The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee - A Great Vacation and Travel Destination

If you like country music then there is nowhere else in the world you can enjoy as much as Nashville, Tennessee and the Grand Ole Opry. The Grand Ole Opry is a mainstay of this city known as the “home of country music” and anytime you go you are guaranteed to see a mixture of current country music stars, legends, and new artists trying to break into the business.

The best way to get tickets to the Grand Ole Opry is to buy them on the website early. This means that you can get the best tickets that are up close to the action and you can really see all that is going on. If you wait until you are actually in Nashville to buy your tickets for the Grand Ole Opry you may find yourself out of luck or else in the very back. Anywhere you sit in the Grand Ole Opry is a great place, but the best view is up close!

Any time of year is a great time to visit the Grand Ole Opry, but if you visit during non traditional vacation times you are sure to have an easier time getting tickets not to mention you won’t need to deal with the crowds. The Grand Ole Opry is Nashville’s biggest attraction so everyone is trying to get tickets at the same time, which makes it a bit of a challenge sometimes if you wait until the last minute.

The Opry is open on Tuesday nights starting in March and continues on Friday and Saturday the rest of the year. The Opry starts at different times each night and there are two shows on Saturday.

Country music icons like Hank Williams Sr., Ernest Tubbs, and Pasty Cline sang at the Opry and today their legends carry on with new singers and stars. Today’s country music singers enjoy singing at the Opry as much their ancestors did and visitors really love the show and the entertainment!

But, the Grand Ole Opry isn’t just country music. It is also a mix of gospel, comedy, bluegrass, today’s hits and more. The Grand Ole Opry is located at the Grand Ole Opry House but was located for years in the Ryman Auditorium and before that in other locations in Nashville. The Grand Ole Opry has really been a success in Nashville and it is the best place to go if you are in Nashville !

There is a website that has great information on USA Vacations and Unique Travel Spots Listed State By State and Season, the website is called: Seasonal Vacation Spots, and can be found at this url:

http://www.seasonalvacationspots.com

By Robert W. Benjamin

Copyright © 2007

You may publish this article in your ezine, newsletter, or on your web site as long as it is reprinted in its entirety and without modification except for formatting needs or grammar corrections.

Terrorism via Plane, Train, Subway and Bus. Do you Feel Safe?

History and our perception of the world changed dramatically with the 9-11 attacks. Today's travel is fraught with fear, delays, and racial profiling as the authorities try to prevent a reoccurrence.

Most travel and transport facilities have added special safeguards meant to combat terrorism:

* Staff have received extra security training.

* Sophisticated scanning equipment has been installed.

* Regulations have been expanded regarding prohibited items in luggage.

The ultimate objective is your safety and security. Has it worked? Do you really feel safer?

Whether you answered 'yes' or 'no', you must comply with current regulations when you travel or commute.

Different countries and transportation carriers have varying requirements. You won't find a single master list. However, searching wisely on the internet will provide you with the information you need before you plan your next trip.

In the USA, try tsa.gov and search for 'restricted items' or 'prohibited items'.

In Canada, visit tc.gc.ca, performing the same searches.

For other countries and carriers, use your favorite search engine and try some of the following searches.

* Germany 'restricted items' air

* Mexico 'restricted items' air

* Europe 'restricted items' rail

* Greyhound 'restricted items'

and so forth. Notice that 'restricted items' should be enclosed in quotation marks to produce the best results. (Because of the way various websites display articles, quotation marks have not been used in this article.)

Your search efforts should produce appropriate websites in the first search results page of any major search engine.

A partial list of items you should avoid in carry-on luggage would include:

* Most metal knives

* Large metal scissors

* Fuel of any kind

* Lighters and lighter fluid

* Weapons and ammunition

* Anything that looks like a weapon

* Starting pistols

* Liquid bleach

* Aerosol products

* Spray paint

Some items that are not permitted in carry-on luggage are allowed in checked suitcases.

Do your research - make sure you have the required documents - and pack carefully.

Now lose the fear, find your confidence, and enjoy your next trip!

Designer Luggage, Does It Make A Difference?

Buying designer luggage today can be a daunting task if you do not know what to look for. Traveling can be stressful as it is but not knowing which luggage set or designer luggage to choose can cause even more headache. You will need to spend some time shopping for luggage to get the best deal and find what really will be the best fit for you. You may want to look for some well made designer luggage so that you don't have to worry about whether your new pieces will hold up through the wear and tear of travel.

Designer luggage comes from many well known brands like Samsonite luggage, TravelPro luggage, Andiamo luggage, Boyt luggage, Delsey luggage, Eagle Creek luggage, French luggage and the list goes on. A good place to find information on designer luggage is at www.savinarluggageonline.com.

You can find information about designer luggage like the wide range of colors available, the materials the luggage is made from and the selection of wheeled luggage, monogramming and other designer luxuries. Leather luggage can really last, yet can sometimes get heavy for frequent travelers. Nylon wears quite well and is lightweight but may not be quite a durable and nice looking especially for the cost of a designer luggage set.

Of course, while designer luggage is usually sturdier and more stylish, no one should shop for luggage strictly because it has a certain designer label. Take a close look at any luggage you are considering to be sure that it is the right size and style for you. If you are looking at a luggage set but don't have a use for all of the different pieces of a set buy individual pieces that you feel like you will use.

Most designer luggage comes with locks and this is especially important if you will be staying in hotels or while you are at the airport and traveling and your luggage may not be secure at all times. These locks may not keep a determined thief from breaking into your luggage but they will discourage people who seize the opportunity when it is there.

Finally, take care of your designer luggage and it will stay in good shape for years. By cleaning it after you take a trip you can have it for years making it a good investment to buy quality designer luggage.

Residents Of Seattle: Invest In Rainwear

Probably everyone that knows anything about Seattle has heard vast rumors about the city. You have probably heard that it is green and lush and filled with innovation. You have likely heard that Seattle residents are proud of their city and that they are a mostly liberal bunch who love to be out of doors as often as possible. If you drink coffee, then you know that Seattle is the coffee capital of the world. If you have heard all of these "facts" about Seattle than it is likely that you have also heard about the need to invest in rainwear before you get there.

I have heard from countless places about the large amount of rainfall that Seattle is blessed with each year. I can hardly have a conversation with someone about this city and not have the issue of rainfall come up. I find it quite comical, but I guess people all over the world have heard about Seattle and our rain. You see, I moved to Seattle about ten years ago. No one warned me about the high level of rainfall back then or that I should invest in rainwear for myself and anything I valued.

I have found that the rumors about Seattle's climate are accurate for the most part, yet overblown when you are living there. We do get a lot of rain, that is true, and while it is true that rainwear is really wise, our rainfall is not as hard or longlasting as I had imagined it would be. In fact, our rain "storms" are sometimes like mists and quite often like gentle rains that last only a little while.

I would suggest that you don't visit Seattle without rainwear, but not because you'll experience constant downpours consisting of buckets of rain. In fact, you'll probably enjoy the majority of your visit with pleasant weather that is interrupted by quick and gentle rains. So bring your rainwear but know that you won't have to wait long to outlast the weather.

Make plans to visit Seattle today. It is truly one of the best kept secrets of our country. I love living here and I am constantly discovering new things to do and new reasons to love my city. Bring your rainwear and get ready for the vacation of a lifetime. You might just want to move here too by the time your trip is done!

Ski Vacations - What To Pack

If you will be traveling for a ski vacation, it is often difficult to know what to pack. You may not even have a problem knowing what to pack, but instead have a problem figuring how to get everything that you need from your home to your destination. Skis do not easily fit into suitcases, and if you are flying, this presents a huge problem.

Start by knowing what is available at your destination. Is there a rental shop? How much are the rental fees for skis, boots, and poles. If it is reasonable, and you don't mind skiing with rented equipment, this is a viable option - and it makes packing and traveling much easier.

If you don't care for rented equipment, there is another option. Find out if there are any ski shops in the area. There usually are. Get prices on skis, poles, and boots, and then ask if they buy used equipment. If they don't, ask if there is anyone near by that does purchase used equipment. Call that place to get an estimate on how much you could get for barely used ski equipment. Figure the difference in the money you will spend on the ski equipment, and the money you will get for the used equipment when you are finished with it. If it isn't much more than what it would cost you to rent the equipment, go for it!

Ski suits, ski jackets, and sweaters can be very bulky, and hard to pack. These items will take up a lot of room in your suitcase, and leave less room for other clothing and essentials. If you are trying to pack for a two week ski vacation, it will be impossible to fit everything you need into one suitcase.

There is a way to solve this. Call the lodge or resort where you will be staying. Tell them that you need to ship a package, for yourself, to them, and that you need that package to be there when you arrive. Ask them if they will hold it for you at the desk. In most cases, they will. Next, get a box, put all of your ski suits, your ski jacket, and any other bulky items in the box, and ship it to yourself, in care of the lodge or resort. Shipping can be overnight, two day, or three day depending on how far it must travel. Depending on how much the box weighs, you will usually pay less than fifty dollars to ship a package in the continental United States....which is a lot less than you would pay an airline for extra baggage!

Think Small With Your Next Vacation

If you're looking to get away from the rat race there is nowhere better than a small town. Small towns offer a slower pace, friendly people and a chance to just kick back and relax.

There are small towns all over North America. You don't need to look very far. Within a couple of hours of your home you can probably find a small town. This means no expensive or long and tiring trips. Hop in the car and drive to the nearest small town. Chances are you've been there before. Now you can stop and really explore.

Small towns offer a wide range of accommodations. This includes bed and breakfasts, hotels, and campgrounds. There's something for everyone. No matter your tastes you can find that perfect place to stay. A bed and breakfast is probably your best choice. Staying at a bed and breakfast gives you a chance to visit your hosts and to learn more about the area and the attractions it has to offer.

Once you settle in the next step is to find something to do. Everyone likes to do something different. If it's getting out and exploring or simply kicking back and reading a good book the choice is yours. If you take a little care in selecting your small town you will have endless hours of fun.

One of the most interesting small towns is Wells BC. It is close to Barkerville, and the Bowron Lakes. When you get tired of swimming and hiking go explore the history of an old gold rush town! If you're driving to Alaska it's on the way and spending a day or two there will be well worth it.

Small towns are easier on the pocket book. You don't need to spend a fortune to have a good time. Take in a movie, play or musical event. If you time things right there may even be a free event in a local park. All you have to do is show up! Spend a couple of hours relaxing on the grass listening to some great local music. Better yet, bring a picnic lunch and make a day of it. You'll be glad you did.

Small towns offer an affordable vacation without traveling hours or spending huge amounts of money. Often over looked, small towns are an an idea vacation spot full of fun, new experiences and adventure.

It's no Sugar Shack

It's a tradition now at the Westin St. Francis in San Francisco. Executive Pastry Chef, Jean-François Houdré, aka "King of the Castle," is diligently working day and night perfecting his signature 12-feet rotating holiday Sugar Castle, to be unveiled in the Tower Lobby of The Westin St. Francis on Friday, November 23.

"The creation of the Sugar Castle is truly a labor of love," says Chef Houdré. "Each year, I begin working on it two months in advance, adding more special touches and details each time. This year's version promises to be the best yet!" The inspiration to create this one-of-a-kind, grandiose Sugar Castle came from Chef Houdré's trip to Europe with his family in 2005. While traveling around Bordeaux, the Houdré family visited many remarkable châteaux, particularly Mont Saint Michel and La Cité de Carcassonne, which is one of Europe's most complete examples of a fortified abbey.

As the Houdré family toured these extravagant castles, his son Henri, age ten, and his daughter, Claudia, age eight, were able to experience an earlier time when royalty once occupied these magnificent castles centuries ago. From that experience, the children were able to convince their father that he must build a sugar castle at The Westin St. Francis to rival the royal castles in France and display it for children to visit during the holiday season.
Resembling a French Chateau from Chef Houdre's hometown of Bordeaux, the 100% edible castle is made of pastillage (a combination of powdered sugar, egg whites and gelatin dough), gingerbread, sugar, molasses, flour and candy. Weighing over 1200 pounds, this magical castle features more than 20 grand circular towers, approximately 30 rooms, illuminated windows, and is surrounded by a quaint village and a running train.

The castle is entirely edible, and is comprised of: 70 pounds of gingerbread, 130 pounds of pastillage (Powder sugar egg white and gelatin dough), 40 pounds of pulled and bubble sugar, Royal icing made of 300 pounds of sugar and egg whites, 40 pounds of molasses, 60 pounds of flour and 100 pounds of assorted Christmas Candy. It takes approximately 360 hours to complete the holiday masterpiece.

Opened more than a century ago on March 21, 1904, The Westin St. Francis is the only hotel located on San Francisco's famous Union Square, The Westin St. Francis is just steps from The City's best shopping, dining, theatres and art galleries. For reservations and more information, visit www.westinfrancis.com.