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VACATION TIPS

Train travel is an great way to see the countryside and meet local citizens.

Many travelers have found cruising is the most relaxing and comfortable of vacations. If, however, you are particularly sensitive to motion, choose a mid-section cabin, the most stable area.

If you are one of those people who isn’t scared to take the family on a cross country trip, make sure your car is in tip-top condition to handle those long days on the road.

Carefully plan your vacation route. Consult many sources for the best and safest route . . . one that will let you see as much as you can fit in.

Don’t forget to stop at those little out of the way areas. They may seem corny, but can offer interesting picture opportunities and lead to some great vacation stories.

If you have school-aged travelers, help them read about your destination before departure.

Research your destination. Talk with relatives, friends and neighbors who have been where you are going or know someone who has.

Call your destination to see if they have brochures or special packages to offer.

Book your trip as early as possible. Airlines, hotels, cruise ships, tours and trains fill up quickly prior to holidays. Plan your departure for off-peak hours to avoid the heaviest crowds. Ask your agent about the cancellation policies of airlines, hotels, cruises and tours. Purchase appropriate insurance in case you must cancel.

Get to the airport at least an hour before flight time (two hours for international flights). This time cushion gives you adequate time for baggage and ticket check-in and for security screening. The earlier you check in, the less chance you will be affected by overbooking.

Advise police and a trusted neighbor of your trip. Ask them to check your home while you are away. Consider having a friend "house-sit" for you.

Buy a timer to automatically turn lights on and off at night.

Before you leave on an long trip, consider having a physical check-up. Get your "shots" and start new medications long before you leave.

Take along a small first-aid kit. Depending on your destination, bring medication for upset stomach or motion sickness. Other useful items include nasal spray, sunscreen and insect repellent. Check with your local health authorities for further suggestions.

PICTURES: CARE TIPS AND HOW TO TAKE TERRIFIC PICTURES ON VACATION

Slip in snapshots of your family, house, and hometown with your vacation gear. They make great icebreakers.

Take along a Polaroid camera to capture moments for instant memories.

If photography is a major goal of your trip, make sure you bring along a spare camera.

Always make sure to take some extra batteries for your camera.

Put a haze or sky filter on your camera lens. It not only improves the picture quality, the filter will protect the lens from dirt, moisture, and dings.

Buy a lead-lined storage bag for your film. Despite reassuring signs, airport X-ray machines can damage film.

Take photos in early morning and late afternoon. Low, slanting sunlight brings out the shadows and details in all kinds of scenic shots.

Taking a picture of a building reflecting in water makes an interesting and memorable picture.

To make pictures more vibrant, put either bright red or yellow in the foreground.

Take shots of a buildings from the corner, so it has a more dimensional feel to it.

When taking pictures of people, come in close for a tight shot unless the main focus of the pictures is the background.

Take along a mini-tape recorder and say into the recorder what you are taking pictures of. It will help you remember a special moment or something about the picture if you want to record it later.

JOURNALIZING/RECORDING YOUR TRIP

Keep a journal. Snapshots are fine, but you'll find a written record of your thoughts and feelings will bring smiles years from now.

Ask children or have everyone keep their own family vacation diary -- keepsakes that will no doubt become a family treasure!

Save tickets, park maps, brochures, gift sacks or anything else you find that would make a good back drop or add to your photo layouts. Make a separate scrapbook for these artifacts.

OTHER USEFUL TIPS TO KEEP IN MIND WHILE TRAVELING

Use common sense when traveling and trust your instinct about the intention of people you meet. As you would at home, accept invitations of hospitality and offer something in return.

Work with your travel agent to get as much information as possible about the destination, especially if you will be traveling alone.

Lock your car doors while driving. Do not pick up strangers or stop for people you don't know.

Don't draw attention to yourself by displaying large amounts of cash or wearing expensive-looking jewelry.

Put valuables in the hotel safe. Do not leave valuables in your car. If you are traveling by foot or staying in hostels and bed and breakfasts, don’t bring valuables with you!

Try not to pack more luggage than you can carry. To avoid misdirection of your luggage, cut off all old destination tags.

Mark luggage with colored tape to avoid confusion in the claim area. Mark luggage inside and out with your name, business address and phone number.

Make several copies of your passport, traveler's checks, credit cards, itinerary, airline tickets and other travel documents. Leave one copy with a relative or friend back home and carry one copy with you.

Take most of your money in traveler's checks and record the serial numbers, denominations and date and location of the issuing agency.

Be as careful when you travel in your own country as when you visit another!

Drive carefully, wear seat belts, obey traffic laws, be sure your car is serviced properly and get a good map.

Research the cities you are visiting. Get the latest information on safe areas and good hotels from your travel agent.

cheap hotels in MarbellaYou may want to tour by cab, bus or in your own car. Public transportation is a good way to travel in many cities.

Have fun in spite of the details that will often not go as planned!