Italy seeks Colosseum sponsors, raises tourist taxes
Italian officials are seeking to raise about $32 million in private funds to restore the Colosseum; hotel/museum taxes for tourists also will rise.
Mount Rainier climber killed after fall into crevasse
A noted local climber fell to his death Tuesday in a crevasse high on Mount Rainier's Emmons Glacier. Lee F. Adams, 52, was killed Tuesday on Mount Rainier when he slid into a crevasse high on the Emmons Glacier.
Best bets for this weekend
The only problem with our summer at this juncture is that August arrives this weekend. (Ack, summer just started and it's almost half over...
Festival fun: Light a torch, wear a kilt, take a boat ride
A roundup of summer festivals around Seattle and Western Washington, July 29-Aug. 1
Weekend calendar
Animal events "100 Hounds of Kirkland" SAT-SUN Book signing with creator of photo book of local dogs; dogs welcome, books available ($30...
Family birding weekend
Bird walks, camping, dinners for families in the Naches Ranger District of the Wenatchee National Forest.
Upcoming events around Western Washington
A look at top events coming soon to Seattle and Western Washington.
Everett's Jetty Island is an oasis of sand, sunshine and sweet memories
Man-made Jetty Island is a two-mile long oasis of sand and summer fun, with free foot-ferry service from Everett's waterfront.
Chelan's Lakeshore Trail offers scenery, sun — and cold beer at trail's end
Hike along the shore of America's third-deepest lake, from a drop-off point from the Lady of the Lake excursion boat to the remote Cascade village of Stehekin. Watch for rattlesnakes and bears along the way.
Get ready for Seattle's annual Torchlight Parade
Seafair Torchlight Parade and Torchlight Run in Seattle, July 31, 2010.
Iron Goat Trail offers hike full of railroad history
Iron Goat rail trail along Stevens Pass Highway tells tale of old railroad route and historic avalanche that swept trains off the track.
Find summer's freshest produce at farmers markets
A sampling of Seattle-area farmers markets.
Pix from my weekend
Photographer: Keith Johnson, Shoreline Photo taken: July 10, Magnuson Park Photographer's description: "Warm summer nights have made these...
How To Plan For The Perfect Cruise Vacation
By dl1035
It's the dream of many vacationers to be able to sail on board a luxury cruise liner and enjoy all the activities and ports of call while leaving the travel worries to the captain and crew. These kind of vacation cruises can be just what the doctor ordered when you need to get away for a while. But the whole idea of cruising may be foreign to some and so we have put together some tips on how to plan for the perfect cruise vacation:
* First you need to know what a typical cruise package contains. Most often your cruise will include ship accommodations, meals, activities, entertainment and most standard facilities on the ship. Your cruise ticket will often not include the airfare or other travel arrangements needed to get you to the cruise ship and back home again, or the extra amenities on board like massage facilities and internet access. It also does not usually cover any guided tours arranged for the ports of call that the ship visits on the cruise. And you will be responsible for all tips and gratuities on the trip.
It's important to know all of this to be able to plan your vacation cruise correctly, because you will need to bring along sufficient funds to cover any extra expenses needed on the trip if you expect to make it a pleasurable trip. Some folks that all they have to do is just show up for the cruise and everything is already paid for from then on, but this is often not the case, especially with discount cruise vacations. So be sure to check with your cruise line and get very familiar with all that is and is not included in your cruise fare.
* Having the right documentation while you are sailing is important too, especially if you happen to be visiting ports outside of your own country. So get any necessary visas, passports, and other important papers that may be needed well before you leave in order to comply with the laws of the countries that you will be visiting.
* Bring along the appropriate attire for the weather that you will encounter on the trip and also for the various activities that you plan to engage in while on the cruise. All cruise lines encourage casual attire during the day, but on some luxury cruises certain cruise lines have dress codes for the evening that can range from elegant casual to formal, so be sure to find about these in advance and have the right clothes ready if you choose to join in.
* Seasickness is a worry for a lot of people, but actually this is one area that does not usually present a problem these days as the cruise ships are so large and stable that you really can't even detect much motion as you sail along. On the off chance that you do develop seasickness though, just bring along some dramamine and that should easily take care of your needs.
Just a few simple plans made in advance can make sure that you are able to enjoy your perfect and return home refreshed and energized.
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