With today's heightened security in airports, it is perfectly natural to want to have your luggage with you when you travel. You want to be certain everything you packed for your business trip or vacation arrives intact, and vigilance can guarantee that. For extended trips, however, travelers are likely to pack more, ultimately forcing them to check in some of their luggage.

It is important, therefore, to know what to keep with you at all times when you travel, and how to pack a case that must be loaded into a plane's cargo until you arrive at your destination. In the event your luggage should be lost, it is necessary to keep the most important items with you at all times.

Identification: Your passport, your driver's license, any and all picture ID cards should remain on your person. When you pass through airport security you will be required to have identification ready for inspection, and it is important that is stays with you and is not packed away in a case that won't be readily at your disposal. If you are traveling abroad and are using a passport, be sure to make copies of the identification page in the event your passport is lost or stolen. Keep one copy with a relative or friend at home, and keep extra copies with you in different places so you will have one ready if needed.

Insurance cards are also necessary to have on you, in the event of a medical emergency or accident (especially if you are renting a car for your trip).

Money: This includes paper, traveler's checks, and credit cards. In this age of electronic transfer, you might not think it necessary to carry traveler's checks, but they are good to have if you are going abroad. Always remember the possibility that foreign ATMs might not accept American bank cards, same with certain stores and restaurants. A short supply of paper currency (no more than a hundred dollars) is good to have also for immediate money exchange once you reach your destination.

It always helps, too, to have a few dollar bills handy for tipping. Keep a few dollars in your pocket to pass over to a clerk or valet when needed. This prevents you from having to dig in your purse or wallet in a crowd.

Itinerary: Know where you need to go quickly. Have a small map, itinerary, or direction sheet with you to expedite the arrival at your hotel. Whether traveling domestically or overseas, you want to appear confident and inconspicuous so as not to catch the eye of any possible scam artists who prey upon out-of-towners. If you are unsure of where you need to be, seek assistance at the first information booth immediately.

Keeping the most important of information with you at all times can make your trip easier in emergencies. Physical items like clothes and sundries can be replaced, but if your identity is taken it will lead to greater problems in the long run. Be vigilant, and be safe.

Look for Part Two of this article, Packing for A Trip

Labels: luggage, travel

Thanks to great progress in archaeological research, we are learning more about the role of African-Americans in our nation's history. Where once it was only known that many lived here as slaves and in subservient roles, we can learn more about how African-Americans lived in colonial and Civil War times, and how their cultures are remembered and felt today. Stafford County, just 25 miles from the nation's capital in Northern Virginia, was witness to much of the nation's history. Today, anyone interested in African-American history may visit a number of area landmarks.

Chatham Manor

This beautifully restored Georgian mansion, located near Fredericksburg, just may one of the most important houses in Virginia history - Chatham is believed to be the only private residence visited by George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Erected in the 18th century by wealthy landowner William Fitzhugh, the daily operations of the home and plantation were seen to by upwards of a hundred slaves. Today, visitors to Chatham may learn more about life on the plantation through preserved slave quarters and stories of uprising and rebellion. By the time of the Civil War, Chatham was transformed into Union headquarters, ushering in a new era for Virginia's African Americans.

Moncure Conway House

While Virginia pledged loyalty to the Confederacy during the Civil War, not everybody who lived in the state supported slavery. Moncure Conway was perhaps one of the most vocal abolitionists of his time, and his Virginia home remains a testament to his beliefs. Visitors to Conway's home will learn of the owner's heroic efforts to free his family's slaves, and his ensuing disownment. Today, Conway's home is nominated to be linked to the famous Underground Railroad.

The Rowser Building

The early twentieth-century saw segregation in the South. Separate buildings for separate colors. In Stafford, African-American children attended Rowser, an all-black school established in the late thirties. While the structure today no longer resembles the small school of a long-gone era, the Rowser Building remains a landmark and a reminder that things can change for the better.

In Stafford County, American history lives on in the landmarks, museums, and historical homes. Anyone planning a trip to Washington, DC would benefit from a side trip to this part of Northern Virginia. The Stafford County Department of Economic Development at http://www.GoStaffordVa.com offers free brochures to all who are interested in learning more about our nation's history.

Labels: stafford, vacation, virginia

See Suffolk in comfort, enjoy a driving tour on your very own FlowCushion, the alternating air pressure travel cushion.

Her name means, literally, "territory of the southern people," and it is quite fitting since in Southeastern Virginia, Suffolk lies south of Norfolk. Situated approximately twenty miles from Norfolk and nearly an hour and a half from Richmond, Suffolk is attractive to Virginia residents for its distance from the more populous areas of Hampton Roads. In recent years, too, many major industries have come to set up large offices in Suffolk, among them Unilever and Target. However, this does not detract from the rural charm of this growing city, and it is certainly one place anybody visiting southern Virginia should see.

Where other areas of Hampton Roads offer excitement at the shore and historical interest with Colonial-era curiosities, Suffolk's attractions are unique and as equally interesting. Suffolk is a haven for the outdoors-bound with opportunities for fishing, camping, golf, and hiking. Part of the Great Dismal Swamp lies in Suffolk, close to the North Carolina border, and here visitors may explore the over 100,000 acres of natural wildlife refuge. Boating is permissible year round, and deer hunting is permissible during the season.

Cycling enthusiasts will want to visit Suffolk in the fall for the Great Peanut Tour. Many people know that Suffolk is home to Planters Peanuts - the original Planters Peanut Center is still open to visitors and sells all sort of delicious peanut treats - and the Peanut Ride is just one way people in southern Virginia celebrate Suffolk's heritage. Each year, thousands of cyclists embark on a series of rides over Suffolk and neighboring towns, fueled by a love of the sport and the energy of a few peanuts!

Even more popular is the annual Peanut Festival, a weekend long fair celebrating the best of Suffolk. Thousands of visitors descend upon the fairground each year to sample local fare and enjoy top music acts. The Peanut Festival is one of the top fairs held annually in Virginia, and is a must-see if you are visiting in the fall.

Peanuts made Suffolk famous, but the city's natural beauty and offerings for outdoor recreation make Suffolk a place to visit any time of year.

Labels: suffolk, travel, vacation, virginia

When visitors come to the Southeastern part of Virginia for vacation, the itinerary is pretty much set with trips to Williamsburg to soak up our nation's Colonial heritage, then on to Virginia Beach to soak up the sun. Maybe there will be time to shop in Norfolk or watch the ships cross the bay to Newport News, but you plans don't necessarily have to end there. A side trip to Surry offers visitors an unspoiled view of rustic Virginia, hearkening back to centuries of tradition and hospitality.

Surry County sits on the opposite end of the James River from the Jamestown Settlement and James City County. If you are coming to Surry from the Williamsburg/Jamestown area, you will have to take the Jamestown/Scotland Ferry, a short 15-minute ride to the other side of State Road 31. Once on the road, you have the opportunity to explore landmarks than span nearly five hundred years of American history, from when Captain John Smith walked the land to the early twentieth century and the construction of the county courthouse.

Here are just a few attractions to highlight your trip to Surry:

Bacon's Castle - Not a castle in the storybook sense, this building offers the visitor a chance to see one of the oldest examples of Jacobean architecture in the country. The house's moniker is derived from Nathaniel Bacon, the notorious Jamestown settler who incited the rebellion that also bears his name. Visitors can learn more about that infamous time in early American history at the source.

Smith's Fort Plantation - This land has a storied history, with tracts endowed to John Rolfe when he married Pocahontas. There also remain on the property ruins of a fort constructed by Captain Smith in the early seventeenth century. The brick home open to guests has been standing since 1751.

Surrey House Restaurant - After a day of pleasant countryside driving and sightseeing, Surry House Restaurant is a must. The menu is traditional, pure Virginia, featuring salty ham, cream of peanut soup, and delicious apple fritters that have to be split!

Step back into time with a side trip to Surry County on your next trip through Virginia. The serenity of the countryside and the hospitality of her people is time well spent.

Labels: surry, travel, vacation, virginia

A trip to Williamsburg is an opportunity to step back in time and experience the growth of our nation. As the former home and haunting grounds of America's forefathers, and home to one of the oldest colleges in the nation, Williamsburg is a town rich in Colonial pride and heritage. It is no surprise that thousands of visitors to Virginia take the time to stop off Interstate 64 to spend a day or two exploring the attractions, shops, and restaurants.

Though the historical aspects of Williamsburg are a big draw, there is more the town than its outward appearance as a living textbook. Here are just five reasons why Williamsburg is a frequent stop in my leisurely travels, and why you should consider a visit as well.

Colonial Williamsburg - Carefully preserved for centuries, the shops and homes of the colonial district's main thoroughfare give the town that rustic, anachronistic atmosphere. When the road turns to cobblestone you know you have stepped into another era, and a large cast of reenactment players in period dress present daily life as it was lived way back when. Visitors can visit a working blacksmith shop, sample handmade soaps and sundries, and tour the state's original governor's mansion. What is particularly charming about Colonial Williamsburg is, although there are souvenirs to be had, the district doesn't have a tourist trap feel to it. It is an enjoyable place to see.

Busch Gardens Europe - Many visitors are surprised to know that Williamsburg is host to as large a theme park as Busch Gardens. While it doesn't receive the media attention its sister park in Tampa does, Busch Gardens Europe is equally, if not more appealing. Spine twisting roller coasters wrap around the various sections of the park, each representing a different European nationality. For authentic German fare, the Festhaus offers a daily fest with live entertainment. Be warned, though, that Busch Gardens is a seasonal park, open in the Spring through Halloween, when the gates stay open late into the night for some spooky fun.

The Trellis - If have seen the PBS show "Death By Chocolate," then you know that The Trellis is where the mayhem originates. Regarded as one of the best restaurants in the state, The Trellis offers delicious seasonal menus ranging from exotic salads and gourmet hamburgers to savory meats with seasonal vegetables. If you can save room for dessert, be sure to split the Death by Chocolate with your table - each slice of this decadent cake weighs a full pound!

Waller Mill Park - Nestled outside the colonial area is this nearly three-thousand acre park, filled with hiking and biking trails, a 300-acre lake for fishing and canoing, and vast play and picnic fields, perfect for a large party or family reunion. Waller Mill makes for an excellent getaway when the stress of work and traffic become too much.

Pierce's Pitt BBQ - There's no mistake with the spelling. The original sign maker purposely spelled Pitt with two T's, and the name stuck. But you don't have to be a champion speller to enjoy some of the best barbecue pork and chicken in the Mid-Atlantic. Enjoy it with a pint of slaw and beans on the outside picnic tables, but be sure to come early. Pierce's can get busy around lunchtime, but people are willing to wait a long as thirty minutes for a JC's Special sandwich and fries.

History, cuisine, and excitement define Williamsburg as a unique and favored destination. For a summer getaway, Williamsburg offers a variety of fun options for anyone looking for a bit of everything in a vacation.

Labels: travel, vacation, virginia, williamsburg

It is the oldest city in Florida, as well as the United States, and arguably it is one of the most visited. Of course, it is not difficult to see why St. Augustine attracts thousands of visitors annually, as the town embodies the spirit of a majestic pre-Colonial historic blended with the best of Spanish cultures. Beautiful beaches, eclectic shops and historical points of interest make St. Augustine a must-stop on the way to Disney World or Daytona Beach, but here are just a few personal reasons why I love St. Augustine.

1) The Castillo de San Marcos - This historical landmark isn't so much a "castle" as it is a fort, one that guarded the New World from invading forces on land and sea. This majestic structure, strong and imposing nearly six centuries after construction, stands as a monument to the trials and tribulations suffered by clashing cultures in the birth of a new nation. No matter how many times you visit the fort, there is always something new to see, and new hidden crannies to explore as you live vicariously through the soldiers who lived and fought there.

2) The Historic District - The narrow, cobblestone streets of the historic downtown area lead visitors to a mile of kitschy shops and eateries. More than your typical tourist trap avenue, these stores offer a wide array of gifts relative to Old Town. If you don't much money, no worries. A leisurely stroll offers many opportunities to people watch and soak up the sun.

3) The Spanish Bakery - Also known as the Salcedo Kitchen, this lunch-stop is a must for every trip. Owned by the same family for nearly thirty years, the bakery offers a small yet delicious menu of Spanish delicacies: picadillo over rice, empanadas, and bread that just melts in your mouth. The kitchen is tucked away behind the main drag, so you may have to ask for directions. Get there early, too, as it's a popular stop for class trips.

4) Salt Water Cowboys - One of the best restaurants in St. Augustine is this hidden jewel. Salt Water Cowboys is situated south of the downtown area, overlooking an inlet to the Atlantic Ocean. Here you'll enjoy the finest seafood in North Florida: shellfish and jambalaya, and savory pit barbecue. Be sure to make a reservation, and watch the road as you drive there because you just might miss the turn.

Great food, beautiful scenery, and fond memories await you in St. Augustine. Enjoy a leisurely stay in one of our nation's oldest cities and see what new things you can find there.

Where is America's home of flight? Some argue for Dayton, Ohio, which brought us the Wright Brothers, while others lean toward the Outer Banks of North Carolina, where the first actual flights took place. While both areas make good arguments to claim the title, one fact cannot be denied: the Outer Banks region is as rich in aviation history as it is in beautiful ocean scenery and pristine sands.

Visitors to the Outer Banks enjoy the many miles of unspoiled beach and delicious seafood from the early spring to as late as September, yet the monuments to America's legacy of flight remain open for business all year long. If you have an interest in the history of aviation, the Outer Banks make for a perfect weekend getaway. Be sure to include these points of interest on your itinerary:

Wright Brothers National Memorial - Though Kitty Hawk is the North Carolina town often associated with the First Flight, the national landmark commemorating this event is actually located in Kill Devil Hills. Here you can stroll the grounds where man sought to touch the sky, with markers indicating the Wright Brothers' progress. Replicas of the original planes and camp grounds hearken back to the early twentieth century and these moments that changed the course of our nation.

Outer Banks History Center A short trip to Manteo takes you to this thorough archive of the Outer Banks, with some documents and maps dating back to the sixteenth century! Here you may find newspaper clippings and other resources documenting the region's role in aviation history and compare the environment to the Outer Banks of today.

The Dare County Regional Airport Museum While in Manteo, be sure to stop by this small airport, which houses the museum at the end of the main terminal. Here you will find replicas of early aircraft and a history of flight in the Outer Banks to the present day.

For those looking to satisfy an interest in aviation, the Outer Banks of North Carolina is a treasure. Relive the dream of the Wright Brothers with a trip to the place where it all began.

Having lived in Jacksonville most of my life, I can remember a time when the speed limits on the roads were not as high as they are now. It seemed it always took forever to get somewhere when on vacation, even via the interstate. Fortunately, the turn of the century brings more technology to the road trip, and anybody in the Jacksonville area looking for a quick getaway will be happy to know that the city is not so large that you can't go anywhere for a day.

So if you have a weekend free and are looking for a change of scenery, a day trip around North or Central Florida provides the fun and relaxation you want. You won't have to spend too much time in the car, and there is always something to look forward to, coming and going. Here are just a few suggestions for your itineraries:

St. Augustine: Depending on where you are in Jacksonville, you're looking at a minimum of forty-five minutes to an hour to get to the nation's oldest city. Here you can tour the historic Castillo de San Marcos, which guarded this part of the new world from sea-faring invaders, then enjoy a stroll through the historical district and enjoy the eclectic shops, boutiques and restaurants. The secluded beach areas also provide serenity that stays with you on the trip home.

Gainesville: Contrary to popular belief, there's more to this town than the Florida Gators. Gainesville's historic downtown offers a great opportunity for leisurely lunches and antiques browsing. Nature lovers can take in the lush Kanapaha Botanical Gardens or Marjorie Kinnan Rawling State Park for an intimate nature walk. Depending on where you are in Jacksonville, getting to Gainesville may take a mere one to one and a half hours on I-75.

Amelia Island: For the adventurer, Amelia Island is the perfect North Florida getaway. Kayaking, nature walks, fishing, and exploration of historic Fort Clinch are just a few of the activities that await you here. Afterwards you can enjoy some of the best seafood on the east coast as you watch the sun set over the Atlantic Ocean. Amelia Island is less than two hours from most parts of Jacksonville, and some parts are so compact you may not need your car for most of the day.

Nature and history, fine dining and romantic scenery are yours for the price of a short drive from Jacksonville. Take a weekend and enjoy a neighboring town for a refreshing and exciting mini-vacation.

Labels: amelia island, florida, gainesville, jacksonville, travel, vacation

Nowhere in the Mid-Atlantic United States will you find a more active and celebratory city than Norfolk, Virginia. With a growing downtown culture and the expanse of Town Point Park bordering the Elizabeth River, Norfolk sets the stage for many lively festivals that keep residents and visitors entertained throughout the year. No matter what season brings you to the heart of the Hampton Roads area, you are certain to find something fun to do and see.

Norfolk's festivals highlight the best of the city, from art and music, to regional cuisine and a strong pride in heritage and history. These events are continuous popular traditions for residents old and young, and newcomers to Norfolk are always welcome to join in on the fun. Be sure to mark your calendar and save the dates for the next big event, as accommodations and parking sometimes come at a premium.

Here are just a few of Norfolk's popular annual events:

International Azalea Festival: (April) Since 1953, the city of Norfolk has set aside a weekend in the Spring to commemorate the installation of NATO's Allied Command Atlantic presence in Norfolk. The Azalea Festival salutes the many nationalities and cultures that have helped shape Norfolk's diversity. Each celebration pays tribute to one particular culture and features the stunning Azalea Queen and her court, who lead one of the city's most popular parades.

Harborfest: (June) Harborfest is a celebration of Norfolk's nautical heritage. As one of the nation's oldest ports, Norfolk was and remains an important port of call for military and industrial ships. Each year at this festival the waters are alive with hundreds of boats sailing the river. Live music from top popular acts sets the energetic tone of the weekend festivities.

Virginia Wine Festival (October) One of the city's favorite fall traditions is the wine festival held at Town Point Park. Here wine enthusiasts may sample the best of the state's vintages along with gourmet snacks provided by local restaurants. Live music accompanies the scene as guests enjoy the cool autumn air.

Norfolk Jazz Festival (August) Grab a blanket and relax on the spacious grass of Town Point Park for two full days of world-class jazz. The Norfolk Jazz Festival is known for attracting some of the best-known names in jazz, reggae, and rhythm and blues, as well as thousands of music lovers who fill the park until past sundown.

Whenever you decide to visit Norfolk, you can be sure there is something fun planned. Enjoy the sights and flavors of this wonderful Southern city with a visit to any of her annual festivals.

Labels: norfolk, vacation, virginia

It is one of the southernmost points of the state, and home to one of the longest pleasure beaches in the United States. Virginia Beach is a veritable melting pot of cultures, color, and lifestyles. Though it has grown exponentially over the past decade or so, it still retains a small beach town charm that attracts thousands of tourists annually. The beach is wonderful, but it is just one of many reasons I enjoy the area.

Why do I love Virginia Beach? Here are just a few reasons:

1) Chesapeake Beach - In Virginia Beach, there are two distinct shorelines for year-round enjoyment. The busy Oceanfront attracts vacationers with its lively boardwalk, shops, and amusements. Chesapeake Beach, known to the locals as "Chick's Beach," represents a quieter side of town. Here one can watch distant cars crossing the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel and watch the Navy ships float slowly toward base. The dunes are steep and the sand is cool and clean, making it a perfect destination for a backyard mini-vacation.

2) The Neptune Festival - Defined by a series of fun events and concerts held throughout the Oceanfront, The Neptune Festival embodies the spirit of Virginia Beach. Wine tastings and parades, big-name concerts and Elvis impersonators fill the streets as visitors and locals alike revel in surf and sand. The majestic sand sculptures created each year are also a sight to behold, and enhance the shore with a decidedly pop cultural look.

3) First Landing State Park - Acres of unspoiled forest and trails allow joggers and bikers to enjoy the majesty of Virginia wildlife. Here you might some of Virginia Beach's oldest residents in their natural habitat. On the beach side, night sessions in the park offer unobstructed views of a starlit sky. This is the perfect place to watch a comet shower or eclipse.

4) Town Center - There's more to the beach in this town! Town Center is the keystone to a growing downtown presence in Virginia Beach, with four-star restaurants and elegant boutiques lining blocks of the renovated Pembroke Area. The coming of the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts is sure to enhance the cultural vibe of the city.

5) Virginia Beach Amphitheater - In the summertime, nothing beats a concert under the stars. Each year the Amphitheater hosts numerous popular music acts and festivals, from rock to country to jazz. VIP patrons have the added bonus of a special lounge to relax and enjoy gourmet snacks between sets. This is the place to be for all music lovers.

Music, sun, sand, and nature...Virginia Beach has it all. To get away from the drudge of the nine-to-five grind, one needs only to escape to a backyard kissing the Chesapeake Bay.