Author Archive for Kristin Kizer

Kristin Kizer is a freelance writer who currently lives in Madison, Wisconsin. She has spent the last ten years as a professional writer and counts the years she spent working in serial television for the Discovery Wings Channel as some of the most interesting in her career. Whenever possible she still dabbles in television and recently worked with the National Geographic Channel. Kristin really enjoys every writing project that comes her way and is always looking to branch out into a new area.

Author's Website: http://

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Whether you’re jetting across the country for a business meeting or backpacking through Europe, at least one of the nifty travel products below is bound to become the one item you couldn’t do without.
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Airport Travel Tips

Airport Travel Tips

If you want to get through the airport faster and with more ease, use the following travel tips to help you breeze right through, saving both time and hassle. Read the full story

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A shoppers paradise in Orlando

A shoppers paradise in Orlando

Creative Commons License photo credit: ordinari_grrrl

While the stated goal of the 30-acre entertainment complex known as CityWalk is to entertain and educate patrons in a variety of themed environments, its real accomplishment is giving tourists a place to deposit their cash. Whether you’re a sport’s buff, a cigar aficionado, a fashionista or a conservationist; there’s a store for you.

  • Cigarz at CityWalk: Considered one of the best cigar shops around, locals flock to this hidden treasure. The humidor features a number of smoky gems and the bar features some stiff drinks and a few good eats for a light snack.
  • The Endangered Species Store: A tribute to the world’s endangered species, this store sells t-shirts, stuffed animals, knickknacks and other trinkets with critters in mind.
  • Fresh Produce: Not what you’d expect. This store offers clothing in the typical Florida fashion, bright florals and tropical colors.
  • Quiet Flight Surf Shop: If you really want to fit in with the natives at the beach, hit this favorite surf shop for everything you need to ride the waves; except the waves, of course.
  • Hart & Huntington Tattoo Company: Want a lasting souvenir? Try a tattoo. This world famous tattoo parlor is one of those places you just have to visit, whether you’re going to get ink or not, take a tour through the flash art and learn a little about this ancient art form.

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Mickey salutes the military with discounts

Shades of Green

Tucked between the Magnolia and Palm golf courses, very close to the great mouse’s home, Magic Kingdom, rests a resort dedicated to hosting America’s military.

Florida’s Shades of Green was originally built as a luxury resort known as the Disney Inn. In 1994 the Department of Defense leased the property and turned it into an exclusive oasis for retired and active military personnel, Defense Department civilians and their families. The name Shades of Green is meant as a nod to the well-recognized camouflage colors of the military and serves to encompass all branches of the armed forces.

Ticket discounts vary and can be as little as 6.5 percent and as much as 30 percent. If you’re looking for the best deal and the best discount, more is usually better. Look for passes that cover several days and several parks. The Park Hopper and Magic Your Way tickets seem to offer the best deals all around.

To purchase your discounted military tickets for Disney, check with your local MWR office, get a quote from them and keep shopping. It is not uncommon for prices to vary from base to base. If you’re already in Orlando, check their local Navy Exchange which has a small ITT/MWR base near the airport. Or, those last minute people can pick up their park passes at the Shades of Green resort, but remember this means you won’t get to do any additional discount shopping.

If you’re thinking about a group vacation, your military discount will count for the entire group as long as 50 percent of the people are qualified to receive military benefits. Active and retired armed forces members as well as their dependents qualify.

California’s Disneyland doesn’t have a hotel dedicated to the military, but the Disneyland Resort does offer military personnel a discount. A word of advice here, book early as this hotel fills up quickly. Ticket discounts are still available in California and checking with your local MWR is the easiest way to determine the rates.

If you’re thinking about a vacation that’s a little more exotic, consider a Disney Cruise. The mouse gives some good discounts on their cruises but they’re based on availability and some restrictions may apply. Check dates with Disney Cruise lines to find the best time to cash in on your discount and then research some other specials, the military deals might not always be the best.

(Photo via flickr cc)

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Aztalan Pyramids

If pyramids excite you and make you feel like traveling, how about a trip to Wisconsin? Believe it or not, the Midwestern state is home to an ancient village and ceremonial complex, complete with pyramidal mounds, from somewhere between AD 1000 to 1300. Not much is specifically known about the group that constructed these pyramids as they have long since disappeared, but it is believed that they share cultural traditions with the Cahokia settlement in Illinois.

The pyramids are truly more mound than skyscraper and have actually been reconstructed to give visitors a feel for how they originally appeared. A stockade has also been restored to add to the native landscape.

Aztalan State Park is open to the public from 6 am to 11 pm daily. The area is mainly open prairie, representative of most of the state’s south central region, which makes it perfect for long hikes and picnics. Visitors can also fish, boat or canoe along the Crawfish River, although no boat launch is available. North of the park is the Aztalan Museum which features relics from the 19th Century, including two pioneer churches.

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Harley-Davidson to open museum

Harley

If you hear the word “hog” and don’t automatically think of a farm and squealing pigs, then you’re probably long overdue for a trip to hog heaven. The Harley-Davidson headquarters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin has been home to the hearts of millions of motorcycle enthusiasts for decades but a new home will open this year.

Museum staff expect an annual attendance of 350,000 or more. The Milwaukee location, between Sixth and Canal Streets, easily houses the three-building, 130,000-square-foot homage to Harley. The development is planned with space for exhibits, a restaurant, café, retail space, meeting rooms, special events facilities and the company’s archives.

Future construction plans include an additional building with 100,000 square feet and office space for employees. Designs for this addition and a timeframe have not yet been made public.

Harley representatives haven’t released a grand opening date but the rumor mill predicts an opening by the 105th anniversary of Harley-Davidson in late August 2008.

(Photo via flickr cc)

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Where to go for Winter Golf

Scottsdale golf course

If the winter weather has you down then there is no better cure than a trip around the links. Here are some spots to consider.

  • Pebble Beach:. In 1929 the first tournaments were held in Pebble Beach, introducing the golfing community to this beautiful region of California. Not only does California’s Pebble Beach area offer fantastic golf, it also has scenic appeal that is not oft rivaled. A gem through and through.
  • Scottsdale /Phoenix: Arizona has more golf courses per capita than any other state west of the Mississippi River and the Scottsdale/Phoenix area offers so many you could golf a different one every day for more than six months. Snow birds will also revel in the dry heat this desert community offers visitors in the depths of winter.
  • Hilton Head Island: Known the world over for the quality of courses, the island hosts a remarkable 40 options for duffers of every skill and financial level. In addition to the magnificent golf, the islands off the coast of South Carolina give visitors over 12 miles of safe, clean beaches, more than 300 shops and 200 dining options. A vacation that makes relaxing easy and accessible.
  • Orlando: This mecca of tourism is the self-proclaimed Golf Capital of the World and the 150 golf courses in the city helps support this claim. Novices can sign up for classes at the top-notch golf schools located in the region. And everyone knows what other activities Orlando has to offer for the entire family, not matter what their ages, lifestyles, likes and needs.
  • (Photo via flickr cc)

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    Ski Lake Tahoe

    Lake Tahoe

    For skiers there is nothing quite like the fluffy powder dusting the slopes in Lake Tahoe. The incredible scenic views and the magnificent resorts frequently get hit with record breaking snowfalls, which set a skier’s heart racing. And the area features more ski resorts than any other destination in North America.

    Between the North and South Lake Tahoe resorts are 17,000 acres of terrain with more than 100 lifts and 500 runs. There is something for everyone, no matter what your skill level or your level of daring.

    Lake Tahoe was born from the depths of the earth as a cataclysmic volcanic and icy glacier worked to carve and sculpt the region. The pristine blue water and towering peaks reminds visitors of this environmental wonder and its pure nature. The 35 feet of snowfall annually keeps Mother Nature in the forefront as visitors realize that we’re all at her mercy and simultaneously held in her blessing.

    To ski across this vista is a power trip like no other, a sense of accomplishment fills your soul as you conquer the tricky terrain and glide across the earth at an earth shattering speed. The beauty of the region fills your vision as you whip down the slopes and become one with this grandiose environmental wonder.

    (Photo via flickr cc)

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    Ghost town in the sky

    Tucked into the base of the Great Smokey Mountains is Ghost Town in the Sky, one of North Carolina’s most popular tourist attractions.

    The brainchild of R.B. Coburn, The Ghost Town in the Sky, opened to the public on May 1, 1961 and instantly became a million dollar idea. During its heyday a multitude of stars made appearances, but as the western slid out of favor so did the theme park. By the early 2000s the park was falling into disrepair and closed due to safety concerns. Luckily, it was purchased in 2006, millions were pumped into its refurbishing and The Ghost Town in the Sky is once again open to the public.

    This family fun park is designed to appeal to every age group and features staged gun fights, live music and shows, thrilling rides and attractions. Once in the authentic western town you can visit the two saloons, schoolhouse, jail, or church. Dance hall girls perform for guests while gun fights blaze outside. And, if you’re lucky, you’ll catch a glimpse of the authentic Cherokee Indian dancers and musicians.

    The newest addition to the park is Heritage Town Square where you can take a tour through 40 years of Ghost Town memorabilia, examine craftsman handiwork, and even try your hand at gold mining.

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    Fertility tourism

    Fertility tourism among Americans is on the rise as the cost of fertility treatments in the United States has skyrocketed, making foreign alternatives more financially viable, if not entirely safe.

    People are reviewing their options and have found that for the cost of one in vitro fertilization treatment inside the U.S., they can instead travel to Cape Town, South Africa, receive their treatment, have a lovely vacation and come home with money in their pockets.

    The National Center for Health Statistics estimates that 10 percent of the childbearing population suffers from infertility. Only about 3 percent of these people seek treatments, which translates to about 100,000 people a year. The average cost for in vitro in the United States is more than $12,000 and most insurance plans do not cover the procedure. Add to that the high costs of related medications and you’ve got an expense that is prohibitive for most couples.

    With medical costs showing no signs of stability or dropping, you can expect to see more Americans traveling abroad to receive fertility treatments. The U.S. is certainly not lacking in fertility clinics so this decision seems to be entirely financially based.

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