Biggest Snow Storm in Washington DC areas and Mid-Atlantic region
by wildcherry on Saturday, February 6th, 2010 | Travel, Weather | No Comments
WASHINGTON — Life in the nation’s capital ground to a halt Friday as steady snow fell, the beginning of a storm that forecasters said could be the biggest for the city in modern history.
A record 2 1/2 feet or more was predicted for Washington. More than 8 inches had already fallen in some D.C. areas by midnight and 10 inches was reported in Pittsburgh as the blizzard blew into the Mid-Atlantic region, reducing visibility. Big amounts of snow were expected throughout the region.
Authorities blamed the storm for hundreds of accidents and the deaths of father-son Samaritans in Virginia.
Several thousand people in West Virginia and Pennsylvania had lost electricity and more outages were expected. A hospital fire in D.C. sent about three dozen patients scurrying from their rooms to safety in a basement. The blaze started when a snow plow truck caught fire near the building, but no injuries were reported.
The region’s second snowstorm in less than two months could be “extremely dangerous,” the National Weather Service said. Meteorologist Kevin Whitt in Sterling, Va., said 4 inches had fallen in the Baltimore area and forecasters expect snowfall rates to increase overnight, up to 2 inches per hours, until daybreak.
Current snowfall totals have been estimated over 2 or 3 feet in some areas of Virginia and Washington, DC. The snow has created states of emergency in other states including New Jersey as well as Ohio, and yesterday saw numerous businesses and schools closed due to the inclement weather.
It all depends on the area of the country you are in right now. If you’re adverse to bringing a yardstick outside right now to measure your snowfall amount, you can check out a site by the National Environmental Satellite, Date and Information Service, aka the “NESDIS”. Their site will give you the latest snowfall totals nationally or by state. Additionally, the site provides a look at the snowfall depths for the areas. From this site you can get a decent indication of your current snowfall totals, but you may be seeing more as the weekend continues.
The NESDIS website with snowfall map is located here, with dropdown boxes to choose days/snow depth and your state.
Read More: Huffington Post
New Airport Security Rules from Homeland Security TSA’s official security rules
by wildcherry on Monday, December 28th, 2009 | Tips, Travel | No Comments
Here are the new Homeland Security Transportation Security Administration’s official security rules.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Transportation Security Administration
Aviation Security Directive
Subject: Security Directive
Number: SD 1544-09-06
Date: December 25, 2009
EXPIRATION: 0200Z on December 30, 2009
This Security Directive (SD) must be implemented immediately. The measures contained in this SD are in addition to all other SDs currently in effect for your operations.
INFORMATION: On December 25, 2009, a terrorist attack was attempted against a flight traveling to the United States. TSA has identified security measures to be implemented by airports, aircraft operators, and foreign air carriers to mitigate potential threats to flights.
APPLICABILITY: THIS SD APPLIES TO AIRCRAFT OPERATORS THAT CARRY OUT A SECURITY PROGRAM REGULATED UNDER 49 CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS (CFR)1544.101(a).
ACTIONS REQUIRED: If you conduct scheduled and/or public charter flight operations under a Full Program under 49 CFR 1544.101(a) departing from any foreign location to the United States (including its territories and possessions), you must immediately implement all measures in this SD for each such flight.
1. BOARDING GATE
1. The aircraft operator or authorized air carrier representative must ensure all passengers are screened at the boarding gate during the boarding process using the following procedures. These procedures are in addition to the screening of all passengers at the screening checkpoint.
1. Perform thorough pat-down of all passengers at boarding gate prior to boarding, concentrating on upper legs and torso.
2. Physically inspect 100 percent of all passenger accessible property at the boarding gate prior to boarding, with focus on syringes being transported along with powders and/or liquids.
3. Ensure the liquids, aerosols, and gels restrictions are strictly adhered to in accordance with SD 1544-06-02E.
2. During the boarding process, the air carrier may exempt passengers who are Heads of State or Heads of Government from the measures outlined in Section I.A. of this SD, including the following who are traveling with the Head of State or Head of Government:
1. Spouse and children, or
2. One other individual (chosen by the Head of State or Head of Government)
3. For the purposes of Section I.B., the following definitions apply:
1. Head of State: An individual serving as the chief public representative of a monarchic or republican nation-state, federation, commonwealth, or any other political state (for example, King, Queen, and President).
2. Head of Government: The chief officer of the executive branch of a government presiding over a cabinet (for example, Prime Minister, Premier, President, and Monarch).
2. IN FLIGHT
1. During flight, the aircraft operator must ensure that the following procedures are followed:
1. Passengers must remain in seats beginning 1 hour prior to arrival at destination.
2. Passenger access to carry-on baggage is prohibited beginning 1 hour prior to arrival at destination.
3. Disable aircraft-integrated passenger communications systems and services (phone, internet access services, live television programming, global positioning systems) prior to boarding and during all phases of flight.
4. While over U.S. airspace, flight crew may not make any announcement to passengers concerning flight path or position over cities or landmarks.
5. Passengers may not have any blankets, pillows, or personal belongings on the lap beginning 1 hour prior to arrival at destination.
AIRCRAFT OPERATOR ACKNOWLEDGMENT: The aircraft operator must immediately provide written confirmation to its assigned PSI indicating receipt of this SD.
AIRCRAFT OPERATOR dissemination required: The aircraft operator must immediately pass the information and directives set forth in this SD to all stations affected, and provide written confirmation to its PSI, indicating that all stations affected have acknowledged receipt of the information and directives set forth in this SD. The aircraft operator must disseminate this information to its senior management personnel, ground security coordinators, and supervisory security personnel at all affected locations. All aircraft operator personnel implementing this SD must be briefed by the aircraft operator on its content and the restrictions governing dissemination. No other dissemination may be made without prior approval of the Assistant Secretary for the Transportation Security Administration. Unauthorized dissemination of this document or information contained herein is prohibited by 49 CFR Part 1520 (see 69 Fed. Reg. 28066 (May 18, 2004).
APPROVAL OF ALTERNATIVE MEASURES: With respect to the provisions of this SD, as stated in 49 CFR 1544.305(d), the aircraft operator may submit in writing to its PSI proposed alternative measures and the basis for submitting the alternative measures for approval by the Assistant Administrator for Transportation Sector Network Management. The aircraft operator must immediately notify its PSI whenever any procedure in this SD cannot be carried out by a government authority charged with performing security procedures.
FOR TSA ACTION ONLY: The TSA must issue this SD immediately to the corporate security element of all affected U.S. aircraft operators.
FOR STATE DEPARTMENT: Retransmittal to appropriate foreign posts is authorized. Post must refer to STATE 162917, 201826Z Sep 01, Subject: FAA Security Directives and Information Circulars: Definitions and Handling, for specific guidance and dissemination.
Gale Rossides
Acting Administrator
10 Most Popular Winter Vacations Destinations
by wildcherry on Wednesday, October 21st, 2009 | Places to Visit, Travel | No Comments
With the holidays in full swing, many families find themselves with a little bit of extra vacation time during the winter. While some may spend that time planning large family gatherings or trying to relax after the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping, a number of families use this time as a way to enjoy a vacation away from home before the kids have to be back in school and everyone has to go back to work. If you are thinking of a winter getaway, here are 10 of the most popular vacation destinations during the winter months.
Mont Tremblant, Quebec
Located in the Laurentian Mountains, Mont Tremblant is a popular venue for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports. With over 600 acres of useable snow, Mont Tremblant is renowned as one of the best destinations for wintertime fun. Skiers from all over the world travel to Quebec in order to take advantage of Tremblant’s pristine slopes.
Hershey, Pennsylvania
Home to Hershey’s candy, this Pennsylvania town can be a wonderful place to visit if you are travelling just before Christmas. Each year, Hershey Park is completely transformed into a Christmas candy land that absolutely must be seen in order to be believed. This can be an especially rewarding trip if travelling with children, as it can give them amazing stories to tell when they get back to school.
Sundance Ski Resort
Sundance, Utah, is home not only to the world-renowned Sundance Film Festival but also to a ski resort beyond compare. In addition to being able to enjoy well-manicured slopes for skiing and snowboarding, the resort is located within an hour of three major Utah cities so that you can enjoy some shopping and fine dining after a fun time in the snow.
Yellowstone National Park
Mostly known as a summertime destination, Yellowstone features a number of winter programs as well as those, which encourage visitors to learn more about the natural world around them. While not everyone thinks that a learning vacation sounds like fun, few sights can compare to being able to see and learn about Yellowstone in wintertime.
New England
A number of destinations in the New England area are transformed into a portrait of years gone by when winter comes. The New England that was captured in the beloved paintings of Norman Rockwell comes to life as the historical towns and cities put on their best winter decorations, while the Sugarloaf ski resort opens for business to accommodate those interested in winter sports.
Lake Tahoe
A popular winter destination for years, Lake Tahoe provides visitors with access to ski resorts as well as the nearby excitement of Carson City, Nevada. Those looking for a beautiful vacation destination should not be disappointed by the amazing view of the Rocky Mountains that can be seen from the slopes of Lake Tahoe.
Caribbean
For a completely different type of vacation, consider taking a cruise of the Caribbean. Not only can this help you to get away from the cold weather, but it can also give you a taste of what the holidays are like for those who do not live in an area that traditionally receives a lot of snow. Once you experience a Caribbean Christmas, you may never be able to look at a traditional Christmas the same way again.
Aspen, Colorado
Aspen is one of the most famous ski destinations in the world and a winter spent in Aspen is a winter that can always be remembered. In addition to having some of the most beautiful ski slopes that can be found anywhere, the town surrounding the ski areas has a rich culture and history that simply is not to be missed. From a day on the slopes to a night enjoying the amazing artistic community that exists in and around Aspen, you should never regret your choice to spend a vacation in Aspen.
Rockefeller Center, New York
Nothing says Christmas quite like the image of Rockefeller Center decked out in all of its holiday glory. Used as an icon of the holidays in films, stories, and photographs, a winter vacation to New York simply is not complete without taking the time to visit Rockefeller Center and see exactly how much effort is put in to transforming it into a symbol of peace and Christmas joy.
Orlando, Florida
If you just want to get away from the cold of the holidays but are not interested in travelling too far from home, Orlando can be the perfect winter destination. With a multitude of theme parks (and the holiday programs offered by each), there is plenty for the whole family to do. You can also set aside some time to simply enjoy the Florida weather, ignoring the fact that it is much colder at home.
Travel Tips: Priceline Bidding Tips and Strategy
by wildcherry on Tuesday, October 6th, 2009 | Tips, Travel | No Comments
1. Don’t trust the auction site’s listed retail price, which may be an unrealistic rack rate. Get a sense of the true market rate by getting in touch with the hotel, resort, or cruise line directly.
2. Come up with your top bid and don’t go over it. You’re probably getting a good deal if you pay roughly half of the listed retail price. You can check on the bids that’s accepted by Priceline. See Winning Hotel bids in Top Cities from $28 per night!
3. Read the fine print carefully. Blackout dates, cruise port charges, hotel taxes, resort fees, and booking charges all need to be factored in when deciding whether the listing is worth your bid.
4. Forget the “buy now” price. Most listings offer the option of buying a package immediately, no bidding required. The set price is rarely low enough to warrant doing so. Often, you can pay less by going straight to the hotel or resort. NO priceline Hotel cancel or change fees & lower booking fees!
5. Contact the resort or travel company directly and check availability. Even if you don’t have set dates, inquire about some random dates just to get a sense of how easy it will be to book.
The Negotiator and NoFee have eliminated priceline booking fees on ALL published Airfare. The fee chops don’t stop there, they have also eliminated priceline hotel cancellation & change fees on every published price Hotel! NO priceline Hotel cancel or change fees & lower booking fees!
Shop And Compare Prices. Looking for a specific flight, hotel, rental car, or vacation package? No problem. Just tell us what you want and we’ll search through thousands of published itineraries and prices. We’ll instantly show you an easy-to-compare product and pricing chart drawn from the thousands of flights, hotels, rental cars and cruises available to priceline. Then, just choose what works for you. We do all the work so you can find exactly what you want in seconds. Start your next search from the priceline.com home page. Up to 50% off with Last-Minute Deals: Flights, Hotels, Cars, & Packages!
Name Your Own Price®. It’s what made priceline.com famous. If you can be flexible when you travel, we can save you up to 50% or more on your Hotel Rooms & Airline Tickets, and up to 50% or more on your Rental Cars, compared to the other leading travel sites.* You name the price, we pick the flight, hotel or rental car brand – it’s that simple.
Buy a Package and Save. It’s true – buy your flight, hotel and rental car as a package and you can save an average of $325 over buying separately.** Over 2,000 destinations to choose from. No bidding or flexibility required – just pick the exact Hotel & Flight you want and we’ll show you the best price. Shop for a priceline package right now.
“More Ways To Save” Trip Tips. Here’s where priceline goes “above and beyond.” Every time you shop and compare prices for flights, hotels, rental cars, or vacation packages, we’ll not only show you the best available options for what you asked for, we’ll also recommend additional ways for you to save on that trip. Like using a different airport. Or flying on different dates. Or staying at a hotel in a different part of town. It’s like having a personal savings consultant at your side. Start your next search and look for the “More Ways to Save” recommendations.
Visit Priceline.com to start saving more today!
source:CNNTravel
Turin, Italy : Home of the Shroud of Turin
by wildcherry on Monday, October 5th, 2009 | Places to Visit, Travel | 1 Comment
Turin is a historic city, which is located in the northwest area of Italy. It is known for its snow-covered peaks as well as the Po River that runs near the place. One of the most popular travel destinations is the Mole Antonelliana, which became famous because of the 2006 Winter Olympics.
If you want to go sightseeing in Turin, there are many places wherein you can enjoy the culture, arts and history. Another reason why many tourists visit Turin is the endless shopping centers with the best designer items. Turin is definitely a haven for people who love shopping. When you travel to Turin, you can have a chance to bring home handmade Italian items. There are many places in Turin where you can by local Italian products including jewelry, chocolates, bags, accessories and many others. If you have a sweet tooth, Turin is a perfect place when it comes to chocolates with its fine chocolate factories.
Turin is in the heart of Piedmont. The beautiful Alps surround Turin, making it the best travel destination especially for people who love skiing and the cold climate during the winter season. However, Turin can have a very hot temperature in the summer months. Turin became more famous because of the Winter Olympics in 2006, which started its development.
Sightseeing in downtown Turin offers you the rich culture of the place because of the fascinating old churches and museums. The fifteenth century Duomo di San Giovanni of St. John’s Cathedral is located in Turin. The famous Shroud of Turin can be seen in the Chapel of the Holy Shroud or the Cappella della Sacra Sindone. The Shroud was believed to be brought by a Savoy Royal Family in the sixteenth century in Turin. An Italian Scientist finally able to reproduce the Shroud of Turin using middle age technologies.
St. Lawrence or the San Lorenzo Church is also located in the downtown area of Turin, as well as the Santa Cristina and the San Carlo Churches, which are known as the twin baroque. To add to your artistic sightseeing experience, you must go to the Chiesa della Gran Madre di Dio, which was constructed in the nineteenth century and is believed to be built over the Holy Grail. The sixteenth century church called the Chiesa della Santa Maria del Monte or the Church of St. Maria of the Mountain is also a must-see.
When you travel to Turin, you will not only enjoy sightseeing, but also enjoy a gastronomical feast. Turin is famous for the wide variety of foods, especially French cuisine due to the five hundred years of influence by the French House Savoy that ruled over Turin. Moreover, Turin is believed to be the origin of solid chocolate, as well and the ever-famous Grissini or bread sticks.
If you are craving for Italian cuisine, Turin has endless restaurants that offer authentic Italian dishes. Do not forget to try several samples of their local dishes that you will not experience in other parts of Italy.
How to find the best car rental deals
by wildcherry on Saturday, October 3rd, 2009 | Tips, Travel | No Comments
• Search beyond the major name companies. Orbitz ,Expedia
, and covers all the major car rental companies along with a broad array of mom-and-pop operations, the latter of which may rent cars for less because they don’t spend money on large national marketing efforts. Other travel websites are known to overlook these smaller operations.
• Try a bid-booking site like Priceline.com which offer cars only from a handful of top national chains. Pre-pay your booking, and you’ll save up to 40 percent. The catch? If you cancel your trip, you’ll be out the money.
• Skip the airport rental car counter and head straight to your hotel. Then rent from a company near your hotel. Rental car locations in downtown and suburban destinations usually charge lower rates than airport rental car counters do. That’s partly because airports charge high taxes and fees. In the U.S., concession fees can add between 9 and 11 percent to your bill. In Europe, aiport taxes may add up to 19 percent at major airports, such as Frankfurt, Germany. So to get to your hotel, hop that free hotel shuttle or opt for cheap public transportation.
Tips for Booking Cheap Flights
by wildcherry on Monday, August 31st, 2009 | Airline, Tips, Travel | No Comments
Finding cheap flights to the places you must travel is a great way to stretch your budget. The good news is that many airlines are offering more cheap flights to help fill vacant seats. This means that you can get the airline tickets you want at a price that you can afford and sometimes you do not have to give up amenities to get them.Priceline.com Airfare - Choose your EXACT flight & time! NO booking fees on ALL published Flights!
Tips for Booking Cheap Flights
- Research if vital to getting the discount airfares. The internet serves as a handy tool for this purpose. Some services are even designed to send out notices when the price you want to pay for your airline tickets has been reached.
- Work with the airline companies directly. Find out which airlines offer flights to your destination and then sign up with those companies for their loyalty or rewards programs. These members get insider tips on discount airfare and special cheap flights.
- Talk with your friends and family about your airline tickets. Word of mouth is still one of the strongest advertising tools and sometimes the people you know will have heard about the cheap flights that you need.
- Be flexible with your travel time to get the best airline tickets. Cheap flights may open up for unusual hours of the day or for odd days of the week. A little flexibility could go a long ways towards getting you the discount airfare that you are trying to find.
Travel may be slowing down because of the tough economy but that does not mean that you have to follow suit. Using a few simple tips can help you get the cheap flights and discount airfare that will allow you to stretch your budget. There are some great deals on airline tickets available as companies struggle to fill empty seats. NO booking fees on ALL published Flights!
Taurus and Travel
by kangataz on Sunday, March 8th, 2009 | Astrology, Life, Travel, World | 3 Comments
Taurians as a fixed sign is one of those that need constant stimuli. They are people that appreciate the many shades of life. As a result they always seek for new and exciting places to visit. During their travels it is very common that they savor these moments using means that could bring them back to this moment in time. This may be a reason that makes Taurians adept in the art of recording. Taking photographs, shooting video, writing a diary, painting, drawing, are some of the few ways that allow Taurians to channel these appreciation for life.
As a member of the earth family, when it comes to traveling a Taurian likes a clear direction and schedule. They are well prepared campers with a compass and map in their hand. It should not be a surprise to see them insist on google mapping things ahead of time just to be extra safe. These cautionary actions sometimes may prove to be excessive to people of other signs that like to “play it by ear”.
A common misconception that people have since Taurians are considered fixed and therefore fit in the subservient role in the social status quo, they are nothing close to servants. When they have that thirst for travel, they need a companion that can take care of things for them, a “chauffer” if we may call it. Yes, a Taurian may vocalize about boredom, but when it comes to ideas they usually draw blanks. This is why other signs complementary to Taurus are needed to bridge the gap.
Travelocity Amazing Race
by nate on Saturday, September 27th, 2008 | Deals, Hot | 1 Comment

Race to Savings with Perfect Weekend Travel Sales!
Race to Savings: Halloween Vacation Packages for up to 60% Off!!
Golden Triangle di India (Part 2)
by butce on Friday, July 4th, 2008 | Travel | 5 Comments
Si Kumar sopir saya cerita kalau dia dari kasta Satria ( prajurit) namun istrinya dari kasta Brahmana. Untuk umat Hindu,kasta masih memegang peranan penting. Walaupun dalam jaman modern perkawinan antara different kasta masih dihindari. Untuk di desa-desa, kasta brahmana dan ksatria ini cukup dihormati,tapi saya kira karena di Delhi, uang yang berbicara. Dia cerita di rumah sewa mereka yang terdiri dari 2 kamar., Mereka share 19 orang, 4 bersaudara laki-laki dengan istri dan anak masing –masing, ditambah orang tuanya dia.
Waduh pegal nech, mau pijat dimana ya? Saya mau cobain pijat tradisional India. Kelihatannya susah untuk nyari tempat pijat di India, tidak kayak montery park.
Oleh tour guidenya saya dibawa kesebuah ruko di tempat yang agak terpencil. Terkesan sederhana, ada sebuah kantor dan dibagian belakang ada kamar-kamar kecil sederhana.
Harganya US$50 per 30 menit, dengan rempah-rempah dan ada lagi namanya “Shiro dara” Sebenarnya malas juga cuman karena sungkan udah dianterin begitu jauh,saya cobain siro dara dan oil message dari rempah-rempah.
Dalam bilik itu ada sebuah dipan, yang diatasnya digantungkan sebuah cerek yang berlubang dibawahnya.. Dibagian kepala ada kompor kecil yang dipakai untuk memanaskan minyak. Setelah dipijat dengan minyat hangat yang menurut saya mirip-mirip bau olive oil.diurut-urut sana sini. Kita disuruh telentang dan didahi kita dialirkan minyak, yang digerakkan ke kanan-kiri. Mula-mula agak dingin perlahan mulai agak hangat. Sementara itu kepala dipijat-pijat kayak creambath.Rupanya ini yang namanya “Shiro dara” Rambut kita pliket dengan minyak.
“ Just it? “ Hah..cuman kayak itu..dalam hati saya mendumel enakkan pijat kaki di Alhambra cumin $15 per jam.
Konon the purpose untuk relaxation dan membuka mata ke 3 di tengah dahi..Saya kira saya ndak punya mata ketiga kali ya…kok ndak kerasa apa-apa. “ How was it? “ Tanya mereka..Saya cuman senyum kecut “ He..he..”
“ I have medicine for high blood pressure,remathic and…” “Oh…it’s oke….I am fine..thankyou” Sahut saya cepat-cepat motong rasanya ndak bonafide gitu…
Saya kira kayak di Indonesia, jalanannya super macet, dan harus bisa berakrobat kanan-kiri supaya bisa jalan. Cuman bedanya di India ditambahi lagi dengan sapi dan kerbau yang dengan santainya melongos ditengah jalan . kerbau-kerbau yang tidak tau aturan itu tampak sehat dan gemuk dan tak ada yang punya. Konon Krisna dulunya adalah penggembala sapi, dan sapi adalah tunggangan dewa Wisnu jadi consider holy.
















