn has reintroduced the word ldquoinfrastructurerdquo to our vocabulary as a result of stimulus legislation passed in 2009 the federal government has allocated millions of dollars to specifically improve state roads and highways and with more affordable gasoline prices people are increasingly using americarsquos roads for leisure travel
by posting on favoriteroadcom yoursquore doing more than just ldquotelling a good storyrdquo your testimonials may help encourage lawmakers to push for increased infrastructure spending to keep america driving smoothly and safely for years to come
whatrsquos your favorite road log on and tell the world at favoriteroadcom
625 bc the babylonians are credited with the first recorded use of asphalt as a road building material the ancient greeks were also familiar with asphalt (the word comes from the greek ldquoasphaltosrdquo meaning ldquosecurerdquo)
1500s christopher columbus landed off the shores of trinidad in 1498 and discovered the famous asphalt lake which would later be used on the Pennsylvania avenue project in washington dc covering 54000 square yards
1800s Macadam roads became popular in the us for rural road construction during the 1830s and 40s belgian chemist edmund J desmedt laid the first true asphalt pavement in the us in newark nJ the cummer company opened the first central hot mix production facilities in the us the first asphalt patent was filed by nathan b abbott of brooklyn ny in 1871
1920s world war i ended and the use of the automo-bile was steadily rising but roads outside the city limits were frequently too muddy or dusty for travel to fix this problem road engineers used oils and asphalt
1940s-1950s the modern american turnpike is born after world war ii full scale automobile production resumed along with major levels of road maintenance and new highway construction by 1950 vehicle registration exceeded 40 million cars and 8 million trucks in 1956 President eisenhower signed the federal-aid highway act and launched the interstate system to create an infrastructure highway program -unmatched anywhere in the world
1970s a national move to conserve energy and materials initiated a widespread interest in recycling of pavement materials asphalt is now americarsquos most recycled product
1990s a traffic study by the world road association indicates that asphalt pavements are at least 4 decibels quieter than concrete pavements
2000s the us population has increased 23 percent since 1990 and the number of miles driven has risen by 41 percent only half of the nationrsquos major roads are in good condition based on an analysis of recent federal highway administration data
wandeRing Re-establisHes tHe oRiginal
HaRmony wHicH once existed between
man and tHe uniVeRse
business oR leisuRe dRiVing oR FlyingtRaVel saFely natuRally(ara) - weekend getaways shorter vacations and overnight business trips are great ways to save money and are becoming more prevalent according to the bureau of transportation taking a few simple and natural steps to stay safe and healthy while on the road can not only protect your travel investment butenhance your entire experience
ReFResHed and aleRt dRiVing diFFusion
a shorter thriftier trip is likely to be by car the inevitable rush to make the most of the limited time
away after a tiring work week can create fatigue so donrsquot make it a dangerous driving situation enliven your senses with essential oil scents
ditch the cardboard cutout car ldquofreshenerrdquo that hangs from the rearview mirror not only distracting these products are usually saturated with synthetic fragrance chemicals and probably arenrsquot the best thing to inhale while enclosed in your vehicle instead rely on a sleek essential oil diffuser that plugs into your automobilersquos phone charger power outlet these devices feature small paper fiber pads to which you can apply your own custom blend of essential oils allowing you to not only
scent the air inside the car but also to provide refreshing aromatherapy benefits to help keep you alert and focused on the road
a simpler alternative way to diffuse is to apply several drops of oil to a tissue and tuck it carefully into one of the vents in the dash
try these essential oils for the car Peppermint essential oil - refreshing awakening
uplifting eucalyptus essential oil - bracing purifying
protecting lemon essential oil - pleasant deodorizing
cheering
How clean is youR Hotel Room
overnight stays in less than posh hotel digs may be part of the money-saving travel trend even upscale hotels arenrsquot immune to dirt and germs or worse an apparent outbreak of bedbug infestations in the united states recently publicized by the environmental Protection agency
bedbugs aside there are always nagging doubts about just how clean a hotel room actually is has the shower or tub been scrubbed or merely wiped down is the toilet sanitized has the bedspread ever really been thoroughly cleaned fortunately there are ways to protect yourself after you check in but before you settle into your temporary overnight home
air and surface sanitizing spray feel good about travel with a bottle of homemade purifying aromatherapy solution that relies on pleasantly scented and highly effective essential oils rather than harsh chemical disinfectants the following spray will help you create a hygienic environment in your temporary hotel home apply it to tub vanity and toilet surfaces
ingredientsempty 12 to16 ounce spray bottle10 ounces water2 ounces isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or
vodka12 teaspoon tea tree essential oil
(antimicrobial)12 teaspoon lemon essential oil
(cleansing)12 teaspoon lavandin essential oil
(protecting)12 teaspoon sweet orange essential oil
(freshening)
directions combine all ingredients in the spray bottle shake and apply to a washcloth and wipe down the tvrsquos remote the clock radio the door handles and the faucethandles in the bathroom
Purifying and Relaxing linen mist here are some great tips for making a strange bed feel more like home take along your own pillow and replace the ones provided create your own linen mist and use it on your own bed at home then travel with the same blend taking a little bit of home with you when you arrive at your destination turn down the covers exchange the pillows and apply your signature scent to the bed
ingredientsempty 4 to 8 ounce spray bottle4 to 8 ounces water13 drops lavender essential oil
(relaxing calming)5 drops lavandin or spike lavender
essential oil (purifying protecting)
directionscombine the water and oil in the bottle shake the contents thoroughly just before application
remember to look for pure and natural essential oil brands like aura cacia that donrsquot include synthetic petrochemical fragrances for more information on how to enhance your life through aromatherapy visit wwwauracaciacom
PRePaRe youR VeHicle FoR a HuRRicane eVacuation(ara) - ana bill claudette - the first three atlantic ocean hurricanes of the season made headlines but not to the extent of katrina or ike of recent years and while these three hurricanes have come and gone who knows if - or when - grace or henry might pay a visit to your town
the 2009 hurricane season has an expected 90 percent chance of being a near-normal or below-normal season for the atlantic ocean according to the national oceanic and atmospheric administration this prediction - if accurate - will be welcomed with a sigh of relief by many residents in coastal towns after the above-normal year in 2008
but even if noaa is predicting a quiet year for hurricanes you can never be over prepared if you donrsquot have your emergency evacuation plan organized itrsquos time to make one no matter if yoursquore planning on traveling 100 miles or 1000 miles you need an evacuation plan as a representative of a gulf coast
company Maricela carter a health safety security environment coordinator with soPus has some tips on how to prepare your vehicle for potential evacuations
Plan eVacuation Routescheck newspapers online sites the local emergency broadcast radio station and local television stations for the latest information on official evacuation routes Purchase a good map with details on elevations waterways and county roads and familiarize yourself with the most efficient ways to get out of town
Pack an emeRgency kitautomobiles are susceptible to unexpected problems so keep an emergency kit in your trunk include jumper cables extra motor oil window washing brake and coolant fluids simple tools like an air pressure gauge screwdriver pliers and adjustable wrench a role of
paper towels a windup flashlight and a can of fix-a-flat in case you get a flat tire
fix-a-flat creates a temporary emergency seal on contact with the tire and inflates the tire between eight and 14 pounds per square inch so that the car can be driven to a gas station for proper repair of the tire this can help you to get back on the road and out of the hurricanersquos way quickly and easily
Fill uP tHe tankeveryone is going to need fuel in order to evacuate so plan to fill up your tank as soon as you hear a hurricane warning this helps to prevent sudden demands on the supply once your tank is full conserve the amount of gas you use for the next couple of days by combining your errands into one trip and not traveling during rush hour
cHeck tiRe PRessuRein order to help conserve fuel make sure your tires are at the manufacturerrsquos recommended pressure - usually printed on the driverrsquos door of your car keeping tires at the correct pressure can improve your gasoline mileage by 33 percent according to fueleconomygov which means yoursquoll be able to travel further when evacuating
use PRoPeR FluidsMake sure you follow all the manufacturer recommendations for motor oil which can also improve your gasoline mileage by 1 or 2 percent according to fuelecomonygov one helpful hint is to look for oil that has an ldquoenergy conservingrdquo label by the american Petroleum institution to ensure it contains friction-reducing additives
it is not down inany maP tRue PlacesneVeR aRe
diRect dePosit oF social secuRity is easieR FoR winteR tRaVeleRs(ara) - as cold weather sets in thousands of retirees are making plans for a winter getaway if yoursquore one of them switch to direct deposit for your social security payments before you leave - itrsquos the safest easiest way to receive your money
ldquoeach year the us department of the treasury receives more than 14 million inquiries regarding paper check-related problemsrdquo says david a lebryk commissioner of the treasury departmentrsquos financial Management service
yet approximately 105 million americans continue to receive their social security and supplemental security income (ssi) payments by paper check each month the treasury departmentrsquos go direct (r) campaign encourages senior citizens and people with disabilities to switch to direct deposit
incReased saFety conVenience and Reliability
ldquowhen therersquos a problem with a social security payment nine times out of 10 itrsquos with a paper check not a direct deposit paymentrdquo says lebryk
Paper checks can be vulnerable to financial crimes like theft and fraud in fact the treasury department investigates more than 70000 cases of altered or fraudulently endorsed checks each year totaling $64 million in estimated value
ldquoin 2008 alone more than 485000 social security and ssi checks were reported lost or stolen and had to be reissuedrdquo says lebryk
direct deposit is also more convenient and reliable there is no more waiting for a check to arrive in the mail and there are no more worries about delivery delays due to severe weather localemergencies and other check related problems last year alone severe weather events forced alternative delivery arrangements for millions of social security and ssi paper checks
ldquoswitching to direct deposit for federal benefits is such an easy way
for people to safeguard their money es-pecially when traveling for extended pe-riods of timerdquo says lebryk ldquoyour money is deposited to your account on payment day so therersquos no need to worry
about delivery delays or a check sitting in your mailbox while yoursquore gonerdquo
PRePaid debit caRd oPtion
in addition to direct deposit the treasury department recommends the direct express (r) debit Mastercard (r) card as an alternative to paper checks for people without bank accounts
More than half a million americans signed up for the optional direct express (r) card in its first year of availability according to the treasury department a recent survey of cardholders finds that 95 percent say they are satisfied with the prepaid debit card and 86 percent say they would recommend it to family members or friends who receive a federal benefit payment
with the direct express card cardholders can make purchases pay bills and get cash at thousands of locations nationwide sign-up is free and no bank account is required while most services are free there are fees for a limited number of optional transactions and services
making tHe switcH is easy
it is easy to make the switch to electronic payments for federal benefits to sign up for direct deposit call the treasury departmentrsquos go direct campaign helpline at 1-800-333-1795 or visit wwwgodirectorg to sign up for the treasury-recommended direct express card or to learn more about the cardrsquos features and fees call 1-877-212-9991 or visit wwwusdirectexpresscom
the preceding information has been provided by the us department of the treasury financial Management service
the go direct (r) campaign is sponsored by the us department of the treasury and the federal reserve banks the direct express (r) debit Mastercard (r) card is issued by comerica bank pursuant to a license by Mastercard international incorporated Mastercard (r) and the Mastercard (r) brand Mark are registered trademarks of Mastercard international incorporated the go direct(r) logo direct express (r) logo and direct express (r) are service marks of the us department of the treasury financial Management service
biZaRRe tRaVel Plans aRe dancing lessons FRom god
time to ReFinance oR buy
right now mortgage rates are at their lowest level since 1971 think about that twenty-five years ago homeowners were paying as much as 18 on a 30-year fixed today itrsquos just a little over 5combine that rate with the tax advantages
of a mortgage and you have an incredibly cheap way to build wealth but you better act now
real estate guru barbara corcoran has already seen a tremendous surge in refinance applications ndash more than triple the average ndash and the number of people getting approved is astronomically higher as well she says but that doesnrsquot mean the low rates are a panacea for the ills of the housing market it is only once home prices start to go up that we will finally see a light at the end of tunnel corcoran says until that happens we are still going to have to crawl out of this mess ldquo[low interest rates are] not a lifesaverrdquo corcoran says ldquothis is just a helping handrdquo
david kittle chairman of the Mortgage bankers association has this advice to homeowners looking to refinance do it donrsquot get greedy searching for another quarter-point lock in rates now he is seeing applications soar over 125 just since thanksgiving due to the low rates
of course you should only refinance if it saves you at least 38 on the rate and if you plan on staying in your home for at least four years kittle says along with good credit proof of income and money by means of a down payment or equity in the home there are certain things every homeowner needs regardless of interest rate levels
easy-to-do maintenance HelPs extend VeHicle liFe(ara) - after their homes most americansrsquo largest financial investment is their vehicle so helping it stay in good working order for as long as possible is a high priority in fact the average age of a passenger car in north america has grown to more than nine years according to rl Polk and co which indicates that motorists are looking for ways to help extend the life of their vehicle
even so todayrsquos tight budgets leave some motorists reluctant to spend on services or maintenance that they think can be delayed at least for the short term however compared to the cost of engine repair spending a little today on the right maintenance routine performed by trusted service technicians using quality products makes sense Mark ferner Pennzoil technical specialist and ase-certified master mechanic offers some simple cost-effective tips for helping to protect the performance and longevity of your vehicle
replace dirty air filters a dirty air filter will restrict airflow to the engine which may reduce power output if the filter fails it will allow unfiltered air into the engine which can be abrasive inside an engine to avoid these issues and help promote long engine life check your enginersquos air filter regularly and change it when it is dirty
use HigH-quality Fuelseveral automotive manufacturers (bMw gM honda toyota volkswagen and audi) have published technical service bulletins recommending the use of top-tier fuel top-tier fuel contains more additives than is required by the industryrsquos lowest additive content (lac) treat rate regular use of fuel that only meets lac requirements may cause deposits to form on engine intake valves and fuel injectors
cHange youR oilregular oil changes are one of the most important steps to maximize the life of a vehicle oil change in-tervals vary by vehicle and driving conditions so follow the interval and oil specifications found in the ownerrsquos manual
also be sure to use quality motor oils in your vehicle Properly functioning motor oils help prevent sludge and neutralize and disperse harmful deposits and using the recommended viscosity grade of motor oil may also help enhance fuel economy if you are having the oil changed for you ask for quality oils by name Quality motor oil will maintain its effectiveness throughout the oil change interval allowing it to help keep the engine clean
as a bonus some motor oil brands offer lubrication warranties at no additional cost for example the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranty Programs protect qualified engines for 300000 miles whether their owners use conventional synthetic-blend or full synthetic motor oils meeting their vehiclesrsquo requirements Participants can enroll online and maintaining eligibility is easy simply get an oil change with the specified brand change the filter perform regular maintenance and keep the service receipts
to learn more about the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranties visit either wwwPennzoilcom or wwwQuakerstatecom or speak with an automotive professional at a participating automotive dealership or oil change facility that features Pennzoil or Quaker state products
PeoPle donrsquot take tRiPs tRiPs take PeoPle
Fin
al
wo
Rd
s
a vacation is what you take when you can no longer take what yoursquove been taking
eaRl wilson
- 1-12-2010pdf
Want to grow your business
Join the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce
As the unified voice of business the South Carolina Chamber is working to grow wealth for South Carolinians and businesses in order to improve economic development and quality of life
We help your business and you by
bull GettingyourvoiceheardbyourstatelegislatorsthroughourGrassrootsNetworkbull Workingtopassbusiness-friendlylegislationbull Keepingyouinformedonissuesandprovidingsolutionsforgrowingyour business through our monthly magazine South Carolina Business bull Providingnetworkingopportunitieswithlegislatorsandotherbusinessownersbull Trainingyouremployeesonhumanresourcesqualityandmanagementissuesbull Publishingalegalreferenceseries
Join the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce Contactustodayat800-799-4601Learnmoreatwwwscchambernet
Reconnect with Nature plan a trip to a National Park
Reconnect with Nature plan a trip to a National Park
(ARA) - Considered ldquoAmericarsquos best ideardquo national parks provide travelers preserved views of natural wonder as far as the eye can see An American invention they give us a unique backyard vacation oasis where postcard views meet real life-altering experiences And itrsquos this beauty exploration and enrichment combined with the accessibility of national parks that make them a popular vacation choice
According to the National Park Service trips to national parks are on the rise Tour operators offering guided visits through Americarsquos parks agree
ldquoBookings on our North American National Park tours have witnessed an increase of 180 percent in the last yearrdquo says Scott Nisbet president and CEO for the Globus family of brands ldquoNational parks are idyllic vacation lsquohot spotsrsquo perfect for relaxation and introspection wildlife exploration or adventure depending on the traveler and his or her interestsrdquo
A wide range of experiences can be had at national parks including everything from snorkeling rafting and hiking to learning about the environment geology and wildlife They also provide a perfect retreat for those hoping to reconnect with themselves or nature
And itrsquos the diversity of experiences national parks offer travelers that can make booking a national park vacation seem overwhelming Use these tips from Globus to simplify the process and book the perfect getaway for 2010
Choose the right park destinationFrom the east to west coasts Alaska to Hawaii America has more than 50 national parks to explore Do your research to choose a park that has what yoursquore looking for For instance if yoursquore interested in an abundance of hoodoos and canyons Bryce Canyon National Park might be the right fit Or if you want a vacation filled with bird watching or
boating the Everglades National Park could be a great choice
Go rustic or go luxuryLodging is an important consideration for any vacation Some travelers prefer to experience the outdoor beauty of the parks 24 hours a day and choose to camp Others want to escape to the more modern conveniences provided by nearby hotels cabins and lodges Decide what experience best suits you or your family - and decide early Spots (camping or lodging) fill up quickly especially during peak seasons
On your own or with a guideSome travelers prefer to hike or road trip through national parks while others are interested in a more insightful and pre-planned journey While maps are available for nearly every park guided tours have become a popular option for travelers and are often offered as part of a packaged tour vacation including accommodations
ldquoOur national park-focused tours offer an inclusive-style of travel with incomparable exploration and enrichment opportunitiesrdquo says Nisbet ldquoWith a wide range of national park destinations hotels and price points
coupled with unparalleled service and storytelling we create experiences for travelers they couldnrsquot produce on their ownrdquo
For more information or assistance planning your national park vacation visit wwwus-parkscom wwwnpsgov or wwwglobusjourneyscom Or call your travel agent or the Globus family of brands toll-free at (866) 313-2855
Looking For Your Chance To Win
Check Out Radioscrsquos Contest
South Carolinarsquos Internet
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Win a $100 Shopping Spree
Win Tickets To Events amp Concerts
Win Free Ice Skating For
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Win Tickets To Medieval
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Win Stingrays Hockey
Tickets
Win A $25 Gift Card
Radiosc is proud to sponsor $100 Shopping Sprees for Publix grocery stores
Check wwwRadiosc for weekly House of Blues ticket giveaways
Win 4 tickets for ice skating and skate rentals at Carolina Ice Palace
Win 4 tickets for Medieval Times in Myrtle Beach
You could win tickets to a Stingraysrsquo Home Game
Each week you have a chance to win an Applebeersquos gift card worth up to $2500
cHaRlestonrsquos oFFice oF cultuRal aFFaiRslauncHes wwwcHaRlestonaRtssc as tHieR new aRts web sitefrom charleston currents
the city of charlestonrsquos office of cultural affairs has launched httpwwwcharlestonartssc a companion web site to the ocarsquos primary page at the cityrsquos official site charlestonartssc will be updated daily with information and features including an arts calendar that users can search by date artist presenting group or venue social networking widgets and a directory of local arts and cultural organizations and venues
ldquowe are hopeful that charlestonartssc will be a major benefit to local artists and arts organizations by disseminating information about their events with the most up-to-date information to a broader publicrdquo said ellen dressler Moryl director of the office of cultural affairs
other options for users at charlestonartssc include the following
bull Arts organizations can download forms from the Office of Cultural Affairs submit events update contact information and compare performance dates with other area organizations
bull The Tools for Professional section of the Web site features job listings for arts professionals including full time and part time work as well as internships and volunteer opportunities with arts and cultural organizations in the tri-county area
bull Updated grant opportunities for arts organizations with detailed information including deadlines application and contact information
bull Call for Submissions and Call for Auditions pages with details about the location deadlines fees andadditional requirements
the new web site also hosts connecting pages for general information on the office of cultural affairs and its projects the charleston farmers Market the city gallery at waterfront Park holiday Magic happy new year charleston the holiday Parade of boats the lowcountry Quarterly arts grant Program Piccolo spoleto and the MoJa arts festival
the web site was developed and is being hosted by carolina Media services ( wwwonlysc)
a RetiRement HometHat HelPs Pay FoR itselF(ara) - with todayrsquos record low real estate prices and at-tractive mortgage rates now may be a good time to think about investing in a second home that ultimately can be used as your permanent residence upon retirement by taking a ldquobuy-and-rentrdquo approach before yoursquore ready to retire your new home will actually have partly paid for itself by the time yoursquore ready to move into it
ldquobuying and renting out a second home as a vacation rental property until yoursquore ready to move in upon retirement can significantly help offset the cost of ownershiprdquo says brian sharples ceo of homeaway the worldrsquos leading online vacation rental marketplace ldquothe income stream in addition to tax write-offs for maintenance and repairs make this an attractive strategy for many people nearing retirementrdquo
according to homeaway the average second-home owner rents out their property to travelers 17 weeks a year generating more than $28000 in rental income annually and the demand for vacation rentals among travelers is growing which is good news for second-home owners in fact 87 percent of travelers who looked into a vacation rental in the past say they plan to stay in a vacation rental in 2010 - a significant increase from the 67 percent who stayed in a vacation rental in 2009
to generate income from a second home prior to moving into it when you retire sharples suggests consumers take the following steps
location and maRket Potentialcarefully review the markets where you want to retire and before you buy consider the areas where consumer demand for vacation rentals is high but inventory is low for example atlantic city nJ sunny isles beach fla hampton beach nh dauphin island ala and Mount Pocono Pa were among some of the most underserved markets for vacation rental properties in 2009 according to homeaway
FactoR in tax wRite-oFFstalk to an accountant about the tax advantages of owning and renting out a second home expenses such as insurance utilities home maintenance and depreciation can be deducted depending on how often you rent out the property and how many weeks you personally stay there each year
adVeRtise to attRact RenteRs when yoursquore ready to rent out the property be sure to market the availability of the vacation rental to travelers by listing it on sites like homeawaycom or vrbocom which reach millions of travelers each month a 12-month listing costs $329 - or less than $28 per month - on homeawaycom so the advertising pays for itself with your first booking - and the rest is pure rental income
stay comPetitiVe amp netwoRk witH owneRs check out other similar vacation rentals in the area to determine what rates theyrsquore charging travelers and price your home at a competitiverate to help drive bookings also be sure to talk with other owners to get their tips and advice for maximizing a second home investment
for more information on buying a second home and effective strategies for maximizing rental income check out homeawayrsquos online community for vacation rental owners at ownercommunityhomeawaycom
tiPs to successFully get youwHeRe you need to be - Fast(ara) - do you ever get a headache just thinking about navigating the streets of an unfamiliar city have you ever booked a hotel in a less-than-great part of town or been late to an appointment because you canrsquot find a parking garage
even the savviest of travelers who can find their way around a city with their eyes closed run into travel snafus sending their blood pressure through the roof navigating the streets of a new city can be one of the most stressful parts of booking and taking a trip whether itrsquos for business or leisure
so you finally landed and yoursquore on your way to the hotel that you booked in the heart of the city everything is going just as you planned not so fast somehow you find yourself nowhere near the bright city lights and in a hotel on the outskirts of town where you wouldnrsquot even venture out for a cup of Joe
sound familiar well yoursquore not alone - more than half of travelers say theyrsquove experienced this very nightmare according to a recent bing survey
while finding decent lodging can be difficult sometimes even thinking about how to get around a city can strike fear into the hearts of business and leisure travelers alike so which city gets travelers hearts racing when just thinking about how to get around unsurprisingly for anyone who has ever visited either new york or los angeles (even just once) both cities topped bingrsquos survey as the worst cities to navigate More than 40 percent said ldquothe heck with driving irsquom getting a taxirdquo when visiting the big apple and a quarter said that the concrete jungle otherwise known as los angeles is too wild for them
so how can you ensure you know enough about a city to get around like you were a local book a decent hotel check out a local concert or find a local hot spot to grab a bite to eat well the folks at bing have a few tips to make your next adventure stress-free
Pay attention to ReViews Most online booking sites offer reviews from other guests who have stayed at the hotel that yoursquore considering while you may be inclined to take the overly positive reviews with a grain of salt itrsquos best to steer clear if a hotel receives consistent negative customer reviews
study uPcheck out the local convention center visitorsrsquo bureau or chamber of commerce web sites to learn more about the city and its surrounding neighborhoods this will help give you a better idea of whatrsquos near your destination and the neighborhoods that surround it
RemembeRyou get wHat you Pay FoRif yoursquore paying a two-star rate donrsquot expect to get four- or five-star accommodations and a mint on your pillow a cheaper rate rarely buys you luxury but you should still be able to score a clean safe room that provides for your basic needs
HoP onlineuse online resources like bing Mapsrsquo new streetside experience a three-dimensional mapping tool Just log on to bing Maps where you can zoom in from satellite level to birdrsquos eye view and even down to street level for 56 major us metro areas
now you can virtually walk the streets of your next adventure with actual 360-degree footage of the area not only can you tell if a hotel is in a good neighborhood yoursquoll be able to see if therersquos a wifi coffee shop nearby where you can sync up your computer before your next meeting or scope out any traffic jams before you head out and you can even find the nearest parking garage so yoursquore never late again to your lunch date - unlike the more than 40 percent of bing survey respondents who were fashionably late because they couldnrsquot find a parking spot
ldquobooking a hotel room on the internet can be a risky proposition if you canrsquot see the room hotel or area itrsquos in before you bookrdquo says blaise aguera y arcas architect of bing Maps and Msn at Microsoft ldquobut technology like streetside is making it possible to scope out a neighborhood - and ensure itrsquos one you want to stay in - without ever having to leave the comfort of your computer chairrdquo in fact the bing survey found that nearly a quarter of travelers rated finding a decent hotel as the most frustrating part of planning their trip
Plus stay up-to-date on the best places to check out on your next trip by using bingrsquos twitter mapping app now you can get real-time information about an area - such as seeing the latest tweets for the local shopping mall before you even go there or even updates about local events and breaking news
log onto bing Maps where you can plan your next trip whether itrsquos a far away city or even your own town now you can be a travel guru no matter where you are
setting and stickingto youR tRaVel budget(ara) - travel can be one of the biggest-ticket items you invest in each year so itrsquos worth it to plan ahead
setting a budget - and sticking to it - can help you stay in better control of spending according to a recent visa survey a majority (54 percent) of last yearrsquos summer travelers either didnrsquot set a budget oroverspent their budget while traveling and more than a quarter of those surveyed overspent by more than $250 to make sure this doesnrsquot happen to you itrsquos important to create a realistic travel budget and make a plan for how you will spend within your means while on the road
to create a budget think through your trip first include the basics such as transportation to and from your destination and lodging next plan for expenses that come up along the way such as meals on the road
hosthostess gifts rental cars or public transportation donrsquot forget to include entertainment - whether sightseeing or going to the movies itrsquos also a good idea to build in a cushion for the unexpected
once yoursquove set your travel budget you need to stick to it one tool that can help is a prepaid travel card a prepaid card draws from funds that are set aside in advance for purchases here are a few ways prepaid travel cards can come in handy
keeP tRaVel Funds sePaRate an easy way to make sure you donrsquot go over budget is to set your travel budget aside on a prepaid travel card simply load the card with your travel budget and use it for everything from online booking to grabbing lunch during an (unexpectedly extended) layover without worrying about spending more than you planned or dipping into gift-buying funds
access casHwhether you need a few dollars or several yen choose a prepaid card that will allow you to withdraw cash from atMs around the world if yoursquore traveling internationally itrsquoll also save you the hassle of tracking down and waiting in line for local currency
bRowse and buy look for a prepaid card that you can use online travel sites offer a wealth of information and detailed listings of competing offers from airlines and hotels as well as reviews from fellow travelers for flights you can typically compare possible savings by traveling on al-ternate days or from nearby airports once you spot the deal that works for your budget use your prepaid travel card to snap it up
enJoy Peace oF mind wHen tRaVeling Prepaid cards may come with travel-related services for example the visa travelMoney card offers zero liability for lost or stolen cards as well as lost luggage reimbursement and purchase security Make sure you know which benefits your card offers and how they work so you can tap into them should the need arise
with some advance preparation and the right tools in place you donrsquot have to overspend on travel in fact with some careful planning you could end up with enough left to buy yourself a little something to remember the trip for more information about visa travelMoney visit wwwvisacomtravelmoney
Click To Listen While You Browse
South Carolinarsquos Internet
Powered By
(843)720-9604 InfoOnlysc
need an easy getaway FoR tHe Family Plan a budget-FRiendly tRiP to a national PaRk(ara) - american families have spoken the vacation is a top priority ninety-four percent of americans agreed that even in tough economic times family vacations are worth the money according to a recent survey by expediacom to keep the vacation affordable and easy think about introducing your family to the splendor of the national park system - where activities are abundant and costs are minimal
expediacom recently partnered with the national Park foundation to provide a permanent one-stop shop to help travelers plan and book vacations to americarsquos national parks
ldquothere are excellent values for traveling families right now and taking a trip to a national park is one of the best ways to stretch your vacation dollarsrdquo says lee woodruff author travel expert and mother of four
ldquofamilies are looking for ways to reconnect with each other and what better option for an affordable vacation than a national parkrdquo
here are five easy steps to plan the perfect national park getaway
1 get inspired ken burns recently debuted a six-part documentary series for Pbs titledldquothe national Parks americarsquos best ideardquo tune into Pbs or order a copy online to find inspiration and a detailed look at some of the most beautiful places in the world from acadia to the grand canyon and yosemite to the gates of the arctic in alaska
2 Pick the park with original content from the national Park foundation expediacomrsquos national park web site is the perfect resource for families to find the national park to fit their vacation needs
the site offers pre-set ldquolong weekendrdquo itineraries to start your planning you can also search through the ldquocanrsquot Miss national Parksrdquo section to learn about the parkrsquos location its natural features little-known facts including the best times to visit and activities to choose from in each area expediarsquos site also offers downloadable park maps to help you get your bearings
3 more ways to save take advantage of the public amenities that national parks offer like camping and picnic sites while there is a small entrance fee to the parks you can cut back on costs by bringing your own meals and treating the kids to lunch by a waterfall or overlooking the grand canyon also enjoy the free activities such as hiking biking and birding that the parks offer
4 book your hotel and rental car if camping isnrsquot your familyrsquos style consider any of the great lodges in and around the national park of your choice and if yoursquore planning to rent a car consider booking lodging and car together to substantially reduce the overall costs of your vacation
5 give back consider giving back to the national Park foundation by visiting the web site wwwnationalparksorg and donate or learn more about volunteer opportunities within americarsquos national parks helping out in these small ways ensures the parks will remain beautiful so your kids can bring their own children one day
ldquoPlanning the vacation is half of the fun so get every-one involved in the processrdquo says woodruff ldquothere are so many options in our national park system many of which have rich and amazing heritage so the whole family is going to enjoy something when you visitrdquo
bookmaRk youRFaVoRite Road
a bRieF HistoRyoF PaVed Roads
(ara) - Planes and trains may have their place in our society but for the dedicated traveler therersquos still nothing like getting in your car and taking a trip along americarsquos highways
half the fun of road trips in the minds of many is getting home and telling friends and family about the adventure - and the roads they traveled
in the past driversrsquo road stories were largely told by word of mouth to a few people at a time now drivers can tell their tales to millions via the internet favoriteroadcom is a new web site that features americarsquos favorite highways and byways
the site encourages you to post your favorite roads and explain why you like them simply log on to submit a photo and story of your favorite road use links posted on the site to share your road via popular social networks such as facebook and twitter your submission may even win a prize in contest giveaways
the past yearrsquos economic downturn has reintroduced the word ldquoinfrastructurerdquo to our vocabulary as a result of stimulus legislation passed in 2009 the federal government has allocated millions of dollars to specifically improve state roads and highways and with more affordable gasoline prices people are increasingly using americarsquos roads for leisure travel
by posting on favoriteroadcom yoursquore doing more than just ldquotelling a good storyrdquo your testimonials may help encourage lawmakers to push for increased infrastructure spending to keep america driving smoothly and safely for years to come
whatrsquos your favorite road log on and tell the world at favoriteroadcom
625 bc the babylonians are credited with the first recorded use of asphalt as a road building material the ancient greeks were also familiar with asphalt (the word comes from the greek ldquoasphaltosrdquo meaning ldquosecurerdquo)
1500s christopher columbus landed off the shores of trinidad in 1498 and discovered the famous asphalt lake which would later be used on the Pennsylvania avenue project in washington dc covering 54000 square yards
1800s Macadam roads became popular in the us for rural road construction during the 1830s and 40s belgian chemist edmund J desmedt laid the first true asphalt pavement in the us in newark nJ the cummer company opened the first central hot mix production facilities in the us the first asphalt patent was filed by nathan b abbott of brooklyn ny in 1871
1920s world war i ended and the use of the automo-bile was steadily rising but roads outside the city limits were frequently too muddy or dusty for travel to fix this problem road engineers used oils and asphalt
1940s-1950s the modern american turnpike is born after world war ii full scale automobile production resumed along with major levels of road maintenance and new highway construction by 1950 vehicle registration exceeded 40 million cars and 8 million trucks in 1956 President eisenhower signed the federal-aid highway act and launched the interstate system to create an infrastructure highway program -unmatched anywhere in the world
1970s a national move to conserve energy and materials initiated a widespread interest in recycling of pavement materials asphalt is now americarsquos most recycled product
1990s a traffic study by the world road association indicates that asphalt pavements are at least 4 decibels quieter than concrete pavements
2000s the us population has increased 23 percent since 1990 and the number of miles driven has risen by 41 percent only half of the nationrsquos major roads are in good condition based on an analysis of recent federal highway administration data
wandeRing Re-establisHes tHe oRiginal
HaRmony wHicH once existed between
man and tHe uniVeRse
business oR leisuRe dRiVing oR FlyingtRaVel saFely natuRally(ara) - weekend getaways shorter vacations and overnight business trips are great ways to save money and are becoming more prevalent according to the bureau of transportation taking a few simple and natural steps to stay safe and healthy while on the road can not only protect your travel investment butenhance your entire experience
ReFResHed and aleRt dRiVing diFFusion
a shorter thriftier trip is likely to be by car the inevitable rush to make the most of the limited time
away after a tiring work week can create fatigue so donrsquot make it a dangerous driving situation enliven your senses with essential oil scents
ditch the cardboard cutout car ldquofreshenerrdquo that hangs from the rearview mirror not only distracting these products are usually saturated with synthetic fragrance chemicals and probably arenrsquot the best thing to inhale while enclosed in your vehicle instead rely on a sleek essential oil diffuser that plugs into your automobilersquos phone charger power outlet these devices feature small paper fiber pads to which you can apply your own custom blend of essential oils allowing you to not only
scent the air inside the car but also to provide refreshing aromatherapy benefits to help keep you alert and focused on the road
a simpler alternative way to diffuse is to apply several drops of oil to a tissue and tuck it carefully into one of the vents in the dash
try these essential oils for the car Peppermint essential oil - refreshing awakening
uplifting eucalyptus essential oil - bracing purifying
protecting lemon essential oil - pleasant deodorizing
cheering
How clean is youR Hotel Room
overnight stays in less than posh hotel digs may be part of the money-saving travel trend even upscale hotels arenrsquot immune to dirt and germs or worse an apparent outbreak of bedbug infestations in the united states recently publicized by the environmental Protection agency
bedbugs aside there are always nagging doubts about just how clean a hotel room actually is has the shower or tub been scrubbed or merely wiped down is the toilet sanitized has the bedspread ever really been thoroughly cleaned fortunately there are ways to protect yourself after you check in but before you settle into your temporary overnight home
air and surface sanitizing spray feel good about travel with a bottle of homemade purifying aromatherapy solution that relies on pleasantly scented and highly effective essential oils rather than harsh chemical disinfectants the following spray will help you create a hygienic environment in your temporary hotel home apply it to tub vanity and toilet surfaces
ingredientsempty 12 to16 ounce spray bottle10 ounces water2 ounces isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or
vodka12 teaspoon tea tree essential oil
(antimicrobial)12 teaspoon lemon essential oil
(cleansing)12 teaspoon lavandin essential oil
(protecting)12 teaspoon sweet orange essential oil
(freshening)
directions combine all ingredients in the spray bottle shake and apply to a washcloth and wipe down the tvrsquos remote the clock radio the door handles and the faucethandles in the bathroom
Purifying and Relaxing linen mist here are some great tips for making a strange bed feel more like home take along your own pillow and replace the ones provided create your own linen mist and use it on your own bed at home then travel with the same blend taking a little bit of home with you when you arrive at your destination turn down the covers exchange the pillows and apply your signature scent to the bed
ingredientsempty 4 to 8 ounce spray bottle4 to 8 ounces water13 drops lavender essential oil
(relaxing calming)5 drops lavandin or spike lavender
essential oil (purifying protecting)
directionscombine the water and oil in the bottle shake the contents thoroughly just before application
remember to look for pure and natural essential oil brands like aura cacia that donrsquot include synthetic petrochemical fragrances for more information on how to enhance your life through aromatherapy visit wwwauracaciacom
PRePaRe youR VeHicle FoR a HuRRicane eVacuation(ara) - ana bill claudette - the first three atlantic ocean hurricanes of the season made headlines but not to the extent of katrina or ike of recent years and while these three hurricanes have come and gone who knows if - or when - grace or henry might pay a visit to your town
the 2009 hurricane season has an expected 90 percent chance of being a near-normal or below-normal season for the atlantic ocean according to the national oceanic and atmospheric administration this prediction - if accurate - will be welcomed with a sigh of relief by many residents in coastal towns after the above-normal year in 2008
but even if noaa is predicting a quiet year for hurricanes you can never be over prepared if you donrsquot have your emergency evacuation plan organized itrsquos time to make one no matter if yoursquore planning on traveling 100 miles or 1000 miles you need an evacuation plan as a representative of a gulf coast
company Maricela carter a health safety security environment coordinator with soPus has some tips on how to prepare your vehicle for potential evacuations
Plan eVacuation Routescheck newspapers online sites the local emergency broadcast radio station and local television stations for the latest information on official evacuation routes Purchase a good map with details on elevations waterways and county roads and familiarize yourself with the most efficient ways to get out of town
Pack an emeRgency kitautomobiles are susceptible to unexpected problems so keep an emergency kit in your trunk include jumper cables extra motor oil window washing brake and coolant fluids simple tools like an air pressure gauge screwdriver pliers and adjustable wrench a role of
paper towels a windup flashlight and a can of fix-a-flat in case you get a flat tire
fix-a-flat creates a temporary emergency seal on contact with the tire and inflates the tire between eight and 14 pounds per square inch so that the car can be driven to a gas station for proper repair of the tire this can help you to get back on the road and out of the hurricanersquos way quickly and easily
Fill uP tHe tankeveryone is going to need fuel in order to evacuate so plan to fill up your tank as soon as you hear a hurricane warning this helps to prevent sudden demands on the supply once your tank is full conserve the amount of gas you use for the next couple of days by combining your errands into one trip and not traveling during rush hour
cHeck tiRe PRessuRein order to help conserve fuel make sure your tires are at the manufacturerrsquos recommended pressure - usually printed on the driverrsquos door of your car keeping tires at the correct pressure can improve your gasoline mileage by 33 percent according to fueleconomygov which means yoursquoll be able to travel further when evacuating
use PRoPeR FluidsMake sure you follow all the manufacturer recommendations for motor oil which can also improve your gasoline mileage by 1 or 2 percent according to fuelecomonygov one helpful hint is to look for oil that has an ldquoenergy conservingrdquo label by the american Petroleum institution to ensure it contains friction-reducing additives
it is not down inany maP tRue PlacesneVeR aRe
diRect dePosit oF social secuRity is easieR FoR winteR tRaVeleRs(ara) - as cold weather sets in thousands of retirees are making plans for a winter getaway if yoursquore one of them switch to direct deposit for your social security payments before you leave - itrsquos the safest easiest way to receive your money
ldquoeach year the us department of the treasury receives more than 14 million inquiries regarding paper check-related problemsrdquo says david a lebryk commissioner of the treasury departmentrsquos financial Management service
yet approximately 105 million americans continue to receive their social security and supplemental security income (ssi) payments by paper check each month the treasury departmentrsquos go direct (r) campaign encourages senior citizens and people with disabilities to switch to direct deposit
incReased saFety conVenience and Reliability
ldquowhen therersquos a problem with a social security payment nine times out of 10 itrsquos with a paper check not a direct deposit paymentrdquo says lebryk
Paper checks can be vulnerable to financial crimes like theft and fraud in fact the treasury department investigates more than 70000 cases of altered or fraudulently endorsed checks each year totaling $64 million in estimated value
ldquoin 2008 alone more than 485000 social security and ssi checks were reported lost or stolen and had to be reissuedrdquo says lebryk
direct deposit is also more convenient and reliable there is no more waiting for a check to arrive in the mail and there are no more worries about delivery delays due to severe weather localemergencies and other check related problems last year alone severe weather events forced alternative delivery arrangements for millions of social security and ssi paper checks
ldquoswitching to direct deposit for federal benefits is such an easy way
for people to safeguard their money es-pecially when traveling for extended pe-riods of timerdquo says lebryk ldquoyour money is deposited to your account on payment day so therersquos no need to worry
about delivery delays or a check sitting in your mailbox while yoursquore gonerdquo
PRePaid debit caRd oPtion
in addition to direct deposit the treasury department recommends the direct express (r) debit Mastercard (r) card as an alternative to paper checks for people without bank accounts
More than half a million americans signed up for the optional direct express (r) card in its first year of availability according to the treasury department a recent survey of cardholders finds that 95 percent say they are satisfied with the prepaid debit card and 86 percent say they would recommend it to family members or friends who receive a federal benefit payment
with the direct express card cardholders can make purchases pay bills and get cash at thousands of locations nationwide sign-up is free and no bank account is required while most services are free there are fees for a limited number of optional transactions and services
making tHe switcH is easy
it is easy to make the switch to electronic payments for federal benefits to sign up for direct deposit call the treasury departmentrsquos go direct campaign helpline at 1-800-333-1795 or visit wwwgodirectorg to sign up for the treasury-recommended direct express card or to learn more about the cardrsquos features and fees call 1-877-212-9991 or visit wwwusdirectexpresscom
the preceding information has been provided by the us department of the treasury financial Management service
the go direct (r) campaign is sponsored by the us department of the treasury and the federal reserve banks the direct express (r) debit Mastercard (r) card is issued by comerica bank pursuant to a license by Mastercard international incorporated Mastercard (r) and the Mastercard (r) brand Mark are registered trademarks of Mastercard international incorporated the go direct(r) logo direct express (r) logo and direct express (r) are service marks of the us department of the treasury financial Management service
biZaRRe tRaVel Plans aRe dancing lessons FRom god
time to ReFinance oR buy
right now mortgage rates are at their lowest level since 1971 think about that twenty-five years ago homeowners were paying as much as 18 on a 30-year fixed today itrsquos just a little over 5combine that rate with the tax advantages
of a mortgage and you have an incredibly cheap way to build wealth but you better act now
real estate guru barbara corcoran has already seen a tremendous surge in refinance applications ndash more than triple the average ndash and the number of people getting approved is astronomically higher as well she says but that doesnrsquot mean the low rates are a panacea for the ills of the housing market it is only once home prices start to go up that we will finally see a light at the end of tunnel corcoran says until that happens we are still going to have to crawl out of this mess ldquo[low interest rates are] not a lifesaverrdquo corcoran says ldquothis is just a helping handrdquo
david kittle chairman of the Mortgage bankers association has this advice to homeowners looking to refinance do it donrsquot get greedy searching for another quarter-point lock in rates now he is seeing applications soar over 125 just since thanksgiving due to the low rates
of course you should only refinance if it saves you at least 38 on the rate and if you plan on staying in your home for at least four years kittle says along with good credit proof of income and money by means of a down payment or equity in the home there are certain things every homeowner needs regardless of interest rate levels
easy-to-do maintenance HelPs extend VeHicle liFe(ara) - after their homes most americansrsquo largest financial investment is their vehicle so helping it stay in good working order for as long as possible is a high priority in fact the average age of a passenger car in north america has grown to more than nine years according to rl Polk and co which indicates that motorists are looking for ways to help extend the life of their vehicle
even so todayrsquos tight budgets leave some motorists reluctant to spend on services or maintenance that they think can be delayed at least for the short term however compared to the cost of engine repair spending a little today on the right maintenance routine performed by trusted service technicians using quality products makes sense Mark ferner Pennzoil technical specialist and ase-certified master mechanic offers some simple cost-effective tips for helping to protect the performance and longevity of your vehicle
replace dirty air filters a dirty air filter will restrict airflow to the engine which may reduce power output if the filter fails it will allow unfiltered air into the engine which can be abrasive inside an engine to avoid these issues and help promote long engine life check your enginersquos air filter regularly and change it when it is dirty
use HigH-quality Fuelseveral automotive manufacturers (bMw gM honda toyota volkswagen and audi) have published technical service bulletins recommending the use of top-tier fuel top-tier fuel contains more additives than is required by the industryrsquos lowest additive content (lac) treat rate regular use of fuel that only meets lac requirements may cause deposits to form on engine intake valves and fuel injectors
cHange youR oilregular oil changes are one of the most important steps to maximize the life of a vehicle oil change in-tervals vary by vehicle and driving conditions so follow the interval and oil specifications found in the ownerrsquos manual
also be sure to use quality motor oils in your vehicle Properly functioning motor oils help prevent sludge and neutralize and disperse harmful deposits and using the recommended viscosity grade of motor oil may also help enhance fuel economy if you are having the oil changed for you ask for quality oils by name Quality motor oil will maintain its effectiveness throughout the oil change interval allowing it to help keep the engine clean
as a bonus some motor oil brands offer lubrication warranties at no additional cost for example the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranty Programs protect qualified engines for 300000 miles whether their owners use conventional synthetic-blend or full synthetic motor oils meeting their vehiclesrsquo requirements Participants can enroll online and maintaining eligibility is easy simply get an oil change with the specified brand change the filter perform regular maintenance and keep the service receipts
to learn more about the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranties visit either wwwPennzoilcom or wwwQuakerstatecom or speak with an automotive professional at a participating automotive dealership or oil change facility that features Pennzoil or Quaker state products
PeoPle donrsquot take tRiPs tRiPs take PeoPle
Fin
al
wo
Rd
s
a vacation is what you take when you can no longer take what yoursquove been taking
eaRl wilson
- 1-12-2010pdf
Reconnect with Nature plan a trip to a National Park
Reconnect with Nature plan a trip to a National Park
(ARA) - Considered ldquoAmericarsquos best ideardquo national parks provide travelers preserved views of natural wonder as far as the eye can see An American invention they give us a unique backyard vacation oasis where postcard views meet real life-altering experiences And itrsquos this beauty exploration and enrichment combined with the accessibility of national parks that make them a popular vacation choice
According to the National Park Service trips to national parks are on the rise Tour operators offering guided visits through Americarsquos parks agree
ldquoBookings on our North American National Park tours have witnessed an increase of 180 percent in the last yearrdquo says Scott Nisbet president and CEO for the Globus family of brands ldquoNational parks are idyllic vacation lsquohot spotsrsquo perfect for relaxation and introspection wildlife exploration or adventure depending on the traveler and his or her interestsrdquo
A wide range of experiences can be had at national parks including everything from snorkeling rafting and hiking to learning about the environment geology and wildlife They also provide a perfect retreat for those hoping to reconnect with themselves or nature
And itrsquos the diversity of experiences national parks offer travelers that can make booking a national park vacation seem overwhelming Use these tips from Globus to simplify the process and book the perfect getaway for 2010
Choose the right park destinationFrom the east to west coasts Alaska to Hawaii America has more than 50 national parks to explore Do your research to choose a park that has what yoursquore looking for For instance if yoursquore interested in an abundance of hoodoos and canyons Bryce Canyon National Park might be the right fit Or if you want a vacation filled with bird watching or
boating the Everglades National Park could be a great choice
Go rustic or go luxuryLodging is an important consideration for any vacation Some travelers prefer to experience the outdoor beauty of the parks 24 hours a day and choose to camp Others want to escape to the more modern conveniences provided by nearby hotels cabins and lodges Decide what experience best suits you or your family - and decide early Spots (camping or lodging) fill up quickly especially during peak seasons
On your own or with a guideSome travelers prefer to hike or road trip through national parks while others are interested in a more insightful and pre-planned journey While maps are available for nearly every park guided tours have become a popular option for travelers and are often offered as part of a packaged tour vacation including accommodations
ldquoOur national park-focused tours offer an inclusive-style of travel with incomparable exploration and enrichment opportunitiesrdquo says Nisbet ldquoWith a wide range of national park destinations hotels and price points
coupled with unparalleled service and storytelling we create experiences for travelers they couldnrsquot produce on their ownrdquo
For more information or assistance planning your national park vacation visit wwwus-parkscom wwwnpsgov or wwwglobusjourneyscom Or call your travel agent or the Globus family of brands toll-free at (866) 313-2855
Looking For Your Chance To Win
Check Out Radioscrsquos Contest
South Carolinarsquos Internet
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Win a $100 Shopping Spree
Win Tickets To Events amp Concerts
Win Free Ice Skating For
The Family
Win Tickets To Medieval
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Win Stingrays Hockey
Tickets
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Check wwwRadiosc for weekly House of Blues ticket giveaways
Win 4 tickets for ice skating and skate rentals at Carolina Ice Palace
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You could win tickets to a Stingraysrsquo Home Game
Each week you have a chance to win an Applebeersquos gift card worth up to $2500
cHaRlestonrsquos oFFice oF cultuRal aFFaiRslauncHes wwwcHaRlestonaRtssc as tHieR new aRts web sitefrom charleston currents
the city of charlestonrsquos office of cultural affairs has launched httpwwwcharlestonartssc a companion web site to the ocarsquos primary page at the cityrsquos official site charlestonartssc will be updated daily with information and features including an arts calendar that users can search by date artist presenting group or venue social networking widgets and a directory of local arts and cultural organizations and venues
ldquowe are hopeful that charlestonartssc will be a major benefit to local artists and arts organizations by disseminating information about their events with the most up-to-date information to a broader publicrdquo said ellen dressler Moryl director of the office of cultural affairs
other options for users at charlestonartssc include the following
bull Arts organizations can download forms from the Office of Cultural Affairs submit events update contact information and compare performance dates with other area organizations
bull The Tools for Professional section of the Web site features job listings for arts professionals including full time and part time work as well as internships and volunteer opportunities with arts and cultural organizations in the tri-county area
bull Updated grant opportunities for arts organizations with detailed information including deadlines application and contact information
bull Call for Submissions and Call for Auditions pages with details about the location deadlines fees andadditional requirements
the new web site also hosts connecting pages for general information on the office of cultural affairs and its projects the charleston farmers Market the city gallery at waterfront Park holiday Magic happy new year charleston the holiday Parade of boats the lowcountry Quarterly arts grant Program Piccolo spoleto and the MoJa arts festival
the web site was developed and is being hosted by carolina Media services ( wwwonlysc)
a RetiRement HometHat HelPs Pay FoR itselF(ara) - with todayrsquos record low real estate prices and at-tractive mortgage rates now may be a good time to think about investing in a second home that ultimately can be used as your permanent residence upon retirement by taking a ldquobuy-and-rentrdquo approach before yoursquore ready to retire your new home will actually have partly paid for itself by the time yoursquore ready to move into it
ldquobuying and renting out a second home as a vacation rental property until yoursquore ready to move in upon retirement can significantly help offset the cost of ownershiprdquo says brian sharples ceo of homeaway the worldrsquos leading online vacation rental marketplace ldquothe income stream in addition to tax write-offs for maintenance and repairs make this an attractive strategy for many people nearing retirementrdquo
according to homeaway the average second-home owner rents out their property to travelers 17 weeks a year generating more than $28000 in rental income annually and the demand for vacation rentals among travelers is growing which is good news for second-home owners in fact 87 percent of travelers who looked into a vacation rental in the past say they plan to stay in a vacation rental in 2010 - a significant increase from the 67 percent who stayed in a vacation rental in 2009
to generate income from a second home prior to moving into it when you retire sharples suggests consumers take the following steps
location and maRket Potentialcarefully review the markets where you want to retire and before you buy consider the areas where consumer demand for vacation rentals is high but inventory is low for example atlantic city nJ sunny isles beach fla hampton beach nh dauphin island ala and Mount Pocono Pa were among some of the most underserved markets for vacation rental properties in 2009 according to homeaway
FactoR in tax wRite-oFFstalk to an accountant about the tax advantages of owning and renting out a second home expenses such as insurance utilities home maintenance and depreciation can be deducted depending on how often you rent out the property and how many weeks you personally stay there each year
adVeRtise to attRact RenteRs when yoursquore ready to rent out the property be sure to market the availability of the vacation rental to travelers by listing it on sites like homeawaycom or vrbocom which reach millions of travelers each month a 12-month listing costs $329 - or less than $28 per month - on homeawaycom so the advertising pays for itself with your first booking - and the rest is pure rental income
stay comPetitiVe amp netwoRk witH owneRs check out other similar vacation rentals in the area to determine what rates theyrsquore charging travelers and price your home at a competitiverate to help drive bookings also be sure to talk with other owners to get their tips and advice for maximizing a second home investment
for more information on buying a second home and effective strategies for maximizing rental income check out homeawayrsquos online community for vacation rental owners at ownercommunityhomeawaycom
tiPs to successFully get youwHeRe you need to be - Fast(ara) - do you ever get a headache just thinking about navigating the streets of an unfamiliar city have you ever booked a hotel in a less-than-great part of town or been late to an appointment because you canrsquot find a parking garage
even the savviest of travelers who can find their way around a city with their eyes closed run into travel snafus sending their blood pressure through the roof navigating the streets of a new city can be one of the most stressful parts of booking and taking a trip whether itrsquos for business or leisure
so you finally landed and yoursquore on your way to the hotel that you booked in the heart of the city everything is going just as you planned not so fast somehow you find yourself nowhere near the bright city lights and in a hotel on the outskirts of town where you wouldnrsquot even venture out for a cup of Joe
sound familiar well yoursquore not alone - more than half of travelers say theyrsquove experienced this very nightmare according to a recent bing survey
while finding decent lodging can be difficult sometimes even thinking about how to get around a city can strike fear into the hearts of business and leisure travelers alike so which city gets travelers hearts racing when just thinking about how to get around unsurprisingly for anyone who has ever visited either new york or los angeles (even just once) both cities topped bingrsquos survey as the worst cities to navigate More than 40 percent said ldquothe heck with driving irsquom getting a taxirdquo when visiting the big apple and a quarter said that the concrete jungle otherwise known as los angeles is too wild for them
so how can you ensure you know enough about a city to get around like you were a local book a decent hotel check out a local concert or find a local hot spot to grab a bite to eat well the folks at bing have a few tips to make your next adventure stress-free
Pay attention to ReViews Most online booking sites offer reviews from other guests who have stayed at the hotel that yoursquore considering while you may be inclined to take the overly positive reviews with a grain of salt itrsquos best to steer clear if a hotel receives consistent negative customer reviews
study uPcheck out the local convention center visitorsrsquo bureau or chamber of commerce web sites to learn more about the city and its surrounding neighborhoods this will help give you a better idea of whatrsquos near your destination and the neighborhoods that surround it
RemembeRyou get wHat you Pay FoRif yoursquore paying a two-star rate donrsquot expect to get four- or five-star accommodations and a mint on your pillow a cheaper rate rarely buys you luxury but you should still be able to score a clean safe room that provides for your basic needs
HoP onlineuse online resources like bing Mapsrsquo new streetside experience a three-dimensional mapping tool Just log on to bing Maps where you can zoom in from satellite level to birdrsquos eye view and even down to street level for 56 major us metro areas
now you can virtually walk the streets of your next adventure with actual 360-degree footage of the area not only can you tell if a hotel is in a good neighborhood yoursquoll be able to see if therersquos a wifi coffee shop nearby where you can sync up your computer before your next meeting or scope out any traffic jams before you head out and you can even find the nearest parking garage so yoursquore never late again to your lunch date - unlike the more than 40 percent of bing survey respondents who were fashionably late because they couldnrsquot find a parking spot
ldquobooking a hotel room on the internet can be a risky proposition if you canrsquot see the room hotel or area itrsquos in before you bookrdquo says blaise aguera y arcas architect of bing Maps and Msn at Microsoft ldquobut technology like streetside is making it possible to scope out a neighborhood - and ensure itrsquos one you want to stay in - without ever having to leave the comfort of your computer chairrdquo in fact the bing survey found that nearly a quarter of travelers rated finding a decent hotel as the most frustrating part of planning their trip
Plus stay up-to-date on the best places to check out on your next trip by using bingrsquos twitter mapping app now you can get real-time information about an area - such as seeing the latest tweets for the local shopping mall before you even go there or even updates about local events and breaking news
log onto bing Maps where you can plan your next trip whether itrsquos a far away city or even your own town now you can be a travel guru no matter where you are
setting and stickingto youR tRaVel budget(ara) - travel can be one of the biggest-ticket items you invest in each year so itrsquos worth it to plan ahead
setting a budget - and sticking to it - can help you stay in better control of spending according to a recent visa survey a majority (54 percent) of last yearrsquos summer travelers either didnrsquot set a budget oroverspent their budget while traveling and more than a quarter of those surveyed overspent by more than $250 to make sure this doesnrsquot happen to you itrsquos important to create a realistic travel budget and make a plan for how you will spend within your means while on the road
to create a budget think through your trip first include the basics such as transportation to and from your destination and lodging next plan for expenses that come up along the way such as meals on the road
hosthostess gifts rental cars or public transportation donrsquot forget to include entertainment - whether sightseeing or going to the movies itrsquos also a good idea to build in a cushion for the unexpected
once yoursquove set your travel budget you need to stick to it one tool that can help is a prepaid travel card a prepaid card draws from funds that are set aside in advance for purchases here are a few ways prepaid travel cards can come in handy
keeP tRaVel Funds sePaRate an easy way to make sure you donrsquot go over budget is to set your travel budget aside on a prepaid travel card simply load the card with your travel budget and use it for everything from online booking to grabbing lunch during an (unexpectedly extended) layover without worrying about spending more than you planned or dipping into gift-buying funds
access casHwhether you need a few dollars or several yen choose a prepaid card that will allow you to withdraw cash from atMs around the world if yoursquore traveling internationally itrsquoll also save you the hassle of tracking down and waiting in line for local currency
bRowse and buy look for a prepaid card that you can use online travel sites offer a wealth of information and detailed listings of competing offers from airlines and hotels as well as reviews from fellow travelers for flights you can typically compare possible savings by traveling on al-ternate days or from nearby airports once you spot the deal that works for your budget use your prepaid travel card to snap it up
enJoy Peace oF mind wHen tRaVeling Prepaid cards may come with travel-related services for example the visa travelMoney card offers zero liability for lost or stolen cards as well as lost luggage reimbursement and purchase security Make sure you know which benefits your card offers and how they work so you can tap into them should the need arise
with some advance preparation and the right tools in place you donrsquot have to overspend on travel in fact with some careful planning you could end up with enough left to buy yourself a little something to remember the trip for more information about visa travelMoney visit wwwvisacomtravelmoney
Click To Listen While You Browse
South Carolinarsquos Internet
Powered By
(843)720-9604 InfoOnlysc
need an easy getaway FoR tHe Family Plan a budget-FRiendly tRiP to a national PaRk(ara) - american families have spoken the vacation is a top priority ninety-four percent of americans agreed that even in tough economic times family vacations are worth the money according to a recent survey by expediacom to keep the vacation affordable and easy think about introducing your family to the splendor of the national park system - where activities are abundant and costs are minimal
expediacom recently partnered with the national Park foundation to provide a permanent one-stop shop to help travelers plan and book vacations to americarsquos national parks
ldquothere are excellent values for traveling families right now and taking a trip to a national park is one of the best ways to stretch your vacation dollarsrdquo says lee woodruff author travel expert and mother of four
ldquofamilies are looking for ways to reconnect with each other and what better option for an affordable vacation than a national parkrdquo
here are five easy steps to plan the perfect national park getaway
1 get inspired ken burns recently debuted a six-part documentary series for Pbs titledldquothe national Parks americarsquos best ideardquo tune into Pbs or order a copy online to find inspiration and a detailed look at some of the most beautiful places in the world from acadia to the grand canyon and yosemite to the gates of the arctic in alaska
2 Pick the park with original content from the national Park foundation expediacomrsquos national park web site is the perfect resource for families to find the national park to fit their vacation needs
the site offers pre-set ldquolong weekendrdquo itineraries to start your planning you can also search through the ldquocanrsquot Miss national Parksrdquo section to learn about the parkrsquos location its natural features little-known facts including the best times to visit and activities to choose from in each area expediarsquos site also offers downloadable park maps to help you get your bearings
3 more ways to save take advantage of the public amenities that national parks offer like camping and picnic sites while there is a small entrance fee to the parks you can cut back on costs by bringing your own meals and treating the kids to lunch by a waterfall or overlooking the grand canyon also enjoy the free activities such as hiking biking and birding that the parks offer
4 book your hotel and rental car if camping isnrsquot your familyrsquos style consider any of the great lodges in and around the national park of your choice and if yoursquore planning to rent a car consider booking lodging and car together to substantially reduce the overall costs of your vacation
5 give back consider giving back to the national Park foundation by visiting the web site wwwnationalparksorg and donate or learn more about volunteer opportunities within americarsquos national parks helping out in these small ways ensures the parks will remain beautiful so your kids can bring their own children one day
ldquoPlanning the vacation is half of the fun so get every-one involved in the processrdquo says woodruff ldquothere are so many options in our national park system many of which have rich and amazing heritage so the whole family is going to enjoy something when you visitrdquo
bookmaRk youRFaVoRite Road
a bRieF HistoRyoF PaVed Roads
(ara) - Planes and trains may have their place in our society but for the dedicated traveler therersquos still nothing like getting in your car and taking a trip along americarsquos highways
half the fun of road trips in the minds of many is getting home and telling friends and family about the adventure - and the roads they traveled
in the past driversrsquo road stories were largely told by word of mouth to a few people at a time now drivers can tell their tales to millions via the internet favoriteroadcom is a new web site that features americarsquos favorite highways and byways
the site encourages you to post your favorite roads and explain why you like them simply log on to submit a photo and story of your favorite road use links posted on the site to share your road via popular social networks such as facebook and twitter your submission may even win a prize in contest giveaways
the past yearrsquos economic downturn has reintroduced the word ldquoinfrastructurerdquo to our vocabulary as a result of stimulus legislation passed in 2009 the federal government has allocated millions of dollars to specifically improve state roads and highways and with more affordable gasoline prices people are increasingly using americarsquos roads for leisure travel
by posting on favoriteroadcom yoursquore doing more than just ldquotelling a good storyrdquo your testimonials may help encourage lawmakers to push for increased infrastructure spending to keep america driving smoothly and safely for years to come
whatrsquos your favorite road log on and tell the world at favoriteroadcom
625 bc the babylonians are credited with the first recorded use of asphalt as a road building material the ancient greeks were also familiar with asphalt (the word comes from the greek ldquoasphaltosrdquo meaning ldquosecurerdquo)
1500s christopher columbus landed off the shores of trinidad in 1498 and discovered the famous asphalt lake which would later be used on the Pennsylvania avenue project in washington dc covering 54000 square yards
1800s Macadam roads became popular in the us for rural road construction during the 1830s and 40s belgian chemist edmund J desmedt laid the first true asphalt pavement in the us in newark nJ the cummer company opened the first central hot mix production facilities in the us the first asphalt patent was filed by nathan b abbott of brooklyn ny in 1871
1920s world war i ended and the use of the automo-bile was steadily rising but roads outside the city limits were frequently too muddy or dusty for travel to fix this problem road engineers used oils and asphalt
1940s-1950s the modern american turnpike is born after world war ii full scale automobile production resumed along with major levels of road maintenance and new highway construction by 1950 vehicle registration exceeded 40 million cars and 8 million trucks in 1956 President eisenhower signed the federal-aid highway act and launched the interstate system to create an infrastructure highway program -unmatched anywhere in the world
1970s a national move to conserve energy and materials initiated a widespread interest in recycling of pavement materials asphalt is now americarsquos most recycled product
1990s a traffic study by the world road association indicates that asphalt pavements are at least 4 decibels quieter than concrete pavements
2000s the us population has increased 23 percent since 1990 and the number of miles driven has risen by 41 percent only half of the nationrsquos major roads are in good condition based on an analysis of recent federal highway administration data
wandeRing Re-establisHes tHe oRiginal
HaRmony wHicH once existed between
man and tHe uniVeRse
business oR leisuRe dRiVing oR FlyingtRaVel saFely natuRally(ara) - weekend getaways shorter vacations and overnight business trips are great ways to save money and are becoming more prevalent according to the bureau of transportation taking a few simple and natural steps to stay safe and healthy while on the road can not only protect your travel investment butenhance your entire experience
ReFResHed and aleRt dRiVing diFFusion
a shorter thriftier trip is likely to be by car the inevitable rush to make the most of the limited time
away after a tiring work week can create fatigue so donrsquot make it a dangerous driving situation enliven your senses with essential oil scents
ditch the cardboard cutout car ldquofreshenerrdquo that hangs from the rearview mirror not only distracting these products are usually saturated with synthetic fragrance chemicals and probably arenrsquot the best thing to inhale while enclosed in your vehicle instead rely on a sleek essential oil diffuser that plugs into your automobilersquos phone charger power outlet these devices feature small paper fiber pads to which you can apply your own custom blend of essential oils allowing you to not only
scent the air inside the car but also to provide refreshing aromatherapy benefits to help keep you alert and focused on the road
a simpler alternative way to diffuse is to apply several drops of oil to a tissue and tuck it carefully into one of the vents in the dash
try these essential oils for the car Peppermint essential oil - refreshing awakening
uplifting eucalyptus essential oil - bracing purifying
protecting lemon essential oil - pleasant deodorizing
cheering
How clean is youR Hotel Room
overnight stays in less than posh hotel digs may be part of the money-saving travel trend even upscale hotels arenrsquot immune to dirt and germs or worse an apparent outbreak of bedbug infestations in the united states recently publicized by the environmental Protection agency
bedbugs aside there are always nagging doubts about just how clean a hotel room actually is has the shower or tub been scrubbed or merely wiped down is the toilet sanitized has the bedspread ever really been thoroughly cleaned fortunately there are ways to protect yourself after you check in but before you settle into your temporary overnight home
air and surface sanitizing spray feel good about travel with a bottle of homemade purifying aromatherapy solution that relies on pleasantly scented and highly effective essential oils rather than harsh chemical disinfectants the following spray will help you create a hygienic environment in your temporary hotel home apply it to tub vanity and toilet surfaces
ingredientsempty 12 to16 ounce spray bottle10 ounces water2 ounces isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or
vodka12 teaspoon tea tree essential oil
(antimicrobial)12 teaspoon lemon essential oil
(cleansing)12 teaspoon lavandin essential oil
(protecting)12 teaspoon sweet orange essential oil
(freshening)
directions combine all ingredients in the spray bottle shake and apply to a washcloth and wipe down the tvrsquos remote the clock radio the door handles and the faucethandles in the bathroom
Purifying and Relaxing linen mist here are some great tips for making a strange bed feel more like home take along your own pillow and replace the ones provided create your own linen mist and use it on your own bed at home then travel with the same blend taking a little bit of home with you when you arrive at your destination turn down the covers exchange the pillows and apply your signature scent to the bed
ingredientsempty 4 to 8 ounce spray bottle4 to 8 ounces water13 drops lavender essential oil
(relaxing calming)5 drops lavandin or spike lavender
essential oil (purifying protecting)
directionscombine the water and oil in the bottle shake the contents thoroughly just before application
remember to look for pure and natural essential oil brands like aura cacia that donrsquot include synthetic petrochemical fragrances for more information on how to enhance your life through aromatherapy visit wwwauracaciacom
PRePaRe youR VeHicle FoR a HuRRicane eVacuation(ara) - ana bill claudette - the first three atlantic ocean hurricanes of the season made headlines but not to the extent of katrina or ike of recent years and while these three hurricanes have come and gone who knows if - or when - grace or henry might pay a visit to your town
the 2009 hurricane season has an expected 90 percent chance of being a near-normal or below-normal season for the atlantic ocean according to the national oceanic and atmospheric administration this prediction - if accurate - will be welcomed with a sigh of relief by many residents in coastal towns after the above-normal year in 2008
but even if noaa is predicting a quiet year for hurricanes you can never be over prepared if you donrsquot have your emergency evacuation plan organized itrsquos time to make one no matter if yoursquore planning on traveling 100 miles or 1000 miles you need an evacuation plan as a representative of a gulf coast
company Maricela carter a health safety security environment coordinator with soPus has some tips on how to prepare your vehicle for potential evacuations
Plan eVacuation Routescheck newspapers online sites the local emergency broadcast radio station and local television stations for the latest information on official evacuation routes Purchase a good map with details on elevations waterways and county roads and familiarize yourself with the most efficient ways to get out of town
Pack an emeRgency kitautomobiles are susceptible to unexpected problems so keep an emergency kit in your trunk include jumper cables extra motor oil window washing brake and coolant fluids simple tools like an air pressure gauge screwdriver pliers and adjustable wrench a role of
paper towels a windup flashlight and a can of fix-a-flat in case you get a flat tire
fix-a-flat creates a temporary emergency seal on contact with the tire and inflates the tire between eight and 14 pounds per square inch so that the car can be driven to a gas station for proper repair of the tire this can help you to get back on the road and out of the hurricanersquos way quickly and easily
Fill uP tHe tankeveryone is going to need fuel in order to evacuate so plan to fill up your tank as soon as you hear a hurricane warning this helps to prevent sudden demands on the supply once your tank is full conserve the amount of gas you use for the next couple of days by combining your errands into one trip and not traveling during rush hour
cHeck tiRe PRessuRein order to help conserve fuel make sure your tires are at the manufacturerrsquos recommended pressure - usually printed on the driverrsquos door of your car keeping tires at the correct pressure can improve your gasoline mileage by 33 percent according to fueleconomygov which means yoursquoll be able to travel further when evacuating
use PRoPeR FluidsMake sure you follow all the manufacturer recommendations for motor oil which can also improve your gasoline mileage by 1 or 2 percent according to fuelecomonygov one helpful hint is to look for oil that has an ldquoenergy conservingrdquo label by the american Petroleum institution to ensure it contains friction-reducing additives
it is not down inany maP tRue PlacesneVeR aRe
diRect dePosit oF social secuRity is easieR FoR winteR tRaVeleRs(ara) - as cold weather sets in thousands of retirees are making plans for a winter getaway if yoursquore one of them switch to direct deposit for your social security payments before you leave - itrsquos the safest easiest way to receive your money
ldquoeach year the us department of the treasury receives more than 14 million inquiries regarding paper check-related problemsrdquo says david a lebryk commissioner of the treasury departmentrsquos financial Management service
yet approximately 105 million americans continue to receive their social security and supplemental security income (ssi) payments by paper check each month the treasury departmentrsquos go direct (r) campaign encourages senior citizens and people with disabilities to switch to direct deposit
incReased saFety conVenience and Reliability
ldquowhen therersquos a problem with a social security payment nine times out of 10 itrsquos with a paper check not a direct deposit paymentrdquo says lebryk
Paper checks can be vulnerable to financial crimes like theft and fraud in fact the treasury department investigates more than 70000 cases of altered or fraudulently endorsed checks each year totaling $64 million in estimated value
ldquoin 2008 alone more than 485000 social security and ssi checks were reported lost or stolen and had to be reissuedrdquo says lebryk
direct deposit is also more convenient and reliable there is no more waiting for a check to arrive in the mail and there are no more worries about delivery delays due to severe weather localemergencies and other check related problems last year alone severe weather events forced alternative delivery arrangements for millions of social security and ssi paper checks
ldquoswitching to direct deposit for federal benefits is such an easy way
for people to safeguard their money es-pecially when traveling for extended pe-riods of timerdquo says lebryk ldquoyour money is deposited to your account on payment day so therersquos no need to worry
about delivery delays or a check sitting in your mailbox while yoursquore gonerdquo
PRePaid debit caRd oPtion
in addition to direct deposit the treasury department recommends the direct express (r) debit Mastercard (r) card as an alternative to paper checks for people without bank accounts
More than half a million americans signed up for the optional direct express (r) card in its first year of availability according to the treasury department a recent survey of cardholders finds that 95 percent say they are satisfied with the prepaid debit card and 86 percent say they would recommend it to family members or friends who receive a federal benefit payment
with the direct express card cardholders can make purchases pay bills and get cash at thousands of locations nationwide sign-up is free and no bank account is required while most services are free there are fees for a limited number of optional transactions and services
making tHe switcH is easy
it is easy to make the switch to electronic payments for federal benefits to sign up for direct deposit call the treasury departmentrsquos go direct campaign helpline at 1-800-333-1795 or visit wwwgodirectorg to sign up for the treasury-recommended direct express card or to learn more about the cardrsquos features and fees call 1-877-212-9991 or visit wwwusdirectexpresscom
the preceding information has been provided by the us department of the treasury financial Management service
the go direct (r) campaign is sponsored by the us department of the treasury and the federal reserve banks the direct express (r) debit Mastercard (r) card is issued by comerica bank pursuant to a license by Mastercard international incorporated Mastercard (r) and the Mastercard (r) brand Mark are registered trademarks of Mastercard international incorporated the go direct(r) logo direct express (r) logo and direct express (r) are service marks of the us department of the treasury financial Management service
biZaRRe tRaVel Plans aRe dancing lessons FRom god
time to ReFinance oR buy
right now mortgage rates are at their lowest level since 1971 think about that twenty-five years ago homeowners were paying as much as 18 on a 30-year fixed today itrsquos just a little over 5combine that rate with the tax advantages
of a mortgage and you have an incredibly cheap way to build wealth but you better act now
real estate guru barbara corcoran has already seen a tremendous surge in refinance applications ndash more than triple the average ndash and the number of people getting approved is astronomically higher as well she says but that doesnrsquot mean the low rates are a panacea for the ills of the housing market it is only once home prices start to go up that we will finally see a light at the end of tunnel corcoran says until that happens we are still going to have to crawl out of this mess ldquo[low interest rates are] not a lifesaverrdquo corcoran says ldquothis is just a helping handrdquo
david kittle chairman of the Mortgage bankers association has this advice to homeowners looking to refinance do it donrsquot get greedy searching for another quarter-point lock in rates now he is seeing applications soar over 125 just since thanksgiving due to the low rates
of course you should only refinance if it saves you at least 38 on the rate and if you plan on staying in your home for at least four years kittle says along with good credit proof of income and money by means of a down payment or equity in the home there are certain things every homeowner needs regardless of interest rate levels
easy-to-do maintenance HelPs extend VeHicle liFe(ara) - after their homes most americansrsquo largest financial investment is their vehicle so helping it stay in good working order for as long as possible is a high priority in fact the average age of a passenger car in north america has grown to more than nine years according to rl Polk and co which indicates that motorists are looking for ways to help extend the life of their vehicle
even so todayrsquos tight budgets leave some motorists reluctant to spend on services or maintenance that they think can be delayed at least for the short term however compared to the cost of engine repair spending a little today on the right maintenance routine performed by trusted service technicians using quality products makes sense Mark ferner Pennzoil technical specialist and ase-certified master mechanic offers some simple cost-effective tips for helping to protect the performance and longevity of your vehicle
replace dirty air filters a dirty air filter will restrict airflow to the engine which may reduce power output if the filter fails it will allow unfiltered air into the engine which can be abrasive inside an engine to avoid these issues and help promote long engine life check your enginersquos air filter regularly and change it when it is dirty
use HigH-quality Fuelseveral automotive manufacturers (bMw gM honda toyota volkswagen and audi) have published technical service bulletins recommending the use of top-tier fuel top-tier fuel contains more additives than is required by the industryrsquos lowest additive content (lac) treat rate regular use of fuel that only meets lac requirements may cause deposits to form on engine intake valves and fuel injectors
cHange youR oilregular oil changes are one of the most important steps to maximize the life of a vehicle oil change in-tervals vary by vehicle and driving conditions so follow the interval and oil specifications found in the ownerrsquos manual
also be sure to use quality motor oils in your vehicle Properly functioning motor oils help prevent sludge and neutralize and disperse harmful deposits and using the recommended viscosity grade of motor oil may also help enhance fuel economy if you are having the oil changed for you ask for quality oils by name Quality motor oil will maintain its effectiveness throughout the oil change interval allowing it to help keep the engine clean
as a bonus some motor oil brands offer lubrication warranties at no additional cost for example the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranty Programs protect qualified engines for 300000 miles whether their owners use conventional synthetic-blend or full synthetic motor oils meeting their vehiclesrsquo requirements Participants can enroll online and maintaining eligibility is easy simply get an oil change with the specified brand change the filter perform regular maintenance and keep the service receipts
to learn more about the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranties visit either wwwPennzoilcom or wwwQuakerstatecom or speak with an automotive professional at a participating automotive dealership or oil change facility that features Pennzoil or Quaker state products
PeoPle donrsquot take tRiPs tRiPs take PeoPle
Fin
al
wo
Rd
s
a vacation is what you take when you can no longer take what yoursquove been taking
eaRl wilson
- 1-12-2010pdf
And itrsquos the diversity of experiences national parks offer travelers that can make booking a national park vacation seem overwhelming Use these tips from Globus to simplify the process and book the perfect getaway for 2010
Choose the right park destinationFrom the east to west coasts Alaska to Hawaii America has more than 50 national parks to explore Do your research to choose a park that has what yoursquore looking for For instance if yoursquore interested in an abundance of hoodoos and canyons Bryce Canyon National Park might be the right fit Or if you want a vacation filled with bird watching or
boating the Everglades National Park could be a great choice
Go rustic or go luxuryLodging is an important consideration for any vacation Some travelers prefer to experience the outdoor beauty of the parks 24 hours a day and choose to camp Others want to escape to the more modern conveniences provided by nearby hotels cabins and lodges Decide what experience best suits you or your family - and decide early Spots (camping or lodging) fill up quickly especially during peak seasons
On your own or with a guideSome travelers prefer to hike or road trip through national parks while others are interested in a more insightful and pre-planned journey While maps are available for nearly every park guided tours have become a popular option for travelers and are often offered as part of a packaged tour vacation including accommodations
ldquoOur national park-focused tours offer an inclusive-style of travel with incomparable exploration and enrichment opportunitiesrdquo says Nisbet ldquoWith a wide range of national park destinations hotels and price points
coupled with unparalleled service and storytelling we create experiences for travelers they couldnrsquot produce on their ownrdquo
For more information or assistance planning your national park vacation visit wwwus-parkscom wwwnpsgov or wwwglobusjourneyscom Or call your travel agent or the Globus family of brands toll-free at (866) 313-2855
Looking For Your Chance To Win
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South Carolinarsquos Internet
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cHaRlestonrsquos oFFice oF cultuRal aFFaiRslauncHes wwwcHaRlestonaRtssc as tHieR new aRts web sitefrom charleston currents
the city of charlestonrsquos office of cultural affairs has launched httpwwwcharlestonartssc a companion web site to the ocarsquos primary page at the cityrsquos official site charlestonartssc will be updated daily with information and features including an arts calendar that users can search by date artist presenting group or venue social networking widgets and a directory of local arts and cultural organizations and venues
ldquowe are hopeful that charlestonartssc will be a major benefit to local artists and arts organizations by disseminating information about their events with the most up-to-date information to a broader publicrdquo said ellen dressler Moryl director of the office of cultural affairs
other options for users at charlestonartssc include the following
bull Arts organizations can download forms from the Office of Cultural Affairs submit events update contact information and compare performance dates with other area organizations
bull The Tools for Professional section of the Web site features job listings for arts professionals including full time and part time work as well as internships and volunteer opportunities with arts and cultural organizations in the tri-county area
bull Updated grant opportunities for arts organizations with detailed information including deadlines application and contact information
bull Call for Submissions and Call for Auditions pages with details about the location deadlines fees andadditional requirements
the new web site also hosts connecting pages for general information on the office of cultural affairs and its projects the charleston farmers Market the city gallery at waterfront Park holiday Magic happy new year charleston the holiday Parade of boats the lowcountry Quarterly arts grant Program Piccolo spoleto and the MoJa arts festival
the web site was developed and is being hosted by carolina Media services ( wwwonlysc)
a RetiRement HometHat HelPs Pay FoR itselF(ara) - with todayrsquos record low real estate prices and at-tractive mortgage rates now may be a good time to think about investing in a second home that ultimately can be used as your permanent residence upon retirement by taking a ldquobuy-and-rentrdquo approach before yoursquore ready to retire your new home will actually have partly paid for itself by the time yoursquore ready to move into it
ldquobuying and renting out a second home as a vacation rental property until yoursquore ready to move in upon retirement can significantly help offset the cost of ownershiprdquo says brian sharples ceo of homeaway the worldrsquos leading online vacation rental marketplace ldquothe income stream in addition to tax write-offs for maintenance and repairs make this an attractive strategy for many people nearing retirementrdquo
according to homeaway the average second-home owner rents out their property to travelers 17 weeks a year generating more than $28000 in rental income annually and the demand for vacation rentals among travelers is growing which is good news for second-home owners in fact 87 percent of travelers who looked into a vacation rental in the past say they plan to stay in a vacation rental in 2010 - a significant increase from the 67 percent who stayed in a vacation rental in 2009
to generate income from a second home prior to moving into it when you retire sharples suggests consumers take the following steps
location and maRket Potentialcarefully review the markets where you want to retire and before you buy consider the areas where consumer demand for vacation rentals is high but inventory is low for example atlantic city nJ sunny isles beach fla hampton beach nh dauphin island ala and Mount Pocono Pa were among some of the most underserved markets for vacation rental properties in 2009 according to homeaway
FactoR in tax wRite-oFFstalk to an accountant about the tax advantages of owning and renting out a second home expenses such as insurance utilities home maintenance and depreciation can be deducted depending on how often you rent out the property and how many weeks you personally stay there each year
adVeRtise to attRact RenteRs when yoursquore ready to rent out the property be sure to market the availability of the vacation rental to travelers by listing it on sites like homeawaycom or vrbocom which reach millions of travelers each month a 12-month listing costs $329 - or less than $28 per month - on homeawaycom so the advertising pays for itself with your first booking - and the rest is pure rental income
stay comPetitiVe amp netwoRk witH owneRs check out other similar vacation rentals in the area to determine what rates theyrsquore charging travelers and price your home at a competitiverate to help drive bookings also be sure to talk with other owners to get their tips and advice for maximizing a second home investment
for more information on buying a second home and effective strategies for maximizing rental income check out homeawayrsquos online community for vacation rental owners at ownercommunityhomeawaycom
tiPs to successFully get youwHeRe you need to be - Fast(ara) - do you ever get a headache just thinking about navigating the streets of an unfamiliar city have you ever booked a hotel in a less-than-great part of town or been late to an appointment because you canrsquot find a parking garage
even the savviest of travelers who can find their way around a city with their eyes closed run into travel snafus sending their blood pressure through the roof navigating the streets of a new city can be one of the most stressful parts of booking and taking a trip whether itrsquos for business or leisure
so you finally landed and yoursquore on your way to the hotel that you booked in the heart of the city everything is going just as you planned not so fast somehow you find yourself nowhere near the bright city lights and in a hotel on the outskirts of town where you wouldnrsquot even venture out for a cup of Joe
sound familiar well yoursquore not alone - more than half of travelers say theyrsquove experienced this very nightmare according to a recent bing survey
while finding decent lodging can be difficult sometimes even thinking about how to get around a city can strike fear into the hearts of business and leisure travelers alike so which city gets travelers hearts racing when just thinking about how to get around unsurprisingly for anyone who has ever visited either new york or los angeles (even just once) both cities topped bingrsquos survey as the worst cities to navigate More than 40 percent said ldquothe heck with driving irsquom getting a taxirdquo when visiting the big apple and a quarter said that the concrete jungle otherwise known as los angeles is too wild for them
so how can you ensure you know enough about a city to get around like you were a local book a decent hotel check out a local concert or find a local hot spot to grab a bite to eat well the folks at bing have a few tips to make your next adventure stress-free
Pay attention to ReViews Most online booking sites offer reviews from other guests who have stayed at the hotel that yoursquore considering while you may be inclined to take the overly positive reviews with a grain of salt itrsquos best to steer clear if a hotel receives consistent negative customer reviews
study uPcheck out the local convention center visitorsrsquo bureau or chamber of commerce web sites to learn more about the city and its surrounding neighborhoods this will help give you a better idea of whatrsquos near your destination and the neighborhoods that surround it
RemembeRyou get wHat you Pay FoRif yoursquore paying a two-star rate donrsquot expect to get four- or five-star accommodations and a mint on your pillow a cheaper rate rarely buys you luxury but you should still be able to score a clean safe room that provides for your basic needs
HoP onlineuse online resources like bing Mapsrsquo new streetside experience a three-dimensional mapping tool Just log on to bing Maps where you can zoom in from satellite level to birdrsquos eye view and even down to street level for 56 major us metro areas
now you can virtually walk the streets of your next adventure with actual 360-degree footage of the area not only can you tell if a hotel is in a good neighborhood yoursquoll be able to see if therersquos a wifi coffee shop nearby where you can sync up your computer before your next meeting or scope out any traffic jams before you head out and you can even find the nearest parking garage so yoursquore never late again to your lunch date - unlike the more than 40 percent of bing survey respondents who were fashionably late because they couldnrsquot find a parking spot
ldquobooking a hotel room on the internet can be a risky proposition if you canrsquot see the room hotel or area itrsquos in before you bookrdquo says blaise aguera y arcas architect of bing Maps and Msn at Microsoft ldquobut technology like streetside is making it possible to scope out a neighborhood - and ensure itrsquos one you want to stay in - without ever having to leave the comfort of your computer chairrdquo in fact the bing survey found that nearly a quarter of travelers rated finding a decent hotel as the most frustrating part of planning their trip
Plus stay up-to-date on the best places to check out on your next trip by using bingrsquos twitter mapping app now you can get real-time information about an area - such as seeing the latest tweets for the local shopping mall before you even go there or even updates about local events and breaking news
log onto bing Maps where you can plan your next trip whether itrsquos a far away city or even your own town now you can be a travel guru no matter where you are
setting and stickingto youR tRaVel budget(ara) - travel can be one of the biggest-ticket items you invest in each year so itrsquos worth it to plan ahead
setting a budget - and sticking to it - can help you stay in better control of spending according to a recent visa survey a majority (54 percent) of last yearrsquos summer travelers either didnrsquot set a budget oroverspent their budget while traveling and more than a quarter of those surveyed overspent by more than $250 to make sure this doesnrsquot happen to you itrsquos important to create a realistic travel budget and make a plan for how you will spend within your means while on the road
to create a budget think through your trip first include the basics such as transportation to and from your destination and lodging next plan for expenses that come up along the way such as meals on the road
hosthostess gifts rental cars or public transportation donrsquot forget to include entertainment - whether sightseeing or going to the movies itrsquos also a good idea to build in a cushion for the unexpected
once yoursquove set your travel budget you need to stick to it one tool that can help is a prepaid travel card a prepaid card draws from funds that are set aside in advance for purchases here are a few ways prepaid travel cards can come in handy
keeP tRaVel Funds sePaRate an easy way to make sure you donrsquot go over budget is to set your travel budget aside on a prepaid travel card simply load the card with your travel budget and use it for everything from online booking to grabbing lunch during an (unexpectedly extended) layover without worrying about spending more than you planned or dipping into gift-buying funds
access casHwhether you need a few dollars or several yen choose a prepaid card that will allow you to withdraw cash from atMs around the world if yoursquore traveling internationally itrsquoll also save you the hassle of tracking down and waiting in line for local currency
bRowse and buy look for a prepaid card that you can use online travel sites offer a wealth of information and detailed listings of competing offers from airlines and hotels as well as reviews from fellow travelers for flights you can typically compare possible savings by traveling on al-ternate days or from nearby airports once you spot the deal that works for your budget use your prepaid travel card to snap it up
enJoy Peace oF mind wHen tRaVeling Prepaid cards may come with travel-related services for example the visa travelMoney card offers zero liability for lost or stolen cards as well as lost luggage reimbursement and purchase security Make sure you know which benefits your card offers and how they work so you can tap into them should the need arise
with some advance preparation and the right tools in place you donrsquot have to overspend on travel in fact with some careful planning you could end up with enough left to buy yourself a little something to remember the trip for more information about visa travelMoney visit wwwvisacomtravelmoney
Click To Listen While You Browse
South Carolinarsquos Internet
Powered By
(843)720-9604 InfoOnlysc
need an easy getaway FoR tHe Family Plan a budget-FRiendly tRiP to a national PaRk(ara) - american families have spoken the vacation is a top priority ninety-four percent of americans agreed that even in tough economic times family vacations are worth the money according to a recent survey by expediacom to keep the vacation affordable and easy think about introducing your family to the splendor of the national park system - where activities are abundant and costs are minimal
expediacom recently partnered with the national Park foundation to provide a permanent one-stop shop to help travelers plan and book vacations to americarsquos national parks
ldquothere are excellent values for traveling families right now and taking a trip to a national park is one of the best ways to stretch your vacation dollarsrdquo says lee woodruff author travel expert and mother of four
ldquofamilies are looking for ways to reconnect with each other and what better option for an affordable vacation than a national parkrdquo
here are five easy steps to plan the perfect national park getaway
1 get inspired ken burns recently debuted a six-part documentary series for Pbs titledldquothe national Parks americarsquos best ideardquo tune into Pbs or order a copy online to find inspiration and a detailed look at some of the most beautiful places in the world from acadia to the grand canyon and yosemite to the gates of the arctic in alaska
2 Pick the park with original content from the national Park foundation expediacomrsquos national park web site is the perfect resource for families to find the national park to fit their vacation needs
the site offers pre-set ldquolong weekendrdquo itineraries to start your planning you can also search through the ldquocanrsquot Miss national Parksrdquo section to learn about the parkrsquos location its natural features little-known facts including the best times to visit and activities to choose from in each area expediarsquos site also offers downloadable park maps to help you get your bearings
3 more ways to save take advantage of the public amenities that national parks offer like camping and picnic sites while there is a small entrance fee to the parks you can cut back on costs by bringing your own meals and treating the kids to lunch by a waterfall or overlooking the grand canyon also enjoy the free activities such as hiking biking and birding that the parks offer
4 book your hotel and rental car if camping isnrsquot your familyrsquos style consider any of the great lodges in and around the national park of your choice and if yoursquore planning to rent a car consider booking lodging and car together to substantially reduce the overall costs of your vacation
5 give back consider giving back to the national Park foundation by visiting the web site wwwnationalparksorg and donate or learn more about volunteer opportunities within americarsquos national parks helping out in these small ways ensures the parks will remain beautiful so your kids can bring their own children one day
ldquoPlanning the vacation is half of the fun so get every-one involved in the processrdquo says woodruff ldquothere are so many options in our national park system many of which have rich and amazing heritage so the whole family is going to enjoy something when you visitrdquo
bookmaRk youRFaVoRite Road
a bRieF HistoRyoF PaVed Roads
(ara) - Planes and trains may have their place in our society but for the dedicated traveler therersquos still nothing like getting in your car and taking a trip along americarsquos highways
half the fun of road trips in the minds of many is getting home and telling friends and family about the adventure - and the roads they traveled
in the past driversrsquo road stories were largely told by word of mouth to a few people at a time now drivers can tell their tales to millions via the internet favoriteroadcom is a new web site that features americarsquos favorite highways and byways
the site encourages you to post your favorite roads and explain why you like them simply log on to submit a photo and story of your favorite road use links posted on the site to share your road via popular social networks such as facebook and twitter your submission may even win a prize in contest giveaways
the past yearrsquos economic downturn has reintroduced the word ldquoinfrastructurerdquo to our vocabulary as a result of stimulus legislation passed in 2009 the federal government has allocated millions of dollars to specifically improve state roads and highways and with more affordable gasoline prices people are increasingly using americarsquos roads for leisure travel
by posting on favoriteroadcom yoursquore doing more than just ldquotelling a good storyrdquo your testimonials may help encourage lawmakers to push for increased infrastructure spending to keep america driving smoothly and safely for years to come
whatrsquos your favorite road log on and tell the world at favoriteroadcom
625 bc the babylonians are credited with the first recorded use of asphalt as a road building material the ancient greeks were also familiar with asphalt (the word comes from the greek ldquoasphaltosrdquo meaning ldquosecurerdquo)
1500s christopher columbus landed off the shores of trinidad in 1498 and discovered the famous asphalt lake which would later be used on the Pennsylvania avenue project in washington dc covering 54000 square yards
1800s Macadam roads became popular in the us for rural road construction during the 1830s and 40s belgian chemist edmund J desmedt laid the first true asphalt pavement in the us in newark nJ the cummer company opened the first central hot mix production facilities in the us the first asphalt patent was filed by nathan b abbott of brooklyn ny in 1871
1920s world war i ended and the use of the automo-bile was steadily rising but roads outside the city limits were frequently too muddy or dusty for travel to fix this problem road engineers used oils and asphalt
1940s-1950s the modern american turnpike is born after world war ii full scale automobile production resumed along with major levels of road maintenance and new highway construction by 1950 vehicle registration exceeded 40 million cars and 8 million trucks in 1956 President eisenhower signed the federal-aid highway act and launched the interstate system to create an infrastructure highway program -unmatched anywhere in the world
1970s a national move to conserve energy and materials initiated a widespread interest in recycling of pavement materials asphalt is now americarsquos most recycled product
1990s a traffic study by the world road association indicates that asphalt pavements are at least 4 decibels quieter than concrete pavements
2000s the us population has increased 23 percent since 1990 and the number of miles driven has risen by 41 percent only half of the nationrsquos major roads are in good condition based on an analysis of recent federal highway administration data
wandeRing Re-establisHes tHe oRiginal
HaRmony wHicH once existed between
man and tHe uniVeRse
business oR leisuRe dRiVing oR FlyingtRaVel saFely natuRally(ara) - weekend getaways shorter vacations and overnight business trips are great ways to save money and are becoming more prevalent according to the bureau of transportation taking a few simple and natural steps to stay safe and healthy while on the road can not only protect your travel investment butenhance your entire experience
ReFResHed and aleRt dRiVing diFFusion
a shorter thriftier trip is likely to be by car the inevitable rush to make the most of the limited time
away after a tiring work week can create fatigue so donrsquot make it a dangerous driving situation enliven your senses with essential oil scents
ditch the cardboard cutout car ldquofreshenerrdquo that hangs from the rearview mirror not only distracting these products are usually saturated with synthetic fragrance chemicals and probably arenrsquot the best thing to inhale while enclosed in your vehicle instead rely on a sleek essential oil diffuser that plugs into your automobilersquos phone charger power outlet these devices feature small paper fiber pads to which you can apply your own custom blend of essential oils allowing you to not only
scent the air inside the car but also to provide refreshing aromatherapy benefits to help keep you alert and focused on the road
a simpler alternative way to diffuse is to apply several drops of oil to a tissue and tuck it carefully into one of the vents in the dash
try these essential oils for the car Peppermint essential oil - refreshing awakening
uplifting eucalyptus essential oil - bracing purifying
protecting lemon essential oil - pleasant deodorizing
cheering
How clean is youR Hotel Room
overnight stays in less than posh hotel digs may be part of the money-saving travel trend even upscale hotels arenrsquot immune to dirt and germs or worse an apparent outbreak of bedbug infestations in the united states recently publicized by the environmental Protection agency
bedbugs aside there are always nagging doubts about just how clean a hotel room actually is has the shower or tub been scrubbed or merely wiped down is the toilet sanitized has the bedspread ever really been thoroughly cleaned fortunately there are ways to protect yourself after you check in but before you settle into your temporary overnight home
air and surface sanitizing spray feel good about travel with a bottle of homemade purifying aromatherapy solution that relies on pleasantly scented and highly effective essential oils rather than harsh chemical disinfectants the following spray will help you create a hygienic environment in your temporary hotel home apply it to tub vanity and toilet surfaces
ingredientsempty 12 to16 ounce spray bottle10 ounces water2 ounces isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or
vodka12 teaspoon tea tree essential oil
(antimicrobial)12 teaspoon lemon essential oil
(cleansing)12 teaspoon lavandin essential oil
(protecting)12 teaspoon sweet orange essential oil
(freshening)
directions combine all ingredients in the spray bottle shake and apply to a washcloth and wipe down the tvrsquos remote the clock radio the door handles and the faucethandles in the bathroom
Purifying and Relaxing linen mist here are some great tips for making a strange bed feel more like home take along your own pillow and replace the ones provided create your own linen mist and use it on your own bed at home then travel with the same blend taking a little bit of home with you when you arrive at your destination turn down the covers exchange the pillows and apply your signature scent to the bed
ingredientsempty 4 to 8 ounce spray bottle4 to 8 ounces water13 drops lavender essential oil
(relaxing calming)5 drops lavandin or spike lavender
essential oil (purifying protecting)
directionscombine the water and oil in the bottle shake the contents thoroughly just before application
remember to look for pure and natural essential oil brands like aura cacia that donrsquot include synthetic petrochemical fragrances for more information on how to enhance your life through aromatherapy visit wwwauracaciacom
PRePaRe youR VeHicle FoR a HuRRicane eVacuation(ara) - ana bill claudette - the first three atlantic ocean hurricanes of the season made headlines but not to the extent of katrina or ike of recent years and while these three hurricanes have come and gone who knows if - or when - grace or henry might pay a visit to your town
the 2009 hurricane season has an expected 90 percent chance of being a near-normal or below-normal season for the atlantic ocean according to the national oceanic and atmospheric administration this prediction - if accurate - will be welcomed with a sigh of relief by many residents in coastal towns after the above-normal year in 2008
but even if noaa is predicting a quiet year for hurricanes you can never be over prepared if you donrsquot have your emergency evacuation plan organized itrsquos time to make one no matter if yoursquore planning on traveling 100 miles or 1000 miles you need an evacuation plan as a representative of a gulf coast
company Maricela carter a health safety security environment coordinator with soPus has some tips on how to prepare your vehicle for potential evacuations
Plan eVacuation Routescheck newspapers online sites the local emergency broadcast radio station and local television stations for the latest information on official evacuation routes Purchase a good map with details on elevations waterways and county roads and familiarize yourself with the most efficient ways to get out of town
Pack an emeRgency kitautomobiles are susceptible to unexpected problems so keep an emergency kit in your trunk include jumper cables extra motor oil window washing brake and coolant fluids simple tools like an air pressure gauge screwdriver pliers and adjustable wrench a role of
paper towels a windup flashlight and a can of fix-a-flat in case you get a flat tire
fix-a-flat creates a temporary emergency seal on contact with the tire and inflates the tire between eight and 14 pounds per square inch so that the car can be driven to a gas station for proper repair of the tire this can help you to get back on the road and out of the hurricanersquos way quickly and easily
Fill uP tHe tankeveryone is going to need fuel in order to evacuate so plan to fill up your tank as soon as you hear a hurricane warning this helps to prevent sudden demands on the supply once your tank is full conserve the amount of gas you use for the next couple of days by combining your errands into one trip and not traveling during rush hour
cHeck tiRe PRessuRein order to help conserve fuel make sure your tires are at the manufacturerrsquos recommended pressure - usually printed on the driverrsquos door of your car keeping tires at the correct pressure can improve your gasoline mileage by 33 percent according to fueleconomygov which means yoursquoll be able to travel further when evacuating
use PRoPeR FluidsMake sure you follow all the manufacturer recommendations for motor oil which can also improve your gasoline mileage by 1 or 2 percent according to fuelecomonygov one helpful hint is to look for oil that has an ldquoenergy conservingrdquo label by the american Petroleum institution to ensure it contains friction-reducing additives
it is not down inany maP tRue PlacesneVeR aRe
diRect dePosit oF social secuRity is easieR FoR winteR tRaVeleRs(ara) - as cold weather sets in thousands of retirees are making plans for a winter getaway if yoursquore one of them switch to direct deposit for your social security payments before you leave - itrsquos the safest easiest way to receive your money
ldquoeach year the us department of the treasury receives more than 14 million inquiries regarding paper check-related problemsrdquo says david a lebryk commissioner of the treasury departmentrsquos financial Management service
yet approximately 105 million americans continue to receive their social security and supplemental security income (ssi) payments by paper check each month the treasury departmentrsquos go direct (r) campaign encourages senior citizens and people with disabilities to switch to direct deposit
incReased saFety conVenience and Reliability
ldquowhen therersquos a problem with a social security payment nine times out of 10 itrsquos with a paper check not a direct deposit paymentrdquo says lebryk
Paper checks can be vulnerable to financial crimes like theft and fraud in fact the treasury department investigates more than 70000 cases of altered or fraudulently endorsed checks each year totaling $64 million in estimated value
ldquoin 2008 alone more than 485000 social security and ssi checks were reported lost or stolen and had to be reissuedrdquo says lebryk
direct deposit is also more convenient and reliable there is no more waiting for a check to arrive in the mail and there are no more worries about delivery delays due to severe weather localemergencies and other check related problems last year alone severe weather events forced alternative delivery arrangements for millions of social security and ssi paper checks
ldquoswitching to direct deposit for federal benefits is such an easy way
for people to safeguard their money es-pecially when traveling for extended pe-riods of timerdquo says lebryk ldquoyour money is deposited to your account on payment day so therersquos no need to worry
about delivery delays or a check sitting in your mailbox while yoursquore gonerdquo
PRePaid debit caRd oPtion
in addition to direct deposit the treasury department recommends the direct express (r) debit Mastercard (r) card as an alternative to paper checks for people without bank accounts
More than half a million americans signed up for the optional direct express (r) card in its first year of availability according to the treasury department a recent survey of cardholders finds that 95 percent say they are satisfied with the prepaid debit card and 86 percent say they would recommend it to family members or friends who receive a federal benefit payment
with the direct express card cardholders can make purchases pay bills and get cash at thousands of locations nationwide sign-up is free and no bank account is required while most services are free there are fees for a limited number of optional transactions and services
making tHe switcH is easy
it is easy to make the switch to electronic payments for federal benefits to sign up for direct deposit call the treasury departmentrsquos go direct campaign helpline at 1-800-333-1795 or visit wwwgodirectorg to sign up for the treasury-recommended direct express card or to learn more about the cardrsquos features and fees call 1-877-212-9991 or visit wwwusdirectexpresscom
the preceding information has been provided by the us department of the treasury financial Management service
the go direct (r) campaign is sponsored by the us department of the treasury and the federal reserve banks the direct express (r) debit Mastercard (r) card is issued by comerica bank pursuant to a license by Mastercard international incorporated Mastercard (r) and the Mastercard (r) brand Mark are registered trademarks of Mastercard international incorporated the go direct(r) logo direct express (r) logo and direct express (r) are service marks of the us department of the treasury financial Management service
biZaRRe tRaVel Plans aRe dancing lessons FRom god
time to ReFinance oR buy
right now mortgage rates are at their lowest level since 1971 think about that twenty-five years ago homeowners were paying as much as 18 on a 30-year fixed today itrsquos just a little over 5combine that rate with the tax advantages
of a mortgage and you have an incredibly cheap way to build wealth but you better act now
real estate guru barbara corcoran has already seen a tremendous surge in refinance applications ndash more than triple the average ndash and the number of people getting approved is astronomically higher as well she says but that doesnrsquot mean the low rates are a panacea for the ills of the housing market it is only once home prices start to go up that we will finally see a light at the end of tunnel corcoran says until that happens we are still going to have to crawl out of this mess ldquo[low interest rates are] not a lifesaverrdquo corcoran says ldquothis is just a helping handrdquo
david kittle chairman of the Mortgage bankers association has this advice to homeowners looking to refinance do it donrsquot get greedy searching for another quarter-point lock in rates now he is seeing applications soar over 125 just since thanksgiving due to the low rates
of course you should only refinance if it saves you at least 38 on the rate and if you plan on staying in your home for at least four years kittle says along with good credit proof of income and money by means of a down payment or equity in the home there are certain things every homeowner needs regardless of interest rate levels
easy-to-do maintenance HelPs extend VeHicle liFe(ara) - after their homes most americansrsquo largest financial investment is their vehicle so helping it stay in good working order for as long as possible is a high priority in fact the average age of a passenger car in north america has grown to more than nine years according to rl Polk and co which indicates that motorists are looking for ways to help extend the life of their vehicle
even so todayrsquos tight budgets leave some motorists reluctant to spend on services or maintenance that they think can be delayed at least for the short term however compared to the cost of engine repair spending a little today on the right maintenance routine performed by trusted service technicians using quality products makes sense Mark ferner Pennzoil technical specialist and ase-certified master mechanic offers some simple cost-effective tips for helping to protect the performance and longevity of your vehicle
replace dirty air filters a dirty air filter will restrict airflow to the engine which may reduce power output if the filter fails it will allow unfiltered air into the engine which can be abrasive inside an engine to avoid these issues and help promote long engine life check your enginersquos air filter regularly and change it when it is dirty
use HigH-quality Fuelseveral automotive manufacturers (bMw gM honda toyota volkswagen and audi) have published technical service bulletins recommending the use of top-tier fuel top-tier fuel contains more additives than is required by the industryrsquos lowest additive content (lac) treat rate regular use of fuel that only meets lac requirements may cause deposits to form on engine intake valves and fuel injectors
cHange youR oilregular oil changes are one of the most important steps to maximize the life of a vehicle oil change in-tervals vary by vehicle and driving conditions so follow the interval and oil specifications found in the ownerrsquos manual
also be sure to use quality motor oils in your vehicle Properly functioning motor oils help prevent sludge and neutralize and disperse harmful deposits and using the recommended viscosity grade of motor oil may also help enhance fuel economy if you are having the oil changed for you ask for quality oils by name Quality motor oil will maintain its effectiveness throughout the oil change interval allowing it to help keep the engine clean
as a bonus some motor oil brands offer lubrication warranties at no additional cost for example the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranty Programs protect qualified engines for 300000 miles whether their owners use conventional synthetic-blend or full synthetic motor oils meeting their vehiclesrsquo requirements Participants can enroll online and maintaining eligibility is easy simply get an oil change with the specified brand change the filter perform regular maintenance and keep the service receipts
to learn more about the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranties visit either wwwPennzoilcom or wwwQuakerstatecom or speak with an automotive professional at a participating automotive dealership or oil change facility that features Pennzoil or Quaker state products
PeoPle donrsquot take tRiPs tRiPs take PeoPle
Fin
al
wo
Rd
s
a vacation is what you take when you can no longer take what yoursquove been taking
eaRl wilson
- 1-12-2010pdf
On your own or with a guideSome travelers prefer to hike or road trip through national parks while others are interested in a more insightful and pre-planned journey While maps are available for nearly every park guided tours have become a popular option for travelers and are often offered as part of a packaged tour vacation including accommodations
ldquoOur national park-focused tours offer an inclusive-style of travel with incomparable exploration and enrichment opportunitiesrdquo says Nisbet ldquoWith a wide range of national park destinations hotels and price points
coupled with unparalleled service and storytelling we create experiences for travelers they couldnrsquot produce on their ownrdquo
For more information or assistance planning your national park vacation visit wwwus-parkscom wwwnpsgov or wwwglobusjourneyscom Or call your travel agent or the Globus family of brands toll-free at (866) 313-2855
Looking For Your Chance To Win
Check Out Radioscrsquos Contest
South Carolinarsquos Internet
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cHaRlestonrsquos oFFice oF cultuRal aFFaiRslauncHes wwwcHaRlestonaRtssc as tHieR new aRts web sitefrom charleston currents
the city of charlestonrsquos office of cultural affairs has launched httpwwwcharlestonartssc a companion web site to the ocarsquos primary page at the cityrsquos official site charlestonartssc will be updated daily with information and features including an arts calendar that users can search by date artist presenting group or venue social networking widgets and a directory of local arts and cultural organizations and venues
ldquowe are hopeful that charlestonartssc will be a major benefit to local artists and arts organizations by disseminating information about their events with the most up-to-date information to a broader publicrdquo said ellen dressler Moryl director of the office of cultural affairs
other options for users at charlestonartssc include the following
bull Arts organizations can download forms from the Office of Cultural Affairs submit events update contact information and compare performance dates with other area organizations
bull The Tools for Professional section of the Web site features job listings for arts professionals including full time and part time work as well as internships and volunteer opportunities with arts and cultural organizations in the tri-county area
bull Updated grant opportunities for arts organizations with detailed information including deadlines application and contact information
bull Call for Submissions and Call for Auditions pages with details about the location deadlines fees andadditional requirements
the new web site also hosts connecting pages for general information on the office of cultural affairs and its projects the charleston farmers Market the city gallery at waterfront Park holiday Magic happy new year charleston the holiday Parade of boats the lowcountry Quarterly arts grant Program Piccolo spoleto and the MoJa arts festival
the web site was developed and is being hosted by carolina Media services ( wwwonlysc)
a RetiRement HometHat HelPs Pay FoR itselF(ara) - with todayrsquos record low real estate prices and at-tractive mortgage rates now may be a good time to think about investing in a second home that ultimately can be used as your permanent residence upon retirement by taking a ldquobuy-and-rentrdquo approach before yoursquore ready to retire your new home will actually have partly paid for itself by the time yoursquore ready to move into it
ldquobuying and renting out a second home as a vacation rental property until yoursquore ready to move in upon retirement can significantly help offset the cost of ownershiprdquo says brian sharples ceo of homeaway the worldrsquos leading online vacation rental marketplace ldquothe income stream in addition to tax write-offs for maintenance and repairs make this an attractive strategy for many people nearing retirementrdquo
according to homeaway the average second-home owner rents out their property to travelers 17 weeks a year generating more than $28000 in rental income annually and the demand for vacation rentals among travelers is growing which is good news for second-home owners in fact 87 percent of travelers who looked into a vacation rental in the past say they plan to stay in a vacation rental in 2010 - a significant increase from the 67 percent who stayed in a vacation rental in 2009
to generate income from a second home prior to moving into it when you retire sharples suggests consumers take the following steps
location and maRket Potentialcarefully review the markets where you want to retire and before you buy consider the areas where consumer demand for vacation rentals is high but inventory is low for example atlantic city nJ sunny isles beach fla hampton beach nh dauphin island ala and Mount Pocono Pa were among some of the most underserved markets for vacation rental properties in 2009 according to homeaway
FactoR in tax wRite-oFFstalk to an accountant about the tax advantages of owning and renting out a second home expenses such as insurance utilities home maintenance and depreciation can be deducted depending on how often you rent out the property and how many weeks you personally stay there each year
adVeRtise to attRact RenteRs when yoursquore ready to rent out the property be sure to market the availability of the vacation rental to travelers by listing it on sites like homeawaycom or vrbocom which reach millions of travelers each month a 12-month listing costs $329 - or less than $28 per month - on homeawaycom so the advertising pays for itself with your first booking - and the rest is pure rental income
stay comPetitiVe amp netwoRk witH owneRs check out other similar vacation rentals in the area to determine what rates theyrsquore charging travelers and price your home at a competitiverate to help drive bookings also be sure to talk with other owners to get their tips and advice for maximizing a second home investment
for more information on buying a second home and effective strategies for maximizing rental income check out homeawayrsquos online community for vacation rental owners at ownercommunityhomeawaycom
tiPs to successFully get youwHeRe you need to be - Fast(ara) - do you ever get a headache just thinking about navigating the streets of an unfamiliar city have you ever booked a hotel in a less-than-great part of town or been late to an appointment because you canrsquot find a parking garage
even the savviest of travelers who can find their way around a city with their eyes closed run into travel snafus sending their blood pressure through the roof navigating the streets of a new city can be one of the most stressful parts of booking and taking a trip whether itrsquos for business or leisure
so you finally landed and yoursquore on your way to the hotel that you booked in the heart of the city everything is going just as you planned not so fast somehow you find yourself nowhere near the bright city lights and in a hotel on the outskirts of town where you wouldnrsquot even venture out for a cup of Joe
sound familiar well yoursquore not alone - more than half of travelers say theyrsquove experienced this very nightmare according to a recent bing survey
while finding decent lodging can be difficult sometimes even thinking about how to get around a city can strike fear into the hearts of business and leisure travelers alike so which city gets travelers hearts racing when just thinking about how to get around unsurprisingly for anyone who has ever visited either new york or los angeles (even just once) both cities topped bingrsquos survey as the worst cities to navigate More than 40 percent said ldquothe heck with driving irsquom getting a taxirdquo when visiting the big apple and a quarter said that the concrete jungle otherwise known as los angeles is too wild for them
so how can you ensure you know enough about a city to get around like you were a local book a decent hotel check out a local concert or find a local hot spot to grab a bite to eat well the folks at bing have a few tips to make your next adventure stress-free
Pay attention to ReViews Most online booking sites offer reviews from other guests who have stayed at the hotel that yoursquore considering while you may be inclined to take the overly positive reviews with a grain of salt itrsquos best to steer clear if a hotel receives consistent negative customer reviews
study uPcheck out the local convention center visitorsrsquo bureau or chamber of commerce web sites to learn more about the city and its surrounding neighborhoods this will help give you a better idea of whatrsquos near your destination and the neighborhoods that surround it
RemembeRyou get wHat you Pay FoRif yoursquore paying a two-star rate donrsquot expect to get four- or five-star accommodations and a mint on your pillow a cheaper rate rarely buys you luxury but you should still be able to score a clean safe room that provides for your basic needs
HoP onlineuse online resources like bing Mapsrsquo new streetside experience a three-dimensional mapping tool Just log on to bing Maps where you can zoom in from satellite level to birdrsquos eye view and even down to street level for 56 major us metro areas
now you can virtually walk the streets of your next adventure with actual 360-degree footage of the area not only can you tell if a hotel is in a good neighborhood yoursquoll be able to see if therersquos a wifi coffee shop nearby where you can sync up your computer before your next meeting or scope out any traffic jams before you head out and you can even find the nearest parking garage so yoursquore never late again to your lunch date - unlike the more than 40 percent of bing survey respondents who were fashionably late because they couldnrsquot find a parking spot
ldquobooking a hotel room on the internet can be a risky proposition if you canrsquot see the room hotel or area itrsquos in before you bookrdquo says blaise aguera y arcas architect of bing Maps and Msn at Microsoft ldquobut technology like streetside is making it possible to scope out a neighborhood - and ensure itrsquos one you want to stay in - without ever having to leave the comfort of your computer chairrdquo in fact the bing survey found that nearly a quarter of travelers rated finding a decent hotel as the most frustrating part of planning their trip
Plus stay up-to-date on the best places to check out on your next trip by using bingrsquos twitter mapping app now you can get real-time information about an area - such as seeing the latest tweets for the local shopping mall before you even go there or even updates about local events and breaking news
log onto bing Maps where you can plan your next trip whether itrsquos a far away city or even your own town now you can be a travel guru no matter where you are
setting and stickingto youR tRaVel budget(ara) - travel can be one of the biggest-ticket items you invest in each year so itrsquos worth it to plan ahead
setting a budget - and sticking to it - can help you stay in better control of spending according to a recent visa survey a majority (54 percent) of last yearrsquos summer travelers either didnrsquot set a budget oroverspent their budget while traveling and more than a quarter of those surveyed overspent by more than $250 to make sure this doesnrsquot happen to you itrsquos important to create a realistic travel budget and make a plan for how you will spend within your means while on the road
to create a budget think through your trip first include the basics such as transportation to and from your destination and lodging next plan for expenses that come up along the way such as meals on the road
hosthostess gifts rental cars or public transportation donrsquot forget to include entertainment - whether sightseeing or going to the movies itrsquos also a good idea to build in a cushion for the unexpected
once yoursquove set your travel budget you need to stick to it one tool that can help is a prepaid travel card a prepaid card draws from funds that are set aside in advance for purchases here are a few ways prepaid travel cards can come in handy
keeP tRaVel Funds sePaRate an easy way to make sure you donrsquot go over budget is to set your travel budget aside on a prepaid travel card simply load the card with your travel budget and use it for everything from online booking to grabbing lunch during an (unexpectedly extended) layover without worrying about spending more than you planned or dipping into gift-buying funds
access casHwhether you need a few dollars or several yen choose a prepaid card that will allow you to withdraw cash from atMs around the world if yoursquore traveling internationally itrsquoll also save you the hassle of tracking down and waiting in line for local currency
bRowse and buy look for a prepaid card that you can use online travel sites offer a wealth of information and detailed listings of competing offers from airlines and hotels as well as reviews from fellow travelers for flights you can typically compare possible savings by traveling on al-ternate days or from nearby airports once you spot the deal that works for your budget use your prepaid travel card to snap it up
enJoy Peace oF mind wHen tRaVeling Prepaid cards may come with travel-related services for example the visa travelMoney card offers zero liability for lost or stolen cards as well as lost luggage reimbursement and purchase security Make sure you know which benefits your card offers and how they work so you can tap into them should the need arise
with some advance preparation and the right tools in place you donrsquot have to overspend on travel in fact with some careful planning you could end up with enough left to buy yourself a little something to remember the trip for more information about visa travelMoney visit wwwvisacomtravelmoney
Click To Listen While You Browse
South Carolinarsquos Internet
Powered By
(843)720-9604 InfoOnlysc
need an easy getaway FoR tHe Family Plan a budget-FRiendly tRiP to a national PaRk(ara) - american families have spoken the vacation is a top priority ninety-four percent of americans agreed that even in tough economic times family vacations are worth the money according to a recent survey by expediacom to keep the vacation affordable and easy think about introducing your family to the splendor of the national park system - where activities are abundant and costs are minimal
expediacom recently partnered with the national Park foundation to provide a permanent one-stop shop to help travelers plan and book vacations to americarsquos national parks
ldquothere are excellent values for traveling families right now and taking a trip to a national park is one of the best ways to stretch your vacation dollarsrdquo says lee woodruff author travel expert and mother of four
ldquofamilies are looking for ways to reconnect with each other and what better option for an affordable vacation than a national parkrdquo
here are five easy steps to plan the perfect national park getaway
1 get inspired ken burns recently debuted a six-part documentary series for Pbs titledldquothe national Parks americarsquos best ideardquo tune into Pbs or order a copy online to find inspiration and a detailed look at some of the most beautiful places in the world from acadia to the grand canyon and yosemite to the gates of the arctic in alaska
2 Pick the park with original content from the national Park foundation expediacomrsquos national park web site is the perfect resource for families to find the national park to fit their vacation needs
the site offers pre-set ldquolong weekendrdquo itineraries to start your planning you can also search through the ldquocanrsquot Miss national Parksrdquo section to learn about the parkrsquos location its natural features little-known facts including the best times to visit and activities to choose from in each area expediarsquos site also offers downloadable park maps to help you get your bearings
3 more ways to save take advantage of the public amenities that national parks offer like camping and picnic sites while there is a small entrance fee to the parks you can cut back on costs by bringing your own meals and treating the kids to lunch by a waterfall or overlooking the grand canyon also enjoy the free activities such as hiking biking and birding that the parks offer
4 book your hotel and rental car if camping isnrsquot your familyrsquos style consider any of the great lodges in and around the national park of your choice and if yoursquore planning to rent a car consider booking lodging and car together to substantially reduce the overall costs of your vacation
5 give back consider giving back to the national Park foundation by visiting the web site wwwnationalparksorg and donate or learn more about volunteer opportunities within americarsquos national parks helping out in these small ways ensures the parks will remain beautiful so your kids can bring their own children one day
ldquoPlanning the vacation is half of the fun so get every-one involved in the processrdquo says woodruff ldquothere are so many options in our national park system many of which have rich and amazing heritage so the whole family is going to enjoy something when you visitrdquo
bookmaRk youRFaVoRite Road
a bRieF HistoRyoF PaVed Roads
(ara) - Planes and trains may have their place in our society but for the dedicated traveler therersquos still nothing like getting in your car and taking a trip along americarsquos highways
half the fun of road trips in the minds of many is getting home and telling friends and family about the adventure - and the roads they traveled
in the past driversrsquo road stories were largely told by word of mouth to a few people at a time now drivers can tell their tales to millions via the internet favoriteroadcom is a new web site that features americarsquos favorite highways and byways
the site encourages you to post your favorite roads and explain why you like them simply log on to submit a photo and story of your favorite road use links posted on the site to share your road via popular social networks such as facebook and twitter your submission may even win a prize in contest giveaways
the past yearrsquos economic downturn has reintroduced the word ldquoinfrastructurerdquo to our vocabulary as a result of stimulus legislation passed in 2009 the federal government has allocated millions of dollars to specifically improve state roads and highways and with more affordable gasoline prices people are increasingly using americarsquos roads for leisure travel
by posting on favoriteroadcom yoursquore doing more than just ldquotelling a good storyrdquo your testimonials may help encourage lawmakers to push for increased infrastructure spending to keep america driving smoothly and safely for years to come
whatrsquos your favorite road log on and tell the world at favoriteroadcom
625 bc the babylonians are credited with the first recorded use of asphalt as a road building material the ancient greeks were also familiar with asphalt (the word comes from the greek ldquoasphaltosrdquo meaning ldquosecurerdquo)
1500s christopher columbus landed off the shores of trinidad in 1498 and discovered the famous asphalt lake which would later be used on the Pennsylvania avenue project in washington dc covering 54000 square yards
1800s Macadam roads became popular in the us for rural road construction during the 1830s and 40s belgian chemist edmund J desmedt laid the first true asphalt pavement in the us in newark nJ the cummer company opened the first central hot mix production facilities in the us the first asphalt patent was filed by nathan b abbott of brooklyn ny in 1871
1920s world war i ended and the use of the automo-bile was steadily rising but roads outside the city limits were frequently too muddy or dusty for travel to fix this problem road engineers used oils and asphalt
1940s-1950s the modern american turnpike is born after world war ii full scale automobile production resumed along with major levels of road maintenance and new highway construction by 1950 vehicle registration exceeded 40 million cars and 8 million trucks in 1956 President eisenhower signed the federal-aid highway act and launched the interstate system to create an infrastructure highway program -unmatched anywhere in the world
1970s a national move to conserve energy and materials initiated a widespread interest in recycling of pavement materials asphalt is now americarsquos most recycled product
1990s a traffic study by the world road association indicates that asphalt pavements are at least 4 decibels quieter than concrete pavements
2000s the us population has increased 23 percent since 1990 and the number of miles driven has risen by 41 percent only half of the nationrsquos major roads are in good condition based on an analysis of recent federal highway administration data
wandeRing Re-establisHes tHe oRiginal
HaRmony wHicH once existed between
man and tHe uniVeRse
business oR leisuRe dRiVing oR FlyingtRaVel saFely natuRally(ara) - weekend getaways shorter vacations and overnight business trips are great ways to save money and are becoming more prevalent according to the bureau of transportation taking a few simple and natural steps to stay safe and healthy while on the road can not only protect your travel investment butenhance your entire experience
ReFResHed and aleRt dRiVing diFFusion
a shorter thriftier trip is likely to be by car the inevitable rush to make the most of the limited time
away after a tiring work week can create fatigue so donrsquot make it a dangerous driving situation enliven your senses with essential oil scents
ditch the cardboard cutout car ldquofreshenerrdquo that hangs from the rearview mirror not only distracting these products are usually saturated with synthetic fragrance chemicals and probably arenrsquot the best thing to inhale while enclosed in your vehicle instead rely on a sleek essential oil diffuser that plugs into your automobilersquos phone charger power outlet these devices feature small paper fiber pads to which you can apply your own custom blend of essential oils allowing you to not only
scent the air inside the car but also to provide refreshing aromatherapy benefits to help keep you alert and focused on the road
a simpler alternative way to diffuse is to apply several drops of oil to a tissue and tuck it carefully into one of the vents in the dash
try these essential oils for the car Peppermint essential oil - refreshing awakening
uplifting eucalyptus essential oil - bracing purifying
protecting lemon essential oil - pleasant deodorizing
cheering
How clean is youR Hotel Room
overnight stays in less than posh hotel digs may be part of the money-saving travel trend even upscale hotels arenrsquot immune to dirt and germs or worse an apparent outbreak of bedbug infestations in the united states recently publicized by the environmental Protection agency
bedbugs aside there are always nagging doubts about just how clean a hotel room actually is has the shower or tub been scrubbed or merely wiped down is the toilet sanitized has the bedspread ever really been thoroughly cleaned fortunately there are ways to protect yourself after you check in but before you settle into your temporary overnight home
air and surface sanitizing spray feel good about travel with a bottle of homemade purifying aromatherapy solution that relies on pleasantly scented and highly effective essential oils rather than harsh chemical disinfectants the following spray will help you create a hygienic environment in your temporary hotel home apply it to tub vanity and toilet surfaces
ingredientsempty 12 to16 ounce spray bottle10 ounces water2 ounces isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or
vodka12 teaspoon tea tree essential oil
(antimicrobial)12 teaspoon lemon essential oil
(cleansing)12 teaspoon lavandin essential oil
(protecting)12 teaspoon sweet orange essential oil
(freshening)
directions combine all ingredients in the spray bottle shake and apply to a washcloth and wipe down the tvrsquos remote the clock radio the door handles and the faucethandles in the bathroom
Purifying and Relaxing linen mist here are some great tips for making a strange bed feel more like home take along your own pillow and replace the ones provided create your own linen mist and use it on your own bed at home then travel with the same blend taking a little bit of home with you when you arrive at your destination turn down the covers exchange the pillows and apply your signature scent to the bed
ingredientsempty 4 to 8 ounce spray bottle4 to 8 ounces water13 drops lavender essential oil
(relaxing calming)5 drops lavandin or spike lavender
essential oil (purifying protecting)
directionscombine the water and oil in the bottle shake the contents thoroughly just before application
remember to look for pure and natural essential oil brands like aura cacia that donrsquot include synthetic petrochemical fragrances for more information on how to enhance your life through aromatherapy visit wwwauracaciacom
PRePaRe youR VeHicle FoR a HuRRicane eVacuation(ara) - ana bill claudette - the first three atlantic ocean hurricanes of the season made headlines but not to the extent of katrina or ike of recent years and while these three hurricanes have come and gone who knows if - or when - grace or henry might pay a visit to your town
the 2009 hurricane season has an expected 90 percent chance of being a near-normal or below-normal season for the atlantic ocean according to the national oceanic and atmospheric administration this prediction - if accurate - will be welcomed with a sigh of relief by many residents in coastal towns after the above-normal year in 2008
but even if noaa is predicting a quiet year for hurricanes you can never be over prepared if you donrsquot have your emergency evacuation plan organized itrsquos time to make one no matter if yoursquore planning on traveling 100 miles or 1000 miles you need an evacuation plan as a representative of a gulf coast
company Maricela carter a health safety security environment coordinator with soPus has some tips on how to prepare your vehicle for potential evacuations
Plan eVacuation Routescheck newspapers online sites the local emergency broadcast radio station and local television stations for the latest information on official evacuation routes Purchase a good map with details on elevations waterways and county roads and familiarize yourself with the most efficient ways to get out of town
Pack an emeRgency kitautomobiles are susceptible to unexpected problems so keep an emergency kit in your trunk include jumper cables extra motor oil window washing brake and coolant fluids simple tools like an air pressure gauge screwdriver pliers and adjustable wrench a role of
paper towels a windup flashlight and a can of fix-a-flat in case you get a flat tire
fix-a-flat creates a temporary emergency seal on contact with the tire and inflates the tire between eight and 14 pounds per square inch so that the car can be driven to a gas station for proper repair of the tire this can help you to get back on the road and out of the hurricanersquos way quickly and easily
Fill uP tHe tankeveryone is going to need fuel in order to evacuate so plan to fill up your tank as soon as you hear a hurricane warning this helps to prevent sudden demands on the supply once your tank is full conserve the amount of gas you use for the next couple of days by combining your errands into one trip and not traveling during rush hour
cHeck tiRe PRessuRein order to help conserve fuel make sure your tires are at the manufacturerrsquos recommended pressure - usually printed on the driverrsquos door of your car keeping tires at the correct pressure can improve your gasoline mileage by 33 percent according to fueleconomygov which means yoursquoll be able to travel further when evacuating
use PRoPeR FluidsMake sure you follow all the manufacturer recommendations for motor oil which can also improve your gasoline mileage by 1 or 2 percent according to fuelecomonygov one helpful hint is to look for oil that has an ldquoenergy conservingrdquo label by the american Petroleum institution to ensure it contains friction-reducing additives
it is not down inany maP tRue PlacesneVeR aRe
diRect dePosit oF social secuRity is easieR FoR winteR tRaVeleRs(ara) - as cold weather sets in thousands of retirees are making plans for a winter getaway if yoursquore one of them switch to direct deposit for your social security payments before you leave - itrsquos the safest easiest way to receive your money
ldquoeach year the us department of the treasury receives more than 14 million inquiries regarding paper check-related problemsrdquo says david a lebryk commissioner of the treasury departmentrsquos financial Management service
yet approximately 105 million americans continue to receive their social security and supplemental security income (ssi) payments by paper check each month the treasury departmentrsquos go direct (r) campaign encourages senior citizens and people with disabilities to switch to direct deposit
incReased saFety conVenience and Reliability
ldquowhen therersquos a problem with a social security payment nine times out of 10 itrsquos with a paper check not a direct deposit paymentrdquo says lebryk
Paper checks can be vulnerable to financial crimes like theft and fraud in fact the treasury department investigates more than 70000 cases of altered or fraudulently endorsed checks each year totaling $64 million in estimated value
ldquoin 2008 alone more than 485000 social security and ssi checks were reported lost or stolen and had to be reissuedrdquo says lebryk
direct deposit is also more convenient and reliable there is no more waiting for a check to arrive in the mail and there are no more worries about delivery delays due to severe weather localemergencies and other check related problems last year alone severe weather events forced alternative delivery arrangements for millions of social security and ssi paper checks
ldquoswitching to direct deposit for federal benefits is such an easy way
for people to safeguard their money es-pecially when traveling for extended pe-riods of timerdquo says lebryk ldquoyour money is deposited to your account on payment day so therersquos no need to worry
about delivery delays or a check sitting in your mailbox while yoursquore gonerdquo
PRePaid debit caRd oPtion
in addition to direct deposit the treasury department recommends the direct express (r) debit Mastercard (r) card as an alternative to paper checks for people without bank accounts
More than half a million americans signed up for the optional direct express (r) card in its first year of availability according to the treasury department a recent survey of cardholders finds that 95 percent say they are satisfied with the prepaid debit card and 86 percent say they would recommend it to family members or friends who receive a federal benefit payment
with the direct express card cardholders can make purchases pay bills and get cash at thousands of locations nationwide sign-up is free and no bank account is required while most services are free there are fees for a limited number of optional transactions and services
making tHe switcH is easy
it is easy to make the switch to electronic payments for federal benefits to sign up for direct deposit call the treasury departmentrsquos go direct campaign helpline at 1-800-333-1795 or visit wwwgodirectorg to sign up for the treasury-recommended direct express card or to learn more about the cardrsquos features and fees call 1-877-212-9991 or visit wwwusdirectexpresscom
the preceding information has been provided by the us department of the treasury financial Management service
the go direct (r) campaign is sponsored by the us department of the treasury and the federal reserve banks the direct express (r) debit Mastercard (r) card is issued by comerica bank pursuant to a license by Mastercard international incorporated Mastercard (r) and the Mastercard (r) brand Mark are registered trademarks of Mastercard international incorporated the go direct(r) logo direct express (r) logo and direct express (r) are service marks of the us department of the treasury financial Management service
biZaRRe tRaVel Plans aRe dancing lessons FRom god
time to ReFinance oR buy
right now mortgage rates are at their lowest level since 1971 think about that twenty-five years ago homeowners were paying as much as 18 on a 30-year fixed today itrsquos just a little over 5combine that rate with the tax advantages
of a mortgage and you have an incredibly cheap way to build wealth but you better act now
real estate guru barbara corcoran has already seen a tremendous surge in refinance applications ndash more than triple the average ndash and the number of people getting approved is astronomically higher as well she says but that doesnrsquot mean the low rates are a panacea for the ills of the housing market it is only once home prices start to go up that we will finally see a light at the end of tunnel corcoran says until that happens we are still going to have to crawl out of this mess ldquo[low interest rates are] not a lifesaverrdquo corcoran says ldquothis is just a helping handrdquo
david kittle chairman of the Mortgage bankers association has this advice to homeowners looking to refinance do it donrsquot get greedy searching for another quarter-point lock in rates now he is seeing applications soar over 125 just since thanksgiving due to the low rates
of course you should only refinance if it saves you at least 38 on the rate and if you plan on staying in your home for at least four years kittle says along with good credit proof of income and money by means of a down payment or equity in the home there are certain things every homeowner needs regardless of interest rate levels
easy-to-do maintenance HelPs extend VeHicle liFe(ara) - after their homes most americansrsquo largest financial investment is their vehicle so helping it stay in good working order for as long as possible is a high priority in fact the average age of a passenger car in north america has grown to more than nine years according to rl Polk and co which indicates that motorists are looking for ways to help extend the life of their vehicle
even so todayrsquos tight budgets leave some motorists reluctant to spend on services or maintenance that they think can be delayed at least for the short term however compared to the cost of engine repair spending a little today on the right maintenance routine performed by trusted service technicians using quality products makes sense Mark ferner Pennzoil technical specialist and ase-certified master mechanic offers some simple cost-effective tips for helping to protect the performance and longevity of your vehicle
replace dirty air filters a dirty air filter will restrict airflow to the engine which may reduce power output if the filter fails it will allow unfiltered air into the engine which can be abrasive inside an engine to avoid these issues and help promote long engine life check your enginersquos air filter regularly and change it when it is dirty
use HigH-quality Fuelseveral automotive manufacturers (bMw gM honda toyota volkswagen and audi) have published technical service bulletins recommending the use of top-tier fuel top-tier fuel contains more additives than is required by the industryrsquos lowest additive content (lac) treat rate regular use of fuel that only meets lac requirements may cause deposits to form on engine intake valves and fuel injectors
cHange youR oilregular oil changes are one of the most important steps to maximize the life of a vehicle oil change in-tervals vary by vehicle and driving conditions so follow the interval and oil specifications found in the ownerrsquos manual
also be sure to use quality motor oils in your vehicle Properly functioning motor oils help prevent sludge and neutralize and disperse harmful deposits and using the recommended viscosity grade of motor oil may also help enhance fuel economy if you are having the oil changed for you ask for quality oils by name Quality motor oil will maintain its effectiveness throughout the oil change interval allowing it to help keep the engine clean
as a bonus some motor oil brands offer lubrication warranties at no additional cost for example the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranty Programs protect qualified engines for 300000 miles whether their owners use conventional synthetic-blend or full synthetic motor oils meeting their vehiclesrsquo requirements Participants can enroll online and maintaining eligibility is easy simply get an oil change with the specified brand change the filter perform regular maintenance and keep the service receipts
to learn more about the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranties visit either wwwPennzoilcom or wwwQuakerstatecom or speak with an automotive professional at a participating automotive dealership or oil change facility that features Pennzoil or Quaker state products
PeoPle donrsquot take tRiPs tRiPs take PeoPle
Fin
al
wo
Rd
s
a vacation is what you take when you can no longer take what yoursquove been taking
eaRl wilson
- 1-12-2010pdf
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cHaRlestonrsquos oFFice oF cultuRal aFFaiRslauncHes wwwcHaRlestonaRtssc as tHieR new aRts web sitefrom charleston currents
the city of charlestonrsquos office of cultural affairs has launched httpwwwcharlestonartssc a companion web site to the ocarsquos primary page at the cityrsquos official site charlestonartssc will be updated daily with information and features including an arts calendar that users can search by date artist presenting group or venue social networking widgets and a directory of local arts and cultural organizations and venues
ldquowe are hopeful that charlestonartssc will be a major benefit to local artists and arts organizations by disseminating information about their events with the most up-to-date information to a broader publicrdquo said ellen dressler Moryl director of the office of cultural affairs
other options for users at charlestonartssc include the following
bull Arts organizations can download forms from the Office of Cultural Affairs submit events update contact information and compare performance dates with other area organizations
bull The Tools for Professional section of the Web site features job listings for arts professionals including full time and part time work as well as internships and volunteer opportunities with arts and cultural organizations in the tri-county area
bull Updated grant opportunities for arts organizations with detailed information including deadlines application and contact information
bull Call for Submissions and Call for Auditions pages with details about the location deadlines fees andadditional requirements
the new web site also hosts connecting pages for general information on the office of cultural affairs and its projects the charleston farmers Market the city gallery at waterfront Park holiday Magic happy new year charleston the holiday Parade of boats the lowcountry Quarterly arts grant Program Piccolo spoleto and the MoJa arts festival
the web site was developed and is being hosted by carolina Media services ( wwwonlysc)
a RetiRement HometHat HelPs Pay FoR itselF(ara) - with todayrsquos record low real estate prices and at-tractive mortgage rates now may be a good time to think about investing in a second home that ultimately can be used as your permanent residence upon retirement by taking a ldquobuy-and-rentrdquo approach before yoursquore ready to retire your new home will actually have partly paid for itself by the time yoursquore ready to move into it
ldquobuying and renting out a second home as a vacation rental property until yoursquore ready to move in upon retirement can significantly help offset the cost of ownershiprdquo says brian sharples ceo of homeaway the worldrsquos leading online vacation rental marketplace ldquothe income stream in addition to tax write-offs for maintenance and repairs make this an attractive strategy for many people nearing retirementrdquo
according to homeaway the average second-home owner rents out their property to travelers 17 weeks a year generating more than $28000 in rental income annually and the demand for vacation rentals among travelers is growing which is good news for second-home owners in fact 87 percent of travelers who looked into a vacation rental in the past say they plan to stay in a vacation rental in 2010 - a significant increase from the 67 percent who stayed in a vacation rental in 2009
to generate income from a second home prior to moving into it when you retire sharples suggests consumers take the following steps
location and maRket Potentialcarefully review the markets where you want to retire and before you buy consider the areas where consumer demand for vacation rentals is high but inventory is low for example atlantic city nJ sunny isles beach fla hampton beach nh dauphin island ala and Mount Pocono Pa were among some of the most underserved markets for vacation rental properties in 2009 according to homeaway
FactoR in tax wRite-oFFstalk to an accountant about the tax advantages of owning and renting out a second home expenses such as insurance utilities home maintenance and depreciation can be deducted depending on how often you rent out the property and how many weeks you personally stay there each year
adVeRtise to attRact RenteRs when yoursquore ready to rent out the property be sure to market the availability of the vacation rental to travelers by listing it on sites like homeawaycom or vrbocom which reach millions of travelers each month a 12-month listing costs $329 - or less than $28 per month - on homeawaycom so the advertising pays for itself with your first booking - and the rest is pure rental income
stay comPetitiVe amp netwoRk witH owneRs check out other similar vacation rentals in the area to determine what rates theyrsquore charging travelers and price your home at a competitiverate to help drive bookings also be sure to talk with other owners to get their tips and advice for maximizing a second home investment
for more information on buying a second home and effective strategies for maximizing rental income check out homeawayrsquos online community for vacation rental owners at ownercommunityhomeawaycom
tiPs to successFully get youwHeRe you need to be - Fast(ara) - do you ever get a headache just thinking about navigating the streets of an unfamiliar city have you ever booked a hotel in a less-than-great part of town or been late to an appointment because you canrsquot find a parking garage
even the savviest of travelers who can find their way around a city with their eyes closed run into travel snafus sending their blood pressure through the roof navigating the streets of a new city can be one of the most stressful parts of booking and taking a trip whether itrsquos for business or leisure
so you finally landed and yoursquore on your way to the hotel that you booked in the heart of the city everything is going just as you planned not so fast somehow you find yourself nowhere near the bright city lights and in a hotel on the outskirts of town where you wouldnrsquot even venture out for a cup of Joe
sound familiar well yoursquore not alone - more than half of travelers say theyrsquove experienced this very nightmare according to a recent bing survey
while finding decent lodging can be difficult sometimes even thinking about how to get around a city can strike fear into the hearts of business and leisure travelers alike so which city gets travelers hearts racing when just thinking about how to get around unsurprisingly for anyone who has ever visited either new york or los angeles (even just once) both cities topped bingrsquos survey as the worst cities to navigate More than 40 percent said ldquothe heck with driving irsquom getting a taxirdquo when visiting the big apple and a quarter said that the concrete jungle otherwise known as los angeles is too wild for them
so how can you ensure you know enough about a city to get around like you were a local book a decent hotel check out a local concert or find a local hot spot to grab a bite to eat well the folks at bing have a few tips to make your next adventure stress-free
Pay attention to ReViews Most online booking sites offer reviews from other guests who have stayed at the hotel that yoursquore considering while you may be inclined to take the overly positive reviews with a grain of salt itrsquos best to steer clear if a hotel receives consistent negative customer reviews
study uPcheck out the local convention center visitorsrsquo bureau or chamber of commerce web sites to learn more about the city and its surrounding neighborhoods this will help give you a better idea of whatrsquos near your destination and the neighborhoods that surround it
RemembeRyou get wHat you Pay FoRif yoursquore paying a two-star rate donrsquot expect to get four- or five-star accommodations and a mint on your pillow a cheaper rate rarely buys you luxury but you should still be able to score a clean safe room that provides for your basic needs
HoP onlineuse online resources like bing Mapsrsquo new streetside experience a three-dimensional mapping tool Just log on to bing Maps where you can zoom in from satellite level to birdrsquos eye view and even down to street level for 56 major us metro areas
now you can virtually walk the streets of your next adventure with actual 360-degree footage of the area not only can you tell if a hotel is in a good neighborhood yoursquoll be able to see if therersquos a wifi coffee shop nearby where you can sync up your computer before your next meeting or scope out any traffic jams before you head out and you can even find the nearest parking garage so yoursquore never late again to your lunch date - unlike the more than 40 percent of bing survey respondents who were fashionably late because they couldnrsquot find a parking spot
ldquobooking a hotel room on the internet can be a risky proposition if you canrsquot see the room hotel or area itrsquos in before you bookrdquo says blaise aguera y arcas architect of bing Maps and Msn at Microsoft ldquobut technology like streetside is making it possible to scope out a neighborhood - and ensure itrsquos one you want to stay in - without ever having to leave the comfort of your computer chairrdquo in fact the bing survey found that nearly a quarter of travelers rated finding a decent hotel as the most frustrating part of planning their trip
Plus stay up-to-date on the best places to check out on your next trip by using bingrsquos twitter mapping app now you can get real-time information about an area - such as seeing the latest tweets for the local shopping mall before you even go there or even updates about local events and breaking news
log onto bing Maps where you can plan your next trip whether itrsquos a far away city or even your own town now you can be a travel guru no matter where you are
setting and stickingto youR tRaVel budget(ara) - travel can be one of the biggest-ticket items you invest in each year so itrsquos worth it to plan ahead
setting a budget - and sticking to it - can help you stay in better control of spending according to a recent visa survey a majority (54 percent) of last yearrsquos summer travelers either didnrsquot set a budget oroverspent their budget while traveling and more than a quarter of those surveyed overspent by more than $250 to make sure this doesnrsquot happen to you itrsquos important to create a realistic travel budget and make a plan for how you will spend within your means while on the road
to create a budget think through your trip first include the basics such as transportation to and from your destination and lodging next plan for expenses that come up along the way such as meals on the road
hosthostess gifts rental cars or public transportation donrsquot forget to include entertainment - whether sightseeing or going to the movies itrsquos also a good idea to build in a cushion for the unexpected
once yoursquove set your travel budget you need to stick to it one tool that can help is a prepaid travel card a prepaid card draws from funds that are set aside in advance for purchases here are a few ways prepaid travel cards can come in handy
keeP tRaVel Funds sePaRate an easy way to make sure you donrsquot go over budget is to set your travel budget aside on a prepaid travel card simply load the card with your travel budget and use it for everything from online booking to grabbing lunch during an (unexpectedly extended) layover without worrying about spending more than you planned or dipping into gift-buying funds
access casHwhether you need a few dollars or several yen choose a prepaid card that will allow you to withdraw cash from atMs around the world if yoursquore traveling internationally itrsquoll also save you the hassle of tracking down and waiting in line for local currency
bRowse and buy look for a prepaid card that you can use online travel sites offer a wealth of information and detailed listings of competing offers from airlines and hotels as well as reviews from fellow travelers for flights you can typically compare possible savings by traveling on al-ternate days or from nearby airports once you spot the deal that works for your budget use your prepaid travel card to snap it up
enJoy Peace oF mind wHen tRaVeling Prepaid cards may come with travel-related services for example the visa travelMoney card offers zero liability for lost or stolen cards as well as lost luggage reimbursement and purchase security Make sure you know which benefits your card offers and how they work so you can tap into them should the need arise
with some advance preparation and the right tools in place you donrsquot have to overspend on travel in fact with some careful planning you could end up with enough left to buy yourself a little something to remember the trip for more information about visa travelMoney visit wwwvisacomtravelmoney
Click To Listen While You Browse
South Carolinarsquos Internet
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(843)720-9604 InfoOnlysc
need an easy getaway FoR tHe Family Plan a budget-FRiendly tRiP to a national PaRk(ara) - american families have spoken the vacation is a top priority ninety-four percent of americans agreed that even in tough economic times family vacations are worth the money according to a recent survey by expediacom to keep the vacation affordable and easy think about introducing your family to the splendor of the national park system - where activities are abundant and costs are minimal
expediacom recently partnered with the national Park foundation to provide a permanent one-stop shop to help travelers plan and book vacations to americarsquos national parks
ldquothere are excellent values for traveling families right now and taking a trip to a national park is one of the best ways to stretch your vacation dollarsrdquo says lee woodruff author travel expert and mother of four
ldquofamilies are looking for ways to reconnect with each other and what better option for an affordable vacation than a national parkrdquo
here are five easy steps to plan the perfect national park getaway
1 get inspired ken burns recently debuted a six-part documentary series for Pbs titledldquothe national Parks americarsquos best ideardquo tune into Pbs or order a copy online to find inspiration and a detailed look at some of the most beautiful places in the world from acadia to the grand canyon and yosemite to the gates of the arctic in alaska
2 Pick the park with original content from the national Park foundation expediacomrsquos national park web site is the perfect resource for families to find the national park to fit their vacation needs
the site offers pre-set ldquolong weekendrdquo itineraries to start your planning you can also search through the ldquocanrsquot Miss national Parksrdquo section to learn about the parkrsquos location its natural features little-known facts including the best times to visit and activities to choose from in each area expediarsquos site also offers downloadable park maps to help you get your bearings
3 more ways to save take advantage of the public amenities that national parks offer like camping and picnic sites while there is a small entrance fee to the parks you can cut back on costs by bringing your own meals and treating the kids to lunch by a waterfall or overlooking the grand canyon also enjoy the free activities such as hiking biking and birding that the parks offer
4 book your hotel and rental car if camping isnrsquot your familyrsquos style consider any of the great lodges in and around the national park of your choice and if yoursquore planning to rent a car consider booking lodging and car together to substantially reduce the overall costs of your vacation
5 give back consider giving back to the national Park foundation by visiting the web site wwwnationalparksorg and donate or learn more about volunteer opportunities within americarsquos national parks helping out in these small ways ensures the parks will remain beautiful so your kids can bring their own children one day
ldquoPlanning the vacation is half of the fun so get every-one involved in the processrdquo says woodruff ldquothere are so many options in our national park system many of which have rich and amazing heritage so the whole family is going to enjoy something when you visitrdquo
bookmaRk youRFaVoRite Road
a bRieF HistoRyoF PaVed Roads
(ara) - Planes and trains may have their place in our society but for the dedicated traveler therersquos still nothing like getting in your car and taking a trip along americarsquos highways
half the fun of road trips in the minds of many is getting home and telling friends and family about the adventure - and the roads they traveled
in the past driversrsquo road stories were largely told by word of mouth to a few people at a time now drivers can tell their tales to millions via the internet favoriteroadcom is a new web site that features americarsquos favorite highways and byways
the site encourages you to post your favorite roads and explain why you like them simply log on to submit a photo and story of your favorite road use links posted on the site to share your road via popular social networks such as facebook and twitter your submission may even win a prize in contest giveaways
the past yearrsquos economic downturn has reintroduced the word ldquoinfrastructurerdquo to our vocabulary as a result of stimulus legislation passed in 2009 the federal government has allocated millions of dollars to specifically improve state roads and highways and with more affordable gasoline prices people are increasingly using americarsquos roads for leisure travel
by posting on favoriteroadcom yoursquore doing more than just ldquotelling a good storyrdquo your testimonials may help encourage lawmakers to push for increased infrastructure spending to keep america driving smoothly and safely for years to come
whatrsquos your favorite road log on and tell the world at favoriteroadcom
625 bc the babylonians are credited with the first recorded use of asphalt as a road building material the ancient greeks were also familiar with asphalt (the word comes from the greek ldquoasphaltosrdquo meaning ldquosecurerdquo)
1500s christopher columbus landed off the shores of trinidad in 1498 and discovered the famous asphalt lake which would later be used on the Pennsylvania avenue project in washington dc covering 54000 square yards
1800s Macadam roads became popular in the us for rural road construction during the 1830s and 40s belgian chemist edmund J desmedt laid the first true asphalt pavement in the us in newark nJ the cummer company opened the first central hot mix production facilities in the us the first asphalt patent was filed by nathan b abbott of brooklyn ny in 1871
1920s world war i ended and the use of the automo-bile was steadily rising but roads outside the city limits were frequently too muddy or dusty for travel to fix this problem road engineers used oils and asphalt
1940s-1950s the modern american turnpike is born after world war ii full scale automobile production resumed along with major levels of road maintenance and new highway construction by 1950 vehicle registration exceeded 40 million cars and 8 million trucks in 1956 President eisenhower signed the federal-aid highway act and launched the interstate system to create an infrastructure highway program -unmatched anywhere in the world
1970s a national move to conserve energy and materials initiated a widespread interest in recycling of pavement materials asphalt is now americarsquos most recycled product
1990s a traffic study by the world road association indicates that asphalt pavements are at least 4 decibels quieter than concrete pavements
2000s the us population has increased 23 percent since 1990 and the number of miles driven has risen by 41 percent only half of the nationrsquos major roads are in good condition based on an analysis of recent federal highway administration data
wandeRing Re-establisHes tHe oRiginal
HaRmony wHicH once existed between
man and tHe uniVeRse
business oR leisuRe dRiVing oR FlyingtRaVel saFely natuRally(ara) - weekend getaways shorter vacations and overnight business trips are great ways to save money and are becoming more prevalent according to the bureau of transportation taking a few simple and natural steps to stay safe and healthy while on the road can not only protect your travel investment butenhance your entire experience
ReFResHed and aleRt dRiVing diFFusion
a shorter thriftier trip is likely to be by car the inevitable rush to make the most of the limited time
away after a tiring work week can create fatigue so donrsquot make it a dangerous driving situation enliven your senses with essential oil scents
ditch the cardboard cutout car ldquofreshenerrdquo that hangs from the rearview mirror not only distracting these products are usually saturated with synthetic fragrance chemicals and probably arenrsquot the best thing to inhale while enclosed in your vehicle instead rely on a sleek essential oil diffuser that plugs into your automobilersquos phone charger power outlet these devices feature small paper fiber pads to which you can apply your own custom blend of essential oils allowing you to not only
scent the air inside the car but also to provide refreshing aromatherapy benefits to help keep you alert and focused on the road
a simpler alternative way to diffuse is to apply several drops of oil to a tissue and tuck it carefully into one of the vents in the dash
try these essential oils for the car Peppermint essential oil - refreshing awakening
uplifting eucalyptus essential oil - bracing purifying
protecting lemon essential oil - pleasant deodorizing
cheering
How clean is youR Hotel Room
overnight stays in less than posh hotel digs may be part of the money-saving travel trend even upscale hotels arenrsquot immune to dirt and germs or worse an apparent outbreak of bedbug infestations in the united states recently publicized by the environmental Protection agency
bedbugs aside there are always nagging doubts about just how clean a hotel room actually is has the shower or tub been scrubbed or merely wiped down is the toilet sanitized has the bedspread ever really been thoroughly cleaned fortunately there are ways to protect yourself after you check in but before you settle into your temporary overnight home
air and surface sanitizing spray feel good about travel with a bottle of homemade purifying aromatherapy solution that relies on pleasantly scented and highly effective essential oils rather than harsh chemical disinfectants the following spray will help you create a hygienic environment in your temporary hotel home apply it to tub vanity and toilet surfaces
ingredientsempty 12 to16 ounce spray bottle10 ounces water2 ounces isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or
vodka12 teaspoon tea tree essential oil
(antimicrobial)12 teaspoon lemon essential oil
(cleansing)12 teaspoon lavandin essential oil
(protecting)12 teaspoon sweet orange essential oil
(freshening)
directions combine all ingredients in the spray bottle shake and apply to a washcloth and wipe down the tvrsquos remote the clock radio the door handles and the faucethandles in the bathroom
Purifying and Relaxing linen mist here are some great tips for making a strange bed feel more like home take along your own pillow and replace the ones provided create your own linen mist and use it on your own bed at home then travel with the same blend taking a little bit of home with you when you arrive at your destination turn down the covers exchange the pillows and apply your signature scent to the bed
ingredientsempty 4 to 8 ounce spray bottle4 to 8 ounces water13 drops lavender essential oil
(relaxing calming)5 drops lavandin or spike lavender
essential oil (purifying protecting)
directionscombine the water and oil in the bottle shake the contents thoroughly just before application
remember to look for pure and natural essential oil brands like aura cacia that donrsquot include synthetic petrochemical fragrances for more information on how to enhance your life through aromatherapy visit wwwauracaciacom
PRePaRe youR VeHicle FoR a HuRRicane eVacuation(ara) - ana bill claudette - the first three atlantic ocean hurricanes of the season made headlines but not to the extent of katrina or ike of recent years and while these three hurricanes have come and gone who knows if - or when - grace or henry might pay a visit to your town
the 2009 hurricane season has an expected 90 percent chance of being a near-normal or below-normal season for the atlantic ocean according to the national oceanic and atmospheric administration this prediction - if accurate - will be welcomed with a sigh of relief by many residents in coastal towns after the above-normal year in 2008
but even if noaa is predicting a quiet year for hurricanes you can never be over prepared if you donrsquot have your emergency evacuation plan organized itrsquos time to make one no matter if yoursquore planning on traveling 100 miles or 1000 miles you need an evacuation plan as a representative of a gulf coast
company Maricela carter a health safety security environment coordinator with soPus has some tips on how to prepare your vehicle for potential evacuations
Plan eVacuation Routescheck newspapers online sites the local emergency broadcast radio station and local television stations for the latest information on official evacuation routes Purchase a good map with details on elevations waterways and county roads and familiarize yourself with the most efficient ways to get out of town
Pack an emeRgency kitautomobiles are susceptible to unexpected problems so keep an emergency kit in your trunk include jumper cables extra motor oil window washing brake and coolant fluids simple tools like an air pressure gauge screwdriver pliers and adjustable wrench a role of
paper towels a windup flashlight and a can of fix-a-flat in case you get a flat tire
fix-a-flat creates a temporary emergency seal on contact with the tire and inflates the tire between eight and 14 pounds per square inch so that the car can be driven to a gas station for proper repair of the tire this can help you to get back on the road and out of the hurricanersquos way quickly and easily
Fill uP tHe tankeveryone is going to need fuel in order to evacuate so plan to fill up your tank as soon as you hear a hurricane warning this helps to prevent sudden demands on the supply once your tank is full conserve the amount of gas you use for the next couple of days by combining your errands into one trip and not traveling during rush hour
cHeck tiRe PRessuRein order to help conserve fuel make sure your tires are at the manufacturerrsquos recommended pressure - usually printed on the driverrsquos door of your car keeping tires at the correct pressure can improve your gasoline mileage by 33 percent according to fueleconomygov which means yoursquoll be able to travel further when evacuating
use PRoPeR FluidsMake sure you follow all the manufacturer recommendations for motor oil which can also improve your gasoline mileage by 1 or 2 percent according to fuelecomonygov one helpful hint is to look for oil that has an ldquoenergy conservingrdquo label by the american Petroleum institution to ensure it contains friction-reducing additives
it is not down inany maP tRue PlacesneVeR aRe
diRect dePosit oF social secuRity is easieR FoR winteR tRaVeleRs(ara) - as cold weather sets in thousands of retirees are making plans for a winter getaway if yoursquore one of them switch to direct deposit for your social security payments before you leave - itrsquos the safest easiest way to receive your money
ldquoeach year the us department of the treasury receives more than 14 million inquiries regarding paper check-related problemsrdquo says david a lebryk commissioner of the treasury departmentrsquos financial Management service
yet approximately 105 million americans continue to receive their social security and supplemental security income (ssi) payments by paper check each month the treasury departmentrsquos go direct (r) campaign encourages senior citizens and people with disabilities to switch to direct deposit
incReased saFety conVenience and Reliability
ldquowhen therersquos a problem with a social security payment nine times out of 10 itrsquos with a paper check not a direct deposit paymentrdquo says lebryk
Paper checks can be vulnerable to financial crimes like theft and fraud in fact the treasury department investigates more than 70000 cases of altered or fraudulently endorsed checks each year totaling $64 million in estimated value
ldquoin 2008 alone more than 485000 social security and ssi checks were reported lost or stolen and had to be reissuedrdquo says lebryk
direct deposit is also more convenient and reliable there is no more waiting for a check to arrive in the mail and there are no more worries about delivery delays due to severe weather localemergencies and other check related problems last year alone severe weather events forced alternative delivery arrangements for millions of social security and ssi paper checks
ldquoswitching to direct deposit for federal benefits is such an easy way
for people to safeguard their money es-pecially when traveling for extended pe-riods of timerdquo says lebryk ldquoyour money is deposited to your account on payment day so therersquos no need to worry
about delivery delays or a check sitting in your mailbox while yoursquore gonerdquo
PRePaid debit caRd oPtion
in addition to direct deposit the treasury department recommends the direct express (r) debit Mastercard (r) card as an alternative to paper checks for people without bank accounts
More than half a million americans signed up for the optional direct express (r) card in its first year of availability according to the treasury department a recent survey of cardholders finds that 95 percent say they are satisfied with the prepaid debit card and 86 percent say they would recommend it to family members or friends who receive a federal benefit payment
with the direct express card cardholders can make purchases pay bills and get cash at thousands of locations nationwide sign-up is free and no bank account is required while most services are free there are fees for a limited number of optional transactions and services
making tHe switcH is easy
it is easy to make the switch to electronic payments for federal benefits to sign up for direct deposit call the treasury departmentrsquos go direct campaign helpline at 1-800-333-1795 or visit wwwgodirectorg to sign up for the treasury-recommended direct express card or to learn more about the cardrsquos features and fees call 1-877-212-9991 or visit wwwusdirectexpresscom
the preceding information has been provided by the us department of the treasury financial Management service
the go direct (r) campaign is sponsored by the us department of the treasury and the federal reserve banks the direct express (r) debit Mastercard (r) card is issued by comerica bank pursuant to a license by Mastercard international incorporated Mastercard (r) and the Mastercard (r) brand Mark are registered trademarks of Mastercard international incorporated the go direct(r) logo direct express (r) logo and direct express (r) are service marks of the us department of the treasury financial Management service
biZaRRe tRaVel Plans aRe dancing lessons FRom god
time to ReFinance oR buy
right now mortgage rates are at their lowest level since 1971 think about that twenty-five years ago homeowners were paying as much as 18 on a 30-year fixed today itrsquos just a little over 5combine that rate with the tax advantages
of a mortgage and you have an incredibly cheap way to build wealth but you better act now
real estate guru barbara corcoran has already seen a tremendous surge in refinance applications ndash more than triple the average ndash and the number of people getting approved is astronomically higher as well she says but that doesnrsquot mean the low rates are a panacea for the ills of the housing market it is only once home prices start to go up that we will finally see a light at the end of tunnel corcoran says until that happens we are still going to have to crawl out of this mess ldquo[low interest rates are] not a lifesaverrdquo corcoran says ldquothis is just a helping handrdquo
david kittle chairman of the Mortgage bankers association has this advice to homeowners looking to refinance do it donrsquot get greedy searching for another quarter-point lock in rates now he is seeing applications soar over 125 just since thanksgiving due to the low rates
of course you should only refinance if it saves you at least 38 on the rate and if you plan on staying in your home for at least four years kittle says along with good credit proof of income and money by means of a down payment or equity in the home there are certain things every homeowner needs regardless of interest rate levels
easy-to-do maintenance HelPs extend VeHicle liFe(ara) - after their homes most americansrsquo largest financial investment is their vehicle so helping it stay in good working order for as long as possible is a high priority in fact the average age of a passenger car in north america has grown to more than nine years according to rl Polk and co which indicates that motorists are looking for ways to help extend the life of their vehicle
even so todayrsquos tight budgets leave some motorists reluctant to spend on services or maintenance that they think can be delayed at least for the short term however compared to the cost of engine repair spending a little today on the right maintenance routine performed by trusted service technicians using quality products makes sense Mark ferner Pennzoil technical specialist and ase-certified master mechanic offers some simple cost-effective tips for helping to protect the performance and longevity of your vehicle
replace dirty air filters a dirty air filter will restrict airflow to the engine which may reduce power output if the filter fails it will allow unfiltered air into the engine which can be abrasive inside an engine to avoid these issues and help promote long engine life check your enginersquos air filter regularly and change it when it is dirty
use HigH-quality Fuelseveral automotive manufacturers (bMw gM honda toyota volkswagen and audi) have published technical service bulletins recommending the use of top-tier fuel top-tier fuel contains more additives than is required by the industryrsquos lowest additive content (lac) treat rate regular use of fuel that only meets lac requirements may cause deposits to form on engine intake valves and fuel injectors
cHange youR oilregular oil changes are one of the most important steps to maximize the life of a vehicle oil change in-tervals vary by vehicle and driving conditions so follow the interval and oil specifications found in the ownerrsquos manual
also be sure to use quality motor oils in your vehicle Properly functioning motor oils help prevent sludge and neutralize and disperse harmful deposits and using the recommended viscosity grade of motor oil may also help enhance fuel economy if you are having the oil changed for you ask for quality oils by name Quality motor oil will maintain its effectiveness throughout the oil change interval allowing it to help keep the engine clean
as a bonus some motor oil brands offer lubrication warranties at no additional cost for example the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranty Programs protect qualified engines for 300000 miles whether their owners use conventional synthetic-blend or full synthetic motor oils meeting their vehiclesrsquo requirements Participants can enroll online and maintaining eligibility is easy simply get an oil change with the specified brand change the filter perform regular maintenance and keep the service receipts
to learn more about the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranties visit either wwwPennzoilcom or wwwQuakerstatecom or speak with an automotive professional at a participating automotive dealership or oil change facility that features Pennzoil or Quaker state products
PeoPle donrsquot take tRiPs tRiPs take PeoPle
Fin
al
wo
Rd
s
a vacation is what you take when you can no longer take what yoursquove been taking
eaRl wilson
- 1-12-2010pdf
cHaRlestonrsquos oFFice oF cultuRal aFFaiRslauncHes wwwcHaRlestonaRtssc as tHieR new aRts web sitefrom charleston currents
the city of charlestonrsquos office of cultural affairs has launched httpwwwcharlestonartssc a companion web site to the ocarsquos primary page at the cityrsquos official site charlestonartssc will be updated daily with information and features including an arts calendar that users can search by date artist presenting group or venue social networking widgets and a directory of local arts and cultural organizations and venues
ldquowe are hopeful that charlestonartssc will be a major benefit to local artists and arts organizations by disseminating information about their events with the most up-to-date information to a broader publicrdquo said ellen dressler Moryl director of the office of cultural affairs
other options for users at charlestonartssc include the following
bull Arts organizations can download forms from the Office of Cultural Affairs submit events update contact information and compare performance dates with other area organizations
bull The Tools for Professional section of the Web site features job listings for arts professionals including full time and part time work as well as internships and volunteer opportunities with arts and cultural organizations in the tri-county area
bull Updated grant opportunities for arts organizations with detailed information including deadlines application and contact information
bull Call for Submissions and Call for Auditions pages with details about the location deadlines fees andadditional requirements
the new web site also hosts connecting pages for general information on the office of cultural affairs and its projects the charleston farmers Market the city gallery at waterfront Park holiday Magic happy new year charleston the holiday Parade of boats the lowcountry Quarterly arts grant Program Piccolo spoleto and the MoJa arts festival
the web site was developed and is being hosted by carolina Media services ( wwwonlysc)
a RetiRement HometHat HelPs Pay FoR itselF(ara) - with todayrsquos record low real estate prices and at-tractive mortgage rates now may be a good time to think about investing in a second home that ultimately can be used as your permanent residence upon retirement by taking a ldquobuy-and-rentrdquo approach before yoursquore ready to retire your new home will actually have partly paid for itself by the time yoursquore ready to move into it
ldquobuying and renting out a second home as a vacation rental property until yoursquore ready to move in upon retirement can significantly help offset the cost of ownershiprdquo says brian sharples ceo of homeaway the worldrsquos leading online vacation rental marketplace ldquothe income stream in addition to tax write-offs for maintenance and repairs make this an attractive strategy for many people nearing retirementrdquo
according to homeaway the average second-home owner rents out their property to travelers 17 weeks a year generating more than $28000 in rental income annually and the demand for vacation rentals among travelers is growing which is good news for second-home owners in fact 87 percent of travelers who looked into a vacation rental in the past say they plan to stay in a vacation rental in 2010 - a significant increase from the 67 percent who stayed in a vacation rental in 2009
to generate income from a second home prior to moving into it when you retire sharples suggests consumers take the following steps
location and maRket Potentialcarefully review the markets where you want to retire and before you buy consider the areas where consumer demand for vacation rentals is high but inventory is low for example atlantic city nJ sunny isles beach fla hampton beach nh dauphin island ala and Mount Pocono Pa were among some of the most underserved markets for vacation rental properties in 2009 according to homeaway
FactoR in tax wRite-oFFstalk to an accountant about the tax advantages of owning and renting out a second home expenses such as insurance utilities home maintenance and depreciation can be deducted depending on how often you rent out the property and how many weeks you personally stay there each year
adVeRtise to attRact RenteRs when yoursquore ready to rent out the property be sure to market the availability of the vacation rental to travelers by listing it on sites like homeawaycom or vrbocom which reach millions of travelers each month a 12-month listing costs $329 - or less than $28 per month - on homeawaycom so the advertising pays for itself with your first booking - and the rest is pure rental income
stay comPetitiVe amp netwoRk witH owneRs check out other similar vacation rentals in the area to determine what rates theyrsquore charging travelers and price your home at a competitiverate to help drive bookings also be sure to talk with other owners to get their tips and advice for maximizing a second home investment
for more information on buying a second home and effective strategies for maximizing rental income check out homeawayrsquos online community for vacation rental owners at ownercommunityhomeawaycom
tiPs to successFully get youwHeRe you need to be - Fast(ara) - do you ever get a headache just thinking about navigating the streets of an unfamiliar city have you ever booked a hotel in a less-than-great part of town or been late to an appointment because you canrsquot find a parking garage
even the savviest of travelers who can find their way around a city with their eyes closed run into travel snafus sending their blood pressure through the roof navigating the streets of a new city can be one of the most stressful parts of booking and taking a trip whether itrsquos for business or leisure
so you finally landed and yoursquore on your way to the hotel that you booked in the heart of the city everything is going just as you planned not so fast somehow you find yourself nowhere near the bright city lights and in a hotel on the outskirts of town where you wouldnrsquot even venture out for a cup of Joe
sound familiar well yoursquore not alone - more than half of travelers say theyrsquove experienced this very nightmare according to a recent bing survey
while finding decent lodging can be difficult sometimes even thinking about how to get around a city can strike fear into the hearts of business and leisure travelers alike so which city gets travelers hearts racing when just thinking about how to get around unsurprisingly for anyone who has ever visited either new york or los angeles (even just once) both cities topped bingrsquos survey as the worst cities to navigate More than 40 percent said ldquothe heck with driving irsquom getting a taxirdquo when visiting the big apple and a quarter said that the concrete jungle otherwise known as los angeles is too wild for them
so how can you ensure you know enough about a city to get around like you were a local book a decent hotel check out a local concert or find a local hot spot to grab a bite to eat well the folks at bing have a few tips to make your next adventure stress-free
Pay attention to ReViews Most online booking sites offer reviews from other guests who have stayed at the hotel that yoursquore considering while you may be inclined to take the overly positive reviews with a grain of salt itrsquos best to steer clear if a hotel receives consistent negative customer reviews
study uPcheck out the local convention center visitorsrsquo bureau or chamber of commerce web sites to learn more about the city and its surrounding neighborhoods this will help give you a better idea of whatrsquos near your destination and the neighborhoods that surround it
RemembeRyou get wHat you Pay FoRif yoursquore paying a two-star rate donrsquot expect to get four- or five-star accommodations and a mint on your pillow a cheaper rate rarely buys you luxury but you should still be able to score a clean safe room that provides for your basic needs
HoP onlineuse online resources like bing Mapsrsquo new streetside experience a three-dimensional mapping tool Just log on to bing Maps where you can zoom in from satellite level to birdrsquos eye view and even down to street level for 56 major us metro areas
now you can virtually walk the streets of your next adventure with actual 360-degree footage of the area not only can you tell if a hotel is in a good neighborhood yoursquoll be able to see if therersquos a wifi coffee shop nearby where you can sync up your computer before your next meeting or scope out any traffic jams before you head out and you can even find the nearest parking garage so yoursquore never late again to your lunch date - unlike the more than 40 percent of bing survey respondents who were fashionably late because they couldnrsquot find a parking spot
ldquobooking a hotel room on the internet can be a risky proposition if you canrsquot see the room hotel or area itrsquos in before you bookrdquo says blaise aguera y arcas architect of bing Maps and Msn at Microsoft ldquobut technology like streetside is making it possible to scope out a neighborhood - and ensure itrsquos one you want to stay in - without ever having to leave the comfort of your computer chairrdquo in fact the bing survey found that nearly a quarter of travelers rated finding a decent hotel as the most frustrating part of planning their trip
Plus stay up-to-date on the best places to check out on your next trip by using bingrsquos twitter mapping app now you can get real-time information about an area - such as seeing the latest tweets for the local shopping mall before you even go there or even updates about local events and breaking news
log onto bing Maps where you can plan your next trip whether itrsquos a far away city or even your own town now you can be a travel guru no matter where you are
setting and stickingto youR tRaVel budget(ara) - travel can be one of the biggest-ticket items you invest in each year so itrsquos worth it to plan ahead
setting a budget - and sticking to it - can help you stay in better control of spending according to a recent visa survey a majority (54 percent) of last yearrsquos summer travelers either didnrsquot set a budget oroverspent their budget while traveling and more than a quarter of those surveyed overspent by more than $250 to make sure this doesnrsquot happen to you itrsquos important to create a realistic travel budget and make a plan for how you will spend within your means while on the road
to create a budget think through your trip first include the basics such as transportation to and from your destination and lodging next plan for expenses that come up along the way such as meals on the road
hosthostess gifts rental cars or public transportation donrsquot forget to include entertainment - whether sightseeing or going to the movies itrsquos also a good idea to build in a cushion for the unexpected
once yoursquove set your travel budget you need to stick to it one tool that can help is a prepaid travel card a prepaid card draws from funds that are set aside in advance for purchases here are a few ways prepaid travel cards can come in handy
keeP tRaVel Funds sePaRate an easy way to make sure you donrsquot go over budget is to set your travel budget aside on a prepaid travel card simply load the card with your travel budget and use it for everything from online booking to grabbing lunch during an (unexpectedly extended) layover without worrying about spending more than you planned or dipping into gift-buying funds
access casHwhether you need a few dollars or several yen choose a prepaid card that will allow you to withdraw cash from atMs around the world if yoursquore traveling internationally itrsquoll also save you the hassle of tracking down and waiting in line for local currency
bRowse and buy look for a prepaid card that you can use online travel sites offer a wealth of information and detailed listings of competing offers from airlines and hotels as well as reviews from fellow travelers for flights you can typically compare possible savings by traveling on al-ternate days or from nearby airports once you spot the deal that works for your budget use your prepaid travel card to snap it up
enJoy Peace oF mind wHen tRaVeling Prepaid cards may come with travel-related services for example the visa travelMoney card offers zero liability for lost or stolen cards as well as lost luggage reimbursement and purchase security Make sure you know which benefits your card offers and how they work so you can tap into them should the need arise
with some advance preparation and the right tools in place you donrsquot have to overspend on travel in fact with some careful planning you could end up with enough left to buy yourself a little something to remember the trip for more information about visa travelMoney visit wwwvisacomtravelmoney
Click To Listen While You Browse
South Carolinarsquos Internet
Powered By
(843)720-9604 InfoOnlysc
need an easy getaway FoR tHe Family Plan a budget-FRiendly tRiP to a national PaRk(ara) - american families have spoken the vacation is a top priority ninety-four percent of americans agreed that even in tough economic times family vacations are worth the money according to a recent survey by expediacom to keep the vacation affordable and easy think about introducing your family to the splendor of the national park system - where activities are abundant and costs are minimal
expediacom recently partnered with the national Park foundation to provide a permanent one-stop shop to help travelers plan and book vacations to americarsquos national parks
ldquothere are excellent values for traveling families right now and taking a trip to a national park is one of the best ways to stretch your vacation dollarsrdquo says lee woodruff author travel expert and mother of four
ldquofamilies are looking for ways to reconnect with each other and what better option for an affordable vacation than a national parkrdquo
here are five easy steps to plan the perfect national park getaway
1 get inspired ken burns recently debuted a six-part documentary series for Pbs titledldquothe national Parks americarsquos best ideardquo tune into Pbs or order a copy online to find inspiration and a detailed look at some of the most beautiful places in the world from acadia to the grand canyon and yosemite to the gates of the arctic in alaska
2 Pick the park with original content from the national Park foundation expediacomrsquos national park web site is the perfect resource for families to find the national park to fit their vacation needs
the site offers pre-set ldquolong weekendrdquo itineraries to start your planning you can also search through the ldquocanrsquot Miss national Parksrdquo section to learn about the parkrsquos location its natural features little-known facts including the best times to visit and activities to choose from in each area expediarsquos site also offers downloadable park maps to help you get your bearings
3 more ways to save take advantage of the public amenities that national parks offer like camping and picnic sites while there is a small entrance fee to the parks you can cut back on costs by bringing your own meals and treating the kids to lunch by a waterfall or overlooking the grand canyon also enjoy the free activities such as hiking biking and birding that the parks offer
4 book your hotel and rental car if camping isnrsquot your familyrsquos style consider any of the great lodges in and around the national park of your choice and if yoursquore planning to rent a car consider booking lodging and car together to substantially reduce the overall costs of your vacation
5 give back consider giving back to the national Park foundation by visiting the web site wwwnationalparksorg and donate or learn more about volunteer opportunities within americarsquos national parks helping out in these small ways ensures the parks will remain beautiful so your kids can bring their own children one day
ldquoPlanning the vacation is half of the fun so get every-one involved in the processrdquo says woodruff ldquothere are so many options in our national park system many of which have rich and amazing heritage so the whole family is going to enjoy something when you visitrdquo
bookmaRk youRFaVoRite Road
a bRieF HistoRyoF PaVed Roads
(ara) - Planes and trains may have their place in our society but for the dedicated traveler therersquos still nothing like getting in your car and taking a trip along americarsquos highways
half the fun of road trips in the minds of many is getting home and telling friends and family about the adventure - and the roads they traveled
in the past driversrsquo road stories were largely told by word of mouth to a few people at a time now drivers can tell their tales to millions via the internet favoriteroadcom is a new web site that features americarsquos favorite highways and byways
the site encourages you to post your favorite roads and explain why you like them simply log on to submit a photo and story of your favorite road use links posted on the site to share your road via popular social networks such as facebook and twitter your submission may even win a prize in contest giveaways
the past yearrsquos economic downturn has reintroduced the word ldquoinfrastructurerdquo to our vocabulary as a result of stimulus legislation passed in 2009 the federal government has allocated millions of dollars to specifically improve state roads and highways and with more affordable gasoline prices people are increasingly using americarsquos roads for leisure travel
by posting on favoriteroadcom yoursquore doing more than just ldquotelling a good storyrdquo your testimonials may help encourage lawmakers to push for increased infrastructure spending to keep america driving smoothly and safely for years to come
whatrsquos your favorite road log on and tell the world at favoriteroadcom
625 bc the babylonians are credited with the first recorded use of asphalt as a road building material the ancient greeks were also familiar with asphalt (the word comes from the greek ldquoasphaltosrdquo meaning ldquosecurerdquo)
1500s christopher columbus landed off the shores of trinidad in 1498 and discovered the famous asphalt lake which would later be used on the Pennsylvania avenue project in washington dc covering 54000 square yards
1800s Macadam roads became popular in the us for rural road construction during the 1830s and 40s belgian chemist edmund J desmedt laid the first true asphalt pavement in the us in newark nJ the cummer company opened the first central hot mix production facilities in the us the first asphalt patent was filed by nathan b abbott of brooklyn ny in 1871
1920s world war i ended and the use of the automo-bile was steadily rising but roads outside the city limits were frequently too muddy or dusty for travel to fix this problem road engineers used oils and asphalt
1940s-1950s the modern american turnpike is born after world war ii full scale automobile production resumed along with major levels of road maintenance and new highway construction by 1950 vehicle registration exceeded 40 million cars and 8 million trucks in 1956 President eisenhower signed the federal-aid highway act and launched the interstate system to create an infrastructure highway program -unmatched anywhere in the world
1970s a national move to conserve energy and materials initiated a widespread interest in recycling of pavement materials asphalt is now americarsquos most recycled product
1990s a traffic study by the world road association indicates that asphalt pavements are at least 4 decibels quieter than concrete pavements
2000s the us population has increased 23 percent since 1990 and the number of miles driven has risen by 41 percent only half of the nationrsquos major roads are in good condition based on an analysis of recent federal highway administration data
wandeRing Re-establisHes tHe oRiginal
HaRmony wHicH once existed between
man and tHe uniVeRse
business oR leisuRe dRiVing oR FlyingtRaVel saFely natuRally(ara) - weekend getaways shorter vacations and overnight business trips are great ways to save money and are becoming more prevalent according to the bureau of transportation taking a few simple and natural steps to stay safe and healthy while on the road can not only protect your travel investment butenhance your entire experience
ReFResHed and aleRt dRiVing diFFusion
a shorter thriftier trip is likely to be by car the inevitable rush to make the most of the limited time
away after a tiring work week can create fatigue so donrsquot make it a dangerous driving situation enliven your senses with essential oil scents
ditch the cardboard cutout car ldquofreshenerrdquo that hangs from the rearview mirror not only distracting these products are usually saturated with synthetic fragrance chemicals and probably arenrsquot the best thing to inhale while enclosed in your vehicle instead rely on a sleek essential oil diffuser that plugs into your automobilersquos phone charger power outlet these devices feature small paper fiber pads to which you can apply your own custom blend of essential oils allowing you to not only
scent the air inside the car but also to provide refreshing aromatherapy benefits to help keep you alert and focused on the road
a simpler alternative way to diffuse is to apply several drops of oil to a tissue and tuck it carefully into one of the vents in the dash
try these essential oils for the car Peppermint essential oil - refreshing awakening
uplifting eucalyptus essential oil - bracing purifying
protecting lemon essential oil - pleasant deodorizing
cheering
How clean is youR Hotel Room
overnight stays in less than posh hotel digs may be part of the money-saving travel trend even upscale hotels arenrsquot immune to dirt and germs or worse an apparent outbreak of bedbug infestations in the united states recently publicized by the environmental Protection agency
bedbugs aside there are always nagging doubts about just how clean a hotel room actually is has the shower or tub been scrubbed or merely wiped down is the toilet sanitized has the bedspread ever really been thoroughly cleaned fortunately there are ways to protect yourself after you check in but before you settle into your temporary overnight home
air and surface sanitizing spray feel good about travel with a bottle of homemade purifying aromatherapy solution that relies on pleasantly scented and highly effective essential oils rather than harsh chemical disinfectants the following spray will help you create a hygienic environment in your temporary hotel home apply it to tub vanity and toilet surfaces
ingredientsempty 12 to16 ounce spray bottle10 ounces water2 ounces isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or
vodka12 teaspoon tea tree essential oil
(antimicrobial)12 teaspoon lemon essential oil
(cleansing)12 teaspoon lavandin essential oil
(protecting)12 teaspoon sweet orange essential oil
(freshening)
directions combine all ingredients in the spray bottle shake and apply to a washcloth and wipe down the tvrsquos remote the clock radio the door handles and the faucethandles in the bathroom
Purifying and Relaxing linen mist here are some great tips for making a strange bed feel more like home take along your own pillow and replace the ones provided create your own linen mist and use it on your own bed at home then travel with the same blend taking a little bit of home with you when you arrive at your destination turn down the covers exchange the pillows and apply your signature scent to the bed
ingredientsempty 4 to 8 ounce spray bottle4 to 8 ounces water13 drops lavender essential oil
(relaxing calming)5 drops lavandin or spike lavender
essential oil (purifying protecting)
directionscombine the water and oil in the bottle shake the contents thoroughly just before application
remember to look for pure and natural essential oil brands like aura cacia that donrsquot include synthetic petrochemical fragrances for more information on how to enhance your life through aromatherapy visit wwwauracaciacom
PRePaRe youR VeHicle FoR a HuRRicane eVacuation(ara) - ana bill claudette - the first three atlantic ocean hurricanes of the season made headlines but not to the extent of katrina or ike of recent years and while these three hurricanes have come and gone who knows if - or when - grace or henry might pay a visit to your town
the 2009 hurricane season has an expected 90 percent chance of being a near-normal or below-normal season for the atlantic ocean according to the national oceanic and atmospheric administration this prediction - if accurate - will be welcomed with a sigh of relief by many residents in coastal towns after the above-normal year in 2008
but even if noaa is predicting a quiet year for hurricanes you can never be over prepared if you donrsquot have your emergency evacuation plan organized itrsquos time to make one no matter if yoursquore planning on traveling 100 miles or 1000 miles you need an evacuation plan as a representative of a gulf coast
company Maricela carter a health safety security environment coordinator with soPus has some tips on how to prepare your vehicle for potential evacuations
Plan eVacuation Routescheck newspapers online sites the local emergency broadcast radio station and local television stations for the latest information on official evacuation routes Purchase a good map with details on elevations waterways and county roads and familiarize yourself with the most efficient ways to get out of town
Pack an emeRgency kitautomobiles are susceptible to unexpected problems so keep an emergency kit in your trunk include jumper cables extra motor oil window washing brake and coolant fluids simple tools like an air pressure gauge screwdriver pliers and adjustable wrench a role of
paper towels a windup flashlight and a can of fix-a-flat in case you get a flat tire
fix-a-flat creates a temporary emergency seal on contact with the tire and inflates the tire between eight and 14 pounds per square inch so that the car can be driven to a gas station for proper repair of the tire this can help you to get back on the road and out of the hurricanersquos way quickly and easily
Fill uP tHe tankeveryone is going to need fuel in order to evacuate so plan to fill up your tank as soon as you hear a hurricane warning this helps to prevent sudden demands on the supply once your tank is full conserve the amount of gas you use for the next couple of days by combining your errands into one trip and not traveling during rush hour
cHeck tiRe PRessuRein order to help conserve fuel make sure your tires are at the manufacturerrsquos recommended pressure - usually printed on the driverrsquos door of your car keeping tires at the correct pressure can improve your gasoline mileage by 33 percent according to fueleconomygov which means yoursquoll be able to travel further when evacuating
use PRoPeR FluidsMake sure you follow all the manufacturer recommendations for motor oil which can also improve your gasoline mileage by 1 or 2 percent according to fuelecomonygov one helpful hint is to look for oil that has an ldquoenergy conservingrdquo label by the american Petroleum institution to ensure it contains friction-reducing additives
it is not down inany maP tRue PlacesneVeR aRe
diRect dePosit oF social secuRity is easieR FoR winteR tRaVeleRs(ara) - as cold weather sets in thousands of retirees are making plans for a winter getaway if yoursquore one of them switch to direct deposit for your social security payments before you leave - itrsquos the safest easiest way to receive your money
ldquoeach year the us department of the treasury receives more than 14 million inquiries regarding paper check-related problemsrdquo says david a lebryk commissioner of the treasury departmentrsquos financial Management service
yet approximately 105 million americans continue to receive their social security and supplemental security income (ssi) payments by paper check each month the treasury departmentrsquos go direct (r) campaign encourages senior citizens and people with disabilities to switch to direct deposit
incReased saFety conVenience and Reliability
ldquowhen therersquos a problem with a social security payment nine times out of 10 itrsquos with a paper check not a direct deposit paymentrdquo says lebryk
Paper checks can be vulnerable to financial crimes like theft and fraud in fact the treasury department investigates more than 70000 cases of altered or fraudulently endorsed checks each year totaling $64 million in estimated value
ldquoin 2008 alone more than 485000 social security and ssi checks were reported lost or stolen and had to be reissuedrdquo says lebryk
direct deposit is also more convenient and reliable there is no more waiting for a check to arrive in the mail and there are no more worries about delivery delays due to severe weather localemergencies and other check related problems last year alone severe weather events forced alternative delivery arrangements for millions of social security and ssi paper checks
ldquoswitching to direct deposit for federal benefits is such an easy way
for people to safeguard their money es-pecially when traveling for extended pe-riods of timerdquo says lebryk ldquoyour money is deposited to your account on payment day so therersquos no need to worry
about delivery delays or a check sitting in your mailbox while yoursquore gonerdquo
PRePaid debit caRd oPtion
in addition to direct deposit the treasury department recommends the direct express (r) debit Mastercard (r) card as an alternative to paper checks for people without bank accounts
More than half a million americans signed up for the optional direct express (r) card in its first year of availability according to the treasury department a recent survey of cardholders finds that 95 percent say they are satisfied with the prepaid debit card and 86 percent say they would recommend it to family members or friends who receive a federal benefit payment
with the direct express card cardholders can make purchases pay bills and get cash at thousands of locations nationwide sign-up is free and no bank account is required while most services are free there are fees for a limited number of optional transactions and services
making tHe switcH is easy
it is easy to make the switch to electronic payments for federal benefits to sign up for direct deposit call the treasury departmentrsquos go direct campaign helpline at 1-800-333-1795 or visit wwwgodirectorg to sign up for the treasury-recommended direct express card or to learn more about the cardrsquos features and fees call 1-877-212-9991 or visit wwwusdirectexpresscom
the preceding information has been provided by the us department of the treasury financial Management service
the go direct (r) campaign is sponsored by the us department of the treasury and the federal reserve banks the direct express (r) debit Mastercard (r) card is issued by comerica bank pursuant to a license by Mastercard international incorporated Mastercard (r) and the Mastercard (r) brand Mark are registered trademarks of Mastercard international incorporated the go direct(r) logo direct express (r) logo and direct express (r) are service marks of the us department of the treasury financial Management service
biZaRRe tRaVel Plans aRe dancing lessons FRom god
time to ReFinance oR buy
right now mortgage rates are at their lowest level since 1971 think about that twenty-five years ago homeowners were paying as much as 18 on a 30-year fixed today itrsquos just a little over 5combine that rate with the tax advantages
of a mortgage and you have an incredibly cheap way to build wealth but you better act now
real estate guru barbara corcoran has already seen a tremendous surge in refinance applications ndash more than triple the average ndash and the number of people getting approved is astronomically higher as well she says but that doesnrsquot mean the low rates are a panacea for the ills of the housing market it is only once home prices start to go up that we will finally see a light at the end of tunnel corcoran says until that happens we are still going to have to crawl out of this mess ldquo[low interest rates are] not a lifesaverrdquo corcoran says ldquothis is just a helping handrdquo
david kittle chairman of the Mortgage bankers association has this advice to homeowners looking to refinance do it donrsquot get greedy searching for another quarter-point lock in rates now he is seeing applications soar over 125 just since thanksgiving due to the low rates
of course you should only refinance if it saves you at least 38 on the rate and if you plan on staying in your home for at least four years kittle says along with good credit proof of income and money by means of a down payment or equity in the home there are certain things every homeowner needs regardless of interest rate levels
easy-to-do maintenance HelPs extend VeHicle liFe(ara) - after their homes most americansrsquo largest financial investment is their vehicle so helping it stay in good working order for as long as possible is a high priority in fact the average age of a passenger car in north america has grown to more than nine years according to rl Polk and co which indicates that motorists are looking for ways to help extend the life of their vehicle
even so todayrsquos tight budgets leave some motorists reluctant to spend on services or maintenance that they think can be delayed at least for the short term however compared to the cost of engine repair spending a little today on the right maintenance routine performed by trusted service technicians using quality products makes sense Mark ferner Pennzoil technical specialist and ase-certified master mechanic offers some simple cost-effective tips for helping to protect the performance and longevity of your vehicle
replace dirty air filters a dirty air filter will restrict airflow to the engine which may reduce power output if the filter fails it will allow unfiltered air into the engine which can be abrasive inside an engine to avoid these issues and help promote long engine life check your enginersquos air filter regularly and change it when it is dirty
use HigH-quality Fuelseveral automotive manufacturers (bMw gM honda toyota volkswagen and audi) have published technical service bulletins recommending the use of top-tier fuel top-tier fuel contains more additives than is required by the industryrsquos lowest additive content (lac) treat rate regular use of fuel that only meets lac requirements may cause deposits to form on engine intake valves and fuel injectors
cHange youR oilregular oil changes are one of the most important steps to maximize the life of a vehicle oil change in-tervals vary by vehicle and driving conditions so follow the interval and oil specifications found in the ownerrsquos manual
also be sure to use quality motor oils in your vehicle Properly functioning motor oils help prevent sludge and neutralize and disperse harmful deposits and using the recommended viscosity grade of motor oil may also help enhance fuel economy if you are having the oil changed for you ask for quality oils by name Quality motor oil will maintain its effectiveness throughout the oil change interval allowing it to help keep the engine clean
as a bonus some motor oil brands offer lubrication warranties at no additional cost for example the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranty Programs protect qualified engines for 300000 miles whether their owners use conventional synthetic-blend or full synthetic motor oils meeting their vehiclesrsquo requirements Participants can enroll online and maintaining eligibility is easy simply get an oil change with the specified brand change the filter perform regular maintenance and keep the service receipts
to learn more about the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranties visit either wwwPennzoilcom or wwwQuakerstatecom or speak with an automotive professional at a participating automotive dealership or oil change facility that features Pennzoil or Quaker state products
PeoPle donrsquot take tRiPs tRiPs take PeoPle
Fin
al
wo
Rd
s
a vacation is what you take when you can no longer take what yoursquove been taking
eaRl wilson
- 1-12-2010pdf
a RetiRement HometHat HelPs Pay FoR itselF(ara) - with todayrsquos record low real estate prices and at-tractive mortgage rates now may be a good time to think about investing in a second home that ultimately can be used as your permanent residence upon retirement by taking a ldquobuy-and-rentrdquo approach before yoursquore ready to retire your new home will actually have partly paid for itself by the time yoursquore ready to move into it
ldquobuying and renting out a second home as a vacation rental property until yoursquore ready to move in upon retirement can significantly help offset the cost of ownershiprdquo says brian sharples ceo of homeaway the worldrsquos leading online vacation rental marketplace ldquothe income stream in addition to tax write-offs for maintenance and repairs make this an attractive strategy for many people nearing retirementrdquo
according to homeaway the average second-home owner rents out their property to travelers 17 weeks a year generating more than $28000 in rental income annually and the demand for vacation rentals among travelers is growing which is good news for second-home owners in fact 87 percent of travelers who looked into a vacation rental in the past say they plan to stay in a vacation rental in 2010 - a significant increase from the 67 percent who stayed in a vacation rental in 2009
to generate income from a second home prior to moving into it when you retire sharples suggests consumers take the following steps
location and maRket Potentialcarefully review the markets where you want to retire and before you buy consider the areas where consumer demand for vacation rentals is high but inventory is low for example atlantic city nJ sunny isles beach fla hampton beach nh dauphin island ala and Mount Pocono Pa were among some of the most underserved markets for vacation rental properties in 2009 according to homeaway
FactoR in tax wRite-oFFstalk to an accountant about the tax advantages of owning and renting out a second home expenses such as insurance utilities home maintenance and depreciation can be deducted depending on how often you rent out the property and how many weeks you personally stay there each year
adVeRtise to attRact RenteRs when yoursquore ready to rent out the property be sure to market the availability of the vacation rental to travelers by listing it on sites like homeawaycom or vrbocom which reach millions of travelers each month a 12-month listing costs $329 - or less than $28 per month - on homeawaycom so the advertising pays for itself with your first booking - and the rest is pure rental income
stay comPetitiVe amp netwoRk witH owneRs check out other similar vacation rentals in the area to determine what rates theyrsquore charging travelers and price your home at a competitiverate to help drive bookings also be sure to talk with other owners to get their tips and advice for maximizing a second home investment
for more information on buying a second home and effective strategies for maximizing rental income check out homeawayrsquos online community for vacation rental owners at ownercommunityhomeawaycom
tiPs to successFully get youwHeRe you need to be - Fast(ara) - do you ever get a headache just thinking about navigating the streets of an unfamiliar city have you ever booked a hotel in a less-than-great part of town or been late to an appointment because you canrsquot find a parking garage
even the savviest of travelers who can find their way around a city with their eyes closed run into travel snafus sending their blood pressure through the roof navigating the streets of a new city can be one of the most stressful parts of booking and taking a trip whether itrsquos for business or leisure
so you finally landed and yoursquore on your way to the hotel that you booked in the heart of the city everything is going just as you planned not so fast somehow you find yourself nowhere near the bright city lights and in a hotel on the outskirts of town where you wouldnrsquot even venture out for a cup of Joe
sound familiar well yoursquore not alone - more than half of travelers say theyrsquove experienced this very nightmare according to a recent bing survey
while finding decent lodging can be difficult sometimes even thinking about how to get around a city can strike fear into the hearts of business and leisure travelers alike so which city gets travelers hearts racing when just thinking about how to get around unsurprisingly for anyone who has ever visited either new york or los angeles (even just once) both cities topped bingrsquos survey as the worst cities to navigate More than 40 percent said ldquothe heck with driving irsquom getting a taxirdquo when visiting the big apple and a quarter said that the concrete jungle otherwise known as los angeles is too wild for them
so how can you ensure you know enough about a city to get around like you were a local book a decent hotel check out a local concert or find a local hot spot to grab a bite to eat well the folks at bing have a few tips to make your next adventure stress-free
Pay attention to ReViews Most online booking sites offer reviews from other guests who have stayed at the hotel that yoursquore considering while you may be inclined to take the overly positive reviews with a grain of salt itrsquos best to steer clear if a hotel receives consistent negative customer reviews
study uPcheck out the local convention center visitorsrsquo bureau or chamber of commerce web sites to learn more about the city and its surrounding neighborhoods this will help give you a better idea of whatrsquos near your destination and the neighborhoods that surround it
RemembeRyou get wHat you Pay FoRif yoursquore paying a two-star rate donrsquot expect to get four- or five-star accommodations and a mint on your pillow a cheaper rate rarely buys you luxury but you should still be able to score a clean safe room that provides for your basic needs
HoP onlineuse online resources like bing Mapsrsquo new streetside experience a three-dimensional mapping tool Just log on to bing Maps where you can zoom in from satellite level to birdrsquos eye view and even down to street level for 56 major us metro areas
now you can virtually walk the streets of your next adventure with actual 360-degree footage of the area not only can you tell if a hotel is in a good neighborhood yoursquoll be able to see if therersquos a wifi coffee shop nearby where you can sync up your computer before your next meeting or scope out any traffic jams before you head out and you can even find the nearest parking garage so yoursquore never late again to your lunch date - unlike the more than 40 percent of bing survey respondents who were fashionably late because they couldnrsquot find a parking spot
ldquobooking a hotel room on the internet can be a risky proposition if you canrsquot see the room hotel or area itrsquos in before you bookrdquo says blaise aguera y arcas architect of bing Maps and Msn at Microsoft ldquobut technology like streetside is making it possible to scope out a neighborhood - and ensure itrsquos one you want to stay in - without ever having to leave the comfort of your computer chairrdquo in fact the bing survey found that nearly a quarter of travelers rated finding a decent hotel as the most frustrating part of planning their trip
Plus stay up-to-date on the best places to check out on your next trip by using bingrsquos twitter mapping app now you can get real-time information about an area - such as seeing the latest tweets for the local shopping mall before you even go there or even updates about local events and breaking news
log onto bing Maps where you can plan your next trip whether itrsquos a far away city or even your own town now you can be a travel guru no matter where you are
setting and stickingto youR tRaVel budget(ara) - travel can be one of the biggest-ticket items you invest in each year so itrsquos worth it to plan ahead
setting a budget - and sticking to it - can help you stay in better control of spending according to a recent visa survey a majority (54 percent) of last yearrsquos summer travelers either didnrsquot set a budget oroverspent their budget while traveling and more than a quarter of those surveyed overspent by more than $250 to make sure this doesnrsquot happen to you itrsquos important to create a realistic travel budget and make a plan for how you will spend within your means while on the road
to create a budget think through your trip first include the basics such as transportation to and from your destination and lodging next plan for expenses that come up along the way such as meals on the road
hosthostess gifts rental cars or public transportation donrsquot forget to include entertainment - whether sightseeing or going to the movies itrsquos also a good idea to build in a cushion for the unexpected
once yoursquove set your travel budget you need to stick to it one tool that can help is a prepaid travel card a prepaid card draws from funds that are set aside in advance for purchases here are a few ways prepaid travel cards can come in handy
keeP tRaVel Funds sePaRate an easy way to make sure you donrsquot go over budget is to set your travel budget aside on a prepaid travel card simply load the card with your travel budget and use it for everything from online booking to grabbing lunch during an (unexpectedly extended) layover without worrying about spending more than you planned or dipping into gift-buying funds
access casHwhether you need a few dollars or several yen choose a prepaid card that will allow you to withdraw cash from atMs around the world if yoursquore traveling internationally itrsquoll also save you the hassle of tracking down and waiting in line for local currency
bRowse and buy look for a prepaid card that you can use online travel sites offer a wealth of information and detailed listings of competing offers from airlines and hotels as well as reviews from fellow travelers for flights you can typically compare possible savings by traveling on al-ternate days or from nearby airports once you spot the deal that works for your budget use your prepaid travel card to snap it up
enJoy Peace oF mind wHen tRaVeling Prepaid cards may come with travel-related services for example the visa travelMoney card offers zero liability for lost or stolen cards as well as lost luggage reimbursement and purchase security Make sure you know which benefits your card offers and how they work so you can tap into them should the need arise
with some advance preparation and the right tools in place you donrsquot have to overspend on travel in fact with some careful planning you could end up with enough left to buy yourself a little something to remember the trip for more information about visa travelMoney visit wwwvisacomtravelmoney
Click To Listen While You Browse
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need an easy getaway FoR tHe Family Plan a budget-FRiendly tRiP to a national PaRk(ara) - american families have spoken the vacation is a top priority ninety-four percent of americans agreed that even in tough economic times family vacations are worth the money according to a recent survey by expediacom to keep the vacation affordable and easy think about introducing your family to the splendor of the national park system - where activities are abundant and costs are minimal
expediacom recently partnered with the national Park foundation to provide a permanent one-stop shop to help travelers plan and book vacations to americarsquos national parks
ldquothere are excellent values for traveling families right now and taking a trip to a national park is one of the best ways to stretch your vacation dollarsrdquo says lee woodruff author travel expert and mother of four
ldquofamilies are looking for ways to reconnect with each other and what better option for an affordable vacation than a national parkrdquo
here are five easy steps to plan the perfect national park getaway
1 get inspired ken burns recently debuted a six-part documentary series for Pbs titledldquothe national Parks americarsquos best ideardquo tune into Pbs or order a copy online to find inspiration and a detailed look at some of the most beautiful places in the world from acadia to the grand canyon and yosemite to the gates of the arctic in alaska
2 Pick the park with original content from the national Park foundation expediacomrsquos national park web site is the perfect resource for families to find the national park to fit their vacation needs
the site offers pre-set ldquolong weekendrdquo itineraries to start your planning you can also search through the ldquocanrsquot Miss national Parksrdquo section to learn about the parkrsquos location its natural features little-known facts including the best times to visit and activities to choose from in each area expediarsquos site also offers downloadable park maps to help you get your bearings
3 more ways to save take advantage of the public amenities that national parks offer like camping and picnic sites while there is a small entrance fee to the parks you can cut back on costs by bringing your own meals and treating the kids to lunch by a waterfall or overlooking the grand canyon also enjoy the free activities such as hiking biking and birding that the parks offer
4 book your hotel and rental car if camping isnrsquot your familyrsquos style consider any of the great lodges in and around the national park of your choice and if yoursquore planning to rent a car consider booking lodging and car together to substantially reduce the overall costs of your vacation
5 give back consider giving back to the national Park foundation by visiting the web site wwwnationalparksorg and donate or learn more about volunteer opportunities within americarsquos national parks helping out in these small ways ensures the parks will remain beautiful so your kids can bring their own children one day
ldquoPlanning the vacation is half of the fun so get every-one involved in the processrdquo says woodruff ldquothere are so many options in our national park system many of which have rich and amazing heritage so the whole family is going to enjoy something when you visitrdquo
bookmaRk youRFaVoRite Road
a bRieF HistoRyoF PaVed Roads
(ara) - Planes and trains may have their place in our society but for the dedicated traveler therersquos still nothing like getting in your car and taking a trip along americarsquos highways
half the fun of road trips in the minds of many is getting home and telling friends and family about the adventure - and the roads they traveled
in the past driversrsquo road stories were largely told by word of mouth to a few people at a time now drivers can tell their tales to millions via the internet favoriteroadcom is a new web site that features americarsquos favorite highways and byways
the site encourages you to post your favorite roads and explain why you like them simply log on to submit a photo and story of your favorite road use links posted on the site to share your road via popular social networks such as facebook and twitter your submission may even win a prize in contest giveaways
the past yearrsquos economic downturn has reintroduced the word ldquoinfrastructurerdquo to our vocabulary as a result of stimulus legislation passed in 2009 the federal government has allocated millions of dollars to specifically improve state roads and highways and with more affordable gasoline prices people are increasingly using americarsquos roads for leisure travel
by posting on favoriteroadcom yoursquore doing more than just ldquotelling a good storyrdquo your testimonials may help encourage lawmakers to push for increased infrastructure spending to keep america driving smoothly and safely for years to come
whatrsquos your favorite road log on and tell the world at favoriteroadcom
625 bc the babylonians are credited with the first recorded use of asphalt as a road building material the ancient greeks were also familiar with asphalt (the word comes from the greek ldquoasphaltosrdquo meaning ldquosecurerdquo)
1500s christopher columbus landed off the shores of trinidad in 1498 and discovered the famous asphalt lake which would later be used on the Pennsylvania avenue project in washington dc covering 54000 square yards
1800s Macadam roads became popular in the us for rural road construction during the 1830s and 40s belgian chemist edmund J desmedt laid the first true asphalt pavement in the us in newark nJ the cummer company opened the first central hot mix production facilities in the us the first asphalt patent was filed by nathan b abbott of brooklyn ny in 1871
1920s world war i ended and the use of the automo-bile was steadily rising but roads outside the city limits were frequently too muddy or dusty for travel to fix this problem road engineers used oils and asphalt
1940s-1950s the modern american turnpike is born after world war ii full scale automobile production resumed along with major levels of road maintenance and new highway construction by 1950 vehicle registration exceeded 40 million cars and 8 million trucks in 1956 President eisenhower signed the federal-aid highway act and launched the interstate system to create an infrastructure highway program -unmatched anywhere in the world
1970s a national move to conserve energy and materials initiated a widespread interest in recycling of pavement materials asphalt is now americarsquos most recycled product
1990s a traffic study by the world road association indicates that asphalt pavements are at least 4 decibels quieter than concrete pavements
2000s the us population has increased 23 percent since 1990 and the number of miles driven has risen by 41 percent only half of the nationrsquos major roads are in good condition based on an analysis of recent federal highway administration data
wandeRing Re-establisHes tHe oRiginal
HaRmony wHicH once existed between
man and tHe uniVeRse
business oR leisuRe dRiVing oR FlyingtRaVel saFely natuRally(ara) - weekend getaways shorter vacations and overnight business trips are great ways to save money and are becoming more prevalent according to the bureau of transportation taking a few simple and natural steps to stay safe and healthy while on the road can not only protect your travel investment butenhance your entire experience
ReFResHed and aleRt dRiVing diFFusion
a shorter thriftier trip is likely to be by car the inevitable rush to make the most of the limited time
away after a tiring work week can create fatigue so donrsquot make it a dangerous driving situation enliven your senses with essential oil scents
ditch the cardboard cutout car ldquofreshenerrdquo that hangs from the rearview mirror not only distracting these products are usually saturated with synthetic fragrance chemicals and probably arenrsquot the best thing to inhale while enclosed in your vehicle instead rely on a sleek essential oil diffuser that plugs into your automobilersquos phone charger power outlet these devices feature small paper fiber pads to which you can apply your own custom blend of essential oils allowing you to not only
scent the air inside the car but also to provide refreshing aromatherapy benefits to help keep you alert and focused on the road
a simpler alternative way to diffuse is to apply several drops of oil to a tissue and tuck it carefully into one of the vents in the dash
try these essential oils for the car Peppermint essential oil - refreshing awakening
uplifting eucalyptus essential oil - bracing purifying
protecting lemon essential oil - pleasant deodorizing
cheering
How clean is youR Hotel Room
overnight stays in less than posh hotel digs may be part of the money-saving travel trend even upscale hotels arenrsquot immune to dirt and germs or worse an apparent outbreak of bedbug infestations in the united states recently publicized by the environmental Protection agency
bedbugs aside there are always nagging doubts about just how clean a hotel room actually is has the shower or tub been scrubbed or merely wiped down is the toilet sanitized has the bedspread ever really been thoroughly cleaned fortunately there are ways to protect yourself after you check in but before you settle into your temporary overnight home
air and surface sanitizing spray feel good about travel with a bottle of homemade purifying aromatherapy solution that relies on pleasantly scented and highly effective essential oils rather than harsh chemical disinfectants the following spray will help you create a hygienic environment in your temporary hotel home apply it to tub vanity and toilet surfaces
ingredientsempty 12 to16 ounce spray bottle10 ounces water2 ounces isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or
vodka12 teaspoon tea tree essential oil
(antimicrobial)12 teaspoon lemon essential oil
(cleansing)12 teaspoon lavandin essential oil
(protecting)12 teaspoon sweet orange essential oil
(freshening)
directions combine all ingredients in the spray bottle shake and apply to a washcloth and wipe down the tvrsquos remote the clock radio the door handles and the faucethandles in the bathroom
Purifying and Relaxing linen mist here are some great tips for making a strange bed feel more like home take along your own pillow and replace the ones provided create your own linen mist and use it on your own bed at home then travel with the same blend taking a little bit of home with you when you arrive at your destination turn down the covers exchange the pillows and apply your signature scent to the bed
ingredientsempty 4 to 8 ounce spray bottle4 to 8 ounces water13 drops lavender essential oil
(relaxing calming)5 drops lavandin or spike lavender
essential oil (purifying protecting)
directionscombine the water and oil in the bottle shake the contents thoroughly just before application
remember to look for pure and natural essential oil brands like aura cacia that donrsquot include synthetic petrochemical fragrances for more information on how to enhance your life through aromatherapy visit wwwauracaciacom
PRePaRe youR VeHicle FoR a HuRRicane eVacuation(ara) - ana bill claudette - the first three atlantic ocean hurricanes of the season made headlines but not to the extent of katrina or ike of recent years and while these three hurricanes have come and gone who knows if - or when - grace or henry might pay a visit to your town
the 2009 hurricane season has an expected 90 percent chance of being a near-normal or below-normal season for the atlantic ocean according to the national oceanic and atmospheric administration this prediction - if accurate - will be welcomed with a sigh of relief by many residents in coastal towns after the above-normal year in 2008
but even if noaa is predicting a quiet year for hurricanes you can never be over prepared if you donrsquot have your emergency evacuation plan organized itrsquos time to make one no matter if yoursquore planning on traveling 100 miles or 1000 miles you need an evacuation plan as a representative of a gulf coast
company Maricela carter a health safety security environment coordinator with soPus has some tips on how to prepare your vehicle for potential evacuations
Plan eVacuation Routescheck newspapers online sites the local emergency broadcast radio station and local television stations for the latest information on official evacuation routes Purchase a good map with details on elevations waterways and county roads and familiarize yourself with the most efficient ways to get out of town
Pack an emeRgency kitautomobiles are susceptible to unexpected problems so keep an emergency kit in your trunk include jumper cables extra motor oil window washing brake and coolant fluids simple tools like an air pressure gauge screwdriver pliers and adjustable wrench a role of
paper towels a windup flashlight and a can of fix-a-flat in case you get a flat tire
fix-a-flat creates a temporary emergency seal on contact with the tire and inflates the tire between eight and 14 pounds per square inch so that the car can be driven to a gas station for proper repair of the tire this can help you to get back on the road and out of the hurricanersquos way quickly and easily
Fill uP tHe tankeveryone is going to need fuel in order to evacuate so plan to fill up your tank as soon as you hear a hurricane warning this helps to prevent sudden demands on the supply once your tank is full conserve the amount of gas you use for the next couple of days by combining your errands into one trip and not traveling during rush hour
cHeck tiRe PRessuRein order to help conserve fuel make sure your tires are at the manufacturerrsquos recommended pressure - usually printed on the driverrsquos door of your car keeping tires at the correct pressure can improve your gasoline mileage by 33 percent according to fueleconomygov which means yoursquoll be able to travel further when evacuating
use PRoPeR FluidsMake sure you follow all the manufacturer recommendations for motor oil which can also improve your gasoline mileage by 1 or 2 percent according to fuelecomonygov one helpful hint is to look for oil that has an ldquoenergy conservingrdquo label by the american Petroleum institution to ensure it contains friction-reducing additives
it is not down inany maP tRue PlacesneVeR aRe
diRect dePosit oF social secuRity is easieR FoR winteR tRaVeleRs(ara) - as cold weather sets in thousands of retirees are making plans for a winter getaway if yoursquore one of them switch to direct deposit for your social security payments before you leave - itrsquos the safest easiest way to receive your money
ldquoeach year the us department of the treasury receives more than 14 million inquiries regarding paper check-related problemsrdquo says david a lebryk commissioner of the treasury departmentrsquos financial Management service
yet approximately 105 million americans continue to receive their social security and supplemental security income (ssi) payments by paper check each month the treasury departmentrsquos go direct (r) campaign encourages senior citizens and people with disabilities to switch to direct deposit
incReased saFety conVenience and Reliability
ldquowhen therersquos a problem with a social security payment nine times out of 10 itrsquos with a paper check not a direct deposit paymentrdquo says lebryk
Paper checks can be vulnerable to financial crimes like theft and fraud in fact the treasury department investigates more than 70000 cases of altered or fraudulently endorsed checks each year totaling $64 million in estimated value
ldquoin 2008 alone more than 485000 social security and ssi checks were reported lost or stolen and had to be reissuedrdquo says lebryk
direct deposit is also more convenient and reliable there is no more waiting for a check to arrive in the mail and there are no more worries about delivery delays due to severe weather localemergencies and other check related problems last year alone severe weather events forced alternative delivery arrangements for millions of social security and ssi paper checks
ldquoswitching to direct deposit for federal benefits is such an easy way
for people to safeguard their money es-pecially when traveling for extended pe-riods of timerdquo says lebryk ldquoyour money is deposited to your account on payment day so therersquos no need to worry
about delivery delays or a check sitting in your mailbox while yoursquore gonerdquo
PRePaid debit caRd oPtion
in addition to direct deposit the treasury department recommends the direct express (r) debit Mastercard (r) card as an alternative to paper checks for people without bank accounts
More than half a million americans signed up for the optional direct express (r) card in its first year of availability according to the treasury department a recent survey of cardholders finds that 95 percent say they are satisfied with the prepaid debit card and 86 percent say they would recommend it to family members or friends who receive a federal benefit payment
with the direct express card cardholders can make purchases pay bills and get cash at thousands of locations nationwide sign-up is free and no bank account is required while most services are free there are fees for a limited number of optional transactions and services
making tHe switcH is easy
it is easy to make the switch to electronic payments for federal benefits to sign up for direct deposit call the treasury departmentrsquos go direct campaign helpline at 1-800-333-1795 or visit wwwgodirectorg to sign up for the treasury-recommended direct express card or to learn more about the cardrsquos features and fees call 1-877-212-9991 or visit wwwusdirectexpresscom
the preceding information has been provided by the us department of the treasury financial Management service
the go direct (r) campaign is sponsored by the us department of the treasury and the federal reserve banks the direct express (r) debit Mastercard (r) card is issued by comerica bank pursuant to a license by Mastercard international incorporated Mastercard (r) and the Mastercard (r) brand Mark are registered trademarks of Mastercard international incorporated the go direct(r) logo direct express (r) logo and direct express (r) are service marks of the us department of the treasury financial Management service
biZaRRe tRaVel Plans aRe dancing lessons FRom god
time to ReFinance oR buy
right now mortgage rates are at their lowest level since 1971 think about that twenty-five years ago homeowners were paying as much as 18 on a 30-year fixed today itrsquos just a little over 5combine that rate with the tax advantages
of a mortgage and you have an incredibly cheap way to build wealth but you better act now
real estate guru barbara corcoran has already seen a tremendous surge in refinance applications ndash more than triple the average ndash and the number of people getting approved is astronomically higher as well she says but that doesnrsquot mean the low rates are a panacea for the ills of the housing market it is only once home prices start to go up that we will finally see a light at the end of tunnel corcoran says until that happens we are still going to have to crawl out of this mess ldquo[low interest rates are] not a lifesaverrdquo corcoran says ldquothis is just a helping handrdquo
david kittle chairman of the Mortgage bankers association has this advice to homeowners looking to refinance do it donrsquot get greedy searching for another quarter-point lock in rates now he is seeing applications soar over 125 just since thanksgiving due to the low rates
of course you should only refinance if it saves you at least 38 on the rate and if you plan on staying in your home for at least four years kittle says along with good credit proof of income and money by means of a down payment or equity in the home there are certain things every homeowner needs regardless of interest rate levels
easy-to-do maintenance HelPs extend VeHicle liFe(ara) - after their homes most americansrsquo largest financial investment is their vehicle so helping it stay in good working order for as long as possible is a high priority in fact the average age of a passenger car in north america has grown to more than nine years according to rl Polk and co which indicates that motorists are looking for ways to help extend the life of their vehicle
even so todayrsquos tight budgets leave some motorists reluctant to spend on services or maintenance that they think can be delayed at least for the short term however compared to the cost of engine repair spending a little today on the right maintenance routine performed by trusted service technicians using quality products makes sense Mark ferner Pennzoil technical specialist and ase-certified master mechanic offers some simple cost-effective tips for helping to protect the performance and longevity of your vehicle
replace dirty air filters a dirty air filter will restrict airflow to the engine which may reduce power output if the filter fails it will allow unfiltered air into the engine which can be abrasive inside an engine to avoid these issues and help promote long engine life check your enginersquos air filter regularly and change it when it is dirty
use HigH-quality Fuelseveral automotive manufacturers (bMw gM honda toyota volkswagen and audi) have published technical service bulletins recommending the use of top-tier fuel top-tier fuel contains more additives than is required by the industryrsquos lowest additive content (lac) treat rate regular use of fuel that only meets lac requirements may cause deposits to form on engine intake valves and fuel injectors
cHange youR oilregular oil changes are one of the most important steps to maximize the life of a vehicle oil change in-tervals vary by vehicle and driving conditions so follow the interval and oil specifications found in the ownerrsquos manual
also be sure to use quality motor oils in your vehicle Properly functioning motor oils help prevent sludge and neutralize and disperse harmful deposits and using the recommended viscosity grade of motor oil may also help enhance fuel economy if you are having the oil changed for you ask for quality oils by name Quality motor oil will maintain its effectiveness throughout the oil change interval allowing it to help keep the engine clean
as a bonus some motor oil brands offer lubrication warranties at no additional cost for example the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranty Programs protect qualified engines for 300000 miles whether their owners use conventional synthetic-blend or full synthetic motor oils meeting their vehiclesrsquo requirements Participants can enroll online and maintaining eligibility is easy simply get an oil change with the specified brand change the filter perform regular maintenance and keep the service receipts
to learn more about the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranties visit either wwwPennzoilcom or wwwQuakerstatecom or speak with an automotive professional at a participating automotive dealership or oil change facility that features Pennzoil or Quaker state products
PeoPle donrsquot take tRiPs tRiPs take PeoPle
Fin
al
wo
Rd
s
a vacation is what you take when you can no longer take what yoursquove been taking
eaRl wilson
- 1-12-2010pdf
to generate income from a second home prior to moving into it when you retire sharples suggests consumers take the following steps
location and maRket Potentialcarefully review the markets where you want to retire and before you buy consider the areas where consumer demand for vacation rentals is high but inventory is low for example atlantic city nJ sunny isles beach fla hampton beach nh dauphin island ala and Mount Pocono Pa were among some of the most underserved markets for vacation rental properties in 2009 according to homeaway
FactoR in tax wRite-oFFstalk to an accountant about the tax advantages of owning and renting out a second home expenses such as insurance utilities home maintenance and depreciation can be deducted depending on how often you rent out the property and how many weeks you personally stay there each year
adVeRtise to attRact RenteRs when yoursquore ready to rent out the property be sure to market the availability of the vacation rental to travelers by listing it on sites like homeawaycom or vrbocom which reach millions of travelers each month a 12-month listing costs $329 - or less than $28 per month - on homeawaycom so the advertising pays for itself with your first booking - and the rest is pure rental income
stay comPetitiVe amp netwoRk witH owneRs check out other similar vacation rentals in the area to determine what rates theyrsquore charging travelers and price your home at a competitiverate to help drive bookings also be sure to talk with other owners to get their tips and advice for maximizing a second home investment
for more information on buying a second home and effective strategies for maximizing rental income check out homeawayrsquos online community for vacation rental owners at ownercommunityhomeawaycom
tiPs to successFully get youwHeRe you need to be - Fast(ara) - do you ever get a headache just thinking about navigating the streets of an unfamiliar city have you ever booked a hotel in a less-than-great part of town or been late to an appointment because you canrsquot find a parking garage
even the savviest of travelers who can find their way around a city with their eyes closed run into travel snafus sending their blood pressure through the roof navigating the streets of a new city can be one of the most stressful parts of booking and taking a trip whether itrsquos for business or leisure
so you finally landed and yoursquore on your way to the hotel that you booked in the heart of the city everything is going just as you planned not so fast somehow you find yourself nowhere near the bright city lights and in a hotel on the outskirts of town where you wouldnrsquot even venture out for a cup of Joe
sound familiar well yoursquore not alone - more than half of travelers say theyrsquove experienced this very nightmare according to a recent bing survey
while finding decent lodging can be difficult sometimes even thinking about how to get around a city can strike fear into the hearts of business and leisure travelers alike so which city gets travelers hearts racing when just thinking about how to get around unsurprisingly for anyone who has ever visited either new york or los angeles (even just once) both cities topped bingrsquos survey as the worst cities to navigate More than 40 percent said ldquothe heck with driving irsquom getting a taxirdquo when visiting the big apple and a quarter said that the concrete jungle otherwise known as los angeles is too wild for them
so how can you ensure you know enough about a city to get around like you were a local book a decent hotel check out a local concert or find a local hot spot to grab a bite to eat well the folks at bing have a few tips to make your next adventure stress-free
Pay attention to ReViews Most online booking sites offer reviews from other guests who have stayed at the hotel that yoursquore considering while you may be inclined to take the overly positive reviews with a grain of salt itrsquos best to steer clear if a hotel receives consistent negative customer reviews
study uPcheck out the local convention center visitorsrsquo bureau or chamber of commerce web sites to learn more about the city and its surrounding neighborhoods this will help give you a better idea of whatrsquos near your destination and the neighborhoods that surround it
RemembeRyou get wHat you Pay FoRif yoursquore paying a two-star rate donrsquot expect to get four- or five-star accommodations and a mint on your pillow a cheaper rate rarely buys you luxury but you should still be able to score a clean safe room that provides for your basic needs
HoP onlineuse online resources like bing Mapsrsquo new streetside experience a three-dimensional mapping tool Just log on to bing Maps where you can zoom in from satellite level to birdrsquos eye view and even down to street level for 56 major us metro areas
now you can virtually walk the streets of your next adventure with actual 360-degree footage of the area not only can you tell if a hotel is in a good neighborhood yoursquoll be able to see if therersquos a wifi coffee shop nearby where you can sync up your computer before your next meeting or scope out any traffic jams before you head out and you can even find the nearest parking garage so yoursquore never late again to your lunch date - unlike the more than 40 percent of bing survey respondents who were fashionably late because they couldnrsquot find a parking spot
ldquobooking a hotel room on the internet can be a risky proposition if you canrsquot see the room hotel or area itrsquos in before you bookrdquo says blaise aguera y arcas architect of bing Maps and Msn at Microsoft ldquobut technology like streetside is making it possible to scope out a neighborhood - and ensure itrsquos one you want to stay in - without ever having to leave the comfort of your computer chairrdquo in fact the bing survey found that nearly a quarter of travelers rated finding a decent hotel as the most frustrating part of planning their trip
Plus stay up-to-date on the best places to check out on your next trip by using bingrsquos twitter mapping app now you can get real-time information about an area - such as seeing the latest tweets for the local shopping mall before you even go there or even updates about local events and breaking news
log onto bing Maps where you can plan your next trip whether itrsquos a far away city or even your own town now you can be a travel guru no matter where you are
setting and stickingto youR tRaVel budget(ara) - travel can be one of the biggest-ticket items you invest in each year so itrsquos worth it to plan ahead
setting a budget - and sticking to it - can help you stay in better control of spending according to a recent visa survey a majority (54 percent) of last yearrsquos summer travelers either didnrsquot set a budget oroverspent their budget while traveling and more than a quarter of those surveyed overspent by more than $250 to make sure this doesnrsquot happen to you itrsquos important to create a realistic travel budget and make a plan for how you will spend within your means while on the road
to create a budget think through your trip first include the basics such as transportation to and from your destination and lodging next plan for expenses that come up along the way such as meals on the road
hosthostess gifts rental cars or public transportation donrsquot forget to include entertainment - whether sightseeing or going to the movies itrsquos also a good idea to build in a cushion for the unexpected
once yoursquove set your travel budget you need to stick to it one tool that can help is a prepaid travel card a prepaid card draws from funds that are set aside in advance for purchases here are a few ways prepaid travel cards can come in handy
keeP tRaVel Funds sePaRate an easy way to make sure you donrsquot go over budget is to set your travel budget aside on a prepaid travel card simply load the card with your travel budget and use it for everything from online booking to grabbing lunch during an (unexpectedly extended) layover without worrying about spending more than you planned or dipping into gift-buying funds
access casHwhether you need a few dollars or several yen choose a prepaid card that will allow you to withdraw cash from atMs around the world if yoursquore traveling internationally itrsquoll also save you the hassle of tracking down and waiting in line for local currency
bRowse and buy look for a prepaid card that you can use online travel sites offer a wealth of information and detailed listings of competing offers from airlines and hotels as well as reviews from fellow travelers for flights you can typically compare possible savings by traveling on al-ternate days or from nearby airports once you spot the deal that works for your budget use your prepaid travel card to snap it up
enJoy Peace oF mind wHen tRaVeling Prepaid cards may come with travel-related services for example the visa travelMoney card offers zero liability for lost or stolen cards as well as lost luggage reimbursement and purchase security Make sure you know which benefits your card offers and how they work so you can tap into them should the need arise
with some advance preparation and the right tools in place you donrsquot have to overspend on travel in fact with some careful planning you could end up with enough left to buy yourself a little something to remember the trip for more information about visa travelMoney visit wwwvisacomtravelmoney
Click To Listen While You Browse
South Carolinarsquos Internet
Powered By
(843)720-9604 InfoOnlysc
need an easy getaway FoR tHe Family Plan a budget-FRiendly tRiP to a national PaRk(ara) - american families have spoken the vacation is a top priority ninety-four percent of americans agreed that even in tough economic times family vacations are worth the money according to a recent survey by expediacom to keep the vacation affordable and easy think about introducing your family to the splendor of the national park system - where activities are abundant and costs are minimal
expediacom recently partnered with the national Park foundation to provide a permanent one-stop shop to help travelers plan and book vacations to americarsquos national parks
ldquothere are excellent values for traveling families right now and taking a trip to a national park is one of the best ways to stretch your vacation dollarsrdquo says lee woodruff author travel expert and mother of four
ldquofamilies are looking for ways to reconnect with each other and what better option for an affordable vacation than a national parkrdquo
here are five easy steps to plan the perfect national park getaway
1 get inspired ken burns recently debuted a six-part documentary series for Pbs titledldquothe national Parks americarsquos best ideardquo tune into Pbs or order a copy online to find inspiration and a detailed look at some of the most beautiful places in the world from acadia to the grand canyon and yosemite to the gates of the arctic in alaska
2 Pick the park with original content from the national Park foundation expediacomrsquos national park web site is the perfect resource for families to find the national park to fit their vacation needs
the site offers pre-set ldquolong weekendrdquo itineraries to start your planning you can also search through the ldquocanrsquot Miss national Parksrdquo section to learn about the parkrsquos location its natural features little-known facts including the best times to visit and activities to choose from in each area expediarsquos site also offers downloadable park maps to help you get your bearings
3 more ways to save take advantage of the public amenities that national parks offer like camping and picnic sites while there is a small entrance fee to the parks you can cut back on costs by bringing your own meals and treating the kids to lunch by a waterfall or overlooking the grand canyon also enjoy the free activities such as hiking biking and birding that the parks offer
4 book your hotel and rental car if camping isnrsquot your familyrsquos style consider any of the great lodges in and around the national park of your choice and if yoursquore planning to rent a car consider booking lodging and car together to substantially reduce the overall costs of your vacation
5 give back consider giving back to the national Park foundation by visiting the web site wwwnationalparksorg and donate or learn more about volunteer opportunities within americarsquos national parks helping out in these small ways ensures the parks will remain beautiful so your kids can bring their own children one day
ldquoPlanning the vacation is half of the fun so get every-one involved in the processrdquo says woodruff ldquothere are so many options in our national park system many of which have rich and amazing heritage so the whole family is going to enjoy something when you visitrdquo
bookmaRk youRFaVoRite Road
a bRieF HistoRyoF PaVed Roads
(ara) - Planes and trains may have their place in our society but for the dedicated traveler therersquos still nothing like getting in your car and taking a trip along americarsquos highways
half the fun of road trips in the minds of many is getting home and telling friends and family about the adventure - and the roads they traveled
in the past driversrsquo road stories were largely told by word of mouth to a few people at a time now drivers can tell their tales to millions via the internet favoriteroadcom is a new web site that features americarsquos favorite highways and byways
the site encourages you to post your favorite roads and explain why you like them simply log on to submit a photo and story of your favorite road use links posted on the site to share your road via popular social networks such as facebook and twitter your submission may even win a prize in contest giveaways
the past yearrsquos economic downturn has reintroduced the word ldquoinfrastructurerdquo to our vocabulary as a result of stimulus legislation passed in 2009 the federal government has allocated millions of dollars to specifically improve state roads and highways and with more affordable gasoline prices people are increasingly using americarsquos roads for leisure travel
by posting on favoriteroadcom yoursquore doing more than just ldquotelling a good storyrdquo your testimonials may help encourage lawmakers to push for increased infrastructure spending to keep america driving smoothly and safely for years to come
whatrsquos your favorite road log on and tell the world at favoriteroadcom
625 bc the babylonians are credited with the first recorded use of asphalt as a road building material the ancient greeks were also familiar with asphalt (the word comes from the greek ldquoasphaltosrdquo meaning ldquosecurerdquo)
1500s christopher columbus landed off the shores of trinidad in 1498 and discovered the famous asphalt lake which would later be used on the Pennsylvania avenue project in washington dc covering 54000 square yards
1800s Macadam roads became popular in the us for rural road construction during the 1830s and 40s belgian chemist edmund J desmedt laid the first true asphalt pavement in the us in newark nJ the cummer company opened the first central hot mix production facilities in the us the first asphalt patent was filed by nathan b abbott of brooklyn ny in 1871
1920s world war i ended and the use of the automo-bile was steadily rising but roads outside the city limits were frequently too muddy or dusty for travel to fix this problem road engineers used oils and asphalt
1940s-1950s the modern american turnpike is born after world war ii full scale automobile production resumed along with major levels of road maintenance and new highway construction by 1950 vehicle registration exceeded 40 million cars and 8 million trucks in 1956 President eisenhower signed the federal-aid highway act and launched the interstate system to create an infrastructure highway program -unmatched anywhere in the world
1970s a national move to conserve energy and materials initiated a widespread interest in recycling of pavement materials asphalt is now americarsquos most recycled product
1990s a traffic study by the world road association indicates that asphalt pavements are at least 4 decibels quieter than concrete pavements
2000s the us population has increased 23 percent since 1990 and the number of miles driven has risen by 41 percent only half of the nationrsquos major roads are in good condition based on an analysis of recent federal highway administration data
wandeRing Re-establisHes tHe oRiginal
HaRmony wHicH once existed between
man and tHe uniVeRse
business oR leisuRe dRiVing oR FlyingtRaVel saFely natuRally(ara) - weekend getaways shorter vacations and overnight business trips are great ways to save money and are becoming more prevalent according to the bureau of transportation taking a few simple and natural steps to stay safe and healthy while on the road can not only protect your travel investment butenhance your entire experience
ReFResHed and aleRt dRiVing diFFusion
a shorter thriftier trip is likely to be by car the inevitable rush to make the most of the limited time
away after a tiring work week can create fatigue so donrsquot make it a dangerous driving situation enliven your senses with essential oil scents
ditch the cardboard cutout car ldquofreshenerrdquo that hangs from the rearview mirror not only distracting these products are usually saturated with synthetic fragrance chemicals and probably arenrsquot the best thing to inhale while enclosed in your vehicle instead rely on a sleek essential oil diffuser that plugs into your automobilersquos phone charger power outlet these devices feature small paper fiber pads to which you can apply your own custom blend of essential oils allowing you to not only
scent the air inside the car but also to provide refreshing aromatherapy benefits to help keep you alert and focused on the road
a simpler alternative way to diffuse is to apply several drops of oil to a tissue and tuck it carefully into one of the vents in the dash
try these essential oils for the car Peppermint essential oil - refreshing awakening
uplifting eucalyptus essential oil - bracing purifying
protecting lemon essential oil - pleasant deodorizing
cheering
How clean is youR Hotel Room
overnight stays in less than posh hotel digs may be part of the money-saving travel trend even upscale hotels arenrsquot immune to dirt and germs or worse an apparent outbreak of bedbug infestations in the united states recently publicized by the environmental Protection agency
bedbugs aside there are always nagging doubts about just how clean a hotel room actually is has the shower or tub been scrubbed or merely wiped down is the toilet sanitized has the bedspread ever really been thoroughly cleaned fortunately there are ways to protect yourself after you check in but before you settle into your temporary overnight home
air and surface sanitizing spray feel good about travel with a bottle of homemade purifying aromatherapy solution that relies on pleasantly scented and highly effective essential oils rather than harsh chemical disinfectants the following spray will help you create a hygienic environment in your temporary hotel home apply it to tub vanity and toilet surfaces
ingredientsempty 12 to16 ounce spray bottle10 ounces water2 ounces isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or
vodka12 teaspoon tea tree essential oil
(antimicrobial)12 teaspoon lemon essential oil
(cleansing)12 teaspoon lavandin essential oil
(protecting)12 teaspoon sweet orange essential oil
(freshening)
directions combine all ingredients in the spray bottle shake and apply to a washcloth and wipe down the tvrsquos remote the clock radio the door handles and the faucethandles in the bathroom
Purifying and Relaxing linen mist here are some great tips for making a strange bed feel more like home take along your own pillow and replace the ones provided create your own linen mist and use it on your own bed at home then travel with the same blend taking a little bit of home with you when you arrive at your destination turn down the covers exchange the pillows and apply your signature scent to the bed
ingredientsempty 4 to 8 ounce spray bottle4 to 8 ounces water13 drops lavender essential oil
(relaxing calming)5 drops lavandin or spike lavender
essential oil (purifying protecting)
directionscombine the water and oil in the bottle shake the contents thoroughly just before application
remember to look for pure and natural essential oil brands like aura cacia that donrsquot include synthetic petrochemical fragrances for more information on how to enhance your life through aromatherapy visit wwwauracaciacom
PRePaRe youR VeHicle FoR a HuRRicane eVacuation(ara) - ana bill claudette - the first three atlantic ocean hurricanes of the season made headlines but not to the extent of katrina or ike of recent years and while these three hurricanes have come and gone who knows if - or when - grace or henry might pay a visit to your town
the 2009 hurricane season has an expected 90 percent chance of being a near-normal or below-normal season for the atlantic ocean according to the national oceanic and atmospheric administration this prediction - if accurate - will be welcomed with a sigh of relief by many residents in coastal towns after the above-normal year in 2008
but even if noaa is predicting a quiet year for hurricanes you can never be over prepared if you donrsquot have your emergency evacuation plan organized itrsquos time to make one no matter if yoursquore planning on traveling 100 miles or 1000 miles you need an evacuation plan as a representative of a gulf coast
company Maricela carter a health safety security environment coordinator with soPus has some tips on how to prepare your vehicle for potential evacuations
Plan eVacuation Routescheck newspapers online sites the local emergency broadcast radio station and local television stations for the latest information on official evacuation routes Purchase a good map with details on elevations waterways and county roads and familiarize yourself with the most efficient ways to get out of town
Pack an emeRgency kitautomobiles are susceptible to unexpected problems so keep an emergency kit in your trunk include jumper cables extra motor oil window washing brake and coolant fluids simple tools like an air pressure gauge screwdriver pliers and adjustable wrench a role of
paper towels a windup flashlight and a can of fix-a-flat in case you get a flat tire
fix-a-flat creates a temporary emergency seal on contact with the tire and inflates the tire between eight and 14 pounds per square inch so that the car can be driven to a gas station for proper repair of the tire this can help you to get back on the road and out of the hurricanersquos way quickly and easily
Fill uP tHe tankeveryone is going to need fuel in order to evacuate so plan to fill up your tank as soon as you hear a hurricane warning this helps to prevent sudden demands on the supply once your tank is full conserve the amount of gas you use for the next couple of days by combining your errands into one trip and not traveling during rush hour
cHeck tiRe PRessuRein order to help conserve fuel make sure your tires are at the manufacturerrsquos recommended pressure - usually printed on the driverrsquos door of your car keeping tires at the correct pressure can improve your gasoline mileage by 33 percent according to fueleconomygov which means yoursquoll be able to travel further when evacuating
use PRoPeR FluidsMake sure you follow all the manufacturer recommendations for motor oil which can also improve your gasoline mileage by 1 or 2 percent according to fuelecomonygov one helpful hint is to look for oil that has an ldquoenergy conservingrdquo label by the american Petroleum institution to ensure it contains friction-reducing additives
it is not down inany maP tRue PlacesneVeR aRe
diRect dePosit oF social secuRity is easieR FoR winteR tRaVeleRs(ara) - as cold weather sets in thousands of retirees are making plans for a winter getaway if yoursquore one of them switch to direct deposit for your social security payments before you leave - itrsquos the safest easiest way to receive your money
ldquoeach year the us department of the treasury receives more than 14 million inquiries regarding paper check-related problemsrdquo says david a lebryk commissioner of the treasury departmentrsquos financial Management service
yet approximately 105 million americans continue to receive their social security and supplemental security income (ssi) payments by paper check each month the treasury departmentrsquos go direct (r) campaign encourages senior citizens and people with disabilities to switch to direct deposit
incReased saFety conVenience and Reliability
ldquowhen therersquos a problem with a social security payment nine times out of 10 itrsquos with a paper check not a direct deposit paymentrdquo says lebryk
Paper checks can be vulnerable to financial crimes like theft and fraud in fact the treasury department investigates more than 70000 cases of altered or fraudulently endorsed checks each year totaling $64 million in estimated value
ldquoin 2008 alone more than 485000 social security and ssi checks were reported lost or stolen and had to be reissuedrdquo says lebryk
direct deposit is also more convenient and reliable there is no more waiting for a check to arrive in the mail and there are no more worries about delivery delays due to severe weather localemergencies and other check related problems last year alone severe weather events forced alternative delivery arrangements for millions of social security and ssi paper checks
ldquoswitching to direct deposit for federal benefits is such an easy way
for people to safeguard their money es-pecially when traveling for extended pe-riods of timerdquo says lebryk ldquoyour money is deposited to your account on payment day so therersquos no need to worry
about delivery delays or a check sitting in your mailbox while yoursquore gonerdquo
PRePaid debit caRd oPtion
in addition to direct deposit the treasury department recommends the direct express (r) debit Mastercard (r) card as an alternative to paper checks for people without bank accounts
More than half a million americans signed up for the optional direct express (r) card in its first year of availability according to the treasury department a recent survey of cardholders finds that 95 percent say they are satisfied with the prepaid debit card and 86 percent say they would recommend it to family members or friends who receive a federal benefit payment
with the direct express card cardholders can make purchases pay bills and get cash at thousands of locations nationwide sign-up is free and no bank account is required while most services are free there are fees for a limited number of optional transactions and services
making tHe switcH is easy
it is easy to make the switch to electronic payments for federal benefits to sign up for direct deposit call the treasury departmentrsquos go direct campaign helpline at 1-800-333-1795 or visit wwwgodirectorg to sign up for the treasury-recommended direct express card or to learn more about the cardrsquos features and fees call 1-877-212-9991 or visit wwwusdirectexpresscom
the preceding information has been provided by the us department of the treasury financial Management service
the go direct (r) campaign is sponsored by the us department of the treasury and the federal reserve banks the direct express (r) debit Mastercard (r) card is issued by comerica bank pursuant to a license by Mastercard international incorporated Mastercard (r) and the Mastercard (r) brand Mark are registered trademarks of Mastercard international incorporated the go direct(r) logo direct express (r) logo and direct express (r) are service marks of the us department of the treasury financial Management service
biZaRRe tRaVel Plans aRe dancing lessons FRom god
time to ReFinance oR buy
right now mortgage rates are at their lowest level since 1971 think about that twenty-five years ago homeowners were paying as much as 18 on a 30-year fixed today itrsquos just a little over 5combine that rate with the tax advantages
of a mortgage and you have an incredibly cheap way to build wealth but you better act now
real estate guru barbara corcoran has already seen a tremendous surge in refinance applications ndash more than triple the average ndash and the number of people getting approved is astronomically higher as well she says but that doesnrsquot mean the low rates are a panacea for the ills of the housing market it is only once home prices start to go up that we will finally see a light at the end of tunnel corcoran says until that happens we are still going to have to crawl out of this mess ldquo[low interest rates are] not a lifesaverrdquo corcoran says ldquothis is just a helping handrdquo
david kittle chairman of the Mortgage bankers association has this advice to homeowners looking to refinance do it donrsquot get greedy searching for another quarter-point lock in rates now he is seeing applications soar over 125 just since thanksgiving due to the low rates
of course you should only refinance if it saves you at least 38 on the rate and if you plan on staying in your home for at least four years kittle says along with good credit proof of income and money by means of a down payment or equity in the home there are certain things every homeowner needs regardless of interest rate levels
easy-to-do maintenance HelPs extend VeHicle liFe(ara) - after their homes most americansrsquo largest financial investment is their vehicle so helping it stay in good working order for as long as possible is a high priority in fact the average age of a passenger car in north america has grown to more than nine years according to rl Polk and co which indicates that motorists are looking for ways to help extend the life of their vehicle
even so todayrsquos tight budgets leave some motorists reluctant to spend on services or maintenance that they think can be delayed at least for the short term however compared to the cost of engine repair spending a little today on the right maintenance routine performed by trusted service technicians using quality products makes sense Mark ferner Pennzoil technical specialist and ase-certified master mechanic offers some simple cost-effective tips for helping to protect the performance and longevity of your vehicle
replace dirty air filters a dirty air filter will restrict airflow to the engine which may reduce power output if the filter fails it will allow unfiltered air into the engine which can be abrasive inside an engine to avoid these issues and help promote long engine life check your enginersquos air filter regularly and change it when it is dirty
use HigH-quality Fuelseveral automotive manufacturers (bMw gM honda toyota volkswagen and audi) have published technical service bulletins recommending the use of top-tier fuel top-tier fuel contains more additives than is required by the industryrsquos lowest additive content (lac) treat rate regular use of fuel that only meets lac requirements may cause deposits to form on engine intake valves and fuel injectors
cHange youR oilregular oil changes are one of the most important steps to maximize the life of a vehicle oil change in-tervals vary by vehicle and driving conditions so follow the interval and oil specifications found in the ownerrsquos manual
also be sure to use quality motor oils in your vehicle Properly functioning motor oils help prevent sludge and neutralize and disperse harmful deposits and using the recommended viscosity grade of motor oil may also help enhance fuel economy if you are having the oil changed for you ask for quality oils by name Quality motor oil will maintain its effectiveness throughout the oil change interval allowing it to help keep the engine clean
as a bonus some motor oil brands offer lubrication warranties at no additional cost for example the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranty Programs protect qualified engines for 300000 miles whether their owners use conventional synthetic-blend or full synthetic motor oils meeting their vehiclesrsquo requirements Participants can enroll online and maintaining eligibility is easy simply get an oil change with the specified brand change the filter perform regular maintenance and keep the service receipts
to learn more about the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranties visit either wwwPennzoilcom or wwwQuakerstatecom or speak with an automotive professional at a participating automotive dealership or oil change facility that features Pennzoil or Quaker state products
PeoPle donrsquot take tRiPs tRiPs take PeoPle
Fin
al
wo
Rd
s
a vacation is what you take when you can no longer take what yoursquove been taking
eaRl wilson
- 1-12-2010pdf
tiPs to successFully get youwHeRe you need to be - Fast(ara) - do you ever get a headache just thinking about navigating the streets of an unfamiliar city have you ever booked a hotel in a less-than-great part of town or been late to an appointment because you canrsquot find a parking garage
even the savviest of travelers who can find their way around a city with their eyes closed run into travel snafus sending their blood pressure through the roof navigating the streets of a new city can be one of the most stressful parts of booking and taking a trip whether itrsquos for business or leisure
so you finally landed and yoursquore on your way to the hotel that you booked in the heart of the city everything is going just as you planned not so fast somehow you find yourself nowhere near the bright city lights and in a hotel on the outskirts of town where you wouldnrsquot even venture out for a cup of Joe
sound familiar well yoursquore not alone - more than half of travelers say theyrsquove experienced this very nightmare according to a recent bing survey
while finding decent lodging can be difficult sometimes even thinking about how to get around a city can strike fear into the hearts of business and leisure travelers alike so which city gets travelers hearts racing when just thinking about how to get around unsurprisingly for anyone who has ever visited either new york or los angeles (even just once) both cities topped bingrsquos survey as the worst cities to navigate More than 40 percent said ldquothe heck with driving irsquom getting a taxirdquo when visiting the big apple and a quarter said that the concrete jungle otherwise known as los angeles is too wild for them
so how can you ensure you know enough about a city to get around like you were a local book a decent hotel check out a local concert or find a local hot spot to grab a bite to eat well the folks at bing have a few tips to make your next adventure stress-free
Pay attention to ReViews Most online booking sites offer reviews from other guests who have stayed at the hotel that yoursquore considering while you may be inclined to take the overly positive reviews with a grain of salt itrsquos best to steer clear if a hotel receives consistent negative customer reviews
study uPcheck out the local convention center visitorsrsquo bureau or chamber of commerce web sites to learn more about the city and its surrounding neighborhoods this will help give you a better idea of whatrsquos near your destination and the neighborhoods that surround it
RemembeRyou get wHat you Pay FoRif yoursquore paying a two-star rate donrsquot expect to get four- or five-star accommodations and a mint on your pillow a cheaper rate rarely buys you luxury but you should still be able to score a clean safe room that provides for your basic needs
HoP onlineuse online resources like bing Mapsrsquo new streetside experience a three-dimensional mapping tool Just log on to bing Maps where you can zoom in from satellite level to birdrsquos eye view and even down to street level for 56 major us metro areas
now you can virtually walk the streets of your next adventure with actual 360-degree footage of the area not only can you tell if a hotel is in a good neighborhood yoursquoll be able to see if therersquos a wifi coffee shop nearby where you can sync up your computer before your next meeting or scope out any traffic jams before you head out and you can even find the nearest parking garage so yoursquore never late again to your lunch date - unlike the more than 40 percent of bing survey respondents who were fashionably late because they couldnrsquot find a parking spot
ldquobooking a hotel room on the internet can be a risky proposition if you canrsquot see the room hotel or area itrsquos in before you bookrdquo says blaise aguera y arcas architect of bing Maps and Msn at Microsoft ldquobut technology like streetside is making it possible to scope out a neighborhood - and ensure itrsquos one you want to stay in - without ever having to leave the comfort of your computer chairrdquo in fact the bing survey found that nearly a quarter of travelers rated finding a decent hotel as the most frustrating part of planning their trip
Plus stay up-to-date on the best places to check out on your next trip by using bingrsquos twitter mapping app now you can get real-time information about an area - such as seeing the latest tweets for the local shopping mall before you even go there or even updates about local events and breaking news
log onto bing Maps where you can plan your next trip whether itrsquos a far away city or even your own town now you can be a travel guru no matter where you are
setting and stickingto youR tRaVel budget(ara) - travel can be one of the biggest-ticket items you invest in each year so itrsquos worth it to plan ahead
setting a budget - and sticking to it - can help you stay in better control of spending according to a recent visa survey a majority (54 percent) of last yearrsquos summer travelers either didnrsquot set a budget oroverspent their budget while traveling and more than a quarter of those surveyed overspent by more than $250 to make sure this doesnrsquot happen to you itrsquos important to create a realistic travel budget and make a plan for how you will spend within your means while on the road
to create a budget think through your trip first include the basics such as transportation to and from your destination and lodging next plan for expenses that come up along the way such as meals on the road
hosthostess gifts rental cars or public transportation donrsquot forget to include entertainment - whether sightseeing or going to the movies itrsquos also a good idea to build in a cushion for the unexpected
once yoursquove set your travel budget you need to stick to it one tool that can help is a prepaid travel card a prepaid card draws from funds that are set aside in advance for purchases here are a few ways prepaid travel cards can come in handy
keeP tRaVel Funds sePaRate an easy way to make sure you donrsquot go over budget is to set your travel budget aside on a prepaid travel card simply load the card with your travel budget and use it for everything from online booking to grabbing lunch during an (unexpectedly extended) layover without worrying about spending more than you planned or dipping into gift-buying funds
access casHwhether you need a few dollars or several yen choose a prepaid card that will allow you to withdraw cash from atMs around the world if yoursquore traveling internationally itrsquoll also save you the hassle of tracking down and waiting in line for local currency
bRowse and buy look for a prepaid card that you can use online travel sites offer a wealth of information and detailed listings of competing offers from airlines and hotels as well as reviews from fellow travelers for flights you can typically compare possible savings by traveling on al-ternate days or from nearby airports once you spot the deal that works for your budget use your prepaid travel card to snap it up
enJoy Peace oF mind wHen tRaVeling Prepaid cards may come with travel-related services for example the visa travelMoney card offers zero liability for lost or stolen cards as well as lost luggage reimbursement and purchase security Make sure you know which benefits your card offers and how they work so you can tap into them should the need arise
with some advance preparation and the right tools in place you donrsquot have to overspend on travel in fact with some careful planning you could end up with enough left to buy yourself a little something to remember the trip for more information about visa travelMoney visit wwwvisacomtravelmoney
Click To Listen While You Browse
South Carolinarsquos Internet
Powered By
(843)720-9604 InfoOnlysc
need an easy getaway FoR tHe Family Plan a budget-FRiendly tRiP to a national PaRk(ara) - american families have spoken the vacation is a top priority ninety-four percent of americans agreed that even in tough economic times family vacations are worth the money according to a recent survey by expediacom to keep the vacation affordable and easy think about introducing your family to the splendor of the national park system - where activities are abundant and costs are minimal
expediacom recently partnered with the national Park foundation to provide a permanent one-stop shop to help travelers plan and book vacations to americarsquos national parks
ldquothere are excellent values for traveling families right now and taking a trip to a national park is one of the best ways to stretch your vacation dollarsrdquo says lee woodruff author travel expert and mother of four
ldquofamilies are looking for ways to reconnect with each other and what better option for an affordable vacation than a national parkrdquo
here are five easy steps to plan the perfect national park getaway
1 get inspired ken burns recently debuted a six-part documentary series for Pbs titledldquothe national Parks americarsquos best ideardquo tune into Pbs or order a copy online to find inspiration and a detailed look at some of the most beautiful places in the world from acadia to the grand canyon and yosemite to the gates of the arctic in alaska
2 Pick the park with original content from the national Park foundation expediacomrsquos national park web site is the perfect resource for families to find the national park to fit their vacation needs
the site offers pre-set ldquolong weekendrdquo itineraries to start your planning you can also search through the ldquocanrsquot Miss national Parksrdquo section to learn about the parkrsquos location its natural features little-known facts including the best times to visit and activities to choose from in each area expediarsquos site also offers downloadable park maps to help you get your bearings
3 more ways to save take advantage of the public amenities that national parks offer like camping and picnic sites while there is a small entrance fee to the parks you can cut back on costs by bringing your own meals and treating the kids to lunch by a waterfall or overlooking the grand canyon also enjoy the free activities such as hiking biking and birding that the parks offer
4 book your hotel and rental car if camping isnrsquot your familyrsquos style consider any of the great lodges in and around the national park of your choice and if yoursquore planning to rent a car consider booking lodging and car together to substantially reduce the overall costs of your vacation
5 give back consider giving back to the national Park foundation by visiting the web site wwwnationalparksorg and donate or learn more about volunteer opportunities within americarsquos national parks helping out in these small ways ensures the parks will remain beautiful so your kids can bring their own children one day
ldquoPlanning the vacation is half of the fun so get every-one involved in the processrdquo says woodruff ldquothere are so many options in our national park system many of which have rich and amazing heritage so the whole family is going to enjoy something when you visitrdquo
bookmaRk youRFaVoRite Road
a bRieF HistoRyoF PaVed Roads
(ara) - Planes and trains may have their place in our society but for the dedicated traveler therersquos still nothing like getting in your car and taking a trip along americarsquos highways
half the fun of road trips in the minds of many is getting home and telling friends and family about the adventure - and the roads they traveled
in the past driversrsquo road stories were largely told by word of mouth to a few people at a time now drivers can tell their tales to millions via the internet favoriteroadcom is a new web site that features americarsquos favorite highways and byways
the site encourages you to post your favorite roads and explain why you like them simply log on to submit a photo and story of your favorite road use links posted on the site to share your road via popular social networks such as facebook and twitter your submission may even win a prize in contest giveaways
the past yearrsquos economic downturn has reintroduced the word ldquoinfrastructurerdquo to our vocabulary as a result of stimulus legislation passed in 2009 the federal government has allocated millions of dollars to specifically improve state roads and highways and with more affordable gasoline prices people are increasingly using americarsquos roads for leisure travel
by posting on favoriteroadcom yoursquore doing more than just ldquotelling a good storyrdquo your testimonials may help encourage lawmakers to push for increased infrastructure spending to keep america driving smoothly and safely for years to come
whatrsquos your favorite road log on and tell the world at favoriteroadcom
625 bc the babylonians are credited with the first recorded use of asphalt as a road building material the ancient greeks were also familiar with asphalt (the word comes from the greek ldquoasphaltosrdquo meaning ldquosecurerdquo)
1500s christopher columbus landed off the shores of trinidad in 1498 and discovered the famous asphalt lake which would later be used on the Pennsylvania avenue project in washington dc covering 54000 square yards
1800s Macadam roads became popular in the us for rural road construction during the 1830s and 40s belgian chemist edmund J desmedt laid the first true asphalt pavement in the us in newark nJ the cummer company opened the first central hot mix production facilities in the us the first asphalt patent was filed by nathan b abbott of brooklyn ny in 1871
1920s world war i ended and the use of the automo-bile was steadily rising but roads outside the city limits were frequently too muddy or dusty for travel to fix this problem road engineers used oils and asphalt
1940s-1950s the modern american turnpike is born after world war ii full scale automobile production resumed along with major levels of road maintenance and new highway construction by 1950 vehicle registration exceeded 40 million cars and 8 million trucks in 1956 President eisenhower signed the federal-aid highway act and launched the interstate system to create an infrastructure highway program -unmatched anywhere in the world
1970s a national move to conserve energy and materials initiated a widespread interest in recycling of pavement materials asphalt is now americarsquos most recycled product
1990s a traffic study by the world road association indicates that asphalt pavements are at least 4 decibels quieter than concrete pavements
2000s the us population has increased 23 percent since 1990 and the number of miles driven has risen by 41 percent only half of the nationrsquos major roads are in good condition based on an analysis of recent federal highway administration data
wandeRing Re-establisHes tHe oRiginal
HaRmony wHicH once existed between
man and tHe uniVeRse
business oR leisuRe dRiVing oR FlyingtRaVel saFely natuRally(ara) - weekend getaways shorter vacations and overnight business trips are great ways to save money and are becoming more prevalent according to the bureau of transportation taking a few simple and natural steps to stay safe and healthy while on the road can not only protect your travel investment butenhance your entire experience
ReFResHed and aleRt dRiVing diFFusion
a shorter thriftier trip is likely to be by car the inevitable rush to make the most of the limited time
away after a tiring work week can create fatigue so donrsquot make it a dangerous driving situation enliven your senses with essential oil scents
ditch the cardboard cutout car ldquofreshenerrdquo that hangs from the rearview mirror not only distracting these products are usually saturated with synthetic fragrance chemicals and probably arenrsquot the best thing to inhale while enclosed in your vehicle instead rely on a sleek essential oil diffuser that plugs into your automobilersquos phone charger power outlet these devices feature small paper fiber pads to which you can apply your own custom blend of essential oils allowing you to not only
scent the air inside the car but also to provide refreshing aromatherapy benefits to help keep you alert and focused on the road
a simpler alternative way to diffuse is to apply several drops of oil to a tissue and tuck it carefully into one of the vents in the dash
try these essential oils for the car Peppermint essential oil - refreshing awakening
uplifting eucalyptus essential oil - bracing purifying
protecting lemon essential oil - pleasant deodorizing
cheering
How clean is youR Hotel Room
overnight stays in less than posh hotel digs may be part of the money-saving travel trend even upscale hotels arenrsquot immune to dirt and germs or worse an apparent outbreak of bedbug infestations in the united states recently publicized by the environmental Protection agency
bedbugs aside there are always nagging doubts about just how clean a hotel room actually is has the shower or tub been scrubbed or merely wiped down is the toilet sanitized has the bedspread ever really been thoroughly cleaned fortunately there are ways to protect yourself after you check in but before you settle into your temporary overnight home
air and surface sanitizing spray feel good about travel with a bottle of homemade purifying aromatherapy solution that relies on pleasantly scented and highly effective essential oils rather than harsh chemical disinfectants the following spray will help you create a hygienic environment in your temporary hotel home apply it to tub vanity and toilet surfaces
ingredientsempty 12 to16 ounce spray bottle10 ounces water2 ounces isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or
vodka12 teaspoon tea tree essential oil
(antimicrobial)12 teaspoon lemon essential oil
(cleansing)12 teaspoon lavandin essential oil
(protecting)12 teaspoon sweet orange essential oil
(freshening)
directions combine all ingredients in the spray bottle shake and apply to a washcloth and wipe down the tvrsquos remote the clock radio the door handles and the faucethandles in the bathroom
Purifying and Relaxing linen mist here are some great tips for making a strange bed feel more like home take along your own pillow and replace the ones provided create your own linen mist and use it on your own bed at home then travel with the same blend taking a little bit of home with you when you arrive at your destination turn down the covers exchange the pillows and apply your signature scent to the bed
ingredientsempty 4 to 8 ounce spray bottle4 to 8 ounces water13 drops lavender essential oil
(relaxing calming)5 drops lavandin or spike lavender
essential oil (purifying protecting)
directionscombine the water and oil in the bottle shake the contents thoroughly just before application
remember to look for pure and natural essential oil brands like aura cacia that donrsquot include synthetic petrochemical fragrances for more information on how to enhance your life through aromatherapy visit wwwauracaciacom
PRePaRe youR VeHicle FoR a HuRRicane eVacuation(ara) - ana bill claudette - the first three atlantic ocean hurricanes of the season made headlines but not to the extent of katrina or ike of recent years and while these three hurricanes have come and gone who knows if - or when - grace or henry might pay a visit to your town
the 2009 hurricane season has an expected 90 percent chance of being a near-normal or below-normal season for the atlantic ocean according to the national oceanic and atmospheric administration this prediction - if accurate - will be welcomed with a sigh of relief by many residents in coastal towns after the above-normal year in 2008
but even if noaa is predicting a quiet year for hurricanes you can never be over prepared if you donrsquot have your emergency evacuation plan organized itrsquos time to make one no matter if yoursquore planning on traveling 100 miles or 1000 miles you need an evacuation plan as a representative of a gulf coast
company Maricela carter a health safety security environment coordinator with soPus has some tips on how to prepare your vehicle for potential evacuations
Plan eVacuation Routescheck newspapers online sites the local emergency broadcast radio station and local television stations for the latest information on official evacuation routes Purchase a good map with details on elevations waterways and county roads and familiarize yourself with the most efficient ways to get out of town
Pack an emeRgency kitautomobiles are susceptible to unexpected problems so keep an emergency kit in your trunk include jumper cables extra motor oil window washing brake and coolant fluids simple tools like an air pressure gauge screwdriver pliers and adjustable wrench a role of
paper towels a windup flashlight and a can of fix-a-flat in case you get a flat tire
fix-a-flat creates a temporary emergency seal on contact with the tire and inflates the tire between eight and 14 pounds per square inch so that the car can be driven to a gas station for proper repair of the tire this can help you to get back on the road and out of the hurricanersquos way quickly and easily
Fill uP tHe tankeveryone is going to need fuel in order to evacuate so plan to fill up your tank as soon as you hear a hurricane warning this helps to prevent sudden demands on the supply once your tank is full conserve the amount of gas you use for the next couple of days by combining your errands into one trip and not traveling during rush hour
cHeck tiRe PRessuRein order to help conserve fuel make sure your tires are at the manufacturerrsquos recommended pressure - usually printed on the driverrsquos door of your car keeping tires at the correct pressure can improve your gasoline mileage by 33 percent according to fueleconomygov which means yoursquoll be able to travel further when evacuating
use PRoPeR FluidsMake sure you follow all the manufacturer recommendations for motor oil which can also improve your gasoline mileage by 1 or 2 percent according to fuelecomonygov one helpful hint is to look for oil that has an ldquoenergy conservingrdquo label by the american Petroleum institution to ensure it contains friction-reducing additives
it is not down inany maP tRue PlacesneVeR aRe
diRect dePosit oF social secuRity is easieR FoR winteR tRaVeleRs(ara) - as cold weather sets in thousands of retirees are making plans for a winter getaway if yoursquore one of them switch to direct deposit for your social security payments before you leave - itrsquos the safest easiest way to receive your money
ldquoeach year the us department of the treasury receives more than 14 million inquiries regarding paper check-related problemsrdquo says david a lebryk commissioner of the treasury departmentrsquos financial Management service
yet approximately 105 million americans continue to receive their social security and supplemental security income (ssi) payments by paper check each month the treasury departmentrsquos go direct (r) campaign encourages senior citizens and people with disabilities to switch to direct deposit
incReased saFety conVenience and Reliability
ldquowhen therersquos a problem with a social security payment nine times out of 10 itrsquos with a paper check not a direct deposit paymentrdquo says lebryk
Paper checks can be vulnerable to financial crimes like theft and fraud in fact the treasury department investigates more than 70000 cases of altered or fraudulently endorsed checks each year totaling $64 million in estimated value
ldquoin 2008 alone more than 485000 social security and ssi checks were reported lost or stolen and had to be reissuedrdquo says lebryk
direct deposit is also more convenient and reliable there is no more waiting for a check to arrive in the mail and there are no more worries about delivery delays due to severe weather localemergencies and other check related problems last year alone severe weather events forced alternative delivery arrangements for millions of social security and ssi paper checks
ldquoswitching to direct deposit for federal benefits is such an easy way
for people to safeguard their money es-pecially when traveling for extended pe-riods of timerdquo says lebryk ldquoyour money is deposited to your account on payment day so therersquos no need to worry
about delivery delays or a check sitting in your mailbox while yoursquore gonerdquo
PRePaid debit caRd oPtion
in addition to direct deposit the treasury department recommends the direct express (r) debit Mastercard (r) card as an alternative to paper checks for people without bank accounts
More than half a million americans signed up for the optional direct express (r) card in its first year of availability according to the treasury department a recent survey of cardholders finds that 95 percent say they are satisfied with the prepaid debit card and 86 percent say they would recommend it to family members or friends who receive a federal benefit payment
with the direct express card cardholders can make purchases pay bills and get cash at thousands of locations nationwide sign-up is free and no bank account is required while most services are free there are fees for a limited number of optional transactions and services
making tHe switcH is easy
it is easy to make the switch to electronic payments for federal benefits to sign up for direct deposit call the treasury departmentrsquos go direct campaign helpline at 1-800-333-1795 or visit wwwgodirectorg to sign up for the treasury-recommended direct express card or to learn more about the cardrsquos features and fees call 1-877-212-9991 or visit wwwusdirectexpresscom
the preceding information has been provided by the us department of the treasury financial Management service
the go direct (r) campaign is sponsored by the us department of the treasury and the federal reserve banks the direct express (r) debit Mastercard (r) card is issued by comerica bank pursuant to a license by Mastercard international incorporated Mastercard (r) and the Mastercard (r) brand Mark are registered trademarks of Mastercard international incorporated the go direct(r) logo direct express (r) logo and direct express (r) are service marks of the us department of the treasury financial Management service
biZaRRe tRaVel Plans aRe dancing lessons FRom god
time to ReFinance oR buy
right now mortgage rates are at their lowest level since 1971 think about that twenty-five years ago homeowners were paying as much as 18 on a 30-year fixed today itrsquos just a little over 5combine that rate with the tax advantages
of a mortgage and you have an incredibly cheap way to build wealth but you better act now
real estate guru barbara corcoran has already seen a tremendous surge in refinance applications ndash more than triple the average ndash and the number of people getting approved is astronomically higher as well she says but that doesnrsquot mean the low rates are a panacea for the ills of the housing market it is only once home prices start to go up that we will finally see a light at the end of tunnel corcoran says until that happens we are still going to have to crawl out of this mess ldquo[low interest rates are] not a lifesaverrdquo corcoran says ldquothis is just a helping handrdquo
david kittle chairman of the Mortgage bankers association has this advice to homeowners looking to refinance do it donrsquot get greedy searching for another quarter-point lock in rates now he is seeing applications soar over 125 just since thanksgiving due to the low rates
of course you should only refinance if it saves you at least 38 on the rate and if you plan on staying in your home for at least four years kittle says along with good credit proof of income and money by means of a down payment or equity in the home there are certain things every homeowner needs regardless of interest rate levels
easy-to-do maintenance HelPs extend VeHicle liFe(ara) - after their homes most americansrsquo largest financial investment is their vehicle so helping it stay in good working order for as long as possible is a high priority in fact the average age of a passenger car in north america has grown to more than nine years according to rl Polk and co which indicates that motorists are looking for ways to help extend the life of their vehicle
even so todayrsquos tight budgets leave some motorists reluctant to spend on services or maintenance that they think can be delayed at least for the short term however compared to the cost of engine repair spending a little today on the right maintenance routine performed by trusted service technicians using quality products makes sense Mark ferner Pennzoil technical specialist and ase-certified master mechanic offers some simple cost-effective tips for helping to protect the performance and longevity of your vehicle
replace dirty air filters a dirty air filter will restrict airflow to the engine which may reduce power output if the filter fails it will allow unfiltered air into the engine which can be abrasive inside an engine to avoid these issues and help promote long engine life check your enginersquos air filter regularly and change it when it is dirty
use HigH-quality Fuelseveral automotive manufacturers (bMw gM honda toyota volkswagen and audi) have published technical service bulletins recommending the use of top-tier fuel top-tier fuel contains more additives than is required by the industryrsquos lowest additive content (lac) treat rate regular use of fuel that only meets lac requirements may cause deposits to form on engine intake valves and fuel injectors
cHange youR oilregular oil changes are one of the most important steps to maximize the life of a vehicle oil change in-tervals vary by vehicle and driving conditions so follow the interval and oil specifications found in the ownerrsquos manual
also be sure to use quality motor oils in your vehicle Properly functioning motor oils help prevent sludge and neutralize and disperse harmful deposits and using the recommended viscosity grade of motor oil may also help enhance fuel economy if you are having the oil changed for you ask for quality oils by name Quality motor oil will maintain its effectiveness throughout the oil change interval allowing it to help keep the engine clean
as a bonus some motor oil brands offer lubrication warranties at no additional cost for example the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranty Programs protect qualified engines for 300000 miles whether their owners use conventional synthetic-blend or full synthetic motor oils meeting their vehiclesrsquo requirements Participants can enroll online and maintaining eligibility is easy simply get an oil change with the specified brand change the filter perform regular maintenance and keep the service receipts
to learn more about the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranties visit either wwwPennzoilcom or wwwQuakerstatecom or speak with an automotive professional at a participating automotive dealership or oil change facility that features Pennzoil or Quaker state products
PeoPle donrsquot take tRiPs tRiPs take PeoPle
Fin
al
wo
Rd
s
a vacation is what you take when you can no longer take what yoursquove been taking
eaRl wilson
- 1-12-2010pdf
Pay attention to ReViews Most online booking sites offer reviews from other guests who have stayed at the hotel that yoursquore considering while you may be inclined to take the overly positive reviews with a grain of salt itrsquos best to steer clear if a hotel receives consistent negative customer reviews
study uPcheck out the local convention center visitorsrsquo bureau or chamber of commerce web sites to learn more about the city and its surrounding neighborhoods this will help give you a better idea of whatrsquos near your destination and the neighborhoods that surround it
RemembeRyou get wHat you Pay FoRif yoursquore paying a two-star rate donrsquot expect to get four- or five-star accommodations and a mint on your pillow a cheaper rate rarely buys you luxury but you should still be able to score a clean safe room that provides for your basic needs
HoP onlineuse online resources like bing Mapsrsquo new streetside experience a three-dimensional mapping tool Just log on to bing Maps where you can zoom in from satellite level to birdrsquos eye view and even down to street level for 56 major us metro areas
now you can virtually walk the streets of your next adventure with actual 360-degree footage of the area not only can you tell if a hotel is in a good neighborhood yoursquoll be able to see if therersquos a wifi coffee shop nearby where you can sync up your computer before your next meeting or scope out any traffic jams before you head out and you can even find the nearest parking garage so yoursquore never late again to your lunch date - unlike the more than 40 percent of bing survey respondents who were fashionably late because they couldnrsquot find a parking spot
ldquobooking a hotel room on the internet can be a risky proposition if you canrsquot see the room hotel or area itrsquos in before you bookrdquo says blaise aguera y arcas architect of bing Maps and Msn at Microsoft ldquobut technology like streetside is making it possible to scope out a neighborhood - and ensure itrsquos one you want to stay in - without ever having to leave the comfort of your computer chairrdquo in fact the bing survey found that nearly a quarter of travelers rated finding a decent hotel as the most frustrating part of planning their trip
Plus stay up-to-date on the best places to check out on your next trip by using bingrsquos twitter mapping app now you can get real-time information about an area - such as seeing the latest tweets for the local shopping mall before you even go there or even updates about local events and breaking news
log onto bing Maps where you can plan your next trip whether itrsquos a far away city or even your own town now you can be a travel guru no matter where you are
setting and stickingto youR tRaVel budget(ara) - travel can be one of the biggest-ticket items you invest in each year so itrsquos worth it to plan ahead
setting a budget - and sticking to it - can help you stay in better control of spending according to a recent visa survey a majority (54 percent) of last yearrsquos summer travelers either didnrsquot set a budget oroverspent their budget while traveling and more than a quarter of those surveyed overspent by more than $250 to make sure this doesnrsquot happen to you itrsquos important to create a realistic travel budget and make a plan for how you will spend within your means while on the road
to create a budget think through your trip first include the basics such as transportation to and from your destination and lodging next plan for expenses that come up along the way such as meals on the road
hosthostess gifts rental cars or public transportation donrsquot forget to include entertainment - whether sightseeing or going to the movies itrsquos also a good idea to build in a cushion for the unexpected
once yoursquove set your travel budget you need to stick to it one tool that can help is a prepaid travel card a prepaid card draws from funds that are set aside in advance for purchases here are a few ways prepaid travel cards can come in handy
keeP tRaVel Funds sePaRate an easy way to make sure you donrsquot go over budget is to set your travel budget aside on a prepaid travel card simply load the card with your travel budget and use it for everything from online booking to grabbing lunch during an (unexpectedly extended) layover without worrying about spending more than you planned or dipping into gift-buying funds
access casHwhether you need a few dollars or several yen choose a prepaid card that will allow you to withdraw cash from atMs around the world if yoursquore traveling internationally itrsquoll also save you the hassle of tracking down and waiting in line for local currency
bRowse and buy look for a prepaid card that you can use online travel sites offer a wealth of information and detailed listings of competing offers from airlines and hotels as well as reviews from fellow travelers for flights you can typically compare possible savings by traveling on al-ternate days or from nearby airports once you spot the deal that works for your budget use your prepaid travel card to snap it up
enJoy Peace oF mind wHen tRaVeling Prepaid cards may come with travel-related services for example the visa travelMoney card offers zero liability for lost or stolen cards as well as lost luggage reimbursement and purchase security Make sure you know which benefits your card offers and how they work so you can tap into them should the need arise
with some advance preparation and the right tools in place you donrsquot have to overspend on travel in fact with some careful planning you could end up with enough left to buy yourself a little something to remember the trip for more information about visa travelMoney visit wwwvisacomtravelmoney
Click To Listen While You Browse
South Carolinarsquos Internet
Powered By
(843)720-9604 InfoOnlysc
need an easy getaway FoR tHe Family Plan a budget-FRiendly tRiP to a national PaRk(ara) - american families have spoken the vacation is a top priority ninety-four percent of americans agreed that even in tough economic times family vacations are worth the money according to a recent survey by expediacom to keep the vacation affordable and easy think about introducing your family to the splendor of the national park system - where activities are abundant and costs are minimal
expediacom recently partnered with the national Park foundation to provide a permanent one-stop shop to help travelers plan and book vacations to americarsquos national parks
ldquothere are excellent values for traveling families right now and taking a trip to a national park is one of the best ways to stretch your vacation dollarsrdquo says lee woodruff author travel expert and mother of four
ldquofamilies are looking for ways to reconnect with each other and what better option for an affordable vacation than a national parkrdquo
here are five easy steps to plan the perfect national park getaway
1 get inspired ken burns recently debuted a six-part documentary series for Pbs titledldquothe national Parks americarsquos best ideardquo tune into Pbs or order a copy online to find inspiration and a detailed look at some of the most beautiful places in the world from acadia to the grand canyon and yosemite to the gates of the arctic in alaska
2 Pick the park with original content from the national Park foundation expediacomrsquos national park web site is the perfect resource for families to find the national park to fit their vacation needs
the site offers pre-set ldquolong weekendrdquo itineraries to start your planning you can also search through the ldquocanrsquot Miss national Parksrdquo section to learn about the parkrsquos location its natural features little-known facts including the best times to visit and activities to choose from in each area expediarsquos site also offers downloadable park maps to help you get your bearings
3 more ways to save take advantage of the public amenities that national parks offer like camping and picnic sites while there is a small entrance fee to the parks you can cut back on costs by bringing your own meals and treating the kids to lunch by a waterfall or overlooking the grand canyon also enjoy the free activities such as hiking biking and birding that the parks offer
4 book your hotel and rental car if camping isnrsquot your familyrsquos style consider any of the great lodges in and around the national park of your choice and if yoursquore planning to rent a car consider booking lodging and car together to substantially reduce the overall costs of your vacation
5 give back consider giving back to the national Park foundation by visiting the web site wwwnationalparksorg and donate or learn more about volunteer opportunities within americarsquos national parks helping out in these small ways ensures the parks will remain beautiful so your kids can bring their own children one day
ldquoPlanning the vacation is half of the fun so get every-one involved in the processrdquo says woodruff ldquothere are so many options in our national park system many of which have rich and amazing heritage so the whole family is going to enjoy something when you visitrdquo
bookmaRk youRFaVoRite Road
a bRieF HistoRyoF PaVed Roads
(ara) - Planes and trains may have their place in our society but for the dedicated traveler therersquos still nothing like getting in your car and taking a trip along americarsquos highways
half the fun of road trips in the minds of many is getting home and telling friends and family about the adventure - and the roads they traveled
in the past driversrsquo road stories were largely told by word of mouth to a few people at a time now drivers can tell their tales to millions via the internet favoriteroadcom is a new web site that features americarsquos favorite highways and byways
the site encourages you to post your favorite roads and explain why you like them simply log on to submit a photo and story of your favorite road use links posted on the site to share your road via popular social networks such as facebook and twitter your submission may even win a prize in contest giveaways
the past yearrsquos economic downturn has reintroduced the word ldquoinfrastructurerdquo to our vocabulary as a result of stimulus legislation passed in 2009 the federal government has allocated millions of dollars to specifically improve state roads and highways and with more affordable gasoline prices people are increasingly using americarsquos roads for leisure travel
by posting on favoriteroadcom yoursquore doing more than just ldquotelling a good storyrdquo your testimonials may help encourage lawmakers to push for increased infrastructure spending to keep america driving smoothly and safely for years to come
whatrsquos your favorite road log on and tell the world at favoriteroadcom
625 bc the babylonians are credited with the first recorded use of asphalt as a road building material the ancient greeks were also familiar with asphalt (the word comes from the greek ldquoasphaltosrdquo meaning ldquosecurerdquo)
1500s christopher columbus landed off the shores of trinidad in 1498 and discovered the famous asphalt lake which would later be used on the Pennsylvania avenue project in washington dc covering 54000 square yards
1800s Macadam roads became popular in the us for rural road construction during the 1830s and 40s belgian chemist edmund J desmedt laid the first true asphalt pavement in the us in newark nJ the cummer company opened the first central hot mix production facilities in the us the first asphalt patent was filed by nathan b abbott of brooklyn ny in 1871
1920s world war i ended and the use of the automo-bile was steadily rising but roads outside the city limits were frequently too muddy or dusty for travel to fix this problem road engineers used oils and asphalt
1940s-1950s the modern american turnpike is born after world war ii full scale automobile production resumed along with major levels of road maintenance and new highway construction by 1950 vehicle registration exceeded 40 million cars and 8 million trucks in 1956 President eisenhower signed the federal-aid highway act and launched the interstate system to create an infrastructure highway program -unmatched anywhere in the world
1970s a national move to conserve energy and materials initiated a widespread interest in recycling of pavement materials asphalt is now americarsquos most recycled product
1990s a traffic study by the world road association indicates that asphalt pavements are at least 4 decibels quieter than concrete pavements
2000s the us population has increased 23 percent since 1990 and the number of miles driven has risen by 41 percent only half of the nationrsquos major roads are in good condition based on an analysis of recent federal highway administration data
wandeRing Re-establisHes tHe oRiginal
HaRmony wHicH once existed between
man and tHe uniVeRse
business oR leisuRe dRiVing oR FlyingtRaVel saFely natuRally(ara) - weekend getaways shorter vacations and overnight business trips are great ways to save money and are becoming more prevalent according to the bureau of transportation taking a few simple and natural steps to stay safe and healthy while on the road can not only protect your travel investment butenhance your entire experience
ReFResHed and aleRt dRiVing diFFusion
a shorter thriftier trip is likely to be by car the inevitable rush to make the most of the limited time
away after a tiring work week can create fatigue so donrsquot make it a dangerous driving situation enliven your senses with essential oil scents
ditch the cardboard cutout car ldquofreshenerrdquo that hangs from the rearview mirror not only distracting these products are usually saturated with synthetic fragrance chemicals and probably arenrsquot the best thing to inhale while enclosed in your vehicle instead rely on a sleek essential oil diffuser that plugs into your automobilersquos phone charger power outlet these devices feature small paper fiber pads to which you can apply your own custom blend of essential oils allowing you to not only
scent the air inside the car but also to provide refreshing aromatherapy benefits to help keep you alert and focused on the road
a simpler alternative way to diffuse is to apply several drops of oil to a tissue and tuck it carefully into one of the vents in the dash
try these essential oils for the car Peppermint essential oil - refreshing awakening
uplifting eucalyptus essential oil - bracing purifying
protecting lemon essential oil - pleasant deodorizing
cheering
How clean is youR Hotel Room
overnight stays in less than posh hotel digs may be part of the money-saving travel trend even upscale hotels arenrsquot immune to dirt and germs or worse an apparent outbreak of bedbug infestations in the united states recently publicized by the environmental Protection agency
bedbugs aside there are always nagging doubts about just how clean a hotel room actually is has the shower or tub been scrubbed or merely wiped down is the toilet sanitized has the bedspread ever really been thoroughly cleaned fortunately there are ways to protect yourself after you check in but before you settle into your temporary overnight home
air and surface sanitizing spray feel good about travel with a bottle of homemade purifying aromatherapy solution that relies on pleasantly scented and highly effective essential oils rather than harsh chemical disinfectants the following spray will help you create a hygienic environment in your temporary hotel home apply it to tub vanity and toilet surfaces
ingredientsempty 12 to16 ounce spray bottle10 ounces water2 ounces isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or
vodka12 teaspoon tea tree essential oil
(antimicrobial)12 teaspoon lemon essential oil
(cleansing)12 teaspoon lavandin essential oil
(protecting)12 teaspoon sweet orange essential oil
(freshening)
directions combine all ingredients in the spray bottle shake and apply to a washcloth and wipe down the tvrsquos remote the clock radio the door handles and the faucethandles in the bathroom
Purifying and Relaxing linen mist here are some great tips for making a strange bed feel more like home take along your own pillow and replace the ones provided create your own linen mist and use it on your own bed at home then travel with the same blend taking a little bit of home with you when you arrive at your destination turn down the covers exchange the pillows and apply your signature scent to the bed
ingredientsempty 4 to 8 ounce spray bottle4 to 8 ounces water13 drops lavender essential oil
(relaxing calming)5 drops lavandin or spike lavender
essential oil (purifying protecting)
directionscombine the water and oil in the bottle shake the contents thoroughly just before application
remember to look for pure and natural essential oil brands like aura cacia that donrsquot include synthetic petrochemical fragrances for more information on how to enhance your life through aromatherapy visit wwwauracaciacom
PRePaRe youR VeHicle FoR a HuRRicane eVacuation(ara) - ana bill claudette - the first three atlantic ocean hurricanes of the season made headlines but not to the extent of katrina or ike of recent years and while these three hurricanes have come and gone who knows if - or when - grace or henry might pay a visit to your town
the 2009 hurricane season has an expected 90 percent chance of being a near-normal or below-normal season for the atlantic ocean according to the national oceanic and atmospheric administration this prediction - if accurate - will be welcomed with a sigh of relief by many residents in coastal towns after the above-normal year in 2008
but even if noaa is predicting a quiet year for hurricanes you can never be over prepared if you donrsquot have your emergency evacuation plan organized itrsquos time to make one no matter if yoursquore planning on traveling 100 miles or 1000 miles you need an evacuation plan as a representative of a gulf coast
company Maricela carter a health safety security environment coordinator with soPus has some tips on how to prepare your vehicle for potential evacuations
Plan eVacuation Routescheck newspapers online sites the local emergency broadcast radio station and local television stations for the latest information on official evacuation routes Purchase a good map with details on elevations waterways and county roads and familiarize yourself with the most efficient ways to get out of town
Pack an emeRgency kitautomobiles are susceptible to unexpected problems so keep an emergency kit in your trunk include jumper cables extra motor oil window washing brake and coolant fluids simple tools like an air pressure gauge screwdriver pliers and adjustable wrench a role of
paper towels a windup flashlight and a can of fix-a-flat in case you get a flat tire
fix-a-flat creates a temporary emergency seal on contact with the tire and inflates the tire between eight and 14 pounds per square inch so that the car can be driven to a gas station for proper repair of the tire this can help you to get back on the road and out of the hurricanersquos way quickly and easily
Fill uP tHe tankeveryone is going to need fuel in order to evacuate so plan to fill up your tank as soon as you hear a hurricane warning this helps to prevent sudden demands on the supply once your tank is full conserve the amount of gas you use for the next couple of days by combining your errands into one trip and not traveling during rush hour
cHeck tiRe PRessuRein order to help conserve fuel make sure your tires are at the manufacturerrsquos recommended pressure - usually printed on the driverrsquos door of your car keeping tires at the correct pressure can improve your gasoline mileage by 33 percent according to fueleconomygov which means yoursquoll be able to travel further when evacuating
use PRoPeR FluidsMake sure you follow all the manufacturer recommendations for motor oil which can also improve your gasoline mileage by 1 or 2 percent according to fuelecomonygov one helpful hint is to look for oil that has an ldquoenergy conservingrdquo label by the american Petroleum institution to ensure it contains friction-reducing additives
it is not down inany maP tRue PlacesneVeR aRe
diRect dePosit oF social secuRity is easieR FoR winteR tRaVeleRs(ara) - as cold weather sets in thousands of retirees are making plans for a winter getaway if yoursquore one of them switch to direct deposit for your social security payments before you leave - itrsquos the safest easiest way to receive your money
ldquoeach year the us department of the treasury receives more than 14 million inquiries regarding paper check-related problemsrdquo says david a lebryk commissioner of the treasury departmentrsquos financial Management service
yet approximately 105 million americans continue to receive their social security and supplemental security income (ssi) payments by paper check each month the treasury departmentrsquos go direct (r) campaign encourages senior citizens and people with disabilities to switch to direct deposit
incReased saFety conVenience and Reliability
ldquowhen therersquos a problem with a social security payment nine times out of 10 itrsquos with a paper check not a direct deposit paymentrdquo says lebryk
Paper checks can be vulnerable to financial crimes like theft and fraud in fact the treasury department investigates more than 70000 cases of altered or fraudulently endorsed checks each year totaling $64 million in estimated value
ldquoin 2008 alone more than 485000 social security and ssi checks were reported lost or stolen and had to be reissuedrdquo says lebryk
direct deposit is also more convenient and reliable there is no more waiting for a check to arrive in the mail and there are no more worries about delivery delays due to severe weather localemergencies and other check related problems last year alone severe weather events forced alternative delivery arrangements for millions of social security and ssi paper checks
ldquoswitching to direct deposit for federal benefits is such an easy way
for people to safeguard their money es-pecially when traveling for extended pe-riods of timerdquo says lebryk ldquoyour money is deposited to your account on payment day so therersquos no need to worry
about delivery delays or a check sitting in your mailbox while yoursquore gonerdquo
PRePaid debit caRd oPtion
in addition to direct deposit the treasury department recommends the direct express (r) debit Mastercard (r) card as an alternative to paper checks for people without bank accounts
More than half a million americans signed up for the optional direct express (r) card in its first year of availability according to the treasury department a recent survey of cardholders finds that 95 percent say they are satisfied with the prepaid debit card and 86 percent say they would recommend it to family members or friends who receive a federal benefit payment
with the direct express card cardholders can make purchases pay bills and get cash at thousands of locations nationwide sign-up is free and no bank account is required while most services are free there are fees for a limited number of optional transactions and services
making tHe switcH is easy
it is easy to make the switch to electronic payments for federal benefits to sign up for direct deposit call the treasury departmentrsquos go direct campaign helpline at 1-800-333-1795 or visit wwwgodirectorg to sign up for the treasury-recommended direct express card or to learn more about the cardrsquos features and fees call 1-877-212-9991 or visit wwwusdirectexpresscom
the preceding information has been provided by the us department of the treasury financial Management service
the go direct (r) campaign is sponsored by the us department of the treasury and the federal reserve banks the direct express (r) debit Mastercard (r) card is issued by comerica bank pursuant to a license by Mastercard international incorporated Mastercard (r) and the Mastercard (r) brand Mark are registered trademarks of Mastercard international incorporated the go direct(r) logo direct express (r) logo and direct express (r) are service marks of the us department of the treasury financial Management service
biZaRRe tRaVel Plans aRe dancing lessons FRom god
time to ReFinance oR buy
right now mortgage rates are at their lowest level since 1971 think about that twenty-five years ago homeowners were paying as much as 18 on a 30-year fixed today itrsquos just a little over 5combine that rate with the tax advantages
of a mortgage and you have an incredibly cheap way to build wealth but you better act now
real estate guru barbara corcoran has already seen a tremendous surge in refinance applications ndash more than triple the average ndash and the number of people getting approved is astronomically higher as well she says but that doesnrsquot mean the low rates are a panacea for the ills of the housing market it is only once home prices start to go up that we will finally see a light at the end of tunnel corcoran says until that happens we are still going to have to crawl out of this mess ldquo[low interest rates are] not a lifesaverrdquo corcoran says ldquothis is just a helping handrdquo
david kittle chairman of the Mortgage bankers association has this advice to homeowners looking to refinance do it donrsquot get greedy searching for another quarter-point lock in rates now he is seeing applications soar over 125 just since thanksgiving due to the low rates
of course you should only refinance if it saves you at least 38 on the rate and if you plan on staying in your home for at least four years kittle says along with good credit proof of income and money by means of a down payment or equity in the home there are certain things every homeowner needs regardless of interest rate levels
easy-to-do maintenance HelPs extend VeHicle liFe(ara) - after their homes most americansrsquo largest financial investment is their vehicle so helping it stay in good working order for as long as possible is a high priority in fact the average age of a passenger car in north america has grown to more than nine years according to rl Polk and co which indicates that motorists are looking for ways to help extend the life of their vehicle
even so todayrsquos tight budgets leave some motorists reluctant to spend on services or maintenance that they think can be delayed at least for the short term however compared to the cost of engine repair spending a little today on the right maintenance routine performed by trusted service technicians using quality products makes sense Mark ferner Pennzoil technical specialist and ase-certified master mechanic offers some simple cost-effective tips for helping to protect the performance and longevity of your vehicle
replace dirty air filters a dirty air filter will restrict airflow to the engine which may reduce power output if the filter fails it will allow unfiltered air into the engine which can be abrasive inside an engine to avoid these issues and help promote long engine life check your enginersquos air filter regularly and change it when it is dirty
use HigH-quality Fuelseveral automotive manufacturers (bMw gM honda toyota volkswagen and audi) have published technical service bulletins recommending the use of top-tier fuel top-tier fuel contains more additives than is required by the industryrsquos lowest additive content (lac) treat rate regular use of fuel that only meets lac requirements may cause deposits to form on engine intake valves and fuel injectors
cHange youR oilregular oil changes are one of the most important steps to maximize the life of a vehicle oil change in-tervals vary by vehicle and driving conditions so follow the interval and oil specifications found in the ownerrsquos manual
also be sure to use quality motor oils in your vehicle Properly functioning motor oils help prevent sludge and neutralize and disperse harmful deposits and using the recommended viscosity grade of motor oil may also help enhance fuel economy if you are having the oil changed for you ask for quality oils by name Quality motor oil will maintain its effectiveness throughout the oil change interval allowing it to help keep the engine clean
as a bonus some motor oil brands offer lubrication warranties at no additional cost for example the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranty Programs protect qualified engines for 300000 miles whether their owners use conventional synthetic-blend or full synthetic motor oils meeting their vehiclesrsquo requirements Participants can enroll online and maintaining eligibility is easy simply get an oil change with the specified brand change the filter perform regular maintenance and keep the service receipts
to learn more about the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranties visit either wwwPennzoilcom or wwwQuakerstatecom or speak with an automotive professional at a participating automotive dealership or oil change facility that features Pennzoil or Quaker state products
PeoPle donrsquot take tRiPs tRiPs take PeoPle
Fin
al
wo
Rd
s
a vacation is what you take when you can no longer take what yoursquove been taking
eaRl wilson
- 1-12-2010pdf
setting and stickingto youR tRaVel budget(ara) - travel can be one of the biggest-ticket items you invest in each year so itrsquos worth it to plan ahead
setting a budget - and sticking to it - can help you stay in better control of spending according to a recent visa survey a majority (54 percent) of last yearrsquos summer travelers either didnrsquot set a budget oroverspent their budget while traveling and more than a quarter of those surveyed overspent by more than $250 to make sure this doesnrsquot happen to you itrsquos important to create a realistic travel budget and make a plan for how you will spend within your means while on the road
to create a budget think through your trip first include the basics such as transportation to and from your destination and lodging next plan for expenses that come up along the way such as meals on the road
hosthostess gifts rental cars or public transportation donrsquot forget to include entertainment - whether sightseeing or going to the movies itrsquos also a good idea to build in a cushion for the unexpected
once yoursquove set your travel budget you need to stick to it one tool that can help is a prepaid travel card a prepaid card draws from funds that are set aside in advance for purchases here are a few ways prepaid travel cards can come in handy
keeP tRaVel Funds sePaRate an easy way to make sure you donrsquot go over budget is to set your travel budget aside on a prepaid travel card simply load the card with your travel budget and use it for everything from online booking to grabbing lunch during an (unexpectedly extended) layover without worrying about spending more than you planned or dipping into gift-buying funds
access casHwhether you need a few dollars or several yen choose a prepaid card that will allow you to withdraw cash from atMs around the world if yoursquore traveling internationally itrsquoll also save you the hassle of tracking down and waiting in line for local currency
bRowse and buy look for a prepaid card that you can use online travel sites offer a wealth of information and detailed listings of competing offers from airlines and hotels as well as reviews from fellow travelers for flights you can typically compare possible savings by traveling on al-ternate days or from nearby airports once you spot the deal that works for your budget use your prepaid travel card to snap it up
enJoy Peace oF mind wHen tRaVeling Prepaid cards may come with travel-related services for example the visa travelMoney card offers zero liability for lost or stolen cards as well as lost luggage reimbursement and purchase security Make sure you know which benefits your card offers and how they work so you can tap into them should the need arise
with some advance preparation and the right tools in place you donrsquot have to overspend on travel in fact with some careful planning you could end up with enough left to buy yourself a little something to remember the trip for more information about visa travelMoney visit wwwvisacomtravelmoney
Click To Listen While You Browse
South Carolinarsquos Internet
Powered By
(843)720-9604 InfoOnlysc
need an easy getaway FoR tHe Family Plan a budget-FRiendly tRiP to a national PaRk(ara) - american families have spoken the vacation is a top priority ninety-four percent of americans agreed that even in tough economic times family vacations are worth the money according to a recent survey by expediacom to keep the vacation affordable and easy think about introducing your family to the splendor of the national park system - where activities are abundant and costs are minimal
expediacom recently partnered with the national Park foundation to provide a permanent one-stop shop to help travelers plan and book vacations to americarsquos national parks
ldquothere are excellent values for traveling families right now and taking a trip to a national park is one of the best ways to stretch your vacation dollarsrdquo says lee woodruff author travel expert and mother of four
ldquofamilies are looking for ways to reconnect with each other and what better option for an affordable vacation than a national parkrdquo
here are five easy steps to plan the perfect national park getaway
1 get inspired ken burns recently debuted a six-part documentary series for Pbs titledldquothe national Parks americarsquos best ideardquo tune into Pbs or order a copy online to find inspiration and a detailed look at some of the most beautiful places in the world from acadia to the grand canyon and yosemite to the gates of the arctic in alaska
2 Pick the park with original content from the national Park foundation expediacomrsquos national park web site is the perfect resource for families to find the national park to fit their vacation needs
the site offers pre-set ldquolong weekendrdquo itineraries to start your planning you can also search through the ldquocanrsquot Miss national Parksrdquo section to learn about the parkrsquos location its natural features little-known facts including the best times to visit and activities to choose from in each area expediarsquos site also offers downloadable park maps to help you get your bearings
3 more ways to save take advantage of the public amenities that national parks offer like camping and picnic sites while there is a small entrance fee to the parks you can cut back on costs by bringing your own meals and treating the kids to lunch by a waterfall or overlooking the grand canyon also enjoy the free activities such as hiking biking and birding that the parks offer
4 book your hotel and rental car if camping isnrsquot your familyrsquos style consider any of the great lodges in and around the national park of your choice and if yoursquore planning to rent a car consider booking lodging and car together to substantially reduce the overall costs of your vacation
5 give back consider giving back to the national Park foundation by visiting the web site wwwnationalparksorg and donate or learn more about volunteer opportunities within americarsquos national parks helping out in these small ways ensures the parks will remain beautiful so your kids can bring their own children one day
ldquoPlanning the vacation is half of the fun so get every-one involved in the processrdquo says woodruff ldquothere are so many options in our national park system many of which have rich and amazing heritage so the whole family is going to enjoy something when you visitrdquo
bookmaRk youRFaVoRite Road
a bRieF HistoRyoF PaVed Roads
(ara) - Planes and trains may have their place in our society but for the dedicated traveler therersquos still nothing like getting in your car and taking a trip along americarsquos highways
half the fun of road trips in the minds of many is getting home and telling friends and family about the adventure - and the roads they traveled
in the past driversrsquo road stories were largely told by word of mouth to a few people at a time now drivers can tell their tales to millions via the internet favoriteroadcom is a new web site that features americarsquos favorite highways and byways
the site encourages you to post your favorite roads and explain why you like them simply log on to submit a photo and story of your favorite road use links posted on the site to share your road via popular social networks such as facebook and twitter your submission may even win a prize in contest giveaways
the past yearrsquos economic downturn has reintroduced the word ldquoinfrastructurerdquo to our vocabulary as a result of stimulus legislation passed in 2009 the federal government has allocated millions of dollars to specifically improve state roads and highways and with more affordable gasoline prices people are increasingly using americarsquos roads for leisure travel
by posting on favoriteroadcom yoursquore doing more than just ldquotelling a good storyrdquo your testimonials may help encourage lawmakers to push for increased infrastructure spending to keep america driving smoothly and safely for years to come
whatrsquos your favorite road log on and tell the world at favoriteroadcom
625 bc the babylonians are credited with the first recorded use of asphalt as a road building material the ancient greeks were also familiar with asphalt (the word comes from the greek ldquoasphaltosrdquo meaning ldquosecurerdquo)
1500s christopher columbus landed off the shores of trinidad in 1498 and discovered the famous asphalt lake which would later be used on the Pennsylvania avenue project in washington dc covering 54000 square yards
1800s Macadam roads became popular in the us for rural road construction during the 1830s and 40s belgian chemist edmund J desmedt laid the first true asphalt pavement in the us in newark nJ the cummer company opened the first central hot mix production facilities in the us the first asphalt patent was filed by nathan b abbott of brooklyn ny in 1871
1920s world war i ended and the use of the automo-bile was steadily rising but roads outside the city limits were frequently too muddy or dusty for travel to fix this problem road engineers used oils and asphalt
1940s-1950s the modern american turnpike is born after world war ii full scale automobile production resumed along with major levels of road maintenance and new highway construction by 1950 vehicle registration exceeded 40 million cars and 8 million trucks in 1956 President eisenhower signed the federal-aid highway act and launched the interstate system to create an infrastructure highway program -unmatched anywhere in the world
1970s a national move to conserve energy and materials initiated a widespread interest in recycling of pavement materials asphalt is now americarsquos most recycled product
1990s a traffic study by the world road association indicates that asphalt pavements are at least 4 decibels quieter than concrete pavements
2000s the us population has increased 23 percent since 1990 and the number of miles driven has risen by 41 percent only half of the nationrsquos major roads are in good condition based on an analysis of recent federal highway administration data
wandeRing Re-establisHes tHe oRiginal
HaRmony wHicH once existed between
man and tHe uniVeRse
business oR leisuRe dRiVing oR FlyingtRaVel saFely natuRally(ara) - weekend getaways shorter vacations and overnight business trips are great ways to save money and are becoming more prevalent according to the bureau of transportation taking a few simple and natural steps to stay safe and healthy while on the road can not only protect your travel investment butenhance your entire experience
ReFResHed and aleRt dRiVing diFFusion
a shorter thriftier trip is likely to be by car the inevitable rush to make the most of the limited time
away after a tiring work week can create fatigue so donrsquot make it a dangerous driving situation enliven your senses with essential oil scents
ditch the cardboard cutout car ldquofreshenerrdquo that hangs from the rearview mirror not only distracting these products are usually saturated with synthetic fragrance chemicals and probably arenrsquot the best thing to inhale while enclosed in your vehicle instead rely on a sleek essential oil diffuser that plugs into your automobilersquos phone charger power outlet these devices feature small paper fiber pads to which you can apply your own custom blend of essential oils allowing you to not only
scent the air inside the car but also to provide refreshing aromatherapy benefits to help keep you alert and focused on the road
a simpler alternative way to diffuse is to apply several drops of oil to a tissue and tuck it carefully into one of the vents in the dash
try these essential oils for the car Peppermint essential oil - refreshing awakening
uplifting eucalyptus essential oil - bracing purifying
protecting lemon essential oil - pleasant deodorizing
cheering
How clean is youR Hotel Room
overnight stays in less than posh hotel digs may be part of the money-saving travel trend even upscale hotels arenrsquot immune to dirt and germs or worse an apparent outbreak of bedbug infestations in the united states recently publicized by the environmental Protection agency
bedbugs aside there are always nagging doubts about just how clean a hotel room actually is has the shower or tub been scrubbed or merely wiped down is the toilet sanitized has the bedspread ever really been thoroughly cleaned fortunately there are ways to protect yourself after you check in but before you settle into your temporary overnight home
air and surface sanitizing spray feel good about travel with a bottle of homemade purifying aromatherapy solution that relies on pleasantly scented and highly effective essential oils rather than harsh chemical disinfectants the following spray will help you create a hygienic environment in your temporary hotel home apply it to tub vanity and toilet surfaces
ingredientsempty 12 to16 ounce spray bottle10 ounces water2 ounces isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or
vodka12 teaspoon tea tree essential oil
(antimicrobial)12 teaspoon lemon essential oil
(cleansing)12 teaspoon lavandin essential oil
(protecting)12 teaspoon sweet orange essential oil
(freshening)
directions combine all ingredients in the spray bottle shake and apply to a washcloth and wipe down the tvrsquos remote the clock radio the door handles and the faucethandles in the bathroom
Purifying and Relaxing linen mist here are some great tips for making a strange bed feel more like home take along your own pillow and replace the ones provided create your own linen mist and use it on your own bed at home then travel with the same blend taking a little bit of home with you when you arrive at your destination turn down the covers exchange the pillows and apply your signature scent to the bed
ingredientsempty 4 to 8 ounce spray bottle4 to 8 ounces water13 drops lavender essential oil
(relaxing calming)5 drops lavandin or spike lavender
essential oil (purifying protecting)
directionscombine the water and oil in the bottle shake the contents thoroughly just before application
remember to look for pure and natural essential oil brands like aura cacia that donrsquot include synthetic petrochemical fragrances for more information on how to enhance your life through aromatherapy visit wwwauracaciacom
PRePaRe youR VeHicle FoR a HuRRicane eVacuation(ara) - ana bill claudette - the first three atlantic ocean hurricanes of the season made headlines but not to the extent of katrina or ike of recent years and while these three hurricanes have come and gone who knows if - or when - grace or henry might pay a visit to your town
the 2009 hurricane season has an expected 90 percent chance of being a near-normal or below-normal season for the atlantic ocean according to the national oceanic and atmospheric administration this prediction - if accurate - will be welcomed with a sigh of relief by many residents in coastal towns after the above-normal year in 2008
but even if noaa is predicting a quiet year for hurricanes you can never be over prepared if you donrsquot have your emergency evacuation plan organized itrsquos time to make one no matter if yoursquore planning on traveling 100 miles or 1000 miles you need an evacuation plan as a representative of a gulf coast
company Maricela carter a health safety security environment coordinator with soPus has some tips on how to prepare your vehicle for potential evacuations
Plan eVacuation Routescheck newspapers online sites the local emergency broadcast radio station and local television stations for the latest information on official evacuation routes Purchase a good map with details on elevations waterways and county roads and familiarize yourself with the most efficient ways to get out of town
Pack an emeRgency kitautomobiles are susceptible to unexpected problems so keep an emergency kit in your trunk include jumper cables extra motor oil window washing brake and coolant fluids simple tools like an air pressure gauge screwdriver pliers and adjustable wrench a role of
paper towels a windup flashlight and a can of fix-a-flat in case you get a flat tire
fix-a-flat creates a temporary emergency seal on contact with the tire and inflates the tire between eight and 14 pounds per square inch so that the car can be driven to a gas station for proper repair of the tire this can help you to get back on the road and out of the hurricanersquos way quickly and easily
Fill uP tHe tankeveryone is going to need fuel in order to evacuate so plan to fill up your tank as soon as you hear a hurricane warning this helps to prevent sudden demands on the supply once your tank is full conserve the amount of gas you use for the next couple of days by combining your errands into one trip and not traveling during rush hour
cHeck tiRe PRessuRein order to help conserve fuel make sure your tires are at the manufacturerrsquos recommended pressure - usually printed on the driverrsquos door of your car keeping tires at the correct pressure can improve your gasoline mileage by 33 percent according to fueleconomygov which means yoursquoll be able to travel further when evacuating
use PRoPeR FluidsMake sure you follow all the manufacturer recommendations for motor oil which can also improve your gasoline mileage by 1 or 2 percent according to fuelecomonygov one helpful hint is to look for oil that has an ldquoenergy conservingrdquo label by the american Petroleum institution to ensure it contains friction-reducing additives
it is not down inany maP tRue PlacesneVeR aRe
diRect dePosit oF social secuRity is easieR FoR winteR tRaVeleRs(ara) - as cold weather sets in thousands of retirees are making plans for a winter getaway if yoursquore one of them switch to direct deposit for your social security payments before you leave - itrsquos the safest easiest way to receive your money
ldquoeach year the us department of the treasury receives more than 14 million inquiries regarding paper check-related problemsrdquo says david a lebryk commissioner of the treasury departmentrsquos financial Management service
yet approximately 105 million americans continue to receive their social security and supplemental security income (ssi) payments by paper check each month the treasury departmentrsquos go direct (r) campaign encourages senior citizens and people with disabilities to switch to direct deposit
incReased saFety conVenience and Reliability
ldquowhen therersquos a problem with a social security payment nine times out of 10 itrsquos with a paper check not a direct deposit paymentrdquo says lebryk
Paper checks can be vulnerable to financial crimes like theft and fraud in fact the treasury department investigates more than 70000 cases of altered or fraudulently endorsed checks each year totaling $64 million in estimated value
ldquoin 2008 alone more than 485000 social security and ssi checks were reported lost or stolen and had to be reissuedrdquo says lebryk
direct deposit is also more convenient and reliable there is no more waiting for a check to arrive in the mail and there are no more worries about delivery delays due to severe weather localemergencies and other check related problems last year alone severe weather events forced alternative delivery arrangements for millions of social security and ssi paper checks
ldquoswitching to direct deposit for federal benefits is such an easy way
for people to safeguard their money es-pecially when traveling for extended pe-riods of timerdquo says lebryk ldquoyour money is deposited to your account on payment day so therersquos no need to worry
about delivery delays or a check sitting in your mailbox while yoursquore gonerdquo
PRePaid debit caRd oPtion
in addition to direct deposit the treasury department recommends the direct express (r) debit Mastercard (r) card as an alternative to paper checks for people without bank accounts
More than half a million americans signed up for the optional direct express (r) card in its first year of availability according to the treasury department a recent survey of cardholders finds that 95 percent say they are satisfied with the prepaid debit card and 86 percent say they would recommend it to family members or friends who receive a federal benefit payment
with the direct express card cardholders can make purchases pay bills and get cash at thousands of locations nationwide sign-up is free and no bank account is required while most services are free there are fees for a limited number of optional transactions and services
making tHe switcH is easy
it is easy to make the switch to electronic payments for federal benefits to sign up for direct deposit call the treasury departmentrsquos go direct campaign helpline at 1-800-333-1795 or visit wwwgodirectorg to sign up for the treasury-recommended direct express card or to learn more about the cardrsquos features and fees call 1-877-212-9991 or visit wwwusdirectexpresscom
the preceding information has been provided by the us department of the treasury financial Management service
the go direct (r) campaign is sponsored by the us department of the treasury and the federal reserve banks the direct express (r) debit Mastercard (r) card is issued by comerica bank pursuant to a license by Mastercard international incorporated Mastercard (r) and the Mastercard (r) brand Mark are registered trademarks of Mastercard international incorporated the go direct(r) logo direct express (r) logo and direct express (r) are service marks of the us department of the treasury financial Management service
biZaRRe tRaVel Plans aRe dancing lessons FRom god
time to ReFinance oR buy
right now mortgage rates are at their lowest level since 1971 think about that twenty-five years ago homeowners were paying as much as 18 on a 30-year fixed today itrsquos just a little over 5combine that rate with the tax advantages
of a mortgage and you have an incredibly cheap way to build wealth but you better act now
real estate guru barbara corcoran has already seen a tremendous surge in refinance applications ndash more than triple the average ndash and the number of people getting approved is astronomically higher as well she says but that doesnrsquot mean the low rates are a panacea for the ills of the housing market it is only once home prices start to go up that we will finally see a light at the end of tunnel corcoran says until that happens we are still going to have to crawl out of this mess ldquo[low interest rates are] not a lifesaverrdquo corcoran says ldquothis is just a helping handrdquo
david kittle chairman of the Mortgage bankers association has this advice to homeowners looking to refinance do it donrsquot get greedy searching for another quarter-point lock in rates now he is seeing applications soar over 125 just since thanksgiving due to the low rates
of course you should only refinance if it saves you at least 38 on the rate and if you plan on staying in your home for at least four years kittle says along with good credit proof of income and money by means of a down payment or equity in the home there are certain things every homeowner needs regardless of interest rate levels
easy-to-do maintenance HelPs extend VeHicle liFe(ara) - after their homes most americansrsquo largest financial investment is their vehicle so helping it stay in good working order for as long as possible is a high priority in fact the average age of a passenger car in north america has grown to more than nine years according to rl Polk and co which indicates that motorists are looking for ways to help extend the life of their vehicle
even so todayrsquos tight budgets leave some motorists reluctant to spend on services or maintenance that they think can be delayed at least for the short term however compared to the cost of engine repair spending a little today on the right maintenance routine performed by trusted service technicians using quality products makes sense Mark ferner Pennzoil technical specialist and ase-certified master mechanic offers some simple cost-effective tips for helping to protect the performance and longevity of your vehicle
replace dirty air filters a dirty air filter will restrict airflow to the engine which may reduce power output if the filter fails it will allow unfiltered air into the engine which can be abrasive inside an engine to avoid these issues and help promote long engine life check your enginersquos air filter regularly and change it when it is dirty
use HigH-quality Fuelseveral automotive manufacturers (bMw gM honda toyota volkswagen and audi) have published technical service bulletins recommending the use of top-tier fuel top-tier fuel contains more additives than is required by the industryrsquos lowest additive content (lac) treat rate regular use of fuel that only meets lac requirements may cause deposits to form on engine intake valves and fuel injectors
cHange youR oilregular oil changes are one of the most important steps to maximize the life of a vehicle oil change in-tervals vary by vehicle and driving conditions so follow the interval and oil specifications found in the ownerrsquos manual
also be sure to use quality motor oils in your vehicle Properly functioning motor oils help prevent sludge and neutralize and disperse harmful deposits and using the recommended viscosity grade of motor oil may also help enhance fuel economy if you are having the oil changed for you ask for quality oils by name Quality motor oil will maintain its effectiveness throughout the oil change interval allowing it to help keep the engine clean
as a bonus some motor oil brands offer lubrication warranties at no additional cost for example the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranty Programs protect qualified engines for 300000 miles whether their owners use conventional synthetic-blend or full synthetic motor oils meeting their vehiclesrsquo requirements Participants can enroll online and maintaining eligibility is easy simply get an oil change with the specified brand change the filter perform regular maintenance and keep the service receipts
to learn more about the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranties visit either wwwPennzoilcom or wwwQuakerstatecom or speak with an automotive professional at a participating automotive dealership or oil change facility that features Pennzoil or Quaker state products
PeoPle donrsquot take tRiPs tRiPs take PeoPle
Fin
al
wo
Rd
s
a vacation is what you take when you can no longer take what yoursquove been taking
eaRl wilson
- 1-12-2010pdf
keeP tRaVel Funds sePaRate an easy way to make sure you donrsquot go over budget is to set your travel budget aside on a prepaid travel card simply load the card with your travel budget and use it for everything from online booking to grabbing lunch during an (unexpectedly extended) layover without worrying about spending more than you planned or dipping into gift-buying funds
access casHwhether you need a few dollars or several yen choose a prepaid card that will allow you to withdraw cash from atMs around the world if yoursquore traveling internationally itrsquoll also save you the hassle of tracking down and waiting in line for local currency
bRowse and buy look for a prepaid card that you can use online travel sites offer a wealth of information and detailed listings of competing offers from airlines and hotels as well as reviews from fellow travelers for flights you can typically compare possible savings by traveling on al-ternate days or from nearby airports once you spot the deal that works for your budget use your prepaid travel card to snap it up
enJoy Peace oF mind wHen tRaVeling Prepaid cards may come with travel-related services for example the visa travelMoney card offers zero liability for lost or stolen cards as well as lost luggage reimbursement and purchase security Make sure you know which benefits your card offers and how they work so you can tap into them should the need arise
with some advance preparation and the right tools in place you donrsquot have to overspend on travel in fact with some careful planning you could end up with enough left to buy yourself a little something to remember the trip for more information about visa travelMoney visit wwwvisacomtravelmoney
Click To Listen While You Browse
South Carolinarsquos Internet
Powered By
(843)720-9604 InfoOnlysc
need an easy getaway FoR tHe Family Plan a budget-FRiendly tRiP to a national PaRk(ara) - american families have spoken the vacation is a top priority ninety-four percent of americans agreed that even in tough economic times family vacations are worth the money according to a recent survey by expediacom to keep the vacation affordable and easy think about introducing your family to the splendor of the national park system - where activities are abundant and costs are minimal
expediacom recently partnered with the national Park foundation to provide a permanent one-stop shop to help travelers plan and book vacations to americarsquos national parks
ldquothere are excellent values for traveling families right now and taking a trip to a national park is one of the best ways to stretch your vacation dollarsrdquo says lee woodruff author travel expert and mother of four
ldquofamilies are looking for ways to reconnect with each other and what better option for an affordable vacation than a national parkrdquo
here are five easy steps to plan the perfect national park getaway
1 get inspired ken burns recently debuted a six-part documentary series for Pbs titledldquothe national Parks americarsquos best ideardquo tune into Pbs or order a copy online to find inspiration and a detailed look at some of the most beautiful places in the world from acadia to the grand canyon and yosemite to the gates of the arctic in alaska
2 Pick the park with original content from the national Park foundation expediacomrsquos national park web site is the perfect resource for families to find the national park to fit their vacation needs
the site offers pre-set ldquolong weekendrdquo itineraries to start your planning you can also search through the ldquocanrsquot Miss national Parksrdquo section to learn about the parkrsquos location its natural features little-known facts including the best times to visit and activities to choose from in each area expediarsquos site also offers downloadable park maps to help you get your bearings
3 more ways to save take advantage of the public amenities that national parks offer like camping and picnic sites while there is a small entrance fee to the parks you can cut back on costs by bringing your own meals and treating the kids to lunch by a waterfall or overlooking the grand canyon also enjoy the free activities such as hiking biking and birding that the parks offer
4 book your hotel and rental car if camping isnrsquot your familyrsquos style consider any of the great lodges in and around the national park of your choice and if yoursquore planning to rent a car consider booking lodging and car together to substantially reduce the overall costs of your vacation
5 give back consider giving back to the national Park foundation by visiting the web site wwwnationalparksorg and donate or learn more about volunteer opportunities within americarsquos national parks helping out in these small ways ensures the parks will remain beautiful so your kids can bring their own children one day
ldquoPlanning the vacation is half of the fun so get every-one involved in the processrdquo says woodruff ldquothere are so many options in our national park system many of which have rich and amazing heritage so the whole family is going to enjoy something when you visitrdquo
bookmaRk youRFaVoRite Road
a bRieF HistoRyoF PaVed Roads
(ara) - Planes and trains may have their place in our society but for the dedicated traveler therersquos still nothing like getting in your car and taking a trip along americarsquos highways
half the fun of road trips in the minds of many is getting home and telling friends and family about the adventure - and the roads they traveled
in the past driversrsquo road stories were largely told by word of mouth to a few people at a time now drivers can tell their tales to millions via the internet favoriteroadcom is a new web site that features americarsquos favorite highways and byways
the site encourages you to post your favorite roads and explain why you like them simply log on to submit a photo and story of your favorite road use links posted on the site to share your road via popular social networks such as facebook and twitter your submission may even win a prize in contest giveaways
the past yearrsquos economic downturn has reintroduced the word ldquoinfrastructurerdquo to our vocabulary as a result of stimulus legislation passed in 2009 the federal government has allocated millions of dollars to specifically improve state roads and highways and with more affordable gasoline prices people are increasingly using americarsquos roads for leisure travel
by posting on favoriteroadcom yoursquore doing more than just ldquotelling a good storyrdquo your testimonials may help encourage lawmakers to push for increased infrastructure spending to keep america driving smoothly and safely for years to come
whatrsquos your favorite road log on and tell the world at favoriteroadcom
625 bc the babylonians are credited with the first recorded use of asphalt as a road building material the ancient greeks were also familiar with asphalt (the word comes from the greek ldquoasphaltosrdquo meaning ldquosecurerdquo)
1500s christopher columbus landed off the shores of trinidad in 1498 and discovered the famous asphalt lake which would later be used on the Pennsylvania avenue project in washington dc covering 54000 square yards
1800s Macadam roads became popular in the us for rural road construction during the 1830s and 40s belgian chemist edmund J desmedt laid the first true asphalt pavement in the us in newark nJ the cummer company opened the first central hot mix production facilities in the us the first asphalt patent was filed by nathan b abbott of brooklyn ny in 1871
1920s world war i ended and the use of the automo-bile was steadily rising but roads outside the city limits were frequently too muddy or dusty for travel to fix this problem road engineers used oils and asphalt
1940s-1950s the modern american turnpike is born after world war ii full scale automobile production resumed along with major levels of road maintenance and new highway construction by 1950 vehicle registration exceeded 40 million cars and 8 million trucks in 1956 President eisenhower signed the federal-aid highway act and launched the interstate system to create an infrastructure highway program -unmatched anywhere in the world
1970s a national move to conserve energy and materials initiated a widespread interest in recycling of pavement materials asphalt is now americarsquos most recycled product
1990s a traffic study by the world road association indicates that asphalt pavements are at least 4 decibels quieter than concrete pavements
2000s the us population has increased 23 percent since 1990 and the number of miles driven has risen by 41 percent only half of the nationrsquos major roads are in good condition based on an analysis of recent federal highway administration data
wandeRing Re-establisHes tHe oRiginal
HaRmony wHicH once existed between
man and tHe uniVeRse
business oR leisuRe dRiVing oR FlyingtRaVel saFely natuRally(ara) - weekend getaways shorter vacations and overnight business trips are great ways to save money and are becoming more prevalent according to the bureau of transportation taking a few simple and natural steps to stay safe and healthy while on the road can not only protect your travel investment butenhance your entire experience
ReFResHed and aleRt dRiVing diFFusion
a shorter thriftier trip is likely to be by car the inevitable rush to make the most of the limited time
away after a tiring work week can create fatigue so donrsquot make it a dangerous driving situation enliven your senses with essential oil scents
ditch the cardboard cutout car ldquofreshenerrdquo that hangs from the rearview mirror not only distracting these products are usually saturated with synthetic fragrance chemicals and probably arenrsquot the best thing to inhale while enclosed in your vehicle instead rely on a sleek essential oil diffuser that plugs into your automobilersquos phone charger power outlet these devices feature small paper fiber pads to which you can apply your own custom blend of essential oils allowing you to not only
scent the air inside the car but also to provide refreshing aromatherapy benefits to help keep you alert and focused on the road
a simpler alternative way to diffuse is to apply several drops of oil to a tissue and tuck it carefully into one of the vents in the dash
try these essential oils for the car Peppermint essential oil - refreshing awakening
uplifting eucalyptus essential oil - bracing purifying
protecting lemon essential oil - pleasant deodorizing
cheering
How clean is youR Hotel Room
overnight stays in less than posh hotel digs may be part of the money-saving travel trend even upscale hotels arenrsquot immune to dirt and germs or worse an apparent outbreak of bedbug infestations in the united states recently publicized by the environmental Protection agency
bedbugs aside there are always nagging doubts about just how clean a hotel room actually is has the shower or tub been scrubbed or merely wiped down is the toilet sanitized has the bedspread ever really been thoroughly cleaned fortunately there are ways to protect yourself after you check in but before you settle into your temporary overnight home
air and surface sanitizing spray feel good about travel with a bottle of homemade purifying aromatherapy solution that relies on pleasantly scented and highly effective essential oils rather than harsh chemical disinfectants the following spray will help you create a hygienic environment in your temporary hotel home apply it to tub vanity and toilet surfaces
ingredientsempty 12 to16 ounce spray bottle10 ounces water2 ounces isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or
vodka12 teaspoon tea tree essential oil
(antimicrobial)12 teaspoon lemon essential oil
(cleansing)12 teaspoon lavandin essential oil
(protecting)12 teaspoon sweet orange essential oil
(freshening)
directions combine all ingredients in the spray bottle shake and apply to a washcloth and wipe down the tvrsquos remote the clock radio the door handles and the faucethandles in the bathroom
Purifying and Relaxing linen mist here are some great tips for making a strange bed feel more like home take along your own pillow and replace the ones provided create your own linen mist and use it on your own bed at home then travel with the same blend taking a little bit of home with you when you arrive at your destination turn down the covers exchange the pillows and apply your signature scent to the bed
ingredientsempty 4 to 8 ounce spray bottle4 to 8 ounces water13 drops lavender essential oil
(relaxing calming)5 drops lavandin or spike lavender
essential oil (purifying protecting)
directionscombine the water and oil in the bottle shake the contents thoroughly just before application
remember to look for pure and natural essential oil brands like aura cacia that donrsquot include synthetic petrochemical fragrances for more information on how to enhance your life through aromatherapy visit wwwauracaciacom
PRePaRe youR VeHicle FoR a HuRRicane eVacuation(ara) - ana bill claudette - the first three atlantic ocean hurricanes of the season made headlines but not to the extent of katrina or ike of recent years and while these three hurricanes have come and gone who knows if - or when - grace or henry might pay a visit to your town
the 2009 hurricane season has an expected 90 percent chance of being a near-normal or below-normal season for the atlantic ocean according to the national oceanic and atmospheric administration this prediction - if accurate - will be welcomed with a sigh of relief by many residents in coastal towns after the above-normal year in 2008
but even if noaa is predicting a quiet year for hurricanes you can never be over prepared if you donrsquot have your emergency evacuation plan organized itrsquos time to make one no matter if yoursquore planning on traveling 100 miles or 1000 miles you need an evacuation plan as a representative of a gulf coast
company Maricela carter a health safety security environment coordinator with soPus has some tips on how to prepare your vehicle for potential evacuations
Plan eVacuation Routescheck newspapers online sites the local emergency broadcast radio station and local television stations for the latest information on official evacuation routes Purchase a good map with details on elevations waterways and county roads and familiarize yourself with the most efficient ways to get out of town
Pack an emeRgency kitautomobiles are susceptible to unexpected problems so keep an emergency kit in your trunk include jumper cables extra motor oil window washing brake and coolant fluids simple tools like an air pressure gauge screwdriver pliers and adjustable wrench a role of
paper towels a windup flashlight and a can of fix-a-flat in case you get a flat tire
fix-a-flat creates a temporary emergency seal on contact with the tire and inflates the tire between eight and 14 pounds per square inch so that the car can be driven to a gas station for proper repair of the tire this can help you to get back on the road and out of the hurricanersquos way quickly and easily
Fill uP tHe tankeveryone is going to need fuel in order to evacuate so plan to fill up your tank as soon as you hear a hurricane warning this helps to prevent sudden demands on the supply once your tank is full conserve the amount of gas you use for the next couple of days by combining your errands into one trip and not traveling during rush hour
cHeck tiRe PRessuRein order to help conserve fuel make sure your tires are at the manufacturerrsquos recommended pressure - usually printed on the driverrsquos door of your car keeping tires at the correct pressure can improve your gasoline mileage by 33 percent according to fueleconomygov which means yoursquoll be able to travel further when evacuating
use PRoPeR FluidsMake sure you follow all the manufacturer recommendations for motor oil which can also improve your gasoline mileage by 1 or 2 percent according to fuelecomonygov one helpful hint is to look for oil that has an ldquoenergy conservingrdquo label by the american Petroleum institution to ensure it contains friction-reducing additives
it is not down inany maP tRue PlacesneVeR aRe
diRect dePosit oF social secuRity is easieR FoR winteR tRaVeleRs(ara) - as cold weather sets in thousands of retirees are making plans for a winter getaway if yoursquore one of them switch to direct deposit for your social security payments before you leave - itrsquos the safest easiest way to receive your money
ldquoeach year the us department of the treasury receives more than 14 million inquiries regarding paper check-related problemsrdquo says david a lebryk commissioner of the treasury departmentrsquos financial Management service
yet approximately 105 million americans continue to receive their social security and supplemental security income (ssi) payments by paper check each month the treasury departmentrsquos go direct (r) campaign encourages senior citizens and people with disabilities to switch to direct deposit
incReased saFety conVenience and Reliability
ldquowhen therersquos a problem with a social security payment nine times out of 10 itrsquos with a paper check not a direct deposit paymentrdquo says lebryk
Paper checks can be vulnerable to financial crimes like theft and fraud in fact the treasury department investigates more than 70000 cases of altered or fraudulently endorsed checks each year totaling $64 million in estimated value
ldquoin 2008 alone more than 485000 social security and ssi checks were reported lost or stolen and had to be reissuedrdquo says lebryk
direct deposit is also more convenient and reliable there is no more waiting for a check to arrive in the mail and there are no more worries about delivery delays due to severe weather localemergencies and other check related problems last year alone severe weather events forced alternative delivery arrangements for millions of social security and ssi paper checks
ldquoswitching to direct deposit for federal benefits is such an easy way
for people to safeguard their money es-pecially when traveling for extended pe-riods of timerdquo says lebryk ldquoyour money is deposited to your account on payment day so therersquos no need to worry
about delivery delays or a check sitting in your mailbox while yoursquore gonerdquo
PRePaid debit caRd oPtion
in addition to direct deposit the treasury department recommends the direct express (r) debit Mastercard (r) card as an alternative to paper checks for people without bank accounts
More than half a million americans signed up for the optional direct express (r) card in its first year of availability according to the treasury department a recent survey of cardholders finds that 95 percent say they are satisfied with the prepaid debit card and 86 percent say they would recommend it to family members or friends who receive a federal benefit payment
with the direct express card cardholders can make purchases pay bills and get cash at thousands of locations nationwide sign-up is free and no bank account is required while most services are free there are fees for a limited number of optional transactions and services
making tHe switcH is easy
it is easy to make the switch to electronic payments for federal benefits to sign up for direct deposit call the treasury departmentrsquos go direct campaign helpline at 1-800-333-1795 or visit wwwgodirectorg to sign up for the treasury-recommended direct express card or to learn more about the cardrsquos features and fees call 1-877-212-9991 or visit wwwusdirectexpresscom
the preceding information has been provided by the us department of the treasury financial Management service
the go direct (r) campaign is sponsored by the us department of the treasury and the federal reserve banks the direct express (r) debit Mastercard (r) card is issued by comerica bank pursuant to a license by Mastercard international incorporated Mastercard (r) and the Mastercard (r) brand Mark are registered trademarks of Mastercard international incorporated the go direct(r) logo direct express (r) logo and direct express (r) are service marks of the us department of the treasury financial Management service
biZaRRe tRaVel Plans aRe dancing lessons FRom god
time to ReFinance oR buy
right now mortgage rates are at their lowest level since 1971 think about that twenty-five years ago homeowners were paying as much as 18 on a 30-year fixed today itrsquos just a little over 5combine that rate with the tax advantages
of a mortgage and you have an incredibly cheap way to build wealth but you better act now
real estate guru barbara corcoran has already seen a tremendous surge in refinance applications ndash more than triple the average ndash and the number of people getting approved is astronomically higher as well she says but that doesnrsquot mean the low rates are a panacea for the ills of the housing market it is only once home prices start to go up that we will finally see a light at the end of tunnel corcoran says until that happens we are still going to have to crawl out of this mess ldquo[low interest rates are] not a lifesaverrdquo corcoran says ldquothis is just a helping handrdquo
david kittle chairman of the Mortgage bankers association has this advice to homeowners looking to refinance do it donrsquot get greedy searching for another quarter-point lock in rates now he is seeing applications soar over 125 just since thanksgiving due to the low rates
of course you should only refinance if it saves you at least 38 on the rate and if you plan on staying in your home for at least four years kittle says along with good credit proof of income and money by means of a down payment or equity in the home there are certain things every homeowner needs regardless of interest rate levels
easy-to-do maintenance HelPs extend VeHicle liFe(ara) - after their homes most americansrsquo largest financial investment is their vehicle so helping it stay in good working order for as long as possible is a high priority in fact the average age of a passenger car in north america has grown to more than nine years according to rl Polk and co which indicates that motorists are looking for ways to help extend the life of their vehicle
even so todayrsquos tight budgets leave some motorists reluctant to spend on services or maintenance that they think can be delayed at least for the short term however compared to the cost of engine repair spending a little today on the right maintenance routine performed by trusted service technicians using quality products makes sense Mark ferner Pennzoil technical specialist and ase-certified master mechanic offers some simple cost-effective tips for helping to protect the performance and longevity of your vehicle
replace dirty air filters a dirty air filter will restrict airflow to the engine which may reduce power output if the filter fails it will allow unfiltered air into the engine which can be abrasive inside an engine to avoid these issues and help promote long engine life check your enginersquos air filter regularly and change it when it is dirty
use HigH-quality Fuelseveral automotive manufacturers (bMw gM honda toyota volkswagen and audi) have published technical service bulletins recommending the use of top-tier fuel top-tier fuel contains more additives than is required by the industryrsquos lowest additive content (lac) treat rate regular use of fuel that only meets lac requirements may cause deposits to form on engine intake valves and fuel injectors
cHange youR oilregular oil changes are one of the most important steps to maximize the life of a vehicle oil change in-tervals vary by vehicle and driving conditions so follow the interval and oil specifications found in the ownerrsquos manual
also be sure to use quality motor oils in your vehicle Properly functioning motor oils help prevent sludge and neutralize and disperse harmful deposits and using the recommended viscosity grade of motor oil may also help enhance fuel economy if you are having the oil changed for you ask for quality oils by name Quality motor oil will maintain its effectiveness throughout the oil change interval allowing it to help keep the engine clean
as a bonus some motor oil brands offer lubrication warranties at no additional cost for example the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranty Programs protect qualified engines for 300000 miles whether their owners use conventional synthetic-blend or full synthetic motor oils meeting their vehiclesrsquo requirements Participants can enroll online and maintaining eligibility is easy simply get an oil change with the specified brand change the filter perform regular maintenance and keep the service receipts
to learn more about the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranties visit either wwwPennzoilcom or wwwQuakerstatecom or speak with an automotive professional at a participating automotive dealership or oil change facility that features Pennzoil or Quaker state products
PeoPle donrsquot take tRiPs tRiPs take PeoPle
Fin
al
wo
Rd
s
a vacation is what you take when you can no longer take what yoursquove been taking
eaRl wilson
- 1-12-2010pdf
Click To Listen While You Browse
South Carolinarsquos Internet
Powered By
(843)720-9604 InfoOnlysc
need an easy getaway FoR tHe Family Plan a budget-FRiendly tRiP to a national PaRk(ara) - american families have spoken the vacation is a top priority ninety-four percent of americans agreed that even in tough economic times family vacations are worth the money according to a recent survey by expediacom to keep the vacation affordable and easy think about introducing your family to the splendor of the national park system - where activities are abundant and costs are minimal
expediacom recently partnered with the national Park foundation to provide a permanent one-stop shop to help travelers plan and book vacations to americarsquos national parks
ldquothere are excellent values for traveling families right now and taking a trip to a national park is one of the best ways to stretch your vacation dollarsrdquo says lee woodruff author travel expert and mother of four
ldquofamilies are looking for ways to reconnect with each other and what better option for an affordable vacation than a national parkrdquo
here are five easy steps to plan the perfect national park getaway
1 get inspired ken burns recently debuted a six-part documentary series for Pbs titledldquothe national Parks americarsquos best ideardquo tune into Pbs or order a copy online to find inspiration and a detailed look at some of the most beautiful places in the world from acadia to the grand canyon and yosemite to the gates of the arctic in alaska
2 Pick the park with original content from the national Park foundation expediacomrsquos national park web site is the perfect resource for families to find the national park to fit their vacation needs
the site offers pre-set ldquolong weekendrdquo itineraries to start your planning you can also search through the ldquocanrsquot Miss national Parksrdquo section to learn about the parkrsquos location its natural features little-known facts including the best times to visit and activities to choose from in each area expediarsquos site also offers downloadable park maps to help you get your bearings
3 more ways to save take advantage of the public amenities that national parks offer like camping and picnic sites while there is a small entrance fee to the parks you can cut back on costs by bringing your own meals and treating the kids to lunch by a waterfall or overlooking the grand canyon also enjoy the free activities such as hiking biking and birding that the parks offer
4 book your hotel and rental car if camping isnrsquot your familyrsquos style consider any of the great lodges in and around the national park of your choice and if yoursquore planning to rent a car consider booking lodging and car together to substantially reduce the overall costs of your vacation
5 give back consider giving back to the national Park foundation by visiting the web site wwwnationalparksorg and donate or learn more about volunteer opportunities within americarsquos national parks helping out in these small ways ensures the parks will remain beautiful so your kids can bring their own children one day
ldquoPlanning the vacation is half of the fun so get every-one involved in the processrdquo says woodruff ldquothere are so many options in our national park system many of which have rich and amazing heritage so the whole family is going to enjoy something when you visitrdquo
bookmaRk youRFaVoRite Road
a bRieF HistoRyoF PaVed Roads
(ara) - Planes and trains may have their place in our society but for the dedicated traveler therersquos still nothing like getting in your car and taking a trip along americarsquos highways
half the fun of road trips in the minds of many is getting home and telling friends and family about the adventure - and the roads they traveled
in the past driversrsquo road stories were largely told by word of mouth to a few people at a time now drivers can tell their tales to millions via the internet favoriteroadcom is a new web site that features americarsquos favorite highways and byways
the site encourages you to post your favorite roads and explain why you like them simply log on to submit a photo and story of your favorite road use links posted on the site to share your road via popular social networks such as facebook and twitter your submission may even win a prize in contest giveaways
the past yearrsquos economic downturn has reintroduced the word ldquoinfrastructurerdquo to our vocabulary as a result of stimulus legislation passed in 2009 the federal government has allocated millions of dollars to specifically improve state roads and highways and with more affordable gasoline prices people are increasingly using americarsquos roads for leisure travel
by posting on favoriteroadcom yoursquore doing more than just ldquotelling a good storyrdquo your testimonials may help encourage lawmakers to push for increased infrastructure spending to keep america driving smoothly and safely for years to come
whatrsquos your favorite road log on and tell the world at favoriteroadcom
625 bc the babylonians are credited with the first recorded use of asphalt as a road building material the ancient greeks were also familiar with asphalt (the word comes from the greek ldquoasphaltosrdquo meaning ldquosecurerdquo)
1500s christopher columbus landed off the shores of trinidad in 1498 and discovered the famous asphalt lake which would later be used on the Pennsylvania avenue project in washington dc covering 54000 square yards
1800s Macadam roads became popular in the us for rural road construction during the 1830s and 40s belgian chemist edmund J desmedt laid the first true asphalt pavement in the us in newark nJ the cummer company opened the first central hot mix production facilities in the us the first asphalt patent was filed by nathan b abbott of brooklyn ny in 1871
1920s world war i ended and the use of the automo-bile was steadily rising but roads outside the city limits were frequently too muddy or dusty for travel to fix this problem road engineers used oils and asphalt
1940s-1950s the modern american turnpike is born after world war ii full scale automobile production resumed along with major levels of road maintenance and new highway construction by 1950 vehicle registration exceeded 40 million cars and 8 million trucks in 1956 President eisenhower signed the federal-aid highway act and launched the interstate system to create an infrastructure highway program -unmatched anywhere in the world
1970s a national move to conserve energy and materials initiated a widespread interest in recycling of pavement materials asphalt is now americarsquos most recycled product
1990s a traffic study by the world road association indicates that asphalt pavements are at least 4 decibels quieter than concrete pavements
2000s the us population has increased 23 percent since 1990 and the number of miles driven has risen by 41 percent only half of the nationrsquos major roads are in good condition based on an analysis of recent federal highway administration data
wandeRing Re-establisHes tHe oRiginal
HaRmony wHicH once existed between
man and tHe uniVeRse
business oR leisuRe dRiVing oR FlyingtRaVel saFely natuRally(ara) - weekend getaways shorter vacations and overnight business trips are great ways to save money and are becoming more prevalent according to the bureau of transportation taking a few simple and natural steps to stay safe and healthy while on the road can not only protect your travel investment butenhance your entire experience
ReFResHed and aleRt dRiVing diFFusion
a shorter thriftier trip is likely to be by car the inevitable rush to make the most of the limited time
away after a tiring work week can create fatigue so donrsquot make it a dangerous driving situation enliven your senses with essential oil scents
ditch the cardboard cutout car ldquofreshenerrdquo that hangs from the rearview mirror not only distracting these products are usually saturated with synthetic fragrance chemicals and probably arenrsquot the best thing to inhale while enclosed in your vehicle instead rely on a sleek essential oil diffuser that plugs into your automobilersquos phone charger power outlet these devices feature small paper fiber pads to which you can apply your own custom blend of essential oils allowing you to not only
scent the air inside the car but also to provide refreshing aromatherapy benefits to help keep you alert and focused on the road
a simpler alternative way to diffuse is to apply several drops of oil to a tissue and tuck it carefully into one of the vents in the dash
try these essential oils for the car Peppermint essential oil - refreshing awakening
uplifting eucalyptus essential oil - bracing purifying
protecting lemon essential oil - pleasant deodorizing
cheering
How clean is youR Hotel Room
overnight stays in less than posh hotel digs may be part of the money-saving travel trend even upscale hotels arenrsquot immune to dirt and germs or worse an apparent outbreak of bedbug infestations in the united states recently publicized by the environmental Protection agency
bedbugs aside there are always nagging doubts about just how clean a hotel room actually is has the shower or tub been scrubbed or merely wiped down is the toilet sanitized has the bedspread ever really been thoroughly cleaned fortunately there are ways to protect yourself after you check in but before you settle into your temporary overnight home
air and surface sanitizing spray feel good about travel with a bottle of homemade purifying aromatherapy solution that relies on pleasantly scented and highly effective essential oils rather than harsh chemical disinfectants the following spray will help you create a hygienic environment in your temporary hotel home apply it to tub vanity and toilet surfaces
ingredientsempty 12 to16 ounce spray bottle10 ounces water2 ounces isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or
vodka12 teaspoon tea tree essential oil
(antimicrobial)12 teaspoon lemon essential oil
(cleansing)12 teaspoon lavandin essential oil
(protecting)12 teaspoon sweet orange essential oil
(freshening)
directions combine all ingredients in the spray bottle shake and apply to a washcloth and wipe down the tvrsquos remote the clock radio the door handles and the faucethandles in the bathroom
Purifying and Relaxing linen mist here are some great tips for making a strange bed feel more like home take along your own pillow and replace the ones provided create your own linen mist and use it on your own bed at home then travel with the same blend taking a little bit of home with you when you arrive at your destination turn down the covers exchange the pillows and apply your signature scent to the bed
ingredientsempty 4 to 8 ounce spray bottle4 to 8 ounces water13 drops lavender essential oil
(relaxing calming)5 drops lavandin or spike lavender
essential oil (purifying protecting)
directionscombine the water and oil in the bottle shake the contents thoroughly just before application
remember to look for pure and natural essential oil brands like aura cacia that donrsquot include synthetic petrochemical fragrances for more information on how to enhance your life through aromatherapy visit wwwauracaciacom
PRePaRe youR VeHicle FoR a HuRRicane eVacuation(ara) - ana bill claudette - the first three atlantic ocean hurricanes of the season made headlines but not to the extent of katrina or ike of recent years and while these three hurricanes have come and gone who knows if - or when - grace or henry might pay a visit to your town
the 2009 hurricane season has an expected 90 percent chance of being a near-normal or below-normal season for the atlantic ocean according to the national oceanic and atmospheric administration this prediction - if accurate - will be welcomed with a sigh of relief by many residents in coastal towns after the above-normal year in 2008
but even if noaa is predicting a quiet year for hurricanes you can never be over prepared if you donrsquot have your emergency evacuation plan organized itrsquos time to make one no matter if yoursquore planning on traveling 100 miles or 1000 miles you need an evacuation plan as a representative of a gulf coast
company Maricela carter a health safety security environment coordinator with soPus has some tips on how to prepare your vehicle for potential evacuations
Plan eVacuation Routescheck newspapers online sites the local emergency broadcast radio station and local television stations for the latest information on official evacuation routes Purchase a good map with details on elevations waterways and county roads and familiarize yourself with the most efficient ways to get out of town
Pack an emeRgency kitautomobiles are susceptible to unexpected problems so keep an emergency kit in your trunk include jumper cables extra motor oil window washing brake and coolant fluids simple tools like an air pressure gauge screwdriver pliers and adjustable wrench a role of
paper towels a windup flashlight and a can of fix-a-flat in case you get a flat tire
fix-a-flat creates a temporary emergency seal on contact with the tire and inflates the tire between eight and 14 pounds per square inch so that the car can be driven to a gas station for proper repair of the tire this can help you to get back on the road and out of the hurricanersquos way quickly and easily
Fill uP tHe tankeveryone is going to need fuel in order to evacuate so plan to fill up your tank as soon as you hear a hurricane warning this helps to prevent sudden demands on the supply once your tank is full conserve the amount of gas you use for the next couple of days by combining your errands into one trip and not traveling during rush hour
cHeck tiRe PRessuRein order to help conserve fuel make sure your tires are at the manufacturerrsquos recommended pressure - usually printed on the driverrsquos door of your car keeping tires at the correct pressure can improve your gasoline mileage by 33 percent according to fueleconomygov which means yoursquoll be able to travel further when evacuating
use PRoPeR FluidsMake sure you follow all the manufacturer recommendations for motor oil which can also improve your gasoline mileage by 1 or 2 percent according to fuelecomonygov one helpful hint is to look for oil that has an ldquoenergy conservingrdquo label by the american Petroleum institution to ensure it contains friction-reducing additives
it is not down inany maP tRue PlacesneVeR aRe
diRect dePosit oF social secuRity is easieR FoR winteR tRaVeleRs(ara) - as cold weather sets in thousands of retirees are making plans for a winter getaway if yoursquore one of them switch to direct deposit for your social security payments before you leave - itrsquos the safest easiest way to receive your money
ldquoeach year the us department of the treasury receives more than 14 million inquiries regarding paper check-related problemsrdquo says david a lebryk commissioner of the treasury departmentrsquos financial Management service
yet approximately 105 million americans continue to receive their social security and supplemental security income (ssi) payments by paper check each month the treasury departmentrsquos go direct (r) campaign encourages senior citizens and people with disabilities to switch to direct deposit
incReased saFety conVenience and Reliability
ldquowhen therersquos a problem with a social security payment nine times out of 10 itrsquos with a paper check not a direct deposit paymentrdquo says lebryk
Paper checks can be vulnerable to financial crimes like theft and fraud in fact the treasury department investigates more than 70000 cases of altered or fraudulently endorsed checks each year totaling $64 million in estimated value
ldquoin 2008 alone more than 485000 social security and ssi checks were reported lost or stolen and had to be reissuedrdquo says lebryk
direct deposit is also more convenient and reliable there is no more waiting for a check to arrive in the mail and there are no more worries about delivery delays due to severe weather localemergencies and other check related problems last year alone severe weather events forced alternative delivery arrangements for millions of social security and ssi paper checks
ldquoswitching to direct deposit for federal benefits is such an easy way
for people to safeguard their money es-pecially when traveling for extended pe-riods of timerdquo says lebryk ldquoyour money is deposited to your account on payment day so therersquos no need to worry
about delivery delays or a check sitting in your mailbox while yoursquore gonerdquo
PRePaid debit caRd oPtion
in addition to direct deposit the treasury department recommends the direct express (r) debit Mastercard (r) card as an alternative to paper checks for people without bank accounts
More than half a million americans signed up for the optional direct express (r) card in its first year of availability according to the treasury department a recent survey of cardholders finds that 95 percent say they are satisfied with the prepaid debit card and 86 percent say they would recommend it to family members or friends who receive a federal benefit payment
with the direct express card cardholders can make purchases pay bills and get cash at thousands of locations nationwide sign-up is free and no bank account is required while most services are free there are fees for a limited number of optional transactions and services
making tHe switcH is easy
it is easy to make the switch to electronic payments for federal benefits to sign up for direct deposit call the treasury departmentrsquos go direct campaign helpline at 1-800-333-1795 or visit wwwgodirectorg to sign up for the treasury-recommended direct express card or to learn more about the cardrsquos features and fees call 1-877-212-9991 or visit wwwusdirectexpresscom
the preceding information has been provided by the us department of the treasury financial Management service
the go direct (r) campaign is sponsored by the us department of the treasury and the federal reserve banks the direct express (r) debit Mastercard (r) card is issued by comerica bank pursuant to a license by Mastercard international incorporated Mastercard (r) and the Mastercard (r) brand Mark are registered trademarks of Mastercard international incorporated the go direct(r) logo direct express (r) logo and direct express (r) are service marks of the us department of the treasury financial Management service
biZaRRe tRaVel Plans aRe dancing lessons FRom god
time to ReFinance oR buy
right now mortgage rates are at their lowest level since 1971 think about that twenty-five years ago homeowners were paying as much as 18 on a 30-year fixed today itrsquos just a little over 5combine that rate with the tax advantages
of a mortgage and you have an incredibly cheap way to build wealth but you better act now
real estate guru barbara corcoran has already seen a tremendous surge in refinance applications ndash more than triple the average ndash and the number of people getting approved is astronomically higher as well she says but that doesnrsquot mean the low rates are a panacea for the ills of the housing market it is only once home prices start to go up that we will finally see a light at the end of tunnel corcoran says until that happens we are still going to have to crawl out of this mess ldquo[low interest rates are] not a lifesaverrdquo corcoran says ldquothis is just a helping handrdquo
david kittle chairman of the Mortgage bankers association has this advice to homeowners looking to refinance do it donrsquot get greedy searching for another quarter-point lock in rates now he is seeing applications soar over 125 just since thanksgiving due to the low rates
of course you should only refinance if it saves you at least 38 on the rate and if you plan on staying in your home for at least four years kittle says along with good credit proof of income and money by means of a down payment or equity in the home there are certain things every homeowner needs regardless of interest rate levels
easy-to-do maintenance HelPs extend VeHicle liFe(ara) - after their homes most americansrsquo largest financial investment is their vehicle so helping it stay in good working order for as long as possible is a high priority in fact the average age of a passenger car in north america has grown to more than nine years according to rl Polk and co which indicates that motorists are looking for ways to help extend the life of their vehicle
even so todayrsquos tight budgets leave some motorists reluctant to spend on services or maintenance that they think can be delayed at least for the short term however compared to the cost of engine repair spending a little today on the right maintenance routine performed by trusted service technicians using quality products makes sense Mark ferner Pennzoil technical specialist and ase-certified master mechanic offers some simple cost-effective tips for helping to protect the performance and longevity of your vehicle
replace dirty air filters a dirty air filter will restrict airflow to the engine which may reduce power output if the filter fails it will allow unfiltered air into the engine which can be abrasive inside an engine to avoid these issues and help promote long engine life check your enginersquos air filter regularly and change it when it is dirty
use HigH-quality Fuelseveral automotive manufacturers (bMw gM honda toyota volkswagen and audi) have published technical service bulletins recommending the use of top-tier fuel top-tier fuel contains more additives than is required by the industryrsquos lowest additive content (lac) treat rate regular use of fuel that only meets lac requirements may cause deposits to form on engine intake valves and fuel injectors
cHange youR oilregular oil changes are one of the most important steps to maximize the life of a vehicle oil change in-tervals vary by vehicle and driving conditions so follow the interval and oil specifications found in the ownerrsquos manual
also be sure to use quality motor oils in your vehicle Properly functioning motor oils help prevent sludge and neutralize and disperse harmful deposits and using the recommended viscosity grade of motor oil may also help enhance fuel economy if you are having the oil changed for you ask for quality oils by name Quality motor oil will maintain its effectiveness throughout the oil change interval allowing it to help keep the engine clean
as a bonus some motor oil brands offer lubrication warranties at no additional cost for example the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranty Programs protect qualified engines for 300000 miles whether their owners use conventional synthetic-blend or full synthetic motor oils meeting their vehiclesrsquo requirements Participants can enroll online and maintaining eligibility is easy simply get an oil change with the specified brand change the filter perform regular maintenance and keep the service receipts
to learn more about the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranties visit either wwwPennzoilcom or wwwQuakerstatecom or speak with an automotive professional at a participating automotive dealership or oil change facility that features Pennzoil or Quaker state products
PeoPle donrsquot take tRiPs tRiPs take PeoPle
Fin
al
wo
Rd
s
a vacation is what you take when you can no longer take what yoursquove been taking
eaRl wilson
- 1-12-2010pdf
need an easy getaway FoR tHe Family Plan a budget-FRiendly tRiP to a national PaRk(ara) - american families have spoken the vacation is a top priority ninety-four percent of americans agreed that even in tough economic times family vacations are worth the money according to a recent survey by expediacom to keep the vacation affordable and easy think about introducing your family to the splendor of the national park system - where activities are abundant and costs are minimal
expediacom recently partnered with the national Park foundation to provide a permanent one-stop shop to help travelers plan and book vacations to americarsquos national parks
ldquothere are excellent values for traveling families right now and taking a trip to a national park is one of the best ways to stretch your vacation dollarsrdquo says lee woodruff author travel expert and mother of four
ldquofamilies are looking for ways to reconnect with each other and what better option for an affordable vacation than a national parkrdquo
here are five easy steps to plan the perfect national park getaway
1 get inspired ken burns recently debuted a six-part documentary series for Pbs titledldquothe national Parks americarsquos best ideardquo tune into Pbs or order a copy online to find inspiration and a detailed look at some of the most beautiful places in the world from acadia to the grand canyon and yosemite to the gates of the arctic in alaska
2 Pick the park with original content from the national Park foundation expediacomrsquos national park web site is the perfect resource for families to find the national park to fit their vacation needs
the site offers pre-set ldquolong weekendrdquo itineraries to start your planning you can also search through the ldquocanrsquot Miss national Parksrdquo section to learn about the parkrsquos location its natural features little-known facts including the best times to visit and activities to choose from in each area expediarsquos site also offers downloadable park maps to help you get your bearings
3 more ways to save take advantage of the public amenities that national parks offer like camping and picnic sites while there is a small entrance fee to the parks you can cut back on costs by bringing your own meals and treating the kids to lunch by a waterfall or overlooking the grand canyon also enjoy the free activities such as hiking biking and birding that the parks offer
4 book your hotel and rental car if camping isnrsquot your familyrsquos style consider any of the great lodges in and around the national park of your choice and if yoursquore planning to rent a car consider booking lodging and car together to substantially reduce the overall costs of your vacation
5 give back consider giving back to the national Park foundation by visiting the web site wwwnationalparksorg and donate or learn more about volunteer opportunities within americarsquos national parks helping out in these small ways ensures the parks will remain beautiful so your kids can bring their own children one day
ldquoPlanning the vacation is half of the fun so get every-one involved in the processrdquo says woodruff ldquothere are so many options in our national park system many of which have rich and amazing heritage so the whole family is going to enjoy something when you visitrdquo
bookmaRk youRFaVoRite Road
a bRieF HistoRyoF PaVed Roads
(ara) - Planes and trains may have their place in our society but for the dedicated traveler therersquos still nothing like getting in your car and taking a trip along americarsquos highways
half the fun of road trips in the minds of many is getting home and telling friends and family about the adventure - and the roads they traveled
in the past driversrsquo road stories were largely told by word of mouth to a few people at a time now drivers can tell their tales to millions via the internet favoriteroadcom is a new web site that features americarsquos favorite highways and byways
the site encourages you to post your favorite roads and explain why you like them simply log on to submit a photo and story of your favorite road use links posted on the site to share your road via popular social networks such as facebook and twitter your submission may even win a prize in contest giveaways
the past yearrsquos economic downturn has reintroduced the word ldquoinfrastructurerdquo to our vocabulary as a result of stimulus legislation passed in 2009 the federal government has allocated millions of dollars to specifically improve state roads and highways and with more affordable gasoline prices people are increasingly using americarsquos roads for leisure travel
by posting on favoriteroadcom yoursquore doing more than just ldquotelling a good storyrdquo your testimonials may help encourage lawmakers to push for increased infrastructure spending to keep america driving smoothly and safely for years to come
whatrsquos your favorite road log on and tell the world at favoriteroadcom
625 bc the babylonians are credited with the first recorded use of asphalt as a road building material the ancient greeks were also familiar with asphalt (the word comes from the greek ldquoasphaltosrdquo meaning ldquosecurerdquo)
1500s christopher columbus landed off the shores of trinidad in 1498 and discovered the famous asphalt lake which would later be used on the Pennsylvania avenue project in washington dc covering 54000 square yards
1800s Macadam roads became popular in the us for rural road construction during the 1830s and 40s belgian chemist edmund J desmedt laid the first true asphalt pavement in the us in newark nJ the cummer company opened the first central hot mix production facilities in the us the first asphalt patent was filed by nathan b abbott of brooklyn ny in 1871
1920s world war i ended and the use of the automo-bile was steadily rising but roads outside the city limits were frequently too muddy or dusty for travel to fix this problem road engineers used oils and asphalt
1940s-1950s the modern american turnpike is born after world war ii full scale automobile production resumed along with major levels of road maintenance and new highway construction by 1950 vehicle registration exceeded 40 million cars and 8 million trucks in 1956 President eisenhower signed the federal-aid highway act and launched the interstate system to create an infrastructure highway program -unmatched anywhere in the world
1970s a national move to conserve energy and materials initiated a widespread interest in recycling of pavement materials asphalt is now americarsquos most recycled product
1990s a traffic study by the world road association indicates that asphalt pavements are at least 4 decibels quieter than concrete pavements
2000s the us population has increased 23 percent since 1990 and the number of miles driven has risen by 41 percent only half of the nationrsquos major roads are in good condition based on an analysis of recent federal highway administration data
wandeRing Re-establisHes tHe oRiginal
HaRmony wHicH once existed between
man and tHe uniVeRse
business oR leisuRe dRiVing oR FlyingtRaVel saFely natuRally(ara) - weekend getaways shorter vacations and overnight business trips are great ways to save money and are becoming more prevalent according to the bureau of transportation taking a few simple and natural steps to stay safe and healthy while on the road can not only protect your travel investment butenhance your entire experience
ReFResHed and aleRt dRiVing diFFusion
a shorter thriftier trip is likely to be by car the inevitable rush to make the most of the limited time
away after a tiring work week can create fatigue so donrsquot make it a dangerous driving situation enliven your senses with essential oil scents
ditch the cardboard cutout car ldquofreshenerrdquo that hangs from the rearview mirror not only distracting these products are usually saturated with synthetic fragrance chemicals and probably arenrsquot the best thing to inhale while enclosed in your vehicle instead rely on a sleek essential oil diffuser that plugs into your automobilersquos phone charger power outlet these devices feature small paper fiber pads to which you can apply your own custom blend of essential oils allowing you to not only
scent the air inside the car but also to provide refreshing aromatherapy benefits to help keep you alert and focused on the road
a simpler alternative way to diffuse is to apply several drops of oil to a tissue and tuck it carefully into one of the vents in the dash
try these essential oils for the car Peppermint essential oil - refreshing awakening
uplifting eucalyptus essential oil - bracing purifying
protecting lemon essential oil - pleasant deodorizing
cheering
How clean is youR Hotel Room
overnight stays in less than posh hotel digs may be part of the money-saving travel trend even upscale hotels arenrsquot immune to dirt and germs or worse an apparent outbreak of bedbug infestations in the united states recently publicized by the environmental Protection agency
bedbugs aside there are always nagging doubts about just how clean a hotel room actually is has the shower or tub been scrubbed or merely wiped down is the toilet sanitized has the bedspread ever really been thoroughly cleaned fortunately there are ways to protect yourself after you check in but before you settle into your temporary overnight home
air and surface sanitizing spray feel good about travel with a bottle of homemade purifying aromatherapy solution that relies on pleasantly scented and highly effective essential oils rather than harsh chemical disinfectants the following spray will help you create a hygienic environment in your temporary hotel home apply it to tub vanity and toilet surfaces
ingredientsempty 12 to16 ounce spray bottle10 ounces water2 ounces isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or
vodka12 teaspoon tea tree essential oil
(antimicrobial)12 teaspoon lemon essential oil
(cleansing)12 teaspoon lavandin essential oil
(protecting)12 teaspoon sweet orange essential oil
(freshening)
directions combine all ingredients in the spray bottle shake and apply to a washcloth and wipe down the tvrsquos remote the clock radio the door handles and the faucethandles in the bathroom
Purifying and Relaxing linen mist here are some great tips for making a strange bed feel more like home take along your own pillow and replace the ones provided create your own linen mist and use it on your own bed at home then travel with the same blend taking a little bit of home with you when you arrive at your destination turn down the covers exchange the pillows and apply your signature scent to the bed
ingredientsempty 4 to 8 ounce spray bottle4 to 8 ounces water13 drops lavender essential oil
(relaxing calming)5 drops lavandin or spike lavender
essential oil (purifying protecting)
directionscombine the water and oil in the bottle shake the contents thoroughly just before application
remember to look for pure and natural essential oil brands like aura cacia that donrsquot include synthetic petrochemical fragrances for more information on how to enhance your life through aromatherapy visit wwwauracaciacom
PRePaRe youR VeHicle FoR a HuRRicane eVacuation(ara) - ana bill claudette - the first three atlantic ocean hurricanes of the season made headlines but not to the extent of katrina or ike of recent years and while these three hurricanes have come and gone who knows if - or when - grace or henry might pay a visit to your town
the 2009 hurricane season has an expected 90 percent chance of being a near-normal or below-normal season for the atlantic ocean according to the national oceanic and atmospheric administration this prediction - if accurate - will be welcomed with a sigh of relief by many residents in coastal towns after the above-normal year in 2008
but even if noaa is predicting a quiet year for hurricanes you can never be over prepared if you donrsquot have your emergency evacuation plan organized itrsquos time to make one no matter if yoursquore planning on traveling 100 miles or 1000 miles you need an evacuation plan as a representative of a gulf coast
company Maricela carter a health safety security environment coordinator with soPus has some tips on how to prepare your vehicle for potential evacuations
Plan eVacuation Routescheck newspapers online sites the local emergency broadcast radio station and local television stations for the latest information on official evacuation routes Purchase a good map with details on elevations waterways and county roads and familiarize yourself with the most efficient ways to get out of town
Pack an emeRgency kitautomobiles are susceptible to unexpected problems so keep an emergency kit in your trunk include jumper cables extra motor oil window washing brake and coolant fluids simple tools like an air pressure gauge screwdriver pliers and adjustable wrench a role of
paper towels a windup flashlight and a can of fix-a-flat in case you get a flat tire
fix-a-flat creates a temporary emergency seal on contact with the tire and inflates the tire between eight and 14 pounds per square inch so that the car can be driven to a gas station for proper repair of the tire this can help you to get back on the road and out of the hurricanersquos way quickly and easily
Fill uP tHe tankeveryone is going to need fuel in order to evacuate so plan to fill up your tank as soon as you hear a hurricane warning this helps to prevent sudden demands on the supply once your tank is full conserve the amount of gas you use for the next couple of days by combining your errands into one trip and not traveling during rush hour
cHeck tiRe PRessuRein order to help conserve fuel make sure your tires are at the manufacturerrsquos recommended pressure - usually printed on the driverrsquos door of your car keeping tires at the correct pressure can improve your gasoline mileage by 33 percent according to fueleconomygov which means yoursquoll be able to travel further when evacuating
use PRoPeR FluidsMake sure you follow all the manufacturer recommendations for motor oil which can also improve your gasoline mileage by 1 or 2 percent according to fuelecomonygov one helpful hint is to look for oil that has an ldquoenergy conservingrdquo label by the american Petroleum institution to ensure it contains friction-reducing additives
it is not down inany maP tRue PlacesneVeR aRe
diRect dePosit oF social secuRity is easieR FoR winteR tRaVeleRs(ara) - as cold weather sets in thousands of retirees are making plans for a winter getaway if yoursquore one of them switch to direct deposit for your social security payments before you leave - itrsquos the safest easiest way to receive your money
ldquoeach year the us department of the treasury receives more than 14 million inquiries regarding paper check-related problemsrdquo says david a lebryk commissioner of the treasury departmentrsquos financial Management service
yet approximately 105 million americans continue to receive their social security and supplemental security income (ssi) payments by paper check each month the treasury departmentrsquos go direct (r) campaign encourages senior citizens and people with disabilities to switch to direct deposit
incReased saFety conVenience and Reliability
ldquowhen therersquos a problem with a social security payment nine times out of 10 itrsquos with a paper check not a direct deposit paymentrdquo says lebryk
Paper checks can be vulnerable to financial crimes like theft and fraud in fact the treasury department investigates more than 70000 cases of altered or fraudulently endorsed checks each year totaling $64 million in estimated value
ldquoin 2008 alone more than 485000 social security and ssi checks were reported lost or stolen and had to be reissuedrdquo says lebryk
direct deposit is also more convenient and reliable there is no more waiting for a check to arrive in the mail and there are no more worries about delivery delays due to severe weather localemergencies and other check related problems last year alone severe weather events forced alternative delivery arrangements for millions of social security and ssi paper checks
ldquoswitching to direct deposit for federal benefits is such an easy way
for people to safeguard their money es-pecially when traveling for extended pe-riods of timerdquo says lebryk ldquoyour money is deposited to your account on payment day so therersquos no need to worry
about delivery delays or a check sitting in your mailbox while yoursquore gonerdquo
PRePaid debit caRd oPtion
in addition to direct deposit the treasury department recommends the direct express (r) debit Mastercard (r) card as an alternative to paper checks for people without bank accounts
More than half a million americans signed up for the optional direct express (r) card in its first year of availability according to the treasury department a recent survey of cardholders finds that 95 percent say they are satisfied with the prepaid debit card and 86 percent say they would recommend it to family members or friends who receive a federal benefit payment
with the direct express card cardholders can make purchases pay bills and get cash at thousands of locations nationwide sign-up is free and no bank account is required while most services are free there are fees for a limited number of optional transactions and services
making tHe switcH is easy
it is easy to make the switch to electronic payments for federal benefits to sign up for direct deposit call the treasury departmentrsquos go direct campaign helpline at 1-800-333-1795 or visit wwwgodirectorg to sign up for the treasury-recommended direct express card or to learn more about the cardrsquos features and fees call 1-877-212-9991 or visit wwwusdirectexpresscom
the preceding information has been provided by the us department of the treasury financial Management service
the go direct (r) campaign is sponsored by the us department of the treasury and the federal reserve banks the direct express (r) debit Mastercard (r) card is issued by comerica bank pursuant to a license by Mastercard international incorporated Mastercard (r) and the Mastercard (r) brand Mark are registered trademarks of Mastercard international incorporated the go direct(r) logo direct express (r) logo and direct express (r) are service marks of the us department of the treasury financial Management service
biZaRRe tRaVel Plans aRe dancing lessons FRom god
time to ReFinance oR buy
right now mortgage rates are at their lowest level since 1971 think about that twenty-five years ago homeowners were paying as much as 18 on a 30-year fixed today itrsquos just a little over 5combine that rate with the tax advantages
of a mortgage and you have an incredibly cheap way to build wealth but you better act now
real estate guru barbara corcoran has already seen a tremendous surge in refinance applications ndash more than triple the average ndash and the number of people getting approved is astronomically higher as well she says but that doesnrsquot mean the low rates are a panacea for the ills of the housing market it is only once home prices start to go up that we will finally see a light at the end of tunnel corcoran says until that happens we are still going to have to crawl out of this mess ldquo[low interest rates are] not a lifesaverrdquo corcoran says ldquothis is just a helping handrdquo
david kittle chairman of the Mortgage bankers association has this advice to homeowners looking to refinance do it donrsquot get greedy searching for another quarter-point lock in rates now he is seeing applications soar over 125 just since thanksgiving due to the low rates
of course you should only refinance if it saves you at least 38 on the rate and if you plan on staying in your home for at least four years kittle says along with good credit proof of income and money by means of a down payment or equity in the home there are certain things every homeowner needs regardless of interest rate levels
easy-to-do maintenance HelPs extend VeHicle liFe(ara) - after their homes most americansrsquo largest financial investment is their vehicle so helping it stay in good working order for as long as possible is a high priority in fact the average age of a passenger car in north america has grown to more than nine years according to rl Polk and co which indicates that motorists are looking for ways to help extend the life of their vehicle
even so todayrsquos tight budgets leave some motorists reluctant to spend on services or maintenance that they think can be delayed at least for the short term however compared to the cost of engine repair spending a little today on the right maintenance routine performed by trusted service technicians using quality products makes sense Mark ferner Pennzoil technical specialist and ase-certified master mechanic offers some simple cost-effective tips for helping to protect the performance and longevity of your vehicle
replace dirty air filters a dirty air filter will restrict airflow to the engine which may reduce power output if the filter fails it will allow unfiltered air into the engine which can be abrasive inside an engine to avoid these issues and help promote long engine life check your enginersquos air filter regularly and change it when it is dirty
use HigH-quality Fuelseveral automotive manufacturers (bMw gM honda toyota volkswagen and audi) have published technical service bulletins recommending the use of top-tier fuel top-tier fuel contains more additives than is required by the industryrsquos lowest additive content (lac) treat rate regular use of fuel that only meets lac requirements may cause deposits to form on engine intake valves and fuel injectors
cHange youR oilregular oil changes are one of the most important steps to maximize the life of a vehicle oil change in-tervals vary by vehicle and driving conditions so follow the interval and oil specifications found in the ownerrsquos manual
also be sure to use quality motor oils in your vehicle Properly functioning motor oils help prevent sludge and neutralize and disperse harmful deposits and using the recommended viscosity grade of motor oil may also help enhance fuel economy if you are having the oil changed for you ask for quality oils by name Quality motor oil will maintain its effectiveness throughout the oil change interval allowing it to help keep the engine clean
as a bonus some motor oil brands offer lubrication warranties at no additional cost for example the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranty Programs protect qualified engines for 300000 miles whether their owners use conventional synthetic-blend or full synthetic motor oils meeting their vehiclesrsquo requirements Participants can enroll online and maintaining eligibility is easy simply get an oil change with the specified brand change the filter perform regular maintenance and keep the service receipts
to learn more about the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranties visit either wwwPennzoilcom or wwwQuakerstatecom or speak with an automotive professional at a participating automotive dealership or oil change facility that features Pennzoil or Quaker state products
PeoPle donrsquot take tRiPs tRiPs take PeoPle
Fin
al
wo
Rd
s
a vacation is what you take when you can no longer take what yoursquove been taking
eaRl wilson
- 1-12-2010pdf
2 Pick the park with original content from the national Park foundation expediacomrsquos national park web site is the perfect resource for families to find the national park to fit their vacation needs
the site offers pre-set ldquolong weekendrdquo itineraries to start your planning you can also search through the ldquocanrsquot Miss national Parksrdquo section to learn about the parkrsquos location its natural features little-known facts including the best times to visit and activities to choose from in each area expediarsquos site also offers downloadable park maps to help you get your bearings
3 more ways to save take advantage of the public amenities that national parks offer like camping and picnic sites while there is a small entrance fee to the parks you can cut back on costs by bringing your own meals and treating the kids to lunch by a waterfall or overlooking the grand canyon also enjoy the free activities such as hiking biking and birding that the parks offer
4 book your hotel and rental car if camping isnrsquot your familyrsquos style consider any of the great lodges in and around the national park of your choice and if yoursquore planning to rent a car consider booking lodging and car together to substantially reduce the overall costs of your vacation
5 give back consider giving back to the national Park foundation by visiting the web site wwwnationalparksorg and donate or learn more about volunteer opportunities within americarsquos national parks helping out in these small ways ensures the parks will remain beautiful so your kids can bring their own children one day
ldquoPlanning the vacation is half of the fun so get every-one involved in the processrdquo says woodruff ldquothere are so many options in our national park system many of which have rich and amazing heritage so the whole family is going to enjoy something when you visitrdquo
bookmaRk youRFaVoRite Road
a bRieF HistoRyoF PaVed Roads
(ara) - Planes and trains may have their place in our society but for the dedicated traveler therersquos still nothing like getting in your car and taking a trip along americarsquos highways
half the fun of road trips in the minds of many is getting home and telling friends and family about the adventure - and the roads they traveled
in the past driversrsquo road stories were largely told by word of mouth to a few people at a time now drivers can tell their tales to millions via the internet favoriteroadcom is a new web site that features americarsquos favorite highways and byways
the site encourages you to post your favorite roads and explain why you like them simply log on to submit a photo and story of your favorite road use links posted on the site to share your road via popular social networks such as facebook and twitter your submission may even win a prize in contest giveaways
the past yearrsquos economic downturn has reintroduced the word ldquoinfrastructurerdquo to our vocabulary as a result of stimulus legislation passed in 2009 the federal government has allocated millions of dollars to specifically improve state roads and highways and with more affordable gasoline prices people are increasingly using americarsquos roads for leisure travel
by posting on favoriteroadcom yoursquore doing more than just ldquotelling a good storyrdquo your testimonials may help encourage lawmakers to push for increased infrastructure spending to keep america driving smoothly and safely for years to come
whatrsquos your favorite road log on and tell the world at favoriteroadcom
625 bc the babylonians are credited with the first recorded use of asphalt as a road building material the ancient greeks were also familiar with asphalt (the word comes from the greek ldquoasphaltosrdquo meaning ldquosecurerdquo)
1500s christopher columbus landed off the shores of trinidad in 1498 and discovered the famous asphalt lake which would later be used on the Pennsylvania avenue project in washington dc covering 54000 square yards
1800s Macadam roads became popular in the us for rural road construction during the 1830s and 40s belgian chemist edmund J desmedt laid the first true asphalt pavement in the us in newark nJ the cummer company opened the first central hot mix production facilities in the us the first asphalt patent was filed by nathan b abbott of brooklyn ny in 1871
1920s world war i ended and the use of the automo-bile was steadily rising but roads outside the city limits were frequently too muddy or dusty for travel to fix this problem road engineers used oils and asphalt
1940s-1950s the modern american turnpike is born after world war ii full scale automobile production resumed along with major levels of road maintenance and new highway construction by 1950 vehicle registration exceeded 40 million cars and 8 million trucks in 1956 President eisenhower signed the federal-aid highway act and launched the interstate system to create an infrastructure highway program -unmatched anywhere in the world
1970s a national move to conserve energy and materials initiated a widespread interest in recycling of pavement materials asphalt is now americarsquos most recycled product
1990s a traffic study by the world road association indicates that asphalt pavements are at least 4 decibels quieter than concrete pavements
2000s the us population has increased 23 percent since 1990 and the number of miles driven has risen by 41 percent only half of the nationrsquos major roads are in good condition based on an analysis of recent federal highway administration data
wandeRing Re-establisHes tHe oRiginal
HaRmony wHicH once existed between
man and tHe uniVeRse
business oR leisuRe dRiVing oR FlyingtRaVel saFely natuRally(ara) - weekend getaways shorter vacations and overnight business trips are great ways to save money and are becoming more prevalent according to the bureau of transportation taking a few simple and natural steps to stay safe and healthy while on the road can not only protect your travel investment butenhance your entire experience
ReFResHed and aleRt dRiVing diFFusion
a shorter thriftier trip is likely to be by car the inevitable rush to make the most of the limited time
away after a tiring work week can create fatigue so donrsquot make it a dangerous driving situation enliven your senses with essential oil scents
ditch the cardboard cutout car ldquofreshenerrdquo that hangs from the rearview mirror not only distracting these products are usually saturated with synthetic fragrance chemicals and probably arenrsquot the best thing to inhale while enclosed in your vehicle instead rely on a sleek essential oil diffuser that plugs into your automobilersquos phone charger power outlet these devices feature small paper fiber pads to which you can apply your own custom blend of essential oils allowing you to not only
scent the air inside the car but also to provide refreshing aromatherapy benefits to help keep you alert and focused on the road
a simpler alternative way to diffuse is to apply several drops of oil to a tissue and tuck it carefully into one of the vents in the dash
try these essential oils for the car Peppermint essential oil - refreshing awakening
uplifting eucalyptus essential oil - bracing purifying
protecting lemon essential oil - pleasant deodorizing
cheering
How clean is youR Hotel Room
overnight stays in less than posh hotel digs may be part of the money-saving travel trend even upscale hotels arenrsquot immune to dirt and germs or worse an apparent outbreak of bedbug infestations in the united states recently publicized by the environmental Protection agency
bedbugs aside there are always nagging doubts about just how clean a hotel room actually is has the shower or tub been scrubbed or merely wiped down is the toilet sanitized has the bedspread ever really been thoroughly cleaned fortunately there are ways to protect yourself after you check in but before you settle into your temporary overnight home
air and surface sanitizing spray feel good about travel with a bottle of homemade purifying aromatherapy solution that relies on pleasantly scented and highly effective essential oils rather than harsh chemical disinfectants the following spray will help you create a hygienic environment in your temporary hotel home apply it to tub vanity and toilet surfaces
ingredientsempty 12 to16 ounce spray bottle10 ounces water2 ounces isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or
vodka12 teaspoon tea tree essential oil
(antimicrobial)12 teaspoon lemon essential oil
(cleansing)12 teaspoon lavandin essential oil
(protecting)12 teaspoon sweet orange essential oil
(freshening)
directions combine all ingredients in the spray bottle shake and apply to a washcloth and wipe down the tvrsquos remote the clock radio the door handles and the faucethandles in the bathroom
Purifying and Relaxing linen mist here are some great tips for making a strange bed feel more like home take along your own pillow and replace the ones provided create your own linen mist and use it on your own bed at home then travel with the same blend taking a little bit of home with you when you arrive at your destination turn down the covers exchange the pillows and apply your signature scent to the bed
ingredientsempty 4 to 8 ounce spray bottle4 to 8 ounces water13 drops lavender essential oil
(relaxing calming)5 drops lavandin or spike lavender
essential oil (purifying protecting)
directionscombine the water and oil in the bottle shake the contents thoroughly just before application
remember to look for pure and natural essential oil brands like aura cacia that donrsquot include synthetic petrochemical fragrances for more information on how to enhance your life through aromatherapy visit wwwauracaciacom
PRePaRe youR VeHicle FoR a HuRRicane eVacuation(ara) - ana bill claudette - the first three atlantic ocean hurricanes of the season made headlines but not to the extent of katrina or ike of recent years and while these three hurricanes have come and gone who knows if - or when - grace or henry might pay a visit to your town
the 2009 hurricane season has an expected 90 percent chance of being a near-normal or below-normal season for the atlantic ocean according to the national oceanic and atmospheric administration this prediction - if accurate - will be welcomed with a sigh of relief by many residents in coastal towns after the above-normal year in 2008
but even if noaa is predicting a quiet year for hurricanes you can never be over prepared if you donrsquot have your emergency evacuation plan organized itrsquos time to make one no matter if yoursquore planning on traveling 100 miles or 1000 miles you need an evacuation plan as a representative of a gulf coast
company Maricela carter a health safety security environment coordinator with soPus has some tips on how to prepare your vehicle for potential evacuations
Plan eVacuation Routescheck newspapers online sites the local emergency broadcast radio station and local television stations for the latest information on official evacuation routes Purchase a good map with details on elevations waterways and county roads and familiarize yourself with the most efficient ways to get out of town
Pack an emeRgency kitautomobiles are susceptible to unexpected problems so keep an emergency kit in your trunk include jumper cables extra motor oil window washing brake and coolant fluids simple tools like an air pressure gauge screwdriver pliers and adjustable wrench a role of
paper towels a windup flashlight and a can of fix-a-flat in case you get a flat tire
fix-a-flat creates a temporary emergency seal on contact with the tire and inflates the tire between eight and 14 pounds per square inch so that the car can be driven to a gas station for proper repair of the tire this can help you to get back on the road and out of the hurricanersquos way quickly and easily
Fill uP tHe tankeveryone is going to need fuel in order to evacuate so plan to fill up your tank as soon as you hear a hurricane warning this helps to prevent sudden demands on the supply once your tank is full conserve the amount of gas you use for the next couple of days by combining your errands into one trip and not traveling during rush hour
cHeck tiRe PRessuRein order to help conserve fuel make sure your tires are at the manufacturerrsquos recommended pressure - usually printed on the driverrsquos door of your car keeping tires at the correct pressure can improve your gasoline mileage by 33 percent according to fueleconomygov which means yoursquoll be able to travel further when evacuating
use PRoPeR FluidsMake sure you follow all the manufacturer recommendations for motor oil which can also improve your gasoline mileage by 1 or 2 percent according to fuelecomonygov one helpful hint is to look for oil that has an ldquoenergy conservingrdquo label by the american Petroleum institution to ensure it contains friction-reducing additives
it is not down inany maP tRue PlacesneVeR aRe
diRect dePosit oF social secuRity is easieR FoR winteR tRaVeleRs(ara) - as cold weather sets in thousands of retirees are making plans for a winter getaway if yoursquore one of them switch to direct deposit for your social security payments before you leave - itrsquos the safest easiest way to receive your money
ldquoeach year the us department of the treasury receives more than 14 million inquiries regarding paper check-related problemsrdquo says david a lebryk commissioner of the treasury departmentrsquos financial Management service
yet approximately 105 million americans continue to receive their social security and supplemental security income (ssi) payments by paper check each month the treasury departmentrsquos go direct (r) campaign encourages senior citizens and people with disabilities to switch to direct deposit
incReased saFety conVenience and Reliability
ldquowhen therersquos a problem with a social security payment nine times out of 10 itrsquos with a paper check not a direct deposit paymentrdquo says lebryk
Paper checks can be vulnerable to financial crimes like theft and fraud in fact the treasury department investigates more than 70000 cases of altered or fraudulently endorsed checks each year totaling $64 million in estimated value
ldquoin 2008 alone more than 485000 social security and ssi checks were reported lost or stolen and had to be reissuedrdquo says lebryk
direct deposit is also more convenient and reliable there is no more waiting for a check to arrive in the mail and there are no more worries about delivery delays due to severe weather localemergencies and other check related problems last year alone severe weather events forced alternative delivery arrangements for millions of social security and ssi paper checks
ldquoswitching to direct deposit for federal benefits is such an easy way
for people to safeguard their money es-pecially when traveling for extended pe-riods of timerdquo says lebryk ldquoyour money is deposited to your account on payment day so therersquos no need to worry
about delivery delays or a check sitting in your mailbox while yoursquore gonerdquo
PRePaid debit caRd oPtion
in addition to direct deposit the treasury department recommends the direct express (r) debit Mastercard (r) card as an alternative to paper checks for people without bank accounts
More than half a million americans signed up for the optional direct express (r) card in its first year of availability according to the treasury department a recent survey of cardholders finds that 95 percent say they are satisfied with the prepaid debit card and 86 percent say they would recommend it to family members or friends who receive a federal benefit payment
with the direct express card cardholders can make purchases pay bills and get cash at thousands of locations nationwide sign-up is free and no bank account is required while most services are free there are fees for a limited number of optional transactions and services
making tHe switcH is easy
it is easy to make the switch to electronic payments for federal benefits to sign up for direct deposit call the treasury departmentrsquos go direct campaign helpline at 1-800-333-1795 or visit wwwgodirectorg to sign up for the treasury-recommended direct express card or to learn more about the cardrsquos features and fees call 1-877-212-9991 or visit wwwusdirectexpresscom
the preceding information has been provided by the us department of the treasury financial Management service
the go direct (r) campaign is sponsored by the us department of the treasury and the federal reserve banks the direct express (r) debit Mastercard (r) card is issued by comerica bank pursuant to a license by Mastercard international incorporated Mastercard (r) and the Mastercard (r) brand Mark are registered trademarks of Mastercard international incorporated the go direct(r) logo direct express (r) logo and direct express (r) are service marks of the us department of the treasury financial Management service
biZaRRe tRaVel Plans aRe dancing lessons FRom god
time to ReFinance oR buy
right now mortgage rates are at their lowest level since 1971 think about that twenty-five years ago homeowners were paying as much as 18 on a 30-year fixed today itrsquos just a little over 5combine that rate with the tax advantages
of a mortgage and you have an incredibly cheap way to build wealth but you better act now
real estate guru barbara corcoran has already seen a tremendous surge in refinance applications ndash more than triple the average ndash and the number of people getting approved is astronomically higher as well she says but that doesnrsquot mean the low rates are a panacea for the ills of the housing market it is only once home prices start to go up that we will finally see a light at the end of tunnel corcoran says until that happens we are still going to have to crawl out of this mess ldquo[low interest rates are] not a lifesaverrdquo corcoran says ldquothis is just a helping handrdquo
david kittle chairman of the Mortgage bankers association has this advice to homeowners looking to refinance do it donrsquot get greedy searching for another quarter-point lock in rates now he is seeing applications soar over 125 just since thanksgiving due to the low rates
of course you should only refinance if it saves you at least 38 on the rate and if you plan on staying in your home for at least four years kittle says along with good credit proof of income and money by means of a down payment or equity in the home there are certain things every homeowner needs regardless of interest rate levels
easy-to-do maintenance HelPs extend VeHicle liFe(ara) - after their homes most americansrsquo largest financial investment is their vehicle so helping it stay in good working order for as long as possible is a high priority in fact the average age of a passenger car in north america has grown to more than nine years according to rl Polk and co which indicates that motorists are looking for ways to help extend the life of their vehicle
even so todayrsquos tight budgets leave some motorists reluctant to spend on services or maintenance that they think can be delayed at least for the short term however compared to the cost of engine repair spending a little today on the right maintenance routine performed by trusted service technicians using quality products makes sense Mark ferner Pennzoil technical specialist and ase-certified master mechanic offers some simple cost-effective tips for helping to protect the performance and longevity of your vehicle
replace dirty air filters a dirty air filter will restrict airflow to the engine which may reduce power output if the filter fails it will allow unfiltered air into the engine which can be abrasive inside an engine to avoid these issues and help promote long engine life check your enginersquos air filter regularly and change it when it is dirty
use HigH-quality Fuelseveral automotive manufacturers (bMw gM honda toyota volkswagen and audi) have published technical service bulletins recommending the use of top-tier fuel top-tier fuel contains more additives than is required by the industryrsquos lowest additive content (lac) treat rate regular use of fuel that only meets lac requirements may cause deposits to form on engine intake valves and fuel injectors
cHange youR oilregular oil changes are one of the most important steps to maximize the life of a vehicle oil change in-tervals vary by vehicle and driving conditions so follow the interval and oil specifications found in the ownerrsquos manual
also be sure to use quality motor oils in your vehicle Properly functioning motor oils help prevent sludge and neutralize and disperse harmful deposits and using the recommended viscosity grade of motor oil may also help enhance fuel economy if you are having the oil changed for you ask for quality oils by name Quality motor oil will maintain its effectiveness throughout the oil change interval allowing it to help keep the engine clean
as a bonus some motor oil brands offer lubrication warranties at no additional cost for example the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranty Programs protect qualified engines for 300000 miles whether their owners use conventional synthetic-blend or full synthetic motor oils meeting their vehiclesrsquo requirements Participants can enroll online and maintaining eligibility is easy simply get an oil change with the specified brand change the filter perform regular maintenance and keep the service receipts
to learn more about the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranties visit either wwwPennzoilcom or wwwQuakerstatecom or speak with an automotive professional at a participating automotive dealership or oil change facility that features Pennzoil or Quaker state products
PeoPle donrsquot take tRiPs tRiPs take PeoPle
Fin
al
wo
Rd
s
a vacation is what you take when you can no longer take what yoursquove been taking
eaRl wilson
- 1-12-2010pdf
bookmaRk youRFaVoRite Road
a bRieF HistoRyoF PaVed Roads
(ara) - Planes and trains may have their place in our society but for the dedicated traveler therersquos still nothing like getting in your car and taking a trip along americarsquos highways
half the fun of road trips in the minds of many is getting home and telling friends and family about the adventure - and the roads they traveled
in the past driversrsquo road stories were largely told by word of mouth to a few people at a time now drivers can tell their tales to millions via the internet favoriteroadcom is a new web site that features americarsquos favorite highways and byways
the site encourages you to post your favorite roads and explain why you like them simply log on to submit a photo and story of your favorite road use links posted on the site to share your road via popular social networks such as facebook and twitter your submission may even win a prize in contest giveaways
the past yearrsquos economic downturn has reintroduced the word ldquoinfrastructurerdquo to our vocabulary as a result of stimulus legislation passed in 2009 the federal government has allocated millions of dollars to specifically improve state roads and highways and with more affordable gasoline prices people are increasingly using americarsquos roads for leisure travel
by posting on favoriteroadcom yoursquore doing more than just ldquotelling a good storyrdquo your testimonials may help encourage lawmakers to push for increased infrastructure spending to keep america driving smoothly and safely for years to come
whatrsquos your favorite road log on and tell the world at favoriteroadcom
625 bc the babylonians are credited with the first recorded use of asphalt as a road building material the ancient greeks were also familiar with asphalt (the word comes from the greek ldquoasphaltosrdquo meaning ldquosecurerdquo)
1500s christopher columbus landed off the shores of trinidad in 1498 and discovered the famous asphalt lake which would later be used on the Pennsylvania avenue project in washington dc covering 54000 square yards
1800s Macadam roads became popular in the us for rural road construction during the 1830s and 40s belgian chemist edmund J desmedt laid the first true asphalt pavement in the us in newark nJ the cummer company opened the first central hot mix production facilities in the us the first asphalt patent was filed by nathan b abbott of brooklyn ny in 1871
1920s world war i ended and the use of the automo-bile was steadily rising but roads outside the city limits were frequently too muddy or dusty for travel to fix this problem road engineers used oils and asphalt
1940s-1950s the modern american turnpike is born after world war ii full scale automobile production resumed along with major levels of road maintenance and new highway construction by 1950 vehicle registration exceeded 40 million cars and 8 million trucks in 1956 President eisenhower signed the federal-aid highway act and launched the interstate system to create an infrastructure highway program -unmatched anywhere in the world
1970s a national move to conserve energy and materials initiated a widespread interest in recycling of pavement materials asphalt is now americarsquos most recycled product
1990s a traffic study by the world road association indicates that asphalt pavements are at least 4 decibels quieter than concrete pavements
2000s the us population has increased 23 percent since 1990 and the number of miles driven has risen by 41 percent only half of the nationrsquos major roads are in good condition based on an analysis of recent federal highway administration data
wandeRing Re-establisHes tHe oRiginal
HaRmony wHicH once existed between
man and tHe uniVeRse
business oR leisuRe dRiVing oR FlyingtRaVel saFely natuRally(ara) - weekend getaways shorter vacations and overnight business trips are great ways to save money and are becoming more prevalent according to the bureau of transportation taking a few simple and natural steps to stay safe and healthy while on the road can not only protect your travel investment butenhance your entire experience
ReFResHed and aleRt dRiVing diFFusion
a shorter thriftier trip is likely to be by car the inevitable rush to make the most of the limited time
away after a tiring work week can create fatigue so donrsquot make it a dangerous driving situation enliven your senses with essential oil scents
ditch the cardboard cutout car ldquofreshenerrdquo that hangs from the rearview mirror not only distracting these products are usually saturated with synthetic fragrance chemicals and probably arenrsquot the best thing to inhale while enclosed in your vehicle instead rely on a sleek essential oil diffuser that plugs into your automobilersquos phone charger power outlet these devices feature small paper fiber pads to which you can apply your own custom blend of essential oils allowing you to not only
scent the air inside the car but also to provide refreshing aromatherapy benefits to help keep you alert and focused on the road
a simpler alternative way to diffuse is to apply several drops of oil to a tissue and tuck it carefully into one of the vents in the dash
try these essential oils for the car Peppermint essential oil - refreshing awakening
uplifting eucalyptus essential oil - bracing purifying
protecting lemon essential oil - pleasant deodorizing
cheering
How clean is youR Hotel Room
overnight stays in less than posh hotel digs may be part of the money-saving travel trend even upscale hotels arenrsquot immune to dirt and germs or worse an apparent outbreak of bedbug infestations in the united states recently publicized by the environmental Protection agency
bedbugs aside there are always nagging doubts about just how clean a hotel room actually is has the shower or tub been scrubbed or merely wiped down is the toilet sanitized has the bedspread ever really been thoroughly cleaned fortunately there are ways to protect yourself after you check in but before you settle into your temporary overnight home
air and surface sanitizing spray feel good about travel with a bottle of homemade purifying aromatherapy solution that relies on pleasantly scented and highly effective essential oils rather than harsh chemical disinfectants the following spray will help you create a hygienic environment in your temporary hotel home apply it to tub vanity and toilet surfaces
ingredientsempty 12 to16 ounce spray bottle10 ounces water2 ounces isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or
vodka12 teaspoon tea tree essential oil
(antimicrobial)12 teaspoon lemon essential oil
(cleansing)12 teaspoon lavandin essential oil
(protecting)12 teaspoon sweet orange essential oil
(freshening)
directions combine all ingredients in the spray bottle shake and apply to a washcloth and wipe down the tvrsquos remote the clock radio the door handles and the faucethandles in the bathroom
Purifying and Relaxing linen mist here are some great tips for making a strange bed feel more like home take along your own pillow and replace the ones provided create your own linen mist and use it on your own bed at home then travel with the same blend taking a little bit of home with you when you arrive at your destination turn down the covers exchange the pillows and apply your signature scent to the bed
ingredientsempty 4 to 8 ounce spray bottle4 to 8 ounces water13 drops lavender essential oil
(relaxing calming)5 drops lavandin or spike lavender
essential oil (purifying protecting)
directionscombine the water and oil in the bottle shake the contents thoroughly just before application
remember to look for pure and natural essential oil brands like aura cacia that donrsquot include synthetic petrochemical fragrances for more information on how to enhance your life through aromatherapy visit wwwauracaciacom
PRePaRe youR VeHicle FoR a HuRRicane eVacuation(ara) - ana bill claudette - the first three atlantic ocean hurricanes of the season made headlines but not to the extent of katrina or ike of recent years and while these three hurricanes have come and gone who knows if - or when - grace or henry might pay a visit to your town
the 2009 hurricane season has an expected 90 percent chance of being a near-normal or below-normal season for the atlantic ocean according to the national oceanic and atmospheric administration this prediction - if accurate - will be welcomed with a sigh of relief by many residents in coastal towns after the above-normal year in 2008
but even if noaa is predicting a quiet year for hurricanes you can never be over prepared if you donrsquot have your emergency evacuation plan organized itrsquos time to make one no matter if yoursquore planning on traveling 100 miles or 1000 miles you need an evacuation plan as a representative of a gulf coast
company Maricela carter a health safety security environment coordinator with soPus has some tips on how to prepare your vehicle for potential evacuations
Plan eVacuation Routescheck newspapers online sites the local emergency broadcast radio station and local television stations for the latest information on official evacuation routes Purchase a good map with details on elevations waterways and county roads and familiarize yourself with the most efficient ways to get out of town
Pack an emeRgency kitautomobiles are susceptible to unexpected problems so keep an emergency kit in your trunk include jumper cables extra motor oil window washing brake and coolant fluids simple tools like an air pressure gauge screwdriver pliers and adjustable wrench a role of
paper towels a windup flashlight and a can of fix-a-flat in case you get a flat tire
fix-a-flat creates a temporary emergency seal on contact with the tire and inflates the tire between eight and 14 pounds per square inch so that the car can be driven to a gas station for proper repair of the tire this can help you to get back on the road and out of the hurricanersquos way quickly and easily
Fill uP tHe tankeveryone is going to need fuel in order to evacuate so plan to fill up your tank as soon as you hear a hurricane warning this helps to prevent sudden demands on the supply once your tank is full conserve the amount of gas you use for the next couple of days by combining your errands into one trip and not traveling during rush hour
cHeck tiRe PRessuRein order to help conserve fuel make sure your tires are at the manufacturerrsquos recommended pressure - usually printed on the driverrsquos door of your car keeping tires at the correct pressure can improve your gasoline mileage by 33 percent according to fueleconomygov which means yoursquoll be able to travel further when evacuating
use PRoPeR FluidsMake sure you follow all the manufacturer recommendations for motor oil which can also improve your gasoline mileage by 1 or 2 percent according to fuelecomonygov one helpful hint is to look for oil that has an ldquoenergy conservingrdquo label by the american Petroleum institution to ensure it contains friction-reducing additives
it is not down inany maP tRue PlacesneVeR aRe
diRect dePosit oF social secuRity is easieR FoR winteR tRaVeleRs(ara) - as cold weather sets in thousands of retirees are making plans for a winter getaway if yoursquore one of them switch to direct deposit for your social security payments before you leave - itrsquos the safest easiest way to receive your money
ldquoeach year the us department of the treasury receives more than 14 million inquiries regarding paper check-related problemsrdquo says david a lebryk commissioner of the treasury departmentrsquos financial Management service
yet approximately 105 million americans continue to receive their social security and supplemental security income (ssi) payments by paper check each month the treasury departmentrsquos go direct (r) campaign encourages senior citizens and people with disabilities to switch to direct deposit
incReased saFety conVenience and Reliability
ldquowhen therersquos a problem with a social security payment nine times out of 10 itrsquos with a paper check not a direct deposit paymentrdquo says lebryk
Paper checks can be vulnerable to financial crimes like theft and fraud in fact the treasury department investigates more than 70000 cases of altered or fraudulently endorsed checks each year totaling $64 million in estimated value
ldquoin 2008 alone more than 485000 social security and ssi checks were reported lost or stolen and had to be reissuedrdquo says lebryk
direct deposit is also more convenient and reliable there is no more waiting for a check to arrive in the mail and there are no more worries about delivery delays due to severe weather localemergencies and other check related problems last year alone severe weather events forced alternative delivery arrangements for millions of social security and ssi paper checks
ldquoswitching to direct deposit for federal benefits is such an easy way
for people to safeguard their money es-pecially when traveling for extended pe-riods of timerdquo says lebryk ldquoyour money is deposited to your account on payment day so therersquos no need to worry
about delivery delays or a check sitting in your mailbox while yoursquore gonerdquo
PRePaid debit caRd oPtion
in addition to direct deposit the treasury department recommends the direct express (r) debit Mastercard (r) card as an alternative to paper checks for people without bank accounts
More than half a million americans signed up for the optional direct express (r) card in its first year of availability according to the treasury department a recent survey of cardholders finds that 95 percent say they are satisfied with the prepaid debit card and 86 percent say they would recommend it to family members or friends who receive a federal benefit payment
with the direct express card cardholders can make purchases pay bills and get cash at thousands of locations nationwide sign-up is free and no bank account is required while most services are free there are fees for a limited number of optional transactions and services
making tHe switcH is easy
it is easy to make the switch to electronic payments for federal benefits to sign up for direct deposit call the treasury departmentrsquos go direct campaign helpline at 1-800-333-1795 or visit wwwgodirectorg to sign up for the treasury-recommended direct express card or to learn more about the cardrsquos features and fees call 1-877-212-9991 or visit wwwusdirectexpresscom
the preceding information has been provided by the us department of the treasury financial Management service
the go direct (r) campaign is sponsored by the us department of the treasury and the federal reserve banks the direct express (r) debit Mastercard (r) card is issued by comerica bank pursuant to a license by Mastercard international incorporated Mastercard (r) and the Mastercard (r) brand Mark are registered trademarks of Mastercard international incorporated the go direct(r) logo direct express (r) logo and direct express (r) are service marks of the us department of the treasury financial Management service
biZaRRe tRaVel Plans aRe dancing lessons FRom god
time to ReFinance oR buy
right now mortgage rates are at their lowest level since 1971 think about that twenty-five years ago homeowners were paying as much as 18 on a 30-year fixed today itrsquos just a little over 5combine that rate with the tax advantages
of a mortgage and you have an incredibly cheap way to build wealth but you better act now
real estate guru barbara corcoran has already seen a tremendous surge in refinance applications ndash more than triple the average ndash and the number of people getting approved is astronomically higher as well she says but that doesnrsquot mean the low rates are a panacea for the ills of the housing market it is only once home prices start to go up that we will finally see a light at the end of tunnel corcoran says until that happens we are still going to have to crawl out of this mess ldquo[low interest rates are] not a lifesaverrdquo corcoran says ldquothis is just a helping handrdquo
david kittle chairman of the Mortgage bankers association has this advice to homeowners looking to refinance do it donrsquot get greedy searching for another quarter-point lock in rates now he is seeing applications soar over 125 just since thanksgiving due to the low rates
of course you should only refinance if it saves you at least 38 on the rate and if you plan on staying in your home for at least four years kittle says along with good credit proof of income and money by means of a down payment or equity in the home there are certain things every homeowner needs regardless of interest rate levels
easy-to-do maintenance HelPs extend VeHicle liFe(ara) - after their homes most americansrsquo largest financial investment is their vehicle so helping it stay in good working order for as long as possible is a high priority in fact the average age of a passenger car in north america has grown to more than nine years according to rl Polk and co which indicates that motorists are looking for ways to help extend the life of their vehicle
even so todayrsquos tight budgets leave some motorists reluctant to spend on services or maintenance that they think can be delayed at least for the short term however compared to the cost of engine repair spending a little today on the right maintenance routine performed by trusted service technicians using quality products makes sense Mark ferner Pennzoil technical specialist and ase-certified master mechanic offers some simple cost-effective tips for helping to protect the performance and longevity of your vehicle
replace dirty air filters a dirty air filter will restrict airflow to the engine which may reduce power output if the filter fails it will allow unfiltered air into the engine which can be abrasive inside an engine to avoid these issues and help promote long engine life check your enginersquos air filter regularly and change it when it is dirty
use HigH-quality Fuelseveral automotive manufacturers (bMw gM honda toyota volkswagen and audi) have published technical service bulletins recommending the use of top-tier fuel top-tier fuel contains more additives than is required by the industryrsquos lowest additive content (lac) treat rate regular use of fuel that only meets lac requirements may cause deposits to form on engine intake valves and fuel injectors
cHange youR oilregular oil changes are one of the most important steps to maximize the life of a vehicle oil change in-tervals vary by vehicle and driving conditions so follow the interval and oil specifications found in the ownerrsquos manual
also be sure to use quality motor oils in your vehicle Properly functioning motor oils help prevent sludge and neutralize and disperse harmful deposits and using the recommended viscosity grade of motor oil may also help enhance fuel economy if you are having the oil changed for you ask for quality oils by name Quality motor oil will maintain its effectiveness throughout the oil change interval allowing it to help keep the engine clean
as a bonus some motor oil brands offer lubrication warranties at no additional cost for example the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranty Programs protect qualified engines for 300000 miles whether their owners use conventional synthetic-blend or full synthetic motor oils meeting their vehiclesrsquo requirements Participants can enroll online and maintaining eligibility is easy simply get an oil change with the specified brand change the filter perform regular maintenance and keep the service receipts
to learn more about the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranties visit either wwwPennzoilcom or wwwQuakerstatecom or speak with an automotive professional at a participating automotive dealership or oil change facility that features Pennzoil or Quaker state products
PeoPle donrsquot take tRiPs tRiPs take PeoPle
Fin
al
wo
Rd
s
a vacation is what you take when you can no longer take what yoursquove been taking
eaRl wilson
- 1-12-2010pdf
wandeRing Re-establisHes tHe oRiginal
HaRmony wHicH once existed between
man and tHe uniVeRse
business oR leisuRe dRiVing oR FlyingtRaVel saFely natuRally(ara) - weekend getaways shorter vacations and overnight business trips are great ways to save money and are becoming more prevalent according to the bureau of transportation taking a few simple and natural steps to stay safe and healthy while on the road can not only protect your travel investment butenhance your entire experience
ReFResHed and aleRt dRiVing diFFusion
a shorter thriftier trip is likely to be by car the inevitable rush to make the most of the limited time
away after a tiring work week can create fatigue so donrsquot make it a dangerous driving situation enliven your senses with essential oil scents
ditch the cardboard cutout car ldquofreshenerrdquo that hangs from the rearview mirror not only distracting these products are usually saturated with synthetic fragrance chemicals and probably arenrsquot the best thing to inhale while enclosed in your vehicle instead rely on a sleek essential oil diffuser that plugs into your automobilersquos phone charger power outlet these devices feature small paper fiber pads to which you can apply your own custom blend of essential oils allowing you to not only
scent the air inside the car but also to provide refreshing aromatherapy benefits to help keep you alert and focused on the road
a simpler alternative way to diffuse is to apply several drops of oil to a tissue and tuck it carefully into one of the vents in the dash
try these essential oils for the car Peppermint essential oil - refreshing awakening
uplifting eucalyptus essential oil - bracing purifying
protecting lemon essential oil - pleasant deodorizing
cheering
How clean is youR Hotel Room
overnight stays in less than posh hotel digs may be part of the money-saving travel trend even upscale hotels arenrsquot immune to dirt and germs or worse an apparent outbreak of bedbug infestations in the united states recently publicized by the environmental Protection agency
bedbugs aside there are always nagging doubts about just how clean a hotel room actually is has the shower or tub been scrubbed or merely wiped down is the toilet sanitized has the bedspread ever really been thoroughly cleaned fortunately there are ways to protect yourself after you check in but before you settle into your temporary overnight home
air and surface sanitizing spray feel good about travel with a bottle of homemade purifying aromatherapy solution that relies on pleasantly scented and highly effective essential oils rather than harsh chemical disinfectants the following spray will help you create a hygienic environment in your temporary hotel home apply it to tub vanity and toilet surfaces
ingredientsempty 12 to16 ounce spray bottle10 ounces water2 ounces isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or
vodka12 teaspoon tea tree essential oil
(antimicrobial)12 teaspoon lemon essential oil
(cleansing)12 teaspoon lavandin essential oil
(protecting)12 teaspoon sweet orange essential oil
(freshening)
directions combine all ingredients in the spray bottle shake and apply to a washcloth and wipe down the tvrsquos remote the clock radio the door handles and the faucethandles in the bathroom
Purifying and Relaxing linen mist here are some great tips for making a strange bed feel more like home take along your own pillow and replace the ones provided create your own linen mist and use it on your own bed at home then travel with the same blend taking a little bit of home with you when you arrive at your destination turn down the covers exchange the pillows and apply your signature scent to the bed
ingredientsempty 4 to 8 ounce spray bottle4 to 8 ounces water13 drops lavender essential oil
(relaxing calming)5 drops lavandin or spike lavender
essential oil (purifying protecting)
directionscombine the water and oil in the bottle shake the contents thoroughly just before application
remember to look for pure and natural essential oil brands like aura cacia that donrsquot include synthetic petrochemical fragrances for more information on how to enhance your life through aromatherapy visit wwwauracaciacom
PRePaRe youR VeHicle FoR a HuRRicane eVacuation(ara) - ana bill claudette - the first three atlantic ocean hurricanes of the season made headlines but not to the extent of katrina or ike of recent years and while these three hurricanes have come and gone who knows if - or when - grace or henry might pay a visit to your town
the 2009 hurricane season has an expected 90 percent chance of being a near-normal or below-normal season for the atlantic ocean according to the national oceanic and atmospheric administration this prediction - if accurate - will be welcomed with a sigh of relief by many residents in coastal towns after the above-normal year in 2008
but even if noaa is predicting a quiet year for hurricanes you can never be over prepared if you donrsquot have your emergency evacuation plan organized itrsquos time to make one no matter if yoursquore planning on traveling 100 miles or 1000 miles you need an evacuation plan as a representative of a gulf coast
company Maricela carter a health safety security environment coordinator with soPus has some tips on how to prepare your vehicle for potential evacuations
Plan eVacuation Routescheck newspapers online sites the local emergency broadcast radio station and local television stations for the latest information on official evacuation routes Purchase a good map with details on elevations waterways and county roads and familiarize yourself with the most efficient ways to get out of town
Pack an emeRgency kitautomobiles are susceptible to unexpected problems so keep an emergency kit in your trunk include jumper cables extra motor oil window washing brake and coolant fluids simple tools like an air pressure gauge screwdriver pliers and adjustable wrench a role of
paper towels a windup flashlight and a can of fix-a-flat in case you get a flat tire
fix-a-flat creates a temporary emergency seal on contact with the tire and inflates the tire between eight and 14 pounds per square inch so that the car can be driven to a gas station for proper repair of the tire this can help you to get back on the road and out of the hurricanersquos way quickly and easily
Fill uP tHe tankeveryone is going to need fuel in order to evacuate so plan to fill up your tank as soon as you hear a hurricane warning this helps to prevent sudden demands on the supply once your tank is full conserve the amount of gas you use for the next couple of days by combining your errands into one trip and not traveling during rush hour
cHeck tiRe PRessuRein order to help conserve fuel make sure your tires are at the manufacturerrsquos recommended pressure - usually printed on the driverrsquos door of your car keeping tires at the correct pressure can improve your gasoline mileage by 33 percent according to fueleconomygov which means yoursquoll be able to travel further when evacuating
use PRoPeR FluidsMake sure you follow all the manufacturer recommendations for motor oil which can also improve your gasoline mileage by 1 or 2 percent according to fuelecomonygov one helpful hint is to look for oil that has an ldquoenergy conservingrdquo label by the american Petroleum institution to ensure it contains friction-reducing additives
it is not down inany maP tRue PlacesneVeR aRe
diRect dePosit oF social secuRity is easieR FoR winteR tRaVeleRs(ara) - as cold weather sets in thousands of retirees are making plans for a winter getaway if yoursquore one of them switch to direct deposit for your social security payments before you leave - itrsquos the safest easiest way to receive your money
ldquoeach year the us department of the treasury receives more than 14 million inquiries regarding paper check-related problemsrdquo says david a lebryk commissioner of the treasury departmentrsquos financial Management service
yet approximately 105 million americans continue to receive their social security and supplemental security income (ssi) payments by paper check each month the treasury departmentrsquos go direct (r) campaign encourages senior citizens and people with disabilities to switch to direct deposit
incReased saFety conVenience and Reliability
ldquowhen therersquos a problem with a social security payment nine times out of 10 itrsquos with a paper check not a direct deposit paymentrdquo says lebryk
Paper checks can be vulnerable to financial crimes like theft and fraud in fact the treasury department investigates more than 70000 cases of altered or fraudulently endorsed checks each year totaling $64 million in estimated value
ldquoin 2008 alone more than 485000 social security and ssi checks were reported lost or stolen and had to be reissuedrdquo says lebryk
direct deposit is also more convenient and reliable there is no more waiting for a check to arrive in the mail and there are no more worries about delivery delays due to severe weather localemergencies and other check related problems last year alone severe weather events forced alternative delivery arrangements for millions of social security and ssi paper checks
ldquoswitching to direct deposit for federal benefits is such an easy way
for people to safeguard their money es-pecially when traveling for extended pe-riods of timerdquo says lebryk ldquoyour money is deposited to your account on payment day so therersquos no need to worry
about delivery delays or a check sitting in your mailbox while yoursquore gonerdquo
PRePaid debit caRd oPtion
in addition to direct deposit the treasury department recommends the direct express (r) debit Mastercard (r) card as an alternative to paper checks for people without bank accounts
More than half a million americans signed up for the optional direct express (r) card in its first year of availability according to the treasury department a recent survey of cardholders finds that 95 percent say they are satisfied with the prepaid debit card and 86 percent say they would recommend it to family members or friends who receive a federal benefit payment
with the direct express card cardholders can make purchases pay bills and get cash at thousands of locations nationwide sign-up is free and no bank account is required while most services are free there are fees for a limited number of optional transactions and services
making tHe switcH is easy
it is easy to make the switch to electronic payments for federal benefits to sign up for direct deposit call the treasury departmentrsquos go direct campaign helpline at 1-800-333-1795 or visit wwwgodirectorg to sign up for the treasury-recommended direct express card or to learn more about the cardrsquos features and fees call 1-877-212-9991 or visit wwwusdirectexpresscom
the preceding information has been provided by the us department of the treasury financial Management service
the go direct (r) campaign is sponsored by the us department of the treasury and the federal reserve banks the direct express (r) debit Mastercard (r) card is issued by comerica bank pursuant to a license by Mastercard international incorporated Mastercard (r) and the Mastercard (r) brand Mark are registered trademarks of Mastercard international incorporated the go direct(r) logo direct express (r) logo and direct express (r) are service marks of the us department of the treasury financial Management service
biZaRRe tRaVel Plans aRe dancing lessons FRom god
time to ReFinance oR buy
right now mortgage rates are at their lowest level since 1971 think about that twenty-five years ago homeowners were paying as much as 18 on a 30-year fixed today itrsquos just a little over 5combine that rate with the tax advantages
of a mortgage and you have an incredibly cheap way to build wealth but you better act now
real estate guru barbara corcoran has already seen a tremendous surge in refinance applications ndash more than triple the average ndash and the number of people getting approved is astronomically higher as well she says but that doesnrsquot mean the low rates are a panacea for the ills of the housing market it is only once home prices start to go up that we will finally see a light at the end of tunnel corcoran says until that happens we are still going to have to crawl out of this mess ldquo[low interest rates are] not a lifesaverrdquo corcoran says ldquothis is just a helping handrdquo
david kittle chairman of the Mortgage bankers association has this advice to homeowners looking to refinance do it donrsquot get greedy searching for another quarter-point lock in rates now he is seeing applications soar over 125 just since thanksgiving due to the low rates
of course you should only refinance if it saves you at least 38 on the rate and if you plan on staying in your home for at least four years kittle says along with good credit proof of income and money by means of a down payment or equity in the home there are certain things every homeowner needs regardless of interest rate levels
easy-to-do maintenance HelPs extend VeHicle liFe(ara) - after their homes most americansrsquo largest financial investment is their vehicle so helping it stay in good working order for as long as possible is a high priority in fact the average age of a passenger car in north america has grown to more than nine years according to rl Polk and co which indicates that motorists are looking for ways to help extend the life of their vehicle
even so todayrsquos tight budgets leave some motorists reluctant to spend on services or maintenance that they think can be delayed at least for the short term however compared to the cost of engine repair spending a little today on the right maintenance routine performed by trusted service technicians using quality products makes sense Mark ferner Pennzoil technical specialist and ase-certified master mechanic offers some simple cost-effective tips for helping to protect the performance and longevity of your vehicle
replace dirty air filters a dirty air filter will restrict airflow to the engine which may reduce power output if the filter fails it will allow unfiltered air into the engine which can be abrasive inside an engine to avoid these issues and help promote long engine life check your enginersquos air filter regularly and change it when it is dirty
use HigH-quality Fuelseveral automotive manufacturers (bMw gM honda toyota volkswagen and audi) have published technical service bulletins recommending the use of top-tier fuel top-tier fuel contains more additives than is required by the industryrsquos lowest additive content (lac) treat rate regular use of fuel that only meets lac requirements may cause deposits to form on engine intake valves and fuel injectors
cHange youR oilregular oil changes are one of the most important steps to maximize the life of a vehicle oil change in-tervals vary by vehicle and driving conditions so follow the interval and oil specifications found in the ownerrsquos manual
also be sure to use quality motor oils in your vehicle Properly functioning motor oils help prevent sludge and neutralize and disperse harmful deposits and using the recommended viscosity grade of motor oil may also help enhance fuel economy if you are having the oil changed for you ask for quality oils by name Quality motor oil will maintain its effectiveness throughout the oil change interval allowing it to help keep the engine clean
as a bonus some motor oil brands offer lubrication warranties at no additional cost for example the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranty Programs protect qualified engines for 300000 miles whether their owners use conventional synthetic-blend or full synthetic motor oils meeting their vehiclesrsquo requirements Participants can enroll online and maintaining eligibility is easy simply get an oil change with the specified brand change the filter perform regular maintenance and keep the service receipts
to learn more about the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranties visit either wwwPennzoilcom or wwwQuakerstatecom or speak with an automotive professional at a participating automotive dealership or oil change facility that features Pennzoil or Quaker state products
PeoPle donrsquot take tRiPs tRiPs take PeoPle
Fin
al
wo
Rd
s
a vacation is what you take when you can no longer take what yoursquove been taking
eaRl wilson
- 1-12-2010pdf
business oR leisuRe dRiVing oR FlyingtRaVel saFely natuRally(ara) - weekend getaways shorter vacations and overnight business trips are great ways to save money and are becoming more prevalent according to the bureau of transportation taking a few simple and natural steps to stay safe and healthy while on the road can not only protect your travel investment butenhance your entire experience
ReFResHed and aleRt dRiVing diFFusion
a shorter thriftier trip is likely to be by car the inevitable rush to make the most of the limited time
away after a tiring work week can create fatigue so donrsquot make it a dangerous driving situation enliven your senses with essential oil scents
ditch the cardboard cutout car ldquofreshenerrdquo that hangs from the rearview mirror not only distracting these products are usually saturated with synthetic fragrance chemicals and probably arenrsquot the best thing to inhale while enclosed in your vehicle instead rely on a sleek essential oil diffuser that plugs into your automobilersquos phone charger power outlet these devices feature small paper fiber pads to which you can apply your own custom blend of essential oils allowing you to not only
scent the air inside the car but also to provide refreshing aromatherapy benefits to help keep you alert and focused on the road
a simpler alternative way to diffuse is to apply several drops of oil to a tissue and tuck it carefully into one of the vents in the dash
try these essential oils for the car Peppermint essential oil - refreshing awakening
uplifting eucalyptus essential oil - bracing purifying
protecting lemon essential oil - pleasant deodorizing
cheering
How clean is youR Hotel Room
overnight stays in less than posh hotel digs may be part of the money-saving travel trend even upscale hotels arenrsquot immune to dirt and germs or worse an apparent outbreak of bedbug infestations in the united states recently publicized by the environmental Protection agency
bedbugs aside there are always nagging doubts about just how clean a hotel room actually is has the shower or tub been scrubbed or merely wiped down is the toilet sanitized has the bedspread ever really been thoroughly cleaned fortunately there are ways to protect yourself after you check in but before you settle into your temporary overnight home
air and surface sanitizing spray feel good about travel with a bottle of homemade purifying aromatherapy solution that relies on pleasantly scented and highly effective essential oils rather than harsh chemical disinfectants the following spray will help you create a hygienic environment in your temporary hotel home apply it to tub vanity and toilet surfaces
ingredientsempty 12 to16 ounce spray bottle10 ounces water2 ounces isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or
vodka12 teaspoon tea tree essential oil
(antimicrobial)12 teaspoon lemon essential oil
(cleansing)12 teaspoon lavandin essential oil
(protecting)12 teaspoon sweet orange essential oil
(freshening)
directions combine all ingredients in the spray bottle shake and apply to a washcloth and wipe down the tvrsquos remote the clock radio the door handles and the faucethandles in the bathroom
Purifying and Relaxing linen mist here are some great tips for making a strange bed feel more like home take along your own pillow and replace the ones provided create your own linen mist and use it on your own bed at home then travel with the same blend taking a little bit of home with you when you arrive at your destination turn down the covers exchange the pillows and apply your signature scent to the bed
ingredientsempty 4 to 8 ounce spray bottle4 to 8 ounces water13 drops lavender essential oil
(relaxing calming)5 drops lavandin or spike lavender
essential oil (purifying protecting)
directionscombine the water and oil in the bottle shake the contents thoroughly just before application
remember to look for pure and natural essential oil brands like aura cacia that donrsquot include synthetic petrochemical fragrances for more information on how to enhance your life through aromatherapy visit wwwauracaciacom
PRePaRe youR VeHicle FoR a HuRRicane eVacuation(ara) - ana bill claudette - the first three atlantic ocean hurricanes of the season made headlines but not to the extent of katrina or ike of recent years and while these three hurricanes have come and gone who knows if - or when - grace or henry might pay a visit to your town
the 2009 hurricane season has an expected 90 percent chance of being a near-normal or below-normal season for the atlantic ocean according to the national oceanic and atmospheric administration this prediction - if accurate - will be welcomed with a sigh of relief by many residents in coastal towns after the above-normal year in 2008
but even if noaa is predicting a quiet year for hurricanes you can never be over prepared if you donrsquot have your emergency evacuation plan organized itrsquos time to make one no matter if yoursquore planning on traveling 100 miles or 1000 miles you need an evacuation plan as a representative of a gulf coast
company Maricela carter a health safety security environment coordinator with soPus has some tips on how to prepare your vehicle for potential evacuations
Plan eVacuation Routescheck newspapers online sites the local emergency broadcast radio station and local television stations for the latest information on official evacuation routes Purchase a good map with details on elevations waterways and county roads and familiarize yourself with the most efficient ways to get out of town
Pack an emeRgency kitautomobiles are susceptible to unexpected problems so keep an emergency kit in your trunk include jumper cables extra motor oil window washing brake and coolant fluids simple tools like an air pressure gauge screwdriver pliers and adjustable wrench a role of
paper towels a windup flashlight and a can of fix-a-flat in case you get a flat tire
fix-a-flat creates a temporary emergency seal on contact with the tire and inflates the tire between eight and 14 pounds per square inch so that the car can be driven to a gas station for proper repair of the tire this can help you to get back on the road and out of the hurricanersquos way quickly and easily
Fill uP tHe tankeveryone is going to need fuel in order to evacuate so plan to fill up your tank as soon as you hear a hurricane warning this helps to prevent sudden demands on the supply once your tank is full conserve the amount of gas you use for the next couple of days by combining your errands into one trip and not traveling during rush hour
cHeck tiRe PRessuRein order to help conserve fuel make sure your tires are at the manufacturerrsquos recommended pressure - usually printed on the driverrsquos door of your car keeping tires at the correct pressure can improve your gasoline mileage by 33 percent according to fueleconomygov which means yoursquoll be able to travel further when evacuating
use PRoPeR FluidsMake sure you follow all the manufacturer recommendations for motor oil which can also improve your gasoline mileage by 1 or 2 percent according to fuelecomonygov one helpful hint is to look for oil that has an ldquoenergy conservingrdquo label by the american Petroleum institution to ensure it contains friction-reducing additives
it is not down inany maP tRue PlacesneVeR aRe
diRect dePosit oF social secuRity is easieR FoR winteR tRaVeleRs(ara) - as cold weather sets in thousands of retirees are making plans for a winter getaway if yoursquore one of them switch to direct deposit for your social security payments before you leave - itrsquos the safest easiest way to receive your money
ldquoeach year the us department of the treasury receives more than 14 million inquiries regarding paper check-related problemsrdquo says david a lebryk commissioner of the treasury departmentrsquos financial Management service
yet approximately 105 million americans continue to receive their social security and supplemental security income (ssi) payments by paper check each month the treasury departmentrsquos go direct (r) campaign encourages senior citizens and people with disabilities to switch to direct deposit
incReased saFety conVenience and Reliability
ldquowhen therersquos a problem with a social security payment nine times out of 10 itrsquos with a paper check not a direct deposit paymentrdquo says lebryk
Paper checks can be vulnerable to financial crimes like theft and fraud in fact the treasury department investigates more than 70000 cases of altered or fraudulently endorsed checks each year totaling $64 million in estimated value
ldquoin 2008 alone more than 485000 social security and ssi checks were reported lost or stolen and had to be reissuedrdquo says lebryk
direct deposit is also more convenient and reliable there is no more waiting for a check to arrive in the mail and there are no more worries about delivery delays due to severe weather localemergencies and other check related problems last year alone severe weather events forced alternative delivery arrangements for millions of social security and ssi paper checks
ldquoswitching to direct deposit for federal benefits is such an easy way
for people to safeguard their money es-pecially when traveling for extended pe-riods of timerdquo says lebryk ldquoyour money is deposited to your account on payment day so therersquos no need to worry
about delivery delays or a check sitting in your mailbox while yoursquore gonerdquo
PRePaid debit caRd oPtion
in addition to direct deposit the treasury department recommends the direct express (r) debit Mastercard (r) card as an alternative to paper checks for people without bank accounts
More than half a million americans signed up for the optional direct express (r) card in its first year of availability according to the treasury department a recent survey of cardholders finds that 95 percent say they are satisfied with the prepaid debit card and 86 percent say they would recommend it to family members or friends who receive a federal benefit payment
with the direct express card cardholders can make purchases pay bills and get cash at thousands of locations nationwide sign-up is free and no bank account is required while most services are free there are fees for a limited number of optional transactions and services
making tHe switcH is easy
it is easy to make the switch to electronic payments for federal benefits to sign up for direct deposit call the treasury departmentrsquos go direct campaign helpline at 1-800-333-1795 or visit wwwgodirectorg to sign up for the treasury-recommended direct express card or to learn more about the cardrsquos features and fees call 1-877-212-9991 or visit wwwusdirectexpresscom
the preceding information has been provided by the us department of the treasury financial Management service
the go direct (r) campaign is sponsored by the us department of the treasury and the federal reserve banks the direct express (r) debit Mastercard (r) card is issued by comerica bank pursuant to a license by Mastercard international incorporated Mastercard (r) and the Mastercard (r) brand Mark are registered trademarks of Mastercard international incorporated the go direct(r) logo direct express (r) logo and direct express (r) are service marks of the us department of the treasury financial Management service
biZaRRe tRaVel Plans aRe dancing lessons FRom god
time to ReFinance oR buy
right now mortgage rates are at their lowest level since 1971 think about that twenty-five years ago homeowners were paying as much as 18 on a 30-year fixed today itrsquos just a little over 5combine that rate with the tax advantages
of a mortgage and you have an incredibly cheap way to build wealth but you better act now
real estate guru barbara corcoran has already seen a tremendous surge in refinance applications ndash more than triple the average ndash and the number of people getting approved is astronomically higher as well she says but that doesnrsquot mean the low rates are a panacea for the ills of the housing market it is only once home prices start to go up that we will finally see a light at the end of tunnel corcoran says until that happens we are still going to have to crawl out of this mess ldquo[low interest rates are] not a lifesaverrdquo corcoran says ldquothis is just a helping handrdquo
david kittle chairman of the Mortgage bankers association has this advice to homeowners looking to refinance do it donrsquot get greedy searching for another quarter-point lock in rates now he is seeing applications soar over 125 just since thanksgiving due to the low rates
of course you should only refinance if it saves you at least 38 on the rate and if you plan on staying in your home for at least four years kittle says along with good credit proof of income and money by means of a down payment or equity in the home there are certain things every homeowner needs regardless of interest rate levels
easy-to-do maintenance HelPs extend VeHicle liFe(ara) - after their homes most americansrsquo largest financial investment is their vehicle so helping it stay in good working order for as long as possible is a high priority in fact the average age of a passenger car in north america has grown to more than nine years according to rl Polk and co which indicates that motorists are looking for ways to help extend the life of their vehicle
even so todayrsquos tight budgets leave some motorists reluctant to spend on services or maintenance that they think can be delayed at least for the short term however compared to the cost of engine repair spending a little today on the right maintenance routine performed by trusted service technicians using quality products makes sense Mark ferner Pennzoil technical specialist and ase-certified master mechanic offers some simple cost-effective tips for helping to protect the performance and longevity of your vehicle
replace dirty air filters a dirty air filter will restrict airflow to the engine which may reduce power output if the filter fails it will allow unfiltered air into the engine which can be abrasive inside an engine to avoid these issues and help promote long engine life check your enginersquos air filter regularly and change it when it is dirty
use HigH-quality Fuelseveral automotive manufacturers (bMw gM honda toyota volkswagen and audi) have published technical service bulletins recommending the use of top-tier fuel top-tier fuel contains more additives than is required by the industryrsquos lowest additive content (lac) treat rate regular use of fuel that only meets lac requirements may cause deposits to form on engine intake valves and fuel injectors
cHange youR oilregular oil changes are one of the most important steps to maximize the life of a vehicle oil change in-tervals vary by vehicle and driving conditions so follow the interval and oil specifications found in the ownerrsquos manual
also be sure to use quality motor oils in your vehicle Properly functioning motor oils help prevent sludge and neutralize and disperse harmful deposits and using the recommended viscosity grade of motor oil may also help enhance fuel economy if you are having the oil changed for you ask for quality oils by name Quality motor oil will maintain its effectiveness throughout the oil change interval allowing it to help keep the engine clean
as a bonus some motor oil brands offer lubrication warranties at no additional cost for example the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranty Programs protect qualified engines for 300000 miles whether their owners use conventional synthetic-blend or full synthetic motor oils meeting their vehiclesrsquo requirements Participants can enroll online and maintaining eligibility is easy simply get an oil change with the specified brand change the filter perform regular maintenance and keep the service receipts
to learn more about the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranties visit either wwwPennzoilcom or wwwQuakerstatecom or speak with an automotive professional at a participating automotive dealership or oil change facility that features Pennzoil or Quaker state products
PeoPle donrsquot take tRiPs tRiPs take PeoPle
Fin
al
wo
Rd
s
a vacation is what you take when you can no longer take what yoursquove been taking
eaRl wilson
- 1-12-2010pdf
scent the air inside the car but also to provide refreshing aromatherapy benefits to help keep you alert and focused on the road
a simpler alternative way to diffuse is to apply several drops of oil to a tissue and tuck it carefully into one of the vents in the dash
try these essential oils for the car Peppermint essential oil - refreshing awakening
uplifting eucalyptus essential oil - bracing purifying
protecting lemon essential oil - pleasant deodorizing
cheering
How clean is youR Hotel Room
overnight stays in less than posh hotel digs may be part of the money-saving travel trend even upscale hotels arenrsquot immune to dirt and germs or worse an apparent outbreak of bedbug infestations in the united states recently publicized by the environmental Protection agency
bedbugs aside there are always nagging doubts about just how clean a hotel room actually is has the shower or tub been scrubbed or merely wiped down is the toilet sanitized has the bedspread ever really been thoroughly cleaned fortunately there are ways to protect yourself after you check in but before you settle into your temporary overnight home
air and surface sanitizing spray feel good about travel with a bottle of homemade purifying aromatherapy solution that relies on pleasantly scented and highly effective essential oils rather than harsh chemical disinfectants the following spray will help you create a hygienic environment in your temporary hotel home apply it to tub vanity and toilet surfaces
ingredientsempty 12 to16 ounce spray bottle10 ounces water2 ounces isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or
vodka12 teaspoon tea tree essential oil
(antimicrobial)12 teaspoon lemon essential oil
(cleansing)12 teaspoon lavandin essential oil
(protecting)12 teaspoon sweet orange essential oil
(freshening)
directions combine all ingredients in the spray bottle shake and apply to a washcloth and wipe down the tvrsquos remote the clock radio the door handles and the faucethandles in the bathroom
Purifying and Relaxing linen mist here are some great tips for making a strange bed feel more like home take along your own pillow and replace the ones provided create your own linen mist and use it on your own bed at home then travel with the same blend taking a little bit of home with you when you arrive at your destination turn down the covers exchange the pillows and apply your signature scent to the bed
ingredientsempty 4 to 8 ounce spray bottle4 to 8 ounces water13 drops lavender essential oil
(relaxing calming)5 drops lavandin or spike lavender
essential oil (purifying protecting)
directionscombine the water and oil in the bottle shake the contents thoroughly just before application
remember to look for pure and natural essential oil brands like aura cacia that donrsquot include synthetic petrochemical fragrances for more information on how to enhance your life through aromatherapy visit wwwauracaciacom
PRePaRe youR VeHicle FoR a HuRRicane eVacuation(ara) - ana bill claudette - the first three atlantic ocean hurricanes of the season made headlines but not to the extent of katrina or ike of recent years and while these three hurricanes have come and gone who knows if - or when - grace or henry might pay a visit to your town
the 2009 hurricane season has an expected 90 percent chance of being a near-normal or below-normal season for the atlantic ocean according to the national oceanic and atmospheric administration this prediction - if accurate - will be welcomed with a sigh of relief by many residents in coastal towns after the above-normal year in 2008
but even if noaa is predicting a quiet year for hurricanes you can never be over prepared if you donrsquot have your emergency evacuation plan organized itrsquos time to make one no matter if yoursquore planning on traveling 100 miles or 1000 miles you need an evacuation plan as a representative of a gulf coast
company Maricela carter a health safety security environment coordinator with soPus has some tips on how to prepare your vehicle for potential evacuations
Plan eVacuation Routescheck newspapers online sites the local emergency broadcast radio station and local television stations for the latest information on official evacuation routes Purchase a good map with details on elevations waterways and county roads and familiarize yourself with the most efficient ways to get out of town
Pack an emeRgency kitautomobiles are susceptible to unexpected problems so keep an emergency kit in your trunk include jumper cables extra motor oil window washing brake and coolant fluids simple tools like an air pressure gauge screwdriver pliers and adjustable wrench a role of
paper towels a windup flashlight and a can of fix-a-flat in case you get a flat tire
fix-a-flat creates a temporary emergency seal on contact with the tire and inflates the tire between eight and 14 pounds per square inch so that the car can be driven to a gas station for proper repair of the tire this can help you to get back on the road and out of the hurricanersquos way quickly and easily
Fill uP tHe tankeveryone is going to need fuel in order to evacuate so plan to fill up your tank as soon as you hear a hurricane warning this helps to prevent sudden demands on the supply once your tank is full conserve the amount of gas you use for the next couple of days by combining your errands into one trip and not traveling during rush hour
cHeck tiRe PRessuRein order to help conserve fuel make sure your tires are at the manufacturerrsquos recommended pressure - usually printed on the driverrsquos door of your car keeping tires at the correct pressure can improve your gasoline mileage by 33 percent according to fueleconomygov which means yoursquoll be able to travel further when evacuating
use PRoPeR FluidsMake sure you follow all the manufacturer recommendations for motor oil which can also improve your gasoline mileage by 1 or 2 percent according to fuelecomonygov one helpful hint is to look for oil that has an ldquoenergy conservingrdquo label by the american Petroleum institution to ensure it contains friction-reducing additives
it is not down inany maP tRue PlacesneVeR aRe
diRect dePosit oF social secuRity is easieR FoR winteR tRaVeleRs(ara) - as cold weather sets in thousands of retirees are making plans for a winter getaway if yoursquore one of them switch to direct deposit for your social security payments before you leave - itrsquos the safest easiest way to receive your money
ldquoeach year the us department of the treasury receives more than 14 million inquiries regarding paper check-related problemsrdquo says david a lebryk commissioner of the treasury departmentrsquos financial Management service
yet approximately 105 million americans continue to receive their social security and supplemental security income (ssi) payments by paper check each month the treasury departmentrsquos go direct (r) campaign encourages senior citizens and people with disabilities to switch to direct deposit
incReased saFety conVenience and Reliability
ldquowhen therersquos a problem with a social security payment nine times out of 10 itrsquos with a paper check not a direct deposit paymentrdquo says lebryk
Paper checks can be vulnerable to financial crimes like theft and fraud in fact the treasury department investigates more than 70000 cases of altered or fraudulently endorsed checks each year totaling $64 million in estimated value
ldquoin 2008 alone more than 485000 social security and ssi checks were reported lost or stolen and had to be reissuedrdquo says lebryk
direct deposit is also more convenient and reliable there is no more waiting for a check to arrive in the mail and there are no more worries about delivery delays due to severe weather localemergencies and other check related problems last year alone severe weather events forced alternative delivery arrangements for millions of social security and ssi paper checks
ldquoswitching to direct deposit for federal benefits is such an easy way
for people to safeguard their money es-pecially when traveling for extended pe-riods of timerdquo says lebryk ldquoyour money is deposited to your account on payment day so therersquos no need to worry
about delivery delays or a check sitting in your mailbox while yoursquore gonerdquo
PRePaid debit caRd oPtion
in addition to direct deposit the treasury department recommends the direct express (r) debit Mastercard (r) card as an alternative to paper checks for people without bank accounts
More than half a million americans signed up for the optional direct express (r) card in its first year of availability according to the treasury department a recent survey of cardholders finds that 95 percent say they are satisfied with the prepaid debit card and 86 percent say they would recommend it to family members or friends who receive a federal benefit payment
with the direct express card cardholders can make purchases pay bills and get cash at thousands of locations nationwide sign-up is free and no bank account is required while most services are free there are fees for a limited number of optional transactions and services
making tHe switcH is easy
it is easy to make the switch to electronic payments for federal benefits to sign up for direct deposit call the treasury departmentrsquos go direct campaign helpline at 1-800-333-1795 or visit wwwgodirectorg to sign up for the treasury-recommended direct express card or to learn more about the cardrsquos features and fees call 1-877-212-9991 or visit wwwusdirectexpresscom
the preceding information has been provided by the us department of the treasury financial Management service
the go direct (r) campaign is sponsored by the us department of the treasury and the federal reserve banks the direct express (r) debit Mastercard (r) card is issued by comerica bank pursuant to a license by Mastercard international incorporated Mastercard (r) and the Mastercard (r) brand Mark are registered trademarks of Mastercard international incorporated the go direct(r) logo direct express (r) logo and direct express (r) are service marks of the us department of the treasury financial Management service
biZaRRe tRaVel Plans aRe dancing lessons FRom god
time to ReFinance oR buy
right now mortgage rates are at their lowest level since 1971 think about that twenty-five years ago homeowners were paying as much as 18 on a 30-year fixed today itrsquos just a little over 5combine that rate with the tax advantages
of a mortgage and you have an incredibly cheap way to build wealth but you better act now
real estate guru barbara corcoran has already seen a tremendous surge in refinance applications ndash more than triple the average ndash and the number of people getting approved is astronomically higher as well she says but that doesnrsquot mean the low rates are a panacea for the ills of the housing market it is only once home prices start to go up that we will finally see a light at the end of tunnel corcoran says until that happens we are still going to have to crawl out of this mess ldquo[low interest rates are] not a lifesaverrdquo corcoran says ldquothis is just a helping handrdquo
david kittle chairman of the Mortgage bankers association has this advice to homeowners looking to refinance do it donrsquot get greedy searching for another quarter-point lock in rates now he is seeing applications soar over 125 just since thanksgiving due to the low rates
of course you should only refinance if it saves you at least 38 on the rate and if you plan on staying in your home for at least four years kittle says along with good credit proof of income and money by means of a down payment or equity in the home there are certain things every homeowner needs regardless of interest rate levels
easy-to-do maintenance HelPs extend VeHicle liFe(ara) - after their homes most americansrsquo largest financial investment is their vehicle so helping it stay in good working order for as long as possible is a high priority in fact the average age of a passenger car in north america has grown to more than nine years according to rl Polk and co which indicates that motorists are looking for ways to help extend the life of their vehicle
even so todayrsquos tight budgets leave some motorists reluctant to spend on services or maintenance that they think can be delayed at least for the short term however compared to the cost of engine repair spending a little today on the right maintenance routine performed by trusted service technicians using quality products makes sense Mark ferner Pennzoil technical specialist and ase-certified master mechanic offers some simple cost-effective tips for helping to protect the performance and longevity of your vehicle
replace dirty air filters a dirty air filter will restrict airflow to the engine which may reduce power output if the filter fails it will allow unfiltered air into the engine which can be abrasive inside an engine to avoid these issues and help promote long engine life check your enginersquos air filter regularly and change it when it is dirty
use HigH-quality Fuelseveral automotive manufacturers (bMw gM honda toyota volkswagen and audi) have published technical service bulletins recommending the use of top-tier fuel top-tier fuel contains more additives than is required by the industryrsquos lowest additive content (lac) treat rate regular use of fuel that only meets lac requirements may cause deposits to form on engine intake valves and fuel injectors
cHange youR oilregular oil changes are one of the most important steps to maximize the life of a vehicle oil change in-tervals vary by vehicle and driving conditions so follow the interval and oil specifications found in the ownerrsquos manual
also be sure to use quality motor oils in your vehicle Properly functioning motor oils help prevent sludge and neutralize and disperse harmful deposits and using the recommended viscosity grade of motor oil may also help enhance fuel economy if you are having the oil changed for you ask for quality oils by name Quality motor oil will maintain its effectiveness throughout the oil change interval allowing it to help keep the engine clean
as a bonus some motor oil brands offer lubrication warranties at no additional cost for example the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranty Programs protect qualified engines for 300000 miles whether their owners use conventional synthetic-blend or full synthetic motor oils meeting their vehiclesrsquo requirements Participants can enroll online and maintaining eligibility is easy simply get an oil change with the specified brand change the filter perform regular maintenance and keep the service receipts
to learn more about the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranties visit either wwwPennzoilcom or wwwQuakerstatecom or speak with an automotive professional at a participating automotive dealership or oil change facility that features Pennzoil or Quaker state products
PeoPle donrsquot take tRiPs tRiPs take PeoPle
Fin
al
wo
Rd
s
a vacation is what you take when you can no longer take what yoursquove been taking
eaRl wilson
- 1-12-2010pdf
air and surface sanitizing spray feel good about travel with a bottle of homemade purifying aromatherapy solution that relies on pleasantly scented and highly effective essential oils rather than harsh chemical disinfectants the following spray will help you create a hygienic environment in your temporary hotel home apply it to tub vanity and toilet surfaces
ingredientsempty 12 to16 ounce spray bottle10 ounces water2 ounces isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or
vodka12 teaspoon tea tree essential oil
(antimicrobial)12 teaspoon lemon essential oil
(cleansing)12 teaspoon lavandin essential oil
(protecting)12 teaspoon sweet orange essential oil
(freshening)
directions combine all ingredients in the spray bottle shake and apply to a washcloth and wipe down the tvrsquos remote the clock radio the door handles and the faucethandles in the bathroom
Purifying and Relaxing linen mist here are some great tips for making a strange bed feel more like home take along your own pillow and replace the ones provided create your own linen mist and use it on your own bed at home then travel with the same blend taking a little bit of home with you when you arrive at your destination turn down the covers exchange the pillows and apply your signature scent to the bed
ingredientsempty 4 to 8 ounce spray bottle4 to 8 ounces water13 drops lavender essential oil
(relaxing calming)5 drops lavandin or spike lavender
essential oil (purifying protecting)
directionscombine the water and oil in the bottle shake the contents thoroughly just before application
remember to look for pure and natural essential oil brands like aura cacia that donrsquot include synthetic petrochemical fragrances for more information on how to enhance your life through aromatherapy visit wwwauracaciacom
PRePaRe youR VeHicle FoR a HuRRicane eVacuation(ara) - ana bill claudette - the first three atlantic ocean hurricanes of the season made headlines but not to the extent of katrina or ike of recent years and while these three hurricanes have come and gone who knows if - or when - grace or henry might pay a visit to your town
the 2009 hurricane season has an expected 90 percent chance of being a near-normal or below-normal season for the atlantic ocean according to the national oceanic and atmospheric administration this prediction - if accurate - will be welcomed with a sigh of relief by many residents in coastal towns after the above-normal year in 2008
but even if noaa is predicting a quiet year for hurricanes you can never be over prepared if you donrsquot have your emergency evacuation plan organized itrsquos time to make one no matter if yoursquore planning on traveling 100 miles or 1000 miles you need an evacuation plan as a representative of a gulf coast
company Maricela carter a health safety security environment coordinator with soPus has some tips on how to prepare your vehicle for potential evacuations
Plan eVacuation Routescheck newspapers online sites the local emergency broadcast radio station and local television stations for the latest information on official evacuation routes Purchase a good map with details on elevations waterways and county roads and familiarize yourself with the most efficient ways to get out of town
Pack an emeRgency kitautomobiles are susceptible to unexpected problems so keep an emergency kit in your trunk include jumper cables extra motor oil window washing brake and coolant fluids simple tools like an air pressure gauge screwdriver pliers and adjustable wrench a role of
paper towels a windup flashlight and a can of fix-a-flat in case you get a flat tire
fix-a-flat creates a temporary emergency seal on contact with the tire and inflates the tire between eight and 14 pounds per square inch so that the car can be driven to a gas station for proper repair of the tire this can help you to get back on the road and out of the hurricanersquos way quickly and easily
Fill uP tHe tankeveryone is going to need fuel in order to evacuate so plan to fill up your tank as soon as you hear a hurricane warning this helps to prevent sudden demands on the supply once your tank is full conserve the amount of gas you use for the next couple of days by combining your errands into one trip and not traveling during rush hour
cHeck tiRe PRessuRein order to help conserve fuel make sure your tires are at the manufacturerrsquos recommended pressure - usually printed on the driverrsquos door of your car keeping tires at the correct pressure can improve your gasoline mileage by 33 percent according to fueleconomygov which means yoursquoll be able to travel further when evacuating
use PRoPeR FluidsMake sure you follow all the manufacturer recommendations for motor oil which can also improve your gasoline mileage by 1 or 2 percent according to fuelecomonygov one helpful hint is to look for oil that has an ldquoenergy conservingrdquo label by the american Petroleum institution to ensure it contains friction-reducing additives
it is not down inany maP tRue PlacesneVeR aRe
diRect dePosit oF social secuRity is easieR FoR winteR tRaVeleRs(ara) - as cold weather sets in thousands of retirees are making plans for a winter getaway if yoursquore one of them switch to direct deposit for your social security payments before you leave - itrsquos the safest easiest way to receive your money
ldquoeach year the us department of the treasury receives more than 14 million inquiries regarding paper check-related problemsrdquo says david a lebryk commissioner of the treasury departmentrsquos financial Management service
yet approximately 105 million americans continue to receive their social security and supplemental security income (ssi) payments by paper check each month the treasury departmentrsquos go direct (r) campaign encourages senior citizens and people with disabilities to switch to direct deposit
incReased saFety conVenience and Reliability
ldquowhen therersquos a problem with a social security payment nine times out of 10 itrsquos with a paper check not a direct deposit paymentrdquo says lebryk
Paper checks can be vulnerable to financial crimes like theft and fraud in fact the treasury department investigates more than 70000 cases of altered or fraudulently endorsed checks each year totaling $64 million in estimated value
ldquoin 2008 alone more than 485000 social security and ssi checks were reported lost or stolen and had to be reissuedrdquo says lebryk
direct deposit is also more convenient and reliable there is no more waiting for a check to arrive in the mail and there are no more worries about delivery delays due to severe weather localemergencies and other check related problems last year alone severe weather events forced alternative delivery arrangements for millions of social security and ssi paper checks
ldquoswitching to direct deposit for federal benefits is such an easy way
for people to safeguard their money es-pecially when traveling for extended pe-riods of timerdquo says lebryk ldquoyour money is deposited to your account on payment day so therersquos no need to worry
about delivery delays or a check sitting in your mailbox while yoursquore gonerdquo
PRePaid debit caRd oPtion
in addition to direct deposit the treasury department recommends the direct express (r) debit Mastercard (r) card as an alternative to paper checks for people without bank accounts
More than half a million americans signed up for the optional direct express (r) card in its first year of availability according to the treasury department a recent survey of cardholders finds that 95 percent say they are satisfied with the prepaid debit card and 86 percent say they would recommend it to family members or friends who receive a federal benefit payment
with the direct express card cardholders can make purchases pay bills and get cash at thousands of locations nationwide sign-up is free and no bank account is required while most services are free there are fees for a limited number of optional transactions and services
making tHe switcH is easy
it is easy to make the switch to electronic payments for federal benefits to sign up for direct deposit call the treasury departmentrsquos go direct campaign helpline at 1-800-333-1795 or visit wwwgodirectorg to sign up for the treasury-recommended direct express card or to learn more about the cardrsquos features and fees call 1-877-212-9991 or visit wwwusdirectexpresscom
the preceding information has been provided by the us department of the treasury financial Management service
the go direct (r) campaign is sponsored by the us department of the treasury and the federal reserve banks the direct express (r) debit Mastercard (r) card is issued by comerica bank pursuant to a license by Mastercard international incorporated Mastercard (r) and the Mastercard (r) brand Mark are registered trademarks of Mastercard international incorporated the go direct(r) logo direct express (r) logo and direct express (r) are service marks of the us department of the treasury financial Management service
biZaRRe tRaVel Plans aRe dancing lessons FRom god
time to ReFinance oR buy
right now mortgage rates are at their lowest level since 1971 think about that twenty-five years ago homeowners were paying as much as 18 on a 30-year fixed today itrsquos just a little over 5combine that rate with the tax advantages
of a mortgage and you have an incredibly cheap way to build wealth but you better act now
real estate guru barbara corcoran has already seen a tremendous surge in refinance applications ndash more than triple the average ndash and the number of people getting approved is astronomically higher as well she says but that doesnrsquot mean the low rates are a panacea for the ills of the housing market it is only once home prices start to go up that we will finally see a light at the end of tunnel corcoran says until that happens we are still going to have to crawl out of this mess ldquo[low interest rates are] not a lifesaverrdquo corcoran says ldquothis is just a helping handrdquo
david kittle chairman of the Mortgage bankers association has this advice to homeowners looking to refinance do it donrsquot get greedy searching for another quarter-point lock in rates now he is seeing applications soar over 125 just since thanksgiving due to the low rates
of course you should only refinance if it saves you at least 38 on the rate and if you plan on staying in your home for at least four years kittle says along with good credit proof of income and money by means of a down payment or equity in the home there are certain things every homeowner needs regardless of interest rate levels
easy-to-do maintenance HelPs extend VeHicle liFe(ara) - after their homes most americansrsquo largest financial investment is their vehicle so helping it stay in good working order for as long as possible is a high priority in fact the average age of a passenger car in north america has grown to more than nine years according to rl Polk and co which indicates that motorists are looking for ways to help extend the life of their vehicle
even so todayrsquos tight budgets leave some motorists reluctant to spend on services or maintenance that they think can be delayed at least for the short term however compared to the cost of engine repair spending a little today on the right maintenance routine performed by trusted service technicians using quality products makes sense Mark ferner Pennzoil technical specialist and ase-certified master mechanic offers some simple cost-effective tips for helping to protect the performance and longevity of your vehicle
replace dirty air filters a dirty air filter will restrict airflow to the engine which may reduce power output if the filter fails it will allow unfiltered air into the engine which can be abrasive inside an engine to avoid these issues and help promote long engine life check your enginersquos air filter regularly and change it when it is dirty
use HigH-quality Fuelseveral automotive manufacturers (bMw gM honda toyota volkswagen and audi) have published technical service bulletins recommending the use of top-tier fuel top-tier fuel contains more additives than is required by the industryrsquos lowest additive content (lac) treat rate regular use of fuel that only meets lac requirements may cause deposits to form on engine intake valves and fuel injectors
cHange youR oilregular oil changes are one of the most important steps to maximize the life of a vehicle oil change in-tervals vary by vehicle and driving conditions so follow the interval and oil specifications found in the ownerrsquos manual
also be sure to use quality motor oils in your vehicle Properly functioning motor oils help prevent sludge and neutralize and disperse harmful deposits and using the recommended viscosity grade of motor oil may also help enhance fuel economy if you are having the oil changed for you ask for quality oils by name Quality motor oil will maintain its effectiveness throughout the oil change interval allowing it to help keep the engine clean
as a bonus some motor oil brands offer lubrication warranties at no additional cost for example the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranty Programs protect qualified engines for 300000 miles whether their owners use conventional synthetic-blend or full synthetic motor oils meeting their vehiclesrsquo requirements Participants can enroll online and maintaining eligibility is easy simply get an oil change with the specified brand change the filter perform regular maintenance and keep the service receipts
to learn more about the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranties visit either wwwPennzoilcom or wwwQuakerstatecom or speak with an automotive professional at a participating automotive dealership or oil change facility that features Pennzoil or Quaker state products
PeoPle donrsquot take tRiPs tRiPs take PeoPle
Fin
al
wo
Rd
s
a vacation is what you take when you can no longer take what yoursquove been taking
eaRl wilson
- 1-12-2010pdf
Purifying and Relaxing linen mist here are some great tips for making a strange bed feel more like home take along your own pillow and replace the ones provided create your own linen mist and use it on your own bed at home then travel with the same blend taking a little bit of home with you when you arrive at your destination turn down the covers exchange the pillows and apply your signature scent to the bed
ingredientsempty 4 to 8 ounce spray bottle4 to 8 ounces water13 drops lavender essential oil
(relaxing calming)5 drops lavandin or spike lavender
essential oil (purifying protecting)
directionscombine the water and oil in the bottle shake the contents thoroughly just before application
remember to look for pure and natural essential oil brands like aura cacia that donrsquot include synthetic petrochemical fragrances for more information on how to enhance your life through aromatherapy visit wwwauracaciacom
PRePaRe youR VeHicle FoR a HuRRicane eVacuation(ara) - ana bill claudette - the first three atlantic ocean hurricanes of the season made headlines but not to the extent of katrina or ike of recent years and while these three hurricanes have come and gone who knows if - or when - grace or henry might pay a visit to your town
the 2009 hurricane season has an expected 90 percent chance of being a near-normal or below-normal season for the atlantic ocean according to the national oceanic and atmospheric administration this prediction - if accurate - will be welcomed with a sigh of relief by many residents in coastal towns after the above-normal year in 2008
but even if noaa is predicting a quiet year for hurricanes you can never be over prepared if you donrsquot have your emergency evacuation plan organized itrsquos time to make one no matter if yoursquore planning on traveling 100 miles or 1000 miles you need an evacuation plan as a representative of a gulf coast
company Maricela carter a health safety security environment coordinator with soPus has some tips on how to prepare your vehicle for potential evacuations
Plan eVacuation Routescheck newspapers online sites the local emergency broadcast radio station and local television stations for the latest information on official evacuation routes Purchase a good map with details on elevations waterways and county roads and familiarize yourself with the most efficient ways to get out of town
Pack an emeRgency kitautomobiles are susceptible to unexpected problems so keep an emergency kit in your trunk include jumper cables extra motor oil window washing brake and coolant fluids simple tools like an air pressure gauge screwdriver pliers and adjustable wrench a role of
paper towels a windup flashlight and a can of fix-a-flat in case you get a flat tire
fix-a-flat creates a temporary emergency seal on contact with the tire and inflates the tire between eight and 14 pounds per square inch so that the car can be driven to a gas station for proper repair of the tire this can help you to get back on the road and out of the hurricanersquos way quickly and easily
Fill uP tHe tankeveryone is going to need fuel in order to evacuate so plan to fill up your tank as soon as you hear a hurricane warning this helps to prevent sudden demands on the supply once your tank is full conserve the amount of gas you use for the next couple of days by combining your errands into one trip and not traveling during rush hour
cHeck tiRe PRessuRein order to help conserve fuel make sure your tires are at the manufacturerrsquos recommended pressure - usually printed on the driverrsquos door of your car keeping tires at the correct pressure can improve your gasoline mileage by 33 percent according to fueleconomygov which means yoursquoll be able to travel further when evacuating
use PRoPeR FluidsMake sure you follow all the manufacturer recommendations for motor oil which can also improve your gasoline mileage by 1 or 2 percent according to fuelecomonygov one helpful hint is to look for oil that has an ldquoenergy conservingrdquo label by the american Petroleum institution to ensure it contains friction-reducing additives
it is not down inany maP tRue PlacesneVeR aRe
diRect dePosit oF social secuRity is easieR FoR winteR tRaVeleRs(ara) - as cold weather sets in thousands of retirees are making plans for a winter getaway if yoursquore one of them switch to direct deposit for your social security payments before you leave - itrsquos the safest easiest way to receive your money
ldquoeach year the us department of the treasury receives more than 14 million inquiries regarding paper check-related problemsrdquo says david a lebryk commissioner of the treasury departmentrsquos financial Management service
yet approximately 105 million americans continue to receive their social security and supplemental security income (ssi) payments by paper check each month the treasury departmentrsquos go direct (r) campaign encourages senior citizens and people with disabilities to switch to direct deposit
incReased saFety conVenience and Reliability
ldquowhen therersquos a problem with a social security payment nine times out of 10 itrsquos with a paper check not a direct deposit paymentrdquo says lebryk
Paper checks can be vulnerable to financial crimes like theft and fraud in fact the treasury department investigates more than 70000 cases of altered or fraudulently endorsed checks each year totaling $64 million in estimated value
ldquoin 2008 alone more than 485000 social security and ssi checks were reported lost or stolen and had to be reissuedrdquo says lebryk
direct deposit is also more convenient and reliable there is no more waiting for a check to arrive in the mail and there are no more worries about delivery delays due to severe weather localemergencies and other check related problems last year alone severe weather events forced alternative delivery arrangements for millions of social security and ssi paper checks
ldquoswitching to direct deposit for federal benefits is such an easy way
for people to safeguard their money es-pecially when traveling for extended pe-riods of timerdquo says lebryk ldquoyour money is deposited to your account on payment day so therersquos no need to worry
about delivery delays or a check sitting in your mailbox while yoursquore gonerdquo
PRePaid debit caRd oPtion
in addition to direct deposit the treasury department recommends the direct express (r) debit Mastercard (r) card as an alternative to paper checks for people without bank accounts
More than half a million americans signed up for the optional direct express (r) card in its first year of availability according to the treasury department a recent survey of cardholders finds that 95 percent say they are satisfied with the prepaid debit card and 86 percent say they would recommend it to family members or friends who receive a federal benefit payment
with the direct express card cardholders can make purchases pay bills and get cash at thousands of locations nationwide sign-up is free and no bank account is required while most services are free there are fees for a limited number of optional transactions and services
making tHe switcH is easy
it is easy to make the switch to electronic payments for federal benefits to sign up for direct deposit call the treasury departmentrsquos go direct campaign helpline at 1-800-333-1795 or visit wwwgodirectorg to sign up for the treasury-recommended direct express card or to learn more about the cardrsquos features and fees call 1-877-212-9991 or visit wwwusdirectexpresscom
the preceding information has been provided by the us department of the treasury financial Management service
the go direct (r) campaign is sponsored by the us department of the treasury and the federal reserve banks the direct express (r) debit Mastercard (r) card is issued by comerica bank pursuant to a license by Mastercard international incorporated Mastercard (r) and the Mastercard (r) brand Mark are registered trademarks of Mastercard international incorporated the go direct(r) logo direct express (r) logo and direct express (r) are service marks of the us department of the treasury financial Management service
biZaRRe tRaVel Plans aRe dancing lessons FRom god
time to ReFinance oR buy
right now mortgage rates are at their lowest level since 1971 think about that twenty-five years ago homeowners were paying as much as 18 on a 30-year fixed today itrsquos just a little over 5combine that rate with the tax advantages
of a mortgage and you have an incredibly cheap way to build wealth but you better act now
real estate guru barbara corcoran has already seen a tremendous surge in refinance applications ndash more than triple the average ndash and the number of people getting approved is astronomically higher as well she says but that doesnrsquot mean the low rates are a panacea for the ills of the housing market it is only once home prices start to go up that we will finally see a light at the end of tunnel corcoran says until that happens we are still going to have to crawl out of this mess ldquo[low interest rates are] not a lifesaverrdquo corcoran says ldquothis is just a helping handrdquo
david kittle chairman of the Mortgage bankers association has this advice to homeowners looking to refinance do it donrsquot get greedy searching for another quarter-point lock in rates now he is seeing applications soar over 125 just since thanksgiving due to the low rates
of course you should only refinance if it saves you at least 38 on the rate and if you plan on staying in your home for at least four years kittle says along with good credit proof of income and money by means of a down payment or equity in the home there are certain things every homeowner needs regardless of interest rate levels
easy-to-do maintenance HelPs extend VeHicle liFe(ara) - after their homes most americansrsquo largest financial investment is their vehicle so helping it stay in good working order for as long as possible is a high priority in fact the average age of a passenger car in north america has grown to more than nine years according to rl Polk and co which indicates that motorists are looking for ways to help extend the life of their vehicle
even so todayrsquos tight budgets leave some motorists reluctant to spend on services or maintenance that they think can be delayed at least for the short term however compared to the cost of engine repair spending a little today on the right maintenance routine performed by trusted service technicians using quality products makes sense Mark ferner Pennzoil technical specialist and ase-certified master mechanic offers some simple cost-effective tips for helping to protect the performance and longevity of your vehicle
replace dirty air filters a dirty air filter will restrict airflow to the engine which may reduce power output if the filter fails it will allow unfiltered air into the engine which can be abrasive inside an engine to avoid these issues and help promote long engine life check your enginersquos air filter regularly and change it when it is dirty
use HigH-quality Fuelseveral automotive manufacturers (bMw gM honda toyota volkswagen and audi) have published technical service bulletins recommending the use of top-tier fuel top-tier fuel contains more additives than is required by the industryrsquos lowest additive content (lac) treat rate regular use of fuel that only meets lac requirements may cause deposits to form on engine intake valves and fuel injectors
cHange youR oilregular oil changes are one of the most important steps to maximize the life of a vehicle oil change in-tervals vary by vehicle and driving conditions so follow the interval and oil specifications found in the ownerrsquos manual
also be sure to use quality motor oils in your vehicle Properly functioning motor oils help prevent sludge and neutralize and disperse harmful deposits and using the recommended viscosity grade of motor oil may also help enhance fuel economy if you are having the oil changed for you ask for quality oils by name Quality motor oil will maintain its effectiveness throughout the oil change interval allowing it to help keep the engine clean
as a bonus some motor oil brands offer lubrication warranties at no additional cost for example the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranty Programs protect qualified engines for 300000 miles whether their owners use conventional synthetic-blend or full synthetic motor oils meeting their vehiclesrsquo requirements Participants can enroll online and maintaining eligibility is easy simply get an oil change with the specified brand change the filter perform regular maintenance and keep the service receipts
to learn more about the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranties visit either wwwPennzoilcom or wwwQuakerstatecom or speak with an automotive professional at a participating automotive dealership or oil change facility that features Pennzoil or Quaker state products
PeoPle donrsquot take tRiPs tRiPs take PeoPle
Fin
al
wo
Rd
s
a vacation is what you take when you can no longer take what yoursquove been taking
eaRl wilson
- 1-12-2010pdf
PRePaRe youR VeHicle FoR a HuRRicane eVacuation(ara) - ana bill claudette - the first three atlantic ocean hurricanes of the season made headlines but not to the extent of katrina or ike of recent years and while these three hurricanes have come and gone who knows if - or when - grace or henry might pay a visit to your town
the 2009 hurricane season has an expected 90 percent chance of being a near-normal or below-normal season for the atlantic ocean according to the national oceanic and atmospheric administration this prediction - if accurate - will be welcomed with a sigh of relief by many residents in coastal towns after the above-normal year in 2008
but even if noaa is predicting a quiet year for hurricanes you can never be over prepared if you donrsquot have your emergency evacuation plan organized itrsquos time to make one no matter if yoursquore planning on traveling 100 miles or 1000 miles you need an evacuation plan as a representative of a gulf coast
company Maricela carter a health safety security environment coordinator with soPus has some tips on how to prepare your vehicle for potential evacuations
Plan eVacuation Routescheck newspapers online sites the local emergency broadcast radio station and local television stations for the latest information on official evacuation routes Purchase a good map with details on elevations waterways and county roads and familiarize yourself with the most efficient ways to get out of town
Pack an emeRgency kitautomobiles are susceptible to unexpected problems so keep an emergency kit in your trunk include jumper cables extra motor oil window washing brake and coolant fluids simple tools like an air pressure gauge screwdriver pliers and adjustable wrench a role of
paper towels a windup flashlight and a can of fix-a-flat in case you get a flat tire
fix-a-flat creates a temporary emergency seal on contact with the tire and inflates the tire between eight and 14 pounds per square inch so that the car can be driven to a gas station for proper repair of the tire this can help you to get back on the road and out of the hurricanersquos way quickly and easily
Fill uP tHe tankeveryone is going to need fuel in order to evacuate so plan to fill up your tank as soon as you hear a hurricane warning this helps to prevent sudden demands on the supply once your tank is full conserve the amount of gas you use for the next couple of days by combining your errands into one trip and not traveling during rush hour
cHeck tiRe PRessuRein order to help conserve fuel make sure your tires are at the manufacturerrsquos recommended pressure - usually printed on the driverrsquos door of your car keeping tires at the correct pressure can improve your gasoline mileage by 33 percent according to fueleconomygov which means yoursquoll be able to travel further when evacuating
use PRoPeR FluidsMake sure you follow all the manufacturer recommendations for motor oil which can also improve your gasoline mileage by 1 or 2 percent according to fuelecomonygov one helpful hint is to look for oil that has an ldquoenergy conservingrdquo label by the american Petroleum institution to ensure it contains friction-reducing additives
it is not down inany maP tRue PlacesneVeR aRe
diRect dePosit oF social secuRity is easieR FoR winteR tRaVeleRs(ara) - as cold weather sets in thousands of retirees are making plans for a winter getaway if yoursquore one of them switch to direct deposit for your social security payments before you leave - itrsquos the safest easiest way to receive your money
ldquoeach year the us department of the treasury receives more than 14 million inquiries regarding paper check-related problemsrdquo says david a lebryk commissioner of the treasury departmentrsquos financial Management service
yet approximately 105 million americans continue to receive their social security and supplemental security income (ssi) payments by paper check each month the treasury departmentrsquos go direct (r) campaign encourages senior citizens and people with disabilities to switch to direct deposit
incReased saFety conVenience and Reliability
ldquowhen therersquos a problem with a social security payment nine times out of 10 itrsquos with a paper check not a direct deposit paymentrdquo says lebryk
Paper checks can be vulnerable to financial crimes like theft and fraud in fact the treasury department investigates more than 70000 cases of altered or fraudulently endorsed checks each year totaling $64 million in estimated value
ldquoin 2008 alone more than 485000 social security and ssi checks were reported lost or stolen and had to be reissuedrdquo says lebryk
direct deposit is also more convenient and reliable there is no more waiting for a check to arrive in the mail and there are no more worries about delivery delays due to severe weather localemergencies and other check related problems last year alone severe weather events forced alternative delivery arrangements for millions of social security and ssi paper checks
ldquoswitching to direct deposit for federal benefits is such an easy way
for people to safeguard their money es-pecially when traveling for extended pe-riods of timerdquo says lebryk ldquoyour money is deposited to your account on payment day so therersquos no need to worry
about delivery delays or a check sitting in your mailbox while yoursquore gonerdquo
PRePaid debit caRd oPtion
in addition to direct deposit the treasury department recommends the direct express (r) debit Mastercard (r) card as an alternative to paper checks for people without bank accounts
More than half a million americans signed up for the optional direct express (r) card in its first year of availability according to the treasury department a recent survey of cardholders finds that 95 percent say they are satisfied with the prepaid debit card and 86 percent say they would recommend it to family members or friends who receive a federal benefit payment
with the direct express card cardholders can make purchases pay bills and get cash at thousands of locations nationwide sign-up is free and no bank account is required while most services are free there are fees for a limited number of optional transactions and services
making tHe switcH is easy
it is easy to make the switch to electronic payments for federal benefits to sign up for direct deposit call the treasury departmentrsquos go direct campaign helpline at 1-800-333-1795 or visit wwwgodirectorg to sign up for the treasury-recommended direct express card or to learn more about the cardrsquos features and fees call 1-877-212-9991 or visit wwwusdirectexpresscom
the preceding information has been provided by the us department of the treasury financial Management service
the go direct (r) campaign is sponsored by the us department of the treasury and the federal reserve banks the direct express (r) debit Mastercard (r) card is issued by comerica bank pursuant to a license by Mastercard international incorporated Mastercard (r) and the Mastercard (r) brand Mark are registered trademarks of Mastercard international incorporated the go direct(r) logo direct express (r) logo and direct express (r) are service marks of the us department of the treasury financial Management service
biZaRRe tRaVel Plans aRe dancing lessons FRom god
time to ReFinance oR buy
right now mortgage rates are at their lowest level since 1971 think about that twenty-five years ago homeowners were paying as much as 18 on a 30-year fixed today itrsquos just a little over 5combine that rate with the tax advantages
of a mortgage and you have an incredibly cheap way to build wealth but you better act now
real estate guru barbara corcoran has already seen a tremendous surge in refinance applications ndash more than triple the average ndash and the number of people getting approved is astronomically higher as well she says but that doesnrsquot mean the low rates are a panacea for the ills of the housing market it is only once home prices start to go up that we will finally see a light at the end of tunnel corcoran says until that happens we are still going to have to crawl out of this mess ldquo[low interest rates are] not a lifesaverrdquo corcoran says ldquothis is just a helping handrdquo
david kittle chairman of the Mortgage bankers association has this advice to homeowners looking to refinance do it donrsquot get greedy searching for another quarter-point lock in rates now he is seeing applications soar over 125 just since thanksgiving due to the low rates
of course you should only refinance if it saves you at least 38 on the rate and if you plan on staying in your home for at least four years kittle says along with good credit proof of income and money by means of a down payment or equity in the home there are certain things every homeowner needs regardless of interest rate levels
easy-to-do maintenance HelPs extend VeHicle liFe(ara) - after their homes most americansrsquo largest financial investment is their vehicle so helping it stay in good working order for as long as possible is a high priority in fact the average age of a passenger car in north america has grown to more than nine years according to rl Polk and co which indicates that motorists are looking for ways to help extend the life of their vehicle
even so todayrsquos tight budgets leave some motorists reluctant to spend on services or maintenance that they think can be delayed at least for the short term however compared to the cost of engine repair spending a little today on the right maintenance routine performed by trusted service technicians using quality products makes sense Mark ferner Pennzoil technical specialist and ase-certified master mechanic offers some simple cost-effective tips for helping to protect the performance and longevity of your vehicle
replace dirty air filters a dirty air filter will restrict airflow to the engine which may reduce power output if the filter fails it will allow unfiltered air into the engine which can be abrasive inside an engine to avoid these issues and help promote long engine life check your enginersquos air filter regularly and change it when it is dirty
use HigH-quality Fuelseveral automotive manufacturers (bMw gM honda toyota volkswagen and audi) have published technical service bulletins recommending the use of top-tier fuel top-tier fuel contains more additives than is required by the industryrsquos lowest additive content (lac) treat rate regular use of fuel that only meets lac requirements may cause deposits to form on engine intake valves and fuel injectors
cHange youR oilregular oil changes are one of the most important steps to maximize the life of a vehicle oil change in-tervals vary by vehicle and driving conditions so follow the interval and oil specifications found in the ownerrsquos manual
also be sure to use quality motor oils in your vehicle Properly functioning motor oils help prevent sludge and neutralize and disperse harmful deposits and using the recommended viscosity grade of motor oil may also help enhance fuel economy if you are having the oil changed for you ask for quality oils by name Quality motor oil will maintain its effectiveness throughout the oil change interval allowing it to help keep the engine clean
as a bonus some motor oil brands offer lubrication warranties at no additional cost for example the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranty Programs protect qualified engines for 300000 miles whether their owners use conventional synthetic-blend or full synthetic motor oils meeting their vehiclesrsquo requirements Participants can enroll online and maintaining eligibility is easy simply get an oil change with the specified brand change the filter perform regular maintenance and keep the service receipts
to learn more about the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranties visit either wwwPennzoilcom or wwwQuakerstatecom or speak with an automotive professional at a participating automotive dealership or oil change facility that features Pennzoil or Quaker state products
PeoPle donrsquot take tRiPs tRiPs take PeoPle
Fin
al
wo
Rd
s
a vacation is what you take when you can no longer take what yoursquove been taking
eaRl wilson
- 1-12-2010pdf
paper towels a windup flashlight and a can of fix-a-flat in case you get a flat tire
fix-a-flat creates a temporary emergency seal on contact with the tire and inflates the tire between eight and 14 pounds per square inch so that the car can be driven to a gas station for proper repair of the tire this can help you to get back on the road and out of the hurricanersquos way quickly and easily
Fill uP tHe tankeveryone is going to need fuel in order to evacuate so plan to fill up your tank as soon as you hear a hurricane warning this helps to prevent sudden demands on the supply once your tank is full conserve the amount of gas you use for the next couple of days by combining your errands into one trip and not traveling during rush hour
cHeck tiRe PRessuRein order to help conserve fuel make sure your tires are at the manufacturerrsquos recommended pressure - usually printed on the driverrsquos door of your car keeping tires at the correct pressure can improve your gasoline mileage by 33 percent according to fueleconomygov which means yoursquoll be able to travel further when evacuating
use PRoPeR FluidsMake sure you follow all the manufacturer recommendations for motor oil which can also improve your gasoline mileage by 1 or 2 percent according to fuelecomonygov one helpful hint is to look for oil that has an ldquoenergy conservingrdquo label by the american Petroleum institution to ensure it contains friction-reducing additives
it is not down inany maP tRue PlacesneVeR aRe
diRect dePosit oF social secuRity is easieR FoR winteR tRaVeleRs(ara) - as cold weather sets in thousands of retirees are making plans for a winter getaway if yoursquore one of them switch to direct deposit for your social security payments before you leave - itrsquos the safest easiest way to receive your money
ldquoeach year the us department of the treasury receives more than 14 million inquiries regarding paper check-related problemsrdquo says david a lebryk commissioner of the treasury departmentrsquos financial Management service
yet approximately 105 million americans continue to receive their social security and supplemental security income (ssi) payments by paper check each month the treasury departmentrsquos go direct (r) campaign encourages senior citizens and people with disabilities to switch to direct deposit
incReased saFety conVenience and Reliability
ldquowhen therersquos a problem with a social security payment nine times out of 10 itrsquos with a paper check not a direct deposit paymentrdquo says lebryk
Paper checks can be vulnerable to financial crimes like theft and fraud in fact the treasury department investigates more than 70000 cases of altered or fraudulently endorsed checks each year totaling $64 million in estimated value
ldquoin 2008 alone more than 485000 social security and ssi checks were reported lost or stolen and had to be reissuedrdquo says lebryk
direct deposit is also more convenient and reliable there is no more waiting for a check to arrive in the mail and there are no more worries about delivery delays due to severe weather localemergencies and other check related problems last year alone severe weather events forced alternative delivery arrangements for millions of social security and ssi paper checks
ldquoswitching to direct deposit for federal benefits is such an easy way
for people to safeguard their money es-pecially when traveling for extended pe-riods of timerdquo says lebryk ldquoyour money is deposited to your account on payment day so therersquos no need to worry
about delivery delays or a check sitting in your mailbox while yoursquore gonerdquo
PRePaid debit caRd oPtion
in addition to direct deposit the treasury department recommends the direct express (r) debit Mastercard (r) card as an alternative to paper checks for people without bank accounts
More than half a million americans signed up for the optional direct express (r) card in its first year of availability according to the treasury department a recent survey of cardholders finds that 95 percent say they are satisfied with the prepaid debit card and 86 percent say they would recommend it to family members or friends who receive a federal benefit payment
with the direct express card cardholders can make purchases pay bills and get cash at thousands of locations nationwide sign-up is free and no bank account is required while most services are free there are fees for a limited number of optional transactions and services
making tHe switcH is easy
it is easy to make the switch to electronic payments for federal benefits to sign up for direct deposit call the treasury departmentrsquos go direct campaign helpline at 1-800-333-1795 or visit wwwgodirectorg to sign up for the treasury-recommended direct express card or to learn more about the cardrsquos features and fees call 1-877-212-9991 or visit wwwusdirectexpresscom
the preceding information has been provided by the us department of the treasury financial Management service
the go direct (r) campaign is sponsored by the us department of the treasury and the federal reserve banks the direct express (r) debit Mastercard (r) card is issued by comerica bank pursuant to a license by Mastercard international incorporated Mastercard (r) and the Mastercard (r) brand Mark are registered trademarks of Mastercard international incorporated the go direct(r) logo direct express (r) logo and direct express (r) are service marks of the us department of the treasury financial Management service
biZaRRe tRaVel Plans aRe dancing lessons FRom god
time to ReFinance oR buy
right now mortgage rates are at their lowest level since 1971 think about that twenty-five years ago homeowners were paying as much as 18 on a 30-year fixed today itrsquos just a little over 5combine that rate with the tax advantages
of a mortgage and you have an incredibly cheap way to build wealth but you better act now
real estate guru barbara corcoran has already seen a tremendous surge in refinance applications ndash more than triple the average ndash and the number of people getting approved is astronomically higher as well she says but that doesnrsquot mean the low rates are a panacea for the ills of the housing market it is only once home prices start to go up that we will finally see a light at the end of tunnel corcoran says until that happens we are still going to have to crawl out of this mess ldquo[low interest rates are] not a lifesaverrdquo corcoran says ldquothis is just a helping handrdquo
david kittle chairman of the Mortgage bankers association has this advice to homeowners looking to refinance do it donrsquot get greedy searching for another quarter-point lock in rates now he is seeing applications soar over 125 just since thanksgiving due to the low rates
of course you should only refinance if it saves you at least 38 on the rate and if you plan on staying in your home for at least four years kittle says along with good credit proof of income and money by means of a down payment or equity in the home there are certain things every homeowner needs regardless of interest rate levels
easy-to-do maintenance HelPs extend VeHicle liFe(ara) - after their homes most americansrsquo largest financial investment is their vehicle so helping it stay in good working order for as long as possible is a high priority in fact the average age of a passenger car in north america has grown to more than nine years according to rl Polk and co which indicates that motorists are looking for ways to help extend the life of their vehicle
even so todayrsquos tight budgets leave some motorists reluctant to spend on services or maintenance that they think can be delayed at least for the short term however compared to the cost of engine repair spending a little today on the right maintenance routine performed by trusted service technicians using quality products makes sense Mark ferner Pennzoil technical specialist and ase-certified master mechanic offers some simple cost-effective tips for helping to protect the performance and longevity of your vehicle
replace dirty air filters a dirty air filter will restrict airflow to the engine which may reduce power output if the filter fails it will allow unfiltered air into the engine which can be abrasive inside an engine to avoid these issues and help promote long engine life check your enginersquos air filter regularly and change it when it is dirty
use HigH-quality Fuelseveral automotive manufacturers (bMw gM honda toyota volkswagen and audi) have published technical service bulletins recommending the use of top-tier fuel top-tier fuel contains more additives than is required by the industryrsquos lowest additive content (lac) treat rate regular use of fuel that only meets lac requirements may cause deposits to form on engine intake valves and fuel injectors
cHange youR oilregular oil changes are one of the most important steps to maximize the life of a vehicle oil change in-tervals vary by vehicle and driving conditions so follow the interval and oil specifications found in the ownerrsquos manual
also be sure to use quality motor oils in your vehicle Properly functioning motor oils help prevent sludge and neutralize and disperse harmful deposits and using the recommended viscosity grade of motor oil may also help enhance fuel economy if you are having the oil changed for you ask for quality oils by name Quality motor oil will maintain its effectiveness throughout the oil change interval allowing it to help keep the engine clean
as a bonus some motor oil brands offer lubrication warranties at no additional cost for example the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranty Programs protect qualified engines for 300000 miles whether their owners use conventional synthetic-blend or full synthetic motor oils meeting their vehiclesrsquo requirements Participants can enroll online and maintaining eligibility is easy simply get an oil change with the specified brand change the filter perform regular maintenance and keep the service receipts
to learn more about the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranties visit either wwwPennzoilcom or wwwQuakerstatecom or speak with an automotive professional at a participating automotive dealership or oil change facility that features Pennzoil or Quaker state products
PeoPle donrsquot take tRiPs tRiPs take PeoPle
Fin
al
wo
Rd
s
a vacation is what you take when you can no longer take what yoursquove been taking
eaRl wilson
- 1-12-2010pdf
it is not down inany maP tRue PlacesneVeR aRe
diRect dePosit oF social secuRity is easieR FoR winteR tRaVeleRs(ara) - as cold weather sets in thousands of retirees are making plans for a winter getaway if yoursquore one of them switch to direct deposit for your social security payments before you leave - itrsquos the safest easiest way to receive your money
ldquoeach year the us department of the treasury receives more than 14 million inquiries regarding paper check-related problemsrdquo says david a lebryk commissioner of the treasury departmentrsquos financial Management service
yet approximately 105 million americans continue to receive their social security and supplemental security income (ssi) payments by paper check each month the treasury departmentrsquos go direct (r) campaign encourages senior citizens and people with disabilities to switch to direct deposit
incReased saFety conVenience and Reliability
ldquowhen therersquos a problem with a social security payment nine times out of 10 itrsquos with a paper check not a direct deposit paymentrdquo says lebryk
Paper checks can be vulnerable to financial crimes like theft and fraud in fact the treasury department investigates more than 70000 cases of altered or fraudulently endorsed checks each year totaling $64 million in estimated value
ldquoin 2008 alone more than 485000 social security and ssi checks were reported lost or stolen and had to be reissuedrdquo says lebryk
direct deposit is also more convenient and reliable there is no more waiting for a check to arrive in the mail and there are no more worries about delivery delays due to severe weather localemergencies and other check related problems last year alone severe weather events forced alternative delivery arrangements for millions of social security and ssi paper checks
ldquoswitching to direct deposit for federal benefits is such an easy way
for people to safeguard their money es-pecially when traveling for extended pe-riods of timerdquo says lebryk ldquoyour money is deposited to your account on payment day so therersquos no need to worry
about delivery delays or a check sitting in your mailbox while yoursquore gonerdquo
PRePaid debit caRd oPtion
in addition to direct deposit the treasury department recommends the direct express (r) debit Mastercard (r) card as an alternative to paper checks for people without bank accounts
More than half a million americans signed up for the optional direct express (r) card in its first year of availability according to the treasury department a recent survey of cardholders finds that 95 percent say they are satisfied with the prepaid debit card and 86 percent say they would recommend it to family members or friends who receive a federal benefit payment
with the direct express card cardholders can make purchases pay bills and get cash at thousands of locations nationwide sign-up is free and no bank account is required while most services are free there are fees for a limited number of optional transactions and services
making tHe switcH is easy
it is easy to make the switch to electronic payments for federal benefits to sign up for direct deposit call the treasury departmentrsquos go direct campaign helpline at 1-800-333-1795 or visit wwwgodirectorg to sign up for the treasury-recommended direct express card or to learn more about the cardrsquos features and fees call 1-877-212-9991 or visit wwwusdirectexpresscom
the preceding information has been provided by the us department of the treasury financial Management service
the go direct (r) campaign is sponsored by the us department of the treasury and the federal reserve banks the direct express (r) debit Mastercard (r) card is issued by comerica bank pursuant to a license by Mastercard international incorporated Mastercard (r) and the Mastercard (r) brand Mark are registered trademarks of Mastercard international incorporated the go direct(r) logo direct express (r) logo and direct express (r) are service marks of the us department of the treasury financial Management service
biZaRRe tRaVel Plans aRe dancing lessons FRom god
time to ReFinance oR buy
right now mortgage rates are at their lowest level since 1971 think about that twenty-five years ago homeowners were paying as much as 18 on a 30-year fixed today itrsquos just a little over 5combine that rate with the tax advantages
of a mortgage and you have an incredibly cheap way to build wealth but you better act now
real estate guru barbara corcoran has already seen a tremendous surge in refinance applications ndash more than triple the average ndash and the number of people getting approved is astronomically higher as well she says but that doesnrsquot mean the low rates are a panacea for the ills of the housing market it is only once home prices start to go up that we will finally see a light at the end of tunnel corcoran says until that happens we are still going to have to crawl out of this mess ldquo[low interest rates are] not a lifesaverrdquo corcoran says ldquothis is just a helping handrdquo
david kittle chairman of the Mortgage bankers association has this advice to homeowners looking to refinance do it donrsquot get greedy searching for another quarter-point lock in rates now he is seeing applications soar over 125 just since thanksgiving due to the low rates
of course you should only refinance if it saves you at least 38 on the rate and if you plan on staying in your home for at least four years kittle says along with good credit proof of income and money by means of a down payment or equity in the home there are certain things every homeowner needs regardless of interest rate levels
easy-to-do maintenance HelPs extend VeHicle liFe(ara) - after their homes most americansrsquo largest financial investment is their vehicle so helping it stay in good working order for as long as possible is a high priority in fact the average age of a passenger car in north america has grown to more than nine years according to rl Polk and co which indicates that motorists are looking for ways to help extend the life of their vehicle
even so todayrsquos tight budgets leave some motorists reluctant to spend on services or maintenance that they think can be delayed at least for the short term however compared to the cost of engine repair spending a little today on the right maintenance routine performed by trusted service technicians using quality products makes sense Mark ferner Pennzoil technical specialist and ase-certified master mechanic offers some simple cost-effective tips for helping to protect the performance and longevity of your vehicle
replace dirty air filters a dirty air filter will restrict airflow to the engine which may reduce power output if the filter fails it will allow unfiltered air into the engine which can be abrasive inside an engine to avoid these issues and help promote long engine life check your enginersquos air filter regularly and change it when it is dirty
use HigH-quality Fuelseveral automotive manufacturers (bMw gM honda toyota volkswagen and audi) have published technical service bulletins recommending the use of top-tier fuel top-tier fuel contains more additives than is required by the industryrsquos lowest additive content (lac) treat rate regular use of fuel that only meets lac requirements may cause deposits to form on engine intake valves and fuel injectors
cHange youR oilregular oil changes are one of the most important steps to maximize the life of a vehicle oil change in-tervals vary by vehicle and driving conditions so follow the interval and oil specifications found in the ownerrsquos manual
also be sure to use quality motor oils in your vehicle Properly functioning motor oils help prevent sludge and neutralize and disperse harmful deposits and using the recommended viscosity grade of motor oil may also help enhance fuel economy if you are having the oil changed for you ask for quality oils by name Quality motor oil will maintain its effectiveness throughout the oil change interval allowing it to help keep the engine clean
as a bonus some motor oil brands offer lubrication warranties at no additional cost for example the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranty Programs protect qualified engines for 300000 miles whether their owners use conventional synthetic-blend or full synthetic motor oils meeting their vehiclesrsquo requirements Participants can enroll online and maintaining eligibility is easy simply get an oil change with the specified brand change the filter perform regular maintenance and keep the service receipts
to learn more about the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranties visit either wwwPennzoilcom or wwwQuakerstatecom or speak with an automotive professional at a participating automotive dealership or oil change facility that features Pennzoil or Quaker state products
PeoPle donrsquot take tRiPs tRiPs take PeoPle
Fin
al
wo
Rd
s
a vacation is what you take when you can no longer take what yoursquove been taking
eaRl wilson
- 1-12-2010pdf
diRect dePosit oF social secuRity is easieR FoR winteR tRaVeleRs(ara) - as cold weather sets in thousands of retirees are making plans for a winter getaway if yoursquore one of them switch to direct deposit for your social security payments before you leave - itrsquos the safest easiest way to receive your money
ldquoeach year the us department of the treasury receives more than 14 million inquiries regarding paper check-related problemsrdquo says david a lebryk commissioner of the treasury departmentrsquos financial Management service
yet approximately 105 million americans continue to receive their social security and supplemental security income (ssi) payments by paper check each month the treasury departmentrsquos go direct (r) campaign encourages senior citizens and people with disabilities to switch to direct deposit
incReased saFety conVenience and Reliability
ldquowhen therersquos a problem with a social security payment nine times out of 10 itrsquos with a paper check not a direct deposit paymentrdquo says lebryk
Paper checks can be vulnerable to financial crimes like theft and fraud in fact the treasury department investigates more than 70000 cases of altered or fraudulently endorsed checks each year totaling $64 million in estimated value
ldquoin 2008 alone more than 485000 social security and ssi checks were reported lost or stolen and had to be reissuedrdquo says lebryk
direct deposit is also more convenient and reliable there is no more waiting for a check to arrive in the mail and there are no more worries about delivery delays due to severe weather localemergencies and other check related problems last year alone severe weather events forced alternative delivery arrangements for millions of social security and ssi paper checks
ldquoswitching to direct deposit for federal benefits is such an easy way
for people to safeguard their money es-pecially when traveling for extended pe-riods of timerdquo says lebryk ldquoyour money is deposited to your account on payment day so therersquos no need to worry
about delivery delays or a check sitting in your mailbox while yoursquore gonerdquo
PRePaid debit caRd oPtion
in addition to direct deposit the treasury department recommends the direct express (r) debit Mastercard (r) card as an alternative to paper checks for people without bank accounts
More than half a million americans signed up for the optional direct express (r) card in its first year of availability according to the treasury department a recent survey of cardholders finds that 95 percent say they are satisfied with the prepaid debit card and 86 percent say they would recommend it to family members or friends who receive a federal benefit payment
with the direct express card cardholders can make purchases pay bills and get cash at thousands of locations nationwide sign-up is free and no bank account is required while most services are free there are fees for a limited number of optional transactions and services
making tHe switcH is easy
it is easy to make the switch to electronic payments for federal benefits to sign up for direct deposit call the treasury departmentrsquos go direct campaign helpline at 1-800-333-1795 or visit wwwgodirectorg to sign up for the treasury-recommended direct express card or to learn more about the cardrsquos features and fees call 1-877-212-9991 or visit wwwusdirectexpresscom
the preceding information has been provided by the us department of the treasury financial Management service
the go direct (r) campaign is sponsored by the us department of the treasury and the federal reserve banks the direct express (r) debit Mastercard (r) card is issued by comerica bank pursuant to a license by Mastercard international incorporated Mastercard (r) and the Mastercard (r) brand Mark are registered trademarks of Mastercard international incorporated the go direct(r) logo direct express (r) logo and direct express (r) are service marks of the us department of the treasury financial Management service
biZaRRe tRaVel Plans aRe dancing lessons FRom god
time to ReFinance oR buy
right now mortgage rates are at their lowest level since 1971 think about that twenty-five years ago homeowners were paying as much as 18 on a 30-year fixed today itrsquos just a little over 5combine that rate with the tax advantages
of a mortgage and you have an incredibly cheap way to build wealth but you better act now
real estate guru barbara corcoran has already seen a tremendous surge in refinance applications ndash more than triple the average ndash and the number of people getting approved is astronomically higher as well she says but that doesnrsquot mean the low rates are a panacea for the ills of the housing market it is only once home prices start to go up that we will finally see a light at the end of tunnel corcoran says until that happens we are still going to have to crawl out of this mess ldquo[low interest rates are] not a lifesaverrdquo corcoran says ldquothis is just a helping handrdquo
david kittle chairman of the Mortgage bankers association has this advice to homeowners looking to refinance do it donrsquot get greedy searching for another quarter-point lock in rates now he is seeing applications soar over 125 just since thanksgiving due to the low rates
of course you should only refinance if it saves you at least 38 on the rate and if you plan on staying in your home for at least four years kittle says along with good credit proof of income and money by means of a down payment or equity in the home there are certain things every homeowner needs regardless of interest rate levels
easy-to-do maintenance HelPs extend VeHicle liFe(ara) - after their homes most americansrsquo largest financial investment is their vehicle so helping it stay in good working order for as long as possible is a high priority in fact the average age of a passenger car in north america has grown to more than nine years according to rl Polk and co which indicates that motorists are looking for ways to help extend the life of their vehicle
even so todayrsquos tight budgets leave some motorists reluctant to spend on services or maintenance that they think can be delayed at least for the short term however compared to the cost of engine repair spending a little today on the right maintenance routine performed by trusted service technicians using quality products makes sense Mark ferner Pennzoil technical specialist and ase-certified master mechanic offers some simple cost-effective tips for helping to protect the performance and longevity of your vehicle
replace dirty air filters a dirty air filter will restrict airflow to the engine which may reduce power output if the filter fails it will allow unfiltered air into the engine which can be abrasive inside an engine to avoid these issues and help promote long engine life check your enginersquos air filter regularly and change it when it is dirty
use HigH-quality Fuelseveral automotive manufacturers (bMw gM honda toyota volkswagen and audi) have published technical service bulletins recommending the use of top-tier fuel top-tier fuel contains more additives than is required by the industryrsquos lowest additive content (lac) treat rate regular use of fuel that only meets lac requirements may cause deposits to form on engine intake valves and fuel injectors
cHange youR oilregular oil changes are one of the most important steps to maximize the life of a vehicle oil change in-tervals vary by vehicle and driving conditions so follow the interval and oil specifications found in the ownerrsquos manual
also be sure to use quality motor oils in your vehicle Properly functioning motor oils help prevent sludge and neutralize and disperse harmful deposits and using the recommended viscosity grade of motor oil may also help enhance fuel economy if you are having the oil changed for you ask for quality oils by name Quality motor oil will maintain its effectiveness throughout the oil change interval allowing it to help keep the engine clean
as a bonus some motor oil brands offer lubrication warranties at no additional cost for example the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranty Programs protect qualified engines for 300000 miles whether their owners use conventional synthetic-blend or full synthetic motor oils meeting their vehiclesrsquo requirements Participants can enroll online and maintaining eligibility is easy simply get an oil change with the specified brand change the filter perform regular maintenance and keep the service receipts
to learn more about the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranties visit either wwwPennzoilcom or wwwQuakerstatecom or speak with an automotive professional at a participating automotive dealership or oil change facility that features Pennzoil or Quaker state products
PeoPle donrsquot take tRiPs tRiPs take PeoPle
Fin
al
wo
Rd
s
a vacation is what you take when you can no longer take what yoursquove been taking
eaRl wilson
- 1-12-2010pdf
PRePaid debit caRd oPtion
in addition to direct deposit the treasury department recommends the direct express (r) debit Mastercard (r) card as an alternative to paper checks for people without bank accounts
More than half a million americans signed up for the optional direct express (r) card in its first year of availability according to the treasury department a recent survey of cardholders finds that 95 percent say they are satisfied with the prepaid debit card and 86 percent say they would recommend it to family members or friends who receive a federal benefit payment
with the direct express card cardholders can make purchases pay bills and get cash at thousands of locations nationwide sign-up is free and no bank account is required while most services are free there are fees for a limited number of optional transactions and services
making tHe switcH is easy
it is easy to make the switch to electronic payments for federal benefits to sign up for direct deposit call the treasury departmentrsquos go direct campaign helpline at 1-800-333-1795 or visit wwwgodirectorg to sign up for the treasury-recommended direct express card or to learn more about the cardrsquos features and fees call 1-877-212-9991 or visit wwwusdirectexpresscom
the preceding information has been provided by the us department of the treasury financial Management service
the go direct (r) campaign is sponsored by the us department of the treasury and the federal reserve banks the direct express (r) debit Mastercard (r) card is issued by comerica bank pursuant to a license by Mastercard international incorporated Mastercard (r) and the Mastercard (r) brand Mark are registered trademarks of Mastercard international incorporated the go direct(r) logo direct express (r) logo and direct express (r) are service marks of the us department of the treasury financial Management service
biZaRRe tRaVel Plans aRe dancing lessons FRom god
time to ReFinance oR buy
right now mortgage rates are at their lowest level since 1971 think about that twenty-five years ago homeowners were paying as much as 18 on a 30-year fixed today itrsquos just a little over 5combine that rate with the tax advantages
of a mortgage and you have an incredibly cheap way to build wealth but you better act now
real estate guru barbara corcoran has already seen a tremendous surge in refinance applications ndash more than triple the average ndash and the number of people getting approved is astronomically higher as well she says but that doesnrsquot mean the low rates are a panacea for the ills of the housing market it is only once home prices start to go up that we will finally see a light at the end of tunnel corcoran says until that happens we are still going to have to crawl out of this mess ldquo[low interest rates are] not a lifesaverrdquo corcoran says ldquothis is just a helping handrdquo
david kittle chairman of the Mortgage bankers association has this advice to homeowners looking to refinance do it donrsquot get greedy searching for another quarter-point lock in rates now he is seeing applications soar over 125 just since thanksgiving due to the low rates
of course you should only refinance if it saves you at least 38 on the rate and if you plan on staying in your home for at least four years kittle says along with good credit proof of income and money by means of a down payment or equity in the home there are certain things every homeowner needs regardless of interest rate levels
easy-to-do maintenance HelPs extend VeHicle liFe(ara) - after their homes most americansrsquo largest financial investment is their vehicle so helping it stay in good working order for as long as possible is a high priority in fact the average age of a passenger car in north america has grown to more than nine years according to rl Polk and co which indicates that motorists are looking for ways to help extend the life of their vehicle
even so todayrsquos tight budgets leave some motorists reluctant to spend on services or maintenance that they think can be delayed at least for the short term however compared to the cost of engine repair spending a little today on the right maintenance routine performed by trusted service technicians using quality products makes sense Mark ferner Pennzoil technical specialist and ase-certified master mechanic offers some simple cost-effective tips for helping to protect the performance and longevity of your vehicle
replace dirty air filters a dirty air filter will restrict airflow to the engine which may reduce power output if the filter fails it will allow unfiltered air into the engine which can be abrasive inside an engine to avoid these issues and help promote long engine life check your enginersquos air filter regularly and change it when it is dirty
use HigH-quality Fuelseveral automotive manufacturers (bMw gM honda toyota volkswagen and audi) have published technical service bulletins recommending the use of top-tier fuel top-tier fuel contains more additives than is required by the industryrsquos lowest additive content (lac) treat rate regular use of fuel that only meets lac requirements may cause deposits to form on engine intake valves and fuel injectors
cHange youR oilregular oil changes are one of the most important steps to maximize the life of a vehicle oil change in-tervals vary by vehicle and driving conditions so follow the interval and oil specifications found in the ownerrsquos manual
also be sure to use quality motor oils in your vehicle Properly functioning motor oils help prevent sludge and neutralize and disperse harmful deposits and using the recommended viscosity grade of motor oil may also help enhance fuel economy if you are having the oil changed for you ask for quality oils by name Quality motor oil will maintain its effectiveness throughout the oil change interval allowing it to help keep the engine clean
as a bonus some motor oil brands offer lubrication warranties at no additional cost for example the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranty Programs protect qualified engines for 300000 miles whether their owners use conventional synthetic-blend or full synthetic motor oils meeting their vehiclesrsquo requirements Participants can enroll online and maintaining eligibility is easy simply get an oil change with the specified brand change the filter perform regular maintenance and keep the service receipts
to learn more about the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranties visit either wwwPennzoilcom or wwwQuakerstatecom or speak with an automotive professional at a participating automotive dealership or oil change facility that features Pennzoil or Quaker state products
PeoPle donrsquot take tRiPs tRiPs take PeoPle
Fin
al
wo
Rd
s
a vacation is what you take when you can no longer take what yoursquove been taking
eaRl wilson
- 1-12-2010pdf
biZaRRe tRaVel Plans aRe dancing lessons FRom god
time to ReFinance oR buy
right now mortgage rates are at their lowest level since 1971 think about that twenty-five years ago homeowners were paying as much as 18 on a 30-year fixed today itrsquos just a little over 5combine that rate with the tax advantages
of a mortgage and you have an incredibly cheap way to build wealth but you better act now
real estate guru barbara corcoran has already seen a tremendous surge in refinance applications ndash more than triple the average ndash and the number of people getting approved is astronomically higher as well she says but that doesnrsquot mean the low rates are a panacea for the ills of the housing market it is only once home prices start to go up that we will finally see a light at the end of tunnel corcoran says until that happens we are still going to have to crawl out of this mess ldquo[low interest rates are] not a lifesaverrdquo corcoran says ldquothis is just a helping handrdquo
david kittle chairman of the Mortgage bankers association has this advice to homeowners looking to refinance do it donrsquot get greedy searching for another quarter-point lock in rates now he is seeing applications soar over 125 just since thanksgiving due to the low rates
of course you should only refinance if it saves you at least 38 on the rate and if you plan on staying in your home for at least four years kittle says along with good credit proof of income and money by means of a down payment or equity in the home there are certain things every homeowner needs regardless of interest rate levels
easy-to-do maintenance HelPs extend VeHicle liFe(ara) - after their homes most americansrsquo largest financial investment is their vehicle so helping it stay in good working order for as long as possible is a high priority in fact the average age of a passenger car in north america has grown to more than nine years according to rl Polk and co which indicates that motorists are looking for ways to help extend the life of their vehicle
even so todayrsquos tight budgets leave some motorists reluctant to spend on services or maintenance that they think can be delayed at least for the short term however compared to the cost of engine repair spending a little today on the right maintenance routine performed by trusted service technicians using quality products makes sense Mark ferner Pennzoil technical specialist and ase-certified master mechanic offers some simple cost-effective tips for helping to protect the performance and longevity of your vehicle
replace dirty air filters a dirty air filter will restrict airflow to the engine which may reduce power output if the filter fails it will allow unfiltered air into the engine which can be abrasive inside an engine to avoid these issues and help promote long engine life check your enginersquos air filter regularly and change it when it is dirty
use HigH-quality Fuelseveral automotive manufacturers (bMw gM honda toyota volkswagen and audi) have published technical service bulletins recommending the use of top-tier fuel top-tier fuel contains more additives than is required by the industryrsquos lowest additive content (lac) treat rate regular use of fuel that only meets lac requirements may cause deposits to form on engine intake valves and fuel injectors
cHange youR oilregular oil changes are one of the most important steps to maximize the life of a vehicle oil change in-tervals vary by vehicle and driving conditions so follow the interval and oil specifications found in the ownerrsquos manual
also be sure to use quality motor oils in your vehicle Properly functioning motor oils help prevent sludge and neutralize and disperse harmful deposits and using the recommended viscosity grade of motor oil may also help enhance fuel economy if you are having the oil changed for you ask for quality oils by name Quality motor oil will maintain its effectiveness throughout the oil change interval allowing it to help keep the engine clean
as a bonus some motor oil brands offer lubrication warranties at no additional cost for example the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranty Programs protect qualified engines for 300000 miles whether their owners use conventional synthetic-blend or full synthetic motor oils meeting their vehiclesrsquo requirements Participants can enroll online and maintaining eligibility is easy simply get an oil change with the specified brand change the filter perform regular maintenance and keep the service receipts
to learn more about the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranties visit either wwwPennzoilcom or wwwQuakerstatecom or speak with an automotive professional at a participating automotive dealership or oil change facility that features Pennzoil or Quaker state products
PeoPle donrsquot take tRiPs tRiPs take PeoPle
Fin
al
wo
Rd
s
a vacation is what you take when you can no longer take what yoursquove been taking
eaRl wilson
- 1-12-2010pdf
time to ReFinance oR buy
right now mortgage rates are at their lowest level since 1971 think about that twenty-five years ago homeowners were paying as much as 18 on a 30-year fixed today itrsquos just a little over 5combine that rate with the tax advantages
of a mortgage and you have an incredibly cheap way to build wealth but you better act now
real estate guru barbara corcoran has already seen a tremendous surge in refinance applications ndash more than triple the average ndash and the number of people getting approved is astronomically higher as well she says but that doesnrsquot mean the low rates are a panacea for the ills of the housing market it is only once home prices start to go up that we will finally see a light at the end of tunnel corcoran says until that happens we are still going to have to crawl out of this mess ldquo[low interest rates are] not a lifesaverrdquo corcoran says ldquothis is just a helping handrdquo
david kittle chairman of the Mortgage bankers association has this advice to homeowners looking to refinance do it donrsquot get greedy searching for another quarter-point lock in rates now he is seeing applications soar over 125 just since thanksgiving due to the low rates
of course you should only refinance if it saves you at least 38 on the rate and if you plan on staying in your home for at least four years kittle says along with good credit proof of income and money by means of a down payment or equity in the home there are certain things every homeowner needs regardless of interest rate levels
easy-to-do maintenance HelPs extend VeHicle liFe(ara) - after their homes most americansrsquo largest financial investment is their vehicle so helping it stay in good working order for as long as possible is a high priority in fact the average age of a passenger car in north america has grown to more than nine years according to rl Polk and co which indicates that motorists are looking for ways to help extend the life of their vehicle
even so todayrsquos tight budgets leave some motorists reluctant to spend on services or maintenance that they think can be delayed at least for the short term however compared to the cost of engine repair spending a little today on the right maintenance routine performed by trusted service technicians using quality products makes sense Mark ferner Pennzoil technical specialist and ase-certified master mechanic offers some simple cost-effective tips for helping to protect the performance and longevity of your vehicle
replace dirty air filters a dirty air filter will restrict airflow to the engine which may reduce power output if the filter fails it will allow unfiltered air into the engine which can be abrasive inside an engine to avoid these issues and help promote long engine life check your enginersquos air filter regularly and change it when it is dirty
use HigH-quality Fuelseveral automotive manufacturers (bMw gM honda toyota volkswagen and audi) have published technical service bulletins recommending the use of top-tier fuel top-tier fuel contains more additives than is required by the industryrsquos lowest additive content (lac) treat rate regular use of fuel that only meets lac requirements may cause deposits to form on engine intake valves and fuel injectors
cHange youR oilregular oil changes are one of the most important steps to maximize the life of a vehicle oil change in-tervals vary by vehicle and driving conditions so follow the interval and oil specifications found in the ownerrsquos manual
also be sure to use quality motor oils in your vehicle Properly functioning motor oils help prevent sludge and neutralize and disperse harmful deposits and using the recommended viscosity grade of motor oil may also help enhance fuel economy if you are having the oil changed for you ask for quality oils by name Quality motor oil will maintain its effectiveness throughout the oil change interval allowing it to help keep the engine clean
as a bonus some motor oil brands offer lubrication warranties at no additional cost for example the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranty Programs protect qualified engines for 300000 miles whether their owners use conventional synthetic-blend or full synthetic motor oils meeting their vehiclesrsquo requirements Participants can enroll online and maintaining eligibility is easy simply get an oil change with the specified brand change the filter perform regular maintenance and keep the service receipts
to learn more about the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranties visit either wwwPennzoilcom or wwwQuakerstatecom or speak with an automotive professional at a participating automotive dealership or oil change facility that features Pennzoil or Quaker state products
PeoPle donrsquot take tRiPs tRiPs take PeoPle
Fin
al
wo
Rd
s
a vacation is what you take when you can no longer take what yoursquove been taking
eaRl wilson
- 1-12-2010pdf
easy-to-do maintenance HelPs extend VeHicle liFe(ara) - after their homes most americansrsquo largest financial investment is their vehicle so helping it stay in good working order for as long as possible is a high priority in fact the average age of a passenger car in north america has grown to more than nine years according to rl Polk and co which indicates that motorists are looking for ways to help extend the life of their vehicle
even so todayrsquos tight budgets leave some motorists reluctant to spend on services or maintenance that they think can be delayed at least for the short term however compared to the cost of engine repair spending a little today on the right maintenance routine performed by trusted service technicians using quality products makes sense Mark ferner Pennzoil technical specialist and ase-certified master mechanic offers some simple cost-effective tips for helping to protect the performance and longevity of your vehicle
replace dirty air filters a dirty air filter will restrict airflow to the engine which may reduce power output if the filter fails it will allow unfiltered air into the engine which can be abrasive inside an engine to avoid these issues and help promote long engine life check your enginersquos air filter regularly and change it when it is dirty
use HigH-quality Fuelseveral automotive manufacturers (bMw gM honda toyota volkswagen and audi) have published technical service bulletins recommending the use of top-tier fuel top-tier fuel contains more additives than is required by the industryrsquos lowest additive content (lac) treat rate regular use of fuel that only meets lac requirements may cause deposits to form on engine intake valves and fuel injectors
cHange youR oilregular oil changes are one of the most important steps to maximize the life of a vehicle oil change in-tervals vary by vehicle and driving conditions so follow the interval and oil specifications found in the ownerrsquos manual
also be sure to use quality motor oils in your vehicle Properly functioning motor oils help prevent sludge and neutralize and disperse harmful deposits and using the recommended viscosity grade of motor oil may also help enhance fuel economy if you are having the oil changed for you ask for quality oils by name Quality motor oil will maintain its effectiveness throughout the oil change interval allowing it to help keep the engine clean
as a bonus some motor oil brands offer lubrication warranties at no additional cost for example the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranty Programs protect qualified engines for 300000 miles whether their owners use conventional synthetic-blend or full synthetic motor oils meeting their vehiclesrsquo requirements Participants can enroll online and maintaining eligibility is easy simply get an oil change with the specified brand change the filter perform regular maintenance and keep the service receipts
to learn more about the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranties visit either wwwPennzoilcom or wwwQuakerstatecom or speak with an automotive professional at a participating automotive dealership or oil change facility that features Pennzoil or Quaker state products
PeoPle donrsquot take tRiPs tRiPs take PeoPle
Fin
al
wo
Rd
s
a vacation is what you take when you can no longer take what yoursquove been taking
eaRl wilson
- 1-12-2010pdf
cHange youR oilregular oil changes are one of the most important steps to maximize the life of a vehicle oil change in-tervals vary by vehicle and driving conditions so follow the interval and oil specifications found in the ownerrsquos manual
also be sure to use quality motor oils in your vehicle Properly functioning motor oils help prevent sludge and neutralize and disperse harmful deposits and using the recommended viscosity grade of motor oil may also help enhance fuel economy if you are having the oil changed for you ask for quality oils by name Quality motor oil will maintain its effectiveness throughout the oil change interval allowing it to help keep the engine clean
as a bonus some motor oil brands offer lubrication warranties at no additional cost for example the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranty Programs protect qualified engines for 300000 miles whether their owners use conventional synthetic-blend or full synthetic motor oils meeting their vehiclesrsquo requirements Participants can enroll online and maintaining eligibility is easy simply get an oil change with the specified brand change the filter perform regular maintenance and keep the service receipts
to learn more about the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranties visit either wwwPennzoilcom or wwwQuakerstatecom or speak with an automotive professional at a participating automotive dealership or oil change facility that features Pennzoil or Quaker state products
PeoPle donrsquot take tRiPs tRiPs take PeoPle
Fin
al
wo
Rd
s
a vacation is what you take when you can no longer take what yoursquove been taking
eaRl wilson
- 1-12-2010pdf
PeoPle donrsquot take tRiPs tRiPs take PeoPle
Fin
al
wo
Rd
s
a vacation is what you take when you can no longer take what yoursquove been taking
eaRl wilson
- 1-12-2010pdf
Fin
al
wo
Rd
s
a vacation is what you take when you can no longer take what yoursquove been taking
eaRl wilson
- 1-12-2010pdf
- 1-12-2010pdf
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