Five Places to Meet the Presidents

With President’s Day coming up this weekend, many people may find it interesting to learn more about our former Presidents. For those interested in the life and history of the former presidents, visiting their former homes and libraries will offer an inside look into the lives of those who served as the nation’s leader.

According to CNN Travel, from simple log cabins to expansive estates, the presidential homes and the associated historic sites are open to the public. So, what are you waiting for? Visit these historic homes this President Day Weekend for an insight into lives of these former U.S. presidents.

Lincoln Birthplace in Hodgenville, Kentucky

1. Lincoln Birthplace

The Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Site in Hodgenville, Kentucky features a replica of the log cabin where Lincoln was born.

2. Reagan library

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in Simi Valley, California, houses all Reagan’s official presidential papers, records along with personal objects such as his sweater, movie memorabilia from his film career and even a glass jelly bean jar.

3. Mount Vernon

Visitors to Mount Vernon, Virginia can tour the carefully restored mansion, hike the nature trail or explore personal artifacts in a vast state-of-the-art museum on the grounds.

4. Jackson’s Hermitage

Visitors touring Jackson’s Hermitage can tour the mansion, stroll the formal gardens and see the original log cabin where the Jacksons lived for a time.

5. FDR’s home

The Franklin D. Roosevelt complex of sites in Hyde Park, New York features the lifelong home of a president, a museum and official presidential library all within walking distance of each other.

Chinese New Year Parties: Go Have a Blast!

Are you ready for another New Year’s Eve party? Chinatowns across the globe are gearing up for the New Year festivities to mark beginning of another New Year. The Chinese New Year celebration for the Year of the Ox — which begins on Jan. 26, 2009 is a colorful event full of parades and other events. No matter where the celebration, the decorated dragon trail is something you will find everywhere.

The Chinese New Year is another good reason to spend time watching the festivities with friends and family members. For those who want to join the festivities this year, here is a quick wrap of some of the year’s most popular Chinese New Year celebrations.

New York: New York celebrates it big with firework displays, parade and crowds watching the martial arts performances, traditional dancers from Mexico and Bolivia, and live bands playing from decorated floats.

Honolulu: The Chinatown Parade features festival queens, dancing lions and kung fu artists.

Singapore: Singapore is home to some of the world’s largest, most elaborate and most colorful Chinese New Year festivities: the annual Chingay Parade Singapore.

Hong Kong: New Year festivities in Hong Kong New Year’s Day takes place on a large scale, bringing together the cheerleaders, a brass band and ballerinas from Spain.

Sydney: Festivities at Sydney feature illuminated floats, dancers, martial artists along with musicians, making their way through the Chinatown.

Holiday Season Travel: Getting Out of the Airport Quickly

Holiday season has already set in and it’s time most of us will be getting out and traveling to meet our loved ones. Week after week the airports are getting crowded and the traffic getting heavier. As compared to earlier, getting through the airports quickly, specially during the holiday season is more of an ordeal than the flight itself.  So, how is possible to get through the airport easily. Here are a few tips that might be handy to help you steer through the airport much easily.

Packing Light: Almost a cliché. Packing light is important as ever. Try and pack the lighter objects in a small suitcase and heavy ones, for example books should be placed in a small bag. Moreover, pack neatly in layers so that you can easily get through the security check. Remember, more clutter means more delay.

Arriving the Airport: Domestic travelers should reach the airport at least two hours before the departure and international travelers should make it three to four hours ahead of time. Due to considerably huge number of people traveling during peak time, there are more chances of your luggage getting delayed or lost. Try to reach the airport on time and unwrap all your gifts so, it is easier to check them.

Ship your gifts: Another important tip for getting through easily is to ship your gifts in advance, preferably a two to three weeks before your travel date.

Keep a check on flight delays: Many airlines provide information on flight delays on their own site.

Avoid Peak Days Travel: Booking flight two days before the Christmas or on the day of Christmas might get you an emptier flight at better prices. Keeping travel schedule more flexible can help you save big money. If you book your trip in the week next to Christmas day you have better chances of getting a cheaper vacation deal.

Travel Insurance is a Must: Last but not the least, buy yourself travel insurance. In such a grim economic situation, there is greater risk of your flight getting canceled or the luggage being lost or delayed.

Keep a positive attitude but be ready for setbacks!