tradewinds-travel-club

European National Parks

Tue, 22 May 2012 20:15:58 +0100

When most of us from the United States say the worlds national parks, we are generally referring to the national parks within the United States. Almost 400 parks, within our 50 states, protected for their cultural and natural importance to our nation. However, the U.S. are not the only ones offering stunning nationally protected areas. Europe is home to almost 400 of their own national parks. Protected for similar reasons, the national parks of Europe range from small to large, beautiful to incredibly fragile.

Controlled by the Europarc Federation, the organization in charge of protecting the continents protected areas, it unites all parks and reserves in 38 countries in an effort to preserve their heritage.

Holland – Home to 20 National Parks throughout its regions, showcasing and highlighting its natural features.

Haute Veluwe Natural Park is the biggest park in Holland

Ireland – Home to 6 national parks, each is quite different from the other. Most well known is the park named Killarney National Park, well know for its lakes and mountains and as the last known sanctuary for the last herd of wild red deer in the country.

Latvia – 3 National Parks

Lithuania – 5 National Parks

Estonia – 5 National Parks

Baltic Coast – 2 National Parks

Central Europe including Germany, with 14 parks, Austria with 7 parks, Hungarys 10 parks, Poland offering over 20 parks, Slovakia and Czech Republic 13 total parks between the two.

Sweden – 29 National Parks

Denmark - 1 National Parks

Finland – 35 National Parks

Norway - 25 National Parks

Iceland – 4 National Parks

Bulgaria – 3 National Parks

Croatia – 8 National Parks

Montenegro – 4 National Parks

Serbia – 5 National Parks

Romania – 11 National Parks

Slovenia – 1 National Parks

Spain - 13 National Parks

Andalusia - 2 National Parks

Portugal - 13 National Parks

Greece - 10 National Parks

Italy - 23 National Parks

Of course, many other national and local parks and UNESCO sites offer visitors ample opportunities to explore the natural wonders and beauty of this diverse part of the world. From England to Malta and everywhere in between, adventures are just around the corner.

Tradewinds Travel Club reviews destinations, information and tips to help you find and enjoy the vacation of your dreams. Learn and explore the world with us and enjoy your vacations to the fullest. If you would like to know more about Tradewinds Travel Club visit our members site at tradewindsvacations.net.

Heartlands A World Heritage Site

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 20:48:53 +0100

19 acres if history and fun in West Cornwall. Heartlands is being touted as “Cornwalls first free cultural playground”. Featuring events and activities ever changing, Heartlands is open year round and is unique from anything else in the world today.

Developed by the community for the community as well as the thousands of visitors to the area each year, Heartlands is a redeveloped area which was left largely untouched since its closure in 1998. Once a part of the tin mining industry, the area, known as Robinsons Shaft is part of the Cornwall and West West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site and is said to be of great historical significance.

What makes this area so special and unique from others in the area is the preservation of much of the more historic architecture from times past. Only recently closed, unlike other areas which may have fallen into disrepair, this site is still intact offering a more in depth look at the history of the region and the culture of the area.

Opened to the public in Spring 2012, this is one of the growing areas for tourists this year.

What To Do

Celebrating fun and cultural heritage, the site offers much to see and do year round including:

Diaspora Botanical Gardens
Adventure Playground
East Pool Mine
King Edward mine
Geology wall and experiment tables
Electric and steam winders and boilers
Interactive map of Cornwall
Social history soundscape
270° film projection
Robinson's Engine House
Engine House Tours

Finding and visiting new and exciting destinations is part of what makes travel so enjoyable. Take time to learn about your area before you go and make more of your time traveling.

If you are interested in learning more about great destinations and areas for travel spend time with Tradewinds Vacations. Here to discuss topics on travel and news that you may benefit from, we also welcome your comments. If you have something you would like to discuss, feel free to share your questions/comments with us.

Top 5 Family Packing Tips

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 20:56:40 +0100

We all know that if we are careful, we can easily pack light when traveling on our own, but is really a viable option to travel light when traveling with children? In a time when not only time but money is at a premium and things which were once included in your trip such as luggage, now can cost a significant amount. Despite what you think, you can pack lighter even with kids in tow. To assist you in this endeavor, here are 5 of the best tips to help you travel lighter, save money and avoid hassles with your family on vacation.

Bring fewer clothes and do some laundry – Choosing to rent accommodations such as condos can be very beneficial in that you generally have access nearby to a washer and dryer which can save you a bundle on checked baggage.
Take advantage of the carry-on and personal item option afforded to all travelers traveling by air. This can mean a bag and purse, a bag and backpack or bag and diaper bag. Your choice, its like being offered a two for as long as you follow the size restrictions. This will allow you to pack more without having to check a bag.
Try to get there early to avoid having to check any bags that may not fit in the overhead. As you are not different than the millions of others trying to avoid checked baggage fees, the overheads do fill up if you are late, you may miss your chance.
Rent baby equipment at your destination. This may cost you a few dollars, but it will save you hassle and baggage if you so choose. Most popular family destinations will offer you the option of renting a stroller for the day rather than having to tote yours around with you.
Bundle and pack according to colors. This includes rolling your clothes to save space as well as coordinating outfits to mix and match and save space. Your clothing will most likely take up most of the space in your bag, but if you pack carefully and plan ahead, you can make all your families clothes fit into less space.

Tradewinds Vacations Club is here to assist you, the traveler, in planning, finding and enjoying all your vacations. If you are interested in becoming a member of Tradewinds Vacations, visit us on our members website to learn more about us at tradewindsvacations.net

New Fun In Old Pasadena

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 19:05:52 +0100

Located not far from the bustling city life of Los Angeles visitors may find a slower pace in the embrace of lovely Old Pasadena, California. Explore more than 200 diverse specialty boutiques and exclusive retailers from around the nation, discover a vibrant cosmopolitan world after dark, enjoy old world charm in the many world class shops, cafes and bistros lining the beautiful streets. Shopping, dining, relaxingand just getting away from the fast pace of the big city life in today's world are some of the many ways to take advantage of the life in Old Pasadena.

With a history dating back to the 1870's, Old Pasadena has been recognized of late for its desire to embrace and revitalize this history and charm. Featuring historic architecture, rustic brick facades, open air eatery's and 22 blocks of historic California, it is easy to see why visitors choose Old Pasadena as their new destination for travel.

The Tournament Of Roses

Famous for its history, Old Pasadena is also famous for its parade, the world famous Tournament of Roses. Begun in 1890, this famous parade has been going on ever since and hosts nearly a million visitors each year not to mention the millions more that watch on tv each year as well. Just part of what makes this area so special, when you plan a visit to experience history in Pasadena, check out the history of a tradition dating back over 100 years with the Tournament of Roses.

Exploring The Area

Museum & Gallery tour allows you to experience a closer look into the history and the art of the area. Some areas you may want to check out include the Armory Center for the Arts, Norton Simon Museum of Art, Pasadena Museum of California Art and Pasadena Museum of History.

Known for its many festivals and events in addition to those already mentioned, visitors tend to enjoy other activities and events including:

Pasadena Restaurant Week
Pacific Standard Time
Dozens of Art opening and exhibitions of area artists

Known to offer not only old world charm, but new world convenience, check out Old Pasadena, a nice escape on your next visit to beautiful, sunny California.

Tradewinds Vacations explores and welcomes you to explore top areas and sights of interest perfect for planning your vacation. If you are a member or would like to learn more about becoming a member of Tradewinds Vacations, visit us online at tradewindsvacations.net.

Travel Planning

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 18:52:31 +0100

Planning your next vacation does not have to be difficult, but there are some things you need to consider to make sure that you are planning the vacation that is right for you.

The Where and When

To begin, you need do a little research as to what destination may suit your needs. For example, begin by narrowing down your destination to a specific area of the world and then research more specific destinations within that region.

Once you find the area that will best meet your travel desires, you need to plan a time to travel that will allow you to take full advantage of the area. These steps may be switched if you are planning your vacation around a specifically determined time off already. Your destination may have to be adjusted if your time frame can not be.

Once you have decided on a destination, it is time to learn more about the area including laws, restrictions, information on culture and also weather. Each of these will determine not only how you should pack but also how to cope with a new culture and what to expect.

Note: Often, travelers will forget this kind of research leaving them feeling uncomfortable or unprepared when they arrive and therefore, not making the most of their experience.

When you are researching an area more closely, you can find out what you want to see, where you will be staying and can begin to solidify your travel budget during this phase.

Your Itinerary

There are many things you need to consider when choosing what to see and do. More than just what the area has to offer, what do you enjoy, what to your companions enjoy and what can you afford are all important to planning the itinerary that is right for you.

Packing And Planning

Make sure that you have spent ample time packing and ensuring that you have all required paperwork and travel information before you go. Do not wait till the last minute as you can easily ruin your well laid plans by not having all issues resolved such as passports.

Planning your vacation can make or break your experiences. For your health, safety and enjoyment, it is imperative that you plan. This is not to say that leaving time for things to just happen is a bad idea, there are just aspects to your trip that are better if not left up to chance. Bear this in mind and make sure that you research the logistics of your vacation to enhance your experiences and you to can enjoy the vacation of your dreams.

Welcome To Tradewinds Vacations

Tradewinds Vacations is your ideal destination for travel and vacation planning. Offering our members to access on destinations around the world, we are here to help you find the vacation of your dreams. If you enjoy travel or would like to travel more, consider contacting Tradewinds Vacations at tradewindsvacations.net to find out how we can help you get started.

Avoiding Travel Complaints – Staying Healthy

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 20:31:24 +0100

Staying Hydrated

Our bodies are made up of, on average, 60 to 70 percent water. Not only is this water important to life itself, but simply getting through daily life and also maintaining your health are also directly related to your water intake as well.

One of the most common travel complaints is when travelers have illnesses associated with traveling. Whether it is jet lag, food borne illnesses or the common cold, most travelers will feel the impacts of this or other illnesses when they travel at some point. However, the reality of this is, some of these are brought about or exaggerated by a lack of fluids on your part.

Are You Dehydrated?

Many people today are simply always dehydrated, not for lack of drinking fluids, but simply lack of drinking water. It is exacerbated by traveling as stress, just walking around, heat, and even a pressurized plane cabin. In addition, coffee, pop and alcohol further dehydrate you as opposed to making it better. Therefore, it is imperative to promote your health and reduce the chance that you will be ill when traveling, that you drink plenty of water.

Note: Many countries have much less stringent safety measures relating to water purity making it important that you avoid consuming tap water if you are unsure of the area water source. Instead, opt for bottled water, or if in a location where bottled water is unavailable, bring water purification tablets and boil all water as well.

Other Ways To Avoid Illness When Traveling

Get ample rest before and during your trip
Maintain your daily medication and vitamin strategies even while traveling
Avoid over imbibing in both food and drink
Ensure that your food is fully cooked when traveling in lesser known areas
Make sure you are healthy before you travel
Avoid touching your face and mouth with your hands
Wash and sterilize your hands frequently

Do you have tips you would like to share about how you avoid this common travel complaint? If you would like to contribute, we welcome your input.

Tradewinds Vacations Reviews

Tradewinds Vacations reviews travel tips, advice and destinations that may help you become a more informed traveler. Maintain your health, enjoy more, save more and have the best vacation possible by knowing more about your destination and what you should expect. Enhance your travel experiences and get valuable information to help by spending time review travel with us.

Exploring Big Pine Key

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 20:33:21 +0100

A lesser known and wilder part of the Lower Keys of Florida, Big Pine Key is the place to visit for a lower key Florida Key vacation. Home to less than 6,000 residents, this area is well known for its outdoor activities and destinations such as the National Key Deer Refuge, Bahia Honda State Park great scuba and snorkeling, world class beaches, and small quiet resorts. Rather than fight the crowd, Big Pine Key is a vacation away from the fast pace of many of the more populous keys.

The Lower Florida Keys are also known as the Natural Keys, these keys are home to a host of wildlife and ecosystems. Much more well known for its ecotourism, the Lower Keys are also home to the area called the Blue Hole. Here, visitors have the opportunity to enjoy the rich wildlife including deer as well as fish, and birds.

The area known as Big Pine Key has a history a bit different from that of the Upper Keys. Made of different minerals and hosting a different type of ecosystem than that of other keys in Florida, Big Pine Key was one of the last Keys to welcome residents to its shores. For this reason, there are many more wild and natural areas found in this area than in those longer settled.

Top areas of interest in Big Pine Key and the Lower Keys include:

BAHIA HONDA STATE PARK

BAY POINT PARK

BLUE HERON PARK

BLUE HOLE

NATIONAL KEY DEER REFUGE

BAT TOWER

More than just outdoors however, the arts and culture that make the keys popular for art and music lovers however is also not missing from the area. Great sites and areas of interest in the Lower Keys also include a number of art galleries, museums, shops, tours and cruises as well as great dining and wonderful accommodations for everyone.

Getting To The Lower Keys

The Lower Keys are not far from the Key West International Airport, generally between 20 minutes and an hour once you arrive. If you plan on driving from the mainland, just follow the signs and you will be there in a short time as well. Beautiful and wild, pristine and enticing, Big Pine Key is the nature lovers paradise Key. Explore all the amazing features that make each Key special in its own way and enjoy visiting the United States well known and beautiful destinations for travel.

Tradewinds Travel Club reviews travel destinations with you to help you find out more about what our beautiful world has to offer you. Travel with us and enjoy your vacations with tips and reviews to help from Tradewinds Travel Club.

Tradewinds Travel Club Explores Warm Winter Destinations In The US

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 21:38:11 +0100

Though winter can be a magical time with the snow falling around you, sparkling and white on Christmas night, once the holidays are over, you may be like the millions of other travelers who are sick of being cold and would simply love to be relaxing on warm sunny beach. If you are one of these people, Tradewinds Travel Club invites you to look at some of the top warm winter destinations in the U.S. with us. Take a closer look at some of these top destinations for travel and travel with Tradewinds Travel Club.

Escaping The Snow

There are a few states in the U.S. which are known as ideal warm winter destinations for travel, the top four including Texas, Florida, and Arizona. The southern U.S. offers you and your family a great option for vacationing this winter without having to get a passport. Some of the top cities for travel in the U.S. include:

San Antonio Texas
Flagstaff Arizona
South Padre Island in Texas
Orlando Florida
Florida Keys

Each of these destinations offers warm weather throughout the year with ideal temperatures during these cooler months of the year. Though the water may be cooler in some areas, you can generally expect to be able to do all the summer activities you enjoy including swimming, fishing, boating, canoeing and kayaking as well as simply enjoying the beautifully warm weather, perfect for helping you escape the winter doldrums. If you enjoy getting away from the cold in winter, try any of these wonderful destinations for travel and enjoy the beauty of the summer in winter without even leaving the U.S.

Tradewinds Travel Club Invites You To Learn More About Travel

Tradewinds Travel Club explores and reviews the tips and destinations that you need to know when planning your vacation. Whether you enjoy traveling in the U.S. or abroad, Tradewinds Travel Club wishes you only the best in all your travels. If you travel frequently or would like to travel more often, Tradewinds Travel Club invites you to learn more about us. Visit our members site to learn more about the member benefits offered from Tradewinds Travel Club.

Tradewinds Vacations Reviews And Tips On Avoiding Complaints

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 20:48:04 +0100

The Cost Of Travel – A Common Travel Complaint

Tradewinds Vacations enjoys offering you the tips and advice to help you save on travel. As a value travel provider, Tradewinds Vacations does our best to reduce your travel costs and let you enjoy more for less when you are traveling.

In today's world, the cost of travel is increasing on an almost daily basis. From the moment you begin planning your vacation, you begin to see why more people travel less. From airlines charging for all luggage, to accommodations which charge for internet access or even toiletries which were always considered just part of your room in the past, it is important that you pay attention to these types of fees so that you can avoid spending too much while traveling.

Create A Budget And Stick To It

The easiest way to avoid this common complaint is to pay attention and ask before you travel. Rather than leaving issues up to chance, it is always better to prepare and be an informed traveler. The more you prepare and create a budget, the less likely you are to have the complaint of the cost of travel. Tradewinds Vacations encourages you to pay attention, create a budget, allot for special circumstances and stick to your budget when you travel to avoid complaints about money while you travel. Do not regret taking your trip, just be smart when traveling and avoid common travel complaints with tips and reviews from Tradewinds Vacations.

Review Travel And Avoid Travel Complaints With Tradewinds Vacations

Tradewinds Vacations understands that you work hard for your money. In order to make the most of your hard earned dollar, Tradewinds Vacations has the opportunity to offer our members the deepest discounts on travel available. Avoid this most common travel complaint, the cost of travel, by becoming a member of Tradewinds Vacations.

Tradewinds Travel Club Offers You Tips On Travel

Fri, 06 May 2011 20:17:00 +0100

More than just money is needed to make a vacation happen. In fact, how much you spend is one aspect of travel planning that can be changed. Learning how to make the most of your travel dollar is a simple as taking tips and advice on travel from Tradewinds Travel Club. Packing smarter, traveling during the right time of year, finding accommodations that actually fit your budget, avoiding hidden fees on your accommodations, finding inexpensive places to visit and many other tips can help you save money on your vacation. This is why Tradewinds Travel Club invites you to enjoy some valuable tips on travel. Travel with us and learn more about how to save money and make the most of your vacations. Whether traveling abroad or in the US, Tradewinds Travel Club can help you.

Advice and Tips on Travel from Tradewinds Travel Club

What else is needed when planning a vacation? Knowledge and understanding are two important things necessary for you to have a safe and enjoyable vacation as well. Those who are informed travelers do more than simply save money, they also show that they are doing their part to ensure a good vacation. By being an informed traveler and understanding the area and the activities and destinations that you will be a part of during your vacation, you can save yourself from hassle and avoid the curse of "looking like a traveler". When you don't appear inexperienced, it is rare that you will be singled out as an easy target by those who may be out to take you for a ride.

Not only does knowledge help you travel more safely, it also helps you make the most of every minute of your vacation. Having your vacation planned, i.e. where you want to go to, how to get there, alternate routes, when it will be less busy and the like can help you fit more into the short time that you have to enjoy your vacation.

These are just a few words of advice for Tradewinds Travel Club to help you enjoy your next vacation. Take the time to visit us and learn more great tips on travel and destination specific information to help you enjoy your vacations more. Save money on travel and enjoy your next vacation with us, Tradewinds Travel Club, as your partner in travel.