Have you ever seen Catwoman?

It’s an arguably cheesy 2004 spin-off of the Batman film series featuring Halle Berry playing an ordinary woman who gains cat-like powers after running into some trouble. At one point, Halle Berry’s character, who has probably never ridden a motorcycle before in her life, jumps on a random Ducati Monster and immediately rips through the streets, maneuvering the bike like a pro. Her instant mastery of the motorcycle may seem normal to viewers who have never been on a motorcycle, but any experienced rider would scoff at the absurdity of this very inaccurate portrayal.

As much as Hollywood movies would like us to believe otherwise, motorcycle riding is not as easy as you think. It requires a lot of knowledge, preparation, and concentration. You have to know what you’re doing, prepare your bike before each trip, and ride with the utmost alertness. When it comes to motorcycle riding, safety is always number one. Motorcycle riding is a high-risk activity where a small accident could cost you your life, so it would be wise to ensure your own safety as much as possible on the road.

We’re here to clue you in on the basics of handling a motorcycle and protecting yourself on the road. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced rider, the following crash course will teach you all about motorcycle riding or refresh your memory on safety tips, respectively.

What to wear
Before you go for a ride, be sure to put on the following safety gear and articles of clothing that will protect you on the road:

A helmet
Did you know that motorcyclists not wearing a helmet are 40% more likely to die in a crash than those who wear head protection? If there’s something that can save your life during a spill, it’s a helmet. Actually, it is so useful that some states have implemented laws requiring motorcyclists to wear helmets at all times.

A jacket with padding and reflectors
What you wear while riding matters a lot. Have you ever wondered why a lot of motorcyclists wear leather jackets or mesh jackets? It’s because leather and mesh are very sturdy and wind-resistant materials that will protect your skin when they come in contact with asphalt in the case of a spill. Natural fibers like cotton and wool will be more likely to rip and subject your skin to cuts and asphalt burns.

While a padded jacket or body armor won’t keep you completely safe, it will add protection in case of a crash. If your jacket has reflectors (or at least reflective tape or patches), other motorists will be able to see you better at nighttime.

Sturdy over-the-ankle boots
You want to wear boots that cover your ankles. Your ankles are fragile, so you need to protect them as much as possible in case of a crash. While your boots have to be sturdy, they have to be comfortable as well. You’re going to be using your feet while motorcycle riding, so it’s important for you to be able to move them around.

Jeans or leather pants
When you ride a standard motorcycle, your right calf will be situated very close to the exhaust pipe. If you’re wearing shorts or even pants made out of thin fabric, the exhaust pipe can burn your skin. You want to wear jeans or leather pants. If the weather’s too cold for your liking, consider wearing chaps as well.

A pair of glasses
It’s nearly impossible to ride without wearing glasses! All the wind would get into your eyes, and you wouldn’t be able to see anything. During the day, you can wear sunglasses. At nighttime, you can wear clear glasses. A pair of safety glasses from a hardware store would do the trick.

Safety precautions
The last thing you want is to get stranded on the road, or even worse, take a spill just because you didn’t take five minutes to perform a pre-check before taking your bike out on the road. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation came up with the acronym T-CLOCK to help you remember what to check: tires, controls, lights, oil, chassis, and kickstand.

With that in mind, here are the steps you need to take during your pre-check:

Check the tire pressure.
Even the smallest change in the tire pressure can cause drastic changes in the handling and riding quality of the motorcycle. Look at your owner’s manual or call the tire manufacturer’s hotline to find out the recommended PSI levels. Also, always check the tire pressure when the tires are cool in temperature.

Ensure that the tires don’t have any dry rot.
When the bike is in motion, its tires warm up, which will change the density and pressure of the air inside. If there’s any dry rot, the tires will blow up after being subjected to the changes. Wondering what dry rot looks like? Take a look at this picture:

If you have spokes, make sure none of them are loose.
A loose spoke leads to an unbalanced tire, which can blow up over time. Tap each spoke with a wrench and listen to the sound it makes. If it makes a ping sound, it’s tight. If there’s no ping sound, the spoke is probably loose. Tighten any loose spokes until they all make a similar sound when tapped.

Test the brakes, clutch, and throttle.
Without properly functioning controls, you can end up on the side of the road. Prevent this from happening simply by ensuring that the levers and cables are in good shape. Press the front brake and move your bike forward. If the brake feels firm and if the front wheel doesn’t move, it’s good. Repeat with the rear brake. Squeeze the clutch and if it feels smooth, it’s fine. Repeat with the throttle.

Test the turn signals, brake lights, and headlights.
You want to make sure all the lights are working so you can communicate with other motorists on the road if needed. This step is imperative to your safety, so don’t skip it.

Check the oil and fuel.
If your bike is low on oil, your engine can blow up. If there’s not enough oil, add some more. Next, look at the gas level in the tank and ensure that your fuel petcock isn’t on “reserve”.

Look for any loose debris in the chain and/or the belt.
Make sure there’s no loose debris (like rocks, sticks, or anything that can get stuck in there). Anything that gets caught in the chain or the belt can wreck the wheels and/or the transmission… and set you back a pretty penny!

Ensure that the chain and/or belt aren’t too loose or too tight.
Put your hand under the chain or belt and gently push it upwards. If it doesn’t move at all, it’s too tight. If it moves more than an inch, it’s too loose. If it’s too loose or too tight, it can blow your transmission. Make the necessary adjustments before putting the motorcycle into motion.

Make sure nothing is leaking.
If something is leaking, fix the problem or have it looked at by a mechanic before taking the motorcycle out for a spin.

Check the kickstand.
The kickstand is what keeps your motorcycle off the ground. Make sure it’s not bent or cracked.

Once you have everything checked (and adjusted if necessary), you’ll have the peace of mind that your motorcycle is in tip-top shape and is safe to ride.

Starting your motorcycle
Motorcycles are not like cars at all. You can’t just get on, turn the ignition, and then zoom off. Starting a motorcycle requires a series of steps. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation came up with the acronym FINE-C to help you remember the proper steps to start your motorcycle: fuel, ignition, neutral, engine, and choke/clutch.

1. Turn the FUEL valve on.
2. Turn the IGNITION.
3. Make sure the motorcycle is in NEUTRAL (check if the neutral light is on).
4. Run the ENGINE (put the switch in the run/on position).
5. Adjust the CHOKE until the engine is running smoothly.
6. Squeeze the CLUTCH before putting your motorcycle into first gear.

… And now you’re good to go!

Shifting gears
Motorcycles are not scooters. They are manual transmission vehicles that require a lot of shifting. A lot of novice riders find shifting gears to be one of the most challenging aspects of motorcycle riding. However, once you have it down pat, you’ll be able to do it effortlessly.

You see that lever by your left foot? That’s the gear selector. You use it to shift gears. If you push it all the way down with your foot, your motorcycle goes into first gear. From that point, gently lifting the lever with your foot will put your bike into neutral. From neutral, lifting the lever again (which will produce a clicking sound) puts your bike into second gear. Repeat, and you’re in third gear. Repeat, and you’re in fourth gear. If you’re on the road and if you want to get from first to second gear, firmly lift the lever. Doing it too gently will put your bike in neutral.

When to shift gears
Listen to the motorcycle, and feel the engine. A smooth and purring engine means you’re going the right speed in the right gear. If the engine starts grinding and emitting a whining sound, it’s time to shift up to make your engine accommodate the increased speed. If your engine starts to give off a low, rumbling sound and if your motorcycle starts to jerk forward a little bit, you’re going too slow for the gear you’ve selected. Immediately shift down to avoid stalling your engine.

What happens if you don’t shift gears?
If you constantly over-rev your engine (which basically means going faster than your engine can handle) the engine will eventually blow up. If you ride too slow for the gear you’ve selected, your engine will stall and possibly put you in danger, especially if you’re on a busy street.

How to shift gears
Here’s how to shift gears when your motorcycle’s already in full motion on the road:

1. Push the throttle forward until the engine stops revving.
2. Squeeze the clutch to disengage the engine.
3. Downshift or upshift with your left foot.
4. Let go of the clutch and slowly accelerate the throttle until you reach a comfortable speed.

The only exception to this is when you’re moving from a complete stop in first gear. Let’s say you’re sitting at a stoplight (with your motorcycle in neutral). Once the light turns green, do the following:

1. Squeeze the clutch.
2. Put your bike in first gear.
3. Slowly loosen your grip on the clutch until your motorcycle moves on its own (this is called the friction zone). NEVER completely let go of your clutch when doing this.
4. Rev the throttle while releasing the clutch. Keep it smooth and gradual; don’t completely release the clutch until the throttle is fully revved.

This takes a lot of practice to master, so be patient and don’t become frustrated every time your engine stalls! You can practice this move in a parking lot or someplace without many cars around.

Turning
Another tricky aspect of motorcycle riding is turning. Everything your driver’s ed teacher in high school ever taught you about steering does not apply here. Instead, you use your weight to turn the motorcycle, so you always have to keep your handlebars straight while turning. If you’re going left, slightly push your left grip in order to keep your motorcycle straight. If you’re going right, slightly push your right grip. Rather than watching the road right in front of you, always keep your eye on where your motorcycle will end up after the turn is completed. It may seem awkward for you to do at first, but it really helps ensure a smooth turn.

Taking a turn on your motorcycle requires a lot of practice. Don’t rush into it; always start slow and gradually ease into the harder turns whenever you feel confident enough.

Additional motorcycle riding tips

• If you run out of gas, put your fuel valve in reserve. It should give you enough gas to last another 20 miles.
• If you have to come to a quick stop, make sure your bike is straight.
• Don’t trust any other motorists on the road. They’re not looking out for you. Sometimes they can’t see you or hear you. You’re the only one who can ensure your own safety.
• Reset the tripmeter every time you fill up your gas tank.

Most of all, always remember that safety is number one!

A Crash Course in Motorcycle Riding is a post from: Lifed

Food poisoning is a nasty illness to come down with, especially when it is serious and/or if you are away from home when it happens. You may encounter this disease when you eat or drink food or water that has been contaminated by viral, bacterial, or parasitic agents. Much of the time, food poisoning can be treated with home-care measures, but sometimes, medical intervention may be necessary. Read our definitive guide to food poisoning to learn how to diagnose, prevent, and treat food poisoning, wherever you happen to be on the globe.

Part I. Diagnosis and Treatment

Causes

It is important to understand the causes of food poisoning in order to gain an understanding of how to diagnose and treat the condition. Food may become contaminated anywhere in the production or preparation cycle, including farms, production plants, grocery stores, restaurants, and homes. Different types of food poisoning have different causes. Some common causes of food contamination that cause food poisoning are as follows:

• Meat comes into contact with the animal’s intestinal bacteria or feces and is not cooked long enough to kill those germs
• The water used to grow or prepare the food contains human or animal waste
• The person who prepared the food did not wash their hands beforehand
• The utensils, cutting surfaces, or other tools used to prepare the food are not clean
• Foods are not stored in the proper conditions or are left too long in temperatures at which microorganisms can thrive

Foods that are especially vulnerable to the above contaminations and that commonly cause food poisoning are as follows:

• Raw or undercooked fish, shellfish, meat, and eggs
• Unpasteurized dairy, fruit juice and vegetables (the process of pasteurizing prevents contamination)
• Foods containing mayonnaise (including potato salad and coleslaw) that are left out of the refrigerator too long
• Frozen or refrigerated foods that are left out of the refrigerator too long or are improperly reheated
• Home-canned foods or improperly canned commercial foods
• Smoked or salted fish
• Untreated drinking water, including well water and stream water

Common Symptoms

Food poisoning symptoms can range from mild or absent to severe; depending on the type and severity of the infection, you may have few or no symptoms, or you may experience life-threatening symptoms, such as severe dehydration or paralysis. Some common symptoms of food poisoning are as follows:

• Intestinal discomfort or cramps
• Nausea and vomiting
• Headache
• Fever and chills
• Watery diarrhea (may be bloody)
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Dehydration

Symptom Checklist

Symptoms of some of the more common types of food poisoning are as follows. You are more likely to contract certain types of food poisoning when traveling in developing countries. Matching these symptoms against your own symptoms will help you and/or your doctor diagnose the type of food poisoning you are suffering from and determine a proper course of treatment.

Salmonella

• Fever
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Nausea, and sometimes vomiting
• Symptoms appear 1 to 3 days after consuming the contaminated food
• You may have recently consumed meat, poultry, or egg yolks

E. Coli

• Severe, sometimes bloody diarrhea is the main symptom
• May also cause abdominal cramps, gas, fever, loss of appetite, or no symptoms
• Rare symptoms include vomiting, pale skin, bloody or reduced amount of urine, bruising to the skin
• Symptoms begin 1 to 8 days after consuming the contaminated food/water
• Most infections associated with eating undercooked ground beef; can also be caused by consuming unpasteurized milk or apple cider, alfalfa sprouts, other contaminated foods, or contaminated water

Shigella

• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever
• Abdominal cramps
• Bloody diarrhea
• Onset of symptoms is 24 to 48 hours
• You may have recently consumed seafood or raw, ready-to-eat produce

Campylobacter

• Diarrhea (may be bloody)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal pain and/or cramping
• Fever
• Malaise (general feeling of being unwell)
• Symptoms start after 2 to 5 days
• You may have recently consumed meat, poultry, unpasteurized milk or water from a questionable source

Listeria

• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Fever
• Muscle aches
• Flu-like symptoms
• If the infection spreads to the spinal cord and brain, symptoms may include stiff neck, headache, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions
• You may be pregnant or elderly, take steroid medications, have a serious medical condition such as diabetes or kidney disease, or have a weakened immune system – these individuals are at a higher risk of contracting listeria than the general population
• You may have within the past day or two consumed soft cheeses (e.g., crumbled blue cheese, feta), cold cuts, lunch meat, hot dogs, unpasteurized milk, or raw, unwashed vegetables
• Symptoms start after 9 to 48 hours

Botulism

• Double vision
• Blurred vision
• Dry mouth
• Difficulty swallowing
• Muscle weakness
• Slurred or slowed speech
• Droopy eyelids
• If left untreated, more severe symptoms such as paralysis of legs, arms, trunk and respiratory muscles may occur
• Symptoms develop 18 to 36 hours after eating the contaminated food, but can occur as soon as six hours after or as late as 10 days later
• You have recently consumed canned foods, chili peppers, tomatoes, garlic chopped in oil, fermented fish (such as sardines), potatoes baked in aluminum foil, or another food that was kept at a warm temperature for too long
• In infants, symptoms may include constipation, lethargy, poor muscle tone, poor feeding habits and weak crying; consumption of honey may cause botulism in infants

Hepatitis A

• Muscle aches
• Loss of appetite
• Headache
• Fever
• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Abdominal discomfort
• Jaundice (after a few days)
• You may be staying in or have within the last month traveled to a developing country
• You may have in the last month consumed shellfish or raw produce or drunk water from a questionable source
• Symptoms do not present themselves until 28 days after the initial infection (typically)

Cholera

• A large amount of watery diarrhea (may have a “fishy” odor)
• Abdominal cramps
• Dry mouth and skin
• Excessive thirst
• Nausea and vomiting
• Low urine output
• Unusual sleepiness
• You may have recently consumed shellfish (especially raw oysters) or drinking water in a country where there is cholera – such as Africa, Asia, India, Mexico, or South or Central America

Fish tapeworm

• You have eaten raw or undercooked freshwater fish
• Symptoms may occur after several weeks, or you may not experience symptoms
• If symptoms do occur, they may include weight loss, weakness, diarrhea, abdominal pain/discomfort, B-12 deficiency, and/or visible segments of worm in the stool

When to See a Doctor

In most cases, food poisoning symptoms are relatively mild (e.g., a small amount of vomiting or diarrhea) and will resolve on their own with self-care after a few days. However, if symptoms are severe or you have certain medical situations, it is imperative that you call a doctor right away. See a doctor if any of the following is true:

• Your stools contain blood or pus
• You have a fever higher than 101°F, or your child has a fever higher than 100.4°F in addition to diarrhea
• You have signs of dehydration (dizziness, thirst, lightheadedness)
• You have diarrhea and cannot keep down liquids because of vomiting or nausea
• You have diarrhea after recently traveling to a foreign country
• You have food poisoning after eating fish or mushrooms
• You have symptoms of botulism
• Diarrhea does not resolve after 5 days (2 days in a child or infant) or gets worse with time
• You have noticed segments of worm in your stool
• The infected person is very young or old, is pregnant, or has another serious medical condition
• Your symptoms include a stiff neck or confusion

Food poisoning tests

To diagnose food poisoning, your doctor may, in some cases, simply consider your symptoms. The following tests may also be used to determine the infectious agent in your body that is causing your symptoms.

• Blood tests
• Stool culture test
• Inspection of stool for parasites
• Testing of the food that is potentially responsible for the poisoning

Medical treatments

 Medical treatments for food poisoning depend on the type and severity of the person’s condition and may include one or more the following:

• Intravenous rehydration
• Antibiotic treatment, such as tetracycline, cipro or doxycline
• Antitoxin medication
• Antiparasite medications, such as praziquantal or niclosamide
• Antinausea and/or antidiarrheal medication
• Enemas and/or induced vomiting
• Vitamin B-12 injections (for parasites causing B-12 deficiency)
• Hospitalization and intensive care (for severe illnesses, such as infant botulism)
• Liver transplant (for severe Hepatitis A infection)
• Poison antidotes, such as activated charcoal treatment

Alternative Diagnoses

In some cases, symptoms of another disease may mimic some common food poisoning symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, dizziness, and others. Some other conditions that cause certain food poisoning symptoms include the following:

• Gastroenteritis (the “stomach flu”)
• Lactose intolerance
• Pregnancy
• Severe anxiety
• Crohn’s disease
• Celiac disease
• Drug overdose
• Poisoning by another substance, e.g., carbon monoxide poisoning, poisoning from pesticides, household chemicals, or heavy metals

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Food Poisoning is a post from: Lifed

Ever caught yourself watching a western and thinking, “Oh man, that would have been so cool”? First, no. Shootouts at high noon may be fun until you’re the guy standing at the other end of the barrel. Secondly, why long for those days when you can just hit these 9 Wild West Vacation Spots to See Before You Die? You won’t even need a bulletproof vest or a piece of metal like Eastwood wore in A Fistful of Dollars.

1. The Old Style Saloon No. 10 – Deadwood, South Dakota
Much of the original furniture from the Original No. 10 Saloon has been preserved and is now sitting in the Old Style Saloon No. 10, which is part-museum and part-club. Important to note, however, that this is not the site where “Wild” Bill Hickok played the Dead Man’s Hand. Still, it’s definitely worth seeing as the No. 10 purports to have the Wild Bill Death Chair. Not sure on the accuracy, but the other artifacts would certainly be worth a look. (And the parties are pretty awesome, too, we hear!)

2. Main Street – Deadwood, South Dakota
If you actually want to stand in the place where that cowardly rascal Jack McCall gunned down Wild Bill, then many of the experts agree you’ll want to drop by 624 Main Street. Unfortunately, there is no way of knowing the exact location, but this is as close to accurate as you can get since the original site of the No. 10 Saloon was wiped out by a fire in 1879. The place has been a beer hall and a casino since then. While nothing is definite, you should feel a sense of awe just standing on the street where one of the greatest gunfighters of the West met his end.

3. Judge Parker’s Courthouse – Fort Smith, Arkansas

Isaac Parker was an interesting sort. Though he opposed the death penalty, he sent enough men to the gallows to earn the nickname, “The Hangin’ Judge.” Parker’s Court was the hub of the developing U.S. Marshals Service, and to this day much of the original building is intact. A recreation of the gallows, which were burned down around the turn of the century by Fort Smithians all too eager to leave behind their bloody roots, now stands. Inside the actual courthouse, there is the jail at the lower level and a replica of Parker’s courtroom. Across the street at the Fort Smith Museum of History, you’ll find the original courtroom furniture, including Parker’s bench and chair, on the second floor. Very cool place, and if it seems familiar, that’s because it was where Rooster Cogburn operated in the True Grit novel and its two film adaptations.

4. O.K. Corral – Tombstone, Arizona

What really happened at the O.K. Corral? Were the Earps heroes or villains? We may never know for certain, but we can check out the original site of the place where the Earp legend was forged in blood and bullets. (Also the setting of Tombstone, which is undoubtedly one of the greatest western flicks of all time. Recognize!) Going to the O.K. Corral means you have to check out the daily reenactments and pick up a souvenir for the kiddies.

5. The Alamo – San Antonio, Texas

The Texans may have been wiped out by Santa Anna at the Alamo, but the former home to missionaries and their Native American converts remains a symbol of Texas Independence and the states doggedly determined “can-do” attitude. The building itself has undergone many changes over the years, but there is still enough there of the original to stir up feelings of civic pride and patriotism.

6. Bodie State Historic Park – Bodie, California

Think there isn’t a patch of land in the United States that is still the way it was 130 years ago? Think again. The Bodie State Historic Park in Bodie, Calif., is a snapshot of the country’s gold rush past. In 1876—100 years after America declared her independence from Great Britain—the Standard Company’s discovery of gold transformed the mostly barren patch of land into one of the biggest boom towns of the West. For a while anyway. For lack of a better term, the long-haul prospects of this mining community didn’t pan out, and from 1880 to 1940, the population fell from 2,712 to 90, respectively. Today much of Bodie remains as it was. A ghost town reminder of our ancestors’ desire to get rich quick.

7. Yellowstone National Park – Park and Teton counties (Wyoming), Gallatin and Park counties (Montana), and Fremont County, Idaho
For a taste of the West as if it was stripped directly from a John Ford film, and maybe a face-to-face chat with a bear, you should consider heading out to Yellowstone National Park. By far one of the most famous examples of Frontier Life as it was in the days of the Wild West, there is plenty to see. Yellowstone covers almost five counties and hasn’t changed much since the days of cattle drives and campfires. While there, you’ll want to check out the Old Faithful Geyser and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, which boasts a depth of 1,200 feet at its deepest point. And don’t forget the Hayden Valley for a look at the diverse wildlife, which include bison, elk, grizzly bears, ducks, pelicans, and so much more.

8. Wounded Knee Museum – Wounded Knee, South Dakota

This past election year, you probably saw this quote passed around quite a bit: “Any man who thinks he can be happy and prosperous by letting the Government take care of him better take a closer look at the American Indian.” A good point when you look at the Wounded Knee Massacre of December 1890 in which more than 150 men, women and children from the Lakota tribe were gunned down by a spooked U.S. 7^th Cavalry Regiment. Today the Wounded Knee Museum commemorates the massacre, a must-see for any American, Red and Blue States combined. If you have a reverence for history and compassion for your fellow man, this is a must.

9. Jesse James Home Museum – St. Joseph, Missouri
The Jesse James Home Museum is not just a museum, but the actual death location of one of the most famous outlaws of all time. On April 3, 1882, one of James’ most trusted confidantes – the “coward” Robert Ford, as history remembers him – waited for an opening and plugged James in the back. The bullet passed through and struck the wall, leaving a hole that still resides there today, though a heck of a lot bigger than it originally was due to souvenir-takers. There is also an exhibit detailing the 1995 exhumation of James’ corpse, which confirmed that the man, who died in ’82 was, in fact, James himself. (Take that, conspiracy theorists.)

Okay, so that’s just nine. What did we leave off, Life’d’ers? Share your comments and contributions, and happy trails!

9 Wild West Vacation Spots to See Before You Die is a post from: Lifed

When in Rome, do as the Romans do.

This advice was first given hundreds and hundreds of years ago by St. Ambrose, the 4^th century’s bishop of Milan. It still rings true to this day. When you’re in an unfamiliar place, it would be wise to act similar to the way the locals act. Not only is it the polite thing to do, it also gives you a chance to really absorb their culture and be exposed to the hidden wonders of their milieu.

The best adventures happen when you venture off the beaten path. For example, if you fly to Hawaii, rent a motorcycle, and ride around the Big Island, you’ll see so much more of the beautiful state than if you had just tucked yourself away in a picture-perfect resort among other mainland vacationers decked out in cheesy floral shirts and coconut-scented sunscreen. A native Hawaiian would never be caught dead hanging out at a resort, so why should you? We have five reasons why you shouldn’t.

By following the locals and adopting their customs, you will…

Experience things very few other tourists have experienced.

If you go where the locals are, you’ll be likely to create an unforgettable experience so unique that no other tourist can say that they’ve done the exact same thing. If, instead of frittering away time at a crowded Hawaiian resort pool trying to block out the screams of some kids from Ohio, you choose to ride your motorcycle on Highway 11 to South Point Park, you’ll get to watch fishermen from nearby towns work at earning their livelihood at the scenic southernmost point of the United States. If you park your motorcycle in the small town of Papaikou and take a secluded trail towards Onomea Bay, you’ll come across a few stunning hidden waterfalls the locals consider one of Hawaii’s best kept secrets. If you make your way north on Mamalahoa Highway, you’ll stumble across the little town of Honokaa, where the native Hawaiians flock to for the annual Hamakua Music Festival and the state’s best rodeos. That sort of day’s trip sure beats shelling out $10 for a martini and battling other tourists for the best table at the tiki bar by the pool, doesn’t it?

Save money.

By venturing off the beaten path on a vacation, not only will you learn so much about the place and its culture, you’ll also save a lot of money. Any traveler knows that resorts, lodges, and tourist traps charge outrageous amounts of money for their services. A night’s stay at a typical resort or tourist-oriented hotel costs around $200 while a bed-and-breakfast nestled in a quaint local town would only charge about $80 a night. Not only will you save more than 50% by staying at a local inn, you’ll also get to build rapport with the employees and sometimes the owners – something you rarely get to do while staying at a hotel overrun with tourists. Also, the locals know where the best deals are. If you’re in Greece and if you want to go snorkeling, a local may direct you to a small organization that gives private snorkeling lessons at a secluded beach hidden from the prying eyes of tourists for half the cost of a concierge-recommended snorkeling class.

Dine well.

The locals also know where the best restaurants are. Great restaurants are usually tucked away in lesser-known neighborhoods, and you have a small chance of finding them unless you ask the locals for recommendations. Not only do they serve better food, these hidden gems are also usually cheaper than restaurants around hotels, airports, and tourist attractions.

Hear great stories.

Forget museums and pricey walking tours. If you want to hear entertaining firsthand stories about the town or country you’re visiting for the price of a couple of beers, visit a neighborhood watering hole and ask the locals for some of their best stories. You can ease into the conversation by asking about how the town came into being, or why that large castle at the end of the street stands abandoned.

Learn new things.

The best way to learn new things is to broaden your horizons, and what better way to do that than to mingle with people from different cultures? When vacationing, a lot of people tend to stick with their own kind and ignore the culture and customs of the very place they’re in. Immersing yourself in another culture is one of the most rewarding experiences you could ever have. Who says you have to do nothing but relax on a vacation? Use the time to learn a new language, memorize the city’s subway system, or master something the locals do best. You’ll return home with a world of new knowledge and experience. What better gift could a vacation give you?

When in Rome…

Be sure to hop on the train and ride to the quaint district of Prati. That’s where the locals hang out!

Great Advice Every Traveler Should Follow is a post from: Lifed

When the human body dies, we all know where it may end up – in an urn, a cemetery, or the bottom of the ocean, to name a few – but what about our material possessions? Do we really know where our things end up after they’ve ran their course? Don’t be so quick to assume that everything we discard is whisked away to the junkyard, the landfill, or the recycling center. Some objects are fortunate enough to be brought to a designated graveyard, where they can be discovered and cherished for many years to come.

Before you chuck your toothbrush, consider the fact that maybe there’s a place for you to respectfully lay it to rest. The same goes for other objects like neon signs, phone booths, and toilets. The world is filled with fascinating graveyards for abandoned things. Let’s take a look at 7 of them.

The Yellow Taxi Graveyard (Chongqing, China)

Decades ago in China, consumer goods such as personal vehicles and T.V.s were reserved for only wealthy folks. The common man had no choice but to hail a taxi every time he needed to go somewhere. Because of that, China was overridden with yellow taxis. In 1978, the Chinese economy started growing and, thirty four years later, it’s still going strong. Personal vehicles become more and more accessible to the Chinese middle class, and the yellow taxis eventually become obsolete. The government had to put them somewhere, so they created this yellow taxi graveyard.

The Island of Abandoned Dolls (Mexico City, Mexico)

This island, located in the middle of an ancient lake, is chock full of abandoned dolls hung from trees, tied to fences, and scattered across the ground. The story behind this is very strange. In the 1950s, an eccentric man named Don Julian Santana left his family and lived like a hermit on this island. One day, he found a little girl’s body floating in the water, so he started collecting thousands of discarded dolls because he thought they would keep the little girl’s spirit company on the lonely island. Don Julian spent the last 50 years of his life collecting dolls and decorating the island with them until his death in 2001. Visitors have reported hearing the dolls whispering as they passed them.

The Neon Boneyard (Las Vegas, Nevada)

Want to know what Vegas was like 30 years ago? This neon boneyard can show you. Located north of Old Vegas, the six-acre boneyard features old neon signs from iconic old casinos and other businesses. It’s owned by the Neon Museum, an independent non-profit. Here, you’ll discover some of the signs that were shown in old Hollywood movies like Mars Attacks, National Lampoon’s Vegas Vacation, and Honey, I Blew Up the Kid.

Cemiterio das Ancoras (Tavira Island, Portugal)

Every anchor has its own story. This anchor graveyard on Portugal’s Tavira Island has several hundred rusted anchors lined up among the dunes. Each anchor used to belong to a fisherman who lost his livelihood when the tuna population dwindled and eventually abandoned the coasts. Since Tavira Island thrived on the tuna fishing industry, its economy was hit pretty hard when the tuna supply dried up. The fishermen had to find a new field of work. This anchor graveyard serves as a memorial for the island’s former tuna fishing industry.

The Toothbrush Fence (Te Pahu, New Zealand)

Located on a quiet rural road, this toothbrush fence boasts hundreds of used toothbrushes sent in from all over the world. This all began when a local man named Laird McGillicuddy Graeme Cairns started hanging up his own collection of used toothbrushes. Soon enough, people began adding their own toothbrushes to the fence. Even famous people like New Zealand’s Prime Minister Helen Clark and Academy Award-winning musician Bret McKenzie added their toothbrushes to the collection. If you can’t make it to New Zealand, you can mail in your toothbrush! The address is: The Toothbrush Bucket / 294 Limeworks Loop Road, / Te Pahu, R D 5 / Hamilton / New Zealand

The Toilet Waterfall (Guangdong, China)

After having served people for years, ten thousand used toilets went on to become part of a giant waterfall. Designed by famous Chinese artist Shu Yong, the waterfall is 328 feet long and 16.4 feet tall. While the toilets have a new purpose, the waterfall is still a collection of old and abandoned toilets, each of which has its own history.

The Phone Booth Graveyard (Newark-on-Trent, UK)

This unusual graveyard lies in an abandoned industrial estate. Scattered across it are red phone booths from various time periods. Some are 85-year-old kiosks, and some are modern state-of-the-art models. When one of Britain’s red phone boxes gets damaged and cannot be repaired, it ends up here. Red phone booths are becoming popular, so people from all over the world are lining up to buy one from this graveyard. Be sure to check it out before the entire graveyard clears up!

Honorable Mentions

-       The coke machine graveyard in Guntersville, Alabama

-       The FEMA trailer graveyard in Purvis, Mississippi

-       The bicycle graveyard in Tokyo, Japan

-       The train graveyard in Uyuni, Bolivia

-       The airplane graveyard in Tucson, Arizona

-       The Soviet tank graveyard in Kabul, Afghanistan

-       The vending machine graveyard in Tamamura, Gunma-ken, Japan

The 7 Weirdest Graveyards in the World is a post from: Lifed

New Year’s Eve, among other things, is the ultimate excuse to party. However, it’s also a time to close out the old year in style, setting the standard for the New Year to come. What better way to welcome 2013 with a bang than by celebrating NYE at one of our top 10 New Year’s Eve destinations? Get started on your resolution to be fabulous and well-traveled in the New Year by ringing it in at one of the most spectacular New Year’s Eve parties on the planet.

10. New York, New York

Times Square in NYC is the quintessential New Year’s Eve destination. Only here can you watch the ceremonial Times Square Ball countdown and drop, which has been taking place for over 100 years, in-person instead of on your television. The annual event is attended by about a million people, all of whom start gathering in a designated area of Times Square on the afternoon of December 31st to be a part of this world-famous, celebrity-studded celebration. Although it’s not for everybody – temperatures on NYE in NYC usually hover around freezing, alcohol is banned, and there are no public bathrooms available to the event-goers – celebrating NYE in Times Square is one of those once-in-a-lifetime experience that might just be on your bucket list. Of course, if you want to avoid the freezing temperatures and lack of alcohol, there is plenty of other excitement to be found on NYE in The City That Never Sleeps, including exclusive parties, clubs, shows, and just about anything else.

9. Sydney, Australia

If you want to be in one of the first locations in the world to greet the New Year, Australia is the place to be. One of the first and best New Year’s celebrations on earth takes place at Sydney Harbour, a full 16 hours before the party in New York. More than 1 million people gather each December 31^st at Sydney Harbour for celebrations centering around the world-famous Sydney Harbour Bridge. In addition to two huge, music-synchronized fireworks displays (one at 9pm and another at midnight), the Harbour Bridge is lit up each New Year’s Eve with a unique lighting display known as the “Bridge Effect,” in which various symbols and images related to the current year’s theme are displayed on the bridge itself. Various smaller pyrotechnic displays also occur on the bridge as the night progresses. Like the Times Square Ball drop in the U.S., the Sydney New Year’s Eve event also features celebrity appearances and is televised to more than 1 billion people worldwide.

8. Berlin, Germany

Despite near-freezing temperatures, Germany’s capital hosts the one of the largest outdoor, open-air New Year’s Eve parties in the world, rivaling those in New York and London. Berlin’s Silvester (the German word for New Year’s Eve) revelries take place under a laser-lit sky, and are centered around the historic Brandenburg Gate, where the enormous fireworks display takes place at midnight and the main stage for musical acts is centered. The “Party Mile,” lined with numerous bars, stages, party tents, and dance floors, stretches out for 1.2 miles between the Victory Column Brandenburg Gate. Along the Party Mile, besides drinking and dancing, you can rest on free heated benches and enjoy specialty sausages, including delicious, inexpensive bratwurst. At the stroke of midnight, be sure to toast your neighbor with Sekt, German sparkling wine, and salutations of “Guten Rutsch!” (Happy New Year!)

7. Bangkok, Thailand

In addition to the Thai New Year that takes place in April, the people of Thailand also celebrate the Gregorian calendar NYE on the last day of the year. The country’s largest event takes place in front of CentralWorld square in the notoriously hedonistic capital city of Bangkok, with celebrations centered around the 69-foot tall Greeting Ball Tower. Half a million revelers attend this event to watch the fireworks, dance to live music, and indulge in cheap (but delicious) Thai beer. As midnight approaches, members of the crowd join hands to count down the seconds till the New Year arrives. The enormous party continues into the wee hours, both in swanky clubs and in the streets. After the sun rises, you can participate in the local tradition of “making merit” to ensure a happy and prosperous year by paying your respects at one of the city’s spectacular Buddhist temples.

6. London, England

A richly historic city known for its epic nightlife, London is one of the best cities to spend New Year’s Eve in. In addition to the massive pub and nightclub turnout, roughly 250,000 people gather in the streets and bridges around the River Thames to watch the giant fireworks display taking place at the London Eye, the 40-storey-high Ferris wheel on the banks of the Thames. If you don’t want to brave the crowds of central London, a luxury cruise on the Thames provides a more romantic and private view of the fireworks display, which is also broadcast live on TV.  Additional celebrations take place in Trafalgar Square, where the ceremonial New Year’s Day chimes of Big Ben have traditionally welcomed in the New Year for England. On New Year’s Day, stake out a spot along the route of the city’s New Year’s Day parade, which stretches from Westminster to Green Park and features more than 10,000 performers.

5. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Want to celebrate New Year’s Eve with a huge beach party in the middle of summer? Then head south of the equator to herald in the New Year in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. New Year’s Eve is a major time of celebration in Brazil’s bustling capital – the second-largest celebration after Carnaval — so people will be partying in the streets pretty much anywhere you go in Rio on December 31st. However, the largest and most spectacular of Rio’s NYE celebrations takes place on Copacabana Beach. In fact, the Copacabana Beach NYE party is the largest New Year’s Eve celebration in the world. Every year, more than 2 million people gather on this 2.5-mile stretch of beach to ring in the New Year in their all-white garb for good luck. This massive NYE beach party is complete with live music, a massive fireworks show, and loads of chilled champagne, freely shared among total strangers and traditionally sprayed into the air at midnight.

4. Edinburgh, Scotland

The United Kingdom loves a good party, and Scotland is no exception. In fact, the Scots have their own word for New Year’s Eve, Hogmanay, a term dating back to mid-winter Pagan celebrations. Besides being one of the longest, Edinburgh’s four-day-long Hogmanay celebration is one of the wildest and most famous New Year’s celebrations in the world. The festivities begin on December 29^th with the Torchlight Procession snaking the city’s historic center to culminate with the ritual bonfire burning of a Viking Long Boat. The “Night Afore,” the night before Hogmanay (New Year’s Eve), celebrations include cultural events, such as theater and art displays, while the Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party on December 31^st is the main event. A crowd of roughly 100,000 revelers gathers along Princes Street for live music, Celtic dancing, and drunken sing-a-longs. The climax of Hogmanay is the when the cannon at Edinburgh Castle is fired at the stroke of midnight, proceeded by an enormous fireworks display. If you’re up for it, sober up the next morning by joining the Grand Parade through the town, followed by an invigorating dip into the icy waters of the River Forth.

3. Las Vegas, Nevada

Few places can match the intensity that is Sin City on New Year’s Eve. Each New Year’s Eve, hundreds of thousands of people gather on the Vegas Strip, which is closed to traffic on this holiday. While Vegas is a place where you can easily go through a lot of money in a short period of time, merrymakers can attend the NYE strip street party completely free of charge, while enjoying their own alcoholic beverages and watching half a million dollars’ worth of fireworks light up the sky at midnight, when eight different strip hotels launch simultaneous fireworks shows for one breathtaking display. If sexy VIP parties are more your thing, Vegas clubs offer an unrivalled experience. The chic, celebrity-hosted (and celebrity-attended) NYE events at world-class Vegas nightclubs like Pure, Rain, LAX, Tao, and Ghost Bar are extremely popular, so make sure you reserve your table far in advance.

2. Venice, Italy

In Italy, various traditions are observed on Vigilia di Capodanno or Notte di San Silvestro, including wearing red underwear and eating lentils for good luck in the coming year. Fortunately, more dangerous Italian New Year’s Eve traditions, such as throwing items you no longer need out of your window, have mostly fallen by the wayside. Venice is an especially magical Italian city to ring in the New Year, as it is a city steeped in tradition and romance. Thousands of mask-wearing partiers gather in St. in Mark’s Square to enjoy spumante, prosecco (Italian white wine), waterfront fireworks against a backdrop of Venetian architecture, and a communal kiss at midnight. That’s right, as the clock strikes 12 and the chime of bells is heard around the city, you have a free pass to kiss anyone in sight. Just remember that others can do the same! If you don’t want anyone to steal a kiss from your partner, a romantic New Year’s Eve gondala ride might be a better idea. The revelry continues through ‘til morning, when locals gather to watch the sunrise and take a “quick dip” at Lido Beach.

1. Goa, India

A haven for hippies in the 1960s, the gorgeous Indian island state of Goa maintains a counter-culture reputation and is a popular location for psychedelic trance raves. New Year’s Eve is an especially wild time in Goa, and particularly on Anjuna Beach, with parties at multiple beach resorts converging to create one major celebration. Backpackers, spiritual pilgrims, electronic music fans, and all-around party animals alike will thrive in this otherworldly NYE setting. Goa on NYE means dancing on white sand, taking in the sights of sacred cows and fire eaters, and drinking feni, a Goan spirit made from coconut or the juice of the cashew apple. If you arrive several days early, you can catch Sunburn, a three-day electronic dance music festival that takes place on Goa’s Candolim Beach in late December. (Sunburn was ranked by CNN as the ninth-best festival in the world.) While in Goa, you might also catch sight of some Bollywood stars that regularly flock to Goa over New Year’s. For a calmer vibe, spend your Goan New Year’s Eve at one of Goa’s many beach shack accommodations.

Top 10: New Year’s Eve Destinations is a post from: Lifed

Is your holiday tradition getting a bit tired? Not looking forward to hauling out the same old plastic Christmas tree from the attic or having to open your door to the same group of off-key neighborhood carolers, year after year? Perhaps you dream of taking the family somewhere new and exciting for Christmas vacation, or maybe you just want a good excuse not to drive 8 hours to the in-laws’ this Christmas (or worse, host them at your house). Either way, traveling to a destination from our list of the top ten places to spend your Christmas this December guarantees your family will have a yuletide experience they’ll never forget. Better yet, maybe you will start a new family tradition!

10. Leavenworth, Washington

Want to experience a Swiss Alps-style Christmas without leaving the States? Book your ticket to Leavenworth in Washington State. The entire town, population 1,965, is modeled after a Bavarian village. Walking down the quaint, snow-dusted main street, surrounded by tall mountains, you’ll feel like you have entered a living snow globe. The town fully embraces its Christmassy vibe, hosting one of the largest Christmas festivals in the Pacific Northwest, complete with sleigh rides, sledding, roasted chestnuts, caroling, German cuisine, live entertainment, and Christmas lights galore. Leavenworth even has a museum devoted entirely to nutcrackers. Those looking for a more active vacation experience can enjoy snowshoeing, Nordic skiing, and snowmobiling. Leavenworth has been named the “Ultimate Christmas Town” by HGTV and the “Ultimate HolidayTown USA” by A&E.

9. Nuremberg, Germany

If the pretend Bavaria just doesn’t cut it and you’d rather experience the real thing, then Nuremberg, Germany is where you want to go. Located in the heart of Bavaria, Nuremburg has a rich history dating back to the 11^th century. As members of the Imperial Diet (the court of the Holy Roman Empire) once met at Nuremberg Castle, Nuremberg is sometimes referred to as having been the unofficial capital of the Holy Roman Empire. The Nuremberg Christmas Market, one of the most famous Christmas Markets (or Christkindlesmarkts, a German tradition) in the world, is the city’s not-to-be-missed holiday event. Visitors can take part in the centuries-old event by strolling down cobblestone streets through 180 wooden huts, decorated with lights, red and white cloth, and garlands, snacking on fresh gingerbread cookies and bratwursts along the way.

8. Verona, Italy

Christmas in Italy is a unique event, with celebrations for children beginning with the Feast of Saint Lucia, on December 12^th, the main day to exchange gifts, and another set of celebrations taking place from Christmas Eve through Epiphany (January 6^th). Besides Germany, Christmas markets are also a big thing in Italy, and the Christmas market in the romantic city of Verona, the scene of Shakespeare’s tale of star-crossed lovers Romeo and Juliette, is one of Italy’s largest. Each year through December 13, Verona’s 300-stall Christmas market is held in the Piazza Brà, against the backdrop of the ancient Roman Verona Arena. The Verona Arena was built in 30 AD and is considered the most spectacular Roman amphitheater after the Roman Colosseum. The Grand Christmas Star, the symbol of Christmas in Verona, is set up adjacent to the Arena. Taking place inside the Verona Arena at Christmastime is the International Exhibition of Nativity Sets, which features an unusual collection of nativity scenes from around the world, all exhibited in the Arena’s underground passages. The Epiphany Bonfire is another unique Veronian holiday tradition in which the “Epiphany old hag” is burnt in Piazza Brà. Festive!

7. Boston, Massachusetts

While Boston actually banned the celebration of Christmas during the Puritan era in the 1600s, the city has a lot more fun with the holiday these days, with plenty of fun festivals, shows, and Christmas cheer. This historic city offers the quintessential White Christmas experience, with its snowy wintertime climate and old-fashioned New England atmosphere. Some of the city’s festive Christmastime favorites include the Frog Pond outdoor skating rink, the Harvard Square Holiday Fair, the Christmas Festival of Lights, and Christmas At The Newport Mansions. Also be sure to take in the Christmas trees at Faneuil Hall and Boston Common, to see the Nutcracker performed by the Boston Ballet, and to stroll along the cobblestone streets of Beacon Hill. For some top-notch choir music, attend Candlelight Carols at Trinity Church, a Boston Christmas tradition since 1909. And instead of turkey, why not try a local favorite, roasted lobster, for Christmas dinner?

6. New York, New York

There’s no place quite like New York at Christmastime because no one does Christmas quite like New York, where everything is larger than life. Why do you think Christmas in New York is the setting for so many movies? From the iconic ice rink and the storied Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center, to the legendary FAO Schwartz and Macy’s Santaland for the little ones, NYC transforms into a true Winter Wonderland each December. Of course, New York has plenty of Christmas fun for adults, too, with its five-star shopping, restaurants, hotels, and shows. Some great Christmas shows to catch in NYC include the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, featuring the Rockettes, and the Nutcracker, performed by the New York City Ballet. With that said, probably the most fun thing to do in NYC at Christmas is the least-expensive: walk around Midtown, window shopping the elaborate displays at the department stores on 5^th Ave., and just soaking in the bustling holiday atmosphere that is Christmas in the City.

5. Vienna, Austria

Ready to experience a fairytale Christmas in an old world European setting? Christmastime is considered one of the best times to visit Vienna, Austria’s capital city. Snowy, tree-lined avenues, Gothic palaces, Christmas markets, Baroque churches, and street vendors selling hot mulled wine and roasted chestnuts … could Christmas get any more charming and majestic than this? Enjoy Renaissance art at the Kunsthistorisches Museum, take a tour of the Hapsburg imperial palaces, and browse the traditional handcrafted Austrian goods for sale at the Christmas market in Vienna Town Hall Square. For a royal holiday experience, spend a traditional Austrian Christmas Eve Dinner at Weikersdorf Castle, followed by midnight mass at the magnificent St. Stephen’s Cathedral, consecrated in 1147.

4. Reykjavik, Iceland

Christmas in Iceland, the land of Vikings, elves, and the Northern Lights, is an otherworldly experience. Because capital city Reykjavik is so far north, it only gets four hours of daylight during the winter months. But don’t worry, the long nighttime is illuminated by the stunning emerald lights of the aurora borealis, and much fun can be had enjoying the city’s vibrant nightlife in the wee dark hours. Icelandic winters are milder than you might think, with December temps rarely dropping much below freezing. However, you can still warm up in one of the city’s many geothermal-powered hot springs, an Icelandic tradition. You can also visit the Christmas Village in the nearby town of Hafnarfjördur, famous for having one of Iceland’s largest settlements of “elves, dwarves and other mystical beings.” Christmas is an important family tradition in Iceland, although they do it a little bit differently than we do in the states – instead of Santa, children receive gifts from the 13 Icelandic Yule Lads.

3. San Juan, Puerto Rico

For some, going on vacation over Christmas break is just a good excuse to escape the cold weather at home. If you prefer palm trees to pine trees, San Juan, Puerto Rico, where the average December low is 72.1 degrees, might be your perfect place to spend the holidays. Besides spending time at one of its many luxury resorts, things to do in this 500-year old Caribbean port town and former Spanish colony include exploring the historic walled city of Old San Juan or the nearby Yunque rain forest. There are also some uniquely Puerto Rican traditional Christmas activities you can participate in: check out a parranda, a group of local carolers that travels around singing Christmas carols; attend a misas de aguinaldo, a dawn mass featuring the singing of aguinaldos, the Puerto Rican versions of Christmas carols; and celebrate Nochebuena, or Christmas Eve, with a traditional dinner of roast pork, arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas), and, instead of egg nog, coquito (coconut nog).

2. Lapland, Finland

Although a Christmas trip to the North Pole is not really feasible (and if it were, the kids would probably be sorely disappointed that there was no Santa or elves or … anything to speak of), Lapland, the northernmost region of Finland, is about as close as you can get. With reindeer safaris, husky trips, snowmobiling, tranquil spas and, notably, Santa’s headquarters, Lapland at Christmastime is a glimmering, joyful spot in the snowy Arctic wilderness that has something for everyone. Santa Claus Village in the town of Rovaniemi is arguably the most magical destination in the Arctic Circle, where you can see elves working at the Santa Claus Main Post office, go to Elf School, pet Santa’s reindeer, and of course, meet the Big Guy himself. Another highlight of Lapland is the Ranua Wildlife Park, where you will get to know, and even feed Arctic animals. You’ll also have the option to spend Christmas Day with Santa and his reindeer, and witness the night sky lit up with the majestic Northern Lights.

1. Bethlehem, West Bank

For the ultimate Christmas experience, you’ll have to go to the place where it all started: the little town of Bethlehem. According to the Judeo-Christian tradition, the West Bank city of Bethlehem is the birthplace of Jesus Christ, Whom for Christians, is “The Reason for the Season.” Bethlehem also has religious significance for Jews and Muslims. Even if you are not religious, Bethlehem is incredible for its historic significance, as humans are believed to have inhabited the area for at least 10,000 years. Since the Church of the Nativity, the traditional site of Jesus’ birth, was built in the 4^th century AD, Bethlehem has been a major site of Christian pilgrimage.

Today, Bethlehem retains its sacred, authentic feel, particularly in the central area of Manger Square. As you might imagine, Christmas is a significant event in Bethlehem, with multiple processions and services led by a variety of Christian denominations. Catholic Christmas services take place at the Church of St. Catherine, said to be built on the site of Christ’s appearance to St. Catherine of Alexandria, while Protestant services often take place at the Church of the Nativity or nearby Shepherds’ Fields, where shepherds saw the Star of Nativity. For an authentic Christmas that revolves around sacred traditions rather than kitschy consumerism, Bethlehem is the place to go.

Top 10: Places to Spend Your Christmas is a post from: Lifed

Jet lag can be a major bummer when traveling. You arrive at the airport, ready to take on everything the new destination has in store, yet your body just seems to be on a different page. Jet lag refers to the symptoms you experiences when your body’s circadian rhythms are disrupted by travel, switching time zones quickly from east to west, or west to east.

Experts say that jet lag can last several days while the body readjusts and gets in tune with the new time zone. A general rule of thumb is that for every time zone you cross, you’ll need one day recovery time. So if you’re traveling from San Diego to Boston, you’d need about 3 days recovery until your body’s circadian rhythms are back in synch.

Luckily, there are some ways that you can speed up the jet lag recovery process. These tips are especially helpful if you’ll only be in a destination for a few days, or if you want to hit the ground running as soon as you land. Follow these five easy steps to minimize the effects of jet lag:

1. Stay In Shape

People that are in shape are generally less affected by the changing of time zones during travel. This is because a fit body is one that is more durable and less prone to fatigue and stress. If you’re not normally active, try doing some physical activity before your trip. Take long walks, eat a healthy diet, drink plenty of water and squeeze in as much physical activity as you can before you embark on your trip.  If you land during the day, fight the urge to nap and instead take a brisk walk. Stay as active as you can for the first few days in your new locale – your body will thank you for it.

2. Adapt Quickly

During your flight, change the time on your watch to match the time in your destination. This will help your mind make the transition. As soon as you land, start adapting to the local schedule. If you arrive at dinner time in your new location, but it’s only breakfast time back home, eat dinner instead of breakfast. If it’s daytime, spend time outside in the sunlight to alert your body that you should be awake, even if the clocks back home say that it’s bed time. The sooner that you adopt the local schedule, the faster your body will adjust to the new time zone.  You can even begin preparing before you even board a plane by slightly adjusting your sleep schedule at home to match what your sleep schedule will be when you arrive at your destination.

3. Drink Smartly

Staying hydrated with the right kind of liquids is extremely important in combatting the effects of jet lag. Drink plenty of icy cold water before, after and during the flight to stay hydrated and rejuvenate your body. Although you might be tempted on the plane to drink coffee, juice, soda or alcohol, avoid these caffeinated and sugary beverages. Caffeinated and alcoholic drinks can cause you to become more dehydrated, and can also mess with your sleep schedule. These beverages can also trigger nausea, or make any anxiety that you are feeling about travel even worse. Stick to water before you take off, and after you land.

4. Get A Good Night’s Rest

Go to bed at a normal bedtime, no matter how badly your body wants to shut down and rest in the evening. Avoid going to bed before 9pm local time so that you’ll wake up at a fairly normal time the next day and be ready to go. Going to bed too early can actually prolong the effects of jet lag, as you’ll most likely wake up too early and feel fatigued the next day. If flying east-west and gaining hours during the day, still try to go to sleep at a normal time. Many people use sleeping aids or melatonin to get to sleep quickly, but these methods aren’t for everyone. Use sleeping aids sparingly, and only if completely necessary. They can also alter your sleep pattern, make you feel nauseous or put you in a funk when you wake up.

5. Relax

Travel can be stressful for many people, so remembering to relax, take deep breathes, and be mindful of your comfort is extremely important. Wear comfortable clothes on the flight, bring along eye covers and earplugs, your favorite music or a book. If you arrive at your destination tired and tense, you’re already setting yourself up for a rough first day. Resting on the plane will give you the energy to tackle whatever the day brings in your new locale. If you are still feeling tense when you arrive, schedule a massage at a local spa or at your hotel, get a cup of tea at a local coffee shop or take a hot shower after checking in.

Getting Over Jet Lag in 5 Easy Steps is a post from: Lifed

With Memorial Day behind us, it’s official: summer is just around the corner. And you know what that means – it’s time to plan your summer vacation! Or shall I say, your “summer adventure”? While many people favor a lounge-by-the-pool-every-day kind of vacation, others prefer to use their vacation time for more active, adventurous trips that involve adrenaline rushes and the making of priceless memories. Do you belong to that second category of vacationers? Woohoo! You’re in luck.

To help you start planning your adventure, we’ve put together a list of unique and exhilarating vacation ideas/destinations, all located within the United States – in case, like many of us, you don’t have the time or money to explore ancient ruins in Peru or backpack across Europe this summer. Depending on how far you’re traveling to get there, any of these unforgettable, affordable trips could be completed over a long weekend, expanded to a one- or two-week-long vacation, or included as one leg of a longer trip.

1. Spelunking in the Ozarks

Although Missouri’s official state motto is “The Show Me State,” it could just as easily be “The Cave State,” as it is home to more than 6,300 natural caves. Many of these underground caverns are located south of the Missouri River, in the Ozark Mountains. Over 300 caves are situated within the boundaries of Ozark National Scenic Riverways, a national park in the Missouri Ozarks. If you’re not afraid of the dark and are interested in seeing some fascinating underground geological structures, this spelunking (a.k.a. caving) adventure might be the trip for you!

Within Ozark National Scenic Riverways, the Round Spring and Devils Well caves are currently open for exploring without a permit, while you can get a permit to explore Branson Cave, Lost Man Cave, and Bluff Cave during the summer months. Nearby Jam Up Cave, located in the Jacks Fork Natural Area, is another spectacular Ozarks cavern, reachable by boat only, featuring several rare fish species, Ice Age-era vegetation, and an underground waterfall.

Other things to do in Ozark National Scenic Riverways include water recreation on the Current and Jacks Fork Rivers, stargazing, camping, and visiting historical structures, such as the prairie pioneer-era Alley Mill and Storys Creek One Room Schoolhouse, both of which are open to visitors in the summer months. For more information on planning an Ozarks caving trip, cave safety, and other related topics, visit this official site of the National Parks Service.

2. Ghost hunting in The Big Easy

If you’re fascinated by history or by things that go bump in the night, a trip to New Orleans, Louisiana could provide you with plenty of thrills and chills, no matter how hot the weather gets. With its rich, dark history, The Big Easy is considered by many paranormal enthusiasts to be the most haunted city in America. The city’s history of slavery and war, along with its coastal port location and multitude of cultural and religious influences, lends itself to legends of Creole voodoo spirits, haunted pirate ships, Civil War ghosts, and other paranormal phenomena.

The so-called “most haunted” New Orleans place is the LaLaurie House, one of the many ornate 1800s-era mansions in the French Quarter. The site is reportedly haunted by its original owners, Louis LaLaurie, a physician, his socialite wife Delphine, and spirits of their mistreated slaves. Some other famous haunted sites in New Orleans include the St. Louis Cemetery, said to be America’s most-haunted cemetery; the Lanaux Mansion, a bed and breakfast that was built in 1876 and is reported to be haunted by Charles Johnson, the house’s original owner; and the Beauregard-Keys House, another haunted French Quarter mansion.

There are plenty of “Haunted New Orleans” tours you can purchase tickets to, and many haunted sites, like St. Louis Cemetery, St. Louis Cathedral, and the intersection of Canal Street and City Park Avenue, can be explored on your own – if you dare! You can find “Haunted Tours” information at The Official Tourism Site of the City of New Orleans.

3. Roughing it in the Badlands

If you’re looking for something rugged and remote, a camping trip in North Dakota’s badlands might be up your alley. One of the Northern Great Plains’ few areas of dedicated wildlife, Theodore Roosevelt National Park is one of the nation’s lesser-known natural gems, and was recently voted as the “Favorite Overlooked U.S. Attraction” by a HuffingtonPost.com poll.  The park gets its name from the former president, who came to the Dakota Territory to hunt bison in 1883 and found himself astounded and humbled by the area’s otherworldly geological formations – towering, colorful rock formations made of layers of sandstone, known as “badlands.” The experience had a life-changing effect on Roosevelt, leading him to create an historic conservation policy.

In addition to its stark, spectacular landscape, the park is also home to plenty of watchable prairie wildlife including bison, elk, and prairie dogs. There are two first-come, first-serve campgrounds open for tent and RV camping year-round, and another that is open seasonally, on a reservation-only basis. Experienced campers can also get permits for backcountry camping. Besides camping and wildlife-watching, other things to do at the park include canoeing, fishing, hiking, and horseback riding. Find more information about visiting the park at the National Park service’s Theodore Roosevelt National Park website.

4. Thrill-seeking in the Appalachians

The Appalachians, an eastern North American mountain range stretching as far south as Georgia and as far north as Nova Scotia, is a place of great natural beauty that includes breathtaking mountain summits, lush, deciduous forests, and freshwater lakes and rivers. Besides being a place of exceptional natural beauty, the New River Gorge National River in southern West Virginia is an especially attractive Appalachian travel destination for adrenaline junkies.

New River Gorge is one of the premier whitewater rafter locations in the world, featuring rapids ranging in difficulty from Class I (easy/beginner) to Class V (very challenging/expert). During the summer months, numerous companies offer guided trips down the river. Additionally, the area is becoming one of the top rock-climbing locations in the country, with its 1,400 established climbs.

Seeking even more extreme thrills? Consider a 1.5-mile walk across a 24-inch “catwalk” of the New River Gorge Bridge, a steel arch bridge situated 876 feet above raging white water rapids. The New River Gorge Bridge, featured on the West Virginia state quarter, is the third-longest single-span arch bridge in the world. Guided catwalk tours over the bridge are offered daily, except for in cases of extreme weather.

Visit the official site of the New River Gorge National River for information on whitewater rafting, rock climbing, and other park activities.

5. Slipping-and-sliding in Wisconsin

Have little kids, or aren’t sure if you’re up for something too extreme? Water parks are a great way to get your thrills in a safe, controlled environment. The state of Wisconsin has become known as the “water park capital of the world” with the majority of its water parks located in the popular Midwest tourist town of Wisconsin Dells, WI. Wisconsin Dells has over 20 indoor and outdoor waterparks, including Noah’s Ark, the largest water park in the country, featuring a slide with a 10-story-tall vertical drop; Kalahari Resort, one of America’s largest indoor water park resorts; and Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park, America’s biggest water and theme park resort.

Not working with a “resort” budget? No problem. This inviting city has plenty of economical motels and RV parks in addition to hotels and resorts. For more information on water parks and travel accommodations in Wisconsin Dells, visit the city’s official tourism website.

5 Exciting U.S. Summer Vacations is a post from: Lifed

Many people have dreams of traveling the world. Whether there’s a specific city you’ve always fantasized about visiting for a spell, or you’d love to go on a lengthy backpacking adventure and experience as many different countries and cultures as possible, chances are, at least one item on your Bucket List involves travel. Unfortunately, travel isn’t always practical. A major reason why traveling the world can be unfeasible is the cost, which can be quite high. Factoring in airfare, lodging and food expenses, even a relatively short trip to a foreign land can end up costing thousands of dollars– especially if you consider potential earnings you might lose from taking time off work.

However, if you’re open to taking a trip that involves cooking for yourself, forgoing the fancy hotels, and even – gasp! – doing a little work, travel costs can actually be quite manageable. Moreover, alternative vacations in which you spend some of your time volunteering for a good cause or staying with local hosts can be a much more immersive and enriching experience than your standard vacation package. If you have a travel bug but limited funds, consider the following tips. Unadventurous spirits need not apply!

Travel Slowly and Inexpensively

Because time isn’t cheap, many people try to squeeze as many destinations as possible into a one- or two-week vacation. While fast-paced trips can be fun if you’re short on time, they are also expensive, as you end up spending a lot of money on transportation costs to get to each destination and on food and other conveniences at each stop along the way. Alternatively, if you visit fewer places and allow yourself to put down some roots in a single location for a week or more, you’ll have time to do money-saving things like cook for yourself and make friends who can warn you against expensive tourist traps. Furthermore, you’ll get to know a place better and, ultimately, have a more rewarding experience.

Although lodging and food can be attained cheaply enough by preparing your own meals with ingredients purchased at local markets and staying at hostels or with local hosts (more on that later), saving money on airfare can be more of a challenge. Still, there are some things you can do to save money on flights. Try searching for flights with smaller budget airlines which may not be indexed in the major airfare search engines (You can go to the website of your destination airport for a list of all the airlines that service your destination.) Also, try to book mid-week flights, which are usually cheaper than weekend flights. And of course you can always attempt to beat the airlines at their own game.

Volunteer for Cheap Accommodations

Voluntourism – a play on “volunteer” and “tourism” – can be a great way to save money on travel if you don’t mind getting your hands a little dirty for a good cause. Voluntourism trips – whose activities range from working with children at an orphanage in India, to painting the roof of a school in Latvia, to repairing a hiking trail in Alaska – also allow you to really get to know a particular locale, as well as your fellow volunteers, and experience the satisfaction of making a positive change in the world. Most of these trips include food and hostel-style lodgings for an all-inclusive fee. The participation fee can be expensive, but most voluntourism trips are cheaper than a traditional vacation. Depending on the hosting organization, long-term volunteers who can dedicate several months of their time may receive a small stipend for miscellaneous expenses. Still, it’s a good idea to do your research before booking a voluntourism trip to make sure the organization you’re volunteering with is reputable and that the fee is competitively-priced.

Work or “Couch Surf” for Free Accommodations

Work-trade organizations such as WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms) arrange for you to barter work for room and board with local hosts around the world. With WWOOF, you’ll earn your room and board by working on an organic farm, but if farming isn’t your thing, there are numerous other kinds of work-trade organizations which allow you to work for a local host in exchange for short-term, rent-free living. Some of these include Caretaker’s Gazette and Help Exchange. Work tasks might include house-sitting, pet-sitting, yard work or others.

CouchSurfing is another great online network that connects you with local hosts worldwide. If you’re a member of CouchSurfing, you can find a local host just about anywhere in the world who will put you up for a night or two, or sometimes longer. With this organization, you don’t have to work – you just have to agree to host other CouchSurfing members who travel to your neck of the woods. Besides saving money when you travel and getting to know the locals, participating in a program like CouchSurfing allows you to meet people from around the world without ever leaving home. You can also, of course, “couch surf” on the couches of any friends you have that live somewhere you’d like to visit. How to make friends who live in cool places? Voluntourism trips and other alternative travel experiences are great opportunities to make friends from all over the globe who might be able to host you when you travel to their city.

Get a Job Involving Travel

Depending on your skill set and desired type of travel experience, this might mean taking a medium- or long-term job in an overseas destination, such as teaching English or bartending abroad, or you might find a vocation that involves frequent travel to myriad destinations, such as a flight attendant or cruise ship worker. Or, you might be able to land a job that can be conducted remotely, such as freelance writing, which offers the flexibility of working from anywhere with an Internet connection. Other job ideas for people who want a vocation that allows them to see the world include Peace Corps worker, travel nurse, Navy sailor, and online poker player (just make sure you’re actually talented at poker before quitting your day job).

How to Travel the World on the Cheap is a post from: Lifed