Visiting the Miami Metro Zoo in Miami Florida

Miami Metro Zoo turns 30 this year! The zoo is open every day of the year from 9:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. (other than Thanksgiving and Christmas when they have varied hours). It's affordable and if you're a AAA Member, Military, Travel Agent or senior you can get a discount!

The zoo has improved largely since it suffered major damage and loss when Hurricane Andrew hit years ago. If you don't feel like walking, they do have bike rentals so you can pedal your way around under the comfort of the bike canopy. This is great way to visit the zoo if you're not used to (or don't like) the sun and heat. You can also choose to tour the zoo via Tram or monorail to get you from one location to another.

The tiger and white tiger are one of the first animals you'll see (if you start by going to your right once in the park).

If you want to learn more about the animals and what they eat, how they act check out the "Meet the Zookeeper" schedule and you'll be able to talk one on one and watch as they feed the animals.

Stop by the chimp area and you you'll surely be entertained by their antics.

Visit the Africa Exhibit and feed a giraffe.

You can also check out the zebra's in Africa. Did you know that no two zebra's are alike, even though they look like it.

The zoo is continuing to build and do more conservation work locally as well as afar.
You can spend time in the Asian Exhibit, Africa, Monkey Meadow, Australia, The Amazon and other intriguing areas.

Plan on spending the entire day visiting the different exhibits and variety of shows.

If you're visiting the zoo in the summer months, be prepared with sunscreen and remember to drink water as it does get hot along the way (though they do have water misters throughout the park to help you cool off). There's also a splash pad for kids to play in and cool off and a playground so the kids can act as wild as the animals!

This post was written by Guest Blogger, Tara Burner. Tara is an Author & Certified Inspiration & Health Coach who enjoys traveling as well!

Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens in Delray Beach

Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens is a hidden treasure in Delray Beach, FL. They opened in 1977 as a center for Japanese culture and arts in South Florida. They then built the museum in 1993 to include exhibition galleries, a genuine tea house, a theater, library, cafe along with lakeside courtyard garden. You can escape the hustle and busyness of metropolitian life when you visit the gardens. They're open Tuesday - Sunday, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and closed major national holidays and Mondays. Admission is only $12 for adults, $11 for seniors, $7 for children and children 5 & under are free.

You can tour the gardens on your own or do a self guided audio tour that's available that takes you through history. During the year there are different exhibitions and events at Morikami. When you're done experiencing all the wonders of the gardens, visit the Museum store for authentic gifts from Asia and Japan. The Museum is home to 5000 Japanese artifacts and art pieces.

As you stroll through the six different gardens, you'll experience nature and a relaxing of your senses. Each garden is inspired by a time in Japanese history. You will experience textures, sounds, shades, light, space, design, harmony, nature as you enjoy the various gardens. You can sit and reflect at the Zen garden at Morikami.

There are unique stone bridges and walk ways throughout the gardens.

While you're at the gardens, you're likely to encounter turtles, Koi fish, herons and other wildlife along your journey. You can take a stroll over the bridge and Koi pond to the bonsai garden section.

There are multiple water falls to enjoy while you peruse the park.

You won't want to leave the tranquility of Morikami, but when you do you'll feel more relaxed and able to deal with the outside world again.

Las Vegas Travel Tips and Cheap Deals

If you are considering a vacation to Las Vegas, it is important to realize that the city of Las Vegas has much more to offer than just casinos. No longer known for just gambling, Las Vegas has fashioned itself into an all around tourist destination. Today, the streets of Las Vegas are filled with business people, families, honey moon couples and even senior citizen tour groups.

If you go to Las Vegas and spend all of your time in the casinos, you will be missing out on a lot that the area has to offer. There are many tours available for you to choose from to ensure that you see all of the areas treasures.

Grand Canyon

Las Vegas offers several choices of tours of the Grand Canyon. You won't see a more spectacular view than at the Grand Canyon! To go to Las Vegas, and not tour the Grand Canyon would be like going to New York City and not viewing the Statue of Liberty! Your vacation to Las Vegas simply would not be complete without a tour of the Grand Canyon. Many of the Grand Canyon tours include a bonus stop at the Hoover Dam. Or the vacationer can choose to take separate tours of the Grand Canyon and the Hoover Dam to ensure that they have plenty of time to enjoy the wonders of each of them.

While in Las Vegas, be sure to check out the Bonnie & Clyde Getaway Car! This display, located at Primm Valley Resort & Casino not only includes the original car that the infamous robber couple of the 1930s died in, but also several other things which once belonged to Bonnie and Clyde.

Conservatory

Another place you may wish to visit while enjoying your Vegas vacation is the Conservatory at Bellagio. Crafted by a team of 100 horticulturalists, the Bellagio's conservatory features elegant, elaborate arrangements of plants and flowers in its bright, airy atrium. This is a wonderful attraction that the whole family can enjoy!

Ethel M Chocolate Factory

Who wouldn't love to visit the Ethel M Chocolate Factory? Ethel M Chocolates caters to the sweet tooth in us all! Located just seven miles from the Las Vegas Strip, the free admission entices many visitors to the factory. At the candy factory you will get a behind the scenes look at the candy making process as well as the opportunity to do some sampling!

Fountains

The Fountains at Bellagio are a must see Las Vegas free attraction. In the early evening hours, a water and music show plays again and again in the incredible fountains filling the quarter mile long lake located in front of the Bellagio. Another wonderful fountain display can be found at the Fountain shows at Caesars. No civilization has ever put on a greater spectacle than ancient Rome, and now visitors to Las Vegas have a chance to witness the glory for themselves at the Caesars Palace's fountain shows.

The Las Vegas Strip does have some of the best casinos in the world, and you definitely want to check them out while you are there. However, it is important to remember that your Las Vegas vacation can include so much more than just spending time at the casinos!

Cheap Las Vegas?

The most affordable way to get to Las Vegas is through vacation packages, not just any vacation packages but last minute vacation packages. There are many travel merchants which serve as clearinghouses for last minute cancellations, promotional offers and unsold/undersold flights and hotels. They will re-package these unsold inventories offering you a cheaper deal than if you would to buy these on your own separately.

Check out Last-Minute-Vacation-Guide.com to see the latest last minute vacations to Las Vegas!

Copyright Statement
This article was written by Jonathan Tan and may be reproduced on any travel-related website provided this copyright statement is displayed unedited in its entirety at the foot of the article and you use the exact same HTML code to ensure a clickable link back to the author's site. Further articles are also available. Contact the author for more information. 

Important Safety Tips for Traveling Abroad

Perhaps you have dreamed for years of a vacation in Europe, or maybe in your current job you find you must travel often to exotic locales for your business. The prospect of seeing a different land, experiencing cultures, languages and people different from the United States is exciting, yet there are as many risks involved in traveling abroad as there are traveling your own country.

This is not to stay that danger lurks behind every corner, waiting to grab an unsuspecting tourist or visitor. Since a vacation is meant to be a fun and exciting time, so it's important to heed a few pre-cautions while you're abroad. Here are suggestions to make your trip go much easier. Don't forget to take lots of pictures, too!

Know the laws and customs of each country you visit. As a traveler in a foreign country, you are subject to each country's laws regardless of being an American citizen. Take note not to turn left when you should turn right, and remember that just because something is illegal in the States doesn't mean it's legal elsewhere. Should you run into and legal difficulties, contact the nearest US Embassy.

• Always leave a detailed itinerary with a family member or friend at home in case of emergency. If you know in advance where you are staying, make sure somebody has your hotel and transit information.
• Leave a copy of your passport information with a trusted friend or relative at home in the event your passport is lost or stolen while overseas.
• Always keep an eye on your belongings when in public. Do not leave bags unattended, and do not accept packages from strangers.
• Look inconspicuous when traveling. Do not flaunt jewelry, credit cards, or anything that might catch the eye of a mugger. Of course, it is never a good idea to carry only cash when traveling. Have travelers checks handy, and do not keep all of your money in one place - leave some in a well-hidden spot in your room (and make sure your room is locked) when you go out.
• Exchange money only at authorized locations, i.e. banks and hotels. When you travel to some countries, you may find the local vendors will gladly accept American currency rather than their own. American currency tends to have a higher value, and more than likely the natives will hang onto to it and exchange it when their own currency's value peaks. Therefore, you may want to consider keeping a small amount of American cash when you visit local markets. If you are not familiar with exchange rates and try to bargain with foreign currency, you may find you have paid too much for certain items.
• Have your hotel arrange transportation for you where needed. While it is rather commonplace to hail a cab in a large US city like Atlanta, you might find there are risks in certain countries, particularly if the taxis are not licensed. Use only the companies and drivers your hotel concierge recommends.

Lastly, visit the US State Department's Travel site for information on obtaining passports and visas, and updated travel warnings. When armed with knowledge on your intended destination beforehand, you are certain to enjoy a wonderful trip wherever you go.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on Gainesville bed and breakfast inns and European hotel reservations.

Walt Disney World Souvenirs That Don't Cost a Fortune

Mickey ears, stuffed animals, princess dresses and pirate swords. Walt Disney World is filled with venues for selling souvenirs and much of it is very overpriced. It's the nature of souvenirs that you take them home and rarely look at them again (except possibly the stuffed animals for small kids), so why do we spend so much money on things that don't matter once we get home? I did the Mickey Mouse ear hats and the expensive t-shirts, and then I decided to get creative. We always leave the parks with inexpensive Walt Disney World souvenirs to help us remember our trip. None of them cost very much money, and many of them are absolutely free.

Pressed Pennies

There are hundreds of pressed penny machines in Walt Disney World, and each one creates a unique design. Simply put in a penny along with two quarters and push the lever. Out pops your penny, squashed and embossed with a Disney design. There are sets to collect, like the Epcot country logos, pennies commemorating rides like Pirates of the Caribbean and Tower of Terror and even pennies marked with resort hotel designs. Check in Downtown Disney for collector's penny holder books to hold your loot. Your kids can add to this collection over and over again. Check out the pressed pennies and quarters list on Allears.net for an idea of all the locations.

Special Friend Photos

If your child has a special stuffed animal, you'll likely have it along on your vacation. Turn that animal into the subject of a photo series all over Disney World. Bring the animal along on the rides, get it a seat at the table for dinner, have it give Snow White a hug in front of the castle. Snap pictures of how much fun your child's stuffed friend is having all week long. Print out the photos when you get home to create a unique photo album for your child to keep.

Autographs

While many people buy specialized autograph books at the resorts or parks, you can get one at a dollar store before you pack for the parks. Look for a notebook with a Disney design on front, or buy a plain autograph book and let your child design the cover with Disney character stickers. Get autographs from the characters, of course, but make it even more special. Ask cast members for their autograph when they offer a little bit of Disney magic for your day. Request autographs from waiters who smiled through a busy shift, cashiers who offer to let your kids peruse their trading pins, people who run the rides with a smile on their face or custodians who do a fabulous job at a difficult task. You'll make the cast member's day and make yourself feel pretty good, too.

T-shirts and Pins

If you absolutely don't feel like it's a vacation without buying something with Mickey's face on it, head to one of the Disney outlet stores just outside of the park area. There are three outlets that take from 7 to 18 minutes to drive to from the Disney parks. Each of the outlet stores carries hats, t-shirts, sweatshirts, beach towels, coffee mugs, pins and a huge variety of other souvenirs. Almost every items in these stores is 50% off the price in the parks, and some of it is up to 80% off. Who cares if it's last season's Mickey head design if you're paying 20 cents on the dollar?

Disney World souvenirs don't have to be expensive plush toys that sit on a shelf and collect dust all year. Get creative with your souvenir hunting and pick up a series of items that remind you of your magical time but don't cost a fortune. After all, it's the memories that count, not how much you spent in building them.

Anne Baley is a Florida resident and veteran Walt Disney World guest. She has explored Disney World dozens of times, always looking for new and unique ways to get more out of a trip for less money.

Visiting the Henry Villas Zoo in Madison Wisconsin

Lions, tigers, bears and no admission fee...oh my! If you happen to be in Madison, Wisconsin and enjoy zoo's you have to visit the Henry Villas Zoo.

I visited there the summer of 2009 and was amazed to find that it's totally run from donations! There is no admission fee. You donate whatever amount you feel like.

You can also become a member if you wish. The Zoo is open from 9:30am-5:00pm daily. The zoo officially started in 1910 & just celebrated their 100th anniversary! The zoo supports conservation of animals and educates visitors about the animal world.

I can tell you that Henry Villas zoo surpasses many others that have admission fees but simply aren't as nice or well maintained (for both the animals and the visitors). They also take steps to be green, which as you'll find with me is a big plus

You can get up close and personal with many of the animals at the zoo. Nothing like looking at an ostrich up close and personal. Or watching a giraffe chomp on some grass.

The King of the Jungle relaxes in his environment. They even have heated rocks in the habitat to keep him warm on cooler days.

While there, you can visit the primate arena, tropical rainforest aviary, Herpetarium (which you will NOT find me in-no snakes, reptiles for me!) and the Children's zoo where the kids (and you) can feed goats, ride the carousel and learn about some of the animals.

If you're hungry, grab yourself a chicken sandwich or a brat or cheese curds (c'mon it's Wisconsin, of course you can get bratwurst and cheese curds!) For those who desire something less "Wisconsin-ian", they do offer popcorn, nachos, and 'regular' concession food.

They also have new additions added regularly so you'll want to see who's coming to the zoo when you're visiting. I'd plan on spending the entire day there from when they open to close to be able to experience everything to the fullest!

This post was written by Guest Blogger, Tara Burner. Tara is an Author & Certified Inspiration & Health Coach who enjoys traveling as well!

7 Top Road Trip Money-Saving Secrets when Traveling

Road Trips are all about having fun with the family. These savings tips are designed to offer safe, fun-filled, less expensive road trips. Ready to start? Let's go.

Secret #1. Prepare snacks before you start out.

You could purchase fruit bars, chips, healthy drinks and other snacks from your local supermarket, rather than buying them from a roadside service station at inflated prices. Tip - you can also use these as treats or prizes when playing road trip games with the kids (see Secret #5 below - printable road trip games).

Secret #2. Car checks

It is important to check the fluid levels and other items on all the car's systems before leaving home. These checks can save you breaking down on a lonely stretch of road, late at night... The major checks are listed below:

1. Radiator - check fluid level in the radiator (not when the radiator is hot!) and also the level in the radiator overflow bottle.

2. Brake Master Cylinder - check that the brake fluid level is at the "Max" mark. Important - only use the manufacturer's specified grade if adding brake fluid.

3. Automatic transmission - check the level of automatic transmission fluid is at the correct mark on the dipstick. Important - only use the manufacturer's specified grade if adding automatic transmission fluid.

4. Power Steering - check the level of power steering fluid in the power steering fluid container. Important - only use the manufacturer's specified grade if adding power steering fluid.

5. (for a manual transmission) Check the clutch master cylinder reservoir to ensure clutch fluid is at the top mark. Important - only use the manufacturer's specified grade of clutch fluid.

6. Check that the battery terminals are clean and the connecting cables are tightly fastened to the terminals.

7. Windscreen washer fluid - make sure this is full.

8. Radiator Hoses - when the car motor is cool squeeze the top and the bottom radiator hoses. If the hoses feel a little tough to squeeze and they spring back to their original shape quickly then there are most probably no problems. If however, you hear crackling noises from inside the hose or it feels really spongy, it is most probably time to change the hoses.

If you need a second opinion do not hesitate to get your local mechanic or radiator specialist to check things over for you. It's better to have this important system working well before you start than have it fail, stranding you and the family and possibly damaging your motor.

If you do not feel confident checking all these items you could get the car serviced, checking with the mechanic that all these systems are OK.

Secret #3. Car Driving Techniques

The whole idea of this article is to offer you money saving tips and hints. One of the major costs of road trips if fuel. The way you drive, the way you pack the car, tire pressures and the amount of luggage you pack can all have a marked effect on your fuel consumption. Let's check out a few of these below:

Packing - try not to pack anything on the roof (in a roof rack) if at all possible. This can increase you fuel usage by up to 5 mpg.

Speed - try to stay at a steady speed, preferably at or less than 55 mph. If you travel at 65 mph your fuel usage can increase by up to 8% and more as you travel faster.

Easy on controls - drive to anticipate road and traffic conditions. If you can reduce the sudden acceleration and braking by being more observant you will save fuel and give the passenger a more comfortable ride.

Tire pressures - inflate to manufacturer's specification before traveling too far. Under-inflated tires can have a marked impact on fuel usage - increasing it by up to 6 mpg.

Secret #4. Money-Saving Coupons

If you plan a little in advance and save coupons (or print them out from the internet) you may save on fuel costs, accommodation, fun park entry fees and meals.

Secret #5. Printable kids games

Bored kids can sometimes ruin an otherwise great road trip. You may wish to download some games the whole family can enjoy. These will entertain the kids and interaction of the whole family will make the time pass quickly. You can find some free games download links at my website. See author bio at the end of this article for the link.

Secret #6. Use correct fuel

Only use the type and grade of fuel recommended by the car's manufacturer. Running on premium grade when the car does not need it, is a waste of money.

Secret #7. Be seen and be able to see clearly

Before you leave ensure that all exterior lights lenses on the car are clean and all lights are working properly. Also clean the inside and outside of all car windows so that your vision is not impaired by road grime or bugs.

I trust that these tips will save you money and help you have a safe, fun road trip.

Bruce Hokin writes about car money saving tips and DIY car maintenance. You can get a free road trip checklist, many car money savings tips at Car Savings Advice and printable road trip games for kids at Road Trip Games.

Pennsylvania Businesses: Tian Shi Acupuncture

Acupuncture. You’ve heard of it, but what exactly is it? Does it work? Is it painful?

WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE?

Acupuncture is a medical therapy that has been used in China for the last 5000 years. It boosts the body’s natural healing and functioning. Acupuncture is used for medical conditions, illness prevention, and for the promotion of physical and emotional well-being.

HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE WORK?

Hair-thin needles are inserted to stimulate specific points. This stimulation causes the nervous system to release chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These chemicals either change the experience of pain or they trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones which influence how the body regulates itself.

IS ACUPUNCTURE PAINFUL?

Due to the fact that acupuncture needles are hair-thin and are not hollow like a syringe, they cause very minimal, if any pain at all.

IS ACUPUNCTURE SAFE?

Acupuncture is completely safe because the needles that are used are sterile, single-use, disposable needles. Bleeding or bruising is rare.

If you’d like more information on acupuncture or would like to set up an appointment for a free consultation or your initial treatment, give Tian Shi Acupuncture a call at 717.545.2544. Our office is located at 4055 Linglestown Road in Harrisburg.

Fairchild Botanical Gardens in Coral Gables

Fairchild Botanical Gardens located in Coral Gables Florida and is a hidden treasure of color, beauty and nature. Here you will find boundless collections of tropical plants including succulents, cacti, palms, ferns, flowering trees, tropical fruit trees, vines.

Fairchild Botanical Gardens not only offers an invigorating place to experience all the natural beauty but also offers programs in conservation, horticulture and environmental education.

Their carts are even sun powered! Two thumbs up for them!

You’ll find an array of tropical plants & flowers accented by abstract metal art, glass art throughout the 83-acre garden.

Lotus flowers are in varied colors in the pond-you can find a mixture of pinks, oranges, yellows that exude vibrant life.

I suggest if visiting in summer (June/ July/August/September) be prepared to be hot & sticky. Those are the most humid months and the park covers a lot of open ground, so you’ll be exposed to sun and humidity. I personally don’t mind the heat and sun so had no problem visiting in June.

If you happen to be planning a wedding, you can have it here among the gorgeous lakes, gardens. There are countless baths, exhibits, ponds, vistas and garden areas in the park to ensure that you have a memorable & colorful visit.

This post was written by Guest Blogger, Tara Burner. Tara is an Author & Certified Inspiration/ Health Coach who enjoys traveling as well!

The Nature Center at Wildwood Lake Sanctuary in Harrisburg

If you live in the Harrisburg, Pennsylvania area or you plan on taking a little tip to Harrisburg...you should plan to spend an afternoon at the Benjamin Olewine, Nature Center at Wildwood Lake Sanctuary.

The Wildwood Lake Sanctuary and the Benjamin Olewine, III Nature Center offers a nice public place to relax, explore and learn about the wildlife that lives in the Harrisburg area. The Sanctuary and Nature Center are open daily from sunrise to sunset and the admission is 100% free. Wow, a free afternoon with the family sounds good to me!

Surrounded by an Industrial area, Wildwood is important to our local environmental preservation. The Nature Center's exhibits and activities are open to the public and they have programs for scout troops and school groups.

When you visit the Nature Center and Lake Sanctuary you will find that it is home to over 150 species of birds and numerous varieties of plant and animal life thrive in the sanctuary. Six miles of trails traverse Wildwood and many are wheelchair accessible. Two boardwalks bring visitors up-close and personal with the wetland community just inches below the walkway. Along the trails you will find benches for sitting and relaxing and some spotting scopes so that you can check out and observe the wildlife.

Directions: The Nature Center and Wildwood Lake Sanctuary is located at 100 Wildwood Way in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. If you need additional information, call 717-221-0292 or visit their web site.