Tips for Healthy Eating on Vacation

Tips for Healthy Eating on Vacation

by Shari Hearn

Ah, vacation. Time indulge yourself a little. Relax in the sun. Sip a cool one by the pool. Eat like it's your last meal on Earth. Well, okay, we all know you shouldn't eat everything in sight while on vacation, but, that's what many people end up doing. In addition to the postcards, many people end up bringing back souvenir pounds which they spend the next few months trying to lose. What's a traveler to do?

The easiest advice would be to choose vacation spots with lousy food. But, do you really want to say goodbye to San Francisco, New York City, Paris or all of Italy? No, of course not. But, you can vacation in all the culinary hot spots without gaining weight if you just plan ahead and follow some simple advice.

For example, when you are planning your vacation, try to make sure your hotel room, cabin or motel has a kitchenette or microwave available in your room. This way you can microwave or heat up any leftovers from restaurant meals. This not only helps your food budget, but also may entice you to eat less at restaurants. If you know you can take half the food back to the hotel with you and enjoy it the next day, you're more likely to eat less.

If you're unable to find a room with a microwave or kitchenette, at least make sure there's a refrigerator. This may seem like a small thing, but if you're able to have cold milk in your room, you're at least able to bring cereal with you for breakfast. If you can avoid having to eat breakfast at a restaurant, you have just saved yourself a few hundred calories. While it's true most restaurants offer those little cereal boxes for breakfast, it can be a Herculean task to order the little cereal box instead of that wonderful looking omelet, or those fluffy pancakes. Having cereal in the room with you removes the temptation.

It's also good to pick a hotel or motel which offers a continental breakfast. Stick to cereals and fruits and avoid the pastries.

If you're taking a road trip and driving to your destination, cut down on the stops to roadside diners. Yes, the little roadside diners are what makes a road trip fun, but make sure you cut down on the number of diners you visit. Instead, take a cooler with you containing some healthier foods and find a scenic roadside spot for a picnic. If the spot has grills setup, you can grill a chicken or fish dinner that's probably better than what you'd get in the diner.

If you're "unlucky" enough to vacation in a culinary wonderland (i.e., anywhere in Italy), don't despair. You don't have to avoid restaurants or good food. You just have to keep your culinary wits about you. Maybe you and your traveling companion can share a meal, or, if you have a microwave at the hotel, eat half and save the rest for the next night. And, go easy on the wine and other alcohol. Not only does alcohol add calories, it could lower your resolve not to go overboard at dinner. Remember, tipsy eating is dangerous eating.

While having a dinner out, remember to take your time and savor the food and wine. Eating slowly is a great trick to help you avoid overeating. Some say it takes your mind about 20 minutes to send signals to your stomach that you are full. By eating slowly you allow your body to receive the "all-full" signal before you've eaten everything in sight.

Lastly, but certainly not least importantly, there's one word you should remember on your vacation to help ensure the baggage you bring back home stays in your luggage and not on your thighs. That word is "exercise." Avoid the cabs and walk. Take walking tours of the cities you visit. And, while taking a road trip, make sure there's a scenic walk you can take on your route. Pull over at a trailhead and walk for an hour or two. Not only will it make the road trip more interesting, but it will help you maintain your weight on your trip.

You should also avoid eating large meals late at night, especially two hours before going to sleep. When your body gets ready for sleep, it slows down and burns calories at a much slower pace.

Remember, you don't have to deprive yourself of good food on your vacation. Skip the restaurant breakfast, experience the good food and drink in moderation, eat slowly and walk. It's your vacation. Enjoy yourself. You earned it.

Save Money On Your Great Disneyworld Vacation

Save Money On Your Great Disneyworld Vacation

by John Murray

A family vacation to Disneyworld is a dream come true for many families. However, not everyone has the finances to make their dreams come true. Its not that they don't want to go. It's just that they feel they cannot afford it and don't pursue it further. We're not going to fool you, Disneyworld vacations can be expensive, but you can save a huge amount of moola while enjoying the magic even if you're working with a shoestring budget.

In this article, we will expose the many secrets to planning an affordable vacation for you and your family. By following our tips, you can save up to 40% on the listed prices! Sound interesting? Well it is.

Now, we've got to be honest with you. We are not suggesting that you sleep in a cheap motel with roaches and ants, miles away from all the magic while feasting on peanut butter crackers in your room. Instead, we'll discuss proven tips that will allow you to stay in a resort hotel with great amenities, dine at great-tasting restaurants on property and still save substantial amounts of hard-earned moola.

First of all, you should know that there are member websites that guide you to particular resources that teach you how to save on vacations. The savings include:

- Accommodations on property, and outside.

- Tickets to the theme parks

- Dining on property, and at parks outside.

- Tickets to Universal and other attractions

- And much more!

To find one, do a search on "google" or another search engine for Disneyworld member discounts or search for "Disney World resort companies". You may find some great and economical vacation packages that are similar to these:

5 nights at a beautiful Resort - 5 days of fun for a family of 4 to all Parks, including all meals. For only $1,510.

3 nights accommodations near Disney - 4 tickets to Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and MGM Studios, including all meals. For $1,040.

5 night honeymoon vacations that include hotel, tickets and meals at over 100 restaurants for $1,200!

That's right. With the quick flick of a mouse, you can plan an inexpensive Disneyworld vacation through various resort companies trying to attract new clients. The savings will be unbeatable for lodging and you may even get free passes which will allow you to access to all of Disney's parks, MGM Studios, special cartoon exhibits, and much more! In addition, you may discover that Disney World vacations include visits to the four major theme parks such as Epcot or the Magic Kingdom, among other attractions.

In addition, you will also find substantial discounts on food. For instance, some resort companies offer free food and even feature complimentary character breakfasts so you and your children can enjoy their meals with Cinderella, Winnie the Pooh, and other popular characters.

In conclusion, you can make your family's dream come true even if you're working with a limited budget. All you have to do is choose an affordable option, plan your vacation through a resort company, or take advantage of some great member sites.

Waste Reduction Tips for Hotels and Motels

Waste Reduction Tips for Hotels and Motels

by David Brights

Waste Reduction Plan

* Have a common goal: to reduce the amount and toxicity of products. * Appoint a waste reduction coordinator. * Form a committee of employees, representing each operational area. * Perform waste evaluations and examine purchasing and disposal costs. * Establish a budget for supplies, educational and promotional materials and project labor.

Laundry and Housekeeping

* Return laundered clothes to guests in reusable garment bags or baskets. * Offer plastic wrap for dry cleaned clothing only upon request. * Eliminate cardboard backing for laundered shirts. * Dye stained towels a darker color for reuse at the pool or beach, or use as cleaning rags. * Extend the life of draperies by rotating and changing their exposure to the sun. * Install mixing stations to reduce chemical spillage. Educate staff how to mix liquid concentrates to ensure safety and save money. * Use refillable pump spray bottles instead of aerosol cans. * Clean and reuse dust-mop heads. * Use reusable vacuum cleaner bags.

Guest Rooms

* Offer rarely used items such as shower caps, sewing kits and the daily newspaper on request. * Give guests the option to reuse linen and towels. * Post educational fact cards by the American Hotel and Motel Association in each guest room to inform guests of the environmental benefits of reusing towels and linen. * Install refillable shampoo and soap dispensers in the bathrooms. * Replace disposables, such as complimentary cups, with reusables. * Wait to replace half-used toilet paper roll and tissue boxes until they are almost completely used. Leave new rolls and tissue boxes for guests to replace if needed. * Instruct housekeeping to leave half-used items for the duration of the guests stay. * If half-used items must be removed, place them in employee rest rooms or donate them to charity. * Do not remove "gift" amenities from the room after a guest departs unless the seal on the package is broken. Leave them for the next guest. * Eliminate the use of plastic liners in ice buckets. * Eliminate the use of paper doilies and paper tray covers.

Food Service

* Plan menus so that fresh ingredients are interchangeable among recipes. This way, produce and other perishable foods can be used up in different recipes and are not wasted if guests order less of a particular dish. * Reassess portion sizes. Customizing portion sizes may require buying uncut foods (including meat, produce and other products) rather than buying foods that are already cut-to-size and ready-to-use. * Offer guests the option to order half-portions. * Use scraps left over from food preparation to make soups and stocks for donation. * If possible, collect unusable food scraps and arrange to have them picked up by local pig farmers for use as animal feed. Check with the local health department or cooperative extension office first. * Arrange for a renderer to collect and recycle cooking fat, grease, and bones * Install filters to prevent food particle contamination to extend the life of deep frying cooking oil. * Donate edible, unused food to local charities. More than 100 programs throughout the United States accept prepared food-packaged, prepared, fresh, frozen, or baked. * Use reusable plastic lids or aluminum foil to cover food in coolers and steam tables. Clean aluminum foil is usually recyclable, check with your local community government. * Replace individual condiment packages with bulk dispensers in restaurants and employee cafeterias. Review health regulations first. * For take-out orders, offer condiments, napkins and straws upon request instead of allowing customers to help themselves. * For employee cafeterias and room service delivery, replace disposable items with washable, reusable plates, trays and utensils. * Use washable hats and aprons for kitchen staff instead of disposable paper ones. * Use spun glass pads for scrubbing pots and pans instead of steel wool scouring pads. They last longer and do not rust. * Avoid using cellophane wrap for fruit baskets and gifts delivered to guest rooms. * Install a magnet on food waste containers to recover flatware accidentally thrown away with food waste.

Beverage Service

* Use fountains to dispense soda. * Offer draft beer. * Purchase milk in large (five gallon) plastic dispenser bags, rather than buying milk by the gallon or in difficult-to-recycle coated cardboard cartons. * Serve milk from steel dispensers. * Use refillable beverage containers, especially for room service and in restaurants and bars, where collection of empty bottles is easily controlled. * Replace cocktail napkins with permanent coasters at dining room tables and bars. * Use reusable metal or nylon coffee filters.

Purchasing

* Request that vendors minimize packaging-Chicken, fish and vegetables are often packaged in waxed cardboard, ask your vendor to pack in a reusable or recyclable container. * Work with vendors to substitute toxic cleaners with non-toxic alternatives, buy a more concentrated product and have the product refilled at the factory. * Look for a local supplier, simplicity, energy efficiency, minimal packaging. * Purchase and maintain durable supplies. * Avoid produce that is packaged and has stickers. These are wasteful and time consuming to remove.

General Tips

* Change lighting from incandescent to fluorescent. Fluorescent bulbs last much longer and will save in disposal costs and employee time. * Order only as many telephone directories as the number of rooms and phones.

David Brights writes for http://www.showcheaphotels.info/ where you can find out more about cheap hotels and other topics.

Tips On Pet Friendly Hotels And Motels

Tips On Pet Friendly Hotels And Motels

by Mary Hanna

It is easier than you think to find Pet friendly hotels and pet friendly motels when traveling with your pets. Although many hotel establishments still don't allow pets of any kind in their rooms, there are many that do. Most of the time there will be no extra charge for accommodating your family pet, but sometimes you will be asked to pay a small fee usually ranging anywhere from 5 dollars to 50 dollars. Pet hotels and pet friendly motels are extremely convenient for travelers who do not want to go through the hassle of leaving their pet to the care of friends, family or expensive boarding businesses.

When making the reservations you should indicate the breed of your dog, as some hotels have restrictions on the size and type. Another question to ask, would be if you were allowed to leave your pet unattended in the room. Be sure you understand the hotel's pet policy so there is no misunderstanding when you get there. If you know the policies both you and your pet will be comfortable.

When you reserve a room at pet friendly hotels or motels, always ask what the policies are regarding pets, and whether there is a deposit. All hotel and motel pet friendly establishments will allow seeing-eye or service dogs no matter what their pet policies are.

Sometimes you can be charged a small fee, and other times you may be charged a deposit, which would be returned to you if your pet causes no damage. If you hate leaving your pets at a boarding shelter while you are traveling, take some time to find pet friendly hotels or motels along your route so that your beloved family pet members can stay with you.

Some pet hotels will require that you keep the animal in a cage in your room, and most dog friendly hotels insist that your canine is kept on a leash at all times when it is outside of your room. Most people consider their pet as part of the family, therefore their pet goes with them on vacation. The thought of their beloved pet cooped up while they are on vacation is just unfathomable.

In addition to the refundable pet fee some pet friendly places may mention that they only allow "Well-behaved" pets, so teach your pet a few lessons in manners before you decide to take it on your holiday. The luxury hotels like the Ritz Carlton and Onyx will treat your pet like a king. Your pet will be groomed and pampered just like you will be. So, go ahead and enjoy a lovely vacation with your family pet.

Try to keep to your pets schedule as faithfully as possible. Pack the pet's favorite food and toys so he will feel comfortable. Just like packing for yourself, pack any medications or vitamins that your pet will need. Be sure to have your pet's veterinary's number on hand just in case there is an emergency. If you are in another town, your vet maybe able to recommend the services of a vet in the town you are visiting.

Make sure you have the pet's identification which includes a contact number, the pets name and an immunization tag if applicable. Never leave your pet outside alone. He could be stolen or antagonized enough that he will bite. Always keep the pet hydrated, especially if you are in a hot atmosphere.

Use common sense when traveling with a pet. And, above all, be polite regarding other guests at the establishment.

This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged.
Mary Hanna has traveled the world by Air and Ship while writing eBooks, Software Reviews and Practical Articles on Internet Marketing, Cruising, Gardening and Travel. Visit her websites at: http://www.cruisetraveldirectory.com/ and http://www.cruisegold.com/ You can read more of her articles at http://www.articlebazaar.net/ ??

Disneyland Hotel : Tips To Make Your Stay Relaxing

Disneyland Hotel : Tips To Make Your Stay Relaxing

If you are like most people, your impression of Disneyland is still “The Magic Kingdom”, a place to take your kids. But Disneyland is also about relaxing and pampering for adults! You may not get the same treatment as you would at a world-class spa, but it is relaxing just the same, and it may be just what the doctor ordered after a long day running around with your kids at the park!
The easiest way to get pampered on your Disneyland vacation is to first stay in a KE;YWORDCAP. Make sure you include Concierge services with your room. The price difference is significant, but as always you get what you pay for. The service you receive is worthy of the princesses your children met in the park.

Your room will be much nicer if you have the Concierge service. These rooms offer free bottles of water, soft drinks, coffee, and tea. Check in and out will be faster since you get to use the Concierge check in counter. The room also includes a nightly turndown service.

The magic begins in the Concierge Lounge. Each morning a complementary continental breakfast-specifically for those who sign up for the concierge service-is offered; if your children do not want to leave the room, breakfast can also be sent out for. Later in the afternoon, after a full day of rides and attractions, sit the kids down in front of their favorite Disney movie while you sneak down to the Lounge for an evening of wine tasting and adult conversation.

The perks available at each hotel vary with the resort. When you’re planning your trip, make sure to choose the right resort for you. Call each resort you are considering and ask to speak with the Concierge desk so you can ensure you are getting the most accurate information. Take your entire family’s needs and wants into account and make sure that the service you eventually choose will be worth the cost.

Yes the cost of the upgrade can be high, but when you close your eyes and dream of all of the pampering and special treatment that you and your family will enjoy at your Disney World Hotel, and you tally up the cost of the free breakfast and drinks, you may find that the cost is well worth it. In fact, depending on the size of your family, you may even discover that the value of the free breakfast and the free drinks may make the entire Disneyland trip a little less expensive for you!

But a note of warning - once you’ve experienced the Concierge Service on a stay at a Disney Hotel, you may not be satisfied with anything less on future Disney trips. The service is out of this world, and will make your trip more relaxing and enjoyable.