• You’re only as smart as the company you keep. Travel with friends you trust – the ones who have good judgment but still know how to have a good time. It’s easy to become unmoored from your usual behavior patterns when you’re in a strange place unless you have someone with you from your “normal life”.
• Make written agreements with your friends. Setting up guidelines in advance for who will be a designated driver, a code word to use if a friend starts getting out of control, and other safety measures is important. If you put these things in writing, you are more likely to remember them in the midst of a party situation.
• Take the law seriously. Police officers in spring break towns (whether in the US or Mexico) aren’t going to cut you slack for being young and foolish. Fighting, drunk driving, lighting up a joint, and being intoxicated in public can still get you arrested.

Would you do pre-flight yoga? If so, what asanas would you choose to prepare yourself to take to the air. Perhaps the eagle? The crane? For a delayed flight, you might be better off doing the tortoise to put you in a patient state of mind.

Luxury camping makes it possible for you to go camping in style with accommodations that rival those of a 4 or 5 star hotel. Just like the British aristocracy going on safari with a full complement of servants to care for their needs, you can now camp out at beautiful resorts while glampground staff cater to your every need. You don’t have to slum it with a solar shower and port-a-potty. Instead, you can expect the bathroom in your gigantic teepee to have heated floors.

Is Glamping a Silly Idea?

Maybe, maybe not. Everyone has their own concept of what’s fun. Some like to rough it by eating only what they can harvest or kill and sleeping under the stars. Others like to at least have a tent and some sandwiches in the cooler. Glamping is another step in the direction toward being “at home” in nature. It’s the ideal way to go camping for folks who like the idea of spending time outdoors but who need to be sure they can retire to their familiar creature comforts at the end of the hike.

The price tag for the most luxurious resort-style camping is over $1000 per night. However, there are less costly options at some glamping locations for less than $200 per night. The poor campers at these lower class sites are probably expected to survive without a Michelin star chef to roast their marshmallows.

Just as the end of the war did not bring stability to the nation of Iraq, neither has the withdrawal of US troops. The citizens of Iraq are still living in a state of transition and chaos. Travelers from other countries are not exempt from the perils that face the country’s own residents. Weekly and sometimes daily demonstrations often end with injuries for participants. There is also an added hazard of kidnapping since Western tourists are viewed as valuable assets for ransom purposes or to further terrorism objectives.

Northern Iraq Not as Dangerous

However, according to the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office website, there is one area in Iraq where there are no travel restrictions. This is the Kurdistan region which includes the provinces of Dohuk, Erbil and Sulaimaniyah. Kurdistan comprises the northern portion of Iraq and shares borders with Syria, Turkey, and Iran. The border areas of Kurdistan are best avoided since relations between Turkey, Iran, and Iraq are strained, with some open acts of war still ongoing.

That being said, Kurdistan remains a popular tourist location. The region reported over 1 million tourists in 2011 (mostly Iraqis on holiday from other areas of the country). You can find a list of local attractions, information on food and customs, and the best ways to actually get in and out of the country here. One thing is for sure, you’ll come back with exciting stories to tell!

(Note: The label “No travel restrictions” doesn’t mean it’s particularly safe, just that you aren’t advised against avoiding the area entirely. You should still take all safety and security precautions. You can find a list of recommendations here).

Dominican Republic

This location has the charm and climate of the Caribbean and much less expensive prices than Hawaii. During the Christmas season, you can expect temperatures to remain at about 65 degrees. These folk take Christmas truly to heart, apparently turning it into a 3 month long celebration with fireworks, parades, and other lively activities. You’ll recognize many of the traditions with a slight twist. For example, citizens in the Dominican Republic have their own version of “Secret Santa” called “Un Angelito”.

Africa

There are so many great destinations on this massive continent that it’s not possible to list them all. You can visit a populous tourist destination like Cape Town or trudge through the lonely Serengeti looking for big game (but not shooting any). Christmas isn’t yet a truly peak travel time for tourism to most African countries, so you won’t experience the crowding and frenetic pace of more established destinations. Christmas is celebrated in Christian communities all across Africa – but the focus is more on spiritual celebration, good food, and family than on giving and receiving lots of presents.

Malaysia

This is the place to go if you want to party all the way through New Year’s. The clubs in Kuala Lumpur are hopping and the malls and restaurants are all open. Christmas here is non-traditional and very modern. Not surprising in a place where the old and the new rub shoulders in every area from architecture to cultures and languages. This location gives you access to beaches, jungles, skyscrapers, temples, and much more for a busy week of sightseeing. Yes, December is part of the rainy season here, but it’s reportedly a lot like Louisiana. You get rain for about an hour in the afternoon rather than a deluge that goes on for days.

1. Less stress. Not everyone has a happy Bob Cratchit family life. If you would rather be going anywhere rather than home for the holidays, being out of town is a good excuse to get away from people who know you a little too well.
2. You won’t seem lonely. If you’re the single person that everyone invites to their Christmas dinner out of pity, show them that it’s great to be free. Everyone will stop feeling sorry for you when they find out you are taking a trip to New Zealand or a cruise in the Bahamas for Christmas.
3. You can make new memories. Christmas is celebrated in many, many countries around the globe. Each one has its own way of making the season bright. You could find brand new traditions to pass down to your kids along with the story of the Christmas when you flew around the world – just like Santa’s sleigh.

1. Travel Warm

If your vehicle breaks down, nighttime temperatures can quickly pose a threat to your life and health. Keeping the car heater on will only work for a while (and is dangerous if the tailpipe gets blocked by snow). Be sure to pack extra warm clothing, blankets, food, and water in your car in the event of an emergency.

1. Don’t Rely Solely on Technology

Onboard GPS and cell phones are very useful, but everyone in your party should know the full travel plan and have paper copies of maps or driving directions just in case. Write down all important contact numbers as well instead of relying on speed dial. That way, if your gadgets aren’t working, you can still make sure everyone arrives at their destination.

1. Hide Valuables

Is the back seat of your car stacked with gifts in bright wrapping paper? That’s an invitation for thieves to break a window and grab what they can while you are in the gas station bathroom. Store presents in the trunk, inside luggage, or under blankets so they aren’t readily visible.

Traveling by air? Check out MSNBC’s air travel tips for the holidays.

Here are some tips to help you travel with greater ease:

Test out your current mobility level by taking a short road trip

You’ll find out pretty quickly what activities you still enjoy and which ones you need to avoid in unfamiliar surroundings. This will help you plan your longer vacation in a location with the kind of amenities you need. That might include ramps and elevators instead of stairs, shuttle service to and from various attractions, and rentable scooters for days when long distance walking isn’t an option.

Bring or Rent Assistive Devices

If the difference between being stuck at home and taking a long anticipated vacation is the occasional use of a cane or a walker with a seat, it’s time to get comfortable with using a mobility aid. Sure, it will make you look your age, but having a blast on vacation just might make you feel young again. Bring your own seat cushion to use in any plane, train or automobile to ease your aching back and hips. Have some extra fun decorating and personalizing the tools you use to help you get around.

Pacific Beach offers travelers incredible white sandy beaches and crystal clear blue water. This beach town is all about sun, surf and relaxing and any beach bum will feel right at home basking in the sun and enjoying everything that this area has to offer.

If you are considering booking a trip to Pacific Beach, know that there are a variety of beachfront hotels San Diego has to offer. Whether you are looking for a private condo or villa or prefer a big, all inclusive resort, know that Pacific Beach has a hotel to fit your specific tastes.

In recent years there have been a variety of new hotels that have opened up in Pacific Beach. One of the most popular has been Tower 23 which is San Diego’s only luxury, lifestyle hotel right on the beach. It has modern design and has been recognized as one of the most sought after hotels in Southern California.

Another great hotel and one that is particularly popular amongst visitors is the Ocean Park Inn. This fantastic hotel is conveniently situated right on the Pacific Beach boardwalk. This hotel is 100% non-smoking and besides for having great beach access it also gives guests the ability to visit a number of local San Diego attractions, including Sea World, San Diego Zoo and downtown San Diego. Additionally, this resort is only minutes from San Diego International Airport.

If you are looking for a smaller hotel that provides a more personal touch, look into the Diamond Head Inn. This small, boutique hotel has twenty one rooms and is completely non-smoking. In addition, the Diamond Head Inn has led the way as a champion for the environment and the property has been transformed in recent years to become “green” in their operations.

When you book at any Pacific Beach hotel you are given the opportunity to take advantage of any number of beach activities.

Pacific Beach is home to prime surfing and waves are always on hand year round to play in. In addition, beach goers have the opportunity to kayak, windsurf, horseback ride, rollerblade and bird watch as well as hike any number of nature trails that the area is known for.

Pacific Beach truly is an outdoor lover’s paradise and the laid back California culture is sure to satisfy a traveler who has been looking for something different when booking their beach vacation.

There are a variety of resources online to help you plan your Pacific Beach vacation. Keep in mind that anytime is a great time to come to Pacific Beach, California.

If you are looking for a way to get “away from it all,” you should look no further than Pacific Beach, California. This beach is the ideal destination for anyone who is looking for a beach town that has a great climate year round as well as the laid back vibe that the beaches of Southern California are known for. Pacific Beach is known for its beautiful white sand beach and crystal clear water.

Pacific Beach is located right outside of San Diego and has regularly been named “San Diego’s Best Beach Community.” The area welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds and is great for families and surfers alike.

Pacific Beach is home to a variety of entertainment and offers a wide selection of hotels and beach resorts to choose from. Whether you are looking for the classic 1930’s oceanfront beach resort or one of the enormous hotels that now graces the boardwalk, Pacific Beach can offer each traveler their ideal in accommodation.

Regardless of what hotel you ultimately choose to stay in, it is important to know that almost all of the major hotels and resorts have beachfront access and a wide variety of activities to take part in within walking distance. Whether you are interested in renting a body board and hitting the waves or if you prefer to take advantage of Pacific Beach shopping on Mission Boulevard as well as Grand and Garnet Avenues, most activities won’t even require you to move your car to get there.

Pacific Beach is the place to go if you are searching for great outdoor activity. The area boasts dozens of fantastic golf courses and provides year round access to the ocean. For the person that takes a calmer approach towards their outside activities, spend the day bird watching or hiking on any number of the walking trails that encircle the area.
Additionally, there are a number of great restaurants that are close to all of the major hotels on Pacific Beach. Some of the best restaurants in Southern California are located here and the area provides a wide variety of well established favorites as well as new, popular hot spots that are open for business year round. For those visitors to Pacific Beach who are searching for a particular cuisine, know that the restaurants of Pacific Beach offer everything from Sushi and Thai food to scrumptious Italian and classic steak houses. This area is a virtual paradise for any food lover.

Finally, for the Pacific Beach visitor who is looking for a bit of culture in this beach community, take advantage of the many art galleries and shops that are within walking distance of most Pacific Beach hotels. The art galleries that dot the area feature the work of many local artists as well as artists who are native to Southern California. It is here that you will also be able to find many one-of-a-kind pieces that are sure to pay compliment to your personal style and serve as an incredible memento of a fabulous vacation.